Month: August 2020

Education Week 2020 begins today, celebrating the many achievements of our public schools and the critical role they play in equipping our students for the future.
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said ‘Learning together’ is a fitting theme given the extraordinary challenges this year has presented.
“In the face of drought, bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic, our school communities have proven just how strong and adaptable they are,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Teachers and support staff moved quickly to online lessons; parents and carers took on additional responsibilities at home and students adjusted to a new way of learning.”
Ms Mitchell said many exciting opportunities lie ahead to build on the strengths of the public education system.
“Already 42 new and upgraded schools have been built in 2020 as part of the NSW Government’s $6.7 billion school infrastructure program, with more to come,” she said.
“We are also rebuilding the NSW curriculum to cut unnecessary content, focus on literacy and numeracy and modernise vocational education and training.”
Ms Mitchell said Education Week has been a highlight of the NSW public education calendar for more than 60 years, and this year provides an opportunity to reflect on achievements over the past year.
“This is particularly relevant for the past year, as our education system has triumphed amidst difficult circumstances,” Ms Mitchell said.
“I cannot overstate the appreciation I have for the incredible way everyone has responded to the challenges of this year. Right across the state, students and families have received incredible support from their schools and teachers, and stronger relationships have grown between schools and their communities.
“If 2020 has taught us anything, it is that schools are the cornerstone of our communities in NSW and together we can achieve great things.”
Department of Education Secretary Mark Scott said this year’s Education Week will look a little different with many schools opting for virtual celebrations in place of the usual open classrooms and school assemblies.
“We are using technology to encourage schools to run virtual celebrations and the department has put together a series of events for the whole week,” Mr Scott said.
Education Week starts with a launch live stream on Monday, 3 August, featuring students and staff from more than 50 public schools across NSW. Other events include a celebration of National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day with the NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group and their language app; a student film festival introduced by actor Bryan Brown; a technology webinar for parents for the NSW Federation of Parents and Citizens Associations; and the Secretary, Mark Scott, in conversation with secondary students.
“Learning together is our theme for Education Week 2020 and it couldn’t be a more apt way to celebrate NSW public school communities in this remarkable year,” Mr Scott said.
“The resilience, endurance and creativity of people in Education is just incredible.”
Visit the Education Week website for full details of the virtual celebrations: education.nsw.gov.au/edweek20
#EdWeek20

Seven Hills High School has been selected to introduce specialist vocational education facilities as part of the NSW Government’s $34 million election commitment.
Within three years, purpose built facilities and classes will allow students to pursue careers in Community and Health Services, Construction (Electrotechnology and Plumbing), and Transport and Logistics.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said equipping students to fill the jobs of the future is an important part of the NSW Government’s COVID-19 recovery plan.
“Specialised training facilities are critical to ensuring NSW students can receive world-class skills training and be provided the skills of the future,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“COVID-19 has presented unprecedented challenges for our state. It’s crucial we look to reskill, retrain and support school leavers to access opportunities in industries where there are skills shortages and emerging employment opportunities.
“Seven Hills High School will now be well placed to take advantage of major projects in Western Sydney, including the construction of the Aerotropolis, which will require a steady pipeline of skilled tradies for decades to come.”
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said the high school will operate with a renewed focus on Vocational Education and Training (VET) from 2023.
“We have to inspire all students to consider VET as an alternative career pathway, including about 50 per cent of high school graduates who do not pursue a university pathway,” Mr Lee said.
“Skills training is vital to propelling our State forward, particularly following the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Sarah Mitchell said this investment would put young people wanting to pursue a career in vocational education in the best position to develop their learning.
“This development supports young people to engage in learning that builds skills and supports access to apprenticeships and traineeships. The school will continue to offer the full range of study options, VET courses will be additional options,” Ms Mitchell said.
The selection of Seven Hills High School (Years 7 to 10) follows a comprehensive analysis of all potential secondary schools in the state – up to 45 per cent of students at nearby Wyndham College undertake at least one VET course as part of their HSC. More than 91 per cent of students transition from Seven Hills to Wyndham for Year 11 and 12.
This initiative will benefit from work already underway by the NSW Government to address the barriers student’s face when choosing a VET pathway.

Local groups are being encouraged to put forward their ideas for programs designed to improve road safety in their own community with Round Six of the NSW Government’s Community Road Safety Grants program open today.
Minister for Roads and Transport Andrew Constance said the aim of the Community Road Safety Grants program is to bring people with a passion and commitment for road safety together and support their ideas to lower the NSW road toll.
“We all have a part to play in helping to bring down the road toll and community groups are in a great position to connect with local people about local road safety issues,” Mr Constance said.
“Some brilliant initiatives have already been born out of this program, including a state-wide initiative to discourage young surfers from texting and driving led by Surfing NSW.
“The Clontarf Foundation runs a program to help teenage Aboriginal men in NSW grow into safe and confident drivers, while Jubilee Community Services in Mortdale ran workshops on pedestrian and driver safety, and basic first aid.”
Minister for Regional Roads and Transport Paul Toole said two categories of grants are available: one for smaller projects with up to $5,000 available for each idea and another for more substantial projects, worth up to $30,000.
“This is about delivering programs that save lives. Preliminary figures from 2019 show that 352 people lost their lives on our roads and more than 10,000 people were seriously injured,” Mr Toole said.
“These are not just numbers. They are members of a community – mums, dads, sisters, brothers, friends, someone’s loved one. We want to do all we possibly can to lower the road toll around the state so that no one has to go through the pain of losing someone they love.
“Almost 170 projects have been delivered across the state thanks to the Community Road Safety Grants Program, including 30 projects in the last financial year.”
Applications for round six are now open with community groups invited to submit ideas for local road safety projects by August 31^st.
More information about the program and how to submit an application can be found at: http://roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au/aboutthecentre/communitygrants/

Local Government Week is a time to acknowledge the significant role councils are playing to support communities across the State to recover from the drought, bushfires and COVID-19, Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said today.
“Our communities are facing some of the most difficult times in the modern era and our local councils have once again stepped up to the challenge,” Mrs Hancock said.
“During the bushfire crisis, local councils operated evacuation centres, co-ordinated the distribution of donated goods and services, carried out emergency bushfire response works, and repaired and rebuilt community infrastructure.
“Councils have also been vital in responding to COVID-19, retraining and redeploying staff to minimise job losses and maintaining essential community facilities and services in the face of significant restrictions and financial distress.
“They have also provided financial relief for residents and businesses by deferring rates, providing rate rebates, waiving fees and interest, reducing rents, offering grants and making donations.
“I urge everybody to take a moment during Local Government Week to recognise the critical role your local council is playing to support your community during these trying times.”
The theme of Local Government Week this year is Councils Do, highlighting the significant work councils do in their communities and the wide variety of services they provide including libraries, roads, waste collection, footpaths, parks, pools and animal shelters.
Local Government Week 2020 runs from August 3-9. The highlight of celebrations is the presentation of the Local Government Week Awards on August 6 to recognise the best and brightest in NSW councils.
The Office of Local Government has published council success stories on its website to recognise the efforts of the local government sector during the pandemic.

A new Diploma of Applied Technologies launched today will help train the skilled workers NSW needs to continue building its advanced manufacturing economy.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said advanced manufacturing was a central component of the NSW Government’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan.
“NSW boasts world-leading advanced manufacturing capacity across a range of sectors and the Government is supporting this from our industry precincts such as the Western Sydney Aerotropolis through to training initiatives such as this diploma.”
“Our manufacturing industry in NSW is undergoing a transformation known as the fourth industrial revolution, or Industry 4.0 and this course qualifies graduates in necessary disciplines like networking, big data, cloud computing and digital control systems,” Mr Ayres said.
“Embracing advanced technologies will be vital to ongoing profitability and competitive advantage but companies need a comprehensive strategy to manage equipment, processes, supply chain, sales and – most importantly – their workforce.”
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said the training will be gold standard.
“New qualifications like this Diploma of Applied Technologies will be a crucial part of ensuring NSW has the right skills mix to become one of the world’s leading digital economies,” Mr Lee said.
The qualification is being rolled out by the NSW Government in collaboration with Ai Group and Manufacturing Skills Australia. It is suitable for new or existing employees, with assessment conducted via work-based projects.
Head of Ai Group in NSW Mark Goodsell said it was designed to address skill gaps created by the big changes shaking up global manufacturing.
“Industry needs people with practical skills who understand emerging technologies,” Mr Goodsell said.
“These are people who can physically connect machines and equipment to each other via the cloud and devise meaningful ways to capture and use the ensuing data streams – key drivers of productivity and innovation across the economy.
“The Diploma is targeted at the para-professional and technician level, creating new pathways into professional qualifications. It can also be delivered in conjunction with an apprenticeship, providing both practical and high-level skills and breathing new life into the apprenticeship model.”
Two pilot courses conducted by SkillsLab have commenced in the Hunter Region and Western Sydney, with a second intake scheduled to begin in September.
More information is available here: https://www.aigroup.com.au/policy-and-research/businesspolicy/industry-transformation/higher-apprenticeships-national-march-2020/

The NSW Government is strongly encouraging greater use of masks in high-risk public settings to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The advice from the NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant specifically recommends:

• The use of face masks in indoor settings where physical distancing is hard to maintain, such as on public transport or in supermarkets;
• The use of face masks (where practical) in indoor settings with a higher risk of transmission, such as for the staff of hospitality and customer-facing venues i.e. cafes, restaurants, pubs and clubs; and
• During attendance at places of worship.

Wearing a mask in any of these settings is not mandatory but is highly recommended, especially in areas where there has been community transmission.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said a mask is not a substitute for physical distancing.
“People should continue to maintain their physical distance – it is our most effective weapon. However, if you find yourself in a situation where you can’t maintain your physical distance you should wear a mask,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“It is critical the community understands masks should be used in conjunction with other measures, and not as a standalone measure.”
Masks should be considered a “fourth line of defence” after staying home if unwell and getting tested, maintaining 1.5-metre social distancing and good hand hygiene.
It is imperative the community understands if they have symptoms they should immediately be tested and self-isolate.
The use of properly constructed cloth masks is acceptable. However, it’s important they are:

• Ideally made from three layers of breathable fabric to ensure adequate protection; and
• Washed after each use or at least daily.

Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said masks are not suitable for everyone such as young children.
“Currently in NSW, the rate of community transmission does not call for mandatory mask use in the general population,” Dr Chant said.
“However, along with practising good hand-hygiene, people are encouraged to wear face masks particularly in indoor settings where physical distancing is hard to maintain, such as on public transport. Most of all, stay home if you are unwell.
“NSW Health is continuing to monitor the situation and provide timely advice to the Government on the best defence against this once-in-a-100-year pandemic.”
For more information please go to nsw.gov.au/covid-19/face-masks

New mothers with severe mental illness will soon be able to access care alongside their babies, with the site of NSW’s first public purpose-built Mother and Baby Unit (MBU) announced today at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the specialised Mother and Baby Unit is a crucial development in the delivery of mental healthcare in NSW.
“This unit will be accessible to new mums and mums-to-be across the state who require care in a hospital for a perinatal (immediately before and after birth) mental illness,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We want these women to receive the specialist mental health care they need, as well as the opportunity to form a bond with their babies in those all-important formative months.”
Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said the unit will support up to 120 women with acute or ongoing severe mental illness from across the state each year.
“Perinatal mental illness can impact a parent’s relationship with their baby, family dynamics and the ongoing development of a child,” Mrs Taylor said.
“We want to ensure that women receive the best possible treatment, with their partners and family’s involvement, so children and families can thrive.”
Each of the eight bedrooms at the MBU will be able to accommodate a mother, up to two infants under 12-months of age and a partner or family member.
The MBU will also include space and equipment for antenatal care, a 24-hour respite nursery, a mothercraft room, a play area, a retreat room and communal areas to accommodate multiple families with children.
The MBU at RPA is expected to open by the end of 2021. A second MBU at Westmead Hospital is also in the initial planning stage.
Mother and Baby Units are part of the NSW Government’s $700 million statewide Mental Health Infrastructure Program – the single biggest investment in mental health infrastructure to date.

More than 2,750 families and individuals who were homeless or at risk of homelessness are now living in safe and stable housing, thanks to the NSW Government’s work to prevent and respond to homelessness during the pandemic.
Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward said more than $70 million had gone towards new and expanded programs since March, to help support some of the most vulnerable people in the community.
“Whether it’s people who are sleeping on our streets, people couch surfing or victims of domestic violence – our Government is working tirelessly to bolster support and protect those most in need,” Mr Ward said.
“Today marks the start of Homelessness Week, and it is an opportunity to share the incredible stories of people who have overcome adversity and broken the cycle of homelessness.”
More than 1,900 individuals and families who were homeless or at risk of homelessness have moved into social housing since April, including more than 230 rough sleepers who had spent time in temporary accommodation, such as hotels.
Another 850 individuals and families have received assistance to rent homes in the private market, including through programs like Start Safely for people escaping domestic violence, and Rent Choice Youth.
The recently announced Together Home project will significantly expand work to secure housing for rough sleepers, with some positive results achieved already.
“Together Home is providing people with a place to call home and the support they need to improve their health and wellbeing, and rebuild their life,” Mr Ward said.
“This initiative will deliver life-changing outcomes for hundreds of people, and we are committed to working closely with our housing and homelessness providers to help people reach their full potential.”
The work undertaken during the pandemic aligns with the NSW Premier’s Priority to halve street sleeping across the state by 2025.