Month: February 2022

Welcoming back visitors to aged care facilities across Australia

Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck, has joined aged care peak bodies Aged and Community Services Australia (ACSA) and Leading Age Services Australia (LASA) to encourage more visitors to return to residential aged care facilities across Australia.

“We know how important it is for aged care residents to see visitors, such as family, friends and members of their community in person” Minister Colbeck said.

“Personal contact is vital to maintaining the social, emotional and mental wellbeing of residents, reducing their social isolation and loneliness.

“We are also aware of the significant stress on a resident’s loved ones due to the extended restrictions over the last two years and new guidance means that visits can become more frequent and supported.

ACSA Chief Executive Officer Paul Sadler said aged care services have been working hard to keep residents connected with their loved ones.

“They know that regular contact is vital for residents and families and integral to maintaining their wellbeing,” Mr Sadler said.

“I am confident services are well-prepared and staff are keen to welcome visitors back in a safe manner.”

Support available for providers to increase visitation includes:

  • Access to Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) kits from the National Medical Stockpile (NMS). Providers can use the RATs provided through the forward deployment process announced on 14 February 2022 to screen visitors. RATs from the NMS for this purpose should be provided to visitors free-of-charge;
  • Workforce support through the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to assist during an outbreak. Providers can request ADF teams to screen and manage visitors, which will reduce the workload for existing staff.  A fact sheet has been released outlining the services which can be provided by ADF teams.
  • Clear policy advice through the Interim Guidance on Managing Public Health Restrictions on Residential Aged Care Facilities on taking a least-restrictive, risk-based approach to outbreak management; and 
  • The Australian Government committed an additional $34.4 million over four years to expand the Community Visitor Scheme (CVS) – now a total investment of $113.99 million. The program expands the number of CVS volunteers to over 17,800 places to support senior Australians with friendship and companionship.

The Department of Health is also currently working with the aged care sector to develop opportunities to actively support the re-engagement of volunteers and to encouraging new volunteers to provide companionship and emotional support to senior Australians.

The “Partners in Care” Program, which provides training in COVID-19 safe practices, infection control and hygiene to enable family to continue visiting their relatives during a COVID outbreak, is being updated for utilisation by all RACFs.

This is a key component of facilitating safe access to visitors during outbreaks.

LASA Chief Executive Officer Sean Rooney said the recent interim guidance released by the Department of Health has made a big difference in how providers and public health units view access by visitors.

“We have seen a reduction in the length of time for lockdowns and isolation, and access by essential visitors is also being supported,” Mr Rooney said.

Aged care providers can access a range of information about support available from the Australian Government at www.health.gov.au on the Newsletters and alerts for the aged care sector page.

$25.5 million to improve Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service infrastructure

The Morrison Government has opened a $25.5 million funding round for critical infrastructure projects at Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHS) to support these services to continue their critical work.

The Service Maintenance Program (SMP), which provides funding for repairs, maintenance and minor upgrades for ACCHS is part of a $1 billion national commitment to help achieve Closing the Gap (CTG) Outcomes, and part of the $254.4 million CTG health infrastructure measure announced by the Prime Minister in August 2021.

Given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the funding round will give priority to projects related to ventilation and infection control.

Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said that ACCHS are a core part of the Australian health system, delivering comprehensive primary health care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 

 “ACCHS set the benchmark for delivering holistic, culturally safe and responsive care and services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities and have played a major role in the Government’s response to COVID-19. This funding will improve their facilities so they can maintain the high level of care they offer their communities”, Minister Hunt said.

“These grants help ensure fit-for-purpose health infrastructure, which is integral to closing the gap in life expectancy of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”

The SMP and the Major Capital Program make up the Closing the Gap health infrastructure measure.  The opening of the Major Capital Program, which will fund the building and purchase of health clinics and staff housing, as well as major renovations, is due to be announced shortly.

Minister for Indigenous Australians, Ken Wyatt, said the funding round announced today showed the Government was serious about closing the gap in health outcomes and life expectancy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

“This investment in the ACCHS sector is a key component of the Government’s commitment to closing the gap through improved health infrastructure,” Minister Wyatt said.

“Key to making real progress, and one of the fundamental principles in the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, is to work in true partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders.

“Accordingly, we worked in partnership with the ACCHS sector, through the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO), to co-design these grant opportunities”.

Lead Convenor of the Coalition of Peaks and CEO of the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, Ms Pat Turner, said, “NACCHO has advocated for a long time for increased funding for infrastructure for the health sector and this funding supports and recognises the critical role that ACCHS play in the Australian primary health care architecture”.

“I am pleased to see that this funding is being delivered in line with the Priority Reforms in the National Agreement, where programs and services are developed in partnership with our peoples and where funding is delivered through our community-controlled organisations”.

Information about the SMP grant opportunity can be found on GrantConnect.

The Morrison Government continues to prioritise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and ageing outcomes, providing $781.1 million in the 2021-22 Budget and ongoing funding through the Indigenous Australians Health Programme of more than $4 billion from 2021-22 to 2024-25 to deliver culturally appropriate initiatives to increase access to health care and improve the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Australia’s response to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine

The Morrison Government is taking immediate action to sanction Russian individuals, organisations and banks as part of the international effort to impose a sharp cost on Russia for its unprovoked and unacceptable aggression against Ukraine.

Under a first phase, we will impose travel bans and targeted financial sanctions on eight members of Russia’s Security Council. The Council bears responsibility for the current phase of the invasion by providing policy advice and justification to President Putin’s unilateral declaration recognising the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic and the Luhansk People’s Republic.

Targeted financial sanctions will mean Australian individuals and entities cannot do business with the following banks: Rossiya Bank, Promsvyazbank, IS Bank, Genbank and the Black Sea Bank for Development and Reconstruction. This is in addition to restrictions on Australians investing in the state development bank VEB.

We will amend the Autonomous Sanctions Regulations 2011 to extend existing sanctions that apply to Crimea and Sevastopol to Donetsk and Luhansk. This will impose strong economic sanctions in the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk prohibiting trade in the transport, energy, telecommunications, and oil, gas and minerals sectors.

We will also amend the Regulations to significantly broaden the scope of people and entities that Australia can list for sanctions to include those of “strategic and economic significance to Russia”. We are working with our partners to identify additional individuals who will be subject to these sanctions.

In taking these actions, we are in alignment with our key partners, the United States and the United Kingdom.

This is the beginning of our sanctions process, as we remain deeply concerned that Russia is escalating its aggression. We are determined to work with responsible nations worldwide to ensure any further invasion by Russia against its smaller, democratic neighbour incurs the high cost it deserves.

All Ukrainian nationals in Australia with a visa that is due to expire up to 30 June, will be given an automatic extension for six months.

Outstanding visa applications from Ukrainian citizens, which number approximately 430, will be prioritised and fast tracked for a decision by immigration officials, as soon as possible.

Regarding sanctions, we will not hesitate to further amend the Autonomous Sanctions Regulations 2011 to expand sanctions as necessary, and already have a wider package of sanctions on persons and entities in reserve should Russia escalate its unlawful conduct in Eastern Ukraine.

We welcome the actions taken by other likeminded countries who want to see a stable international order, notably Germany which has suspended the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project.

Help continue to shape City of Newcastle’s vision for the future

Novocastrians are invited to share their expertise to help shape the future of the city and identify opportunities that will benefit the city.

City of Newcastle (CN) has opened expressions of interest for a limited number of community representative positions on six of its advisory committees, which provide advice and guidance to the elected Council and CN on matters of strategic significance.

Strategic advisory committees are a key action implemented as a part of CN’s Open and Transparent Governance Strategy, which was adopted in 2017.

New members of the City’s advisory committees will join existing community members and CN staff to continue to help shape key policies and initiatives across the Newcastle Local Government Area.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the volunteer representatives on the committees play an important role in helping CN progress the shared vision of the Community Strategic Plan.

“We’re looking for individuals from all walks of life, including those with experience in or a passion for areas including urban planning, arts, heritage, innovation, smart infrastructure, the environment and transport, as well as champions for access and inclusion and advocates for Indigenous issues,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Community members with lived experience or expertise in these areas are an invaluable resource whose perspective or skills can help identify challenges and opportunities for our city and provide guidance during the development of key strategies designed to make Newcastle a better place to live, work in and visit.

“With a new Community Strategic Plan, Newcastle 2040, expected to be finalised later this year following the current period of public exhibition, we will have a new shared vision for Newcastle and will look to these advisory committees for guidance as we put this plan into action.”

Membership of the committees includes up to three Councillors, the Lord Mayor, stakeholders and up to three community representatives.

Councillor Margaret Wood previously served on the Access Inclusion Advisory Committee as a community member and will now act as co-chairperson following her election to Council in December.

“As a community member of the previous committee, I found that it was a great opportunity to contribute to change,” Cr Wood said.

“I felt that the diverse perspectives of committee members added a lot of value to the City’s work implementing the first Disability Inclusion Action Plan and in developing the new Action Plan.

“I encourage people with lived experience of disability to apply to become involved with the Access Inclusion Advisory Committee.”

The following committees have casual vacancies for community representatives:

Access Inclusion Advisory Committee

Assists with the implementation of CN’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan and provides guidance on disability inclusion in Newcastle.

Community and Culture Advisory Committee

To provide guidance on the development of strategies, and identification of challenges and opportunities, in relation to cultural planning, arts and cultural opportunities, community pride and local identity, and community involvement which encourages a sense of belonging within the LGA.

Liveable Cities Advisory Committee

Provides guidance on urban planning, heritage, safety, affordable housing and healthy and connected urban systems within the local government area.

Infrastructure Advisory Committee

Provides guidance on built and natural facilities and systems within the local government area, including coastal revitalisation programs, environmental matters, transport, traffic and parking, cycleways delivery and floodplain management.

Strategy and Innovation Advisory Committee

Provides guidance on the development, refinement and implementation of strategies, and identification of challenges and opportunities, in relation to the economic development and diversification of Newcastle as destination leading in innovative technologies, climate action, smart infrastructure, high value investment, and major events and tourism.

Guraki Advisory Committee

Provides guidance on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues and gives life to Councillor’s commitment to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of City of Newcastle.

Expressions of Interest to join the advisory committees can be submitted until 20 March. Further information on the process and eligibility criteria can be found online at www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/have-your-say/projects/city-of-newcastle-advisory-committees

Playground upgrades heading west with multimillion dollar investment

Children in the city’s west will have plenty of reasons to get active in 2022 with four playground upgrades to be delivered this year.

Work has commenced on a full playground replacement at McCauley Park in Tarro, while Minmi’s McInnes Reserve will be next with a complete overhaul of its playground equipment to begin next month.

The neighbourhood playground at Bernborough Avenue in Maryland will benefit from an equipment upgrade in coming months as part of the annual playground improvement program, which will see $650,000 invested across four sites including the three western suburbs projects and a new design and equipment upgrade at Kotara Park.

The Wallsend community is also eagerly awaiting the completion of the $1.5 million Active Hub in Federal Park, which commenced construction in 2021 and is expected to be ready for use by July.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle was thrilled to be delivering improved recreational opportunities for children across the local government area including those in the growing western corridor.

“We know how much our community values open spaces and their local playgrounds, which is why we’re investing $650,000 to upgrade four local playgrounds this year,” Cr Nelmes said.

“The city’s playgrounds provide local children and families with the opportunity to spend more time outdoors and engage in an active and healthy lifestyle.

“I’m thrilled to see work beginning at McCauley Park in Tarro, which will feature a new-look play area designed to cater for a wide range of ages featuring swings, slides, climbing, and balancing components. I can’t wait to see the projects kick off in Minmi, Maryland and Kotara as well.

“I’m also looking forward to the completion of the Wallsend Active Hub mid this year, which was designed to address the need for non-formal sporting facilities in the city’s western corridor and will include an expanded playspace, bike track, multi-sport courts, rebound wall, climbing wall and fitness stations.

“This $1.5 million project is transforming Federal Park into a vibrant hub of activity and will become a destination not only for residents in surrounding suburbs but for families from outside the area who will enjoy the mix of informal recreational spaces it offers.”

Up to four of Newcastle’s 134 playgrounds are replaced each year as part of the asset renewal works program. City of Newcastle has invested more than $9 million in playground projects during the past five years including construction of the inclusive playground at Stevenson Park at Mayfield, the Stockton and Wallsend Active Hubs and the adventure playground at Richley Reserve.

The Wallsend Active Hub is supported by a $500,000 grant from the NSW Government’s Resources for Regions program.

To stay up to date with the progress and to find out about works in your neighbourhood visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/works

Record number of scholarships for early childhood educators

A record number of scholarships have been awarded to early childhood educators in NSW to boost the availability, accessibility, and quality of early learning and care.
 
More than 100 budding educators across the state will receive up to $20,000 each to support their study of a Bachelor-level Early Childhood Teaching qualification from 2022.
 
Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said the scholarship program is part of the NSW Government’s commitment to increase the number of early childhood teachers working in the sector in NSW.
 
“Quality early childhood education is incredibly important and having access to qualified teachers is an essential element for our services, communities and especially our youngest learners,” Ms Mitchell said.
 
“We know the past two years have been challenging for the Early Childhood Education sector, so it’s important we are providing support to build a highly qualified and sustainable workforce.
 
“This year, we have a record 114 scholars, including 25 Aboriginal scholars who will help nurture and celebrate First Nations perspectives and culture in early childhood education across the state.”
 
The scholarships are designed to meet the needs of children and families, including those from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds, culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living in regional and remote locations, and those working with children with disability and additional needs.
 
“We had so many quality applicants this year, with many already working in community preschools and long day care services. It’s great to be able to support these applicants to upgrade their qualifications to a four-year bachelor degree in early childhood teaching,” Ms Mitchell said.
 
“Scholarship recipients will deepen their understanding of early childhood environments, and gain additional skills and capabilities.
 
“I congratulate the scholars on their commitment to education and I wish them every success in their studies and future careers as qualified early childhood teachers.”
 
Further details about the scholarships are available on the department’s website 2021-22 Aboriginal Early Childhood Education Scholarships and Early Childhood Education Scholarships Program (nsw.gov.au)

Stay NSW vouchers go live

A $50 accommodation voucher will be available from today as part of the NSW Government’s $250 million Stay NSW program.
 
Applications for the vouchers will be made available by Local Government Area in a staggered approach. Every community will have access to them by 3 March.
 
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said the voucher initiative is a commitment to bolster the accommodation industry while getting people excited to travel in NSW.
 
“This is a win-win for NSW – the vouchers will give hard hit businesses much needed stimulus, while also encouraging residents to explore our great State,” Mr Dominello said.
 
“The Stay NSW program has been expanded and fast-tracked, so people can enjoy a staycation sooner. Whether it’s a quiet country inn, the family-run caravan park or a hotel in the Sydney CBD, every budget needs a boost this year.”
 
Mr Dominello said the state-wide rollout follows a successful pilot in the Sydney CBD.
 
“Applying is fast and simple via the Service NSW mobile app, through the Service NSW website or by calling 13 77 88 for assistance,” Mr Dominello said.
 
“People can pool the $50 Stay NSW Vouchers with relatives or mates, with no redemption limit. Apply as soon as you can so you can check-in somewhere special and check-out somewhere new.”
 
There are more than 1,200 Stay NSW businesses registered across the State but it is not too late for accommodation premises to get on board. Stay NSW Vouchers are valid until 9 October, 2022.
 
Participating businesses will be able to redeem vouchers seven days a week, including public holidays. Customers will be able to search for places to stay on the easy-to-use business finder.
 
For more information, including details on eligibility plus how and when to apply, visit https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/stay-nsw

National border reopening

The NSW Government has welcomed the first wave of international visitors following today’s reopening of national borders.
 
Around 5000 passengers across 27 flights will pass through Sydney International Airport today, arriving from USA, Japan, Singapore, Canada, New Zealand and Fiji.
 
Amid celebrations at Sydney International Airport, where arrivals were greeted with music and imagery from the Destination NSW Feel New tourism campaign, NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said the return of overseas visitors would boost tourism, investment and trade.
 
“Millions of people around the world dream of visiting Sydney and our regional areas, it’s great to see the planes return and their dreams coming true,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
“We are investing more than $530 million into the sector as part of our tourism and events recovery package. This ensures visitors get to experience the very best of what NSW has to offer.”
 
Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade, Minister for Tourism and Sport and Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the timing could not be better for international visitors to return to NSW and be reinvigorated.
 
“NSW is the best place in the world to visit, study, invest and do business and late summer and early autumn is the perfect time to experience the unique outdoor and cultural lifestyle Sydney and NSW are famous for,” Mr Ayres said.
 
“We have an incredible calendar of world-class events lined up from Australian premieres of hit productions, to World Cup qualifiers and our internationally-renowned Vivid Sydney, on top of remarkable natural wonders that extend from spectacular coastlines, over breathtaking mountain ranges to stunning outback regions.
 
“For us to reach our ambition to be the premier visitor economy in the Asia Pacific, we need airlines to fly in and for locals and visitors to embrace our world class venues and hospitality, which is why we are investing $60 million to incentivise international airlines to re-commence flights to Sydney through our Aviation Attraction Fund.
 
“This all about showcasing NSW’s diverse and compelling destinations and experiences and I am delighted our tourism and hospitality operators are now able to extend the warm welcome they have been waiting to offer our overseas friends after two difficult years.”
 
Prior to COVID-19, NSW’s visitor economy was the largest in Australia, contributing $38 billion and supporting over 100,000 businesses and nearly 300,000 jobs.
 
All foreign visitors to Australia are required to provide proof that they are double-vaccinated with an approved COVID-19 vaccine.
 
Unvaccinated travellers are still required to apply for a travel exemption to come to Australia and undergo hotel quarantine for seven days if they are granted permission to enter the country.

School life returns to normal

COVID Smart settings in NSW schools have been revised, giving students the first taste of normal school life since the pandemic began two years ago.
 
Core COVID Smart measures will remain in place, including enhanced cleaning and maximising natural and mechanical ventilation in line with health advice.
 
From Monday 28 February:

  • Cohorting requirements and activity restrictions will be relaxed – enabling students to engage and interact more freely across classes and year groups.
  • Schools will be able to welcome more visitors onto school grounds, including parents, and will resume activities such as assemblies and school camps.
  • Mask requirements will be lifted for high school students and staff.

From Monday, 7 March:

  • Mask requirements will be lifted for primary school and early education staff.

 
Staff in Schools for Specific Purposes will continue to be required to wear masks based on health advice. 
 
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the relaxation of some measures while keeping others in place was a sensible approach that gives students, staff and parents more freedoms to enjoy school life while keeping the school community safe.
 
“It is time to afford our students and parents more normality. Everyone wants to get back to the school activities and events we all love,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
“The return to school and the start of term has been a success, COVID transmission has reduced throughout the community, and while there will still be cases and bumps in schools it is time for our students to enjoy normal school life.”
 
Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said this was the first time since the pandemic started two years ago that students have enjoyed this level of normality.
 
“We know transmission in schools is extremely low, and not a single school has closed since school returned despite the levels of community transmission,” Ms Mitchell said.
 
“Relaxing cohorting and restrictions on visitors will let more parents engage with their child’s school and allow students to participate in cross-year group activities, which is welcome news for both students and parents everywhere.
 
“The return to school, and now the return to school life, is successful because of the tremendous efforts and teamwork from all parents, staff and students. I thank all of our school communities for their support.”
 
COVID Smart settings will continue to be reviewed and updated, as necessary on health advice.

Shouting a second round of free RSA courses

By popular demand, an additional 5,000 fee-free Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) courses are now up for grabs to help people get jobs in the hospitality industry.
 
Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens and Minister for Hospitality Kevin Anderson said thousands of people had taken up the opportunity to gain the free qualification courtesy of NSW Government funding, since it rolled out two weeks ago.
 
“These RSA courses have been more popular than happy hour at your local pub or club, and now we’re shouting a second round to help thousands more people get jobs,” Mr Henskens said.
 
“Whether you are a school-leaver or looking for a career change, now is the perfect time to gain your free qualification to enter the dynamic hospitality industry.”
 
The RSA courses are available through TAFE NSW and other registered training organisations, which will be delivered either online or face-to-face in less than a day.
 
People who have previously worked in the industry are also being encouraged to return to the sector. Anyone whose RSA competency card has expired within the past two years, or will expire before 30 June can complete a free online refresher course.
 
“The hospitality sector supports more than 300,000 jobs across NSW and it’s fantastic that so many people have already taken up the free RSA courses,” Mr Anderson said.
 
“We know staff shortages have been impacting the hospitality sector and that is why we have extended the free RSA courses to get people behind the bar, to serve the drinks and collect money for the till.”
 
Clubs NSW CEO Josh Landis said the shortage of workers has been a huge challenge for NSW clubs and welcomes the extension of the free RSA courses.
 
“We hope this initiative will encourage more people to consider a career in hospitality, which offers incredible opportunities for professional growth and development,” Mr Landis said.
 
For more information visit, https://skills.education.nsw.gov.au/rsa.