Month: July 2023

A young and proud Wiradjuri woman from Wellington whose artwork is now displayed in Dubbo Service NSW Service Centre hopes to inspire other young Aboriginal people to paint and delve into the stories of their culture.

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To celebrate NAIDOC Week, 20-year-old artist Shakyla Toomey’s painting ‘Home’ has been unveiled near the entry of the centre as part of Service NSW’s Aboriginal Artwork Initiative aimed at strengthening engagement with and acknowledging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

‘Home’ reflects how land and water is connected and how those elements have been essential for the continuity of the Wiradjuri people. Locals and other customers can enjoy and appreciate the artwork when completing government transactions at the Service Centre.

Service NSW’s Aboriginal Artwork Initiative was established after listening to staff and customer feedback to enhance relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and to make local centres more welcoming.

Dubbo is the first of 10 Service Centres engaging with local Aboriginal communities to display Aboriginal artwork and follows a successful pilot at Moree and Kempsey Service Centres in 2022 where staff engaged with Elders and Aboriginal community organisations to select an Aboriginal artist’s work to display in the Service Centre.

Service NSW also offers an Aboriginal Traineeship Program and partners with a group training organisation to provide an employment pathway for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Today an Aboriginal trainee is working at Wellington Service Centre with the program offering onthe-job training, development and study with the opportunity to work towards a Certificate III in Customer Engagement.

Most graduates move into ongoing customer service roles with two Aboriginal trainees recently receiving ongoing roles at Dubbo Service Centre with the centre’s four Aboriginal team members working closely with the local Aboriginal Land Council and other community organisations to increase awareness of government services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

NAIDOC Week is from 2 to 9 July 2023 and is a celebration of the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The theme for NAIDOC Week 2023 is ‘For Our Elders’.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government, Jihad Dib said:

“I recently visited Dubbo and attended the Service Centre where I had the chance to chat with many locals and it is great to see this community coming together to celebrate Australia’s long history.”

“Being able to share stories, especially through artwork, is a great way to engage and educate local communities whilst also bringing people together to share a sense of place.”

“Our Service Centres are a place where people from all walks of life come together to complete transactions so it is important they are reflective and inclusive of the communities they serve.”

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, David Harris said:

“As we celebrate NAIDOC week it is great to see this beautiful artwork unveiled in the Dubbo Service Centre.”

“I want to thank Shakyla Toomey for her passion and dedication to share Aboriginal culture and stories with her local community.”

“As people come to visit the centre it will surely start conversations which can lead to stronger bonds between community members.”

Artist, Shakyla Toomey said:

“I feel very proud that something I have created is now displayed in the Service Centre. The artwork represents my Country and my family and I now have a space to be able to share that with other people.”

“The blue represents the water and the red tones represent the earth that surround us. The goanna represents the Wiradjuri totem and the fish represents the food which helped our culture to survive.”

“The artwork is bright and vivid and I hope it grabs people’s eyes, making them stop, appreciate it and want to learn more about the Wiradjuri people.”

“I also hope my painting ignites inspiration within other Indigenous artists particularly young ones to explore their own stories and share them.”

As part of the NSW Government’s Return to Work Pathways Program, $250,000 has been provided to Angus Knight Foundation to help First Nations women and girls gain employment.

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Minister for Women Jodie Harrison congratulated Angus Knight Foundation (AKG Foundation) for its Women’s Business Return to Work project, which supports the NSW Government’s commitment to enhance women’s economic opportunity and advancement.

“Increasing women’s workforce participation is a cornerstone to achieving gender equality and economic security,” Minister Harrison said.

“Women face common and persistent employment barriers, and for some communities, there are additional complexities unique to their needs, life stages and circumstances.

“I am thrilled to support this project which will help Aboriginal women and girls to re-engage with the workforce and aspire to leadership in a culturally safe place.”

The AKG Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation established to advance Indigenous Peoples, including through employment and community development programs, education, and training. The Foundation supports specialised services for First Nations Women.

The Women’s Business Hubs create meaningful and lasting opportunities through providing a culturally safe space where women can come and dream, imagine and become. Each of the Women’s Hubs provide valuable access to employment pathways, quality learning, entrepreneurship, and educational and vocational training workshops.

Christianna Cartwright, Real Futures CEO & Chair of the AKG Foundation said “We are thrilled to be delivering the NSW Government’s Return to Work Pathways Program. We know First Nations women face adversity, but as the 2020 Wiyi Yani U Thangani Report found, ‘Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and girls have remarkable skills, knowledge and boundless potential’ and are capable, resilient and courageous in the face of adversity if given the right support. We have made it our purpose to offer this social, emotional and practical support to advance the economic participation and empowerment of women and girls.”

AKG Foundation operates across Blacktown City Council, Coffs Harbour City Council, Kempsey Shire Council, Newcastle City Council and Penrith City Council areas, which will see the impact of the Government’s funding reach many First Nations women across the State.

There were 13 successful projects of the $2.7m Return to Work Pathways Program, which will support more than 1,000 women over the next 2 years to become job-ready and to gain sustainable employment and carve out meaningful careers.

For more information, visit the Return to Work Pathways Program grant page.

Macarthur’s refugees, migrants and diverse communities will benefit from greater support with the NSW Government and the Western Sydney Migrant Resource Centre opening a new support location in the region.

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The NSW Government and the Western Sydney Migrant Resource Centre officially opened its Campbelltown office today.

The Western Sydney Migrant Resource Centre plays a crucial role in the settlement and integration of refugees and humanitarian migrants by offering vital resources, guidance and a strong support network to those who are rebuilding their lives.

From settlement support and employment programs, to youth programs and aged services, the Western Sydney Migrant Resource Centre assists in addressing the multifaceted needs of refugees and migrants.

Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper attended the event, announcing the winners of a community competition to name the centre’s 2 new community rooms.

Before expanding to Campbelltown, the centre provided community outreach and support to new, established and emerging communities in the Liverpool region.

NSW Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said:

“The NSW Government has a strong and proud history of working collaboratively with the Western Sydney Migrant Resource Centre.

“This partnership has been a vital relationship over many years, most recently it was instrumental in providing support services to the Liverpool region’s diverse communities during COVID-19.

“The centre is a shining example of how local communities are best placed to find local solutions.

Western Sydney MRC Acting CEO Mohan Gunasekara said:

“Our expansion into Campbelltown is a direct recognition of the growing need for supports and services in the Macarthur region.

“I’m proud to be leading an organisation that has its heart in the community and works to empower some of our newest residents to settle and thrive.”

Patients, staff and the community are set to benefit from a series of upgrade works at Deniliquin Hospital, as part of a $4.6 million joint investment by the NSW Government and the Australian Government.

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NSW Regional Health Minister Ryan Park toured Deniliquin Hospital today and said the upgrades have created modern, fit for purpose clinical spaces for the community and staff at the hospital.

“The upgrades have provided an enhanced experience for patients, visitors and staff, and ensure the local community will continue to receive vital health care close to home,” Mr Park said.

“Works completed as part of the $4.6 million project include an upgraded emergency department, an upgraded day surgery unit and operating theatre, a relocation of the oncology unit to a purpose-built space, an enhanced paediatric care area and a new computed tomography (CT) scanner.”

“We are committed to ensuring every patient receives the highest level of care available and these upgrades demonstrate the NSW Government’s ongoing commitment to providing high quality healthcare in rural and regional areas.”

Mr Park also recognised the challenge of maintaining essential health services during the works.

“To complete a project of this scope with minimal disruption to services is a credit to the staff and contractors,” Mr Park said.

Helen Dalton, the independent Member for Murray, praised the roll out of the CT scanner.

“This new technology is a game changer for rural and remote communities,” Ms Dalton said.

“I am determined to work closely and constructively with the newly elected government on ensuring rural and remote communities have access to the most modern hospital infrastructure and health care.”

The Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mark Butler, said the upgrades will help people who live in the Deniliquin region to access health care where they live.

“All Australians deserve to have access to high-quality health care close to home when they need it,” Mr Butler said.

“The Australian Government is working hard to tackle this, so that people who live in rural and regional areas like Deniliquin don’t have to travel far from home just to get health care.

“The Deniliquin hospital upgrade of its facilities and equipment will be of great benefit to patients and the hospital’s hard-working health professionals.”

The Minns Labor Government is fulfilling its election promise to provide Energy Bill Relief to small businesses, as it announces an increase to the payment for vulnerable people in financial hardship and crisis.

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The Energy Bill Relief Fund will provide support to 1.6 million eligible NSW households and 320,000 eligible NSW small businesses. This is part of a jointly funded scheme to reduce cost of living pressures as announced by the Albanese and Minns governments.

Most eligible households and small businesses will automatically receive the Energy Bill Relief from Monday 31 July 2023.

The NSW Government is encouraging eligible people who won’t automatically receive the Energy Bill Relief to apply from Tuesday 1 August 2023.

Increase to EAPA Crisis Support Payment

The NSW Government is announcing it is increasing the crisis support payment for vulnerable people struggling to pay their bills, due to short-term financial hardship, crisis or emergency, such as loss of income, unexpected costs or natural disasters.

Under the Energy Accounts Payment Assistance (EAPA) Scheme, the NSW Government will increase the EAPA limits to $500 for the 2023-2024 financial year for both electricity and gas bills.

Eligible people can receive the payments for both electricity and gas, twice per financial year, meaning they could receive up to $2,000 over the financial year.

When will eligible households receive their energy bill relief?

Households with a Commonwealth Pensioner Concession Card, a Health Care Card, a DVA Gold Card or life support equipment who already receive a NSW electricity rebate from their energy retailer will automatically receive a quarterly rebate of $125 on their electricity bills from Monday 31 July 2023 onwards.

If the above households do not receive a NSW energy rebate but are eligible, they should apply to their retailer for the relevant NSW energy rebate. These customers will then be provided the additional Energy Bill Relief payment automatically.

Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders, Family Tax Benefit A and B recipients, and people living in embedded networks (that is private electricity networks used by apartment blocks and caravan parks) need to apply for the relevant rebate from Tuesday 1 August 2023.

Energy bill relief is also being provided to some people who are not eligible for existing NSW energy rebates. Customers who do not receive a NSW energy rebate but receive the Carer Allowance, or hold a Low Income Health Care Card or DVA Gold Card, will be contacted by Services Australia or the Department of Veterans Affairs from September with information about how to apply.

When will eligible small businesses receive their energy bill relief?

Eligible small businesses that:

• Use less than 100 megawatt hours of electricity per year will receive a one-off $650 payment in the 2023-24 financial year.
• Are a retail customer do not need to do anything. Energy retailers will automatically apply the energy bill relief to their electricity account (if they are eligible) from Monday 31 July 2023.
• Are part of an embedded network (such as located in a shopping centre) will be able to apply from October 2023.

Minister for Energy Penny Sharpe said:

“We understand many people are doing it tough as cost of living pressures make it difficult for families to get by and businesses to keep their doors open, and I want them to know more help will be available from Tuesday 1 August 2023. 

“I want every household and small business that is eligible, to get the support they are entitled to.

“We’re increasing crisis support payments to make sure the lights stay on for people in crisis. Vulnerable people will be able to apply for up to $2000 in vouchers each year though the Energy Accounts Payment Assistance Scheme. 

“The increased payment will make a real difference to those in our community are struggling, due to an emergency such as loss of income, unexpected costs or natural disasters.” 

How to check if you are eligible

If you…	And you…	You need to…
Did receive a NSW energy rebate on your last electricity bill	Hold a Commonwealth Pensioner Concession Card, or Health Care Card, or Department of Veterans Affairs Gold Card (marked with ‘War Widow’ or ‘War Widower Pension’ or ‘Totally and Permanently Incapacitated’ or ‘Disability Pension’), orYou use life support equipment	Do nothing. You will automatically receive a quarterly payment of $125 on your energy bill from Monday 31 July 2023.
If you did not receive a NSW energy rebate on your last electricity bill	Hold a Commonwealth Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card, Department of Veterans Affairs Gold Card (marked with ‘War Widow’, ‘War Widower Pension’, ‘Totally and Permanently Incapacitated’ or ‘Disability Pension’), orUse life support equipment	Apply for the NSW energy rebate from your energy retailer. You will then receive the additional Energy Bill Relief payment automatically.
If you did not receive a NSW energy rebate on your last electricity bill	Receive the Carer Allowance, orHold a Low Income Health Care Card, orHold any other DVA card	Wait to be contacted by Services Australia or the Department of Veterans Affairs from September 2023 onwards with information about how to apply.
Did or did not receive a NSW energy rebate on your last electricity bill	Hold a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, orReceive Family Tax Benefit	Apply for the relevant 2023/24 rebate on the Service NSW website. Applications can be made from Tuesday 1 August 2023. You will then receive the additional Energy Bill Relief payment automatically.
Live in an embedded network (such as apartment blocks, retirement villages and caravan parks)	Hold a Commonwealth Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card, or Department of Veterans Affairs Gold Card (marked with ‘War Widow’ or ‘War Widower Pension’ or ‘Totally and Permanently Incapacitated’ or ‘Disability Pension’), orUse life support equipment	Apply for the relevant 2023/24 NSW energy rebate on the Service NSW website. Applications can be made from early August 2023. You will then receive the additional Energy Bill Relief payment automatically.
Are a small business using less than 100 megawatt hours of electricity per year	Are a small business customer with an energy retailer	Do nothing. Energy retailers will automatically apply the energy bill relief to your electricity account from Monday 31 July 2023.
Are a small business using less than 100 megawatt hours of electricity per year	Are part of an embedded network (such as a shopping centre)	Wait to be advised from October 2023 onwards how to apply. Information will be made available on the Energy NSW website.

Shadow Minister for Health Matt Kean has called on Premier Chris Minns to urgently resolve the stand-off between the Government and the Health Services Union.

“It is now abundantly clear that health workers across our state were lied to by the Labor Government before the election, a promise of wage increases that the Government can’t deliver,” Mr Kean said.

“Labor can’t deliver on their promise to the HSU and health workers because they have no way to pay for wage increases. Despite telling the people of NSW that any wage increase would be offset by productivity gains, it’s now evident that it will cost the Budget at least $2.5 billion over the next four years, if not more.”

“Already we’ve seen families pay the price for Labor’s unfunded election promises, with essential cost of living programs slashed and cut, while households struggle with record inflation and higher interest rates – families simply can’t afford to pay more, Labor need to come clean on how they’ll pay for a wage increase.”

The Labor Government has offered a four per cent pay rise to all public sector workers but the HSU is seeking 6.5 per cent inclusive of 0.5 per cent super.

“With the HSU warning of escalating industrial action from Monday, including stop work orders and strikes, it is quite frankly remarkable that Premier Minns is on leave and either unavailable or unwilling to sit down with union bosses to reach a resolution.”

“Before the election Minns said he would sit down at the table, but he is missing in action, and it is the people of NSW who are paying the price, with industrial action potentially impacting access to health services from next week.”

“Minns needs to return to work, sit down at the table, and solve this deadlock to ensure any industrial action is avoided,” Mr Kean concluded.