Minutes of the Children's Services Reference Group
Meeting Date: Tuesday, 7 February 2017
Location: Jervis Bay Rooms, City Administrative Centre, Bridge Road, Nowra
Time: 4:10pm
The following members were present:
Clr Patricia White
Clr John Levett
Clr Nina Cheyne
Ms Cathy Ryman
Ms Belinda Hibbert
Ms Kim Stouse-Lee
Ms Linda Windley
Others Present:
Amanda Doyle – South Coast Medical Services Aboriginal Corporation
Melissa Andrews – Community Development Officer
Sara McMahon – Governance Unit Business Manager
Jane Lewis – Section Manager, Recreation Community and Culture
An apology was received from Clr Findley, Ms Kim Thompson, Ms Michelle Woszatka, Ms Tanya McGeachie, Ms Melissa Wicks, Clr Gartner
Election of Chairperson |
That Clr White be appointed as the Acting Chairperson for Children’s Services Reference Group.
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That the Minutes of the meeting of the Children’s Services Reference Group held on Wednesday 11 May 2016 be confirmed.
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It was noted that the inclusive play space, Livvi’s Place at Mollymook, has been fully funded and construction will begin in the near future. |
The Chairperson welcomed everyone and the members introduced themselves.
Cathy Ryman – CS17.3 – Pecuniary interest declaration – Is an employee of Shoalhaven Family Day Care – remained in the room but did not take part in discussion or vote.
PRESENTATION
Sara McMahon, Governance Unit Business Manager provided a presentation on Council’s Code of Conduct and Meeting Procedure.
OTHER BUSINESS
The Committee considered the number of members who attended the meeting and agreed that all members should contacted to confirm their intention to attend future meetings.
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That Council write to all members:
. CARRIED
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Jane Lewis provided an update on the recent resolution by Council regarding Shoalhaven Family Day Care and advised that there is no formal decision at this point in time. Staff are currently liaising with Ann Sudmalis MP and consideration is being given to options and opportunities regarding funding. Once all information has been collated, a report will be provided to Council for consideration.
Members discussed the issue and voiced their support for continuation of the Family Day Care service. It was noted that positive feedback about the service continues to be received.
Note: Cathy Ryman declared a conflict of interests – she is employee of Shoalhaven Family Day Care – remained in the room but did not take part in discussion or vote.
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That Council take into consideration that the Children’s Services Reference Group fully supports Council’s continuation of Family Day Care Service as a service provider for this well respected service for the community..
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CS17.5 Additional Item - Childhood Immunisation Service, Access to Swimming Lessons, Early Links Support Service |
Closure of Council’s Free Childhood Immunisation Service The Committee discussed this issue and Clr White provided an update to members regarding the closure of the free childhood immunisation service after the December 2016 clinics.
It was noted that the South Coast Medical Service Aboriginal Corporation bulk bill clients. The contact phone number for the Nowra clinic is 02 44480200. Clr Cheyne noted that immunisation is one of the priority areas identified by Coordinare Primary Health, more information can be found on the website http://www.coordinare.org.au/ .
Nowra Family Support Service - Access to Swimming Lessons Clr Cheyne advised that, at its meeting on 31 January 2017, Council resolved to support the Nowra Family Support Services fundraising campaign by donating $4,000 to assist in providing learn to swim classes for family members.
Beach accessible wheelchairs Clr Cheyne advised the Committee that Council recently secured grant funding to purchase beach wheelchairs for adults and children with disabilities. Beach wheelchairs are free to hire at the following locations:
More information can be found at http://shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au/My-Community/Community-services/Disability/Beach-Wheelchairs
Early Links Inclusion Support Service It was noted that this program is an early intervention support service supporting children, from birth to 8, with a developmental delay or disability. Parents/carers with children who have an undiagnosed or recently diagnosed developmental delay or disability are encouraged to contact Amanda on 02 44480200 with enquiries regarding the service.
It was noted that Early Links is delivered by the South Coast Medical Service Aboriginal Corporation for Aboriginal children from birth to 8 years. Ability Links, for age 9 to 64 years, works closely with people with a disability, their family and carers. More information can be found on the website http://www.abilitylinksnsw.org.au/index.html and enquiries can be directed to linkers@sothcoastams.org.au or phone 02 4448 0200.
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There being no further business, the meeting concluded, the time being 5.27pm.
Clr White
ACTING CHAIRPERSON