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2012 Bethany Arthouse Film Festival
Its all things love for 2012!
Get your diary out and keep these dates free to attend our 2012 festival.
This year we will open on Tuesday 20 March at the Playhouse theatre GPAC where we will celebrate 10 years of screening the festival.
Other dates are 24 April, 5 June, 31 July and 28 August.
This year we will be offering a special 'early bird' discount price to purchasers of season passes and look out for your chance to win a Dinner Bed and Breakfast package at the Mercure Hotel Geelong AND a special season pass holders discounted rate at the Mercure on any night throughout the duration of the festival. More details to follow.
Why not lodge your details with us and we will send you regular updates and reminders of the 2012 Bethany Arthouse Film Festival send your details to
sgoddard@bethany.org.au
Happy Viewing
Toys arrive by Harley
Bethany CEO, Grant Boyd, received a generous donation for the Giving Tree Appeal from the Geelong Chapter of the Harley Davidson's Owners Group. Their annual toy run was once again a huge success, more than 800 bikes loaded with toys roared their way from Geelong to Queenscliff. The donated toys will help brighten the Christmas of many Geelong region families.
Child Protection in the Spotlight
Bethany was one of four local agencies who presented to the state government’s Protecting Victoria’s Vulnerable Children Inquiry at its first public hearing in Geelong recently. The inquiry will look at how to reduce the incidence and negative impact of child neglect and abuse in Victoria.
Bethany CEO, Grant Boyd, said “Bethany has keen interest in protecting the most vulnerable children in our community and called on the State Government to spend much more on early intervention and prevention programs.” In 2010, the Barwon Child FIRST program which is the central community referral point for concerns about the safety and welfare of children, received over 2,200 enquiries for support.
“A large part of Bethany’s work is about preventing child abuse and neglect. The rising pressures in the Child Protection system demonstrate that more emphasis is needed on prevention programs”, Mr Boyd said. The findings from the inquiry are due to be reported to Parliament in November. For more information visit - http://www.childprotectioninquiry.vic.gov.au/
Family Violence Funding Boost
The Department of Human Services recently announced funding for Bethany to deliver one of two new family violence demonstration projects in Victoria.
Grant Boyd Bethany CEO said ‘Geelong has the highest rate of family violence police attendance in regional Victoria and ranks amongst the sixth highest in the state. Women and children in our community have a right to live safely and free from violence, it is a serious issue that should not be tolerated in our community.’
The Strengthening Risk Management Demonstration Projects will trial new ways specialist family violence and family support agencies, sexual assault and mental health services, Police, legal services, Child Protection and other agencies can work together to ensure a joint response to the needs of women and children who experience family violence.
‘Bethany was chosen as we have a proven track record in delivering innovative multi agency approaches to improve safety outcomes for women and children. This funding is a welcome addition to our existing family violence services and the project will employ four new staff.’ Mr. Boyd said.
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