August 2023 – Page 13

Coalition commits to improved sporting infrastructure

A Coalition Government will commit $250 million in funding over four years for community sporting infrastructure across the country.

This commitment seeks to capitalise on the national attention female sports are rightly receiving and will deliver long-term benefits by boosting female participation in sport and supporting grassroots sport in our country.

Whilst our investment won’t be contingent on State and Territory government investment, we would encourage the States and Territories to match our investment to bring the total to $500 million.

The Prime Minister’s proposal of a one-off public holiday to celebrate the incredible success of the Matildas comes at a potential cost to the economy of $2 billion; not to mention sidelining the recent triumphs of other female teams in the Netball World Cup and the Ashes. It is a stunt which will have no legacy impact.

The Prime Minister has tried to make the Matildas’ success all about him. But we think there is a better way. We are opposed to Mr Albanese’s public holiday and today we are announcing a policy that will instead make a lasting difference to the community and the lives of our young people.

This package is aimed at improving sporting infrastructure right across our country for the benefit of our young girls and boys who currently operate with poor change room facilities and substandard sporting infrastructure.

We are committed to this proposal whether the Matildas win or lose the World Cup. And we will be proud of them whether they win or fall short.

With the recent success of the Matildas, the Diamonds and our Women’s Ashes Team, we are seeing a surge in interest in women’s sport. We must harness this goodwill to build the sporting infrastructure that our young athletes need.

This is a better and more lasting proposal than the Prime Minister’s public holiday ego trip. It will mean better outcomes over the decades ahead for millions of young girls and boys across the country.

Too many young girls who have an interest in playing sport currently have to change in the sporting club carpark and use the boys’ toilets. This is not good enough. We need to do better and this announcement will go a long way in rectifying this inequity.

Our priority will be improving sporting infrastructure in population growth areas in outer metropolitan, rural and regional areas: areas where young families live and where participation in sport is vital.

Funding will focus on projects which reduce barriers to participation for women and girls, but funding will be made available for projects which also increase accessibility and improve local facilities for children around Australia.

In the first meeting of National Cabinet under a Coalition Government we will seek support for the policy, and that each state and territory contribute towards the initiative.

Recipients would need to demonstrate co-funding of at least 20 per cent of the project cost.

We think this sporting infrastructure improvement fund is a better idea than Mr Albanese’s public holiday thought bubble.

And it’s an idea that will benefit millions of our young Australians who should have the community and sporting infrastructure they need and deserve.

City of Newcastle celebrates National Science Week with free community events

Thousands of budding scientists and future tech experts are expected to pour into Newcastle Museum this Sunday for a hands-on celebration of National Science Week.

The Museum is playing host to the Hunter Science Festival, which last year broke attendance records when more than 4,000 people took part in fun science discovery experiences.

Science show presenters Sharni Pike and Jacquelyn Flynn from the University of Newcastle's SMART Program kept audiences engaged during the free science shows held at Wallsend Library to kick off National Science Week on 13 August.

The Festival is delivered by City of Newcastle’s Museum, Environment, Waste and Libraries teams in conjunction with Hunter Innovation and Science Hub (HISH) and features additional displays and demonstrations from the University of Newcastle and Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI).

Visitors will be given the chance to build and race their own solar-powered electric vehicle, hop into the cab of a City of Newcastle waste truck and plant a native pollinator as part of the free STEM-related activities on offer from 10am to 2pm on Sunday, 20 August.

While sessions for HMRI’s popular ‘Poo Palace’ – a giant inflatable digestive system – are already fully booked, there are plenty of other fun, educational experiences for visitors of all ages to enjoy.

The Hunter Science Festival will cap off City of Newcastle’s wider National Science Week celebrations, which began at Wallsend Library on Sunday, 13 August with free science shows and a chance to meet real scientists from the University of Newcastle to learn about their research and discover future study and career paths.

Dr Andrea Griffin, Senior Lecturer in Conservation Psychology at the University of Newcastle with a group of children taking part in the Meet the Scientist session at Wallsend Library.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle was committed to championing innovation and delivering free, educational opportunities for the community.

“Newcastle Museum and Newcastle Libraries are known for their engaging and innovative program of exhibitions and events, making them the ideal spaces to deliver fun, free activities for the community during National Science Week,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Collaborating with partners such as HISH, HMRI and the University of Newcastle to provide opportunities for young people and families to engage in STEM-based activities is an ideal fit with our goal to create a liveable, sustainable, inclusive city that encourages innovation and creativity.”

HISH President, Emeritus Professor Tim Roberts said the Hunter Innovation and Science Hub is immensely proud to be presenting the Hunter Science Festival.

“It’s an opportunity to ignite passion and curiosity in science and technology among our community’s young minds. It’s so important that we are nurturing the future innovators of our region, and we invite everyone to explore and discover the excitement of STEM with us,” Mr Roberts said.

City of Newcastle was awarded a grant from the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, together with Inspiring Australia, to deliver the Wallsend Library event.

For more information visit www.newcastlemuseum.com.au/what-s-on/current-events/hunter-science-festival

Swimmers ready to dive into new season as City of Newcastle continues its investment in public pools

City of Newcastle (CN) is ready to welcome swimmers back to its public pools after undertaking a significant program of improvements over the Winter break.

Lambton Swimming Centre will be the first to reopen its doors for the traditional early swimming season on Monday 21 August, while the pools at Stockton, Mayfield, Wallsend and Beresfield will be back in action during the September school holidays.

Swimmers will be greeted with refreshed and upgraded facilities, with works completed across all five swimming centres during the closure period including safety upgrades, extensive re-painting, and maintenance of the pool tiles and promenades.

Visitors to Lambton will notice significant progress on the construction of a new grandstand, which is expected to be completed by November, while three smaller grandstands have been installed adjacent to the diving pool.

Permanent tiered seating structures have also gone in at Mayfield, Stockton and Wallsend Swimming Centres, giving schools, sporting groups and spectators more shaded seating options when those facilities reopen next month.

A range of other works have also been delivered across the facilities to enhance the comfort, safety and enjoyment of our community both in and out of the water, including pump replacements for improved water quality, new lane ropes, upgraded play equipment at Beresfield and a new shade sail over the playground at Mayfield Swimming Centre.

City of Newcastle Executive Manager Community and Recreation Lynn Duffy said City of Newcastle maximised the period during Winter that the pools were closed as part of its commitment under our Inland Pools Strategy 2043.

“City of Newcastle has invested more than $5 million upgrading and $2 million maintaining the city’s public pool network during the past few years to ensure they continue to meet the expectations and evolving needs of more than 320,000 people who visit them each year,” Ms Duffy said.

“Our team has completed an extensive program of capital and maintenance works during the past few months to ensure the comfort, safety and enjoyment of our community when they visit these valued community facilities.”

Ms Duffy said the pools would continue to be operated by BlueFit while new lease arrangements are finalised. City of Newcastle is currently preparing a report for the Minister for Local Government following the recent public notice of the proposed lease.

“In the meantime, City of Newcastle has granted an extension of the current lease with BlueFit to ensure these important community assets can open for the upcoming swimming season. BlueFit will also provide day-to-day management of Beresfield Swimming Centre as it is included in the tender that has been awarded,” Ms Duffy said.

Bathers Way South Newcastle Beach project set for completion with new contractor

Work will recommence on the upgrade of Bathers Way at South Newcastle Beach following the appointment of a new head contractor by City of Newcastle (CN).

The Newcastle project was one of hundreds across New South Wales and Victoria impacted when building contractor Lloyd Group entered voluntary administration in March.

Executive Manager Project Management Office Robert Dudgeon said while the on-site performance and eventual departure of Lloyd Group put CN in a difficult position, the upgrade to Bathers Way will now be completed with the appointment of Daracon Group.

“City of Newcastle has been frustrated and disappointed by Lloyd Group’s project delivery at Bathers Way South Newcastle and the disruption caused by the firm’s ultimate collapse earlier this year,” Mr Dudgeon said.

“We’ve seen the tale of two projects on our coastline, with Newcastle Ocean Baths’ upgrade delivered by local company Daracon running on time and on budget, while just 500 metres away down the beach the Lloyd Group was well behind schedule.

“Daracon was ranked second when the tender for this stage of Bathers Way was awarded in 2020. The Lloyd Group was selected primarily on the price competitiveness of their bid.

“On the basis that the Lloyd Group is now unable to finish the project, CN is able to appoint Daracon as the new head contractor to complete the work without having to go back out to tender. Doing this would delay the project by at least a further four months.”

Daracon has brought on additional staff to ensure both the Bathers Way upgrade and Newcastle Ocean Baths project are resourced appropriately and delivered successfully, with the Baths on track to re-open for swimming in Summer while South Newcastle is planned for completion in May.

The Bathers Way, South Newcastle Beach upgrade features a shared path from Shortland Esplanade to King Edward Park, improvements to parking, landscaping, lighting and accessibility, the installation of fitness equipment, shade, seating and viewing areas, as well as a new café/kiosk and accessible amenities.

The project also includes a $1.6 million upgrade to the skate park with wheelchair-accessible skate bowl and terrain park, which will complement the advanced-level facilities at Empire Park and provide a unique drawcard to promote ongoing visitation and activation of this area.

Around $8.6 million has been invested to date into this project, delivering new sea walls, expanded promenade and kiosk, as well as the preservation of the site’s 115-year-old stone arches in consultation with the National Trust.

While the departure of Lloyd Group and escalating labour and material costs have unavoidably impacted the overall budget and timing of this project, Mr Dudgeon said CN was committed to completing this upgrade as quickly and efficiently so that this stage of the Bathers Way walk can be completed as soon as possible for the community to enjoy.

“The estimated cost for Daracon to complete the project is just under $11.5 million, which reflects the increased cost of labour and materials experienced nationwide since Lloyd Group commenced on site in 2020, and follows the work Daracon have already delivered to address defective works left by Lloyd Group,” Mr Dudgeon said.

“We know that the community are keen to see this project completed, as are we, and with Daracon already established on site, we look forward to seeing it progress as quickly as possible, with expectations of the lower promenade being re-opened prior to Christmas and the rest of the project to follow by May next year.”

Celebrate Blinky Bill’s 90th birthday with a special edition birth certificate

Families welcoming new arrivals and long-time fans can celebrate their birthday milestone alongside Australia’s favourite koala, Blinky Bill, who turns 90 this year.

The NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages has released a new commemorative birth certificate featuring the iconic character, created by Dorothy Wall in 1933.

Whether you’re in your 90s and applying for a copy of your birth certificate or welcoming a newborn, people across NSW can now order the new certificate design featuring the original Aussie larrikin.

The cheeky koala continues to delight generations in books and on the screen with his love for adventure and curiosity.

The commemorative birth certificate features the lovable koala dressed in red overalls, next to his best friend and adopted sister Nutsy, while their mum Mrs Koala takes centre stage as she tries to keep them out of trouble.

The Registry’s first commemorative certificate capturing Blinky Bill was released in 2016 and has been ordered by more than 7000 people, proving Wall’s stories continue to live on in the hearts of Australians.

In a celebration of Australia’s storytelling history, 3 new commemorative birth certificates featuring the artwork of Australian author and illustrator May Gibbs are also available, showing Boronia Baby, Gumnut Baby, and Flora and Fauna.

Commemorative birth certificates can be purchased at any time.

Commemorative birth certificates do not hold legal status and sit alongside official birth certificates.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said:

“When we welcome a new family member into our lives, the very first piece of identification they get is their birth certificate. These certificates are both important and sentimental, so it is essential they are kept safe and secure.

“When it comes to a commemorative birth certificate, families can pick their favourite design to celebrate their newest bundle of joy or to celebrate a milestone birthday.

“In response to customer demand we have more than 20 different designs which means there is something for everyone from Blinky Bill through to your favourite NRL team – and we have even more certificate designs in the pipeline.”

NSW Registrar Theresa Fairman said:

“This is an exciting chance to celebrate 90 years of one of our nation’s most iconic characters and these new certificates are un-bear-ably cute.

“From new mums and fans of the original Aussie larrikin to those celebrating a milestone birthday, the Blinky Bill commemorative birth certificate celebrates a generation of love.

“I also expect the new May Gibbs’ Boronia Baby, Gumnut Babies and Flora and Fauna designs to be in hot demand, with our range of designs providing something for everyone.”

BASIX pause to help home buyers and builders

The NSW Government today committed to reduce the financial burden of increased building standards for nine months for those who have already signed contracts.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said new homes already under contract before Sunday 1 October 2023 would be exempt from new sustainable building (BASIX) standards until 30 June 2024.

“We’re in a housing crisis, but the construction and development industry are doing it tough with ongoing weather delays, rising materials costs and skill shortages,” Mr Scully said.

“The government has responded by making new homes where a contract has been signed before 1 October 2023 exempt from increased BASIX standards until 30 June 2024.

“While we remain committed to the introduction of BASIX from 1 October 2023, the transitional arrangements will reduce the financial impact of increased standards on home buyers who have already signed building contracts under the current BASIX requirements, which includes some 6000 contracts in Western Sydney alone,” he said.

Mr Scully said that homeowners in this group may still adopt the new BASIX standards should they choose, to help manage future energy bills.

BASIX standards were introduced in 2004, and increased in 2017, to improve the energy and thermal performance of homes, providing better comfort, and energy and water efficiencies.

The new standard cuts thermal energy use by at least 20% and will save homeowners on power bills. The changes can save considerable amounts of energy helping to make new homes more comfortable, particularly in the hotter areas of the state during summer.

Minister Scully said the temporary exemption would bring NSW in line with other states including Victoria.

“BASIX standards are critical. They mean housing stock in NSW is built with improved energy efficiency – making housing cooler in summer and warmer in winter with better windows and insulation.

“We also need to keep housing supply moving and these transitional arrangements will take some of the pressure off builders and buyers who want the certainty.

“Commencing in October, a BASIX certificate lasts for 3 months. So, the exemption effectively extends the transition period to 12 months for those with contracts signed by 1 October 2023,” Mr Scully said.

Industry has had more than 12 months to prepare for the introduction of changes to BASIX. The transition period provides additional time to adjust.

For more information, visit the NSW Planning Portal.launch

Second World War veterans remembered on Victory in the Pacific Day

Today marks the 78th anniversary of the end of the Second World War – Victory in the Pacific (VP) – with commemorative services being held across NSW and around the world.

Australia had been at war for 5 years, 11 months and 11 days when on 15 August 1945, Japan accepted the Allied nations’ terms of surrender and Australia’s Prime Minister, Ben Chifley, confirmed that the war was over.

Minister for Veterans David Harris who attended the commemorative service at the Cenotaph today, alongside RSL NSW President Ray James and members of the veteran community paid tribute to the service and sacrifice of all Second World War veterans.

“Today on VP Day we come together to remember all those men and women who served – in the ranks of our Navy, Army, Air Force, the Merchant Navy and nursing – and thank them for their sacrifices, in conflict and in captivity.

“It’s a date, we will never forget,” Mr Harris said.

“We honour those who served, and the 39,000 Australians who made the ultimate sacrifice for the cause of peace and freedom.”

Australian forces were engaged in campaigns across the Pacific – in New Guinea, Bougainville, New Britain, Borneo, and in the Philippines – and Australian prisoners of the Japanese were spread throughout Asia.

RSL NSW President Ray James OAM, said commemorating significant moments in our military history is vital to Australia, as people, a community and a nation.

“People should never forget how close we as a nation came to invasion and occupation during the Second World War,” Mr James said.

“But for the service and sacrifice of the men and women who served in our armed forces, and those of the Allied forces, the Australian people would not have been protected from the battles of the war reaching our shores.”

Second World War veteran Don Kennedy, who had his first taste in the Merchant Navy in February 1944 at the age of 16, cruising out through the Heads on the Seirstad destined for the Atlantic also attended the commemoration.

Even though Don Kennedy wasn’t trained to fight in the war or even acknowledged as a member of the services at the time, the commitment he and others made in the Merchant Navy was no less significant.

“I tell people I was 17 months in the war. There was only half an inch of metal between you and the sea if a torpedo struck the ship,” Don Kennedy said.

Don Kennedy was one of many veterans who shared their story in 2020 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. Read the veterans’ stories at the NSW War Memorials Registerlaunch website.

Independent Panel gets to work on NSW Government’s landmark gaming reforms

The NSW Government has welcomed the first meeting of the Independent Panel on Gaming Reform. The Independent Panel has considered elements of the upcoming cashless gaming trial, as well as matters which will inform its recommendations to the NSW Government on a gaming reform implementation roadmap.

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris addressed the Independent Panel at their first meeting in Sydney on Monday 14 August 2023.

Mr Harris said he was pleased the Independent Panel was considering the design and framework for the upcoming cashless gaming trial carefully and as a matter of priority, including the minimum requirements for venues and technology providers to take part.

“The Panel’s first priority is to confirm the design and regulatory settings for the expanded cashless gaming trial, to ensure it can start as soon as possible,” Mr Harris said.

“This includes deciding which venues will take part, ensuring there is an appropriate mix of hotels and clubs across metropolitan and regional areas.

“By imposing certain mandatory requirements, the Panel can ensure that the trial will have strong data security and privacy protections in place.”

The Independent Panel will also provide advice to the NSW Government on a gaming reform implementation roadmap by November 2024.

This will include making recommendations to the NSW Government on the use of the $100 million harm minimisation fund, expanding the self-exclusion register and providing for third-party exclusions, and the use of facial recognition technology to support the enhanced exclusions schemes.

The panel will also be consulted on a review of the ClubGRANTS Scheme, which is being undertaken by Liquor & Gaming NSW in consultation with The Cabinet Office and NSW Treasury. This review will be undertaken separately, but concurrent with the Panel’s work on gaming reforms.

The inaugural meeting was chaired by former NSW Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing Commissioner Michael Foggo with Dr Ursula Stephens (former Senator for NSW, Australian Labor Party) and The Honourable Niall Blair (former Deputy Leader of the NSW Nationals) comprising the Executive Committee.

Chair Michael Foggo said the NSW Government had carefully considered the composition of the Independent Panel to ensure it is well placed to provide balanced and expert advice about gaming reform.

Mr Foggo said it was clear from the outset that all panel members are passionate about gaming reform and committed to making a difference in NSW.

“The panel is set up so that a range key stakeholders and experts are represented including industry, gambling harm minimisation experts, academic experts, law enforcement and cyber security,” Mr Foggo said.

“It also has the ability to seek input from other external experts in the field and government bodies such as the NSW Crime Commission, the NSW Information and Privacy Commission and AUSTRAC.”

The progress of the Independent Panel builds on a number of reforms the NSW Government has already introduced to curb gambling harm and tackle criminal activity in clubs and pubs relating to gaming machines including:

a ban on external signage for gaming rooms across NSW beginning 1 September 2023
lowering the cap for poker machine entitlements by over $3000 from 1 July 2023
reducing the cash input limit from $5000 to $500 on all new machines from 1 July 2023
new legislation to ban political donations from clubs with pokies across the state from 1 July 2023
The Independent Panel will meet monthly with additional meetings as required.

Panel members include:

Chair Mr Michael Foggo
Executive member Dr Ursula Stephens – former Senator for NSW, Australian Labor Party
Executive member The Hon Niall Blair – former Minister and Deputy Leader of the NSW Nationals
Mr David Hudson – Deputy Commissioner, NSW Police
Mr Tony Chapman – NSW Chief Cyber Security Officer, Cyber Security NSW
Ms Rebecca Riant – Chief Executive Officer, ClubsNSW
Mr John Whelan – Chief Executive Officer, Australian Hotels Association NSW (AHA NSW)
Mr Jinesh Patel – Chief Executive Officer, Gaming Technologies Association
Mr Don Hammond – Chief Executive Officer, Leagues Clubs Australia
Professor Joel Negin – Trustee, Responsible Gambling Fund Trust
Ms Joanna Quilty – Chief Executive Officer, NSW Council of Social Services
Rev Stu Cameron – Chief Executive Officer and Superintendent Wesley Mission
Professor Melanie Randle – Dean of Research, Development and Integrity, University of Wollongong
Professor Sally Gainsbury – Director, Gambling Treatment & Research Centre, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney
Ms Imogen Beynon – Deputy Director, Casinos, Clubs & Gaming, United Workers Union
Mr Nick McGhie, lived experience Panel member.

Get more information on Liquor and Gaming.launch

Virtual care clinics highly rated by majority of patients

Patients across NSW are highly rating their experiences with virtual care, which is delivering innovative and more convenient healthcare to people across all parts of the state.

The Bureau of Health Information’s Patient Experiences of Virtual Care in 2022 survey found 92% of patients rated their virtual care with NSW hospital outpatient clinics in the past 12 months as either ‘very good’ or ‘good’.

Minister for Health Ryan Park said the results show virtual care is delivering high-quality, specialist medical care to people right across NSW, regardless of where they live.

“These latest findings show virtual care is convenient, more accessible, and in some cases helps patients feel more at ease,” Mr Park said.

“Virtual care appointments allow patients to access high quality care from the comfort of home, which means people living in rural and regional areas can access world-class healthcare without having to travel long distances.

“By giving medical staff the tools to deliver more virtual services, we can treat more patients, deliver more staff and offer more hours, meaning patients across the whole state will reap the benefits.”

The survey analysed the experiences of 2301 patients who had at least 1 virtual care appointment with a public hospital outpatient clinic in 2022.

Almost 9 in 10 patients (88%) said their health professional always explained things in an understandable way, and around 8 in 10 patients (83%) said they felt involved in decisions about their medical care and treatment at their most recent virtual care appointment.

Virtual care allows patients to speak to health professionals over the phone or by video rather than in person and is more convenient as patients can do it in an environment they can be comfortable in such as their own home.

The report found that nearly 1 in 3 people thought their outpatient virtual care appointment was more convenient (74%) and over half said it saved them time (57%) with ratings consistent across all aged groups and locations across the state.

The results will help inform the monitoring and evaluation of the NSW Virtual Care Strategy 2021-2026.

Housing solutions for temporary and seasonal workers

The NSW Government is backing regional local councils to plan for more and better housing for thousands of temporary and seasonal workers needed to support major infrastructure projects and farms.

A new set of simpler, clearer planning guidelines will go on exhibition this week, with the ultimate goal to give councils more certainty and clarity around how to plan and deliver worker accommodation.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said temporary and seasonal workers play a vital role in regional economies.

“Workers on regional construction projects have unique housing needs, and their employment circumstances can make it difficult for them to find affordable and suitable housing. 

“The last thing we need is complex and inefficient planning rules getting in the way of delivering the accommodation these workers need, so these new guidelines aim to give councils more clarity.

“We’re in the midst of a housing crisis in the state and these resources will help councils better plan suitable and safe accommodation for workers driving economic growth in regional NSW.”  

Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Regional NSW and Minister for Western NSW Tara Moriarty said feedback will also be sought on policy changes to permit temporary worker accommodation in rural zones for workers delivering critical infrastructure in Renewable Energy Zones (REZs).

“With so many construction projects in Regional Economic Zones (REZ) already underway, securing this accommodation for workers is vital to avoid any delays in the delivery of vital infrastructure.

“While guidelines on exhibition focus on housing for temporary workers, proponents could also lodge a separate development application (DA) for more permanent housing solutions,” she said.

The proposed Exhibition of Intended Effect and Draft Guideline will be publicly exhibited for 6 weeks, and feedback received during exhibition will help to further refine the planning changes.

Read the plans and make a submission on Planning NSWlaunch.