The NSW Government has offered a boost to women in business, with Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee and Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor launching a free online mentoring program.
The landmark $7 million Women in Business program provides practical resources for women running small businesses, micro-businesses or start-ups.
New ABS data has revealed more than a third of the nation’s small businesses are headed by women, with 12.1 per cent of the nation’s 5.9 million female employees now their own boss.
Mr Lee said the NSW Government, through TAFE NSW, was determined to support this entrepreneurial spirit by providing as much support as possible to women in business.
“Women now have access to a range of free online information, advice from leading Australian entrepreneurs, as well as events and workshops,” Mr Lee said.
The Women in Business program connects business owners with a range of resources and support services provided by the NSW Government.
Mrs Taylor said the NSW Government wants to ensure that women-led businesses have the best possible opportunity to succeed.
“The Women in Business program will ensure entrepreneurial women across the state are supported, regardless of where they live,” Mrs Taylor said.
“It also allows businesswomen to select the resources that best suit their needs, at a time that is convenient to them.”
Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said women-led businesses play a vital role in the State’s economy.
“The NSW Government wants to see even more women succeed in small business which is why we are giving them the support they need to get ahead,” he said.
The program is part of the NSW Women’s Strategy for 2018-2022. Participants can access training topics such as creating a business plan, keeping your business cyber-safe and leveraging social media.
To register for the free program visit tafensw.edu.au/womeninbusiness or call 131 601.
Month: January 2020
24 NEW AND UPGRADED SCHOOLS OPEN
Term 1 2020 will see the largest investment made in public school infrastructure across NSW, with 7 new and 17 upgraded schools opening their doors in Term 1.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell visited students at Gledswood Hills Public School, Preston Public School, Epping Public School and Parramatta Public School.
Ms Berejiklian said the new and upgraded schools will benefit more than 20,000 students across NSW.
“It is set to be another big year for public schools with 24 new and upgraded schools opening this term,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The state of the art schools include new classrooms, performance studios, sports facilities, outdoor learning areas, halls and libraries to ensure students are receiving the best education.”
The NSW Government is investing $6.7 billion over four years to deliver more than 190 new and upgraded schools to support communities across NSW. This is the largest investment in public education infrastructure in the history of NSW.
Ms Mitchell said the new and upgraded schools were part of the NSW Government’s commitment to education and ensuring that Australia’s largest education system is world class.
“Schools in both regional and metro NSW are benefitting from this historic $6.7 billion investment in school infrastructure,” Ms Mitchell said
“These 24 new and upgraded schools represent a $974 million investment in our children’s education for generations to come.
“Along with our fantastic teachers and staff, these new buildings will be an asset to children who learn in them.”
New and upgraded schools opening in Term 1 across NSW:
Day 1 Term 1
|
ALBURY-WODONGA HEALTH REDEVELOPMENT TO BEGIN
The New South Wales and Victorian governments are working together to build a new emergency department and the first short stay unit at Albury Wodonga Health to meet the future health needs of the community.
NSW Minister for Health and Medical Research Brad Hazzard, Victorian Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Jenny Mikakos and NSW Member for Albury Justin Clancy visited Albury Wodonga Health today to announce the almost $36 million redevelopment.
Mr Hazzard said the strong relationship between the NSW and Victorian governments will help ensure the Albury-Wodonga community receives world-class healthcare close to home.
“The NSW Liberal & Nationals Government has committed $30 million to expand Albury Wodonga Health’s emergency department from 16 to 42 treatment spaces to provide the community with high quality emergency care now and into the future,” Mr Hazzard said.
Ms Mikakos said the Victorian Health and Human Services Building Authority will work closely with NSW Health and NSW Health Infrastructure to successfully deliver the project.
“The Andrews Labor Government is providing almost $6 million to build a 16 bed short stay unit which will help reduce wait times in the emergency department, so local patients can get the very best care, sooner,” Ms Mikakos said.
Mr Clancy said the $36 million investment is welcome news for the local community.
“With one of the busiest emergency departments in regional Australia, this funding is crucial to enabling Albury Wodonga Health to meet demand,” Mr Clancy said.
Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said the redevelopment of the emergency department together with the short stay unit will ensure the region has access to critical health services.
“It will support almost 80,000 patients projected to go through the emergency department by 2031,” Ms Symes said.
The NSW Government has invested $10 billion on health infrastructure statewide since 2011, and is investing $10.1 billion more over the next four years, including more than $900 million for rural and regional areas in 2019-20.
The Victorian Government has committed $7 billion on health infrastructure since 2015, delivering the largest health building program in the state’s history.
The project will begin this year and is expected to be completed by 2022.
SOLAR PANELS SAVE ENERGY AT HORNSBY HOSPITAL
Hornsby Hospital will benefit from major energy efficiencies as part of the NSW Government’s $8.1 million solar package for hospitals.
Energy Minister Matt Kean and Health Minister Brad Hazzard today announced the NSW Government will spend $1.5 million on the installation of solar panels on available roof space at Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital.
“The NSW Government is committed to delivering a secure, modern and affordable energy system for our State and I am thrilled Hornsby Hospital is at the centre of this initiative,” Mr Kean said.
“This initiative shows the benefits of using solar energy to save our hospitals money and reduce our carbon footprint.”
Minister for Health Brad Hazzard said the $8.1 million package will also be used to fund solar panel installations at Fairfield, Canterbury and John Hunter hospitals.
“The $3.2 million solar panel installation at John Hunter Hospital will be the biggest hospital solar project in Australia, with solar panels covering 12,000 square metres of the hospital’s roof space,” Mr Hazzard said.
“Hospitals use a sizeable portion of the state’s total energy consumption, so using our roof space to generate power is a smart way to reduce our dependency on the grid.
“By making our hospitals more energy-efficient, these solar projects will help bring our costs down, freeing up funds that can be invested back into the health system.”
Port Macquarie Hospital was the first in NSW to have solar panels installed under this program. Around $224,000 has been saved on electricity costs since June 2018. Solar panels are being installed at Blacktown Hospital and are due to go live in February 2020. They are expected to save $194,000 every year in electricity costs.
The 2019-20 budget for Northern Sydney Local Health District is $1.7 billion, an increase of $57 million on last year.
Armed robbery – Aberdare
Police are investigating an armed robbery at a service station in the Hunter yesterday.
Shortly before 6am (Wednesday 29 January 2020), a man entered a service station on Aberdare Road, Aberdare, and threatened a 31-year-old attendant with a knife.
The man took cash and cigarettes before fleeing out the front entrance onto a dirt bike with a second man waiting. The bike was last seen headed west along Aberdare Road.
Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District were called a short time later and established a crime scene.
Police are now appealing for anyone who may have seen or heard anything to come forward.
Both men were last seen wearing motorbike helmets, with dark clothing and their faces covered.
More support for communities affected by drought
Funding for farmers, small businesses, families and schools in drought-affected communities across Australia will now start rolling out as part of a $57 million support package.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said it was important that those people and businesses suffering from the drought continued to get the support they need.
“While we know the nation has been gripped in recent months by the bushfire crisis I want all Australians impacted by drought to know that you have remained firmly in our Government’s focus,” the Prime Minister said.
“You remain at the centre of relief, response and recovery plans for the future and making Australia more resilient to these challenges in the future.
“This funding will support local tourism initiatives, new infrastructure and amenities, and funding to help non-government schools facing financial hardship as a result of drought.”
Minister for Drought David Littleproud said an additional 52 councils would now receive up to $1 million under the extended Drought Communities Programme, determined by rainfall data and both agricultural and broader employment information.
“We will distribute $47 million to drought effected areas based on population, providing councils of less than 1,000 people with $500,000 and those with a larger population with $1 million to ensure we continue to provide appropriate, tailored support,” Minister Littleproud said.
“Drought doesn’t just hurt farmers, it goes out the farm gate. It hurts small businesses and the wider community as well, but this extra funding keeps money flowing through affected areas.
“Funding will support events that create jobs, boost tourism and improve community wellbeing, and enable construction of infrastructure that encourages people to stop in these small towns.
“So far, the DCP extension has funded over 300 projects, such as the construction of amenities blocks, potable water supply, local tourism assets, community resilience events and employing local drought support officers.”
Minister for Education Dan Tehan said the Government was committing an additional $10 million to ensure families affected by drought are supported to continue accessing education.
“We have doubled our drought relief support for non-government schools to $20 million to help more schools across New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and South Australia keep their doors open,” Minister Tehan said.
“Many of these schools have been taking money out of their own pockets to waive fees and subsidise fees to ensure that families can continue to send their children to school.
“This additional funding will ensure students don’t have their education interrupted as a result of financial hardship caused by drought.”
Since the election the Government has rolled out more than $1 billion in extra grants and payments to support drought-affected communities.
Today in Orange the advisory board of the National Drought and North Queensland Flood Response and Recovery Agency will meet for the first time, working with the National Farmers Federation to improve access to support programs for affected farms and communities across all levels of government.
A list of the additional councils made eligible for the DCP Extension can be found below. A full list of eligible councils for the DCP Extension can be found at business.gov.au/dcp
| New South Wales | |||||
| Clarence Valley | Junee | Lismore | Richmond Valley | Snowy Monaro | |
| Cootamundra-Gundagai | Kempsey | ||||
| Northern Territory | |||||
| Barkly | Central Desert | ||||
| Queensland | |||||
| Bundaberg | Scenic Rim | ||||
| South Australia | |||||
| Barossa | |||||
| Tasmania | |||||
| Devonport | |||||
| Victoria | |||||
| Benalla | Greater Shepparton | Moira | Wangaratta | ||
| Western Australia | |||||
| Albany | Carnamah* | Dumbleyung* | Kent* | Narembeen* | |
| Beverley | Coorow | Esperance | Kojonup | Pingelly | |
| Bridgetown-Greenbushes | Corrigin | Gnowangerup | Kulin* | Plantagenet | |
| Brookton* | Cranbrook | Irwin | Lake Grace | Quairading | |
| Broomehill-Tambellup | Dandaragan | Jerramungup | Mingenew* | Ravensthorpe | |
| Bruce Rock* | Denmark | Katanning | Moora | Three Springs* | |
| Busselton | Donnybrook-Balingup | Kellerberrin | Nannup | Wickepin* | |
*Denotes councils with populations of less than 1,000 and receiving $500,000 in funding.
All other councils have populations of 1,000 or greater and will receive $1 million in funding.
Funding for farmers, small businesses, families and schools in drought-affected communities across Australia will now start rolling out as part of a $57 million support package.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said it was important that those people and businesses suffering from the drought continued to get the support they need.
“While we know the nation has been gripped in recent months by the bushfire crisis I want all Australians impacted by drought to know that you have remained firmly in our Government’s focus,” the Prime Minister said.
“You remain at the centre of relief, response and recovery plans for the future and making Australia more resilient to these challenges in the future.
“This funding will support local tourism initiatives, new infrastructure and amenities, and funding to help non-government schools facing financial hardship as a result of drought.”
Minister for Drought David Littleproud said an additional 52 councils would now receive up to $1 million under the extended Drought Communities Programme, determined by rainfall data and both agricultural and broader employment information.
“We will distribute $47 million to drought effected areas based on population, providing councils of less than 1,000 people with $500,000 and those with a larger population with $1 million to ensure we continue to provide appropriate, tailored support,” Minister Littleproud said.
“Drought doesn’t just hurt farmers, it goes out the farm gate. It hurts small businesses and the wider community as well, but this extra funding keeps money flowing through affected areas.
“Funding will support events that create jobs, boost tourism and improve community wellbeing, and enable construction of infrastructure that encourages people to stop in these small towns.
“So far, the DCP extension has funded over 300 projects, such as the construction of amenities blocks, potable water supply, local tourism assets, community resilience events and employing local drought support officers.”
Minister for Education Dan Tehan said the Government was committing an additional $10 million to ensure families affected by drought are supported to continue accessing education.
“We have doubled our drought relief support for non-government schools to $20 million to help more schools across New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and South Australia keep their doors open,” Minister Tehan said.
“Many of these schools have been taking money out of their own pockets to waive fees and subsidise fees to ensure that families can continue to send their children to school.
“This additional funding will ensure students don’t have their education interrupted as a result of financial hardship caused by drought.”
Since the election the Government has rolled out more than $1 billion in extra grants and payments to support drought-affected communities.
Today in Orange the advisory board of the National Drought and North Queensland Flood Response and Recovery Agency will meet for the first time, working with the National Farmers Federation to improve access to support programs for affected farms and communities across all levels of government.
A list of the additional councils made eligible for the DCP Extension can be found below. A full list of eligible councils for the DCP Extension can be found at business.gov.au/dcp
| New South Wales | |||||
| Clarence Valley | Junee | Lismore | Richmond Valley | Snowy Monaro | |
| Cootamundra-Gundagai | Kempsey | ||||
| Northern Territory | |||||
| Barkly | Central Desert | ||||
| Queensland | |||||
| Bundaberg | Scenic Rim | ||||
| South Australia | |||||
| Barossa | |||||
| Tasmania | |||||
| Devonport | |||||
| Victoria | |||||
| Benalla | Greater Shepparton | Moira | Wangaratta | ||
| Western Australia | |||||
| Albany | Carnamah* | Dumbleyung* | Kent* | Narembeen* | |
| Beverley | Coorow | Esperance | Kojonup | Pingelly | |
| Bridgetown-Greenbushes | Corrigin | Gnowangerup | Kulin* | Plantagenet | |
| Brookton* | Cranbrook | Irwin | Lake Grace | Quairading | |
| Broomehill-Tambellup | Dandaragan | Jerramungup | Mingenew* | Ravensthorpe | |
| Bruce Rock* | Denmark | Katanning | Moora | Three Springs* | |
| Busselton | Donnybrook-Balingup | Kellerberrin | Nannup | Wickepin* | |
*Denotes councils with populations of less than 1,000 and receiving $500,000 in funding.
All other councils have populations of 1,000 or greater and will receive $1 million in funding.
Expanded access to cutting edge CAR T-cell therapy
Access to a cutting edge and potentially curative cancer therapy will be expanded for patients with particular forms of lymphoma, following a positive recommendation from the medical experts on the Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC).
Between 200 and 250 additional cancer patients with Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma, Transformed Follicular Lymphoma and Primary Mediastinal B Cell Lymphoma, are expected to benefit from access to the CAR T-cell therapy, Kymriah®, each year.
Kymriah is a type of CAR T-cell therapy that uses the body’s own immune system to fight cancer. The patients T cells are extracted from the body, genetically reengineered and programmed to recognise and destroy cancer cells, and then reimplanted into the body.
Together with states and territories, the Government currently provides Kymriah to children and young adults with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia for free.
Treatment would cost more than $500,000 for each patient without Government funding.
The agreement with Novartis to extend the availability of this treatment to patients with some types of lymphoma through the public health system, follows a positive recommendation from the medical experts on the MSAC. An MSAC recommendation and agreement with the supplier is an essential step in the public funding process.
Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma is the most common type of Non Hodgkin Lymphoma. Most patients respond very well to current treatments, but for a small number of patients the disease relapses or is resistant to everything available.
Transformed Follicular Lymphoma and Primary Mediastinal Large B Cell Lymphoma are less common types of lymphoma that can also be hard to treat in some patients.
Treatment with Kymriah gives patients a new chance at achieving remission.
As Kymriah is a highly specialised treatment, it is delivered to patients in specialised tertiary public hospitals.
Melbourne is also set to become one of the few cities in the world to manufacture CAR T-cell therapies for the treatment of cancer, with the signing of an historic partnership agreement between Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Novartis Pharmaceuticals, to manufacture Kymriah in Melbourne.
The Government welcomes this announcement.
This historic partnership agreement adds to the Morrison Government’s broader commitment to the Parkville Precinct and Victoria as a world leading health and medical research centre, with a particular focus on cancer.
It follows our $460 million investment in a range of health and medical research centres throughout the state, including $80 million to establish the Centre for Excellence in Cellular Immunotherapy at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.
The Centre for Excellence in Cellular Immunotherapy is supporting the capacity and capability of Australia’s leading cancer specialists to use CAR T-cell therapy for the treatment of certain types of cancer.
The manufacture of Kymriah at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre means patient cells will no longer need to be shipped overseas for processing.
Australia will become one of the few countries in the world to manufacture CAR T-cell therapies.
This demonstrates the advanced medical manufacturing capabilities we have in Australia and Victoria.
The Morrison Government’s commitment to ensuring Australians can access affordable treatments, when they need them, remains rock solid.
Labour Force December 2019: More Australians in work than ever before
Labour force figures released today by the ABS exceeded all market expectations in December 2019, with seasonally adjusted employment rising by 28,900 over the month, to stand at a record high of 12,981,600.
Over the year to December 2019, employment has risen by 262,500 (or 2.1 per cent), above the decade average growth rate, of 1.8 per cent.
Seasonally adjusted full-time employment is now at 152,700 (or 1.8 per cent), which is higher than it was a year ago.
Full-time employment has comprised 58.2 per cent of total employment growth over the last year.
Part-time employment rose by 29,200 in December and is now 109,900 (or 2.7 per cent) higher than it was a year ago.
The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell by 0.1 percentage points over the month, to 5.1 per cent in December 2019.
The participation rate was steady in December 2019, at 66.0 per cent, but is 0.3 percentage points higher than it was a year ago.
The Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, welcomed today’s positive figures and noted that while labour force figures can jump around from month-to-month, a total of 1,505,400 jobs had been created since the Government came to office, an increase of 13.1 per cent.
“The Government is also facilitating a record infrastructure spend, which will help create tens of thousands of jobs across the country and also has a plan to create 80,000 apprenticeships,” the Minister stated.
“Today’s data continue to reflect the underlying strength and resilience of the Australian labour market and highlight the success of the Government’s efforts to stimulate ongoing, sustainable jobs growth, even in the face of significant global and domestic headwinds,” the Minister said.
CORRECTIVE SERVICES NSW STAFF HONOURED ON AUSTRALIA DAY
The outstanding service of four Corrective Services NSW officers at Long Bay, Goulburn, Leichhardt and Silverwater has been recognised in this year’s Australia Day Honours List.
The Australian Corrections Medal was awarded to Jean Dally, Rebecca Edwards, Amandeep Singh and Albert Torrens for their distinguished service and leadership.
Minister for Counter Terrorism and Corrections Anthony Roberts congratulated the four officers for their commitment to making the community safer.
“These officers should be very proud to be the recipients of this prestigious medal and I thank them for their service to NSW,” Mr Roberts said.
“Corrections is a challenging area to work in, and a difficult one, but these officers have shown true leadership, hard work and a strong motivation to make our communities safer and reduce reoffending.”
CSNSW Commissioner Peter Severin said the four officers inspired others.
“Jean, Rebecca, Amandeep and Albert are great representatives of Corrective Services NSW and we are proud to have them working for us,” Mr Severin said.
“They demonstrate all the best traits of correctional officers and provide a good role model to other staff. They are also doing their best to improve practices at the department and the rehabilitation prospects of offenders.”
The Australian Corrections Medal for distinguished service and leadership was introduced in 2018 and is awarded in the Australia Day and Queen’s Birthday Honours lists. The four recipients will be invested with their medals at NSW Government House in May.
Regional Support Manager Jean Dally, Offender Services and Programs, Goulburn
Ms Dally joined Corrective Services NSW in 2004 and has been pivotal in providing services and programs in custody and the community, which support behavioural change in offenders.
She has been vital to developing programs for young offenders, ensuring access to specialist services, particularly for those with medical or mental health issues.
She has also established relationships with local agencies to deliver best practice programs and support services for inmates pre-release.
She was instrumental in the development and implementation of the structured day routine to ensure offenders have daily access to programs, education and industries to reflect their case plans.
Ms Dally’s commitment and dedication to assisting offenders with complex needs involves travelling to 15 correctional centres and 25 Community Corrections offices across the state.
“This medal definitely does make me feel proud, but also humbled and surprised that I’m recognised for the work I do. It’s more than a just a job for me – I enjoy my work so much and every day is exciting, challenging, rewarding and actually enjoyable,” Ms Dally said.
Rebecca Edwards, Acting Manager of Governance and Compliance – Security and Intelligence, Silverwater
Ms Edwards joined CSNSW in 2005 and has worked at Silverwater Women’s and Dawn De Loas correctional centres.
She later joined the Corrections Intelligence Group with her work involving the management of Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMCG) offenders, who have been identified as a significant risk to the security of NSW prisons. Her efforts have contributed to reducing the risk of incidents at CSNSW locations and the community.
The management of OMCG members in custody and the community requires a unique knowledge, not only of a correctional environment, but also of the highly complex nature of these gangs.
Through her work, she has established and strengthened relationships with law enforcement bodies, which have contributed to a safer community.
Ms Edwards said she was “honoured and humbled” to receive the Australian Corrections Medal.
“None of this would’ve been possible without the commitment, dedication and support of those who worked in this field before me, and for my team members past and present who share the drive and passion to do our bit to disrupt gang activity,” Ms Edwards said.
“I’ve been very fortunate to work alongside people who’ve worked tirelessly to detect and disrupt gang activity, as well as managing the threats from all crime types. I am inspired by those who think outside the box and seek real life solutions in this field.”
Amandeep Singh, First Class Correctional Officer, Long Bay
Mr Singh joined CSNSW in 2014 and currently works at the Metropolitan Special Programs Centre at Long Bay. His job involves managing inmates and working at the reception desk at the internal visits centre.
During his own time he designed a user-friendly computer dashboard application, to assist staff in performing their daily duties.
The dashboard provides direct links to current policy and procedures, and templates and forms, regularly used by custodial staff and business partners.
The dashboard application is now being rolled out to other centres across the state, allowing staff to focus on business-as-usual operations and perform their duties more effectively.
Mr Singh continues to liaise with individual correctional centres to establish programs tailored to their specific needs to improve outcomes for Corrective Services NSW.
Mr Singh said: “I feel honoured. I wasn’t expecting this. I share this award with my team.”
Albert Torrens, Aboriginal Client Service Officer, Leichhardt
Mr Torrens joined CSNSW as an Aboriginal Client Service Officer in 2000 and has been instrumental in developing Community Corrections engagement models with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island offenders and their families.
The Bundjalung man has been a tireless advocate and champion of Community Corrections within the community and shows dedication and commitment to reducing recidivism and improving outcomes for Aboriginal offenders.
He is an acknowledged subject matter expert on engaging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander offenders, and their families, and his use of culturally appropriate methods is significant.
In 2002 he was involved in the implementation of the ‘Walking Together Program’ aimed at addressing Aboriginal offenders’ criminogenic needs within a culturally appropriate setting.
He also was pivotal in rebuilding relationships with the criminal justice community and the Aboriginal community following the Redfern Riots in 2004.
Mr Torrens said of receiving the medal: “I feel elated. It was a bit of a surprise. I am trying to reduce recidivism. It’s my hope that one day we come close to really driving it down.”
POLICE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES RECOGNISED IN AUSTRALIA DAY HONOURS
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott has today congratulated 21 first responders recognised in the 2020 Australia Day Honours.
Eight NSW Police officers have been awarded the Australian Police Medal, one NSW Police civilian employee has been awarded the Public Service Medal, six Rural Fire Service members and three Fire and Rescue personnel have been awarded the Australian Fire Services Medal, while three members of the State Emergency Service and Volunteer Rescue Association have received the Emergency Services Medal.
Mr Elliott said the men and women on this year’s Honours List exemplified the Australian values of mateship and community service.
“Over the past few weeks and months, the community has seen more of our heroes in Police and Emergency Services than they have ever seen before,” Mr Elliott said.
“It’s been a horror bushfire season and as a community we are grieving for the lives, homes and memories that have been taken away from us.
“But today is a day to recognise the service and sacrifice of the men and women who well and truly stepped up to the plate and put the safety of others before their own.
“It is also a day to pause and reflect on those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
“To the families of the fallen, both in NSW and in the United States our message is this: thank you – thank you for raising and supporting the kind of people who put others first in our darkest hour.
“On behalf of the NSW Government, I’d like to thank all of our police officers and emergency services personnel and volunteers, and reiterate our commitment to providing them with resources they need to keep communities across NSW safe.”
Australian Police Medal Nominees:
Detective Superintendent Anthony Cooke, St George PAC
Detective Superintendent David Darcy, Northern Beaches PAC
Detective Superintendent Gavin Wood, Sydney City PAC
Detective Superintendent Kerrie Lewis, Campsie PAC
Detective Superintendent Peter McKenna, Orana Mid-Western PD
Superintendent Daniel Sullivan, Lake Macquarie PAC
Detective Chief Inspector Robert Allison, St George PAC
Sergeant John Rayment, Burwood PAC
Public Service Medal Nominees:
Mr Christopher Beatson
Australian Fire Services Medal Nominees:
RFS Group Captain Robert Graham, Goolmangar Rural Fire Brigade
Group Captain Raymond Hill, Curlwaa Rural Fire Brigade
RFS Group Captain John Stuckings, Gidgell Rural Fire Brigade
RFS Captain Michelle Thornley, St Georges Basin Rural Fire Brigade
RFS Group Captain Owen Tydd, Kelvin Rural Fire Brigade
RFS Deputy Captain Graham Williams, Sussex Inlet Rural Fire Brigade
FRNSW Chief Superintendent Brett Davies, Green Point
FRNSW Captain John Bevan, Lightening Ridge
FRNSW Station Officer Dawn Maynard, Port Macquarie
Emergency Services Medal Nominees:
Ms Allison Flaxman, NSW SES, Penrith
Mr Warren Turner, NSW SES, Burradoo
Mr Richard Rooke, NSW VRA, Wagga Wagga