From Alannah's Desk
Fundraiser for Democracy
Camaraderie, determination and strength of culture were on display on Saturday 30 October at a fundraiser for democracy held in Albany in aid of the democracy movement in Myanmar.
Over 300 people attended the Albany Baptist Church at which locally-based Myanmar Karen people showcased their culture, food and entertainment for the purposes of raising awareness about the Burmese military coup in early 2021.
Organised by Karen community leader, Mr Daniel Zu, the event highlighted the atrocities inflicted upon the Karen population and the hardships they endure in the wake of the coup, against the backdrop of civil disobedience activities held in support of returning democracy to power in Myanmar.
The Karen community event aimed to raise funds to actively assist Karen people living in Myanmar who need support in order to survive the military dictatorship. Success was achieved, with $9,300 raised.
The history of Karen settlement here in Albany is one of grit, determination and commitment. Ten years ago, four people arrived in Albany to seek work and were subsequently employed by Fletcher Abattoir. They were followed by more young people in 2011, and a small community developed, establishing a church group in 2015. This church community started to sponsor fellow refugees from Thailand’s camps and what followed was the gradual expansion of this settlement and community.
Now, most of this remarkable community of people work at Fletchers abbatoir, in aged care facilities and at Bethel school. All 38 local Karen families – consisting of 210 people – are now active participants in and contributors to what is a markedly more diverse and vibrant Albany.
This community can be incredibly proud of what it has built here in Albany – a thriving, flourishing, successful community. They continue to raise awareness of the hardships being suffered in Myanmar and the need to urgently reinstate democracy there.
Animal Welfare
The inaugural Animal Welfare grants are now open!
At the 2021 election, we committed $2 million over four years to support animal welfare organisations that improve the wellbeing of surrendered, neglected and abandoned companion animals and rescued wildlife.
We’re delivering on that commitment.
Applications are now open for the Animal Welfare Grant Program, providing up to $50,000 to organisations for services including rehoming and fostering companion animals, rehabilitating wildlife, and health and veterinary services.
Funding can also be used to purchase infrastructure, equipment or systems that improve the operation and efficiency of animal welfare organisations.
WA is home to scores of passionate not-for-profit organisations that protect and care for vulnerable animals right around the State. The Animal Welfare Grant Program will support these organisations to continue their important work in our communities.
For more information and to apply, visit https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/animal-welfare-grant-program.
Schools + Education Upgrades
The McGowan Labor Government is investing in high-quality infrastructure and facilities at public schools throughout Western Australia, including right here in Albany. At the same time, we are creating local jobs, providing opportunities for local businesses and keeping our economy strong.
This year’s State Budget invests $449.5 million in building and upgrading schools and school facilities throughout Western Australia.
This builds on the McGowan Labor Government’s already strong investment in education.
Responsible Budget management gives the McGowan Government strong capacity to invest in vital services and to continue Building Our State.
Additionally, Southern Regional TAFE in Albany is the recipient of $17 million for a new trades workshop to replace outdated workshops and provide contemporary training spaces for automotive, metals and engineering, building and construction, carpentry and joinery.
Hydrogen Production in WA
It is brilliant to see a major Western Australian company like Woodside investing in hydrogen here in WA.
Visit: https://fb.watch/8W2gi7zIpX/ to view the project.
The scale of this project will help secure the local manufacture of critical components, and will underpin an expansion of renewable energy on the South West Interconnected System.
We have more than 30 hydrogen project proposals on the table here in Western Australia, and we are proud to work with Woodside to deliver one of the world's first major clean hydrogen production facilities in WA.
The exciting new design of Woodside’s future hydrogen and ammonia production facility, H2Perth, will establish WA as a global clean energy powerhouse.
Woodside will fully fund the construction and operation of H2Perth in Kwinana, to create one of the world’s largest clean energy production facilities.
Making hydrogen more affordable will accelerate the uptake of clean energy, and help our State move towards a renewable energy future and net zero by 2050, while creating more than 2,000 construction jobs and over 200 ongoing local jobs.
Disability Grants
Funds are now available to support organisations and groups to hold inclusive community events or activities on or around the International Day of People with Disability on 3 December 2021.
International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) is a United Nations observed day aimed at increasing public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability.
Sponsorship of up to $1000 is available for organisations to deliver community events or activities, including: disability festivals, sporting events, disability forums, workshops, seminars, award ceremonies; and art, music, dance and other cultural events.
This sponsorship funding aligns with the vision of A Western Australia for Everyone: State Disability Strategy 2020-2030 to build a more inclusive Western Australia and empower people with disability to participate meaningfully in all parts of society.
Applicants will be required to align their events or activities with the Strategy. Eligibility: incorporated, not-for-profit, non-government organisations; local government authorities; and unincorporated organisations or community groups, applying through the auspice of an incorporated body or a local government authority can apply.
Applications close: 4pm Tuesday 9 November 2021
Hon Alannah MacTiernan MLC | Member for the South West Region