Hundreds of people experiencing homelessness will be supported through the new $36 million Together Home project, which will deliver the largest housing response dedicated to rough sleepers in NSW history.
Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward said the project would change the lives of people who have experienced rough sleeping, including people with highly complex needs, by rapidly securing them homes from the private rental market and wrapping essential support services around them.
“Throughout the COVID-19 response we’ve worked hard to keep rough sleepers safe. Now we’re working to get them into homes with the support they need to rebuild their lives,” Mr Ward said.
“This is the largest single investment made to tackle rough sleeping in NSW. The response will be intensive and pack many months’ of work into just weeks, as we strive to transition people from temporary accommodation into secure housing.”
Together Home will be a partnership between the NSW Government, Community Housing Providers, Specialist Homelessness Services and health services.
The package of support is designed to help get people off the streets for good. It will provide access to the services people need to maintain their tenancy, improve their health and wellbeing and move towards training and employment.
Homelessness NSW CEO Katherine McKernan said a housing-first model is critical to providing stability for rough sleepers, and things like case management, drug and alcohol services and mental health support are so important.
“The sector has worked hard in recent months to get to this point and this additional funding will provide the critical next step to help secure housing and the supports people need to sustain tenancies,” Ms McKernan said.
The project builds on the NSW Government’s response to COVID-19, which included increasing the supply and flexibility of temporary accommodation and the expansion of assertive outreach across the state.
Month: June 2020
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE INQUIRY LAUNCHED
The parliamentary committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs has adopted a new inquiry into family, domestic and sexual violence in Australia.
Federal Member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon MP, who will Deputy Chair the inquiry, said it was an important step towards ensuring survivors have their voices heard on an issue that shows no sign of improving.
“It is heartbreaking that, despite so much genuine commitment and ongoing efforts to stop this scourge, rates of domestic violence aren’t going down,” Ms Claydon said.
“Every two minutes, police are called to a domestic and family violence matter and every nine days, a woman is killed by a current or former partner. This can’t go on.”
Ms Claydon said the inquiry would examine local and international evidence to assess both immediate and long-term measures to prevent violence against women and children.
“We’ll be looking at all forms of violence again women including coercive control and technology-facilitated abuse,” Ms Claydon said.
“We’ll also consider the broader context including the role of government, business and the community sector; as well how health, housing, access to services, and women’s economic independence impact on women’s ability to escape.
“We’ve also expanded the terms of reference to include consideration of access to family law support services, Legal Aid and legal assistance providers.”
Ms Claydon said the Committee would also review the increase in the incidence of domestic violence as social restrictions were implemented to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
“The COVID-19 crisis has highlighted the brutal reality that for many women home is not a safe place to be,” Ms Claydon said.
“This incredibly stressful time has led to many women and children being trapped at home with their abusers, with little opportunity to seek help or access services or support to escape.”
Ms Claydon encouraged Novocastrians to participate in the inquiry.
“For the best results, we’re going to need to look at the scourge of domestic violence from new and different perspectives with fresh eyes.
“We want to consider the experiences of women, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, LGBTQI women, CALD women, rural women, women on temporary visas, and women with disabilities.
“I encourage people with insights into this diabolical problem to have their say by making a submission to the inquiry.”
The closing date for submissions is Friday, 24 July 2020. For more information on the inquiry, including the terms of reference, and to find out how to contribute, please visit: www.aph.gov.au/familyviolence
Man charged after allegedly attempting to supply drugs inside a tennis ball at a correctional facility – Cessnock
A man will face court today after he allegedly attempted to throw prohibited drugs over the fence of a correctional facility in the Hunter.
Police will allege a 31-year-old man and another man were riding on an unregistered Yamaha motorcycle – believed to be stolen from a Dora Creek property in May – when they approached the outer wall of a correctional facility at Cessnock and attempted to throw an object over the wall about 2pm on Sunday (31 May 2020).
Officers from Corrective Services NSW’s Security Operations Group were conducting targeted surveillance at the complex when they sighted the two men.
When they approached the pair, they fled at speed on the motorcycle before colliding with a nearby tree. Neither rider was injured.
The CSNSW officers restrained the 31-year-old man while the other man fled into nearby bushland.
Officers from Hunter Valley Police District attended a short time later and arrested the 31-year-old.
Police seized a tennis ball which he was holding at the time of his arrest, which they will allege contained small amounts of methylamphetamine, and other illicit substances. These items will be subject to further testing.
The man was taken to Maitland Hospital before being conveyed to Maitland Police Station.
He has since been charged with eight offences including:
- Supply prohibited drug (x2)
- Bring etc prohibited drug/plant into place of detention
- Possess prohibited drug
- Goods in custody
- Enter inclosed land not prescribed premises without lawful excuse
- Take and drive conveyance without consent of owner
- Drive motor vehicle during disqualification period
He was refused bail to face Newcastle Local Court on Monday (1 June 2020), where he was formally refused bail to appear at Cessnock Local Court today (Wednesday 10 June 2020).
Inquiries are continuing.
Public place shooting following road rage incident – Stockton
Police are appealing for public assistance following a public place shooting in Stockton last night.
Just after 7pm (Tuesday 9 June 2020), police responded to reports of an alleged road rage incident on Fullerton Street, Stockton.
Police have been told two vehicles – a blue Mitsubishi ASX and a Toyota Hilux utility – were involved in a driving incident before the Mitsubishi driver produced a firearm and discharged it at the Toyota.
The Mitsubishi drove away and was last seen turning onto King Street.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District were notified and have commenced an investigation.
As inquiries continue, police are appealing to anyone who may have seen or heard any of the above incident, or who may have CCTV or dashcam footage to contact Newcastle Police Station on 4929 0999 or to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Netball NSW Statement: Full community sport return
Netball NSW welcomes today’s announcement from Sport’s Minister Geoff Lee that all community sport will return from July 1.
With over 115,000 participants across the state this development is not only vital to their health and well-being, but also to that of the local communities which are served by our Clubs and Associations.
Netball NSW would like to take this opportunity to thank the thousands of hardworking volunteer coaches, team managers and administrators across the state who have kept the game alive in the greatest challenge it has known.
We would also like to thank our Board, staff, corporate partners, media and all stakeholders who are highlighting the challenges community sport faces at this time as a result of the Covid19 pandemic.
While today’s news is a very welcome development it is important to note that road to recovery will be long and arduous.
It is vital that the NSW Government follows the lead of other States and Territories across Australia and provides a community sport assistance package to ensure no-one gets left behind.
The role that community sport will play in Australia’s emergence from the Covid19 Pandemic cannot be understated. Community sport provides a safe outlet which promotes health, well-being, teamwork and responsibility. These are all elements which bring communities together and create a better State in which to live.
With the Premier recently announcing the reallocation of the $800 million ANZ Stadium redevelopment fund to reboot the State’s economy, it is imperative that community sport is made a priority.
It is the grassroots, not billion-dollar TV-funded elite codes, which will ensure sport’s survival. They cannot be forgotten.
Teen missing from Port Stephens found at Katoomba
A teenager who went missing in the Port Stephens area has been found safe and well in the Blue Mountains.
The 13-year-old boy was last seen on the Pacific Highway, Heatherbrae, about 9.15pm yesterday (Tuesday 9 June 2020).
He was reported missing when he walked away from his mother and failed to return.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District attended and commenced an extensive search of the surrounding area with assistance from Police Rescue, Police Transport Command, the Dog Unit and the State Emergency Service.
Following inquiries and a public appeal, the teen was found after attending a high school on Martin Street, Katoomba, about 8.30am today (Wednesday 10 June 2020).
The boy is now in the care of relatives.
Police would like to thank the media and the community for their assistance.
Search continues for missing teen – Port Stephens
The search continues to locate a missing teenager in the Port Stephens area.
Darshan Sigel, aged 13, was travelling from the North Coast to the Blue Mountains with his mother, when they stopped in a carpark at the intersection of Pacific Highway and Masonite Road, Heatherbrae, for a rest about 8.30pm yesterday (Tuesday 9 June 2020).
Police were notified just after 10.30pm, after Darshan, who is on the Autism spectrum, walked off about 9.15pm and failed to return.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District attended; however, despite an extensive search of the area with the assistance of the Dog Unit, police have been unable to locate him.
The search is continuing with assistance from Police Rescue, Police Transport Command, the Dog Unit and the State Emergency Service today (Wednesday 10 June 2020).
Assistance has also been requested from PolAir, however, the search is being hampered by poor weather conditions.
Darshan is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180cm tall, of thin build, with blue eyes and sandy blonde hair.
He was last seen wearing a pink hooded jumper covered by a black jacket, black pants, and yellow shoes.
He was seen walking on the Pacific Highway at Heatherbrae and is known to like public transport.
Anyone who sights Darshan or has information about his whereabouts, is urged to contact Triple Zero (000) or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Appeal to locate missing teen – Port Stephens
Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a teenager missing in the Port Stephens area.
Darshan Siegel, aged 13, was travelling from Sydney to the north coast with his mother, when they stopped in a carpark at the intersection of Pacific Highway and Masonite Road, Heatherbrae, for a rest.
Police were notified just after 10.30pm (Tuesday 9 June 2020), after Darshan, who has Autism, walked off and failed to return.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District attended; however, despite an extensive search of the area with the assistance of the Dog Unit, police have been unable to locate him. Further resources are attending to assist with the search.
Darshan is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180cm tall, with a thin build, and sandy blonde hair.
He was last seen wearing a pink hooded jumper covered by a black jacket, black pants, and yellow shoes.
Anyone who sights Darshan or has information about his whereabouts, is urged to contact Triple Zero (000) or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.
$24 million funding boost for additional mental health care at headspace
The Morrison Government is investing $24.2 million to reduce wait times – fast tracking access to mental health services for young people aged 12–25 seeking headspace appointments.
Mental health and suicide prevention remains one of our Government’s highest priorities.
One in four young Australians are affected by a mental health illness every year, and as we battle COVID-19 it’s more important than ever that we prioritise mental health.
The disruption to normal life caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the required restrictions has had profound impacts on young Australians.
Funding will go to Primary Health Networks (PHNs) in NSW, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, the ACT and headspace National.
Services provided through headspace centres are a safe place to turn to, somewhere young people can get professional help, peer support and feel comfortable enough to tackle their challenges in a way that is right for them.
headspace provides access to free or low cost youth-friendly, primary mental health services with a single entry point to holistic care in four key areas—mental health, related physical health, substance misuse, and social and vocational support.
Prior to the pandemic, headspace service centres were experiencing high demand across the country.
Our Government’s investment will ensure young Australians can get information, advice, understanding, counselling and treatment, when and where they need it.
Individual grants of up to $2 million will improve facilities, access and reduce waiting times at headspace services commissioned by PHNs.
The headspace Demand Management and Enhancement Program is an investment of $152 million over seven years from 2018-19 by the Morrison Government to reduce wait times at headspace services.
The headspace services which will receive funding through this grant opportunity are:
| State/Territory | headspace Service |
| New South Wales | Bankstown, Bondi Junction, Camperdown, Dubbo, Griffith, Hurstville, Lismore, Lithgow, Liverpool, Maitland, Miranda, Nowra, Orange, Penrith, Port Macquarie, Queanbeyan, Tamworth, Tweed Heads, Wagga Wagga and Wollongong |
| Victoria | Albury-Wodonga, Bairnsdale, Bendigo, Geelong, Greensborough, Shepparton, Werribee and Wonthaggi |
| Queensland | Bundaberg, Capalaba, Hervey Bay, Inala, Maroochydore, Nundah, Rockhampton, Southport, Townsville and Warwick |
| South Australia | Berri, Mount Gambier, Murray Bridge and Port Augusta |
| Tasmania | Hobart and Launceston |
| ACT | Canberra |
Our Government continues to demonstrate its firm commitment to the mental health and wellbeing of all Australians.
Children, young people and their families have been identified as a vulnerable population in the National Mental Health and Wellbeing Pandemic Response Plan.
We know this group will experience the impact of the social and economic outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic the most.
Through record investments in mental health services and support, the Morrison Government will invest an estimated $5.2 billion this year alone.
Since the beginning of the year, our Government has provided $8 billion as part of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) National Health Plan, which is supporting primary care, aged care, hospitals, research and the national medical stockpile.
This includes an additional $500 million for mental health services and support, including $64 million for suicide prevention, $74 million for preventative mental health services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and $48 million to support the pandemic response plan.
Extending the Instant Asset Write-Off
The Morrison Government continues to back small business with the announcement that it will extend the $150,000 instant asset write-off for six months to 31 December 2020.
Australian businesses with annual turnover of less than $500 million will be able to take advantage of this extended timeframe to invest in assets to support their business as the economy reopens and Coronavirus health restrictions continue to be eased.
These measures will support over 3.5 million businesses. They are designed to support business sticking with investment they had planned, and encouraging them to bring investment forward to support economic growth over the near term.
The instant asset write-off also helps to improve cash flow for businesses by bringing forward tax deductions for eligible expenditure. The threshold applies on a per asset basis, so eligible businesses can immediately write-off multiple assets provided each costs less than $150,000.
The extension will also give businesses additional time to acquire and install assets, as they will now have until the end of the year. Assets can be new or second hand and could include for example a truck for a delivery business or a tractor for a farming business.
Legislative changes will be made to give effect to this measure, which is estimated to have a cost to revenue of $300 million over the forward estimates period.
Hardworking Australian businesses can rest assured that the Morrison Government will do all that is necessary to support them to bounce back stronger and get to the other side of this crisis.