A first-time entrant has taken out the People’s Choice award in this year’s Kilgour Prize after attracting 19 per cent of the total votes, which were cast online due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Tinonee artist Nathan Paddison picked up the $5000 prize for his colourful self-portrait Flour Sail, which reflects on one of the tougher periods in his life.
The People’s Choice award is usually decided by votes cast by members of the public when they visit the annual Kilgour Prize exhibition at Newcastle Art Gallery.
However, with the gallery closed due to the COVID lockdown, the exhibition was forced to go completely digital for the first time in its 16-year history, with an online voting system used to determine the most popular entry from among the 30 finalists.
Despite the challenges, it was a milestone year for the Kilgour Prize, which attracted 476 entries from across every state and territory in Australia, an increase of more than 100 entries from 2020 and the highest number overall since it was established in 2006.
Almost 2900 works overall have been entered into what has become one of Australia’s major art competitions, which presents some of the finest examples of contemporary Australian portrait and figurative painting.
The Kilgour Prize is administered by Newcastle Art Gallery and funded by a bequest from artist Jack Noel Kilgour, providing $50,000 to the winner each year and an additional $5,000 for the painting voted most popular by the general public.
According to Nathan’s artist statement, Flour Sail is a “self portrait of harder times, the flowers representing anything I could find to make a quick buck even a droopy flower“.
“Everyone has hard times in life and is always searching for who they are and where they belong in the world. Spelling the words wrong is a way to make the viewer take a second look and to understand better rather than just to read words. Figuring out meanings brings a new understanding that would otherwise be left to be forgotten.”
The People’s Choice award is the first prize won by the Mid North Coast artist, who only started painting four years ago.
Nathan said it was unbelievable to win this award in such a prestigious prize and against such talented finalists, noting it was the “greatest validation” for the “endless hours days, weeks and years” he put into his art.
ABOUT THE KILGOUR PRIZE
Jack Noel Kilgour (1900–1987) was an Australian artist well-known for his academic approach to landscape and portrait painting. In 1987 Kilgour bequeathed funds for the creation of a major figurative and portrait art competition to be run in perpetuity. As one of Australia’s major art prizes, Newcastle Art Gallery is proud to be the home of the KILGOUR PRIZE.
More information: https://www.nag.org.au/Kilgour-Prize
Month: October 2021
Health and wellbeing at the heart of City of Newcastle’s local business support
City of Newcastle has marked World Mental Health Day by launching an eight-week campaign to encourage the community to improve their physical and mental health whilst earning discounts that can be redeemed at local businesses.
‘Healthy Hearts & Minds’ involves a series of active challenges, mindfulness programs and online workshops run through the Lean in Newy app which translates good deeds into credits and discounts to use at 130 local businesses.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the Healthy Hearts & Minds program was a fun and innovative way to improve community wellbeing while providing direct economic support for small businesses given the impacts of COVID-19.
“We understand that this is a challenging time with many in our community facing isolation, economic downturn and uncertainty which is affecting people’s physical and mental health,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Healthy Hearts & Minds is run through the Lean in Newy app and features a range of challenges which can be done at home or require you to get out and use a range of facilities across the local government area like exercise equipment and walking trails.
“Challenges include swimming 500 metres at your local pool, running on Bathers Way, doing push ups at one of City of Newcastle’s outdoor fitness stations, and participating in a free online mental health workshop.
“As the weather warms up and we gradually emerge from lockdown, we hope the campaign will help people reset with their health, re-engage with their local environment and provide a timely boost for local businesses.”
Headspace Newcastle’s Community Development Officer, Byron Williams said the Healthy Hearts and Minds campaign aligns with Headspace Newcastle’s theme this year of ‘small steps start big things’.
“This is a great initiative that will encourage our community to prioritise their physical and mental health, whilst knowing they are doing something good by supporting small local businesses,” Mr Williams said.
Small business owner, Grace McMahon of Gem Ceramics said she has experienced an increase in sales as a result of participating in Lean in Newy.
“With the support of Lean in Newy and its members, I have been able to grow my small ceramics business and even launch my website in the midst of lockdown by reaching more people,” Ms McMahon said.
Lean in Newy is part of City of Newcastle’s COVID-19 Community Economic Resilience Package.
Download the Lean in Newy app free from the App Store.
Confidence guaranteed as we get back to work
The NSW Government has committed to provide a Summer Holiday Stock Guarantee for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and will expand the Small Business Fees and Charges Rebate for all eligible small businesses.
Small and medium business owners will be able to open with confidence thanks to a suite of support measures from the NSW Government, as part of the Economic Recovery Strategy.
Under the SME Summer Holiday Stock Guarantee, eligible businesses with an annual turnover between $75,000 and $50 million will be able to apply for a grant of up to $20,000 to compensate for loss of perishable stock, or claim $10,000 for reduced capacity to sell non-perishable items if a local lockdown occurs and they are impacted.
The expanded Small Business Fees and Charges Rebate will be eligible for use until 30 June 2022.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said these measures were key to giving businesses the confidence to open up and plan for the future, which will help reboot our economy.
“Now that we’ve reached the 70 per cent double vaccination target, it’s wonderful to see businesses reopening their doors and welcoming back customers,” Mr Perrottet said.
“These measures will give businesses and workers confidence to purchase stock and invest for the future knowing their doors will remain open as we get our economy firing again.”
Treasurer Matt Kean said the Stock Guarantee of up to $20,000 would be available if non-essential SMEs were forced to shut their doors between 1 December 2021 to 31 January 2022 due to public health orders.
“It’s devastating for businesses and their employees when they have to shut due to COVID but the grants will make it easier for businesses to manage their stock with confidence,” Mr Kean said.
“We want businesses to have the confidence to get out and spend and invest in their business ahead of the busy Christmas trading period.
“We expect the summer will be a bumper time for businesses as the people of NSW emerge from lockdown and look to support their local, and we want business owners to know we have their back.”
Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said the Government wanted to ensure businesses could open with confidence and certainty.
“It hasn’t been an easy ride for businesses across the state and now we are reopening, this should give them some assurance that we will be there for them every step of the way,” Mr Tudehope said.
“Small businesses will now be able to claim road user tolls under the Small Business Fees and Charges Rebate, which is being increased from $1500 to $2000.
“The rebate can be used to offset NSW and local government fees and charges and adding tolls to the list of claimable charges is going to make a massive difference to many small business owners who use vehicles for work.”
More information on the rebate and Summer Holiday Stock Guarantee will be available shortly.
Economic stimulus package continues to benefit schools
The NSW Government’s $240 million Regional and Metro Renewal Programs are forging ahead with the next round of projects to improve school infrastructure announced today.
The Regional and Metro Renewal Programs have so far delivered 206 upgrades at 202 schools across the state, and now thanks to tranche 3 a further 57 schools will benefit.
Deputy Premier Paul Toole said the Renewal Program is an important stimulus package that helps business and local communities recover from the pandemic while benefitting students.
“Twenty-three metro and 34 regional schools will benefit from tranche 3 of this program,” Mr Toole said.
“This not only provides schools with the projects they want but supports our regional tradies with opportunities throughout the state.”
The program has delivered more than 136 projects for regional schools including 12 sporting courts, 14 upgrades to bathrooms and four upgrades to libraries.
In metro areas the program has already delivered 70 projects to metro schools including 10 upgrades to bathrooms, 27 outdoor learning and play area upgrades and 10 new COLAs, walkways and shade structures.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said these investments in schools across the state are benefiting hundreds of businesses and will support more than 2,600 jobs.
“All the projects have been put forward by the schools, and the program allows these important works to go out to tender immediately,” Ms Mitchell said.
To date, 200 projects have been delivered through the renewal programs supporting more than 2,600 jobs across regional and metro NSW. Wherever possible, schools use local contractors and suppliers ensuring the positive impacts of this stimulus are felt as far and wide as possible.
The NSW Government is investing $7.9 billion over the next four years, continuing its program to deliver 215 new and upgraded schools to support communities across NSW. This is the largest investment in public education infrastructure in the history of NSW.
Expanded program sets students on pathway to career success
A program to improve education and career outcomes for high school students will be expanded to schools across NSW over the next two years, thanks to a $13.5 million investment from the NSW Government.
The Educational Pathways Program (EPP) introduces students to different post-school study and employment options, and will expand from 24 schools to up to 139 public schools across NSW from next year.
The program has been extremely successful since it was introduced in 2020, with the number of students enrolling in school-based apprenticeships and traineeships tripling across the schools participating in the pilot.
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said investing in career education and skills training for young people was key to keeping the NSW economy strong into the future.
“Encouraging the next generation to consider an apprenticeship or traineeship through this program will help to reduce future skills shortages and create a highly employable workforce,” Mr Lee said.
“Through this program, a growing number of Year 10, 11 and 12 students are earning and starting their career in industry while learning new skills in the classroom.”
“The program is about exposing school students to the different directions they can take in their career so they can make informed and confident decisions.”
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said the NSW Government was supporting high school students looking to take the first step in their career.
“Greater Year 12 retention, increased completion of school-based apprenticeships and traineeships, and increased participation in post-school education are just some of the benefits of the program,” Ms Mitchell said.
Secondary public schools in the Illawarra, New England and North West, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Hunter Valley, Central Coast, Southern Highlands and Shoalhaven, as well as Western Sydney suburbs of Parramatta and Blacktown, will have access to the Educational Pathways Program in 2022.
The NSW Government’s investment in the Education Pathways Program will fund:
- Strengthened career guidance and support for school students under specialist teachers for school based apprentices and trainees.
- Immersion programs with Registered Training Organisations, including TAFE NSW, to give high school students ‘vocational tasters’ of different industries.
- Workshops to teach students employability skills, such as how to prepare for a job interview, how to communicate with employers, and how to manage their online presence.
- Dedicated careers support to connect students to local employers and jobs.
For more information on the EPP visit: https://tinyurl.com/52383fsy
Two critical after single-vehicle rollover near Cessnock
An elderly man and woman have been taken to hospital in a critical condition following a single-vehicle crash in the state’s Hunter Region.
About 10.30pm yesterday (Monday 11 October 2021), emergency services were called to Wine Country Drive, North Rothbury – about 19km north of Cessnock – following reports a Toyota Corolla had left the road and rolled.
The male driver and female passenger – both aged 94 – were trapped in the vehicle, before being freed a short time later.
The pair were taken to John Hunter Hospital with critical injuries.
Officers from Hunter Valley Police District, with assistance from the Crash Investigation Unit, established a crime scene and commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
As inquires continue, anyone with information, or dashcam footage from the area, is urged to come forward.
Recognising carers across Australia
The Morrison Government today recognises the contributions of carers across Australia as part of National Carers Week.
Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians, Richard Colbeck, said the commitment and support carers provide to senior and vulnerable Australians should not be underestimated.
Almost 2.65 million people care for a partner, family member or friend who needs them.
“These are the unsung heroes making an enormous difference in the lives of others,” Minister Colbeck said.
“National Carers Week offers an opportunity to raise awareness about the integral work carers do for many Australians and how they make an important economic contribution to the community as well.”
Minister Colbeck said the tireless work of informal carers was a particular focus of the Morrison Government’s $17.7 billion response to the Aged Care Royal Commission.
Part of the key supports includes an investment of $798.3 million to increase support for those who offer care with little recognition or outside help.
“Strengthening the support available will improve carer wellbeing, maintain the care relationship and avoid crises that may jeopardise the relationship between the carer and those in need,” Minister Colbeck said.
Flexible and Centre Based Respite funding to support 8400 carers a year is being provided to Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) providers from 1 January 2022.
“This will also support approximately 134,000 informal carers through early referral from aged care assessors to the Carer Gateway support network to help plan support services.”
Carer Gateway provides counselling, connection with other carers, coaching, courses, and emergency respite services.
“Through this substantial investment, we are showing we are committed to supporting senior Australians to remain living safely and independently in their own homes and communities for as long as they wish to do so – which would not be possible without carers,” Minister Colbeck said.
Importantly, support for carers of dementia patients has also been reinforced.
The expansion of care models will see increased access to carer education in the early period after diagnosis.
Enhanced early support for people living with dementia in the community and their carers is also being provided through a significant funding increase for evidence-based activities delivered under the National Dementia Support Program (NDSP).
This is expected to provide around 30,000 people with more timely access to supports like counselling, education sessions, support groups, and peer mentoring that provides coaching, advice and support to carers.
Information about support and programs offered by Dementia Australia can be found here.
Carers can contact Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737, to speak to trainer workers in their local area to help find the services and support required or by visiting the website here.
National Carers Week continues until 16 October. For more information visit the website here.
World Mental Health Day—mental health care for all Australians
Today is World Mental Health Day. A day to reflect on our mental health and wellbeing, to reach out to our loved ones who may need support and to raise awareness of this important issue.
The lives of many Australians have been turned upside down since the COVID-19 pandemic swept the world.
It has been a challenging time and it’s never been more important to prioritise our physical health by getting vaccinated, but also investing time into our mental health and wellbeing.
One in every five Australians — about four million people — suffers from a mental illness in a given year, and almost half the population has suffered a mental disorder at some time in their life.
The theme of this year’s World Mental Health Day – Mental health care for all: let’s make it a reality – is about taking action to ensure that everyone has access to mental health services, especially as we find ourselves on the other side of the pandemic.
In line with this mission, since March 2020, the Government has stepped up to provide more than $500 million additional funding to ensure Australians have the mental health support they need during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This includes rolling out telehealth to enable mental health treatment from home and limit risks to physical health, establishing the national Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service operated by Beyond Blue, and providing funding to scale up support services such as Lifeline and Kids Helpline.
Through the National Pandemic Mental Health and Wellbeing Response Plan, the Government has also delivered vital funding for vulnerable groups such as older Australians, Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islanders, students and young Australians, LGBTIQA+ Australians and those affected by eating disorders and perinatal depression and anxiety.
Through $79.4 million additional funding to Victoria, New South Wales and the ACT, where COVID-19 cases remain high and lockdowns have been extended, the Government has also rapidly rolled out 26 pop-up mental health treatment centres to provide easy access to free, multidisciplinary mental health care.
In addition, in the 2021-22 Budget, the Morrison Government invested a record $2.3 billion in the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan to lead landmark reform. This takes mental health funding to an estimated $6.5 billion in 2021-22 – doubling since 2012-13.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said mental health and suicide prevention was one of the Morrison Government’s highest priorities.
“We have embarked on system wide reform to ensure Australia’s mental health system is more compassionate, accessible and affordable,” Minister Hunt said.
“To achieve this, we are investing in additional mental health services no matter who you are, what your circumstances or where you live in Australia.”
“This includes $820 million to establish a national network of adult, child and youth mental health treatment centres.”
Operating under a ‘no wrong door approach’, these new services will ensure the delivery of easy to access, high quality, person-centred treatment and supports across the mental health care system, in our cities, regions and rural areas, providing stigma-free and compassionate care.
Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, David Coleman, said all Australians should be able to receive compassionate and effective mental health care.
“That is why our Government is prioritising investment for all Australians, including early intervention supports and preventive measures for migrants and culturally and linguistically diverse people,”
“We are also investing in the growth and upskilling of the mental health and suicide prevention workforce, who are the most critical component of Australia’s mental health system, and do a fantastic job.”
On World Mental Health Day, the Morrison Government reiterates our thanks to frontline health care workers and mental health and suicide prevention workers for their tireless commitment.
We are committed to working towards zero suicides and transforming the mental health system, to ensure that all Australians can access the right care whenever and wherever they need.
Help is available so please reach out for support. You don’t have to suffer alone.
Australians looking for support throughout the COVID-19 pandemic can access the Beyond Blue Coronavirus Mental 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.
Ready, set, go – NSW prepares to re-open
After more than 100 days of restrictions NSW will tomorrow take its first steps back to normal life.
Families and friends will be planning catch-ups while cafes, restaurants, pubs, clubs, and other businesses are busy re-stocking their fridges, dusting off their tables and chairs as we prepare to safely re-open the economy and get businesses back on their feet and people back into jobs.
Businesses will open to customers on Monday, 11 October, with patrons required to demonstrate they have been double-vaccinated and are willing to comply with physical-distance requirements.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said tomorrow is the first step in seeing some restrictions lift for those who are double-vaccinated, and for businesses around the state to re-open and get the NSW economy back to business.
“There is a sense of optimism out there with thousands of businesses across the State busy preparing to open their doors tomorrow. NSW you’ve earned this.” Mr Perrottet said.
“As we re-open after more than 100 days we ask everyone to treat staff with kindness and respect when they ask you to check-in or see your vaccination certificate.
“Following these simple measures will help keep us all safe and keep us moving forward out of the pandemic.”
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres welcomed the reopening and reminded people to act responsibly when going out.
“NSW has pulled together to get our vaccination rate to more than 70 per cent, which means we can begin the reopening process. We need the same spirit of cooperation to keep people safe and ensure that venues remain open.
“Like many people, I can’t wait to have a beer and a schnitty at my local, but we all have a responsibility to stick by the rules. Book ahead, check-in with your QR code, show proof of vaccination, be respectful to staff and look after each other.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said it is vital that NSW residents continue to roll up their sleeves to push the state’s rates of double vaccination even higher.
“The community has done a fantastic job to reach the 70 per cent double dose target, but we must keep going. We want to get to as close to 100 per cent double vaccination as possible to keep everyone safe,” Mr Hazzard said.
“Vaccination is our greatest weapon against the virus, together with social distancing, hand sanitising, mask wearing and getting tested when we have symptoms – which all remain important as we navigate our way out of this pandemic.”
Digital and Customer Service Minister Victor Dominello encouraged people to have their vaccination status ready to go.
“There are already three ways to get a copy of your vaccine certificate, through the Express Plus Medicare app, the digital wallet on their phone or a paper certificate from Services Australia,” Mr Dominello said
“We have successfully started testing the integration of the vaccine certificate into the ServiceNSW app and are expanding the pilot into the regions this week which is exciting. Until then, please ensure you have your proof of vaccination ready.
“The nsw.gov.au website has all the materials needed to help businesses re-open safely and we have proactively sent out information packs to help make the transition as easy as possible.”
Businesses can find all the resources that they need to ensure they are complying with the 70 per cent roadmap here: COVID Safe business | NSW Government.
To find out how to download a copy of your vaccination certificate visit Services Australia website.
If you are not booked in for a COVID-19 vaccine, please book an appointment as soon possible.
For the latest information visit the COVID-19 pages on nsw.gov.au.
To view the 70 per cent Roadmap and lifting of restrictions, visit nsw.gov.au.
Regional pilot locations for COVID-19 certificates announced
Tamworth, Port Macquarie, Wagga Wagga and Lismore customers will be the first to display their COVID-19 digital vaccination certificate on the Service NSW app, with the NSW Government pilot of the technology underway.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the regional pilot starting Monday would focus on staff and visitors at a number of clubs and aged-care facilities, as well as selected taxi companies.
“Up to 500 customers, to be selected by the businesses involved, will participate in the pilot across Tamworth, Port Macquarie, Wagga Wagga and Lismore,” Mr Toole said.
“Customers will have the convenience of checking in to a venue and showing proof of vaccination status on the one app. This is NSW leading the way with a pilot in the regions and helping to make life easier for our communities in the roadmap out of COVID.”
Minister for Digital and Customer Service Victor Dominello said while it was currently possible to display your vaccination certificate, given there were over 6 million people using the ServiceNSW app this was a smart extra service for the citizens of NSW.
“There are already three ways to download your vaccination passport so this is about making life easier for the people and business of NSW as we safely open back up,” Mr Dominello said.
“In a week of being granted access to the Australian Immunisation Register information we have already begun successfully testing internally ahead of this regional pilot but we also need to ensure we have the right checks and balances in place.”
The ServiceNSW app will include a number of security measures to help compliance officers and businesses with checking and validating a customer’s vaccination status, including a NSW Waratah logo hologram and rotating QR codes, similar to the Digital Driver Licence.
“Integrating the vaccine certificate onto the ServiceNSW app will be optional,” Mr Dominello said.
“Customers can also use the Express Plus Medicare app, the digital wallet on their phone or a paper certificate from Services Australia to prove their vaccination status.
“I would like to thank the Federal Government, in particular Minister Stuart Robert, for his support and collaboration in making this happen.
“Integrating the vaccine certificate also helps future proof our State’s digital infrastructure in the event that proof of vaccination is ever required again.”
To integrate a COVID-19 digital vaccination certificate with the ServiceNSW app, customers will need to have a Federal MyGov account with Medicare linked and the Express Plus Medicare app. Customers without a smartphone should contact Services Australia for a non-digital option.
For more information, please visit nsw.gov.au