People living in inner Sydney will soon have access to more healthcare specialists and services in a new Royal Prince Alfred HealthOne at Green Square, with the structure now complete as part of the NSW Government’s $100 million program.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the new state-of-the-art centre was the largest in the state, and would provide vital out-of-hospital healthcare services for families and residents.
“This new Green Square facility is a one-stop-shop giving people access to a range of healthcare services without having to visit a hospital, providing more options and helping take the pressure off our emergency departments,” Mr Perrottet said.
“The innovative statewide HealthOne program is boosting healthcare options for people and is part of the NSW Government’s comprehensive investment in our health system to deliver better services closer to home across NSW.”
The RPA HealthOne centre will feature eight consultation rooms, six treatment rooms, a range of meeting rooms and a gymnasium for patient therapy.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the HealthOne would be closely connected to clinical services at the RPA Hospital, significantly boosting the range of healthcare professionals and services available for the community as well as improving access and efficiency.
“This first-class RPA HealthOne will really take healthcare in inner Sydney to another level, providing specialist services focused on early intervention and disease prevention, backed by education and research, and co-located with primary health services such as GPs,” Mr Hazzard said.
“Our investment in these world-class health services is ensuring the exceptional patient and family-centred care the RPA has long been renowned for will continue to meet the community’s healthcare needs well into the future.”
The new RPA HealthOne centre is due to be completed in early 2023, and will open after the commissioning period. It complements the $750 million Royal Prince Alfred Hospital redevelopment, which will deliver new and upgraded facilities that will enhance existing services, support the creation of new services and expand future capacity.
For more information, visit www.slhd.nsw.gov.au/RPA/HealthOne
Month: October 2022
Final reminder to use your Stay NSW and Parents NSW vouchers
Households are being urged to use any remaining Stay NSW and Parents NSW vouchers, with the 9 October deadline only days away.
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said the vouchers have boosted family budgets and provided local businesses with much needed stimulus.
“Both programs have collectively added almost $350 million to the NSW economy, with 97 per cent of customers giving them the thumbs up,” Mr Dominello said.
“Don’t miss out. There is still time to redeem vouchers and reap the rewards these school holidays. Catch that movie you’ve been wanting to see with friends or take the kids to a museum or wildlife park. You’ll save money and be supporting businesses.
“Subject to the business’s terms and conditions, you might also be able to book now and redeem at a later date.
“The programs have been an overwhelming success and I would like to sincerely thank participating providers for your support and involvement.”
Minister for Tourism Ben Franklin said the initiative has provided significant support to NSW residents and accommodation providers.
“The Stay NSW voucher has been a great incentive for NSW residents to explore the incredible cultural and natural wonders of our State while injecting a significant economic boost for local accommodation providers,” Mr Franklin said.
“The NSW Government is committed to supporting our accommodation providers, and I encourage all NSW residents to take advantage of this fantastic program and book a staycation or holiday using the Stay NSW vouchers today.”
There are around $72.5 million worth of Stay NSW vouchers issued, pending redemption, to date.
These vouchers help support accommodation providers in NSW impacted by COVID-19. NSW residents aged 18 and older can apply for one $50 voucher to use towards the cost of accommodation bookings.
There are around $54 million worth of Parents NSW vouchers issued, pending redemption, to date.
One person from each eligible household can apply for five $50 vouchers, worth $250 in total.
NSW Government Vouchers are non-transferable and can only be redeemed by the customer who was issued the voucher. They cannot be used as a gift or donation to a registered business and cannot be exchanged for cash or gift vouchers.
For more information visit https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/stay-nsw and https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/parents-nsw-vouchers
Parramatta prospers with Westinvest projects
Residents in Parramatta will benefit from new sporting facilities, better parks and playgrounds and a youth-focused skate and BMX park precinct funded by the $2 billion WestInvest Community Project Grants program.
Premier Dominic Perrottet, Treasurer Matt Kean and Minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman announced more than $15.3 million in funding to the City of Parramatta Council for six projects which will deliver infrastructure to shape the future of Western Sydney as part of the $5 billion WestInvest Fund.
The $2 billion WestInvest Community Project Grants includes $400 million for 15 Local Government Areas in West and South West Sydney, based on population size.
Projects funded in Parramatta include:
- $4.6 million for the Somerville Park Improvement project which will provide new facilities for recreation and exercise, including accessible playgrounds, multi-purpose sports courts and outdoor fitness equipment
- $3.8 million for the Max Ruddock Reserve Amenities Modernisation with viewing platform project to upgrade a 50-year-old building to support growth in local sport.
- $3.7 million for the Sue Savage Reserve Multigenerational Recreational Facilities project to provide a new youth precinct centered around a skate and BMX park.
- $1.5 million for the Active Youth are Healthy Youth project which will improve youth-focused play equipment across Dundas Ward.
- $1.4 million for the Let’s Play @ Kilpack! project to enhance the existing open space with new play and fitness equipment, as well as circuit paths and lighting.
- $354,725 for the West Epping Dog Off Leash Area project for a new fenced space for dogs and their owners.
The City of Parramatta Council will co-contribute a combined $533,311 to the Sue Savage Reserve Multigenerational Recreational Facilities and the Let’s Play @ Kilpack project.
Mr Perrottet said the projects funded will deliver a wide-range of benefits for the community helping make our River City a better place to live, work and play.
“These six projects focus on improving the health and wellbeing of the local community by providing improved sport, recreational facilities and more open space made possible by our successful WestConnex asset recycling strategy,” Mr Perrottet said.
“WestInvest is ensuring the people of Parramatta have better access to green space for sport and recreation helping build on our vision of Parramatta as a vibrant cultural hub as part of the NSW Government’s Six Cities Strategy.”
Mr Kean said the Sue Savage Reserve project will enhance the existing open space to provide new BMX and skating facilities, as well as fitness stations in response to community feedback.
“This project is perfect for a booming city with a high proportion of youngsters growing up in the area,” Mr Kean said.
Mrs Tuckerman said the Active Youth are Healthy Youth project will be driven by local young people in Parramatta, to design and enhance infrastructure for recreation and socialisation.
“Outdoor playgrounds are vital for young families to get together, explore and relax. It’s community facilities like these which councils are best placed to deliver through partnerships with the NSW Government,” Mrs Tuckerman said.
The City of Parramatta Council was allocated $29.9 million through the Local Government Allocation. Additional projects submitted by council totalling $12 million are being assessed and will be funded if they meet all requirements under the WestInvest Guidelines. Announcements on other LGAs will be made soon.
The $5 billion WestInvest program was made possible by the Government’s successful WestConnex asset recycling strategy.
A further $1.6 billion from the $2 billion Community Project Grants is available to local community groups.
A total of $3 billion is also set aside to deliver transformational projects that will benefit local communities, led by NSW Government agencies.
To find out more about WestInvest visit www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/westinvest
VISIT TO AUSTRALIA BY THE PRIME MINISTER OF SOLOMON ISLANDS
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese welcomed the Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, the Hon Manasseh Sogavare MP, to Australia for bilateral talks in Canberra today.
As proud Pacific nations, Australia and Solomon Islands have a deep and enduring history underpinned by strong people-to-people links and shared democratic values.
Following their earlier meeting at the Pacific Islands Forum in Suva, leaders discussed bilateral priorities and challenges, including the existential threat of the climate crisis, and shared aspirations for a peaceful, prosperous and resilient Pacific.
Prime Minister Sogavare welcomed Australia’s stronger action on climate change and commended the Australian Government on the recent legislation of new ambitious climate targets.
Prime Minister Sogavare and Prime Minister Albanese reaffirmed mutual security commitments, and the Pacific family first approach to regional peace and security.
Leaders discussed ongoing economic cooperation, including market access, Pacific labour mobility, scholarships and the Pacific Engagement Visa.
On development, the leaders discussed Australia’s enduring support across all areas of society as Solomon Islands’ largest development partner, including infrastructure, health, education, governance.
Prime Minister Sogavare welcomed Australia’s $16.68 million commitment to support the 2023 Pacific Games, and offer to support the next Solomon Islands’ election.
Fatal helicopter crash – Maitland Vale
Police remain at the scene of a fatal helicopter crash in the Hunter this afternoon.
About 4.20pm (Thursday 6 October 2022), emergency services were called to Campbells Road, Maitland Vale – about 10km north of Maitland – after reports a helicopter had crashed.
Upon arrival, crews located a Bell ‘Jet Ranger’ helicopter crashed on a nearby riverbank.
One male occupant was located deceased; he is yet to be formally identified.
Officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District have established a crime scene.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) have been notified and will conduct an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.
Ballistic missile test by North Korea
Australia strongly condemns North Korea’s launch of a ballistic missile over Japanese territory – the first missile test to overfly Japan since 2017.
The test was a reckless and unacceptable act that threatens the security of our neighbours and partners and undermines the stability of the Indo-Pacific.
Pyongyang continues to show blatant disregard for multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions prohibiting its dangerous ballistic missile and weapons of mass destruction programs.
We continue to be gravely concerned by North Korea’s apparent readiness to undertake a seventh nuclear weapons test.
We urge North Korea to change course, abandon its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs and resume dialogue with the United States and the Republic of Korea.
Australia will continue to work with our allies and partners, including the United States, Japan and the Republic of Korea to address the threats posed by North Korea.
Greens Call for Covid-19 Pandemic Payment and Isolation to Continue
On the 8th of November, the National Cabinet decided to remove the requirement for people to isolate while positive for Covid-19 from the 14th of October.
Senator Jordon Steele-John, Australian Greens Spokesperson for Health and Disability said:
“The removal of the requirement to isolate has left many people feeling vulnerable and deeply frustrated that their wellbeing is being ignored by the Australian Government.
“I was proud to be invited to participate in an online town hall last weekend, where I joined with hundreds of members of the chronically ill, disabled and immunocompromised community who, along with medical professionals and educators shared their concerns about isolation requirements lifting.
“The Australian Greens support the return of isolation periods, along with supporting people to isolate through the provision of the pandemic disaster payment while they are in isolation. As a community, we must look out for one another, and our government must continue to financially support people to stay home while positive with covid-19.
“At the forum, some people shared with me that with isolation requirements lifting, they will not leave their homes to go to the shops, or out for dinner ever again. The Liberal and Labor governments have chosen to remove all restrictions leaving people who are at risk of death, or severe poor health from covid, with no choice but to isolate themselves indefinitely.
“I have heard from medical professionals who are deeply concerned that the removal of isolation requirements will cause an overwhelming demand on an already burnt-out and exhausted healthcare workforce. I have heard from teachers who are now deeply concerned that they’ll be spending hours a day, in poorly ventilated classrooms, with covid positive students.
“The Australian Greens are in solidarity with workers and the community, and we are calling on State and Territory Governments to support our 20 point plan, on where to from hear to support our community through Covid-19.”
Background
In response to the calls of the town hall, the Australian Greens are committed to:
- Release the unredacted health advice that was considered by National Cabinet in the decision to remove the requirement for isolation.
- Reinstate mandatory isolation for 5 days for people with Covid infection, to be reviewed in 12 months.
- Continue with pandemic disaster payments for the 5-day isolation, to be reviewed in 12 months.
- End mutual obligations for people on jobseeker and others on income support.
- Government agencies to have a non-contact service framework (inc. Centrelink).
- Provision of free Rapid Antigen Tests on request, a continuation of free PCRs.
- Amendment of relevant regulation(s) to require covid-19 testing to be undertaken if requested by a person receiving care or support.
- Fund ongoing public health campaigns including prevention, treatment, the importance of mask-wearing in indoor spaces, and health risks associated with Covid-19.
- Provision of N95 and KN95 Masks for free on request, including in health, aged care, disability and education settings.
- Data to be released more regularly, including full disclosure of statistics in at-risk settings (e.g. congregate care).
- Increased funding for telehealth, to reinstate health items that were available in 2021.
- Stronger diagnosis and health support for those experiencing Long Covid.
- Establish a centre of research into post-viral diseases, including Covid-19, and an estimate of the burden of disease.
- Review NDIS criteria and processes to ensure disabled people with chronic illnesses, such as long covid, can get support through the NDIS.
- The Australian Government set standards for auditing, retrofitting and maintaining safe indoor air quality.
- HEPA Filters to be installed in government buildings, and subsidies provided to organisations and small entities to improve indoor air quality.
- Ensure that isolation requirements support the continuation of First Nations cultural practice and sorry business.
- Health Ministers to make a public commitment to ethical non-discriminatory treatment of disabled, sick and immunocompromised people.
- Hold a national memorial and one-minute silence in all Australian parliaments to respect those who have died from COVID-19.
- Establish a National Centre for Disease Control
Key to the City opens the doors to City Hall for the Newcastle Knights NRLW 2022 Premiers
Hundreds of Knights fans lined King Street outside City Hall last night to celebrate the Newcastle Knights’ historic 2022 NRLW Premiership win.
Bringing home the trophy for the first time since the men’s side took out the 2001 NRL Premiership, the 24-woman squad finished grand final winners on Sunday with a 32-12 victory over the Parramatta Eels.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes hosted a civic reception at City Hall, congratulating the team and club officials on their efforts throughout the season. The team was also presented with a Key to the City in front of a huge crowd of adoring Knights supporters who lined King Street and Civic Park.
“These women are fantastic role models, showing women and girls everywhere that anything is possible, even in a sport like rugby league traditionally played by men,” Cr Nelmes said.
The Key to the City was accepted by team captain Millie Boyle, who, alongside teammate Caitlan Johnston, picked up Prop of the Year at the recent Dally M Awards, while halfback Jesse Southwell, at just 17 years of age, won the Rookie of the Year Award. Boyle and Johnston were also named alongside Tamika Upton and Yasmin Clydesdale in the Australian Jillaroos squad for the World Cup from 15 October to 22 November, although Boyle and Upton have since withdrawn due to work commitments and injury respectively.
Sharing the moment with co-captain Hannah Southwell, who ruptured her ACL in round 1 against the Brisbane Broncos, Boyle said the team had gone from strength to strength this season under the guidance of coach Ron Griffiths.
“On behalf of the entire team, I’d like to thank the Lord Mayor for opening the doors to City Hall to celebrate the team’s victory,” Boyle said.
“It means so much to the players, captains and coaches to have such strong support from Novocastrians, which has kept us buoyed throughout the season. It’s wonderful to share this celebration with the city.”
Following a light-hearted challenge suggested by the Lord Mayor of Parramatta Cr Donna Davis, where the Lord Mayor of the losing team’s city had to wear the winner’s jersey to the next Council meeting, Cr Davis will be sporting the Knights jersey this month.
Sport back in action at No.1 Sportsground following $8 million upgrade
Newcastle cricketers will take to the pitch for the first round of their district cricket season this weekend to celebrate the reopening of Newcastle’s No.1 Sportsground following its $8 million upgrade.
The players will benefit from the ground’s extensive refurbishment, which included the construction of seven turf cricket wickets, new sight screens and oval perimeter fencing.
The playing surface has also been completely rebuilt, with a new sub-soil irrigation and drainage system providing a high quality, consistent playing surface, while the increased field size achieves the minimum standard for high level AFL and cricket fixtures.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said No.1 Sportsground’s redevelopment will allow Newcastle to attract first class cricket and pre-season AFL fixtures while also benefitting those locals who utilise it regularly for grassroots and regional level sport.
“No. 1 Sportsground was designed and constructed in 1921 and was officially opened 100 years ago last month,” Cr Nelmes said.
“In that time the venue has hosted a variety of sporting and non-sporting events, including the 1931 Mayor’s Relief Fund and Newcastle Ambulance Round, in which cricket legend Don Bradman captained a female cricket team at No.1 Sportsground.
“The redevelopment delivers significantly upgraded facilities for regular users of the ground while also providing our city with a potential economic boost through the attraction of major sporting events.
“Novocastrians love their sport and the completed work at No.1 Sportsground will put us in the running to host pre-season AFL fixtures and regional Big Bash League matches right here in Newcastle.
“We’re also continuing to investigate government funding opportunities to complete the second stage of the project, which will increase the footprint of the existing grandstand with a two-storey addition at the rear of the building to provide upgraded amenities for players, officials and spectators.”
Other features of the stage one works that have been completed include a lighting upgrade to enable evening fixtures, new player dug out benches, and additional bleacher seating to almost double the seated capacity from 400 to 790.
Newcastle District Cricket Association Secretary Aaron Gray said he is excited to see cricket once again being played at the premier facility.
“Our season will commence at No.1 Sportsground with a first grade fixture on Saturday and our new SG Moore Shield under-16 boys’ Twenty20 competition on Sunday,” Mr Gray said.
“It’s a very good position for us to have the best ground back in play for this season, especially now we have swelled to 208 teams across all competitions, while the enhancement of lighting means we can play more day/night events and host female and male cricket at a quality venue.”
No. 1 Sportsground is located on the corner of Parry and Union Streets in the iconic National Park, one of Newcastle’s largest and oldest sportsgrounds and open space reserves. It boasts facilities for a range of sports including netball, AFL, cricket, rugby, football, athletics, and croquet, and caters for casual sport and play through basketball courts and parklands.
Other work recently completed within National Park includes the construction of four additional basketball courts on the former tennis court site near the corner of National Park and Parry Streets, along with playing field upgrades at No. 5 and No. 6 Sportsgrounds, which have improved the playing surface of both grounds and allowed for effective management of the flood storage capacity of National Park.
Surf’s up as facility funding program opens
Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW) clubs are set to benefit from more than $5 million to help the upgrade, restoration and construction of surf life saving facilities, thanks to the NSW Government’s Surf Club Facility Program.
Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said rain, hail or shine, our volunteer surf lifesavers never waver in their commitment to protecting the community and ensuring safety at our beaches.
“Whether you’re going to the beach to have a swim, surf or participate in nippers, our surf clubs are often the hub of their communities and our lifesavers are the unsung heroes, protecting swimmers in and out of the water,” Mr Henskens said.
“This funding will ensure that from Tathra to Tweed Heads, surf clubs along the NSW coast are the best they can be while promoting a healthy and active lifestyle for their communities.”
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Steph Cooke said SLSNSW clubs can each apply for up to $650,000 through the NSW Government program.
“This funding will make sure our wonderful volunteers have the facilities they need to continue the critical work they do in protecting beachgoers,” Ms Cooke said.
SLSNSW President George Shales said ensuring volunteers have safe, accessible and secure facilities is a priority.
“We have 129 clubs across the State, with volunteer surf lifesavers performing more than 3,000 rescues, 114,000 preventative actions and 7,000 first aid treatments last year, and this funding will allow surf club facilities to be upgraded for our 76,000 members,” Mr Shales said.
Applications are open until 1 November, 2022. For more information and to apply, visit: https://sport.nsw.gov.au/clubs/grants/SCFP.