Month: November 2022

Beyond Zero Emissions showcases Hunter cleantech companies at COP27

Leading Australian think tank Beyond Zero Emissions is curating a showcase of cleantech, including a number of Hunter companies, this week at COP27 on behalf of the Australian Government.

This exhibition, the Beyond Zero Emissions “Cleantech Hub”, features rising stars of Australia’s zero-emissions manufacturing industry at the Australia Pavilion, including Hunter companies Diffuse Energy, Energy Renaissance, Kardinia Energy, MGA Thermal and SwitchDin.

Sanaya Khisty, Beyond Zero Emissions Chief Strategy Officer, said, “We are delighted to bring some of the most innovative companies from Australia’s regions to the world stage. This showcase is an announcement to political leaders and the international community that Australian cleantech is open for business.

“These businesses embody a major opportunity to revitalise Australian manufacturing through Renewable Energy Industrial Precincts. Beyond Zero Emissions’ research shows that  Renewable Energy Industrial Precincts can become world-leading engine rooms where regional centres like Gladstone and the Hunter manufacture highly valuable products for the global green economy. 

“With a small commitment from the Australian government, these cleantech clusters can give Australian manufacturers an edge over international rivals by being powered by low-cost, reliable renewable energy.

“Here at COP27, we’re providing a glimpse into a bright future for Australian manufacturing. Australia has the chance to become a green exports powerhouse through Renewable Energy Industrial Precincts. This is a $333 billion opportunity that will set Australia up to prosper as the global economy decarbonises.” 

The work of Hunter energy technology company SwitchDin is enabling clean, distributed electricity grids. Andrew Mears, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of SwitchDin said, “We’re proud to be an Australian company that is taking the lead towards a decarbonised grid by using our software to enable zero emission businesses and homes. Distributed energy resources like rooftop solar, batteries and EVs are accelerating this transition though utilities are struggling to keep up as they reduce their dependence on fossil fuels. 

“At SwitchDin, we’ve built software tools to orchestrate these distributed resources and simplify the delivery of clean and affordable electricity so as to benefit communities and drive the economy.”

Hunter manufacturer of printed solar Kardinia Energy creates low-cost solar energy technology that is rapidly scalable, flexible, lightweight and 100% recyclable. Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Kardinia Energy Anthony Letmon said, “Kardinia Energy is excited to be represented by Beyond Zero Emissions at COP27. As a proud NSW company based in the Hunter, we are focussed on being the first commercial scale solar energy manufacturer in Australia, using advanced technology that does not rely on existing supply chains. 

“The hundreds of unsolicited inbound expressions of interest at sovereign, corporate and consumer levels from over 70 countries this year alone highlights the scale of the desperate climate challenge we face as a planet. 

“However, it’s also a socio-economic challenge; the world urgently needs access to secure and sustainable low-cost energy. Kardinia Energy’s Printed Solar technology can, and will, deliver this solution not only for the Hunter but globally.”

Beyond Zero Emissions (BZE) is an independent think tank focused on publishing and promoting solutions to climate change. BZE produces research and works alongside renewable energy and cleantech manufacturers to demonstrate how Australia can prosper in a zero-emissions economy. 

BZE has collaborated with the Australian Government to exhibit regionally-based Australian manufacturers, including high purity aluminium, modular solar, renewable energy storage and more at the world’s biggest annual climate conference, COP27.

Further information

The Beyond Zero Emissions “Cleantech Hub” at the Australia Pavilion will exhibit at the following times during the COP27 conference:

  • Friday 11/11 9AM-10AM (Decarbonisation Day) (EET – Eastern European Time)
  • Tuesday 15/11 9AM-10AM (Energy Day) (EET – Eastern European Time)

The full list of Hunter companies and organisations featuring at the Beyond Zero Emissions “Cleantech Hub”, including through video content:

Kmart Kotara launch of its iconic Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal

We are delighted to invite you to the Kmart Kotara launch of its iconic Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal together with founding charity partner, The Salvation Army, in store tomorrow Thursday 10th November 2022. 

This year marks a historic milestone of reaching 35 years of supporting those doing it tough in communities across Australia. The need for the Appeal is greater than ever-before, as many Australians face into cost-of-living pressures such as increased electricity and food prices and rising interest rates seeing the financial strain on many individuals and families rapidly increasing.

Long standing charity partner, The Salvation Army, is anticipating this Christmas to be one of the busiest they have ever seen. Research conducted by The Salvation Army last Christmas found that a staggering 83% of those surveyed and presenting to the Salvos were struggling to afford Christmas presents for their children and more than half (56%) could not afford a meal on Christmas Day.

Appeal following serious assault and wounding – Edgeworth 

Raptor Squad detectives are appealing for public assistance as they continue to investigate a malicious wounding in Lake Macquarie last year.

About 8am on Tuesday 10 August 2021, two men – then aged 33 – were seated inside a purple Holden Commodore at a gravel carpark at the intersection of Impala Street and Main Road, Edgeworth, when a black Audi hatchback drove into the carpark.

Two men exited the hatchback and approached the Commodore, before one of the men – armed with a knife – slashed the two passenger side tyres and then stabbed the male passenger.

Both men then approached the driver’s side and assaulted the driver before fleeing the scene in the Audi. The vehicle was last seen travelling east on Main Road.

The men attended John Hunter Hospital for treatment, but have both since recovered.

Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District were notified and commenced inquiries, before the matter was referred to the State Crime Command’s Raptor Squad for further investigation.

As inquiries continue, detectives have released a CCTV image of a black Audi hatchback, observed in the area a short time after the incident.

Detectives have also issued an image of a pair of distinct red and black sunglasses left at the scene.

The driver of the Audi is described as being of Caucasian appearance, between 180cm to 185cm tall, with dark coloured hair in a mohawk style.

The Audi passenger is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 155cm tall, with tattoos on his face, neck and arms, and red hair with a mohawk and mullet style haircut.

KNOW HOW TO SPOT A SCAM THIS SCAMS AWARENESS WEEK

Canberrans are encouraged to learn to identify the key scam signs to protect themselves and their loved ones, as more than $7 million was lost in reported scams in 2021.

Minister for Consumer Affairs, Shane Rattenbury, said it was important Canberrans remained vigilant.

“With scams becoming more prevalent on social media, text messages and emails, the ACT recorded the highest amount of money lost to scams than any other state or territory in proportion to population,” Minister Rattenbury said.

“No one is immune to scams. Scammers target people from a variety of backgrounds, ages, and income levels. This week is Scams Awareness Week and we’re encouraging Canberrans to have a conversation with their family and friends about scams. Talking can help people spots the signs early and avoid being scammed.

“One of the best ways to combat scams is by being aware of them and knowing how to protect yourself. When dealing with uninvited contact, always consider the possibility that it may be a scam.”

Scams often operate by claiming to be from a genuine source such as a trusted organisation or family member. If unsure, check that a communication is real by contacting the person or organisation directly using details you have found yourself.

“Many scams go unreported due to feelings of shame and embarrassment, but I encourage anyone who thinks they have been scammed to report the matter to the ACCC via ScamWatch,” Minister Rattenbury said

“By reporting scams you can help the ACCC disrupt scammers and warn about emerging scams. Reporting a scam may protect others so please don’t feel embarrassed to lodge a report.”

For more information visit www.scamwatch.gov.au.

Samantha*, an ACT resident who fell victim to a bank phishing scam said:

“Someone claiming to be a supervisor within my bank’s fraud department called to let me know they had detected unusual activity on my account. They asked if I had opened any suspicious links lately and I told them about the link I had clicked about a month earlier. They informed me that malware had been installed on my phone. They asked me to transfer my savings of $20,000 from my existing account to a new account that they told me was linked to my current one but with updated credentials so the scammer couldn’t access it. The phone numbers that appeared were legitimate numbers that had been spoofed and the caller had access to my full name and location.”

Theo*, an ACT resident who fell victim to a romance baiting cryptocurrency scam said:

“I met a nice girl on a dating app and we had been speaking for a month and a half when she brought up cryptocurrency. She said she could show me how to trade. I signed onto a legitimate cryptocurrency platform and transferred $30,000 into the account. She asked me to change the currency into USDT and into a new wallet. My account reached $422,000 USDT so I wanted to withdraw and change it back into Australian dollars. When I did this, I received a message that I needed to pay $112,000 to make the withdrawal. A friend tried to help me retrieve the funds but my account was frozen as I did not pay the service fee.”

*Names have been changed to protect identity.

TRANSFORMATION – AN EXHIBITION MADE FROM 100% RECYCLED MATERIAL FOR RECYCLING WEEK

“Endless consumption on a finite planet does not work,” said Jo Clay MLA, ACT Greens Spokesperson for Arts and the Circular Economy. 

“This year’s Recycling Week theme explores the idea that waste isn’t waste until it’s wasted. I’m thrilled to open Candice Addicoat’s exhibition, Transformation, made entirely from recycled material. What a perfect way to celebrate Recycling Week!” 

Local designer Candice Addicoat has installed Transformation in the Reception Room in the Legislative Assembly. Candice is the founder of charity design organisation Scene and plastic recycling initiative Plastic Static as well as a resident designer in The Green Shed.

Candice will host morning and afternoon tea today and present an artist’s talk for National Recycling Week (7 – 11 November).  

“As a designer, I love to create beautiful and purposeful things for the community,” said Candice Addicoat. “One of the reasons I design with used items and waste is to demonstrate we are surrounded by free materials that can improve the way we live.” 

“It’s unnecessary that so many unwanted things end up in landfill. Mass produced items also lead to a heavy carbon footprint. I recently pioneered world-first techniques with polyethylene plastic to turn waste household plastic into designer items.” 

“My proposed program would see the most polluting plastic on the planet, polyethylene, used in the community for design and purpose. There’s no need for it to go to landfill or end up in our environment or oceans. And it’s so easy and fun to do this!” 
 

Newcastle City Library serves up chance to learn from the master with Cakeboi book launch

Novocastrians are used to City of Newcastle dishing up a great range of events across the Libraries network, but November’s upcoming book signing quite literally takes the cake.

Hamilton business owner and MasterChef Australia favourite Reece Hignell will launch his first cookbook at Newcastle City Library on 19 November with a delicious high tea and “cake off”.

City of Newcastle Director Museum Archive Libraries & Learning, Julie Baird, Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, Cakeboi owner and cookbook author Reece Hignell and Councillor Carol Duncan prepare for the Cakeboi - Cake Off! high tea and book launch at Newcastle City Library this month.

The mouth-watering free event will give fans of Hamilton’s “Cakeboi” the chance to learn a little more about Newcastle’s rich baking history, savour some of Reece’s top tips and sample a few of his favourite recipes.

Councillor Carol Duncan and Timberlina will join in the fun, helping Reece decorate a velvet cake masterpiece while discussing his new book, Cakeboi: A Collection of Classic Bakes, which provides step-by-step instructions on how to make the heirloom desserts passed down from his beloved Nan.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the city’s libraries deliver a diverse program of free events and exhibitions to educate, entertain and enhance the experience of visiting your local branch.

“From supporting local authors with book launches and signings to collaborating with the community on art exhibitions and local history displays, our network of libraries provide a wonderful range of opportunities for lifelong learning and social and community connections,” Cr Nelmes said.

“I look forward to learning the secrets to cake baking success from Reece, who is not only a whiz in the kitchen but is also a passionate advocate for Newcastle and a wonderful ambassador for our city through his work with the Hamilton Business Improvement Association.”

The Cakeboi – Cake Off! high tea and book launch will be held from 1pm to 3pm at Newcastle City Library on Saturday 19 November. Entry is free however tickets are limited so registrations are required.

Fans will also have the chance to meet Reece at a separate book signing at Wallsend Library from 2pm to 3.30pm on Sunday 20 November. Copies of the cookbook will be available for purchase directly from Reece on both days.

Visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/library for more details.

NSW Labor will Slash Admin Burden on Teachers

NSW Labor will significantly reduce the burden of administrative tasks placed on our state’s teachers, beginning with a line-by-line audit of teachers’ administrative workloads.
 
Burdensome administrative workloads are eating away at precious learning time and pushing teachers out of the profession.
 
Reducing administration is a key component of Labor’s plan to address chronic teacher shortages and reverse falling student outcomes.
 
Administrative burdens & teacher shortage
 
Schools, teachers and principals are over-burdened with administrative tasks and bureaucratic processes.
 
Teachers and schools are subject to 219 policy documents requiring them to enforce compliance with a range of policies.  
 
This leaves less teaching and learning time, and has seen teachers leaving the profession in droves.
 
Full-time teachers are working on average 150 per cent of their contracted working hours – or 60.1 hours per week – according to the December 2021 Australian Teacher Workforce Data report.
 
Ninety-two per cent of teachers believe that reducing administrative workloads is the best solution to addressing the teacher shortage, according to a surveyconducted by the NSW Parliament.
 
Labor’s plan
 
An elected Minns Labor Government will instruct the Department of Education to conduct a line-by-line audit of all administrative tasks teachers are required to do, to deliver a reduction of 5 hours of administrative work per week.
 
The review will look at ways to remove, simplify or digitise tasks, with a focus on culling administrative tasks that add no benefit to student outcomes.
 
This will increase teaching and learning time in our classrooms, and reduce the attrition rate of teachers.
 
Teacher shortage and declining education outcomes
 
Over 28,000 permanent teachers left NSW public schools between 2010 and 2021.
 
Between 2006 and 2018, NSW students have dropped from 6th to 23rd in reading, dropped from 9th to 31st in maths and dropped from 3rd to 23rd in science.
 
Chris Minns, NSW Labor Leader, said:

Teachers shouldn’t have to spend more time documenting a lesson than teaching it.”
 
“We will go line-by-line over every piece of admin that teachers are required to do and make sure that time will instead be spent on improving student outcomes.”
 
“Labor’s plan to reduce the bureaucratic burdens on our teachers goes to the core of the teacher shortage.

 
Prue Car, NSW Shadow Minister for Education, said:
 
“This is another necessary step to help solve the teacher shortage crisis that has grown under 12 years of Liberal-National Government.
 
“Burdensome administrative workloads are impacting learning time and pushing teachers out of the profession in droves. Ultimately, we see the impact of this in declining education outcomes.
 
“Teachers and parents both agree that teachers should be allowed to spend more time teaching – it’s the best outcome for our teachers and the best outcome for children.”

Fairer Rental Rules for Renters and Owners

NSW Labor will deliver fairer rental rules for renters and owners by providing more certainty as well as reducing the upfront moving costs for renters. 

A NSW Labor Government will allow renters to directly transfer bonds from one property to another. 

These changes will also provide greater clarity on the circumstances in which a lease can end.

Portable bonds

A NSW Labor Government will streamline the rental bond process to allow renters to directly transfer bonds from one property to another, while ensuring owners still have access to funds they may need.

Currently, many renters must find thousands of dollars for a bond for a new property before their existing bond has been refunded.

This leaves renters out of pocket up to several thousand dollars, for up to several weeks. It places many renters in financial stress and forces some to take out personal loans.

The NSW Tenants Union estimates the basic costs of moving home is around $4,000, without taking into account renters being out of pocket for weeks while they wait for their bond to be refunded.

Yet recent data shows that one in three people would need to go into debt to cover an unexpected $600 payment, and one in 10 simply wouldn’t be able to cover it.

The NSW Rental Bond Board will still hold bonds on trust. But it will allow those bonds to be held on trust for the new property, while also ensuring the board can collect against it on behalf of owners for outstanding debt accrued by renters for property damage.

As a result, no owners will be left out of pocket from these changes.

The government has previously tried and failed to implement similar provisions. Despite legislation introduced in 2018, many renters still don’t have access to portable bonds, at a time of record rent increases and severe cost of living pressures.

Reasonable grounds for ending a lease

Labor will clearly outline the grounds on which a lease may be terminated and in effect bring an end to no-ground evictions.

A NSW Labor Government will work closely with stakeholder and advocacy groups to develop a list of reasonable grounds for an owner to end a tenancy, including minimum notice to vacate a property.

Owners will of course retain common sense rights to evict those who are breaking the law, damaging property or not paying rent.  

Reasonable grounds for eviction are already in place in Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania and the ACT – and these changes would modernise New South Wales’ rental laws.

Renting in New South Wales

Around one third of New South Wales residents live in rented properties – or 944,585 households.

Median rent in the state has increase almost ten per cent between 2016 and 2021 – from $386 to $420.

Over 35 per cent of tenanted households in New South Wales were in rental stress. (They had rent payments greater than 30 per cent of household income).

Chris Minns, NSW Labor Leader, said:

Anyone who rents in Sydney knows just how anxious and challenging a process it can be to find suitable accommodation, never mind the significant costs associated with moving.

“This is a sensible cost of living measure to help ease the pressure on the over 30 per cent of people in New South Wales currently renting.

 “These changes will create a fairer rental regime in this state by providing greater certainty as well as flexibility for both renters and owners.”


Courtney Houssos, NSW Shadow Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation, said:

“Moving house is considered one of life’s most stressful events. These changes will give renters and owners more certainty, allowing renters to build a home while also protecting owners.”

“Introducing reasons for eviction will update and modernise New South Wales’ rental laws and bring us in line with most other states.”

Rose Jackson, NSW Shadow Minister for Housing and Homelessness, said:

“There is a direct relationship between our unfair rental laws and increases in housing stress and homelessness. Ending unfair no grounds evictions will provide certainty to the overwhelming  majority of tenants who do the right thing that they have a place to call home.

“More and more people are renting – and renting for life. As our housing market changes, we need to update and modernize our laws to ensure we are getting the balance right.”

$225m to expand Canterbury Hospital

A Minns Labor Government will commit $225 million over the next three years to expand and upgrade Canterbury Hospital.

This desperately needed expansion will see an increase in the hospital’s bed capacity, as well as additional services.

Canterbury Hospital has served the community for almost a century, with the hospital’s last major redevelopment taking place 25 years ago.

The hospital services not just patients from the Canterbury area, but St George, Bayside, Inner West and Inner South residents too.

Labor has long campaigned for the redevelopment of Canterbury Hospital, urgently needed as part of a wider structural fix to our healthcare system.

Two years ago 60 senior doctors wrote an open letter decrying services at Canterbury which they described as “inadequate”, “poorly resourced”, and “shocking”.

Just last month Labor lodged a petition of over 10,000 signatures with the NSW Parliament, calling for this urgently needed redevelopment to proceed.

More beds

The expansion will see at least an additional 120 beds, including more general medical and surgical beds; inpatient mental health beds; ambulatory beds; emergency department treatment spaces; intensive care unit beds; and maternity beds.

The commitment from NSW Labor will also deliver additional operating theatres and birthing rooms.

More services  

Local residents can also expect more services available at the hospital – both an expansion of existing services as well as the introduction of new services.

With 25 years since it’s last upgrade, Canterbury Hospital currently has no renal dialysis, and cuts have been made to palliative care. Existing maternity beds are shared four bed wards that is no longer considered sound clinical practice.

Expectant mothers are reluctant to discuss pregnancy related issues because their ante natal visits are held in an open, crammed room with no privacy.

The funding from NSW Labor will expand the existing maternity services with a whole new maternity department.

Outpatients services will include the full suite of cardiovascular services, diabetes management, endocrinology, respiratory and cardiology.

Labor’s commitment will also deliver renal dialysis services for the first time, at Canterbury Hospital.

And NSW Labor will also introduce a new 20-bed Community Mental Health facility.

Labor’s initial commitment of $225 million will come from the unallocated $3 billion WestInvest Government agencies fund – not the $2 billion allocated to Local Governments and community groups – which under Labor will also have its remit expanded to include urgently needed healthcare projects.

Chris Minns, NSW Labor Leader, said:

NSW Labor will have a challenge on its hands to turn around 12 years of neglect by the Liberals of our state’s health system.

“This is a hospital that desperately needs an upgrade. In the middle of winter patients were being treated in tents.

“I’m determined to begin to meet the challenge with a comprehensive policy response, that’s not only about boosting staff numbers, but delivering the health infrastructure to go with it.

“I want to also thank and acknowledge the hard working staff at Canterbury Hospital. They have done an extraordinary job in very difficult circumstances particularly over COVID.”


Ryan Park, NSW Shadow Minister for Health, said:

“Today’s announcement represents another component to Labor’s policy response to the Liberals’ health crisis.

“NSW Labor commitment will not only expand the capacity of Canterbury Hospital, but will increase the suite of services available to local residents.”

Sophie Cotsis, NSW Labor Member for Canterbury, said:

“Like so many people in my local community I was born at Canterbury Hospital. We have been fighting for years to get extra funding, but it has never come.

“Anyone who has been to Canterbury Hospital knows it is long overdue for this upgrade and expansion. It’s been 25 years since the last time it’s been redeveloped.

“I am so proud that a Minns Labor Government will deliver on this.”

Driver charged after fatal crash – Tighes Hill 

A man will appear in court today charged following an investigation into a fatal crash in the state’s Hunter at the weekend.

About 11.10pm on Saturday (5 November 2022), emergency services were called to Maitland Road, near Henry Street, at Tighes Hill, after reports a car had left the road and collided with a power pole.

Initial inquiries suggest a Hyundai i30 was travelling east on Maitland Road when it left the roadway and collided with a power pole, splitting it in half and ejecting the male passenger from the vehicle who died at the scene.

The driver, a 31-year-old man, was able to free himself from the wreckage and was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital with minor injuries.

Officers from Newcastle City Police District attended and established a crime scene which was examined by specialist police from the Hunter Crash Investigation Unit.

About 1.30pm yesterday (Sunday 6 November 2022), the driver was arrested after being discharged from hospital and taken to Newcastle Police Station.

He was charged with dangerous driving occasioning death – drive manner dangerous and negligent driving (occasioning death).

The man was refused bail and will appear in Newcastle Local Court today (Monday 7 November 2022).