Here comes number six: Gary Gray appointed as small business minister 
So we have a new Small Business Minister and lets hope we have some longevity with this one. Here is an excerpt from Smart Company emag sharing some insight into Gary Grey:
"Prime Minister Julia Gillard has appointed Gary Gray as small business minister after Chris Bowen's resignation from the cabinet position last week. Bowen, a key supporter of Kevin Rudd, jumped after the aborted leadership challenge last week and his departure, along with that of other ministers left Gillard with several spots to fill. Gray will also hold down the cabinet positions of minister for resources and energy and minister for tourism as well as minister for small business. In a statement announcing the appointment Gillard praised Gray's previous work in the area. "He has been a tireless advocate for business in his own community and in Western Australia and will bring that purpose to promoting the interests of the tourism sector and small business," she said." Read On..
University salutes outstanding Port Macquarie graduates
Years of hard work and commitment were rewarded on March 1 when more than 60 of the University of Newcastle's Port Macquarie campus students donned their gowns and caps to graduate. In a major milestone, the ceremony included the 150th nursing graduate from the Port Macquarie campus. Read more and see Graduation pictures...
Kickstart kicks on - Government Apprenticeship Initiative
Employers have until the end of April to take advantage of an extension to the $57.5 million Apprentice Kickstart initiative, which makes it easier for employers to take on apprentices.The Kickstart program aims to bring an extra 21,000 apprentices into the workforce. An extra $3500 will be paid to eligible employers who take on a new construction or engineering apprentice in nominated trades. Read more...
Saltwater Wine wins big at the 2013 Australian Surf Industry Awards
Australia's Surf Industry celebrated in style at the gala Surf Industry Awards dinner held at Sydney's Novotel Manly Pacific recently. One of the big winners on the night was local Mid North Coast retailer Saltwater Wine who took out New South Wales Surf Retailer of the Year! Read on...
NSW Industrial Relations - March Live Webinar -Parental Leave
NSW IR's 3rd live webinar for 2013 is on the much talked about topic -
- Can a long term casual employee be eligible for parental leave?
- Is an employee who's partner is having a child entitled to parental leave?
- Is adoption covered by parental leave provisions?
- For how long must an employee be continuously employed to be eligible for Parental Leave?
- What is unpaid special maternity leave?
Find out the answer to these questions and more attend the live webinar on any of the following dates: Tuesday, 26 March at 2.00 pm; Wednesday, 27 March at 10am or Thursday 28 March at 12pm. Register here
What's happening at Council?
Have a say on the strategic direction of the Glasshouse:
In recent months a number of reports have been requested by Council that review the financial management of the facility, the options for reducing the debt and how the Glasshouse costs compare across the full Council budget. This information is vital in making an informed submission about the future.
Keeping you informed and listening.
You're invited to learn more about the financial and operational aspects of the facility by reviewing the documents and outlining your views and ideas on the future direction by submission at http://pmhclistening.com.au/glasshouse
Submissions close Thurs 18th April with a report scheduled for the May 2013 Council meeting.
Kind Regards, 
Welcome to our new HBEN member: Kumiai - Ryu Matial Arts System (KRMAS) Sensei Peter Attwood! 
