Sydney Single Parent News
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July 5, 2008
Sydney Single Parent 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
Aquagolf Day
No this is not underwater golf for scuba divers nor is it hunting for the elusive white pitted gulf bird in the swampy marshes. But it is fun for the whole family. A pond hole in one every time or a big splash. Aquagolf / Adventure Golf at Panthers attracted a good attendance, again on a cold and overcast day. A good time was had by all who attended. A great opportunity for the children to try something different and the single parents to network.
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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
A SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR HOSTS & VOLUNTEER ORGANISERS
On behalf of all the PWP members and committees I would like to thank all those generous PWP members who give of their time to host functions. This includes members who open their homes for fellow members to host PWP house parties, barbeques and other functions. But also a special thanks to those who regularly host dinners, tennis, bush walks, club nights, and the many regular functions that form a solid component of our PWP program. The family activities are a unique contribution to enriching the lives of the children of our single parent members and thanks to all those who organize such a diverse program and strive for new and novel activities to excite the PWP kids. The organizers of our major events, major excursions and the school holiday camps contribute a special dynamics and the highlights of our PWP program and we are grateful for your efforts.
Ross F, State President, Parents Without Partners NSW
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CALL FOR NOMINATIONS – State Management Committee
We need help on the Parents Without Partners State Management Committee, and we are calling for nominations from PWP Branches or individuals self-nominating for the following positions/roles:-
Marketing Director
Membership Director
Coordinator for a Virtual Online Branch Forum for rural and remote area single parents
New Branch Mentor (for development of out of Sydney Branches - coast &/or country)
Press & Public Relations Coordinator
Internet Strategy Coordinator – MySpace, YouTube, e-Groups, etc.
Editor e-Newsletter (Sydney Single Parents)
Fund Raising Coordinator
State Events Coordinator
If you are interested and would like to know more about these and other ways you could help PWP on the State Committee email me at rossemail@gmail.com
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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 Friday 4 July
Final Bookings for: Northside: Dinner July 5.
CITY OF SYDNEY
CANADA BAY CLUB DINNER & DANCE
HILLS DISTRICT
ADULT HOUSE PARTY – 8pm Baulkham Hills.
MACARTHUR
OVER 30s DANCE: "FEVER"
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SPECIAL NOTICE – ALL PWP Macarthur Branch Members
Sunday 6 July
MACARTHUR AGM AND COMMITTEE MEETING
11am Bradbury. (See your Sole Parent Magazine for the address.)
Come along and say thanks to the old committee for all their voluntary work over the past year, and elect a new committee!
If we don't have a committee, we won't have a Macarthur branch.
There will be a free sausage sizzle after the formalities, BYO drinks please.
You must bring your membership card, or you will not be entitled to vote.
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YOU CAN HELP YOUR PWP
EMAIL SINGLE & SINGLE PARENT FRIENDS
Why not email ALL your single and single parent friends, family and colleagues the following message:-
I thought you might be interested in knowing about Parents Without Partners NSW – they host around 1,500 affordable functions a year in the Sydney region for members, there is something on every night of the week, family/children's activities on every week-end (many subsidized for PWP members children) and have great annual major excursions for families and for adults. You don't need a partner to go to functions – we all go on our own. A great club for meeting people and making new friends who are in a similar situation. Membership is open to singles and single parents. Check out the web site www.PWP-NSW.org.au for details.
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Single Parent Social Diary Saturday 5 July
COMBINED BRANCHES
ADULTS ONLY CHRISTMAS IN JULY AT BERRY
CITY OF SYDNEY
LAUGHING GROUP – Woolwich
Also
WEEK-END IN THE BLUE MOUNTAINS – "Faulty Towers" Xmas in July
HILLS DISTRICT
ADULT OPEN TENNIS NIGHT & BBQ – Castle Hill
NORTHSIDE
DINNER – 7.30pm Help Suzee celebrate her birthday
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If you are the non-parent carer of children you should have received a letter from CSA during March advising you of changes to the Child Support Scheme.
From 1 July, all new non-parent carers applying for a child support assessment will be required to apply against both the child's parents unless special circumstances exist. Non-parent carers who applied for a child support assessment from one parent only before 1 July 2008 will be able to have this arrangement continue after 1 July 2008. However, if you choose to apply against both parents you can do this at any time.
For more information visit www.csa.gov.au or to discuss your options call us on 1300 885 437.
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The City of Sydney Branch of Parents Without Partners had a very successful Annual General Meeting with a good role up of members who showed their support and appreciate to the committee for all the great work and time they have volunteered over the past year. Congratulations to the new Branch President Keith R and his new committee – a full committee compliment – we wish them well for the coming year. Congratulations to those members who received the Special Branch Presidents Awards and the Committee Service awards that were presented by the retiring President Peter M who will be continuing for another year as the PWP NSW State Treasurer. Some social mixing and mingling and a great sausage sizzle after the meeting.
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Single Parent Social Diary Sunday 6 July
HILLS DISTRICT
FAMILY TEN PIN BOWLING –Blacktown
Also
ASQUITH CLUB FAMILY DINNER
MACARTHUR
MACARTHUR AGM AND COMMITTEE MEETING – 11am Bradbury. Come along and say thanks to the old committee, and elect a new committee! If we don't have a committee, we won't have a Macarthur branch. There will be a free sausage sizzle after the formalities, BYO drinks please. You must bring your membership card, or you will not be entitled to vote.
NORTHSIDE
BUSHWALK – Cowan to Brooklyn
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PARENTS WITHOUT PARTNERS MENTIONS IN THE MEDIA
Hornsby & Upper North Shore Advocate - 12 June 08 - Community Calendar
Radio CCR FM 90.5 Mon 30 June - Community Service Announcement
Radio SWR FM 99.9 Sat 31 June – program mention
Inner West Weekly – Tues 1 July – Community calendar
Radio CCR FM 90.5 July – PWP in Community Service Announcement folder for all announcers
(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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SPECIAL NOTICE – ALL PWP Northside Branch Members & Others
Surprise...Its Suzee's 60th Birthday !! (Your friendly Northside Branch President & State Management Committee Member)
Join me for Dinner on Saturday 5th July, from 6.15pm and don't be late..... you know what I'm like :)
The Venue will be at The Terrey Hills Tavern, Corner of Aumuna and Mona Vale Roads, Terrey Hills.
It is going to be a fabulous night for all to enjoy... Please book by 3pm Friday afternoon. (Try a last minute in case it's possible) This newly refurbished Tavern has recently been rated the top hotel in Sydney.
We are booked in for 6.15pm arrivals. No later table bookings could be accepted, as this venue is so popular. So please try to be early. Meet Suzee in the Bistro dining area no later than 6.30pm for pre-dinner drinks followed by dinner. Look for the Blue & White PWP Sign on our Table, or ask the Staff.
There is an extensive range of inexpensive meals and light snacks including oysters, burgers, steaks, schnitzels, pizzas, pastas, kids meals & a selection of desserts! Main meals range from $7 to $24, all generous, good value meals. Drinks at pub prices. If you are not a local to this area, this may be your first chance to experience this extremely popular tavern type hotel. There will be a Duet providing modern acoustic music, suitable for 40's plus, and dancing.
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CITY OF SYDNEY
WALK THE BAY – Drummoyne
HILLS DISTRICT
BUDGET CLUB DINNER – Pennant Hills
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EDUCATION & PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
National Art School NSW – Darlinghurst
The NAS is the oldest visual arts institute in Australia. The studio disciplines of ceramics, drawing, painting, photography, printmaking and sculpture are taught at the school.
http://www.art-search.com.au
University of New England – check out the distance education www.une.edu.au/education/
Before and-or after school care Australian Bureau of Statistics Report 141 kB Free Download
9-11 July 2008 10th Australian Institute of Family Studies Conference - Families Through Life Melbourne, Vic This national event offers a forum for extensive debate surrounding a wide range of family issues that are of key relevance to researchers, policy makers and practitioners. It provides a platform for researchers to report findings from their family-related research and to contribute to ongoing discussions and provide policy input. Further information: Conference website - www.aifsconference08.com; Email: info@aifsconference08.com; Phone: (03) 9682 0500
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Single Mother of all roles - Nicole Kidman interview
Scotland on Sunday - Edinburgh,Scotland,UK
"When I was single and bringing up my two older children I tended to take
one day at a time. As a single parent, I think you do your best and hope it will http://scotlandonsunday
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CITY OF SYDNEY
KID'S MOVIE CLUB – FREE 11am West Ryde.
Also
DINNER & PROSPECTIVE MEMBER'S NIGHT – 7.30pm. the Drummoyne RSL Club, 162-166 Victoria Rd, Drummoyne. Bargain chicken schnitzel night $8. Come along and meet prospective new members as well as old friends. There are a lot of people out there who are potential members. Please try to bring along a single friend who would like to know more about PWP. Enq Alex 9554 3444.
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
Also
SINGLES DANCE NORTHMEAD
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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NSW Dept of Industrial Relations www.dir.nsw.gov.au
Seniors Information Service Need information about options as you, or a friend or family member grow older? Then don't miss the new Seniors Information Service website.
Office of the Employment Advocate www.oea.gov.au
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Benefits 'shock' in new laws Hastings Leader - Frankston, VIC, Australia
Child-support payments for many Frankston and Hastings single parents are
likely to fall from July 1. For a single parent on Centrelink benefits, ...
http://www.hastingsleader.com
It's dear to raise children here NEWS.com.au - Australia
But Sole Parents Union president Kathleen Swinbourne said it meant single
mothers could be between $5 and $100 a week worse off. "The result is there
will ...http://www.news.com.au/heraldsu
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Single Parent Social Diary Wednesday 9 July
Final Bookings for: City: Montien Tong Rest. Jul 11.
CITY OF SYDNEY
SOUTH SYDNEY JUNIORS CLUB "FREE MOVIE NIGHT" – See Jun 11.
HILLS DISTRICT
SOCIAL TENNIS – Castle Hill
Also
KINGSWOOD DANCE
Also
PWP KINDY KIDS – Seven Hills
NORTHSIDE
COMMITTEE MEETING Terry Hills
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SINGLE PARENT SOCIAL CONCERNS INFO & NEWS
One-parent families Australian Bureau of Statistics Report Free Download
Property and Money Matters
This page provides links to information about property and financial issues associated with family law in Australia. This includes financial settlement, financial orders, enforcement and financial support. [Full Details] Attorney-General's Department http://www.familycourt.gov.au
Family Relationships Quarterly No. 8 2008 Australian Family Relationships Clearinghouse
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Who inspires you? Nominate them for an Order of Australia
Members of the public, or a community group, may nominate individuals for an award in the Order of Australia or Australian Bravery Decorations.
Appointments to the Order of Australia confer recognition for outstanding achievement and service to the Australian community or humanity at large.
Australian Bravery Decorations recognise acts of bravery by members of the community.
You can obtain nomination forms for the Order of Australia and the Australian Bravery Decorations:
By contacting the Australian Honours and Awards Secretariat, Government House, Canberra on 1800 552 275 or
By downloading the nomination forms.
Nomination Forms - http://www.itsanhonour.gov.au
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Single Parent Social Diary Thursday 10 July
Final Bookings for: Northside: Seafood Buffet, Fri July 11.
CITY OF SYDNEY
BELVOIR STREET THEATRE –Surry Hills.
NORTHSIDE
BUSHWALK
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ABC HEALTH NEWS
ABC Health Updates,
Health Updates is a weekly alert about recent ABC health coverage now available online. Information on how to subscribe can be found at: http://abcmail.net.au/t/190298
Healthy Living Video: Do Glasses Weaken Your Eyes?
Nearly everyone will need glasses eventually, but don't worry, the popular belief they'll weaken your eyes is a myth.
http://abcmail.net.au/t/190298
How To Reverse Ageing In Muscles (ABC Health Report)
Lower muscle mass is one of the common consequences of growing older. Canadian researchers have studied ways of preventing the loss of muscle mass.
http://abcmail.net.au/t/190298
Study Highlights Diabetes Increase (ABC The World Today)
http://abcmail.net.au/t/190298
Therapy For Stroke Patients (ABC Health Report)
Dr Lara Boyd is a physical therapist and neuroscientist at the University of British Columbia in Canada. She is leading research which is trying to understand what therapies positively alter patterns of brain activity after stroke.
http://abcmail.net.au/t/190298
Good Cholesterol May Prevent Memory Loss (ABC Science Online)
http://abcmail.net.au/t/190298
Aussie Scientists In Allergy Breakthrough (ABC The World Today)
http://abcmail.net.au/t/190298
Good Vibrations May Help Reduce Falls (ABC Science Online)
http://abcmail.net.au/t/190298
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Single Parent Social Diary Friday 11 July
CITY OF SYDNEY
DINE OUT RESTURANT" – Cronulla. Then onto piano bar.
HILLS DISTRICT
ADULT 'FOOD/DRINKS ROLE REVERSAL' HOUSE PARTY –Greystanes
NORTHSIDE
SEAFOOD BUFFET –Manly
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SINGLE PARENT MENTIONS IN THE INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
Increasing Divorce Rates: Is Law Itself a Culprit? indiainteracts.com - Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Divorced parents go to the extent of accusing each other of child abuse or
of immoral behaviour to ensure that custody is not lost. ...
http://indiainteracts.com
'Cut taxes for single parents' The Local - Sweden
The proposal is designed to help children in poor families and could be
worth 5000 kronor ($836)-10000 kronor per year for a single parent. ...
http://www.thelocal.se/12720
The Helpless-Parent Generation The Epoch Times - New York, NY, USA
Often financial needs enter the equation, or a separation of partners
brings added mental turmoil. Children are not the only victims. The
parents, whether a ...http://en.epochtimes.com/news
Service club urged to expand its horizons - AntiguaSun - Antigua and Barbuda
Some research has shown that 80 per cent of children in the country are
born into single-parent families and while not blaming all social ills on those http://www.antiguasun.com
Top of the pops - Malta Independent Online - Malta
The recent report that over a third of children live with a single parent
didn't really surprise me, but seems to have left many people reeling in
disbelief ...http://www.independent.com.mt
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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. It is an opportunity for the different branch committee members to meet their counter parts – arrange some joint branch functions for the year ahead and to offer each other support. It is also a key day for planning new initiatives for all the branches and state to work on together.
ALL Branch committee members and State Management Committee are required to attend.
PWP activities and event organizers are welcome to attend as well as those thinking about volunteering as organizers and/or committee members.
This will be a very informative day for all, so please attend. It will involve presentations and also break out groups of common interest and involvement. Program Group (parent, family, events and creative awards), Administration Group (secretarial, treasury, assets, meetings and administration) and Marketing and Membership Group (marketing, community relations, welfare, membership, telephone inquiries and publications).
Tea and Coffee will be provided. Lunch maybe purchased at the club or BYO.
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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 state awards to PWP members in recognition of their contribution.
Special Media Awards presentation.
This is an OPEN adult function so you can bring your family, friends, neighbours and colleagues.
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.
Enquiries Julie on 9634 3003 between 5pm-9pm
BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW
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