The items below should be of interest to the SCARF Community. If you have similar items that would be of interest please submit to the Webmaster.

To see stories and photos of past activities and events go to Archived Articles [here]

Refugee Youth Resettlement is a Complex Process by Gracia Ngoy
This article was published by FECCA (Federation of Ethnic Communities' Councils of Australia) in Mosaic 28th edition [here]

Want an affordable computer?

Renewable Recyclers are a local social enterprise offering computer packages for sale at very reasonable prices. For details of the packages click [here] (.PDF brochure)

Or call 1300 594 636
5/13 Ralph Black Drive
North Wollongong

You can claim education expenses!

If you receive Family Tax benefit Part A as part of your Centrelink Benefit you are entitled to make a claim and receive 50% back on MANY of your children's education expenses.

Money you spend on books, computers, USBs, monthly internet connection, printer cartridges, calculators, and all stationery (pens,paper,pencils etc).

YOU MUST KEEP THE RECEIPTS that you receive from the shops when you buy these things. Keep all these receipts together in an envelope or file

The government can repay you in July ... check out the website:
www.australia.gov.au/educationtaxrefund

Family Funday Sunday
You don't have to spend a lot on a fun day out for the whole family. For $2.50 per person, your family can enjoy a fun day out with unlimited travel on Sydney's buses, trains and ferries every Sunday. The ticket will even take you to Sydney from Wollongong! [here]

For some great ideas on what to do and where to go around Sydney, visit the Tourism NSW Family Funday page.

Save for your children's education and be rewarded!
Saver Plus provides an opportunity to have every dollar saved (up to $500) matched with an additional dollar for your own or your family’s education-related expenses.

More than 5,000 people have joined Saver Plus since the program began in 2003. Participants have used the matched funding provided by ANZ to purchase a wide range of educational items, including computers and computer equipment, text books, school uniforms and school camps. Matching can also be used for extra curricular activities such as music lessons and sport. The program also includes 10 hours of fun, informal financial education workshops. To apply call 1300 610 355. More details...[here]

New Child Restraint Laws
From 1 March 2010 new child restraint laws for children up to seven years of age come into effect:

• Children younger than six months must be secured in a rearward facing restraint
• Children aged six months to under four years must be secured in either a rear or forward facing restraint
• Children aged four years to under seven years must be secured in forward facing child restraint or booster seat
• Children younger than four years cannot travel in the front seat of a vehicle with two or more rows
• Children aged four years to under seven years cannot travel in the front seat of a vehicle with two or more rows, unless all other back seats are occupied by children younger than seven years in a child restraint or booster seat.
  

More information available from the RTA [here]

Learn to Swim - Beaton Park Leisure Centre Wollongong
Living in a coastal city it is vital that children learn to swim at an early age. Wollongong City Council run learn to swim classes all year round at the Beaton Park Leisure Centre in door heated swimming pool.

Learn to swim classes are run during the school term (9 to 10 weeks). Students attend once a week for half an hour. Lessons are run during and after school hours. Currently the cost is $104.50 per term.

Before commencing lessons students must be assessed for their water skills, this takes about 10 minutes. Assessment sessions are run during school holidays, you must phone for an appointment.

To make an appointment and for further information telephone the Beaton Park Swim School 02 4227 7755.

Choosing an Internet Service Provider
Choosing an internet service provider (ISP) can sometimes be an overwhelming decision. There are over 800 ISPs operating in Australia. Before you make a decision about an ISP, it is worth spending some time researching for what might best suit you. The following web sites may assist:

Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) - Choosing an internet service provider fact sheet... [here]
PC Rescue - Choosing an Internet Service Provider... [here]
Whirlpool - Use this tool to find a broadband plan that best suits your needs... [here]