A new program designed to assist businesses to develop, promote and sell tourism products is being launched by the City of Newcastle.
Local tourism operators are invited to apply for the targeted program, which is being funded as part of the City’s Community and Economic Resilience Package.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the City of Newcastle was working with the local industry to help it survive and recover from the unprecedented impacts of COVID-19.
“We know Newcastle is an attractive city with a wealth of natural and built assets, a broad range of accommodation and tourism providers, and has a thriving café culture and dining scene,” she said.
“While more than 5 million people visit the city each year, research shows that Newcastle lacks a good mix of bookable tourism experiences.
“Under this program, expert consultants will work alongside local tourism businesses to improve their tourism offerings and enhance their ability to attract visitor dollars, which in turn will help promote greater industry resilience, drive destination awareness and grow the visitor economy even further.
“Pre COVID-19 figures showed about five million tourists visit Newcastle each year, which is a rise of around 60% over the past five years, while the value of the Newcastle tourism economy increased 57% to $1.13 billion in the 12 months to March 2019.
“With the right mix of products and experiences, Newcastle will be in the perfect position when travel restrictions ease to grow visitation, length of stay and expenditure.”
The business growth and optimisation program builds on the free accredited training already offered to local businesses by the City of Newcastle as part of its response to the economic impact of COVID-19.
A number of places are still available across the 14 online programs being delivered by TAFE NSW, the University of Newcastle and Novaskill, with training focused on areas such as customer behaviour, digital and social media marketing, business innovation and growth, and community engagement.
“By upskilling our local workforce and empowering people to adapt, we provide positivity and support for the business community as they work to recover from this period of extraordinary economic and social disruption,” Cr Nelmes said.
Expressions of interest in the Tourism Business Growth and Optimisation Program will open on August 17.
Month: August 2020
NSW SECURES ITS PLACE AS THE SMART STATE
The NSW government will build smart technology into infrastructure and buildings to create jobs, cut traffic and commute times, slash water bills, reduce crime and boost the economy.
The Australian-first Smart Places Strategy and Smart Infrastructure Policy will see sensors and technology built into cities. Examples of potential benefits include:
- Smart traffic signaling, real time route planning and sensors on parking spots reducing commute times up to 20 per cent;
- Smart meters and real time alerts allowing residents to reduce water waste and use by up to 30 per cent;
- Advanced digital models to reduce construction costs and improve planning; and
- Real-time air quality sensors providing health providers with localised information, helping reduce hospital admissions.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the strategies would improve quality of life and boost the COVID-19 recovery.
“Whether it’s easing cost of living pressure for households, busting congestion or improving health outcomes for communities, technology is the new weapon in our arsenal,” Mr Dominello said.
“Data and precision modelling is just as important as bricks and mortar. Information is power and technology should be embedded in every major infrastructure project.
“Similar strategies have worked effectively in other global centres including Dublin, Barcelona and Boston. We cannot be spectators on the sidelines – we must lead in this arena.”
The strategies build on the State Government’s commitment to making NSW a digital capital. Other examples include the launch of one of the world’s largest Spatial Digital Twin, and a record $240 million investment in cyber security.
Both strategies can be viewed at www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/smartplaces.
$1.7 MILLION LIFELINE FOR NSW SCREEN SECTOR
Eighteen NSW production companies hard-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic will be given a lifeline as the NSW Government today announced the recipients of more than $1.7 million in funding through Screen NSW’s new Slate Development Fund.
Minister for the Arts Don Harwin said the NSW Government is committed to protecting the livelihood of the screen sector during these unprecedented times.
“Support for our local screen industry is more important than ever. I’m thrilled to be able to announce this much-needed funding so NSW production companies can deliver on a wide range of new works representing Australia’s diverse stories, at a time when we need it the most,” Mr Harwin said.
“From projects that create opportunities for filmmakers in regional NSW, to the adaptation of a powerful story set in a women’s refuge centre, to stories that support our communities in western Sydney, the diversity and strength of projects supported will further boost the reputation of NSW as the leading State for screen creatives.
“I’m excited to reveal the high quality of the project submissions has resulted in more funding provided to the initiative enabling 18 production companies to deliver 66 projects. At the crux, it will generate employment for so many creatives in the screen sector whose future was, up until now, uncertain.” said Mr Harwin.
The Slate Development Fund is part of the NSW Government’s suite of funding measures developed to support the NSW small to medium arts and screen sector impacted by COVID-19.
Production companies will each develop a slate of three or more projects to be produced and/or post-produced in NSW across TV Drama, Factual, Features, Documentary and Online.
The projects span a range of subjects and genres including thrillers, play and novel adaptations, comedy, art and documentary series with many projects set to support filmmaking opportunities in regional NSW and western Sydney communities.
The overwhelming strength of the projects demonstrated by a large number of applicants has resulted in funding of over $1.7 million delivered, which is an increase from the $700,000 originally committed for this initiative.
A full list of the Slate Development Fund recipients is available here.
SERVICE NSW CUSTOMER CHECK-IN SOLUTION A STEP CLOSER
The Service NSW app is being retooled to include a QR code to allow customers to check in at hospitality venues across NSW, ensuring contact tracers can quickly access customer details and keep people safe.
Customers will be able to use the Service NSW app to check-in at hospitality venues in Dubbo and those owned by Merivale, thanks to a trial of the technology going live this week.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the technology would make life easier for business and customers.
“Digital record keeping is a no brainer – it’s safer, saves time and helps officials for contact tracing purposes,” Mr Dominello said.
“Any registered COVID Safe business will be issued a unique QR code which customers can scan using their Service NSW app. It will also be used for customer and staff check-ins in over 100 Service NSW Centres across the state.
“This automatically captures the date, time and location, and securely stores them on a Service NSW database for 28 days for the sole purpose of COVID tracing in the event of an outbreak.”
Mr Dominello said the technology would also be trialled at NSW venues owned by hospitality group Merivale.
“We want to help businesses and customers to make the check-in experience as seamless and consistent as possible,” Mr Dominello said.
“The purpose of the trial in Dubbo is to test and refine the technology in a live environment to ensure it delivers the best experience for customers and businesses while also aiding the vital work of our NSW Health contact tracing team.
“I thank Merivale and all the local businesses in Dubbo for their involvement in the trial.”
The trial will help inform a state wide rollout of the check-in technology. More than five million customers have a MyServiceNSW Account and approximately 1.7 million customers already have the Service NSW app on their mobile phone.
$3 MILLION COVID-19 STIMULUS FOR SCOUTS, GIRL GUIDES AND PCYC CLUBS
A range of Scouts, Girl Guides, and PCYC facilities located on Crown land will get a boost with the NSW Government providing $3 million assistance from its COVID-19 stimulus program.
Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said the funding would provide a win-win for Scout and Girl Guide groups and PCYC clubs, as well as local communities by supporting maintenance upgrades and generating work for local economies.
“The NSW Government’s COVID-19 stimulus program is about supporting jobs and economic activity in communities that have been battling as a result of the pandemic’s impacts on local communities,” Mrs Pavey said.
“This has included disruptions to community organisations like the Scouts and Girl Guides that have been unable to meet face-to-face or do their normal fundraising activities.
“It has also had a major impact on PCYC which rely on income from its network of youth centers across the state to generate more than half of its annual revenue.
Mrs Pavey said the stimulus fund will support $3 million in priority maintenance and improvements on Scout, Girl Guide and PCYC facilities located on Crown land in NSW to ease the financial pressure while strengthening their infrastructure for the future.
“At the same time the stimulus will support tradespeople and building materials suppliers with spending and work for local economies,” Mrs Pavey said.
“Scouts and Girl Guides offer fun, friendship and adventure for young people and we want to empower them with safe places to grow and develop while contributing to communities.
“PCYC clubs are also great places for young people of all ages and backgrounds to make friends through sport and recreation and develop skills, character and leadership that can help them reach their full potential, so it’s fantastic to support them.”
“We are absolutely delighted with the NSW Government support which will assist a number of communities through projects to improve our Scout facilities,” Scouts NSW Chief Commissioner Neville Tomkins said.
Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT Chief Executive Officer Helen White said good facilities are fundamental to indoor and outdoor guiding.
“The funding will allow us to continue offering quality activities, adventures and dynamic educational programs as we transition back to safe, in-person activities.”
“This stimulus funding is going to have a lasting impact. It means we can prioritise a range of repairs and upgrades – from roof refurbs to internal work to enhance facilities. This will benefit thousands of young people across NSW,” PCYC CEO Dominic Teakle said.
SUPPORT FOR BUSHFIRE-IMPACTED SMALL BUSINESSES EXTENDED
Support has been extended for bushfire-impacted small businesses across NSW with grant applications now remaining open until 15 December through the Small Business Assistance Program.
Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for Disaster Recovery John Barilaro said communities recovering from the recent bushfires will have more time to apply for the hugely successful small business grants without the stress of missing out.
“Last season’s bushfires were unprecedented and the support offered by the NSW Government needed to match,” Mr Barilaro said.
“The $10,000 and $50,000 small business grants have resulted in around $240 million being paid out to small businesses, putting money directly into the pockets of those enterprises most in need across the state.
“Initially the grants program was expected to close mid-year, however the assistance will remain open until the end of the year and can be accessed via Service NSW.”
Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said it was important that small businesses were supported, particularly given the compounded effects of bushfires and now COVID.
“In addition to the small business grants, the concessional loans program for small businesses will also be extended,” Mr Tudehope said.
“The NSW Government is here to support regional NSW on the long-term recovery journey and we encourage bushfire impacted small businesses who have not yet accessed this support to please call Service NSW on 13 77 88.”
The below financial aid programs have been extended and will take applications until 15 December 2020:
- $10,000 Small Business Bushfire Support Grants
- Small Business Bushfire Recovery Grants of up to $50,000 for businesses directly impacted by bushfire
- Bushfire Recovery Loan of up to $500,000
NEW DATA REVEALS 800 PEOPLE ARE HOMELESS IN NEWCASTLE
New data from Homelessness Australia has revealed 800 people are homeless in Newcastle and there is a shortfall of 3,100 social housing dwellings.
As part of the “Everybody’s Home” for Homelessness Week (3 – 8 August), the interactive heat maps show that our community is not immune to homelessness.
Decades of neglect, underinvestment and sell-offs have led to a projected shortfall of almost 500,000 dwellings nationally. Shamefully, the NSW Liberal Government has netted almost $50 million from selling off social housing in Newcastle alone.
It’s unconscionable that a rich country like Australia is failing so dismally to meet the fundamental needs of citizens. The Morrison Government needs to do more to address this crisis.
For months Labor has been calling on the Morrison Government to fund the construction of more social housing.
Regretfully, it has so far ignored the enormous potential to protect half a million jobs in residential construction and put a roof over the head of thousands of Australians.
The COVID-19 crisis has highlighted the critical importance of safe and affordable housing is. It’s also shown that we can move mountains when there is genuine political will.
In the last few months, more than 7,000 Australians sleeping rough or at risk of sleeping rough have been provided with a bed in one of the many empty motel and hotel rooms.
There is absolutely no doubt if the Morrison Government really wants to, it can slash the number of Australians sleeping rough.
The National Cabinet needs to make sure that the homeless Australians we helped at the height of the pandemic are not thrown back on the street in the next few months.
Some state governments are doing good work, but this is a national problem that demands national leadership.
During the Global Financial Crisis, the former Labor Government invested $5.638 billion in the construction of nearly 20,000 new social housing dwellings and repaired a further 80,000 existing properties. So we know this can be done.
As part of the “Everybody’s Home” for Homelessness Week (3 – 8 August), the interactive heat maps show that our community is not immune to homelessness.
Decades of neglect, underinvestment and sell-offs have led to a projected shortfall of almost 500,000 dwellings nationally. Shamefully, the NSW Liberal Government has netted almost $50 million from selling off social housing in Newcastle alone.
It’s unconscionable that a rich country like Australia is failing so dismally to meet the fundamental needs of citizens. The Morrison Government needs to do more to address this crisis.
For months Labor has been calling on the Morrison Government to fund the construction of more social housing.
Regretfully, it has so far ignored the enormous potential to protect half a million jobs in residential construction and put a roof over the head of thousands of Australians.
The COVID-19 crisis has highlighted the critical importance of safe and affordable housing is. It’s also shown that we can move mountains when there is genuine political will.
In the last few months, more than 7,000 Australians sleeping rough or at risk of sleeping rough have been provided with a bed in one of the many empty motel and hotel rooms.
There is absolutely no doubt if the Morrison Government really wants to, it can slash the number of Australians sleeping rough.
The National Cabinet needs to make sure that the homeless Australians we helped at the height of the pandemic are not thrown back on the street in the next few months.
Some state governments are doing good work, but this is a national problem that demands national leadership.
During the Global Financial Crisis, the former Labor Government invested $5.638 billion in the construction of nearly 20,000 new social housing dwellings and repaired a further 80,000 existing properties. So we know this can be done.
Girl charged with spitting at police and two women issued PINs in latest alleged breaches of Public Health Orders
A teenager has been charged after allegedly spitting on police, and two people have been issued with Penalty Infringement Notices for alleged breaches of COVID-19 Public Health Orders in the past 24 hours.
In the first incident, about 2.30pm yesterday (Thursday 6 August 2020), police spoke with a 15-year-old girl at a shopping centre in Blacktown and ascertained she was in breach of her bail conditions.
As police arrested the girl, it is alleged she assaulted police by kicking and punching, as well as spitting in the face of an officer.
She was taken to Blacktown Police Station and charged with two counts of assault police in execution of duty, resist officer in execution of duty, and not comply noticed direction re spitting/coughing – COVID-19.
The teen was refused bail and is due to appear before a children’s court today (Friday 7 August 2020).
Meanwhile, on Saturday (1 August 2020), a 31-year-old woman was stopped at a border checkpoint in Albury and presented a permit allowing her entry to NSW, under the provision that she was to self-isolate for 14 days at a Nimbin address.
Subsequent checks revealed the woman was not staying at the address, and following inquiries, police found her yesterday (Thursday 6 August 2020) in a vehicle at Nabiac. She was issued with a $1000 PIN for not complying with a noticed direction and instructed to return to Victoria.
In an unrelated incident, just before 1pm yesterday (Thursday 6 August 2020), police were conducting a walk-through at a licensed premise in Albury, when they spoke with a 50-year-old woman who was playing a gaming machine.
The woman produced a Victorian licence and a permit allowing cross-border travel for work purposes only.
She was issued with a $1000 PIN and removed from the club, to return to Victoria.
Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any ministerial direction or behaviour which may impact on the health and safety of the community.
Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 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.
Appeal to locate wanted man – Lake Macquarie
Police are seeking assistance from the public to locate a man wanted on outstanding warrants.
Daniel Dejong, aged 34, is wanted on outstanding warrants for stealing, fraud and driving offences.
He is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, between 175cm to 180cm tall, of a thin build, with short dark hair and brown eyes.
Daniel previously resided in the Gateshead and Windale areas; however, his current whereabouts are unknown.
Anyone who sees him is urged not to approach him but instead call Triple Zero (000).
Missing Persons Week – 1994 disappearance of Lake Macquarie teen, Gordana Kotevski
NSW Police are renewing their appeal for information into the disappearance of a teenage girl from Lake Macquarie for more than 25-years, as part of this year’s Missing Persons Week.
Gordana Kotevski, aged 16, was last seen being forced into a vehicle on Powell Street, Charlestown, while walking from Charlestown Square Shopping Centre to her aunt’s home on the same road about 9pm on Thursday 24 November 1994.
Despite extensive investigations at the time, and over the years, Gordana has not been located.
In a Coronial Inquest into Gordana’s disappearance in 2003, then State Coroner, Mr John Abernethy, found that Gordana Kotevski was deceased, most likely as a result of foul play.
In April 2019, Lake Macquarie detectives established Strike Force Arapaima to re-examine the investigation into the unsolved disappearance and suspected murder of Gordana, along with two other missing Lake Macquarie teens – Robyn Hickie and Amanda Robinson.
Lake Macquarie Police District Commander, Superintendent Danny Sullivan APM, says twenty-five years on, it’s crucial for any potential witnesses to come forward.
“This Missing Persons Week, we want you to think about the person behind the photo. She was just a teenager, she had her life ahead of her.
“There are people in the community who have vital information which could help Strike Force Arapaima detectives solve this case.
“Anyone who lived in or would visit the Lake Macquarie area in late 1994, please cast your mind back and recall if you noticed a light-coloured utility in and around the area.
“It’s been a quarter of a century of unknowns and heartache for Gordana’s friends and family. Please, help us give them closure,” Supt Sullivan said.
Gordana’s aunt, Julie Talevski, is encouraging members of the public to take the time to read about Gordana on www.missingpersons.gov.au.
“This Missing Persons Week, we’ve decided to release one of the last known images we have of Gordana – she was a bridesmaid in 1994. Young, joyous, innocent, she had the world at her feet,” Ms Talevski said.
“The impact of Gordana’s disappearance has taken its toll on her parents and siblings, extended family and friends. Missed special events bring with them a stark reminder of the emptiness felt by her disappearance. The passage of time has not made acceptance of the situation any easier.
“Please, if you know anything or can vaguely remember any information which could help detectives, call the police,” Ms Talevski said.
Anyone with information about Gordana Kotevski’s disappearance is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Information is treated in strict confidence. The community is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.
Missing Persons Week is an annual national campaign to raise awareness of the issues and impacts surrounding missing persons and runs between Sunday 2 August and Saturday 8 August 2020.
For more information on the campaign visit www.missingpersons.gov.au.
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.