2011-2012 Annual Report - Full Version - PDF - Palmerston North ...

The Youth Library, located within the Youth Space,is enjoying its new home. There is an increasingnumber of eager readers accessing the collection.The book collection continues to grow, non-fictionand graphic novels in particular, with freecomputers and laptops also offering opportunitiesfor social networking and also tutorials such as CVwriting sessions. Saturday morning is becominga hub of library activity and the next step will beto focus on workshops and reading groups duringthis time.The Local Initiatives Fund supported three projectsin the last funding round - the Crewe CrescentCommunity Garden project offering opportunitiesfor people to connect and learn new skills; REACTworkshops for local groups and individuals thatfocus on fun, creative, green projects; Parents Inc.delivery of presentations in local schools designedto encourage young people to make good lifechoices.The Council continues to host the Departmentof Labour Settlement Support Coordinator.This collaborative relationship between theDepartment of Labour and the Council providesopportunities for employers and new migrants tothe City to have access to settlement information.The Department of Labour contracted VisionManawatu to undertake a research project toidentify key employers of highly skilled migrantswithin the City.Settlement Support sponsored a new categoryin the Manawatu Westpac Business Awards, “TheInvestors in Skilled Migrants Award”. This awardwas won by Ashhurst Engineering in recognition oftheir innovative and highly proactive approach toworking with their high value migrant employees.Settlement Support and MidCentral DHBcollaborated to provide an opportunity forhigh value migrants employed over the last 12months by the DHB to offer feedback on both theemployment and the settlement process. This wasa highly successful event that will be replicated byother key employers in the area.A collaborative project is being developed withWanganui District Council to develop an onlineresource for high value migrants moving to theWanganui area.Considerable attention has been given to thecommunity centres over the last 12 months.A significant renovation of the WestbrookCommunity Centre was received very favourablyby the local community with a successfulcelebratory day well attended by locals, includingCouncil representatives.CommunitySupportWhat the Council Does Community DevelopmentPalmerston North City Council Annual Report 2011/1251