Category: NSW News

Sydneysiders keen to help drought-stricken towns can easily buy Christmas presents and produce direct from regional retailers, with the help of a new NSW Government campaign that connects city shoppers with rural sellers.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro, Minister for Small Business Damien Tudehope, renowned chef Matt Moran and the founders of online communities #BuyFromTheBush and #OneDayCloserToRain today attended the launch of the NSW Government’s Buy Regional campaign at the Sydney Fish Markets.
Mr Barilaro said Buy Regional is an online hub that showcases regional shops and sellers together in one place, to make it easy for shoppers to find the perfect Christmas gift and support regional NSW.
“Everywhere I go people tell me about the images they’ve seen and the stories they’ve heard of how drought is affecting people in the bush and that they want to do something to help, but they’re not sure how,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Every dollar you spend with a regional retailer or producer helps keep that small business afloat, supports jobs in that town and gets money flowing through the local economy, which is exactly what is needed while we wait for the drought to break.
“Regional businesses can participate in the Buy Regional hub and social media network for free by simply registering online,” he said.
The hub already features businesses from some of the hardest hit areas of the state, including Broken Hill, Coonamble, Inverell and White Cliffs.
Mr Tudehope said the Buy Regional hub is divided into six categories, Wine, Fashion, Food, Gifts for Kids, Art & Design, and Christmas hampers, to help shoppers easily find gifts for that special someone.
“I’ve heard loud and clear what regional small businesses struggling through the drought have had to say, that there are fewer walk-in customers, that margins are tighter and that owners are under enormous pressure,” Mr Tudehope said.
“The quality and variety of products available from regional NSW retailers remains world class and the Buy Regional campaign will directly connect shoppers in cities wanting to buy, with businesses in the bush that have goods to sell,” he said.
#BuyFromTheBush founder Grace Brennan said she turned to social media to help businesses find new customers outside of their drought stricken communities and was amazed when the number of followers skyrocketed from zero to 26,000 in eight days.
“This all started as a hashtag on social media but it’s become so powerful because it’s a simple way for people in the city who want to spend their money in the bush to see beautiful things they like and buy them,” Ms Brennan said.
“Not everyone has an online presence but businesses are thinking outside the box. Just the other day I walked in on a business where the shopkeeper was showing dresses to a customer on a video call and she was picking out what she wanted.
“It just shows that there are so many people out there who want to help and it’s incredible that in such a short space of time that so many regional businesses are making connections with shoppers in the city and some have even sold out of stock.”
Facebook group #OneDayCloserToRain is connecting people on the land who are struggling with drought, providing a life line for those who need to share their stories.
The group has launched a marketplace to help regional people create income streams by selling their locally produced arts and design work to city people keen to help.
As well as buying gifts from regional retailers, Mr Barilaro encouraged Sydneysiders planning festive get togethers and Christmas Day feasts to consider buying meat, produce and hampers from regional NSW.
“Favour the flavour of regional NSW and ask your Sydney butcher or greengrocer for meat, poultry and produce provided by NSW farmers or check out the Buy Regional hub for honey, preserves, veg, meat or even fully-stocked hampers, all sourced from our regions,” Mr Barilaro said.
#Thankful4Farmers ambassador Matt Moran said in lieu of drought breaking rain, farmers across regional NSW need the support of the grocery buying public.
“As a fourth generation farmer I know firsthand the blood, sweat and tears that goes into producing our food during times of drought and every product purchased will show our farming and rural communities how much they are valued ,” Mr Moran said.
Mr Barilaro thanked the founders and supporters of all the online entrepreneurs helping connect regional businesses to city shoppers, along with organisations that are providing support on top of the NSW Government’s drought package.
“Charities and volunteers are also doing great work, organisations like Buy A Bale and Foodbank NSW which is providing more than 15,000 hampers to farming communities and I thank them for their kindness and generosity,” Mr Barilaro said.
“To date, more than $988 million from the NSW Government’s $1.8 billion Emergency Drought Relief Package has been spent and we have committed a further $988 million to build 175 water infrastructure projects under the Safe and Secure Water program.”
The Buy Regional for Christmas hub is at: www.nsw.gov.au/buyregional

Groundbreaking new rules will give the NSW Government the power to claw back excessive insurer profits from Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance and return the money to motorists through cheaper Green Slips.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said insurer profits will be capped at 10 per cent by the State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA), keeping costs to motorists down while also encouraging the industry to be more innovative.
The new CTP scheme gave Government the authority to eliminate super profits, and these Australian first rules provide the policy framework to achieve that objective.
“Under the old CTP scheme, insurer profits were in excess of 30 per cent and resulted in motorists paying some of the highest premiums in the country,” Mr Dominello said.
“Those days are over and the sun has completely set on insurer super profits. The new scheme is fairer and more affordable, with motorists paying $490 on average for their Green Slips – the most affordable since 2011.
“We have delivered on a promise and these rules and are a big win for motorists who can have confidence that the Government will crackdown on excessive profits.”
Based on current premiums, for every one per cent of excess profit recovered from insurers, more than $15 million will be returned to NSW vehicle owners through lower Green Slip prices.
Insurers with approved innovation programs will be able to retain an additional three per cent profit. This gives a strong incentive for them to enhance injury prevention and help people return to health, while ensuring premiums do not increase.
SIRA will monitor insurer profits on a yearly basis and claw back any profits when claims for more complex and serious injuries are resolved.
The new rules are already applicable. Further information is available at www.sira.nsw.gov.au

School leavers will benefit from an accelerated pathway from Year 12 to TAFE NSW with the NSW Government announcing a new program to incentivise study at TAFE.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said the program will to make it more attractive for high school students to take up a trade or apprenticeship by allowing students to receive recognition for what they have already learnt at school.
Today’s announcement follows the Government’s release of the interim curriculum review which indicated there needs to be greater focus on embedding trade education within senior years of the curriculum. The review also noted the need for greater collaboration between schools, vocational education providers, universities and industry.
“We are focused on preparing young people for the jobs of the future,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“This announcement will allow school leavers to build skills across emerging industries such as advanced manufacturing, technology and engineering.
“We want universities and VET to be thought of in the same sentence for young people looking to prepare themselves for the high value jobs of the future.”
Mr Lee said that around a quarter of students who start a bachelor degree but drop out of university could be better suited to attending TAFE.
“We are incentivising high-achieving HSC students into our vocational education sector by giving them a head-start at TAFE NSW,” Mr Lee said.
“We will do this by mapping HSC units to vocational competencies and allowing eligible students to proceed straight to assessments.
“Educational research identifies that some students are feeling pressured to go to university, regardless of whether it’s the best option for their future careers.”
HSC subjects that could qualify for these new TAFE pathways include mathematics, engineering studies, industrial technology and, software design and development.

One of the world’s largest companies – the Japanese conglomerate Hitachi – has signed up to be the first tenant at the Aerotropolis, with a collaboration and research centre that will generate hi-tech jobs.
The centre, based on Hitachi’s successful Kyoso-no-mori facility in Japan, will promote collaborative creation-style research between business, academics and government.
It will create more than 85 advanced technology jobs in Western Sydney, in fields such as data analytics, artificial intelligence and other technologies.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian made the announcement at Parliament House with Dr Norihiro Suzuki, Vice President and Executive Officer, CTO and Mr Hideki Osumi, General Manager of Smart Digital Solution Business Development Division, and General Manager of Smart Life Business Management Division, from Hitachi Ltd.
Ms Berejiklian said the ‘Kyoso’ centre would bring Hitachi’s successful ‘Social Innovation Business’ concept to Western Sydney, and was an important step towards ensuring the new Aerotropolis delivers on its promise to be a hub for innovation, research and development.
“Their presence at the Aerotropolis will attract the brightest minds and the best in business to the region – a great opportunity for economic development and job creation into the future,” Ms Berejiklian said.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said this  initiative will create opportunities for Western Sydney to lead on solutions to social, economic and environmental challenges in NSW and abroad.
“Hitachi have been on board with our Government’s ambitious Aerotropolis vision from the start. It is exciting that Hitachi is exploring advanced manufacturing and digital research and development in the Western Parkland City,” Mr Ayres said.
Dr Suzuki said Hitachi’s vision was to investigate challenges facing society, customers and stakeholders and to work together to identify ways to resolve the issues.
“It means we can attract the brightest minds and the best in business to the region: a great opportunity for economic development and job creation into the future.”
“Hitachi looks forward to being a founding tenant of the new smart city and will continue to work with the Western City & Aerotropolis Authority to contribute to the planning and design of the Advanced Manufacturing and Research Precinct,” Dr Suzuki said.
“By drawing on vast experience and technology in social infrastructure and information technology, Hitachi works to provide the best outcomes and help improve customers’ economic, social and environmental value. Hitachi hopes to accelerate Kyoso-style collaborative creation in Western Sydney.”
Construction on the Kyoso centre is expected to begin in late 2022. To date, the NSW Government has signed 17 MOUs with national and international Foundation Partners in the Aerotropolis, with more commercial agreements expected to be signed over the coming months.

The New South Wales Coach and Support teams for the 2020 National Netball Championships in Hobart have been finalised.
The Nationals are a chance for the brightest young talent in Australian netball to represent their state or territory. They are also a crucial pathway opportunity, and a chance to get national exposure and catch the eye of Netball Australia selectors.
NSW 19/U head coach Jennifer Wright (Eastwood-Ryde) will be assisted in her role by former National League player Alison Tucker-Munro (Randwick), with Virginia Welsh (Manly Warringah) on board as an apprentice coach and Di Bills (Eastwood Ryde) fulfilling the role of team manager.
In the 17/U setup, head coach Amber Cross (Wyong District) will be assisted by Kath Tetley (Baulkham-Hills Shire), with Kirstie Fuller (Gunnedah) working as an apprentice coach, and Jenny Gage-Traill (Northern Suburbs) named team manager.
Netball NSW State Pathways Manager Margaret Hamley said she was delighted to have both coaching teams in place for a big year ahead.
“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate everyone appointed in what is a proud moment for all concerned,” she said.
“These coaches have come along the Netball NSW pathway and both Jennifer and Amber are excited to have very good teams behind them.
“This year NSW brought back silver in both the 17s and 19s competitions and in 2020 we’ll be looking to take that final step and bring gold back to the state.”
The Nationals will be held from the 18-23 April at the Hobart Netball and Sports Centre with the winners of both the 17/U and 19/U Divisions crowned in Gold Medal matches on on the last day of play.
NSW 19/U State Team
Head Coach: Jennifer Wright (Eastwood-Ryde)
Assistant Coach: Alison Tucker-Munro (Randwick)
Apprentice Coach: Virginia Welsh (Manly- Warringah)
Manager: Di Bills (Eastwood-Ryde)
NSW 19/U State Team
Head Coach: Amber Cross (Wyong District)
Assistant Coach: Kath Tetley (Baulkham-Hills Shire)
Apprentice Coach: Kirstie Fuller (Gunnedah)
Manager: Jenny Gage-Traill (Northern Suburbs)

Up to 3,000 low income households in five areas will be offered a free rooftop solar system and installation worth $4,000 in a NSW Government funded trial that will also shave more than $300 a year off their energy bills.
Energy Minister Matt Kean said the NSW Government has committed $15 million to reduce the impact of high energy prices, particularly for vulnerable low-income households.
“We are committed to reducing emissions and acting on climate change, while also ensuring affordable and reliable energy for the people of NSW,” Mr Kean said.
“For low income households the cost of buying and installing a rooftop solar system can be prohibitive, so we’ve set up this trial so more of these homeowners can unlock the savings benefit offered by rooftop solar generation.
“In addition to potential bill savings, the addition of up to 3,000 more rooftop solar systems will add more than 8 megawatts of renewable capacity to help support a clean, affordable and reliable electricity grid.”
The Solar for Low Income Households Trial is available in five regions – Central Coast, North Coast, South Coast, Sydney-South and the Illawarra-Shoalhaven – providing eligible households with a 3 kilowatt rooftop solar system.
Eligible applicants must meet the criteria which includes having their own home in a selected region, having a valid Pensioner Concession Card or a Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card, and opting out of the Low Income Household Rebate for 10 years.
“Through the Solar for Low Income Households Trial we will unlock the environmental and economic benefits of clean energy for more homes in NSW.”
Three installers are responsible for supplying and installing the solar systems across the five regions: North Coast – SAE Group; Central Coast, Sydney-South and Illawarra-Shoalhaven – Origin Energy; and South Coast – SolarHub.
More information and advice on how to apply can be found at https://energysaver.nsw.gov.au/solar-low-income-households.

The NSW school curriculum is set for its first major shakeup in over a generation, with a renewed focus on maths, English and science, following the release of the interim curriculum review today.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian welcomed the interim curriculum review and said the report’s emphasis on fundamentals aligns with the Government’s commitment to equip young people with the tools they need to thrive in life after school.
“The NSW Government strongly supports a back to basics approach,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Students need to have strong foundations in maths, English and science to be prepared for the jobs of the future and for attaining lifelong skills.”
Education Minister Sarah Mitchell said the draft curriculum review has indicated ‘significant change’ is required to the NSW curriculum.
“This is the first review of the curriculum to be done in 30 years. It’s a great opportunity for us to reflect on the future of education in NSW and make changes to meet the needs of today’s society,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Students need to be equipped with strong literacy and numeracy foundations to succeed in the 21^st Century. We want a curriculum that leaves no student behind while stimulating students who are advancing faster than others.”
In 2018, the NSW Government commissioned Professor Geoff Masters to review the entire school curriculum from Kindergarten to Year 12.
Parents, teachers, students and the public can have a say on the Interim Curriculum Review via the NSW Curriculum Review website. Consultation closes on 13 December 2019.
The interim report’s key review areas are:

• Reducing the amount of content in the curriculum so students have time to build in depth subject knowledge and develop the skills needed to apply knowledge in the real world;
• Flexible progression that uses levels of attainment to organise syllabuses so students are recognised and challenged according to where they are on the continuum of learning.

Netballers from across the state descended on Tamworth over the weekend for the hosting of the 2019 BING LEE Masters State Titles and Netball NSW Social Masters.
After a competition review by Netball NSW last year, it was recommended that the Masters State Titles and Social Masters be played across the same weekend and location.
Unlike the bigger Senior and Junior State Titles, the smaller size of these competitions provide the opportunity for Regional Associations to host them. In 2019 Tamworth Netball Association from the Northern Inland Region, which boasts great indoor and outdoor facilities, was chosen.
Over the course of Saturday and Sunday over 400 players from 43 teams hit the courts, with just under 7,000 goals scored.
Netball NSW Competitions Manager Claire Dale said the weekend was a huge success and thanked the local community for its contribution.
“This is the first year we’ve run these events together and it took a huge amount of work by a lot of people, not least the wonderful netball community of Tamworth,” she said.
“What we love about the State Masters and Social Masters is that there are games for everyone. Some people want to play for competition, others just want a bit of fun and this caters for both.
“I would like to congratulate all the players, team managers, coaches, staff and volunteers who came from all over NSW to make the weekend very enjoyable for all.
“Tamworth did an amazing job as hosts and it is really special that we get to bring competitions such as these to regional areas.”
Netball NSW would like to thank BING LEE, naming rights partners of the Masters State Titles, for their continued support of netball at all levels.
2019 Winners & Runners Up – Masters State Titles
Over 35s
Winners: Hastings Valley
Runners Up: Gosford
Best & Fairest Player: Kathleen Taminiau (Glen Innes)
Best Fairest Team: Gunnedah
Over 40s
Winners: Wyong District
Runners Up: Glen Innes
Best & Fairest Player: Debbie Elton (Wyong)
Best & Fairest Team: Wyong District & Glen Innes (joint award)
2019 Winners & Runners Up – Social Masters
Over 35s Social
Gold: Lemon Grove Gurus
Silver: Magic Mixture
Bronze: #HereIfYouNeed
Best & Fairest Player: Kim Elliott (Lemon Grove Gurus)
Best Fairest Team: Westport Warriors
Over 40s Social
Gold: Hills Angels
Silver: Hastings 40s
Bronze: Wauchope Warriors
Best & Fairest Player: Linda Gallen (Coonamble Cougars)
Best & Fairest Team: Mussy Unicorns
Over 35s Competitive
Gold: Wollongong Old Beaches
Silver: Dependz
Bronze: LMFAO
Best & Fairest Player: Kelly Pucillo (Wollongong Old Beaches)
Best Fairest Team: Gunnedah
Over 40s Competitive
Gold: Hot Shots
Silver: Miss Match
Bronze: Gunnedah
Best & Fairest Player: Corrina Johnson (Hot Shots)
Best & Fairest Team: Hot Shots

Four million dollars in funding is available for councils to create inclusive playgrounds for their local communities thanks to the NSW Government.
Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said the funding, which councils match dollar for dollar, comes from the Government’s Everyone Can Play program.
“This government-led initiative is the first award-winning program in Australia dedicated to creating inclusive playgrounds where everyone can play, no matter their age or ability,” Mr Stokes said.
“There are more than 1.3 million people living with a disability in NSW and with an ageing population that is increasingly involved in the daily care of their grandchildren, and it’s important that we create spaces where everyone can play and relax.
“That’s why we’re helping local government to create more safe, accessible and well-designed places for friends and families to play, to exercise and to connect with each other.
“The program is proving to be incredibly popular with mums and dads, grandparents and carers, councils and the community, and most importantly, the kids.”
Wagga Wagga resident Leila Bright and mother of five-year-old Mia and three-year-old Andie said inclusive playspaces allow her eldest daughter a chance to be a kid.
“Other playgrounds are difficult for Mia to get around in with her prosthetic leg but inclusive playspaces like Livvi’s Place mean Mia can make new friends, improve her motor skills and build her confidence,” Ms Bright said.
“With the right design, it’s a place she can be on the same level as all of the other kids.”
This is program is helping the NSW Government deliver on its committment to ensure everyone lives near high quality open spaces.
Councils have until Wednesday, 11 December 2019 to apply for funding.

Sydney has won the rights to host WorldPride 2023, the marquee international LGBTQI pride event.
Minister for Arts Don Harwin said he was incredibly proud that Sydney was selected as the host city, the first destination in the Southern Hemisphere to win.
“I am absolutely delighted that Sydney has been chosen to host this incredible event, which coincides with the 45^th anniversary of the first Mardi Gras Parade and the 50^th Anniversary of the first Australian Gay Pride Week,” Mr Harwin said.
“This event will attract thousands of international visitors and put Sydney on the world map as a truly inclusive and united global city.”
“I would like to extend my thanks and congratulations to the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras team for presenting the winning bid.”
Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said WorldPride 2023 in Sydney will be an experience like no other.
“I am so excited Sydney will host WorldPride 2023, which according to Deloitte research is expected to attract one million visitors to our Harbour City and has the capacity to generate an economic footprint in excess of $664 million,” Mr Ayres said.
“Sydney is a truly cosmopolitan city with an amazing harbour, delicious food and beverage, world-class transport and a proud history of celebrating diversity. This global event undoubtedly belongs in Australia’s global city!”
Sydney was selected as the winner by members of InterPride, the international association of pride organisations, at the AGM in Athens overnight.
The inaugural WorldPride was held in Rome in 2000. Cities which have hosted WorldPride since 2000 include Jerusalem, London, Toronto and Madrid.
The NSW Government supported the bid with $192,000 in funding.