Latest news with #CountryWeek
West Australian
6 hours ago
- Business
- West Australian
Rita Saffioti: A few bad eggs are affecting the entire taxi industry and now its time to crack down
1. We have many hard working taxi drivers in the taxi industry but recently we have received complaints about drivers refusing to use meters and drivers not appropriately displaying their authorisation. It's unfortunate because this behaviour is impacting the whole industry, and those doing the right thing. This is why we're doing a compliance crackdown. Working with the Department of Transport we will be looking at undercover compliance officers, increasing spot checks at taxi ranks and also educating the community on their rights and the rules around taxi use. 2. WA's first residential battery rebate scheme opened this week. Up to 100,000 households will be able to access the rebates including up to $5000 for Synergy customers and up to $7500 for Horizon Power customers. No interest loans of up to $10,000 are also available for eligible customers. It could save households up to $1500 annually. 3. We have now passed more than 500,000 fares booked under our landmark Regional Capped Airfares Scheme. That's one fare every three minutes. This scheme is saving regional families thousands of dollars and giving people peace of mind that if they need to fly to Perth for urgent family or personal reasons, they won't be stung with high prices. 4. Incredible to see so many kids from the regions in Perth for Country Week this year. We know how important this week is for so many regional kids and their families, which is why we're providing $8 million over the next four years to help families with the cost, so more students can attend. 5. I was able to get up to Geraldton this week to chat to local groups about funding we're providing for better sporting facilities. Looking forward to delivering new change rooms at the very busy sports park, and big improvements to the netball facilities. 6. The Matildas play their first ever game in Bunbury this Saturday. What an incredible event it will be for the Bunbury community to see these elite athletes in action. We're proud to have supported this game and want to see more top level sports played in our regions. 7. A reminder that the WA Student Assistance Payment applications close Friday. Parents can claim $250 for each secondary student and $150 for each kindergarten or primary student. Head to the Department of Education website for more information. 8. Great news this week that the short-term rental accommodation and vacant property rental incentive schemes have been extended until the end of this year. Since we established the schemes in the past 18 months, we've added more than 700 homes to long term rental stock across the State. We're looking at every opportunity to boost housing supply. 9. Dockers fans. We're on roll. Six in a row as we head over to Sydney. If we win here, is it time to start dreaming? Hoping the ground holds up. 10. Speaking of the Dockers — what a great game it was last week for the Starlight Foundation. Thanks to everyone that supported the event and donated to such an incredible cause.
West Australian
3 days ago
- Politics
- West Australian
Families have four days to claim student assistance payments, no plans for reallocation of leftover funds
With only a few days left to claim the student assistance payment, the Education Minister has ruled out using any leftover funds to boost other cost-of-living supports that were slashed in the recent Budget. With uptake of the payments already beating last year, Sabine Winton said there might not be anything leftover from the $89 million that was budgeted. 'We're tracking pretty well so, you know, in a perfect world I hope I don't have to have that problem,' she said. While delivering on an $8 million election promise to subsidise travel costs for students to compete at Country Week, Ms Winton said she would look to direct any excess money to 'targeted initiatives in schools'. She rejected claims that reducing Kidsport vouchers back from $500 to $300, and a $180 reduction to a uniform allowance for low-income families, amounted to cost-of-living cuts. 'There was additional one-off extra money given last year,' she said. 'If you just contemplate the young people behind us, some may be accessing the clothing assistance payment. 'They're also getting $250 through the WA student assistance payment and also $500 as part of the Country Week assistance payment, so the cost of living supports being offered to students is quite significant.' Families have until the end of Term 2 on July 4 to claim the student assistance payment. An uptake rate of 82 per cent in metropolitan Perth and 76 per cent in regional areas has already beaten last year's rats, with digital kiosks and internet dongles supplied to ensure people in remote communities can access it. 'I strongly encourage all families to submit their claims as soon as possible so they don't miss out,' Ms Winton said.
West Australian
3 days ago
- Sport
- West Australian
Regional parents pocket up to $500 to help cover travel cost for Senior High School Country Week
Regional parents will be able to pocket up to $500 to help cover the travel cost for their kids to compete in Country Week, which kicked off on Monday. More than 4000 students from 56 regional high schools have descended on Perth this week to compete in 10 sports including AFL, soccer, netball, basketball, hockey and dance. The epic competition — which will be held for the 95th year and is a highlight of the calendar for country kids — will run from Monday to Friday. Education Minister Sabine Winton said families living more than 300km away from Perth would receive a $500 subsidy to help cover the cost of travel and accommodation as part of Labor's $8 million Country Week Assistance Program. Those living within 300km of Perth will see costs slashed by up to $250. 'It's a significant saving,' Ms Winton said. 'The cost will vary from school to school, not just because of the distance that schools travel, but also about the itinerary that the schools arrange. 'Each school manages their Country Week payments differently; some parents will receive a subsidy from their school for the eligible amount and pay the difference. 'Others will pay up front and be reimbursed by the school the following week.' School Sports WA president Peter Rickers said without the subsidy, Country Week was expensive for most families. 'We know for sure that there are some schools who are here in entirety because of the assistance program,' he said. 'There are set costs that would involve uniform, accommodation, food ... transport, and some of those things will vary depending on the distance they come. 'You are certainly talking about many hundreds, if not the low thousands (of dollars).' With a rainy week expected, Ms Winton said Country Week was 'phenomenally popular' and said the student athletes would compete no matter the weather. 'Having been a regional teacher in Western Australia myself, I know that kids from the bush love their sport,' she said. 'They're pretty good at it and I reckon they'll play hail rain or shine.'
West Australian
14-05-2025
- Politics
- West Australian
Rita Saffioti 10 Things: Can't wait to have the Matildas back in WA this winter
1. What a week it's been for sport, headlined by WA UFC fighter Jack Della Maddalena's stunning win in Montreal last weekend. It's the first time a West Australian has won a UFC world title. Jack's character, work ethic and resilience in bouncing back from injury setbacks is just incredible, and we are so proud of him. 2. It was WA Labor that removed the ban on the octagon when we came into Government in 2017. UFC is a professional sport followed by millions and millions around the world. We've hosted some incredible UFC events in Perth, which attract thousands of tourists and generates valuable money for our economy. Excited to have UFC back again later this year and next. 3. Also can't wait to have the Matildas back in WA this winter to play four international friendlies against Slovenia and Panama — three at HBF Park and for the first time, one in Bunbury at Hands Oval. A great opportunity for the South West to see the Tillies in action before next year's Asian Cup. 4. Of course, the redevelopment at Hands Oval in Bunbury has meant they are now capable of hosting big sporting matches, like the AFL game between North Melbourne and the West Coast Eagles and now the Matildas. Our Government has contributed more than $13 million to the redevelopment. 5. It was a privilege to launch the new WA Institute of Sport Para Sports Unit on Tuesday. This program will support our incredible para-athletes by reducing barriers, enhancing performance pathways and ultimately driving future success at Paralympic Games, particularly Brisbane 2032. Up to 40 athletes will be supported each year. Very proud to support this initiative. 6. Across the regions, we've announced some important cost-of-living relief for families. We're delivering on our $8 million election commitment to cut costs for regional students who attend Country Week — a popular annual sports carnival in Perth between regional high schools. This will save families up to $500. 7. As Sports Minister, I'm proud of the record amount we're investing into sporting infrastructure. Hundreds of millions of dollars are being spent supporting new courts, ovals, change rooms, leisure centres, lighting and facilities. This is the best way to keep young people participating in sport and help talented athletes reach their full potential. 8. There has been significant growth in grassroots rugby league across the suburbs. I visited the Alkimos Tigers' home ground last week where I learned their participation has increased from 40 to 400 in just eight years. To keep young people engaged in their chosen sport as they grow older, it's important they can see the future. Having our own NRL team gives them that. 9. The Perth Bears have clearly struck a chord with many West Australians and of course original fans in North Sydney. We know many of these fans will come to Perth to support their team, meaning visitation and spend in WA. This team will help bolster the growing supporter base in our suburbs and drive more tourism outcomes. 10. Our approach to support a range of sports and events is paying dividends. We're not about a one hit wonder (like Basil Zempilas' $2 billion Commonwealth Games idea). We're about supporting a range of events, with the likes of WWE, UFC, league State of Origin, international rugby union, the Matildas and Socceroos just an example of the events coming up in the next year to cater for everyone.
ABC News
08-05-2025
- Sport
- ABC News
Kids' sport challenges families struggling with cost of living pressures
River Allum will be a long way from home when he runs out to play in Kuala Lumpur later this year. The 13-year-old from Geraldton, 420 kilometres north of Perth, has been honing his skills on the soccer field, while his parents have been sacrificing to save the $3,630 needed for travel costs, tournament fees and gear. His mother Rachell Allum said she had already spent about $1,700 on her son's soccer-related costs this year. She said the rising cost of living was making it harder to afford. Ms Allum says she and her husband are sacrificing and saving. ( ABC Midwest and Wheatbelt: Chloe Henville ) Australian government data showed 6.3 per cent of children surveyed could not afford sport or the associated travel costs as recently as last year. Ms Allum said her family was budgeting strictly for the Kuala Lumpur trip as River was not eligible for any grants she could find. She said living in regional WA had also multiplied the cost of participating in sport over the years, as River often travelled to Perth for competitions such as Country Week. "We have to miss out on a few things ourselves, but we wouldn't deny him that chance as much as we possibly could," Ms Allum said. River says he is grateful for his parents' ongoing support. ( ABC Midwest and Wheatbelt: Chloe Henville ) "We've got to find accommodation for ourselves, let alone petrol … the petrol prices are ridiculous." But she said the costs were worth it to see River excel at a sport he loved. "Every annual fee is expensive, and he's growing — you know, new boots, new uniforms, new everything — but we are very, very proud of River," Ms Allum said. Understanding the sacrifice The high-school student said he was aware of the financial strain. "I do feel a bit bad about all the costs," River said. River has been playing soccer since he was six. ( ABC Midwest and Wheatbelt: Chloe Henville ) He said sport helped him work through emotions such as sadness and anger. "I can just go to soccer and just wipe my head away from it, and it makes me feel a lot happier again," River said. The teenager said everyone should have access to sport as an outlet, regardless of their financial position. It is a perspective shared by Federation University sport science professor Rochelle Eime. She has conducted a national study in conjunction with the Australian Sports Commission. Yet to be publicly released, the study found fees were a growing barrier to club sport participation. Rochelle Eime has conducted a study on the cost of sport across Australia. ( Supplied: Rochelle Eime ) "Cost has always been an issue, but more of an issue now with the rising cost of living," Professor Eime said. " Participation is much lower in areas of lower socio-economic status. " Critical opportunity missed Professor Eime said lower participation had huge implications for physical fitness, mental health and social connection, especially for young people. "Without those opportunities to play sport, they're missing out on a lot of life skills," she said. Professor Eime said though sport was often the "social fabric" in regional communities, participants could incur more costs than their metro peers, something the Ballarat woman was familiar with. Professor Eime says sport is important for social connection in small towns. ( ABC Midwest and Wheatbelt: Chloe Henville ) She said her 18-year-old son, Jay, was travelling to China to compete in a tennis tournament, but even local travel took a toll. "He's commuting an hour-and-a-half to training several times a week … now that he can drive, that saves me," Professor Eime said. Along with the price of fuel, she pointed to other travel fees including overnight accommodation to join metro competitions. Professor Eime said geographical barriers and cost burdens could limit the sporting potential of some talented regional players. ABC Midwest & Wheatbelt — local news in your inbox Get our local newsletter, delivered free each Thursday Your information is being handled in accordance with the Email address Subscribe
