As social justice is at the heart of the community sector, we'd like to take the opportunity on World Social Justice Day (February 20)  to reflect upon and to celebrate the amazing work being done in our region to support individuals, families and communities. In this Social Justice edition of the NRSDC newsletter we showcase some local initiatives by members of the Northern Rivers community sector who work passionately and diligently towards the goal of social justice.

 Bringing more transport options to local Indigenous communities creates pride, ownership and addresses social justice.

If you keep a look out, you’ll now be able to see witchetty grubs and kangaroos travelling the roads on the side of the Bonalbo Aboriginal Community bus. The colourful artwork depicting animals and trees found in the area of Bonalbo has been created as part of the Bus Identity Project, coordinated by Northern Rivers Community Transport (NRCT).

The Northern Rivers Community Legal Centre (NRCLC) prides itself on being a stalwart in the pursuit of social justice for our region! 

NRCLC has a number of legal outreaches in Casino, Tweed, Murwillumbah, Pottsville and Lismore for people who need free legal advice every week. We provide community legal education and also a tenants' advice and advocacy service, a women's domestic violence court advocacy service and Aboriginal community development programs

Byron's homeless now have  a safe place to seek help at Fletcher Street Cottage.

In 2010, the Fletcher Street Cottage was established in Byron Bay as a homeless drop-in centre and now plays an important role in supporting social justice for Byron’s homeless.

Tweed Shire Council is developing a policy and action plan to help improve access and inclusion for everyone in the community. A three-month study, from 14 November 2011 to mid February 2012, is encouraging feedback from individuals and organisations to help Council produce the policy and action plan.  Submissions close at the end of February, so you need to be quick!

 To read the latest Northern Rivers Family Pathways newsletter click here. The newsletter contains important information about how you can add your service to the online directory, as well as upcoming events and research information.

To read the latest INFORM news from Homelessness Australia, click here.  INFORM is the (free) weekly digest of national and international information, news, research, advocacy and events from the homelessness and allied sectors.

 An Expression of Interest has been posted on the Government’s e-tendering website to identify NGOs who meet a basic set of criteria and wish to progress on to respond to a detailed Request for Information (RFI) as the first stage of a multi-step procurement process for the delivery of the NSW Drug and Alcohol Treatment Services for 2011/12 and beyond.

Show your support for ongoing funding of EnViTE's environmental programs - 1000 signatures are needed! The National Green Jobs Corp program will finish in June 2012 and the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations has confirmed there will be “no environmental training and employment programs for the foreseeable future”.  It will be the first time in 20 years that labour market programs of this type have not be available.  This is despite the ongoing youth unemployment, social and environmental problems these programs can alleviate. Please sign the following petition to show your support for the program.

 It’s that time of year again! NORTEC Youth Services are updating the Far North Coast Youth Services Directory.