August 2023 – Page 4

New electronic fire danger rating signs to help keep communities safer across NSW

Iconic fire danger rating signs on roadsides across NSW are getting a digital facelift, with the Rural Fire Service (RFS) set to provide real-time fire risk information to communities via remotely operated signs.

More than 200 digital fire warning signs are being rolled out, as the state approaches bushfire season.

The signs, which are powered by solar panels, are automatically updated each day in line with fire danger ratings on the RFS website. The ratings are informed by data from the Bureau of Meteorology.

The digital upgrade means RFS volunteers will no longer need to manually change the signs daily.

The signs use the revised Australian Fire Danger Rating System, which includes four categories for fire danger: Moderate (green), High (yellow), Extreme (orange) and Catastrophic (red), with simple actions for the community to take at each level. On days when there is minimal risk, ‘no rating’ is used.

The state’s north, where six local government areas (LGAs) are already in Bush Fire Danger Period, has been prioritised for the sign rollout.

From 1 September, a further 32 local government areas in the north and south of the state will enter the Bush Fire Danger Period, as warm, dry conditions increase the fire risk.

Eleven of the 32 areas are entering the danger period a month earlier than usual, with the prolific growth of vegetation after three years of wet weather adding to the heightened fire risk.

This comes as fire activity increases across NSW and Section 44 bush fire emergency declarations are in place for Kempsey, Nambucca and Clarence Valley LGAs.

Section 44 arrangements ensure coordinated efforts are in place to battle the almost 30 fires burning across the region.

Hundreds of volunteer firefighters, with the help of aircrews and our new Chinook helicopter, are currently working to contain fires across NSW.

From 1 September, the following local government areas are beginning their Bush Fire Danger Period one month earlier than usual: Tamworth, Bogan, Coonamble, Walgett, Warren, Moree, Gwydir, Narrabri, Gilgandra, Warrumbungle, and Midwestern.

From 1 September, the following LGAs also begin their Bush Fire Danger Period: Muswellbrook, Singleton, Kempsey, Nambucca, Mid-Coast, Port Macquarie-Hastings, Clarence Valley, Ballina, Byron, Tweed, Bellingen, Coffs Harbour, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley, Gunnedah, Liverpool Plains, Upper Hunter, Bega Valley, Eurobodalla, and Shoalhaven.

This is in addition to the six LGAs that commenced the danger period on 1 August: Armidale Regional, Walcha, Uralla, Glen Innes Severn, Inverell, and Tenterfield.

Once a Bushfire Danger Period commences landholders in these LGAs need to apply for a permit to burn off and notify their neighbours and local fire authorities 24 hours before lighting up. Free permits are available by contacting your local Fire Control Centre.

Information about hazard reduction burning, obtaining permits and required notification is available on the RFS websitelaunch.

Information on the Australian Fire Danger Rating System.

The Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns, said:

“We are bracing for a potentially dangerous bushfire season.

“We are expecting a return to hot and dry conditions.

“There is also significant vegetation growth after three years of wet weather.

“The RFS have been working to ensure we are prepared.

“These new digital signs are another tool to help warn communities about the risk.

“This helps volunteers get on with other important work to protect their communities.

“This also ensures locals get up-to-the-minute info about the fire risk.”

The Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib, said:

“Everybody needs to start preparing for bush fire season as we start to see fire activity on the rise across NSW.

“Hazard reduction efforts have been hampered by weather conditions following three years of significant and record rainfall.

“The latest Bush Fire Danger Period declarations put landholders on notice that they need to take action and consider how to reduce the risk for themselves and their communities.

“Our Rural Fire Service volunteers are at the ready to respond to emergencies 365 days of the year, and it’s every landowner’s responsibility to be equally prepared for the threat of fire.

“As the weather starts to heat up, it’s time to take simple steps like reducing vegetation around properties and cleaning gutters to reduce the amount of fuel.

“We’re also upgrading our roadside fire danger rating signs, using technology to boost our readiness efforts and freeing up time for our dedicated RFS volunteers.”

The Commissioner of the RFS, Rob Rogers, said:

“Wet weather over the last three years has caused prolific growth, and as we move out of this incredibly wet period the bush fire risk is returning to NSW.

“The new fire danger rating system introduced last season is the biggest change to fire danger rating science in more than 60 years.

“The way fire danger ratings are communicated has been improved and simplified, to make it easier for our communities to make decisions to stay safe on days of fire danger risk.”

INCREMENTAL CHANGE TO GENDER PAY GAP LITTLE COMFORT AS COST OF LIVING BITES

On Equal Pay Day this year, women will have worked an extra 56 days, on average, to earn the same as men. The current national gender pay gap is 13 per cent. While this is a significant drop in the national gender pay gap, representing the lowest it has ever been, it will come of little comfort to working women seeing more of their salaries eaten up by everyday essentials.

Senator Larissa Waters, Greens Leader in the Senate and spokesperson on Women said:

“Today marks the 56 extra days women need to work, on average, to earn the equivalent salary to men.

“There is now a national gender pay gap of 13 per cent. Queensland is above the average at 14.8 per cent; the second largest gender pay gap in the country.

“For those who are working part-time or casual roles, the gap is even higher at 22 per cent nationally.

“We have seen some moves to improve the Fair Work Act, including a new remuneration principle to help the Commission issue pay increases to workers in low-paid, female dominated industries, but a minimum wage increase below inflation put a dent in hopes for real improvements.

“The easiest way to close the gender pay gap is to pay women more. The government could legislate for above average wage increases over 10 years in women-dominated industries, which would provide a much-needed boost to women’s economic security and ensure we can attract and retain staff in these critical sectors.

“The government’s Secure Jobs, Better Pay Bill was also passed last year, with new rules to end pay secrecy clauses that stop employees from discussing how much they get paid, something my 2015 Fair Work Amendment (Gender Pay Gap) Bill had previously sought to legislate for.

“The Workplace Gender Equality Agency should also be given more powers to tackle gender inequality in the workplace, including preventing companies who are not working to reduce their pay gap from getting government contracts, and requiring organisations to report on the volume of sexual harassment complaints (including actions taken) and use non-disclosure agreements.

“We need gender pay gap reporting obligations to apply to more employers, a ban on ‘pay gag clauses’ in the private sector, and stronger sanctions against companies who fail to close their pay gap.

“We welcome the minor improvement in the gender pay gap, but women still have to work an extra 56 days to earn the same average salary as men, and the government is still charging ahead with Stage 3 tax cuts that will overwhelmingly benefit already wealthy men.”

GREENS CALL ON LABOR TO CONSIDER RENATIONALISING QANTAS IF IT REFUSES TO PAY BACK COVID SUBSIDIES

The Greens are calling on Qantas to pay back the $2.7 billion in public money it received during the Covid pandemic, and requesting that the federal government consider taking Qantas back into public ownership to protect consumers and workers.

On ABC Radio this morning Jim Chalmers has ruled out asking Qantas to pay back their Covid subsidies worth $2.7 billion.

Qantas has just posted a record profit of $2.47 billion. The Federal government also recently denied an application from Qatar Airways to add 21 weekly flights, after opposition to the proposal from Qantas. This decision comes after revelations that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s son was granted free membership to the Qantas Chairman’s Lounge.

The Federal Court also found in 2021 that Qantas illegally sacked 1,700 ground staff during the pandemic. Qantas is now challenging this ruling in the High Court.

Elizabeth Watson-Brown MP, Greens spokesperson for Transport, Infrastructure and Sustainable Cities said:

“During the pandemic, Qantas was given billions in government handouts and it turned around and sacked thousands of workers and outsourced to labour hire firms.

“Now that Qantas is posting record profits, it’s only right that they should pay back the $2.7 billion in public money. If they refuse, the Labor government should consider taking Qantas back into public ownership to keep prices down and protect workers.

“Qantas’s record profits are off the back of ballooning prices for flights during a cost of living crisis. Instead of that money going to CEO bonuses and share buybacks, it should be going to paying workers, improving their conditions, and making flights cheaper for everyday people.

“It’s galling to hear the Treasurer on radio this morning running defence for Qantas’s profits instead of holding them to account.

“People are right to be suspicious of Labor’s dealings with Qantas after revelations that the Prime Minister’s son has been granted free membership to the Qantas Chairman’s Lounge, while the recent decision to block Qatar Airways and secure further monopoly status for Qantas has been made with no scrutiny or clear justification.”

Deficits as far as the eye can see but not a solution in sight

After an absurd five-day drip feed strategy, the Treasurer’s Intergenerational Report shows Labor’s true plan for a big Australia with higher taxes, higher spending and deficits for the next 40 years.

Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor said Jim Chalmers is more interested in forecasts and commentary than delivering solutions for the problems Australians are facing today.

“This report paints a picture of Labor’s bleak future. Deficits as far as the eye can see but not a solution in sight,” Mr Taylor said.

“40 years couldn’t be further from the minds of Australians suffering under Labor’s cost of living crisis.

“Australians are worried about what their lives are going to be like in 40 days not in 40 years.

“Community support groups are seeing unprecedented numbers of Australians in jobs with mortgages who simply cannot afford to live.

“This needs to be the government’s first, second and third priority but unfortunately that’s not what we’re seeing.

“Today’s report highlights the need for a responsible government that spends taxpayers’ money wisely, incentivises investment and commits to deregulation to drive down the cost of living. Instead, Labor is promising more spending, more tax and more migration that will only make cost of living pressures worse.”

Shadow Finance Minister Jane Hume said the Treasurer has decided to release an Intergenerational Report three years early to tell him something he already knows.

“Like a frog in slowly boiling water, the Albanese Labor Government has spent the last 12 months getting us ready for more and higher taxes. The IGR is just the latest in a series of government announcements that lament higher government expenditure without ever offering a solution other than higher taxes.

“This is yet another example of a government that likes to review, rather than do.

“The Coalition is committed to productivity reforms that will grow the economy, driving more effective government and supporting lower taxes so the next generation experiences a better quality of life.

“But more government, more taxes, more red tape will only make the challenges in this report worse.”

Accessible new strategy to drive community’s engagement in decision-making process

City of Newcastle (CN) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensure all Novocastrians feel involved in the decision-making process as part of its new four-year Community Engagement Strategy.

Councillors unanimously voted this week to adopt the Strategy, which provides a framework for how CN engages with the community to support the development of its plans, policies, programs and key activities.

Based on inclusiveness, transparency, and responsiveness, the new Strategy will continue to ensure CN delivers genuine, meaningful opportunities for everyone to share their voice and have a say, which in turn delivers better outcomes for the community.

A key focus of this Strategy is ensuring CN hears feedback from all groups within the community, and a diversity of opinions and voices.

It outlines how community members can be involved in local planning and decision-making, as well as how CN will plan and deliver community engagement activities, including the tools and methods that may be used.

The Strategy builds on CN’s current engagement activities, which during the 2022/23 financial year included over 25,000 interactions with members of the community on more than 40 projects. Community input was used to develop a broad range of strategies and plans, events, infrastructure and capital works, facilities and services, parks and recreation, and transport initiatives.

To read the full Strategy visit: http://www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/about-us/forms-and-publications/strategies/community-engagement-strategy

Inclusive connection for Bathers Way takes shape

Community members received a sneak peek of City of Newcastle’s plans for the next stretch of Bathers Way at a meeting of the project’s newly renewed Community Reference Group this week.

Plans are in development to transform the section of the Bathers Way shared path between Strzelecki Lookout and South Newcastle Beach, creating a more accessible pathway through the heritage-listed King Edward Park.

Bathers Way is a flagship project and tourist drawcard for the city, linking our iconic beaches of Merewether, Dixon Park, Bar Beach, Newcastle and Nobbys.

The planned upgrade will include renewal of King Edward Park’s amenities building and aims to improve the connection between the lawn surrounding the iconic Victorian rotunda and the much-loved Garside Gardens.

A significant feature of the project is the construction of an Aboriginal art installation, which will educate path users on the Aboriginal significance of the site, with an Expression of Interest for artists to be called later this year. Improved viewing areas with shade and seating will make for a more comfortable day out for visitors.

Delivering a continuous, inclusive path that makes use of the amazing views and respects the site’s heritage is a priority for City of Newcastle, with feedback from the community an important aspect of the design process.

Earlier this year community members were able to express their interest in joining a renewed Community Reference Group dedicated to this section of Bathers Way, and on Thursday evening the group met for the first time to introduce them to the project and view initial progress to build upon an existing concept layout for the site.

Feedback from the group will inform the continued development of the concept design ahead of broader community consultation later this year.

Mayfield streets to sparkle through new cleaning program

Footpaths along Mayfield’s main shopping strip will be looking brand new this week thanks to a pressure cleaning trial designed to improve the cleanliness and visual appeal of the precinct.

City of Newcastle (CN) has collaborated with the Mayfield Business Improvement Association (BIA) to undertake the trial as part of the Special Business Rates program, which is designed to activate and beautify business districts.

Mayfield-BIA-Chair-Tony-Sansom-and-Deputy-Lord-Mayor-Declan-Clausen-at-Maitland-Road-in-Mayfield.jpg

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the trial is being rolled out in response to feedback from the community and local businesses.

“Together with the Mayfield BIA, CN has listened to the community about the cleanliness of its suburban shopping precinct footpaths,” Cr Clausen said.

“By cleaning and maintaining our suburban shopping precincts, we improve their visual amenity to ensure they are inviting places for people to visit, with the benefits flowing onto local businesses.

“The Mayfield BIA has been forging ahead in recent years to enhance the appeal of the precinct with a range of wonderful community activations including the Mayfield Arts Trail and Mayfield Day, which are now annual events.”

Mayfield BIA Chair Tony Sansom welcomed the trial, which is being implemented along an area pegged as the next growth corridor.

“Mayfield is transforming before our eyes with young couples and families moving into the area, and new cafes and specialty shops popping up along Maitland Road with the changing demographic,” Mr Sansom said.

“I think more people are seeing the potential of the area with its close proximity to the city.

“It’s been close to 10 years since the footpaths along Maitland Road have been high pressure cleaned, and we can’t wait to see our high street shopping strip sparkle once again.

“We are working collaboratively with City of Newcastle to minimise the disruption to our local businesses and their customers by completing the pressure cleaning after hours.”

Cleaning will commence on Friday 25 August between the hours of 6pm and 2am.

Community invited to celebration of First Nations creativity and culture 

City of Newcastle (CN) will serve up a feast of First Nations culture at Hamilton’s James Street Plaza on Saturday as part of Newcastle Art Gallery’s outdoor projection project.

Launched in July during NAIDOC Week, the project has included nightly screenings of DEAD TONGUE 2015, a major video work of art from the Newcastle Art Gallery’s collection by internationally renowned First Nations artist Dr Christian Thompson AO.

The moving video, which is accompanied by a stirring soundtrack of the artist singing in Bidjara language, pays homage to the survival and reclamation of First Nations’ languages.

To celebrate the final weekend of projection, Newcastle Art Gallery is collaborating with local artist Wanjun Carpenter to host an evening of First Nations performance, food and music in James Street Plaza.

The event will feature local and national First Nations artists including Nardi Simpson, Adam Manning, Lacey Bilger and Lena Parkes presented by Catapult Dance, alongside DJ Wanjun Carpenter.

Aboriginal-owned food truck, Blackseed Catering & Café, will also be set up in the Plaza with delicious food and drinks made with native ingredients available for purchase.

Chair of City of Newcastle’s Community and Culture Advisory Committee, Councillor Carol Duncan encouraged everyone to join in the free celebration of First Nations art and culture.

“City of Newcastle is committed to providing opportunities for our community to acknowledge the extraordinary creative and cultural practices of First Nations people,” Cr Duncan said.

“Newcastle Art Gallery’s projection project has provided a wonderful avenue through which we can gain new perspectives and celebrate the work of First Nations creatives.

“I encourage our community to head along to James Street Plaza on Saturday night for the culmination of this project and enjoy the First Nations food, live music and performances on offer.”

Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton OAM said the project was another way of connecting with the community.

“The projection project has been presented as part of Newcastle Art Gallery’s ambitious offsite, outreach and digital programming, which is being delivered while the Gallery undergoes its major expansion,” Ms Morton said.

“The expanded Newcastle Art Gallery will launch with an artistic program of ground-breaking temporary exhibitions alongside permanent displays of the collection.

“In the meantime, however, it is important to give our community as many avenues as possible to stay connected to us and we are thrilled to have been able to share this important First Nations work from our collection with the wider community during the past two months.”

The free closing celebration for DEAD TONGUE 2015 will kick off at James Street Plaza in Hamilton from 6pm on Saturday, 26 August.

TAFE NSW teacher appointed to key advisory board for the first time in eight years

For the first time in at least eight years a TAFE NSW teacher has been appointed to join the TAFE NSW board, as it helps guide TAFE NSW through recommendations to the Minister on services, priorities, and operations.

Metal Fabrication and Welding Teacher Stuart McKinder’s appointment to the TAFE Commission Board has been welcomed by Deputy Premier, and Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Prue Car.

Mr McKinder has a long affiliation with TAFE NSW after completing a five-year apprenticeship in 1992, and becoming a welding and metal fabrication teacher in 2008. He currently teaches at TAFE NSW in Wetherill Park.

While on the board, Mr McKinder will be supported by a panel of teachers who will act as an advisory group, providing a diverse range of perspectives across regional and industry skill areas to ensure all facets of teaching are considered.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Prue Car said:

“The skills crisis in NSW means there’s never been a more important time to rebuild TAFE NSW. That starts with hearing directly from teachers.

“This appointment will ensure TAFE NSW teachers are empowered to shape the future of Australia’s largest vocational education and training provider.

“I want to ensure the NSW Government benefits from advisors who are at the coalface of helping learners, businesses, and communities to thrive.”

Chair of the TAFE Commission Board Danny O’Connor said:

“This appointment will ensure the advisory board gains a deeper understanding of the things that matter most to the educational workforce.

“Mr McKinder’s appointment will round out the professional depth already on the Board.

“Among the Board, we already have a wealth of diversity and industry experience with members coming from critical skills sectors including IT, construction, hospitality, community services, health, and education.

“Hearing directly from teachers will boost the Board’s ability to advocate on behalf of the teaching workforce, ensuring TAFE NSW can deliver skills-based training that provides individuals with access to meaningful jobs, and which is aligned to the skills needs of industry and communities across NSW.”

Diversity celebrated at annual Premier’s Multicultural Communications Awards

A young Chinese-Australian journalist delving into Australia’s Chinese history, a first-person account of faith after the devastating Türkiye earthquakes, a radio veteran whose career spans 40 years on-air and a powerful anti-racism campaign are some of the winning entries at the 2023 Premier’s Multicultural Communications Awards (PMCAs) held last night.

More than 130 entries were submitted for the awards, with winners and finalists decided across 12 categories including Best Audio-Visual Report, a Lifetime Achievement Award and Business and Community Campaigns of the Year.

In the marketing realm, 2 anti-racism campaigns have clinched awards. The ‘Racism. It Stops With Me’ campaign developed by Think HQ and CultureVerse and the ‘Stop Racism Now’ community campaign by Moving Forward Together are 2 of the winning entries.

The PMCAs recognise excellence in multicultural media and marketing. These awards acknowledge the important role marketing and media professionals play in communicating to diverse audiences across the state.

This includes journalists, editors, publishers and marketing professionals across text, radio, television and digital media.

They also honour innovative and creative marketing agencies and campaigns that inspire social cohesion and community harmony.

For further information on PMCAs, please visit the Multicultural NSWlaunch website.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“NSW is proud of its record as one of the most successful multicultural states in the world.

“Our people come from all across the globe, with 1 in 3 of us born overseas, 1 in 2 with a parent born overseas and 1 in 4 speaking another language in the home.

“These awards acknowledge that diversity and I commend everyone who entered because providing information in community language is what keeps our society strong.”

NSW Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said:

“NSW is still the only state in Australia to recognise multicultural communicators with a stand-alone awards program for media presented in community languages.

“Strong, resilient multicultural media and marketing agencies are vital to ensuring everyone has access to information in a language they feel comfortable using.

“I congratulate all the outstanding winners and finalists this year for bringing a voice to such important topics such as fighting racism, connecting communities through sport and celebrating the delicate intricacies of diverse Australian perspectives.”

The media award winners are:

Best Audio-Visual Report – Sharon Offenberger and Ghousoon Bisharat, Plus61J Media
Best Audio Report – Stephanie Corsetti, Claire Slattery, Marcus Megalokonomos and Hannah Kwon, SBS
Best Text Report – Dr Salih Yucel, AMUST
Young Journalist of the Year – Olivia Yuan, SBS Mandarin
Publication of the Year – Pawan Luthra and Rajni Anand Luthra, Indian Link Media Group
Alan Knight Student Award – Suhayla Zahira Sharif
Public Interest Award – Addison Road Community Organisation
Lifetime Achievement Award – Haralambos Anargyrou Kritharis, known as Harry Crethar.

The marketing award winners are:

Agency Campaign of the Year – Think HQ and Cultureverse for the Australian Human Rights Commission
Business Campaign of the Year – Savings Finder Campaign, Department of Customer Service
Community Campaign of the Year – Moving Forward Together, Stop Racism Now
Best Use of Digital or Social Media – Western Sydney Wanderers.