Month: August 2024

Providing cancer care closer to home for children in regional NSW

Children living with cancer in regional NSW will be able to receive care closer to home, thanks to a $100,000 funding boost for the Sporting Chance Cancer Foundation.

The funding, announced today by Health Minister Ryan Park, will go towards the James Tedesco Outreach Program, run by the Kids Cancer Centre at Sydney Children’s Hospital (SCH), Randwick.

The program is led by outreach nurses, who work closely with local medical teams and local GPs involved in a patient’s care to provide children, adolescents and their families with necessary support and practical assistance, saving them from having to travel hundreds of kilometres.

In 2022, the Sporting Chance Cancer Foundation pledged three years of support to fund an Outreach Clinical Nurse Consultant for the James Tedesco Outreach program. The role, which officially started in April this year, is supporting families and helping with the establishment of new outreach centres. The additional $100,000 funding boost will help continue this important work.

The Sporting Chance Cancer Foundation provides almost one million dollars a year to major children’s hospitals across Australia, including SCH and The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, to support Clinical Nurse Consultant positions for outreach programs for children living with cancer.

Named in honour of Sporting Chance patron, James Tedesco, the James Tedesco Outreach Program provides support and education to regional and rural patients, communities and hospitals.

The Kids Cancer Centre cares for more than 200 patients and families from regional NSW and the ACT every year, with all of these families able to access outreach services.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“I’m really proud to offer our support to the Sporting Chance Cancer Foundation through a $100,000 grant for its James Tedesco Outreach Program.

“Having the ability to deliver care closer to home, reduces the inequity experienced by regional, rural, and remote families with children and adolescents living with cancer.

“This initiative enables children to receive care and treatment in their local communities with the support of their local healthcare networks, while allowing children to remain in the comfort of their homes, supported by their families.”

Member for Coogee Marjorie O’Neill:

“I’m really thrilled the NSW Government is supporting the Sporting Chance Cancer Foundation’s James Tedesco Outreach Program based at the Kids Cancer Centre in Randwick.

“The ongoing generosity and work of the Sporting Chance Cancer Foundation plays an important part in supporting some of the youngest members our community dealing with cancer.” 

Mark Taylor, Chairman of Sporting Chance Cancer Foundation:

“As the current Chairman and a Patron of the Sporting Chance Cancer Foundation, I’d like to thank the NSW Government for the support of our wonderful nurses. Their work across NSW with kids diagnosed with cancer and their families has an extremely positive impact within the family unit and is often life changing.”

James Tedesco, Patron of Sporting Chance Cancer Foundation:

“I’ve been a patron of Sporting Chance for a number of years now and I’m very proud to be involved in this charity and to see first-hand the service they provide for kids and families in need and the difference they make.”

Dr Richard Mitchell, Director of the Kids Cancer Centre:

“While it’s incredibly challenging having a child diagnosed with cancer, it makes it even harder when you are away from home. Sadly, this is the case for almost half of the patients we see.

“Our outreach program aims to relieve this burden and ensure children can receive the care they need as close to home as possible.”

Getting NSW nightlife back on its feet

Outdated conditions that force patrons to be seated while drinking outside a licenced premises will be removed as part of the Minns Labor Government’s crusade to strip back useless red tape and rebuild nightlife and vibrancy across the state.

A blanket ban on standing and drinking as part of approvals for outdoor dining on footpaths in front of licensed venues will be scrapped.

The rule was part of COVID-era provisions to encourage outdoor dining and the use of footpaths. It is currently being used by around 145 licensed venues, including 60 pubs, clubs and small bars.

In future, the simple approval pathway under the Liquor Act will no longer have a blanket condition that stipulates patrons must be sitting down to consume alcohol in outdoor areas.

Individual venues will still need to meet safety and compliance standards.

The reform is part of a suite of changes that will form the NSW Government’s second tranche of Vibrancy Reforms.

The first tranche:

  • Made temporary outdoor dining provisions permanent
  • Ended single neighbour noise complaints against local pubs and other licensed venues
  • Made it easier to activate streets for festivals and events (Open Streets program) and a regulatory model that allows streamlined approvals for repeat events (Permit, Plug, Play)
  • Expanded Special Entertainment Precincts that empower local councils to change the rules around noise and opening hours in a designated area to support live entertainment and nightlife
  • Increased incentives for live music and live performance, with two hours extended trading and an 80% reduction in liquor licence fees for licensed venues offering live music and performance
  • Easier pathways for extended trading hours for major events like the Olympics and World Cups.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“For too long Sydney’s nightlife has been strangled by red tape.

“We’re fixing this by removing the restrictions destroying entertainment venues, tackling the housing crisis head on and helping the city get back on its feet.

“Having an economy that fires up at 5pm during the week is critical for global cities like Sydney.”

Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham said:

“We are getting the social scene back on its feet in Sydney and right across NSW.

“A blanket ban on standing with a drink in hand is a red tape hangover that has no place in 2024.

“Adults should be trusted to choose whether they stand or sit while having a drink.”

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:

“Our government is making a stand to elevate NSW back to its rightful place as no.1 for having a vibrant, diverse and inclusive night-time economy.

“We’ll get there with common-sense regulations that support businesses and communities to enliven our city.”

Funding boost to improve flood resilience in Dungog

Motorists and community members travelling to, from and around the Dungog Shire will soon benefit from safer journeys with close to $9 million committed to support improved flood-resilient infrastructure.

Dungog Shire Council will receive funding as part of the Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Package which is jointly funded by the Albanese and Minns Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

As part of the funding, a new 76-metre concrete bridge will be built across the Paterson River at Gresford.

Work will also be carried out on 21 river crossings targeting rural, predominantly low-level causeways and small bridges across the region.

The package also funds pavement strengthening on Hooke and Lord Streets which will improve resilience and reduce ongoing maintenance costs for council.

Senator Jenny McAllister, Minister for Emergency Management:

“The Albanese Government is working with the NSW Government and regional councils to ensure communities have resilient infrastructure they can rely on every day.

“Not only will this funding enable Dungog Shire Council to boost their efforts in fixing the current damage, but it will also improve the resilience of the community during future flooding events.

“This project will deliver more reliable infrastructure and assets that keep regional communities in NSW connected, especially during times of severe weather.”

Paul Scully, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces:

“We’re changing the way we traditionally address disasters, by focusing on prevention, mitigation, adaptation and resilience by making planning decisions that improve community resilience over the long term.

“Today’s announcement is proof of this new focus with the funding package to strengthen local infrastructure for the Dungog community.”

Jihad Dib, Minister for Emergency Services:

“The Dungog Shire has experienced flooding as a result of severe weather in the past, which is why these upgrades are so important to the community.

“These projects are important for building resilience in the region, helping communities bounce back quicker after heavy rainfall.”

Jenny Aitchison, Minister for Regional Transport and Roads:

“The Minns and Albanese governments, along with local councils, are prioritising efforts to improve and clear the natural disaster damage repair backlog for communities across the whole of regional NSW.

“We are proud to be delivering these vital investments in the Dungog Shire.

“In particular, Gresford residents will benefit from the new bridge across the Paterson River, providing a flood-resilient link that will service our community well in all types of weather for many years to come.”

Emily Suvaal, NSW Labor’s spokesperson for the Upper Hunter:

“This important work will improve the daily lives of motorists, residents and visitors to the Upper Hunter.

“These upgrades will improve safety significantly while also ensuring a stronger and more reliable road network that keep communities better connected when natural disasters hit.”

Dungog Shire Council Mayor John Connors:

“This is a wonderful outcome for the people of the Dungog Shire and, in particular, the people of Gresford who have had to contend with access issues for years.

“The improved river crossings and causeways across the shire will ensure access for residents and emergency vehicles after heavy rainfall events is returned more rapidly, and a new bridge over the Paterson River at Gresford will allow for all-weather access for the community and better economic opportunities for rural producers to utilise larger vehicles, with reliance on the natural river crossing a thing of the past.

“We have been advocating for this funding for almost two years on behalf of the community, who deserve roads and infrastructure that can withstand the sometimes-challenging environment.

“We’re very grateful to the Australian and NSW Governments for providing this funding so we can deliver these vital projects.”

Second World War veterans remembered on VP Day

Today marks the 79th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

Known as Victory in the Pacific – or VP Day – it commemorates Japan’s acceptance of the Allied demand for unconditional surrender.

Australia had been at war for five years, 11 months and 11 days when on 15 August 1945, news broke that the war was finally over.

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.

A number of commemorative services are being held across NSW and around the world to commemorate this day and acknowledge the service of our veterans.

Second World War veteran Don Kennedy was the guest speaker at the VP Day commemoration held at the Cenotaph in Martin Place Sydney. He had his first experience in the Merchant Navy in February 1944 at the age of 16, cruising out through the Heads on the Seirstad, destined for the Atlantic.

Although Mr 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.

He was one of many veterans who shared their story in 2020 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. View the veterans’ stories here: https://www.warmemorialsregister.nsw.gov.au/nsw-stories/theme/75th-anniversary-stories

Minister for Veterans David Harris said:

“Today on VP Day we come together to remember all those men and women who served during the Second World War, in our Navy, Army, Air Force, the Merchant Navy and nursing, and thank them for their sacrifices, through conflict and, for many, long periods in captivity.

“We honour the nearly 1 million Australians who served, and the 39,000 Australians who made the ultimate sacrifice for the cause of peace and the freedom we enjoy to this day.

“August 15 is a date our nation will never forget, as it brought an end to the war that was fought so close to our shores.”

Second World War veteran Don Kennedy said:

“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. We did what we could to help protect our nation.

“Keeping watch on board at night was a nerve-wracking experience for crew. All ships navigated without any lights at all on the outside to avoid detection by the enemy. You couldn’t even smoke outside on the deck at night.”

NSW Government delivers on funding commitment to manufacturers

The Minns Labor Government’s plan to rebuild the state’s manufacturing industry will be boosted by a $2.3 million funding injection for the Industry Capability Network (ICN).

The funding delivers an election commitment to expand the ICN, enabling the organisation to support economic growth and create jobs by providing more supply chain matching services for NSW manufacturing businesses, particularly in Western Sydney and regional NSW.

The ICN supports local manufacturers by linking them to projects and improving their supply chain opportunities.

The funding boost will ensure more of the state’s businesses are front and centre for new projects and opportunities.

Restoring the state’s manufacturing industry is a key priority for the NSW Government, as well as ensuring the sector has the capabilities to deliver on the government’s priorities around transitioning to net zero and boosting housing supply.

The ICN, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, links projects and businesses through an online gateway database. It is supported by a network of industry specialists who ensure suppliers can grow their capabilities and ultimately achieve scale.

The NSW Government is committed to ensuring NSW is home to globally competitive industries that drive quality jobs and deliver a more resilient economy.

Find out more information on the ICN.

Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“The NSW Government is getting on with the job of rebuilding our local manufacturing sector, and today we’re delivering on our election commitment to expand the ICN, a vital service that increases opportunities for our local businesses.

“There are about 29,000 manufacturers in NSW, employing more than half a million people. We’re determined to ensure those businesses are supported to find new markets and grow their operations.

“The additional funding for the ICN means more businesses across the state will be linked to opportunities and projects to grow their capabilities and create more jobs.”

Executive Director of ICN NSW Ian Hudson said:

“We are thrilled to be able to grow our operations thanks to the NSW Government’s additional support.

“This will allow the ICN to expand its presence, particularly in Western Sydney and regional NSW, which are growing hubs for manufacturers.”

Opposition proposes taxi QR codes for a fair fare

The NSW Opposition is proposing the NSW Government roll out QR codes into the Sydney Taxi Fleet as a solution to ensure customers can pay a fair fare.   
 
The proposal would see unique QR Codes placed into taxis to enable customers to choose to pay via the meter or via the QR Code. 
 
The QR Code would be linked to the driver, the vehicle, and the customer to balance the security of payment for drivers with a passenger’s priority of paying the correct fare and having a safe journey.   
 
The proposal would balance security to passengers who choose to utilise it and ensure both drivers and passengers are accountable for a safe journey at a fair price.   
 
The proposal follows ongoing concerns over the past twelve months regarding dodgy driver behaviour affecting the positive reputation of the NSW Taxi industry. 
 
The Opposition would support the required regulatory or legislative change to implement the QR Code solution.  
 
Shadow Minister for Transport and Roads Natalie Ward commented “Government can’t be in every cab, every time but a QR code can be.” 
 
“You can order a beer with a QR code, why shouldn’t you be able to pay a fair fare in a taxi.”  
 
“This proposal delivers confidence and security to potential victims of dodgy driver behaviour including tourists, seniors and women using taxis at night.” 
 
“I know the majority of taxi drivers do the right thing, so this is a simple step to ensure confidence in the wider system.” 
 
“This isn’t about a carrot or the stick approach, this about a real solution that is easy to implement and puts customers at the centre of Government policy.” 
 
NSW Taxi Council Chief Executive Officer Nick Abrahim commented “This is an innovative solution towards giving passengers financial certainty when using taxis and improve the passenger experience.” 

Gender pay gap drops to historic low

New data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) shows the national gender pay gap is the lowest on record – today falling to 11.5 per cent from 12 per cent in November 2023, and 14.1 per cent in May 2022. Under the Albanese Government, women’s average weekly earnings have increased $173.80 a week since May 2022.

Labor came to government in 2022 with a commitment to drive action to close the gender pay gap. Since then, we have seen the gender pay gap drop to all-time lows over four consecutive reporting cycles.

Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese:

“We came to Government with a commitment to help close the gender pay gap and that’s exactly what we’re seeing.

“That’s not a coincidence, it’s because the Government has taken action like banning pay secrecy clauses, modernising the bargaining system, enforcing transparent gender pay gap reporting and delivering pay rises for aged care and child care workers.”

Minister for Women, Katy Gallagher:

“Closing the gender pay gap means that women are taking home more money at the end of each week.

“Whether it be by boosting the pay of early childhood educators and aged care workers by 15 per cent, backing a pay rise for minimum wage workers or banning pay secrecy clauses – Labor is doing work right across the economy to lift women’s pay.

“This progress isn’t just good for women – it’s also good for men, good for children, good for the economy and good for the community.

“Closing the gender pay gap is a key ambition of Working for Women: A Strategy for Gender Equality, because we know that it is both a driver and a result of inequality. We know there is still work to do and we will keep going.

“As well as lowest gender pay gap on record, we now also have reached a record high for women’s workforce participation at 63.2 per cent”

Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Murray Watt:

“We’ve secured record pay rises for hundreds of thousands of women on award wages, fixed the bargaining system to get wages moving in feminised industries, and changed workplace laws to put gender equity at the heart of the Fair Work Commission’s decision-making.

“We said we’d get wages moving again and that’s exactly what’s happening.

“This is despite the Opposition opposing almost every single one of these measures and promising to repeal a range of Labor’s laws that are delivering better pay for Australian workers.

“At the same time the gap has narrowed, an extra 510,000 women are now in jobs since the Albanese Government came to office, with 60 per cent of these jobs full-time.”

The ABS average weekly earnings data can be found online: Average Weekly Earnings, Australia

Information on the gender pay gap can be on the WGEA website: The ABS data gender pay gap

2024 Netball Judy Dunbar Media Awards: Nominations Open

Netball NSW is now accepting nominations for the 2024 Netball NSW Judy Dunbar Media Awards.

The Judy Dunbar Media Awards recognise individuals and/or outlets that have demonstrated an outstanding media contribution to the sport of netball between the period; 1 September 2023 – 30 August 2024.

Judy Dunbar was an avid and long-serving Member of Netball NSW having served on the Board of Directors as well as various committees. Until her passing in July 2002, she was also the Media Officer for the Baulkham Hills Shire Netball Association and was responsible for building the image and increasing the exposure of netball in her local area.

To recognise her dedication to the sport over the years, Netball NSW named its media awards in her honour.

The Awards are presented annually at the Netball NSW State Dinner later this year.

Nominations can be made in the following categories;

Best Overall Media Coverage
Community Media Excellence
Eligible nominations from accredited media outlets will be accepted whereby the content (print, radio, online, broadcast, photo) refers to individuals or teams representing or participating in the following competitions and/or activities:
Netball NSW competitions, programs or events.
Netball NSW affiliated Association (local) netball competitions.
NSW State Teams
NSW Swifts
GIANTS Netball
Suncorp Super Netball & Australian Diamonds
National Championships

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT AN ENTRY

https://netballnsw.us9.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a61fdddc7216e646211550b26&id=16d77bfc22&e=5dd905e812

Closing date for nominations is 5pm AEST, Friday 30 August 2024.

Man charged over serious crash – Hunter Valley

A man has been charged following a serious crash in the state’s hunter region last week.

About 9.30pm on Thursday (8 August 2024) police were called to a hospital on Metford Road, Metford, after a teenage girl presented with serious injuries, believed to be sustained in a crash.

Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District attended the hospital and were told the 17-year-old girl was struck in a fail-to-stop crash on Camp Road, Greta earlier that evening.

The 17-year-old was transferred to John Hunter Hospital with serious lower body injuries.

Police commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Following inquiries, about 2pm yesterday (Wednesday 14 August 2024) police arrested a 20-year-old man at Greta and took him to Singleton Police Station.

He was charged with seven offences, including:

Dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm (manner dangerous)
Negligent driving occasioning grievous bodily harm
Fail to stop and assist after vehicle impact causing grievous bodily harm
Operate vehicle do driving wheels undergo sustained loss of traction
Never licensed person drive vehicle on road
Use unregistered registrable Class A motor vehicle on road
Use uninsured motor vehicle on road

Police will allege in court the 20-year-old man was performing burnouts in a Ford Falcon when he lost control of the vehicle and struck the 17-year-old girl.

The 20-year-old man was refused bail to appear before Singleton Local Court today (Thursday 15 August 2024).

FUNDING BOOST TO IMPROVE FLOOD RESILIENCE IN DUNGOG 

Motorists and community members travelling to, from and around the Dungog Shire will soon benefit from safer journeys with close to $9 million committed to support improved flood-resilient infrastructure.

Dungog Shire Council will receive funding as part of the Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Package which is jointly funded by the Albanese and Minns Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

As part of the funding, a new 76-metre concrete bridge will be built across the Paterson River at Gresford.

Work will also be carried out on 21 river crossings targeting rural, predominantly low-level causeways and small bridges across the region.

The package also funds pavement strengthening on Hooke and Lord Streets which will improve resilience and reduce ongoing maintenance costs for council.

Senator Jenny McAllister, Minister for Emergency Management:

“The Albanese Government is working with the NSW Government and regional councils to ensure communities have resilient infrastructure they can rely on every day.

“Not only will this funding enable Dungog Shire Council to boost their efforts in fixing the current damage, but it will also improve the resilience of the community during future flooding events. 

“This project will deliver more reliable infrastructure and assets that keep regional communities in NSW connected, especially during times of severe weather.”

Paul Scully, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces:

“We’re changing the way we traditionally address disasters, by focusing on prevention, mitigation, adaptation and resilience by making planning decisions that improve community resilience over the long term.

“Today’s announcement is proof of this new focus with the funding package to strengthen local infrastructure for the Dungog community.”

Jihad Dib, Minister for Emergency Services:

“The Dungog Shire has experienced flooding as a result of severe weather in the past, which is why these upgrades are so important to the community.

“These projects are important for building resilience in the region, helping communities bounce back quicker after heavy rainfall.”

Jenny Aitchison, Minister for Regional Transport and Roads:

“The Minns and Albanese governments, along with local councils, are prioritising efforts to improve and clear the natural disaster damage repair backlog for communities across the whole of regional NSW.

“We are proud to be delivering these vital investments in the Dungog Shire.

“In particular, Gresford residents will benefit from the new bridge across the Paterson River, providing a flood-resilient link that will service our community well in all types of weather for many years to come.”

Emily Suvaal, NSW Labor’s spokesperson for the Upper Hunter:

“This important work will improve the daily lives of motorists, residents and visitors to the Upper Hunter.

“These upgrades will improve safety significantly while also ensuring a stronger and more reliable road network that keep communities better connected when natural disasters hit.”

Dungog Shire Council Mayor John Connors:

“This is a wonderful outcome for the people of the Dungog Shire and, in particular, the people of Gresford who have had to contend with access issues for years.

“The improved river crossings and causeways across the shire will ensure access for residents and emergency vehicles after heavy rainfall events is returned more rapidly, and a new bridge over the Paterson River at Gresford will allow for all-weather access for the community and better economic opportunities for rural producers to utilise larger vehicles, with reliance on the natural river crossing a thing of the past.

“We have been advocating for this funding for almost two years on behalf of the community, who deserve roads and infrastructure that can withstand the sometimes-challenging environment.

“We’re very grateful to the Australian and NSW Governments for providing this funding so we can deliver these vital projects.”