Bushfire Response - 8,000 Members across 20 Agencies Involved

Upwards of 8,000 CPSU members across multiple agencies are involved in the fire fighting and recovery efforts and CPSU acknowledges the outstanding work, and dedication and commitment shown by all during this crisis.

Other stories include; Tertiary Scholarship Program, Paid Maternity Leave, International Women s Day, and Support for Earth Hour.

For a complete list of all the agency action from our DSE, Parks and DPI fire-fighters to Coronial Services and Forensic Crime Scene Investigators to our State Revenue Office, DHS, and TAC members assisting communities access vital recovery funds click on the Bushfire Icon on our homepage.

Tertiary Scholarship Program - Application forms are NOW available -

CPSU in conjunction with SGE Credit Union will continue our tertiary scholarship program this year, awarding $750 per year to support those members and their families attempting a suitable tertiary course with a demonstrated need.

A scholarship will be awarded in two categories with a total amount of $750 each year for a maximum of 3 years to be awarded for each category.

Find out more;
http://www.cpsuvic.org/public_docs/OPEN-1-2801-TERTIARY-SCHOLARSHIP.pdf


Paid Maternity Leave - Call to Fund Scheme in Federal Budget --

Working women, families and unions are sending a message to the Federal Government that we want to see a new national
Paid Maternity Leave scheme in the 2009 Federal Budget.

It s time to deliver Paid Maternity Leave!

It will be good for the economy, good for employers and good for families.

Our State Government already recognises these benefits and funds 14 weeks paid parental leave in most CPSU Agreements.

Mums need time to recover from their birth and time to bond with their newborn and adjust to motherhood.

We also know that families will spend the money they receive; giving an extra stimulus to the economy.

Find out more;
http://www.actu.asn.au/Campaigns/CurrentCampaigns/PaidMaternityLeave/default.aspx

Take action online;
http://www.rightsatwork.com.au/paidmaternityleave


International Women s Day - Rally for Peace, Justice & Equality --

CPSU and Trades Hall Council invite women to Rally in Melbourne on Friday 6th March 2009 at the State Library to celebrate International Women's Day (8th March) this year.

Find out more;
http://www.vthc.org.au

Download an IWD Poster;
http://www.cpsuvic.org/public_docs/OPEN-3-2602-VTHC-IWD-2009.pdf


Support for Earth Hour - Turn Off ALL Lights for One Hour in March --

On Saturday 28 March at 8:30 PM, people around the world will turn off their lights for one hour to show how by working together we make a difference in the fight against climate change.

Earth Hour is Australian in origin, beginning in Sydney in March 2007.

In 2009, Earth Hour aims to reach 1 billion people in 1,000 cities to illustrate world support for action on climate change.

Register your participation at http://www.EarthHour.org and by communicating the Earth Hour message to your family and friends.

Click here to view/print a formatted version of OPEN CHANNEL for display;

http://www.cpsuvic.org/public_docs/OPEN-3-2602-TS-PML-IWD-EARTH-HOUR.pdf

KAREN BATT
CPSU Victorian Branch Secretary

26 February 2009