City of Newcastle has worked with the NSW Government and private operator Medtech Services to quickly establish a new testing clinic in Wickham to meet increasing demand from the community seeking rapid COVID-19 testing.
The new testing clinic will open at Passmore Oval (Wickham Park) on Wednesday 11 August and operate from 7.30am to 4.00pm, six days a week.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said opening an additional testing clinic is a positive step towards addressing adequate COVID-19 testing centres to keep the community in Greater Newcastle safe, but more testing sites are needed.
“Novocastrians should be applauded for taking the current public health orders seriously, and for turning up in droves to be tested for COVID-19, even with the slightest symptoms,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Residents are doing the right thing, then waiting hours to get tested, with reports of people even being turned away due to current testing centres being overwhelmed by demand, which is not acceptable.
“Last week I wrote to the Minister for Health asking for more COVID-19 testing locations, and adequate staffing to conduct the amount of testing being asked of our community.
“Newcastle needs to keep its testing rates high to detect any cases of community transmission. The last thing we need is to deter Novocastrians from coming forward for testing due to long wait times or the fear of being turned away.
“The new Passmore Oval testing clinic in Wickham has the capacity to conduct several thousand tests per day, but we will continue to advocate for more testing sites in Newcastle to meet the increasing demand.
“City of Newcastle have offered the NSW Government access to any of our suitable public facilities to bring more testing sites to Greater Newcastle to keep the community safe.”
Month: August 2021
Facilities deliver digital experiences to keep community busy
City of Newcastle’s cultural facilities are diving back into the digital world to help keep Novocastrians entertained during the current COVID lockdown.
The City’s facilities were at the forefront of delivering online experiences to keep the community engaged and connected in the midst of the pandemic last year, from live-streamed science experiments to digital art classes and an extensive array of books, films, magazines and music available to download and enjoy.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the snap lockdown across Newcastle and the Hunter announced by the NSW Government last week provided the perfect time to take another look at these fantastic digital resources.
“Navigating the stress and challenges presented by the lockdown is a complex task, which can be exacerbated by feelings of loneliness, boredom or isolation,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Whether you’re living by yourself, trying to keep your children entertained at home or simply missing the sense of pleasure you get from visiting our network of cultural facilities, we’ve got you covered with a wide range of online activities for all ages and interests.
“Budding scientists can still enjoy the hands-on fun of Newcastle Museum with the Museum Express @ home video experiments, while crafty kids can follow the online instructions to build a Model T Ford or mini locomotive.
“Newcastle Art Gallery will also keep the youngest members of the family busy with their Art Cart at Home activities, or downloadable Art Trail activity booklets, while you can also take virtual tours to learn more about their fascinating collections.
“City of Newcastle’s significant investment in expanding our online library services part of our $5.5 million Community and Economic Resilience Package (CERP) last year has also provided a legacy of resources for our community to enjoy, including extensive e-book and e-audio platforms, movie and music streaming platforms, access to online newspapers and e-magazines, as well as online learning modules for both adults and school students.
“There is also an amazing array of children’s activities to watch, listen or read such as the StoryBox Library or National Geographic for Kids, while there are a large number of episodes to enjoy from Newcastle Libraries’ entertaining and informative ‘REAL’ podcast channel.”
To find out more about the digital activities being offered by Newcastle Art Gallery, Newcastle Museum and Newcastle Libraries visit https://whatson.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/Blog/What-s-On-line
Directors reappointed to State Government roles
The Directors of Newcastle’s museum and art gallery will continue to guide the future direction of the State’s cultural sector after being reappointed today for a second two-year term to the Create NSW Artform Advisory Boards.
Newcastle Museum Director Julie Baird and Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton were first appointed to the boards in 2019 in recognition of their leading industry knowledge and expertise.
Ms Baird and Ms Morton’s reappointments are testament to their valuable contributions to City of Newcastle’s significant cultural facilities, and the success they have achieved building on the reputation of these respected institutions both within the region and across Australia.
Ms Baird will continue to sit on the Museums and History Board while Ms Morton retains her position on the Visual Arts Advisory Board.
It has been a landmark year for both City of Newcastle Directors and the cultural institutions they lead.
Newcastle Museum’s innovative social history exhibition, 1X4, which was curated from its own extensive collection, was named the overall winner at the 2021 Museums and Galleries National Awards (MAGNA) in June, while Ms Baird was also appointed as the Vice President of the National Council for the Australian Museums and Galleries Association Incorporated (AMaGA).
Newcastle Art Gallery’s On Stillness exhibition was also highly commended at the MAGNAs, while four years of work culminated in May with the opening of WARWAR: The Art of Torres Strait, a landmark exhibition focusing on the artistic traditions of the Torres Strait Islander culture, which brought together more than 130 works including art never before seen outside of the Torres Strait.
There are 10 Artform Advisory Boards that assess applications to the State’s Arts and Cultural Funding Program, providing recommendations on the strategic directions of the sector to the NSW Minister for the Arts Don Harwin.
Police Civilian employee charged – Northern Region
A NSW Police Force civilian employee has been charged after allegedly impersonating a sworn police officer in the state’s north yesterday.
Yesterday afternoon (Tuesday 10 August 2021), police were notified that a man had allegedly impersonated a police officer and provided inaccurate information to a fast food restaurant concerning COVID-19.
Following inquiries, the 44-year-old man – who is attached to a command in the Northern Region – was arrested and charged with impersonate a police officer and convey false information that a person or property is in danger.
He was granted conditional bail to appear before Maitland Local Court on Wednesday 15 September 2021.
His employment status is under review.
Morrison 2030 climate targets a death sentence
The IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) report makes it clear the government’s current 2030 climate targets amount to a death sentence for Australia.
This major report exposes the stark reality that without emergency action and an increase to 2030 targets we will head past the 1.5 degree goal in the Paris Agreement, potentially within a few years.
The report must now force action from the government to lift Australia’s ambition by doubling to tripling our 2030 targets, and Labor must stop letting the government off the hook with its silence on 2030 targets.
The report highlights that we are already experiencing extreme weather, including more frequent and more intense heatwaves, fire weather, droughts and extreme rainfall events, and heading for much, much worse, including the threat of crossing tipping points in the climate system that will take us past the point of no return with “many changes irreversible for centuries to millennia” and having enormous impacts on Australia.
Greens Leader Adam Bandt said:
“The Greens, the G7, Joe Biden and Boris Johnson agree, while Liberal and Labor are with Saudia Arabia and Russia in 2030 denial.
“After this report, failure to lift 2030 targets is criminal negligence.
“This report shows Scott Morrison’s 2030 targets are a death sentence for Australia.
“Exceeding 1.5 degrees of warming means that we will lose the Great Barrier Reef, have widespread and sustained drought, more extreme weather events, and catastrophic bushfires will become the norm.
“The rest of the world understands that if we don’t do more by 2030, we all go over the climate cliff, so the Liberals’ 2030 denial and Labor’s 2030 silence are putting Australian lives at risk.
“Delay is the new denial, we can’t wait until 2050, and anything less than 75% emissions cuts by 2030 means giving up on the 1.5 degree goal in the Paris Agreement.”
The Greens’ Climate Policy:
- Net zero emissions by 2035 and 75% cuts by 2030, consistent with the science and the independent Climate Targets Panel, which found that cuts of 50% on 2005 levels by 2030 were needed for a 2 degree climate goal, and 75% necessary for a 1.5 degree goal.
- Lead the world on climate action by phasing out coal stations and exports by 2030 and legislating against new coal mines and gas fields.
- Achieve 100% renewable energy by 2030 and work towards 700% renewables, funding a massive investment in infrastructure that will transform our energy system over the next decade and grow a new export industry.
- Phase in 100% electric light vehicle sales by 2030, with subsidies to make them affordable for all
- Reduce bills by $200 a year by creating a publicly owned energy provider and subsidising investment in solar power and batteries.
- Build a multi-billion dollar clean energy export industry to replace coal exports.
- Invest in local coal and gas communities so they can attract the jobs and new industries they want, retain, upskill and ensure these local communities can continue to thrive.
Early educators report shows a sector in crisis
Australian Greens Education spokesperson Senator Mehreen Faruqi has welcomed the release today of the Big Steps/United Workers Union report Exhausted, Undervalued and Leaving: The Crisis in Early Education. The survey of more than 3,800 educators finds a sector at ‘breaking point’, with high turnover, low pay, and no plan from the Federal Government to fix it.
Senator Faruqi said:
“This report makes for very alarming reading. This is a story of government neglect, an undervalued workforce, privatisation, and an essential service delivered on the back of burnt-out staff.
“It’s a national shame that early educators are taken for granted in this country. Staff are leaving in droves and frankly the sector is in crisis. We should not be in a situation of chronic understaffing and high turnover.
“The government needs to completely rethink its approach to early learning and care. That means strong and sustained investment to make early childhood education free once more, and a workforce strategy that deals directly with issues of low pay and understaffing.
“Perhaps not surprisingly, this report finds worse results for staff in for-profit centres as opposed to not-for-profit services. Education is not a business.
“The Greens back the Big Steps campaign and the call for a workforce strategy that delivers higher wages for early educators. Early learning is invaluable for children and educators deserve our utmost respect.”
Government must waive JobKeeper/JobSeeker debts
The Greens say it is unconscionable for the Government to be chasing income support recipients for JobKeeper debts when billionaires collected millions in Jobkeeper while turning significant profits.
“There is a clear double standard between individuals receiving income support and businesses who claimed Jobkeeper”, Greens spokesperson on Family and Community Services Senator Rachel Siewert said.
“I am certain the vast majority of these so-called debts will be genuine mistakes in a confusing system.
“It is outrageous that people on income support have debt notices – where are the debt notices for the billionaires?
“If billionaires can keep their JobKeeper payments while making huge profits, then people who sought support during the pandemic and have made a mistake should not be punished.
“What a joke for the Government to say both programs have strong compliance frameworks. We have huge corporations and exclusive private schools getting millions in handouts.
“The Government should focus on giving people on income support higher payments to get through the latest lockdowns.”
Expansion of home care workforce underway
Australia’s personal care workforce is being strengthened and increased under a $91.8 million Morrison Government initiative helping older people live at home for longer.
In another comprehensive response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, the Home Care Workforce Support Program will help administrators attract, train and retain approximately 13,000 new personal care workers by mid-2023.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said the program would rapidly increase the number and skills of people providing aged care in the home.
“The grants will support the employment of 6000 new personal care workers in 2021-22 and 7000 more in the following year, including an increase in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander personal care workers,” Minister Hunt said.
“They will ensure new and existing personal care workers have the skills and support required to provide quality aged care services to all seniors who need them.”
It will also improve links with the training and recruitment, helping the broader aged care sector, including residential care, boost its work pool.
Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Senator Richard Colbeck, said expanding and improving the workforce was crucial for quality in home care.
“The Government is committed to ensuring older Australians can remain in their homes and in the communities they know and love, for as long as possible,” Minister Colbeck said.
“Making sure we have enough carers with the right skills to provide these services is vital as we expand the number of care packages and wipe out waiting lists.
“Our reforms will ensure all senior Australians can access the care they want and need, when they need it.”
The Home Care Workforce Support program will be provided through an open grant process, with one grant for each state and territory (NSW and ACT combined) and an additional two grants directed to regional and remote areas.
Applications are open now until Friday, 27 August 2021.
Recognising the importance partnerships and local solutions to address workforce needs, there are a range of eligible organisations who can apply for funding under this grant opportunity, including from the aged care, training and employment sectors.
Joint (consortia) applications are also welcome.
Grant recipients will use grant funding to support home care providers by:
- Screening candidates for suitability to promote training completion rates and job retention;
- Mentoring, support services and communities of practice to support workers who are new to the sector;
- Promoting and supporting work placements for people who are undertaking aged care training;
- Training existing staff so they can supervise students and new staff; and
- Helping providers attract and retain staff.
The size of each grant under the program will mirror the region’s demand for home care packages, with a loading to reflect increased costs in regional and remote communities.
The Home Care Workforce Support Program is part of the Morrison Government’s investment of $338.5 million over three years to grow, train and upskill the aged care workforce and drive improvements in the safety and quality of care.
The grants program will complement a range of activities by the Department of Education, Skills and Employment to encourage people to take up careers in the aged care sector, including residential and home care.
They include job fairs specific to the care sector, resources to help job seekers understand the sector and be more likely to get a job, and training for people who work with job seekers and employers.
Details of the grants program can be found on the Australian Government GrantConnect website.
New Annual postponed until September 2022
City of Newcastle has postponed its New Annual festival, which was scheduled to take place from 24 September to 3 October.
The decision was made given ongoing COVID-19 cases in Greater Sydney and now the Hunter, New England area, and the associated public health, artist availability and restriction concerns.
City of Newcastle Strategy and Engagement Acting Director Kathleen Hyland said that while the decision to not go ahead with New Annual in September 2021 was disappointing, it was clear that now is not the time to be planning a festival.
“The decision to not go ahead with New Annual this September has been made with our community’s safety in mind,” Ms Hyland said.
“Following on from the success of our inaugural event in February, our team was in the midst of planning a New Annual that would take the festival to the next level with an outstanding program of events and performances, including new acts and new locations that would bring our city to life.
“But with headline artists coming from across Australia, and New Annual’s audience being drawn from far and wide, the current COVID environment means it is no longer appropriate, or possible, to deliver the kind of event we envisaged.
“I thank all the City of Newcastle staff, the creative community and stakeholders for the passion and commitment they have shown to New Annual, and everything they have done to prepare for the festival to this point.”
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said she looked forward to the festival’s return next year.
“City of Newcastle is committed to seeing New Annual grow into a landmark cultural festival on Australia’s annual events calendar and we look forward to seeing it return bigger and better in 2022,” Cr Nelmes said.
Cr Nelmes said City of Newcastle is exploring opportunities to engage some of the artists, who were scheduled to appear at New Annual, to deliver their works as part of programming for other events such as New Year’s Eve, subject to Public Health Orders.
This is the second time the pandemic has affected City of Newcastle’s plans for New Annual, with the inaugural festival postponed in September 2020 before being delivered in February 2021 with a comprehensive range of COVID Safe measures in place.
The inaugural event was a resounding success, attracting over 30,000 people to more than 50 events and activities across the city in a showcase of Newcastle’s arts and cultural sectors. The festival drew visitors from the surrounding regions, across the state and further afield including Queensland and Victoria.
More than 30 ticketed events and workshops were sold out during the inaugural New Annual, which supported more than 500 artists and 250 event staff, crew and volunteers.
New Annual will be back in September 2022.
Improvements made to COVID-19 check in system
Checking into venues and managing your check in history will become easier thanks to a new COVID-19 check-in card and suite of updates to the Service NSW app.
Minister for Digital and Customer Service Victor Dominello said customers would soon be able to register for a COVID-19 check-in card which they could present to supermarkets and other essential retail businesses to scan as a faster and safer way to complete the self-service webform check-in or paper sign-in currently used by customers without a smartphone.
“We want to make sure the COVID-Safe check-in as safe and as accessible as possible, which is why we’re introducing the COVID-19 check-in card,” Mr Dominello said.
“The days of seeking out somewhere to manually sign in with pen and paper should be an absolute last resort.”
Customers can download and print their COVID-19 check-in card or have a plastic card mailed to them. Their contact details will be securely stored within the QR code, which will prepopulate the webform when scanned by the business.
Mr Dominello said that in response to customer demand Service NSW was also rolling out two further enhancements to the Service NSW app.
The first allowing customers to review their check out history and add check out times and the second to make it easier for customers to sign into the ServiceNSW app wearing a mask.
“It is critical our contact tracers have the most accurate information possible so they can act quickly to contact casual and close contacts, which is why we’re making it possible for customers to review their check-in history and enter the correct check out time after the fact,” he said
“Customers will also be able to opt to extend their login-period for the Service NSW app to up to 4 hours, making it faster and easier to check-in without having to reenter a PIN or to remove their facemask to activate Face ID each time.”
The additional features will be available inside the Service NSW app from mid-August.
Customers will be able to register for their COVID-19 check-in card via the Service NSW website or by calling 13 77 88 from 13 August and can opt to receive it via email to print at home, or via postal mail.