Sydney Single Parent e-News
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June 26, 2008
Sydney Single Parent e-News is a weekly e-newsletter FREE to any and all single parents, singles, community group leaders, counsellors and social welfare workers, community information officers, community radio, local newspapers, local libraries and anyone interested
Published by Parents Without Partners (NSW) Inc.
www.PWP-NSW.org.au
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Parents Without Partners NSW is where you meet people and make friends.
The largest single parent not for profit association in Australia.
The longest standing single parent association with over 40 years of community service.
A peer support self help group run solely by volunteer single parents for single parents and their children.
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OPEN SINGLES FUNCTION
Saturday 23 Aug
PWP SPECIAL OPEN DANCE
– You can bring friends and adult family members
ANNUAL PRESENTATION DINNER AND DANCE
7pm at Dundas Community Centre, 27 Sturt St, Telopea.
Spit Roast dinner
Dancing to the music of a great live band – "The Bad Sneakers"
Presentation of awards to PWP members in recognition of their contribution.
Special Media Awards presentation.
This is an OPEN adult function.
Cost $30 members $35 non-members (2 course dinner) BYO drinks and nibbles.
Tickets will be on sale from PWP branch committee members NOW.
Reserve a table and organise a group of friends.
Enq Julie on 9634 3003 between 5pm-9pm
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Some of the benefits of PWP Membership:
Ø Opportunity for single parents to network for peer support
Ø Around 1,500 affordable functions a year
Ø Regular single parent parties, dinners, barbeques and outings
Ø Children's / Family functions every week-end
Ø Family creative arts awards program
Ø Major annual bus excursions
Ø School holiday camps
Ø Opportunities to volunteer and become involved
Ø A great new social and support outlet for single parents
Ø Membership is a passport to any PWP activities in Australia and overseas
Ø Members discounts at open functions
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PWP DOES IT AGAIN
CRAZY TIE PARTY
A party with a difference – and yes many did wear some crazy ties. We had bow ties – even giant ones, many cartoon character ties, indigenous ties, thin ties and thick ties, Texan ties, string ties, tongue ties, and some individuals even had many ties on at once. It did make for a fun night. Great dancing out by the pool to a great selection of music. The winter fires were burning even though it was a mild night. The rain did not stop the crowd from coming and there was plenty of covered area for mixing and mingling. The usual raffle – but some out of the usual speech – Julie you did it again. Good to see a number of new members and some who hadn't been for a while. Julie you do a great job of hosting and thank you for a great night again. I didn't get to the next evenings Soup Night but I heard it also was a great night.
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PWP Membership Inquiries contact our volunteers AFTER HOURS :
Baulkham Hills - Carlingford - Parramatta—Holroyd—Liverpool — 9634 7502
Campbelltown - Camden - Picton - Mittagong (7-9 pm) — 4647 4477
Central Coast—Gosford—Brooklyn—Hornsby— 9411 1858
City of Sydney – Inner West - Eastern Suburbs—St. George - Auburn — 9554 3444
Penrith — Blacktown - Blue Mountains — Hawkesbury — 9634 7502
Northern Suburbs– Northern Beaches – North Shore — 9411 1858
Sutherland—Cronulla—Menai
* Part of a national and international network of Parents Without Partners groups.
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STATE PRESIDENT'S DESK
SPECIAL INTRODUCE A FRIEND NIGHTS
Even though the majority of PWP functions are for members only, each PWP NSW Branch holds special 'Introduce A Friend' nights were a member can bring a non-member friend as an introduction of what a PWP function is like. Why not look out for these special 'Introduce A Friend' nights in your PWP Sole Parent program and bring a friend, a family member or a work colleague who is a single parent or single. We all know someone – so why not share with them the many benefits of joining PWP. At these nights there usually is a Membership Director on duty to explain about PWP and able to join up those interested.
Tell your friends they can ring the branch to find out about new member information and joining nights:-
City 9554-3444
Northside 9411- 1858
Hills 9634-7502
Macarthur 4647 4477
Ross F, State President rossemail@gmail.com
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YOUR SOCIAL DIARY – Sole Parent Magazine
PWP Members see your Sole Parent magazine for full function details.
The Sole Parent Magazine is exclusively available to Parents Without Partners NSW members and is posted to every member every two months. News and information on around 1,500 affordable functions a year – something on every night of the week, children's activity somewhere in Sydney region every week-end. Advance booking details for special functions, adult retreat week-ends and major family functions and excursions.
Single Parents and mature singles – it pays to belong to PWP.
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Single Parent Social Diary Thursday 26 June
NORTHSIDE
BUSHWALK PWP Membership required – Northside PWP Inquiries 9411 1858
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SPECIAL NOTICE – ALL City of Sydney Members
Sunday 29 June
CITY OF SYDNEY
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING & SAUSAGE SIZZLE
1pm at Summer Hill Community Centre, 131 Smith St, Summer Hill (a short walk from Summer Hill railway stn). Come and support your branch and vote for your new committee. We need all financial members to be there to elect the committee to run our branch for the next year. Please attend and show your support. A free sausage sizzle to follow the meeting. BYO drinks. The Community Centre has a playground, which backs onto a park that includes a skate ramp. A great place for the kids to enjoy themselves! Free to all City of Sydney members arriving before the meeting commences! $7, if you arrive after the meeting has commenced.
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Single Parent Social Diary Friday 27 June
Final Bookings for: Northside: Lunch at Brooklyn, Jun 29.
CITY OF SYDNEY
DINNER & SHOW –Taren Point – PWP Membership required – City PWP Inquiries 9554 3444
HILLS DISTRICT
ADULT HOUSE 'FOOD/DRINKS ROLE REVERSAL' PARTY –Blacktown – PWP Membership required – Hills PWP Inquiries 9634 7502
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SPECIAL NOTICES
Sunday 10th August
PWP BRANCH COMMITTEE TRAINING DAY
10.30am at Green Room Rydalmere Bowling Club, Cnr Victoria and Park Rds, Rydalmere.
SMC are running this training day to assist branch committee members with the procedures of PWP committee.
ALL Branch committee members and State Management Committee are required to attend.
PWP activities and event organizers are welcome to attend.
This will be a very informative day for all, so please attend.
Tea and Coffee will be provided. Lunch maybe purchased at the club or BYO.
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Child Support News –Family Assistance Estimator
You can now estimate what your child support and family assistance payments might be from 1 July using the Child Support - Family Assistance online estimator released in February 2008.
You can use the estimator if:
- you have one child support assessment only
- CSA uses the child support formula to work out your assessment
- you know the other parent's details, such as their income.
This service can estimate the amount of child support you may pay or receive and the amount of family assistance you may receive.
A child support worksheet is also available in the CSA website to help parents with more complex child support cases.
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Single Parent Social Diary Saturday 28 June
Listed to SWR FM 99.9 Sydney People of Interest with Brendan Leggett 8 am to 10 am every Saturday morning for local interest news and issues. Hear regular issues and community news of interest to single parent.
CITY OF SYDNEY
LAUGHING GROUP – Woolwich
Also
WEEK-END AWAY IN BUNDANOON – PWP Membership required – City PWP Inquiries 9554 3444
HILLS DISTRICT
PARENTS ONLY BBQ – Blacktown – PWP Membership required – Hills PWP Inquiries 9634 7502
NORTHSIDE
ADULT HOUSE PARTY –Northbridge - PWP Membership required – Northside PWP Inquiries 9411 1858
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PARENTS WITHOUT PARTNERS MENTIONS IN THE MEDIA
Radio CCR FM 90.5 Wed 18 June - Community Service Announcement
Radio SWR FM 99.9 Sat 21 June Western Sydney's People of Interest In studio interview with Ross F our State President on 'Separation, divorce & bereavement and it's effects on women, men and children'.
Radio CCR FM 90.5 Tues 26 June – program mention
(Please let us know when you see PWP mentioned in your local paper community calendars – email us at SoleParenteNews@gmail.com)
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PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
Thurs 26 June 2008 Youth Off The Streets - Dunlea Family Drug Support Information Night 7 -8 pm. Dunlea 102 Kenyons Rd Merrylands – RSVP Lori 9721 5714
Saturday 28 June 2008.
Separated Fathers Information Workshop From 9:45am to 4:00pm Fathers' Support Service
126 Marsden Street, Parramatta Bookings essential. For more information on any of these groups, call 9806 0200
Personal Development on Radio Tuesday 6 pm to 7 pm 2CCR FM 90.5 Your Success with Meny Lees – Tuesday 1 July
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Single Parent Social Diary Sunday 29 June
CITY OF SYDNEY
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING & SAUSAGE SIZZLE – 1pm at Summer Hill Community Centre, 131 Smith St, Summer Hill (a short walk from Summer Hill railway stn). Come and support your branch and vote for your new committee. We need all financial members to be there to elect the committee to run our branch for the next year. Please attend and show your support. A free sausage sizzle to follow the meeting. BYO drinks. The Community Centre has a playground, which backs onto a park that includes a skate ramp. A great place for the kids to enjoy themselves! Free to all City of Sydney members arriving before the meeting commences! $7, if you arrive after the meeting has commenced.
HILLS DISTRICT
FAMILY ICE SKATING –Baulkham Hills
Also
ASQUITH CLUB FAMILY DINNER
MACARTHUR
FAMILY DAY AT MODEL PARK –Luddenham.
NORTHSIDE
LUNCH ON THE WATER –Brooklyn.
Also
BUSHWALK – Lane Cove National Park
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RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP TODAY – and don't miss out on the new things happening in the coming year.
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SINGLE PARENT SOCIAL CONCERNS INFO & NEWS
Income and separation
In: HILDA Survey Research Conference 2005: papers. Parkville, Vic: Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, University of Melbourne, 2005, 29p, tables, figures, Online (PDF 210K)
The main focus of this paper is on the association between income support status / family income and the probability of separation.
Mothers and fathers with young children: paid employment, caring and wellbeing
Jennifer Baxter, Matthew Gray, Michael Alexander, Lyndall Strazdins and Michael Bittman / Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs
The paper examines how the use of child care, the time parents spend with children, and parental wellbeing relate to parental employment.
Economic impact of sport and recreation (PDF)
Children's Contact Services - List of Operational Services These services assist the children of separated parents to have contact and establish and maintain a relationship with their other parent and family members. The services provide a safe, reliable and neutral place to assist parents with the ch... [Full Details] Attorney-General's Department :http://familyrelationships.gov.au/www/agd/familyre
Families and Children Study report (2006) on lone parents (from Gingerbread/One Parent Family Newsletter) http://www.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd5
• Lone parents were twice as likely to describe their health as 'not good' as mothers in couples (13 per cent compared to 7 per cent)
• Over twice as many couple mothers as lone parents were able to work in 'mini jobs' of less than 16 hours (17 per cent compared to 8 per cent).
• 21 per cent of lone parent families live on less than £200 a week compared to just 6 per cent of couple families.
• Couple families were more than twice as likely to be able to save regularly than lone mothers (46 per cent compared to 21 per cent)
• Over half (53 per cent) of lone parent families cannot afford a week's holiday each year.
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Close of financial year.
CITY OF SYDNEY
WALK THE BAY – Drummoyne – PWP Membership required – City PWP Inquiries 9554 3444
HILLS DISTRICT
BUDGET CLUB DINNER – Pennant Hills – PWP Membership required – Hills PWP Inquiries 9634 7502
NORTHSIDE
INFORMAL MORNING COFFEE & CHAT –Hornsby. Followed by lunch at a nearby restaurant. PWP Membership required – Northside PWP Inquiries 9411 1858
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YOU CAN HELP YOUR PWP
ADVERTISING IN THE SOLE PARENT
Advertising in the PWP Sole Parent magazine reaches a unique niche sector. And it helps support the costs of the printing of the PWP magazine. Advertising costs are modest. If you or your work are interested in advertising in the Sole Parent please email Kim at our State Office at pwpnsw@bigpond.net.au
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EDUCATION & CONFERENCES
Swimsafe is conducted at pools across NSW. Learning to swim is something to be enjoyed for the rest of your life whether you learn early or late in life. Swimsafe classes are generally held every weekday for eight or nine days. You can see great results from the extra practice of a daily program. Swimsafe classes cater for children from 18 months and provide instruction in water familiarisation through to stroke correction in a supportive and caring environment. Check the pool listing for your regional area under infant and preschool, school age or adult lessons , or phone 13 13 02.
1 July 2008 Children's Rights and Participation: What Preconditions? What Rights? What Outcomes? What Next? York, UK Further information: Conference website - http://www.york.ac.uk/inst
6-9 July 2008 Population Health Congress 2008: A Global World - Practical Action for Health and Well Being Brisbane, Qld This inaugural event aims to strengthen the focus on population health in the region. As well as speakers there will be major trade displays for companies and products which will have a significant future role in addressing governmental and individual lifestyle responses to environmental and nutritional issues. Major themes of the congress are: environment and health; social cohesion, social capital and health; and, food and health. Further information: Conference website - www.populationhealthcongress
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Happy new financial year – well we hope it is.
CITY OF SYDNEY
GENERAL & COMMITTEE MEETING
HILLS DISTRICT
SPORTS CLUB DINNER – Blacktown
Also
NEW MEMBERS INFORMATION AND JOINING NIGHT – 7pm Blacktown Workers Sports Club Reservoir Rd, Blacktown. If you have any friends interested in joining PWP please bring them along to the club tonight. Look for the blue PWP cards on the table. They will need $55 to join on the night. Also join the crowd for the dinner. Membership Enq 9634 7502
NORTHSIDE
DINNER AND CHAT – 6.30pm, Dee Why RSL Club. Cnr Pittwater Rd & Hawkesbury Ave. Car park entrance – Clarence Ave. Meet in the Bistro dining area for drinks, and stay for dinner. Our table is near the Bar in the Bistro area.
Also
NEW MEMBERS NIGHT – 8pm at Dee Why RSL (see above). If you have any friends who need the friendship, support and fun that can be found at PWP, bring them along. Enq. Suzee 9411 1858
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PWP DOES IT AGAIN
Laser Skirmish at Rouse Hill at the Sunday – the kids love running around at the skirmish grounds – and some of the big kids as well - we had a ball. Happy Birthday to Paul C who had a "surprise" birthday party on following Laser Skirmish…. Well done Narelle….you did a great job. Bob T. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
SINGLE PARENT MENTIONS IN THE INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
Report: Single fathers on the rise Arizona Republic - Phoenix,AZ,USA
While 83 percent of children who live in single-parent households are in
households headed by a female, the number of single-parent households
headed by men .. http://www.azcentral.com
Obama Chastises Deadbeat Black Fathers The Epoch Times - New York,NY,USA
Obama cited a litany of bleak statistics for black children who grow up in
single parent homes. Children who grow up without a father are five times
more ... http://en.epochtimes.com/news
Dad's Day can be an awkward holiday for many children Terre Haute Tribune Star - IN,USA
"A majority of our kids come from single-parent families, and most of
those single-parent families are [headed by] women," Edwards said. ...
http://www.tribstar.com/local
For single father Dana Lewis, taking care of his daughter is his .. Goldsboro News Argus - NC,USA
It's challenging for any single parent, Lewis notes. But reflecting on it
now, he sees it as an opportunity to become a better father than he might
http://www.newsargus.com/news
Mom writes book to help self, others cope with sick children Southtown Star - Chicago,IL,USA
Jones said she's already working on a second book for children living in
single-parent homes. Anyone interested in ordering Jones' book may order it
from .. http://www.southtownstar.com
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CITY OF SYDNEY
LUNCH CLUB WITH JOY – PWP Membership required – City PWP Inquiries 9554 3444
HILLS DISTRICT
SOCIAL OPEN TENNIS – Castle Hill
Also
PWP KINDY KIDS – Seven Hills – PWP Membership required – Hills PWP Inquiries 9634 7502
Also
PWP KINDY KIDS – Seven Hills
Also
STATE OF ORIGIN –Minchinbury – PWP Membership required – Hills PWP Inquiries 9634 7502
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ABC The Pulse: The Winter Flu Jab
Winter's here, and it's time to think about getting the flu shot - especially for 'at risk' groups, and that includes younger children.
http://abcmail.net.au/t/148493
ABC Health & Wellbeing's Tip Of The Week
Not all fats are bad for you: some can actually help boost your levels of 'good' cholesterol.
http://abcmail.net.au/t/148493
Research Finds Cancer Alcohol Link (ABC AM)
http://abcmail.net.au/t/148493
Fat Cell Research May Help Tackle Obesity (ABC PM)
http://abcmail.net.au/t/148493
The Heart Will (ABC Health Report)
Many people, after they die, want to leave behind a 'heart will', which means they want to pass on their emotional wealth: things like love, memories and experiences. Jill Margo, an Australian health journalist, and her daughter Emily Margo have written what's thought to be the first book of its kind to suggest how this can be achieved.
http://abcmail.net.au/t/148493
Calls For Better Eating Disorder Prevention Programs In Schools (ABC AM)
http://abcmail.net.au/t/148493
AGED CARE IN THE 21st CENTURY (ABC Perspective)
For most people, aged care means nursing homes. But Ian Hardy, chief executive of Helping Hand Aged Care in South Australia, says aged care in the 21st century will be less and less about institutional care. http://abcmail.net.au/t/154160
Alzheimer's Disease Research (ABC Health Report)
A recent study by French researchers suggests that the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease differs between the sexes, with stroke in men and depression in women being critical factors. And a group of researchers in Canada have come up with a set of tests which seem to be able to give a high degree of confidence that someone has Alzheimer's. http://abcmail.net.au/t/154160
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Single Parent Social Diary Thursday 3 July
NORTHSIDE
BUSHWALK PWP Membership required – Northside PWP Inquiries 9411 1858
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ON THE WEB
The Australia Bureau of Statistics
Commonwealth Ombudsman www.comb.gov.au
PWP INTERNATIONAL http://www.parentswithoutpartne
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Single Parent Social Diary Friday 4 July
Final Bookings for: Northside: Dinner July 5.
CITY OF SYDNEY
CANADA BAY CLUB DINNER & DANCE –PWP Membership required – City PWP Inquiries 9554
HILLS DISTRICT
ADULT HOUSE PARTY – 8pm Baulkham Hills – PWP Membership required – Hills PWP Inquiries 9634 7502
MACARTHUR
OVER 30s DANCE: "FEVER" – PWP Membership required – Macarthur PWP Inquiries 4647 4477
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ADVERTISING HELPS SUPPORT THE WORK OF PWP NSW
Advertise in The Sole Parent bi-monthly magazine posted to all members
and the weekly e-Newsletter.
Advertising bookings email Kim at our State Office pwpnsw@bigpond.net.au
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PWP PARENTS REMINDER
We would like to remind our PWP parents that you are responsible for the supervision and well-being of your children at all times during a PWP function, outing or excursion including the school holiday camps. PWP being a volunteer association is NOT able to and does not have the resources, accreditation, screening, licensing or insurance arrangements for assuming child or adolescent care responsibilities. Parents need to be observant where their children are at all times. You are also responsible for the good conduct and behaviour of your children. You need to assess the risks of some activities in relation to the child's age and development. If your child is accompanied by another parent and their children then this is a personal arrangement between the two parents, and other parents or committee members can not be expected to assume responsibility. We need to publish this even though we know most people already understand this.
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Computer Problems?………..Hardware failure?
Computer running slowly?…Don't understand your software?
Internet problems?…………..Don't know what to do next?
· Help to buy, set up and use your computer
· New or refurbished systems to suit your budget
I have refurbished computers, each internet ready and available now. Fully protected with firewall, antivirus and antispyware installed. Keyboard, mouse and monitor supplied. Ideal first computer or child's computer.
Please contact me for more details:
Ring John: 9626 9093 or 0408 416 466
Email: getugoing@hotpop.com
Approved by PWP SMC –John maintains (gratis) PWP NSW computers and software – with our gratitude.
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DON'T FORGET - OPEN SINGLES FUNCTION
Saturday 23 Aug
PWP SPECIAL OPEN DANCE
– You can bring friends and adult family members
ANNUAL PRESENTATION DINNER AND DANCE
7pm at Dundas Community Centre, 27 Sturt St, Telopea.
Spit Roast dinner
Dancing to the music of a great live band – "The Bad Sneakers"
Presentation of awards to PWP members in recognition of their contribution.
Special Media Awards presentation.
This is an OPEN adult function.
Cost $30 members $35 non-members (2 course dinner) BYO drinks and nibbles.
Tickets will be on sale from PWP branch committee members NOW.
Reserve a table and organise a group of friends.
Enq Julie on 9634 3003 between 5pm-9pm
BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW
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