Generate - apply now
Following a highly successful inaugural year, the Tasmanian branch of the Oaktree Foundation is again on the lookout for passionate young people to take part in their 2012 Generate program.
Generate is a national initiative run by the Oaktree Foundation, which is Australia’s first and largest entirely youth-run aid and development agency. Oaktree was founded in 2003 with a vision to eradicate global extreme poverty through fundraising, advocacy and by mobilizing and educating young people. The Oaktree Foundation designed Generate for people who are interested in the aid and development sector, and wish to volunteer, but may not have previously know where to start.
In 2011, the Tasmanian Generate program trained 21 participants in skills such as public speaking, promotional work and event management. Using these skills, the participants raised $18,800 to support the Oaktree Foundation’s overseas projects in some of the world’s poorest regions, including our closest neighbours, Papua New Guinea and East Timor. 
This year, the Tasmanian program is expanding to include 35 participants and has a brand new curriculum designed to inspire and enable young people to advocate for the end of extreme global poverty.
With programs offered in Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, and now locally in Hobart, Generate provides young people with an opportunity to meet like-minded, motivated individuals and make a tangible difference in the movement to eradicate poverty. From education about theories of development to active campaigning and project management, participants in the Generate program will gain the necessary skills to achieve their visions for global change.
“Generate is an entry-level volunteer program specifically designed to fit around work or study”, said Tasmanian Program Manager Andrew Millhouse.
“Generate is a program for anyone; you don't need a resume full of skills and experiences. You just need passion and a desire to get involved and make a difference.”
Mr Millhouse said by the end of the program participants will be prepared to become leaders in their communities, advocating for an end to extreme poverty.
The program runs from mid-March to mid-October with participants attending a two-hour workshop weekly and committing an average of four hours a week to the program.
To get involved please visit:
theoaktree.org/join-us/generate/apply.
For more information please contact Andrew Millhouse on a.millhouse@theoaktree.org.

Is it time to relax?
Restorative yoga
Sounds intimidating? Of course yoga has in the past conjured up incense sticks, pretzel-like contortions and tie-dyed leotards.
Let me put you straight, think: warm, lowly lit room, person laying in nest of blankets, lavender eye-bag gently resting on unfurrowed brow, in the most delicious comfort that they’ve found for months, sinking into bliss, letting go of worries, falling beneath fears, whilst at the same time physiologically moving into the relaxation response.
What happens?
Well certain criteria are useful. Having the chest higher than the head triggers the Vegas Nerve (impressive for setting off Relaxation Response, and not to be confused with Las Vegas of course), I guess the reasoning would be ‘If I’m upside down and happy, I’m obviously not running from a tiger.
The head being supported and wrapped is a key factor to encouraging the Relaxation Response, (and an alternative to wearing a turban, although a turban takes less time).
Staying in yogic positions comfortably for longer periods of time, nourishing vital organs and stimulating the metabolism would usually require a high level of yogic flexibility and strength, however restorative yoga uses ‘props’ (blankets and cushiony bolsters) to make everything feel lush without having to lie on a ‘bed of nails’ or contemplate your navel whilst in the lotus position.
So if you like chocolate cake and contented living, but have been experiencing famine and stress, try something new! Coming to Kingston is a Restorative Yoga class run by yoga teachers Claire Dawson and Kris Rastovich. To find out more, contact Claire / Kris on 6297 8188 or 0407 341 585.
Claire Dawson

Having a field day
Cygnet group, Tunapi Wildcare has been awarded a grant of $4,794 as part of the Be Natural Landcare grants program,  to work on a local environmental project which will see the group connecting with its local community.
A total of $125,000 of funding has been awarded through this grants program to 28 groups across the country to help them continue their work with on-going environmental projects. The projects are diverse in nature and range from a BeachCare project on Queensland’s Gold Coast to building shelters for possums and gliders in Victoria.
Tunapi Wildcare will put the funding towards a project that will help with ongoing wildlife rehabilitation in southern Tasmania, and educate the local community about the native wildlife and the ecosystems they are part of. This project has been in existence since last year and is manned by a small and dedicated group of volunteers.
Fiona Brine of Tunapi Wildcare believes the funding provided through the grants program will make a huge difference to the breadth of activities the group will be able to undertake.
“Our group will have the capacity to expand our project to include the planting of 220 local species, the eradication and management of weeds in the area, and the restoration of threatened species’ habitats. It also gives us the opportunity to include the local community in what we’re trying to achieve through two field days,” she said.
Stephanie Wulf
Landcare Australia

Cygnet U3A
Did you know that U3A is alive and well in Cygnet?
If you seek mental stimulation, a choice of arts and craft courses, or involvement in interesting discussions and fun social activities, you do not have to leave Cygnet, because Cygnet U3A runs from the Cygnet Community Health Centre.
Our new term starts on March 13th and newcomers are invited to our Welcome Back Luncheon on March 6th at 12pm, at the Cygnet Community Health Centre – come along and see what we are about.
Lots on offer
As well as courses, we offer a Garden Club, Book Club, Men’s Shed, Ladies Who Lunch and a Film Appreciation Group.
Further information
For more details contact Lyn Glover (Secretary 6295 0980) or Julia Hammond (Treasurer 6295 1196)
Lyn Glover

HAEG News
Entries for the Huon Art Exhibitions Group next event, Southern Exposure, close this Friday, 24th February. The official opening, by Matthew Evans (aka the Gourmet Farmer), is on Friday 2nd March at 6.30pm at the Cygnet Town Hall. All welcome.
This weekend is your last chance to see Stephen Carter's photographic exhibition 'Edge of the World' at the Lovett Gallery (at the rear of the Cygnet Town Hall). The exhibition finishes on Sunday 26th February.
Paul Thomas
HAEG Acting Chairman

Cygnet Better Futures opportunities
Cygnet Better Futures has over the past year managed five innovative projects that contributed to the sustainable economic, social, cultural and environmental well-being of the Cygnet community. As an incorporated body with full public liability insurance we are able to auspice and administer grants for unincorporated groups and individuals, who wish to undertake activities for the benefit of the Cygnet community. If you are interested in applying for funding check out the following programs’ guidelines and contact us for further information:
• Tasmanian Community Fund for community projects in one of two categories – under $10,000 or over $10,000. If you want a small grant of up to $10,000 applications close on March 21, 2012.
If you are seeking a larger grant of between $10,001 and $90,000 applications close April 4. For guidelines and application details go to www.tascomfund.org.
• Naturally Inspired Grants Program for projects of up to $5000 that will deliver positive environmental change in southern Tasmania. For details go to www.nrmsouth.org.au. Closes March 23, 2012.
• The Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) has a grants program of up to $5000 for projects that will benefit small rural communities. Closes March 30, 2012. For more information go to www.frrr.org.au.
If you would like help to apply for these grants, more information about other community grants or to become a member of Cygnet Better Futures Inc please email Helen Pryor at helenpryor@hotmail.com.
Helen Pryor




Return to top of page