Balanced Steps has been developed by MLHD in partnership with the Western Riverina Libraries Leeton.

The resource aims to educate older people about risk factors contributing to falls and enable them to reduce their risk of falling.

This is a great resource pack for older people living in rural and remote areas and particularly for those who have limited access to services.

The kit contains a falls prevention booklet, exercise DVDs, music CD and information about the Active and Healthy website which is run by the Ministry of Health NSW.  

People will get the opportunity to learn more about ways to prevent falls, exercises for home and also find out other physical activity options in their towns. 

Falls are the leading cause of injury-related death and hospitalisation in old age.

One third of people aged 65 years and over fall every year and falls and fractures account for more than half of all injury-related health care costs.

Australia’s population is ageing rapidly, with the proportion of people aged 65 years or over predicted to increase from 13 per cent (1.1 million) in 2010 to 23 per cent (8.1 million) in 2050.

Developing and implementing strategies to prevent falls and mobility problems among older people is a key priority area for MLHD.

A Tai chi demonstration will take place at the launch.

Balanced Steps will be available for borrowing from the Leeton library.

Nazmul Ahasa

Falls prevention co-ordinator 

MLHD 

Nominate a worthy senior 

NOMINATIONS are now being called for the 2017 NSW Seniors Local Achievement Awards.

Seniors help make our local communities stronger and better.

The NSW Seniors Local Achievement Awards are an opportunity to thank a senior for everything they do in the community.

We are calling on people to nominate seniors who are making a real difference to the lives of those around them.

Seniors are valued and respected members of our community.

Whether it is volunteering for a charity, lending a helping hand to a local sporting club or caring for a loved one, older Australians do so much to make our families and communities stronger.

The 2017 NSW Seniors Local Achievement Awards will celebrate seniors’ achievements in a range of categories, including business, environment, science, agriculture, health and wellbeing, learning and community service.

Nominations are now open and close March 10. To obtain a nomination form, contact my offices in Griffith or Deniliquin or email murray@parliament.nsw.gov.au.

Adrian Piccoli

Member for Murray 

RECENT changes to law and governance should ultimately give Australian farmers more control over their data, according to the Accelerating Precision Agriculture to Decision Agriculture research project.

We have identified a significant shift in the way data is being thought about, including draft new laws relating to data access. 

It’s a great first step for farmers who have been cautious in the past about adopting new technology because of uncertainty around the collection and use of data.

We’re beginning to address the critical issues, from who owns the data collected on farm to how we make sure that the individual farmer can access their data down the track.

Leanne Wiseman and Jay Sanderson 

Project researchers