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• • • • have poor memory for oral instructions; have trouble following a line of print; have concentration problems because it is hard for them to do the work; become disruptive, distracted or fidgety. Children with specific learning difficulties can face a wide range of challenges, such as problems in spelling, writing, reading and copying, as well as issues with numeracy. Learning difficulties do not happen because of low intelligence or poor teaching. It is important to recognise that learning difficulties worry children and can lead to social or behavioral problems and children need support and encouragement to overcome these effects. Failure to learn to read can have serious consequences for children. They are at increased risk of: • • • • • • • developing mental health problems, such as depression; juvenile delinquency; not finishing school; being less responsive to health education; being unable to cope with managing chronic disorders such as diabetes or asthma; attempting suicide; ending up in jail. These are just some of the serious potential outcomes for children with dyslexia who go without intervention. Dyslexia has serious social and economic costs too. Through its passing of the Education Amendment (Educational Support For Children With Significant Learning Difficulties) Bill 2008, the NSW government committed to provide educational support for children with significant learning difficulties. Instrumental to the passing of this legislation was dyslexia sufferer and campaigner, Jim Bond, and Rev. the Hon. Dr Gordon Moyes AC MLC, who, following the passing of the Bill, continued to negotiate with the Director General of the NSW Department of Education and Training, Michael Coutes-Trotter, and Treasury to gain further funds for additional special education teachers. $10.9 million was allocated which enabled 286 teachers to have specialised training in special needs’ education. This covered most schools in NSW. In 2010, an on-line training course has been designed by the NSW Department of Education and Training for teachers to help them assess the needs of children with special needs. To date, 1,300 teachers have registered and expressed an interest in undertaking the 3 month training program. This is expected to rollout in Term 3 this year. The training of special education teachers will help support the Write To Read project and help provide early intervention for students suffering from significant learning difficulties. With intervention and support, some children with special needs will become successful readers. 4
The Jim Bond Story Jim Bond knows what it’s like to feel the frustration of a learning difficulty; he suffers from dyslexia. For 20 years, Mr Bond from Killarney Vale on the NSW Central Coast, has campaigned to have dyslexia recognised as a disability to enable early support for children suffering from the condition, and specialised training for special needs’ teachers. With tenacity and passion, Mr Bond engaged the support of Rev. the Hon. Dr Gordon Moyes AC MLC, representative of the NSW Legislative Council, to assist him in getting a private member’s bill passed through the NSW Parliament, recognising dyslexia as a disability and children with it as having ‘significant learning difficulties’. Through its passing of the Education Amendment (Educational Support For Children With Significant Learning Difficulties) Bill 2008, the government committed to provide educational support for children with significant learning difficulties. After 20 years, Mr Bond’s tireless efforts finally paid off. He has been instrumental in ensuring children in Australia suffering from dyslexia have access to a supportive learning environment. Jim Bond’s story is documented in his paper “Falling Between The Cracks” available via www.pc.gov.au. The Westport Club The Westport Club stands as testament to a successful adaptation to change. Originally known as Grand United Port Macquarie West Bowling Club and begun in a modest clubhouse built in 1958 on the banks of the beautiful Hastings River, the Club was unable to overcome the challenges facing the club industry and faced liquidation. In February 2006, an amalgamation with Mingara Recreation Club let the Club not only survive, but thrive. Within a short space of time it has undergone a transformation that has led to its recognition as a valuable community asset. Not simply an absorption or ‘takeover’ of a struggling club by a larger one, but its reinvigoration to forge stronger links to its local community and create its own path to a strong future. The Westport Club is becoming well known in the Port Macquarie community for its dedication in working towards its vision to make a significant contribution to the quality of community life and this vision, this pervades all aspects of the club’s operations. 5
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