The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) discussed the COIVD-19 situation in New Zealand and the current 72 hour travel pause on green safe travel zone flights from New Zealand to Australia at its meeting on 28 January 2021. The AHPPC was joined by representatives from the New Zealand Government including the New Zealand Chief Medical Officer.
The AHPPC has been advised that all three confirmed COVID-19 cases in the community in New Zealand have been genomically linked to an international traveller in hotel quarantine in Auckland.
The AHPPC was also advised that all close contacts of the first New Zealand case have returned negative test results, and that five of the 11 close contacts of the subsequent two cases have also returned negative results, with the remainder awaiting their results.
Based on updated information from New Zealand, including that there have been two additional confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the community in New Zealand since the initial case, and involving the variant of concern B.1.351, the AHPPC has recommended to the Australian Government Chief Medical Officer (CMO) that the Commonwealth extend the pause in safe travel zone flights from New Zealand to Australia.
The AHPPC recommendation is to extend for a further three days, to 2pm on Sunday January 31.
The Federal Government has accepted the recommendation of the AHPPC and Acting CMO to extend the pause for a further three days.
The B.1.351 variant of concern has been shown to have higher transmissibility and so presents a heightened level of risk. It has spread to 26 countries, including in people who have arrived in Australia who are in mandatory hotel quarantine.
It is estimated to be 50% more transmissible based on the available evidence. This extension of the pause for a further 72 hours affords continued protection of Australians while the extent of the situation in New Zealand is clarified.
Quarantine arrangements are a matter for each state and territory government. As a result, any recent arrivals from New Zealand during paused green safe travel zone flights from New Zealand to Australia will be advised on any changes to their quarantine arrangements by the relevant jurisdiction.
Month: January 2021
Questacon’s Colour exhibition at Newcastle Museum extended due to popular demand
Novocastrians need not travel interstate to experience the science-based fun offered by the capital’s most popular science museum. Questacon’s Colour exhibition at Newcastle Museum has been extended due to popular demand until 2 May 2021.
Colour is a special touring exhibition developed by Questacon – the National Science and Technology Centre in Canberra, that explores the science of colour and perception through more than 20 different interactive experiences, ranging from coloured bubbles to iridescent insects to colour illusions.
Visitors can explore how light influences colour and compare their perception of colour with family and friends. See glowing quantum nanomaterials that change their colour with crystal size. The exhibition shows the power colour has on the choices we make every day, and on our responses to the environment.
Set up in a COVID Safe space in the Supernova Gallery, tickets for Colour can be purchased through the Newcastle Museum’s website and cost $10 for adult, $5 for children aged three and over and $7 for concession card holders, while a family pass (two adults and two children) is $25.
Visitors should bring a mobile phone to enter the Museum using a QR code.
For more details on the Colour exhibition, visit the Newcastle Museum website.
NEW HIGHER EDUCATION STRATEGY TO SUPPORT STRONG AND EFFECTIVE COLLABORATION
The launch of a NSW Higher Education Strategy will drive strengthened and effective partnerships between government and the higher education sector that will be vital to supporting a strong COVID-19 recovery.
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said the five-year strategy will help the government to harness the power of the sector to meet emerging social, economic and environmental challenges.
“Recent challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic, bushfires and ongoing drought in parts of NSW, have highlighted the importance of strong partnerships between the NSW Government and the higher education sector,” Mr Lee said.
“The Strategy will build on the strong working relationship we already have with our world class higher education institutions and will guide the development of new and ongoing collaborations as the state recovers.
“Universities and other higher education institutions play a key role in our state, they educate our citizens, produce world class research and make a significant contribution to our economy.”
The Strategy is the result of extensive consultation across the higher education sector and NSW Government.
The Convener of the NSW Vice-Chancellors’ Committee Professor Barney Glover AO said that the new Strategy recognises the pivotal role of the sector to generate opportunities for the people of NSW.
“The university sector in NSW and the ACT is diverse, dynamic, impactful and accessible and is world class for research, teaching and student experience.
“The Strategy provides a clear vision for bold and innovative collaboration across a range of priority areas aimed at contributing to the economic and social productivity of NSW,” Professor Glover said.
“Universities look forward to working closely with the NSW Government on implementation of the Strategy over the next five years and I commend the NSW Government for its leadership and strong support of the sector.
The Strategy identifies five priority areas for greater alignment between the higher education sector and NSW’s priorities for social and economic development:
- Develop and broaden post-school options to foster lifelong learning;
- Ensure wider participation in quality higher education;
- Drive job growth, skills and innovation;
- Strengthen collaborations to bolster research outcomes; and
- Position NSW globally by reinvigorating and diversifying international education and engagement.
Implementation of the Strategy will be led by the NSW Department of Education in close consultation with the higher education sector and key stakeholders across government.
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REGIONAL STUDENTS START THE YEAR WITH RECORD TECH REBOOT
Students in Dubbo will be the first to benefit from the record-breaking investment in regional digital education when they return to school this week.
The upgrade is the first rollout of the NSW Government’s $365.8 million Rural Access Gap investment, providing rural and regional schools access to the future of digital technology.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said she wants to see all students have access to the same educational facilities and opportunities no matter where they live.
“I want every student learning at our schools in regional NSW to enjoy the same opportunities as their metro peers,” Ms Mitchell said.
“This investment in technology will provide students and teachers learning in the regions with more opportunities than ever before.
“Students can access subjects previously only available in larger schools, and teachers have additional support and a broad library of professional development options.
“As someone who was educated in regional NSW, I know how important and life-changing creating these opportunities will be and how important improving regional education is for our communities.”
The package will support more than 1000 regional and rural schools across the state with the very best digital teaching and learning tools including new devices in the classroom for students, laptops for teachers and training for staff so that they can drive the best use out of this investment.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said this program would provide teachers with laptops, improve student device ratios and allow all regional schools to be upgraded with high-speed access.
“High-performance web-conference tools will allow our regional students and teachers to use a mix of telepresence and on-site teaching resources which will push them into endless development and curriculum possibilities,” Mr Dominello said.
Orana Heights Public School in Dubbo is one of the first schools to have their classrooms fitted with smart boards, five times faster internet access, laptops for all teaching staff and additional student devices.
Local Member Dugald Saunders said he is excited to see 28 schools in the region equipped in the same way as Orana Heights public school.
“I am excited to see the delivery of the Rural Access Gap to our Dubbo students. We all know the importance of technology, and it’s really exciting to see our country students have access to it,” Mr Saunders said.
After being rolled out in Dubbo, the RAG will be provided to a further 81 schools in Term 2 this year, with the remaining schools upgraded by mid-2023.
The Program is estimated to generate around 5,000 jobs, including 1,786 regional jobs directly created by program spending.
SOD TURNING MARKS OFFICIAL LAUNCH FOR FUTURE HOME OF NSW CRICKET
For the first time in its 160-year history, NSW cricket has a home of its own.
Cricket NSW CEO Lee Germon was joined by Federal Member for Reid, Dr Fiona Martin MP, and State Member for Ku-ring-gai, Alister Henskens SC MP, to officially turn the sod for the $50 million NSW Cricket Centre at Wilson Park, Silverwater in Sydney Olympic Park.
Through the support and generosity of the NSW and Federal Governments, and funding contributions by Cricket Australia and Cricket NSW, construction for Stage 1 has commenced for the world-class training and administration headquarters.
The Centre has been made possible thanks to a $30 million contribution from the NSW Government and a $5 million contribution from the Federal Government.
Stage 1 construction includes a full-sized playing oval to International Cricket Council standard, about 50 outdoor turf practice nets, a 15-lane indoor cricket training facility and a high-performance gym and recovery facilities.
The Centre will be a dedicated year-round cricket training and administration facility that will cater for elite and developing male and female NSW players, as well as thousands of club and community cricketers.
Mr Germon thanked the NSW and Federal Governments for their strong support of cricket.
“This soon to be world-class facility will allow boys and girls to train alongside their NSW cricket heroes, inspiring the next generation of exciting young players,” Mr Germon said. “Thank you for your generosity and commitment to the future of our great game”.
Dr Martin said, “these new facilities will be used all year round and will support cricket at every level, from our local grassroots groups through to elite players. Importantly, the project will also create local jobs during construction that will help secure Australia’s economic comeback.”
Alister Henskens, NSW Parliamentary Friends of Cricket co-chair, said, “the Centre is an important community facility. By putting 35,000 community players with elite athletes, it will provide benefits for both groups. This facility will be great for our female athletes, who are the fastest growing group in cricket.”
The NSW Cricket Centre will be home to the NSW Blues and NSW Breakers squads and Sydney Thunder and Sydney Sixers BBL and WBBL squads as well as the headquarters for nearly 150 Cricket NSW staff. The Centre will also be utilised by more than 35,000 club and community cricketers annually.
Stage 1 completion is scheduled for mid-2022.
Man charged over alleged bushfire fraud – Central Coast
A man has been charged over alleged fraud relating to bushfire support recovery grants.
Strike Force Roche was established by several police districts within the Northern Region to investigate alleged fraudulent claims for bushfire disaster relief and small business grants through government agencies.
Following extensive inquiries, detectives from Lake Macquarie Police District charged a 28-year-old man with six counts of dishonestly obtain financial benefit by deception and two counts of attempt dishonestly obtain financial advantage by deception.
Police will allege in court the man fraudulently obtained six NSW Government grants, receiving a total of $60,000 and attempted to obtain a further two NSW Government grants totalling $20,000.
The man is due to appear at Belmont Local Court on Friday 29 January 2021.
Investigations under the strike force are ongoing across multiple police districts in the Northern Region.
Childcare Expenses Back To Pre-Covid Levels
Australian Greens Education spokesperson Senator Mehreen Faruqi has said that the December quarter Consumer Price Index data released today by the ABS has revealed “out-of-pocket [childcare] expenses have now returned to pre-COVID levels in all capital cities.”
Senator Faruqi said:
“These latest numbers put us back to where we were before Covid-19 – with one of the most expensive childcare systems in the world.
“The new Minister, Alan Tudge, has an opportunity here to set a different course when it comes to early learning. We urgently need new investment to fully subsidise childcare and make it truly universal.
“Early learning costs in Australia are out of control. High fees make our society less equal, and limit choices for women, who have to give up study, career and work opportunities.
“Last year, the government briefly flirted with providing fee-free childcare for all. There is no reason we can’t have this again. This is a choice the government has to make: will it allow business-as-usual when we know free childcare is possible?”
2021 Senior Australian of the Year
Congratulations Dr Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr Baumann AM from the Northern Territory, who has been named the Senior Australian of the year for 2021.
Dr Ungunmerr Baumann was recognised for her contribution to children’s education, demonstrating an admirable commitment to making Australia a better place.
Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck, said Dr Ungunmerr Baumann had gone above and beyond in her service to education in the Top End.
“Miriam-Rose became the first fully qualified Aboriginal teacher in the Northern Territory in 1975, and later served as the principal of the Catholic school in her home community,” Minister Colbeck said.
“She is a renowned artist and a strong advocate for visual art to be a part of every child’s education.
“The Miriam Rose Foundation, which she began, is driving reconciliation at the grassroots level by bridging the divide between Aboriginal culture and wider Australian society.
“The Senior Australian of the Year award is recognition of significant achievement over many years, but it also highlights that dedicated Australians working for their communities come from all walks of life and background.”
Minister Colbeck also paid tribute to the other nominees from across Australia and the winners in each state and territory.
“It must be a difficult task narrowing down the nominees each year, looking through those shortlisted for this honour shows that you can always make a difference.
“While there is only one Senior Australian of the Year, I am continually impressed by all of those Australians who are nominated – they should all be rightly proud of their achievements.”
Congratulations to each of the 2021 Senior Australian of the Year finalists, who continue to inspire and contribute to their communities.
| New South Wales | Aunty Isabel Reid | Elder, survivor and advocate for the Stolen Generation |
| Victoria | Bich Cam Nguyen | Refugee and migrant advocate, multicultural leader, CEO of the Australian Vietnamese Women’s Association |
| Queensland | Aunty McRose Elu | Advocate for Torres Strait communities and climate change |
| Tasmania | Brian Williams | Scout leader and mentor |
| South Australia | Professor Richard Bruggemann | Disability advocate |
| Western Australia | Dr Richard Walley OAM | Aboriginal cultural champion, musician, performer and artist |
| Australian Capital Territory | Patricia Anderson AO | Writer and advocate for the health of Australia’s First Peoples |
Australia’s COVID-19 vaccine information campaign begins
The Australian Government’s $23.9 million public information campaign to encourage Australians to get a COVID-19 vaccine begins today.
The campaign will keep Australians fully informed and up to date about the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines as they become available, including when, how and where to get the jab.
This follows Australia’s first COVID-19 vaccine approval by the Therapeutic Goods Administration – for the Pfizer vaccine.
From the start of the pandemic, the COVID-19 campaign has been a trusted source of information for the community. The new vaccine campaign will build on this, providing timely, transparent and credible information to all Australians.
The new campaign will be in three phases:
- Reaffirm that COVID-19 vaccines have been put through our world-leading independent approvals process, ensuring both the safety and efficacy of our vaccine candidates
- Provide information on how the vaccine will be rolled out, particularly to priority groups, and dosage requirements.
- Inform people about how and where to get vaccinated, dosage requirements, and support vaccine uptake.
The roll-out will begin by providing protection to those who need it most – the elderly and disabled, and frontline workers who are tirelessly working to save lives and protect lives.
The information in this campaign, based on expert, and independent, medical advice, will help answer the questions people may have.
The campaign will run across a variety of mediums, including television, radio, press, digital, social, mobile, search and out of home.
To ensure the campaign reaches all Australians, special committees representing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with a disability and the multicultural community are informing the communication approach, ensuring communications are appropriate and disseminated through the best communication channels to these communities.
Australia is a vaccination nation – we have one of the highest vaccination rates in the world. Australians understand that vaccines work. They save lives. They improve lives. They protect lives.
I am confident, given Australia’s high vaccination coverage rates that Australians will take up a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine in equally high numbers.
This campaign will help every Australian to understand how the vaccine works and how it will keep them and their family safe.
Huge boost for Australian rowing with training centre upgrade
A major upgrade to the Reinhold Batschi Men’s National Training Centre (RBMNTC) for men’s rowing was today officially opened by the Australian Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra.
The $1.7 million development, funded by the Australian Government, through Sport Australia and the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), provides the elite rowing facility with improved changing rooms, new laundry, consultation rooms and enhanced disabled access.
“The long-awaited facility upgrade is an enormous boost for Australia’s rowers who are an integral part of our nation’s high- performance sports environment,” Minister Colbeck said.
“The rowing centre was originally built in the early 1980s as part of the AIS Rowing Facility and this significant investment represents the biggest upgrade to the elite training facility in 35 years.
“Importantly, the redevelopment now allows the centre to host not only the full-time male athletes when they are on site, but also visiting athletes from the Hancock Prospecting Women’s National Training Centre (based in Penrith), Australia’s elite Para-rowing Program and the Pathway Training Camp groups.”
Rowing Australia CEO, Ian Robson extended his thanks to the Australian Government, through Sport Australia and the Australian Institute of Sport, for the ongoing support of rowing and its athletes.
“The upgrades to the Reinhold Batschi Men’s National Training Centre brings the facility to the same standard as our dedicated female rowing centre, the Hancock Prospecting Women’s National Training Centre, which was opened in Penrith in 2017,” Mr Robson said.
“The athletes have had a disrupted year, with the postponement of the Olympic Games, but have continued to train diligently, even when their facility was in the midst of renovation. I would specifically like to thank Canberra Grammar School, who generously allowed our Men’s National Training Centre athletes to train out of their sheds, for part of 2020, while the building works were underway.
“I know our athletes are all extremely grateful and excited to be utilising the new spaces and continuing their pursuit of Olympic glory for Australia while based at the centre. We delighted to now have a facility that is fit-for-purpose for all our elite athletes to use when required and that would not have been possible without the funding and support of the Australian Government and Sport Australia.”
Snapshot of upgrades:
- Sport Australia and the AIS granted Rowing Australia $1.7 million to upgrade the changing rooms and consultation rooms at the centre.
- The facility was established in 1986, with expansions including the gym, ergometer room, treatment areas and changing rooms.
- This is the first upgrade to the changing rooms since they were added in the late 1980s.
The new upgraded facilities include:
| Improved disabled facility access. | Gender neutral bathrooms. |
| Heightened shower facilities to accommodate taller athletes. | Secure locker space for up to 50 athletes across two changing rooms. |
| Laundry facilities for athletes to wash kit between sessions and maintain good hygiene practices. | New roller shutters for the rowing sheds, the first upgrade in 35 years. |
| Dedicated specialist consulting rooms have been installed for support staff to utilise. | Improved study facility spaces for athletes. |