I am writing to advise of a fully sponsored scholarship opportunity available to local youth leaders to attend the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Conference to be held at Charles Sturt University – Orange Campus from 15 to 20 April 2018.

The conference is based on a customised Australian Leadership Capability Framework and includes national and international presenters, including one of Australia’s most dynamic speakers - Charles Tarbey, founder of Century 21 Real Estate. There will be a variety of topics which will appeal to a wide range of people, such as: leadership through personal and interpersonal skills, public speaking, organisational skills, personal resilience and meeting procedures. The development of strong and resilient youth leaders in country communities is an important issue and Rotary Clubs are proud to do their part. Applicants must be between 18 and 28 years of age and no longer at school. Further information can be obtained  at http://rotary9700.org.au/Page/ryla.

John Willing – Millthorpe

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Dear Editor,

I am research assistant from the School of Medicine and Public Health from the University of Newcastle, under the supervision of Dr Flora Tzelepis. I am writing to you about a current smoking cessation support study, offering support to rural and regional smokers from NSW, inclusive of Grenfell and surrounding communities. Grenfell is positioned in the Weddin LHD and has a high proportion of smokers compared to the national average of 16.1 per 100 people. This new data is based on Australian Heart Foundation map, which I have attached as an image for your convenience. We are aware that smoking cessation may be more difficult for rural and regional people based on their geographical location, access to health facilities and cost. This randomised control trial is determined to remove these barriers and provide cessation support via video, telephone or written platforms, at no cost to participants. This study is the first of its kind, providing real-time video counselling delivered via Skype, FaceTime or Facebook Messenger to smokers in their homes. For inquiries visit http://newcastle.edu.au/research/quit–

Emma Byrnes –

Research Assistant