The Morrison Government is hosting the National Summit on Women’s Safety on 6 and 7 September which is the culmination of extensive consultations to develop the next National Plan to end violence against women and children.
The Summit will include keynote addresses, panel discussions and a series of roundtables focused on key issues affecting women’s safety including economic security and financial independence, perpetrator interventions, and responding to sexual violence.
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Women Marise Payne said the Summit was an opportunity for a diverse range of people with lived experience, advocates, services providers, academics and other stakeholders to come together to inform the next National Plan.
“The Summit is an important step towards a future free from family and domestic violence and sexual assault in Australia,” Minister Payne said.
“I encourage every Australian to take part in this important national conversation, so together we can create change.”
Minister for Women’s Safety Anne Ruston said the key themes, issues and recommendations discussed by Summit delegates would be captured in a Summit Statement which would be released at the end of the two days.
“The Summit will further elevate the important national discussion we are having about women’s safety and ensure that we bring all people along with us as we develop the next National Plan,” Minister Ruston said.
“We are pleased to have Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Age Discrimination Commissioner Dr Kay Patterson, Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins, eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant and Our Watch ambassador Arman Abrahimzadeh among others joining us as speakers.”
All key panel discussions and presentations will be live streamed on 6 and 7 September via womenssafetysummit.com.au. Written submissions and feedback on the topics discussed at the Summit can be provided at engage.dss.gov.au/national-summit-on-womens-safety until 15 September 2021.
Month: September 2021
Head to Health pop up clinics to open this week across Greater Sydney
10 Head to Health pop up clinics will today open across Sydney and in the Central Coast and Illawarra providing additional mental health support for people living in New South Wales who have been substantially affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Morrison Government has invested $10.6 million to rapidly establish the clinics in Lakemba, Hurstville, Tuggerah, Kingswood, Thornleigh, Shellharbour, Blacktown, Parramatta, Bankstown and Liverpool to support those living in areas most affected by the NSW lockdown.
The clinics will include teams of mental health support workers, including psychologists, mental health nurses, mental health occupational therapists, social workers, and peer workers. They will offer video and phone supported mental health and assessment services, as well as COVID-safe face-to-face support where recommended by a clinician.
The pop up clinics will be further supported by a state-wide intake and assessment phone service, which will be staffed by clinicians and will provide a single entry point for people living across NSW to access a range of mental health services.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt MP said mental health is a key part of Australia’s pandemic response and the current restrictions across the country were taking a toll on the mental health and wellbeing of Australians.
“We know people, particularly our young, are doing it really tough and the current outbreak is putting incredible stress and mental health pressure on many Australians. That is why we are prioritising mental health support and increase the availability of mental health services in some of those harder hit areas,” Minister Hunt said.
“The current lockdown is also having a huge impact on students preparing for their HSC. The clinics will provide vital access for year 11 and 12 students who are facing their final years of schooling and may need additional mental health support.”
Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, David Coleman MP, said the Government was doing everything possible to support Australians whose mental wellbeing was under stress.
“We recognise that support for people’s emotional wellbeing is critical in these extraordinary times, with loss of freedom, lack of personal contact, and work-related issues causing major distress and despair,” Assistant Minister Coleman said.
“These pop up clinics, established in record time, will be readily accessible and free and I am confident they will make a real difference for people impacted by the pandemic.”
The pop up clinics are using the same model of care as the 15 Head to Help clinics that were established in Victoria during their extended lockdown in 2020. These clinics have helped thousands of people, with more than 11,000 phone calls from people seeking support and more than 5,000 referrals to a clinic.
While the immediate focus of the NSW pop up clinics is on people in extended lockdown in Greater Sydney, they complement the Government’s plan to establish a national network of mental health treatment centres for adults, youth and children through the Head to Health and headspace programs.
As part of the 2021-22 Budget, the Government provided $487.2 million to establish 8 new Head to Health adult mental health centres and 24 satellite centres and provide ongoing funding for 8 existing centres.
The Morrison Government has also provided funding, in partnership with the NSW Government, for the $17.35 million ‘Lockdown Lifeline’ package for NSW, which is assisting mental health services like Lifeline, Kids Helpline, headspace and the Butterfly Foundation to increase their support.
The Government continues to make mental health a national priority, investing a record $2.3 billion in the 2021-22 Budget for the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan to lead landmark reform of the mental health system. This includes a record $6.5 billion in mental health and suicide prevention services and supports in 2021-22, doubling since 2012-13.
The ‘Head to Health Pop Up’ clinics are located in existing primary care or community settings and will operate until 30 June 2022.
People seeking help will be able to call the dedicated number (1800 595 212), talk to a mental health professional and be triaged through this service and directed to the most appropriate care according to their individual needs.
More information on the NSW-wide phone service and clinic locations can be found at headtohealth.gov.au.
Australians looking for support throughout the COVID-19 pandemic can also access the Beyond Blue Coronavirus Wellbeing Support Service anytime via telephone at 1800 512 348 or online at coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au.
Anyone experiencing distress can seek immediate advice and support through Lifeline (13 11 14), Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800), or the Government’s digital mental health gateway, Head to Health (www.headtohealth.gov.au).
If you are concerned about suicide, living with someone who is considering suicide, or bereaved by suicide, the Suicide Call Back Service is available at 1300 659 467 or www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au.
New Taskforce to protect vulnerable children
A new child protection taskforce will work to prevent vulnerable children slipping through the cracks, by better coordinating services and support throughout the lockdown and beyond.
Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Alister Henskens said the Child Wellbeing Taskforce would bring together NSW Government agencies and non-government sector leaders, to develop a plan for the transition out of lockdown.
“When it comes to protecting children, everybody has a role to play, and this Taskforce will ensure a coordinated effort to improve services and support for those most vulnerable,” Mr Henskens said.
“We’ve worked hard throughout the lockdown to ensure continuity of services and support for at-risk children, but we also recognise that this difficult time may have adversely affected some children and young people.
“The Taskforce will develop a plan for the road ahead that focuses on the wellbeing of children and young people as we transition out of lockdown.”
The Child Wellbeing Taskforce will include representatives from the Department of Communities and Justice, Department of Education and sector peak organisations.
The initial focus will be promoting awareness of child abuse and neglect to all frontline workers, improving access to digital devices and internet for at-risk families and enhancing support for young people exiting out-of-home care.
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said teachers play an important role in the child protection system.
“As frontline workers, it’s important teachers know what to look out for and how to respond when they see something that is not right,” Ms Mitchell said.
“The NSW Government is taking a holistic approach to supporting children during this difficult time, mental health and wellbeing support is also front and centre for students.
“The new Taskforce will help a range of front-line staff, including teachers, identify those at-risk and connect them to support.”
Association of Children’s Welfare Agencies (ACWA) CEO Steve Kinmond said ACWA was pleased to support the NSW Government’s establishment of the taskforce.
“We have no doubt that only a strong partnership between government agencies and the non-government sector will deliver the best outcomes for vulnerable children and families,” Mr Kinmond said.
“In order to enhance the educational opportunities for vulnerable children, we need educators, community service agencies and other key stakeholders, to work in lockstep with each other, in providing all children the with best education possible, both during COVID and beyond.”
The Child Wellbeing Taskforce will meet for the first time next week.
Grants boost for projects honouring veterans
Projects which shine a light on the important service of our veterans will be boosted by the Anzac Community Grants Program, which is now open for applications.
Minister for Veterans Natalie Ward said the program’s opening coincides with History Week, and would promote awareness of our veterans’ vital contribution.
“We’re looking to support projects which enrich communities and heighten understanding of our veterans’ efforts both past and present,” Mrs Ward said.
“Around 1,200 veterans transition into NSW communities from the Defence Force every year and we remain committed to supporting them after service.
“This is an opportunity to get projects off the ground, at a grassroots level across many communities.”
Applications are open to individuals and not-for-profit organisations, including local government authorities, ex-service organisations, non-Government organisations and educational institutions.
Grants cover four categories: local community historical research and education; preservation or display of war memorabilia; public commemorative events, arts and culture; and support to members of the NSW veteran community.
Last year more than 40 projects were selected, including a replica battlefield trench, a digital image gallery of 600 photos, and woodwork to preserve a living memorial.
The North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club received a grant to assist veterans in becoming qualified lifesavers through the Bronze Medallion course.
“This encourages veterans to socialise and engage with their local communities, while recognising their defence force skills,” Club Life Member and Trustee Mark Cotter said.
Grants of up to $2,000 per organisation are available and applications close on Remembrance Day, 11 November 2021. For more information: veterans.nsw.gov.au/commemoration/anzac-community-grants-program.
Vaccination blitz for education staff
Starting today school, early childhood, TAFE NSW, Vocational Education and Training (VET) and university staff can access the Qudos vaccination hub in Homebush for Astra Zeneca vaccinations.
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Education Sarah Mitchell said tens of thousands of vaccinations have been reserved exclusively for education staff, with vaccinations one of the best lines of defence against the virus.
“The Qudos hub is complimented by 35 walk-in clinics in western NSW, and countless more clinics, GPs and pharmacies across regional NSW who are taking bookings,” Ms Mitchell said.
“As we prepare for a staged return to school from 25 October, and holding HSC exams from 9 November, vaccinating all staff is essential to increase safety and minimise disruption.
“I’m pleased to see that large numbers of the teaching workforce have already come forward to be vaccinated. Vaccinating staff, along with stringent school restrictions including mask wearing, will help make schools as safe as possible when students return.”
From 8 November 2021, all NSW school and preschool staff will be required to have received two doses of COVID-19 vaccine.
“The Qudos hub and walk-in hubs across NSW provide an opportunity for any staff member 18 years and above to quickly start or finish their vaccination journey,” Ms Mitchell said.
“With more supply entering the system I am hopeful we can create even more opportunities for staff and students to be vaccinated.”
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said the safety of the state’s students, apprentices and trainees, as well as teachers and support staff is at the heart of the education vaccination blitz.
“We know that skills training will play an important role in helping our industries and economy re-open and recover from COVID-19, which is why the NSW Government is prioritising vaccinations for those working in this sector,” Mr Lee said.
“By getting vaccinated, you are ensuring apprentices can get back to learning the tools of their trade, students can get back into classrooms and teachers can get back to teaching face-to-face as soon as possible.”
The Department of Education will continue to work with NSW Health to prioritise vaccinations for all staff across NSW, as well as HSC students over the coming weeks.
For more information about the COVID-19 Vaccination Program in NSW please go to nsw.gov.au/covid-19
BOOKING DETAILS
Qudos Bank Arena Vaccination Centre, Sydney Olympic Park
7am – 9pm, from Monday 6 September – Sunday 12 September
Bookings available here or via HealthDirect: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/
Parking is free in P1, Sydney Olympic Park
Walk-in locations and booking details for education staff in regional areas are available at the following link:
https://wnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/covid-19-information/covid-19-vaccination
New video with first responders released for Rural Road Safety Month
The NSW Government is appealing for drivers in regional NSW to take extra care this Rural Road Safety Month, as a confronting new video is released, showing the tragic impacts of a horror crash near Dubbo.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said he hoped the video would remind everyone to take road safety seriously – and that the decisions people make behind the wheel can have fatal consequences.
“The video shows the aftermath of a seven vehicle crash at road works on the Newell Highway, north of Dubbo in January 2018, where two young people – 21-year-old Reagan Skinner and 19 year old Hannah Ferguson, tragically lost their lives,” Mr Toole said.
“It also includes interviews with workers who witnessed the crash and a NSW Police Officer who was one of the first responders. Their stories drive home how one moment can change the lives of so many in an instant.”
So far this year, 184 people have died on NSW roads – 127 of those on country roads.
“This is why the NSW Government is investing $640 million over four years as part of the Saving Lives on Country Roads Initiative, to upgrade roads throughout regional NSW,” Mr Toole said.
“So far we’ve delivered 183 projects in 2020/21 and work is currently underway on 132 new and continuing road safety infrastructure projects right across the state, including $47.6 million on the New England Highway between Willow Tree and Uralla and $37.5 million on the Olympic Highway.
“This includes safety measures such as installing wide centre lines, life-saving flexible barriers, rumble strips and other safety devices to help prevent run-off-road and head-on crashes on country roads.
“Although COVID-19 means we are seeing fewer people on the roads, now is not the time to be complacent. It’s my hope that this video will remind all road users to think about how their driving behaviour can help keep everyone on the road safe.
“Before you get behind the wheel, stop and think about what you can do to make sure you arrive at your destination safely – slow down, make sure you’re well rested and never drive if affected by drugs or alcohol.”
Rural Road Safety Month is an initiative of the Australian Road Safety Foundation. More information can be found at: https://arsf.com.au/rrsw-home/
Child missing in the Hunter region now located
A child missing on a rural property in the Hunter region since Friday has been located following a large-scale search.
Just before 12.30pm on Friday (3 September 2021), officers from Hunter Valley Police District responded to reports a child was missing at a rural property on Yengo Drive, Putty, about 75km south of Singleton.
The three-year-old could not be located after he was last seen at a home on the property about 11.45am.
Officers commenced a coordinated multi-agency response which included Trailbike officers, Police Rescue, The Dog and Mounted Unit, Police divers, and PolAir.
Police were assisted by NSW Ambulance, State Emergency Service (SES), Rural Fire Service (RFS), and the Volunteer Rescue Association (VRA).
The search continued since then, assisted by hundreds of emergency service volunteers.
About 11.30am today (Monday 6 September 2021), the boy was located on a nearby riverbank by PolAir, who directed ground search crews to his location.
He has been reunited with his family and is being assessed by NSW Ambulance paramedics.
Family statement after child located – Hunter region
Our family is together again. For that we are grateful to everyone who has assisted in any way over the last three days.
Thank you to the NSW Police, Rescue Services, volunteers, community members, friends and family who have worked tirelessly to find AJ.
AJ is fine. Hold your kids close.
Please give our family the privacy to appreciate what we have.
Fatal pedestrian crash – Lake Macquarie PD
A man has died after being struck by a vehicle in the state’s north today.
Just after 8.30am (Monday 6 September 2021), emergency services responded to reports a pedestrian had been struck by a truck on George Booth Drive at Cameron Park, near Lake Macquarie.
Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District attended and located the body of a man.
He died at the scene and is yet to be formally identified.
The truck driver – a 52-year-old man – was uninjured and taken to hospital for mandatory testing.
An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash is underway and anyone with information or dashcam footage is urged to contact Lake Macquarie Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.
TGA approves Moderna vaccine for 12 to 17-year-olds
The Australian Government has welcomed today’s decision by Australia’s medicines regulator, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), to provisionally approve the use of the Moderna (Spikevax) COVID-19 vaccine for adolescents aged 12 to 17 years.
The approval by the TGA to allow the 12 to 17-year-old age group to be vaccinated with the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine follows the approval last month of its use in adults aged 18 years and older.
Australia has an advance purchase agreement with Moderna to secure 25 million doses of the vaccine – 10 million this year and 15 million of booster vaccines in 2022, with the first doses arriving later this month.
The Government will now await the advice of the independent Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) on how the approval of the Moderna vaccine for 12 to 17-year-olds should be incorporated into Australia’s vaccine rollout program. This advice is expected in the coming week.
The TGA’s approval of the Moderna vaccine for 12 to 17-year-olds was based on a detailed evaluation of available data to support its safety and efficacy – and is an important step in the Government’s program to vaccinate children.
It follows the Government accepting ATAGI’s advice that the Pfizer vaccine be administered in adolescents aged 12 to 15 years. Bookings for this age group open on 13 September.
Significant preparatory work has been undertaken by Operation COVID Shield on how the rollout will be expanded by including the Moderna vaccine and the first doses of the Moderna vaccine will be available through community pharmacies and workplace vaccination clinics.
Through increased supply and additional vaccination sites coming on board, we are setting vaccination records on an almost daily basis. Almost 2 million vaccines were administered last week and more than 20 million have now been administered across the country.
The Government is absolutely committed to vaccinating children as part of the rollout program – and it is expected everyone aged 12 to 18 years of age will have access to a vaccine during 2021.