Sydney Eisteddfod 2010

Widely regarded as one of the most successful competitive festival of its type in the world, the Sydney Eisteddfod offers three hundred-plus classical and contemporary events for singers, dancers, actors and
musicians. There are also sections for choirs, bands and orchestras, along with creative categories for composers, writers and poets.

While the competition attracts serious contenders from across the nation it is open to all and includes something for everyone. The reasons why people enter the Edteddfod are many - some enter to test their skills before a live audience, others simply for fun, but as performing in public is great for confidence building, whatever paths entrants follow in future life, the self-assurance they gain through competing will always serve them well. Entering an Eisteddfod is one of those experiences in life when the prize is often more the experience and it is won by those that give it a go.

This year, there will be an added incentive for entrants from regional New South Wales and other States as some financial assistance will be available through the Sydney Eisteddfod Travel Fund for those who have to return to Sydney to compete in a final.

Entries close 22 March and can be lodged online. The 2010 festival will open on 1 June and conclude on 26 September.

http://www.sydneyeisteddfod.com.au

Autism Hour - 30th April 9am

At 9am on August 21 there will be over 1500 people attending the first Asia Pacific Autism Conference, which is the same number of people diagnosed in Australia each year with an autism spectrum disorder (autism). Autism is a lifelong developmental disorder for which as yet there is no cure.

Autism affects at least 1:160 Australian children. This equates to a newly diagnosed child every working hour and more that 30,000 families directly touched by autism. BAsed on these figures it more common in our community than than pediatric cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined.

Australians are being asked to visit the Autism Hour on 30th April at 9am to pledge how they will spread the message about autism. Last year we had over 5400 people registering on the website. Please do your part by letting as many people as possible know about the website and just how many people are impacted by autism spectrum disorders

Together we can make a difference for everyone impacted by Autism.

ASPECT NSW and Autism Awareness Month

Autism Awareness month is fast approaching and ASPECT NSW has alot planned for the month. Check out the below or go tot the ASPECT website to find out how you can be involved.

But don't also forget the power of your voice. Get in contact with your local politicans and respective Ministers/Secretaries of Health and Community Services ... Get in contact with local media identities ... together we can make better outcomes for children with Autism.
ASPECT AUTISM MONTH CALENDAR

2	World Autism Day
14	Aspect Adult Programs expo An exhibition of programs available for adults with autism will be held at the new Canterbury Day Program site
16	Aspect research forum Aspect will hold its second full-day Research Forum at the State Library of NSW
19 – 24	Painting the spectrum This art exhibition will be held in conjunction with the awards night to showcase the artwork of those involved in the Aspect Community Participation program and also featuring, for the first time, some artwork by students at Aspect schools
22	VIP function Aspect Relationship Fundraising brunch with Stephen Wiltshire for sponsors and supporters
22	Aspect recognition awards Nominations for the 4th annual Aspect Recognition Awards have been extended to Wednesday 17 March Nomination Guidelines (PDF 62KB) Nomination Forms (PDF 65KB)
27	Aspect Hunter School morning tea Have morning tea with staff, students, families and friends of Aspect Hunter School
27	Aspect Albury Wodonga opening Join in the celebration of the official opening of Aspect Albury Wodonga by CEO, Adrian Ford. This official opening represents an expansion of a variety of Aspect services to help fill the growing needs of people in the Albury-Wodonga region
27	Conference for parents and carers Taking Care of the Essentials is a conference especially for parents and carers. It features specialist staff from Aspect to help explore practical approaches to issues relating to raising children and young people who have an autism spectrum disorder
28	Aspect Central Coast School opening
30	Adult programs client and family / carer picnic The Aspect Adult programs picnic is a chance for staff, clients and families / carers to come together and celebrate Autism Month
30	Autism Hour At 9am Australia will be asked to visit the Autism Hour website and pledge how they will spread the message about autism. Last year we had over 5400 people registering on the website. Please do your part by letting as many people as possible know about the website and just how many people are impacted by autism spectrum disorders
30 April - 5 May	Aspect South Coast School art show This exhibition at the North Wollongong Surf Club is open to all Artists with Autism. An invitation only opening will be held on the 30th with special guest feature artist, Tim Sharp. (aka Laser Beak Man – www.laserbeakman.com).
May	Drawtism Play Pictionary and raise money for Aspect. For more information go to www.drawtism.com.au

Mother's Love - Naked Charity Calendar

The quote goes... "Hell has no fury like a woman scorned" ("The Mourning Bride" (1697) by William Congreve) ... I would like to add to this by putting that "... and Satan no power or determination like a Mother whose children need her help" And I think that this story supports that. A great story of what a mum with determination has done to help raise funds to support her daughter's therapy.

However while this is a great story and is good for building Autism Awareness .. it is a shame that it is necessary that she has to go to these lengths in order to be able to afford therapy. Autism should be treated like other illnesses and have treatment fully covered by government funding and private health insurance.

Small Business Spotlight - Scorpion Foods

Time for another small business spotlight. If you like your food .. and like your food to come with a bit of a sting, then you should look at Scorpion Foods.

Scorpion Foods is a gourmet food business supplying the best specialty food stores and direct to the public high quality oils, syrups, marinades and recipe bases. The whole production process at Scorpion Foods is completed under the watchful eye of the Chef Chris Lylod and with all ingredients sourced from the Hunter Valley. All of their foods are also gluten free and do not contain any artificial colours, additives or preservatives.

If you are up at the Hunter Valley this weekend .. Campbells Store at Morpeth is having a big Scorpion Foods tasting weekend next weekend (12-14TH March). So you are in the areas .. pop in and try some of their yummy products.

http://www.scorpionfoods.com.au

5 Steps to a Healthy Lifestyle

No matter what you read in health fad books .. the simple facts are that a healthy active lifestyle combined with a healthy eating is a great way for everyone (not just kids) to be healthy and live a better, longer life.

Being active does not need to be complex or expensive or require you to go long distances. Most can be done either in your backyard or the local park.

Some ideas can include
• Skipping
• Hopscotch
• Juggling with tennis balls or beanbags
• Chasings
• Ball games, such as playing catch or kicking
• French cricket
• Hula hoop
• Pogo stick
• Frisbee – including team games like Ultimate Frisbee
• Skateboarding or roller-blading
• Bike-riding
• Gymnastics on a grass area.

Some more ideas
Healthy Kids Website - Acvitity Ideas
Healthy Kids - FactSheets
Great website for ideas on what you can do to maintain a active and healthy lifestyle.

Child's play in your own backyard
A brochure describing a range of backyard sports, from French cricket to tin-can golf (NSW Dept of Sport and Recreation).

School holiday activities
A long list of ideas for keeping kids active during the holidays – doing things together, going on trips, playing in the backyard, etc (Child and Youth Health, South Australia).