So it is pleasing to see that the federal government is encouraging aspiring students and apprentices to make the most of the government's supports in 2021 and claim for Youth Allowance, ABSTUDY or Austudy now.

These payments help provide much needed support students and apprentices as they work towards their study and career goals.

Some students who need to relocate to study may get a higher rate of Youth Allowance or ABSTUDY and may also be eligible for the Relocation Scholarship.

The new $5000 Tertiary Access Payment is also available to eligible students who recently finished year 12 and are moving from outer regional or remote Australia to begin tertiary study in 2021.

These are just a small selection of support measures for our young Australians.

For more information about payments and services for students and Australian Apprentices, visit servicesaustralia.gov.au/students.

Aboriginal voice

A united people is paramount for a stable, peaceful and prosperous nation. So I encourage everyone to get involved in the second stage of the Indigenous Voice Co-design process.

You can provide feedback and make comments on proposals. Consultation will run over the next four months, with many ways for people to have their say.

Over the last 12 months, more than 52 members across three co-design groups have worked through options for what the Indigenous voice might look like and how it might operate.

Together with group members, we are now seeking feedback so they can refine their final recommendations to government. All Australians are invited to have their say and further shape the proposals.

You can provide feedback and find out more about consultations at https://voice.niaa.gov.au.

The Indigenous Voice Co-design Process Interim Report and other resources to support people in responding are also available on the website.

Employment facilitator

A very warm Cowper welcome to the Mid-North Coast's new employment facilitator, Janine Culnane, who starts in this role on January 18, 2021.

Janine will work on-the-ground across Cowper to support employers and job seekers to connect with employment and training opportunities.

Her role is part of the Federal Government's $62.8 million Local Jobs Program to ensure that all our residents have the best opportunities in life.