November 2024 – Page 12

$5 million in latest round of recreational fishing grants now open

The Minns Labor Government today opened the next round of Recreational Fishing Trust Grants, with $5 million available for fishing clubs, community groups and other organisations to run projects which improve and promote recreational fishing in their local area.

For the first time, applicants in this round will be able to access the $2 million recreational fishing small infrastructure grants program announced by the NSW Government in August.

This program will make it easier for local fishing clubs, community groups and other organisations to apply for funding for projects such as fishing platforms, fish cleaning tables, fishing access tracks, kayak launching platforms and other fishing facilities.

Applicants are encouraged to contact dedicated Department staff to discuss their ideas and for assistance in applying your small infrastructure grants.

As well as small infrastructure, funding is also available to promote participation in the sport and the mental health and well-being benefits of fishing, such as for free fishing events, fishing workshops, come and try fishing days, fishing for therapy initiatives, and the development of educational material to promote sustainable and responsible fishing practices.

Grants are available for both large projects valued at more than $10,000 in funding and small projects involving less than $10,000.

Applications will be open for the next six weeks, until 18 December 2024.

Following the recent review of the Recreational Fishing Trust, the NSW Government will continue to provide greater support to the NSW recreational fishing community by:

Strengthening communications with all fishers and organisations to encourage them to apply for grants to improve fishing in their local areas.
Providing more support for applicants to discuss ideas for projects and assist with developing their applications through the dedicated Recreational Fishing Trust grants assistance phoneline.
Making the grant application process clearer and simpler, so groups have the best opportunity to receive funding, including streamlining the application form.

This round of funding follows the recent announcements of some $20 million in grants and program funding from the Recreational Fishing Trust to enhance recreational fishing across the State.

Funding guidelines and the new online application form are available here at – https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/recreational/recreational-fishing-fee/licence-fees-at-work/apply-for-funds or you can email recreational.fishingtrust@dpird.nsw.gov.au or call the dedicated Recreational Fishing Trust phoneline on 02 4424 7428.

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“We want to make fishing accessible, enjoyable and safe for everyone.

“By streamlining the grant application process, we aim to provide every fishing group with a greater chance to secure funding for projects that improve the fishing experience in their local communities.

“The $2 million infrastructure grants program will ensure more of the licence fees collected from recreational fishers are invested back into the infrastructure we know fishers want, such as fishing platforms, fish cleaning tables and other fishing facilities.

“This is an excellent example of how funds generated by the NSW Recreational Fishing Licence Fee are reinvested into projects that directly support the recreational fishing community.

“If you have an idea on how to improve your local fishing spot or make fishing even better for your local community, I encourage you to contact our dedicated DPIRD staff to discuss your ideas.”

Permanent BreastScreen NSW service for Blacktown

A new permanent BreastScreen NSW clinic will soon be available in Blacktown, providing women in the community with access to free breast screening services all year round.

Minister for Health Ryan Park today announced the new location, which will better support the almost 60 per cent of eligible women in the Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) who are overdue for their two-yearly breast screen.

The new clinic at Warrick Lane, Blacktown, will be open in of the middle of 2025, seven days a week and will deliver vital breast screening services to more than 80,000 women who live and work in the Blacktown area.

A mobile screening van is currently active at various locations across the Blacktown Local Government Area, including the Blacktown Workers Sports Club and Blacktown City Council to service the Blacktown community.

Other western Sydney screening sites can also be found at Mount Druitt Hospital, Castle Towers Shopping Centre and Parramatta Westfield. There is capacity available at all of these clinics and mobile sites, with no delays for screening appointments.

You can find details of these locations as well as more screening centres near you at BreastScreen NSW or by calling 13 20 50.

For women aged 50-74 years, a breast screen every two years is the best way to detect breast cancer early, before it can be seen or felt. Breast screening is available from the age of 40.

BreastScreen NSW recommendsAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have a mammogram every two years from age 40.

Anyone with breast symptoms should contact their GP or health worker without delay.

Any woman with a family history of breast cancer should discuss their needs with their GP. To book a mammogram with BreastScreen NSW, call 13 20 50 or visit BreastScreen NSW – Online booking.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park

“We encourage all eligible women in western Sydney to make breast screening a priority.

“Early detection is the key with breast cancer, and a mammogram is one of the most important things eligible women can do for their health and I strongly urge women in Blacktown to visit the team when the new service opens.

“It takes just 20 minutes of your time, with no doctor’s referral required, and could save your life.”

Member for Blacktown, Stephen Bali

“Having a permanent clinic at Blacktown will enable more western Sydney women to have this life-saving screening in a convenient location.

“This new clinic with comfortable surroundings will treat women with dignity and increase screening participation, which is lower for many multicultural communities, often due to barriers like language, health literacy and trauma.”

NSW Chief Cancer Officer and Cancer Institute NSW Chief Executive Officer Professor Tracey O’Brien AM

“Breast cancer affects far too many women in our community and detecting it in its earliest stages is key to saving lives.”

“I know life gets busy, but I urge all women in western Sydney to not delay and book in their breast screen today.”

Nirmala Pathmanathan, Director, Westmead Breast Cancer Institute

“I’m so pleased women in the Blacktown community will benefit from this new permanent clinic. We know a screening mammogram can pick up cancers well before you can feel them, so having a mammogram every two years for women should be a priority and part of their routine health checks.”

Boost for Faith community safety with $5 million funding

The NSW Government has announced an additional $5 million investment in the Safe Places for Faith Communities Grants program furthering efforts to improve safety and security for faith groups across the state.

This funding comes after a successful first round, where $5 million was distributed to 103 community and faith organisations addressing security needs at places of worship, and congregation.

This funding is part of a $15 million program focused on creating secure, resilient and cohesive spaces for NSW’s diverse faith communities. This new grant round provides new applicants a chance to apply for $5,000 to $250,000 to be used anywhere in NSW at eligible faith-based centres including places of worship, seminaries, religious museums, religious community centres, religious retreats and places of religious significance.

The program takes a holistic approach to safety and security by supporting community preparedness, wellbeing and resilience, as well as more traditional protective security measures at places where faith communities gather.

An information session will be held online on Monday, 18 November 2024 at 4pm. To register for the information session email safeplacesgrants@multicultural.nsw.gov.au by Friday 15 November.

To apply, visit multiculturalnsw.smartygrants.com.au/SafePlacesforFaithCommunitiesGrants2024-25. Applications close 3pm, Thursday 19 December 2024.

NSW Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said:

“In NSW we are proud of our reputation as a safe place for people to practice their faiths and come together without fear of harm.”

“This funding will assist faith communities to maintain and improve the security of their places of worship so they can continue to be places of guidance and peace for attendees.”

Childcare places expanded in Far West NSW

Almost 200 additional childcare places will be created across far western New South Wales, as the Minns Labor Government continues work to increase the local workforce and ensure children across the state have access to high-quality education and care.

Over the next 18 months, 44 additional childcare places will be created in Broken Hill, 40 in Bourke and 102 in Cobar – a total of 186 additional places

Broken Hill, Bourke and Cobar have some of the highest gaps in childcare services statewide. Not only does this impact local children but creates a barrier to parents returning to work and prevents skilled workers with young families moving to these areas.

Delivered through the Minns Government Regional Development Trust Fund’s Western NSW Workforce Activation Package, $5.6 million will be made available to successful service providers immediately.

A further $4.4 million will be made available to further expand childcare places across western New South Wales early next year.

Busy Kids Childcare – Broken Hill

Over $1.4 million will be invested in Busy Kids Broken Hill to double the childcare’s existing capacity from 44 to 88 places for children aged 0 to 6 years old, creating 9 additional full-time jobs.

This investment will support the construction of a new adaptable daycare classroom as well as other necessary centre upgrades to increase its capacity and service delivery.

Further, this money will allow for the employment of additional staff and programs to support their professional development, wellbeing and retention.

Cobar Shire Council

102 additional childcare places, and 18 additional jobs will be created in Cobar, with over $1.3 million being provided to Cobar Shire Council to support locally run childcare services.

This funding will support relocating Cobar Out of School Hours care from a shared hall to a dedicated facility at the Kubby House Childcare Centre.

Currently, the service operates in a rented church hall, causing frequent interruptions to the service to accommodate other users.

Cobar Shire Council will also undertake work to expand the number of Family Day Care Operations. Family Day Cares are trained and registered educators who provide childcare from their homes. The Council will use this Government funding to cover the costs associated with these operations including, CPR and First Aid training, working with children checks, public liability insurance and professional development sessions.

A comprehensive attraction and retention package will also be developed, which will include relocation assistance, rental assistance and formal training plans.

Bourke and District Children’s Services

$1.85 million will be utilised by Bourke & District Children’s Services to created 20 additional childcare places for children aged 0-3, and 4 full time jobs.

This work will include the construction of a new childcare room to accommodate the children, with three child accessible bathrooms and two craft sinks.

To support staff recruitment and retention, relocation support will be offered to attract new staff and retention bonuses will be available to encourage long term service.

Bourke & District Children’s Services – Out of Hours Care

More than $900,000 is being invested to support Bourke & District Children’s Services establish a 20-place Out of School Hours Care program, operational five days a week for 40 weeks of the year.

Out of hours care offers care to school aged children before and after school.

Infrastructure improvements will be made to the services facility to ensure it is fit for purpose. This includes replacing the roof and installing a new kitchen for child food preparation.

A professional early childhood consultant will also be retained to ensure this new service is established to operate at the highest possible standard.

Comprehensive training and development programs will be provided to upskill staff, as well as relocation expenses offered to attract staff and retention bonuses for long term care providers.

Chris Minns, Premier of New South Wales said:

“This program is a win-win, and one of the best things a government can invest in.

“Not only does it increase access for children in our state to quality care and education, it also removes one of the barriers facing parents who may want to re-enter the workforce or enter it for the first time.

“I’ve heard countless stories of essential and skilled workers with young families who had considered making a move to one of our fantastic regional communities but were concerned about being able to access childcare. My genuine hope is that news of these extra places helps them to take that leap.”

Prue Car, Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Early Learning said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring children across NSW can kick-start their education in high-quality facilities – no matter their postcode.

“Improving equity in access to early education and care in the regions is vital for young families, and ensures our youngest learners are given every opportunity to thrive.

“The Minns Labor Government is delivering a plan to build a stronger, more accessible education system, for families across the state.”

Tara Moriarty, Minister for Regional NSW, Minister for Western NSW said:

“This investment from the Regional Development Trust will change lives in Western NSW.

“Not only will this package improve the lives of families in Broken Hill, Bourke, and Cobar, it will also unlock local economic opportunities by enabling workforce participation in organisations that are keen for workers.

“Our Government is focused on growing regional economies through smart, targeted investments that deliver positive and real outcomes in a short time.”

Roy Butler, Independent Member for Barwon said:

“Access to childcare is often a choke point for people returning to work or who choose to live in regional NSW. I know professionals who have chosen not to move to these communities because of the lack of access to childcare. This funding will go some way towards ensuring that places are available for professionals to move to our regions, and I thank the NSW Government.”

Jenny French, Director of Busy Kids Childcare, Broken Hill said:

“We are thrilled and incredibly grateful to receive this grant, which with our existing plans will assist Busy Kids to more than double our childcare capacity and support even more families in our community.

“This funding will help us to create up to twelve new staffing positions, build a flexible new daycare classroom, and make improvements to our facilities.

“It will also support ongoing professional development and well-being initiatives for our staff, helping us maintain a nurturing and high-quality environment for the children in our care.”

Jarrod Marsden, Mayor of Cobar Shire Council said:

“We are very excited and appreciative to the State Government for providing these funds that will allow us to attract families to Cobar and support the liveability of the town.”

Prue Ritchie, General Manager of Bourke & District Children’s Services said:

“Bourke and District Children’s Services is delighted by the investment of the NSW Government to increase the number of Early Childhood and Out of School Hours Care places available in Bourke.

“The provision of high-quality Early Childhood Education and Care services has multiple benefits for the community, as an economic enabler for workforce participation in remote communities, addressing social disadvantage, linking to health and family supports, and creating employment opportunities.

“We are excited for the children, parents and carers and collaborative partners through Maranguka, and look forward to getting started!”

Minimum age for social media access to protect Australian kids

The Albanese Government will legislate 16 as the minimum age for access to social media, following endorsement by National Cabinet today.

The decision follows extensive consultation with young people, parents and carers, academics and child development experts, community, industry and civil organisations, First Nations youth, and state and territory governments.

The Albanese Government will introduce legislation in the next Parliamentary sitting fortnight.

The Bill puts the onus on social media platforms, not parents or young people, to take reasonable steps to ensure fundamental protections are in place.

The Government will continue to work closely with stakeholders in the lead up to the commencement of the law, with a lead time of at least 12 months following the Bill’s passage to give industry, governments and the eSafety Commissioner time to implement systems and processes.

We will also use this time to develop guidance for parents, carers and children ahead of the change.

The Bill builds upon the Australian Government’s work to address online harms for young people, including the $6.5 million age assurance trial, establishing an online dating apps code, legislating new criminal penalties for non-consensual sexual deepfakes, and quadrupling base funding for the eSafety Commissioner.

The Government will ensure young Australians retain access to services that primarily provide education and health services, and work constructively with stakeholders to ensure that only services which meet the strict criteria under eSafety’s powers are able to be accessed by children under 16.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“Social media is doing social harm to our kids. I’m calling time on it.

“We need to do everything we can to keep our kids safe, and wherever I go in Australia, I know one of the biggest issues worrying mums and dads is the impact social media is having on their children’s well being.

“I want Australian parents and families to know we’ve got their backs.

“In the next Parliamentary fortnight we will introduce legislation into the Parliament to make 16 the minimum age to access social media.

“I want to thank the Premiers and Chief Ministers for their engagement and support on this issue.

“This is a national challenge that requires national leadership. That’s what our Government is stepping up to deliver.”

Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland MP:

“Introducing a minimum age for social media access is about protecting young people – not punishing or isolating them – and letting parents know that we are in their corner when it comes to supporting their children’s health and well being.

“Our decision to set the minimum age at 16 years is based on extensive consultation with experts, parents and young people. It strikes a balance between minimising harms experienced by young people during a critical period of development.

“Social media has a social responsibility for the safety of their users, and this legislation is one way they’re being held to account – with significant penalties for any breaches.

“This measure is a key component of our work across the online safety space and will enable young people to use the internet in a safer and more positive way.”

National Cabinet agrees to age limit for social media access

National Cabinet met virtually today to discuss the Australian Government’s proposed social media legislation.

First Ministers agreed to the Commonwealth legislating a minimum age of 16 to access social media.

Setting the minimum age at 16 will protect young Australians from the harms that come with social media, and will support mums, dads and carers to keep their kids safe.

This move builds on National Cabinet’s work at its 1 May and 6 September 2024 meetings where an investment of $6.5 million was agreed to trial an age assurance pilot to protect children from harmful online content.

It will also assist in accelerating action to end gender-based violence in a generation, and implement the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022–2032.

The Commonwealth intends to introduce legislation to Federal Parliament before the end of the year. The legislation will come into force no earlier than 12 months after Royal Assent.

This media statement has been agreed by First Ministers and serves as a record of meeting outcomes.

Free travel for veterans and serving ADF personnel this Remembrance Day

Transport for NSW will honour our veterans and serving personnel in the Australian Defence Force with free public transport this Remembrance Day.

On Monday 11 November, Australians across the country will take the opportunity to stop and remember, honouring the memory of the men and women who have served and are currently serving.

Those in uniform, wearing their medals or with proof of military service, can travel for free on public transport on Remembrance Day.

Veterans’ families and carers can also receive free travel to attend services on Remembrance Day if they are displaying service medals, carrying a letter of accreditation on letterhead from an RSL branch or other recognised ex-services organisation, or with a Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card marked War Widow/Widower.

Transport for NSW Coordinator General Howard Collins said it’s one small way to honour the brave men and women who have served our country.

“Eligible passengers will not need to tap on or off with their Opal cards or contactless payment devices,” said Mr Collins.

“Transport operator staff will let them board free or open the gates for gated stations.

“Free travel will apply to all train, bus, light rail, and ferry services in Sydney, Intercity and outer metropolitan services.

“For NSW TrainLink regional services, veterans and their families can travel to/from Remembrance Day services from November 10-12 for half the applicable fare, available in both First and Economy class.

“Reservations must be booked in advance over the phone on 13 22 32 or in person at selected NSW TrainLink stations and sales agents.”

Passengers who are not eligible for free travel are reminded that regular Opal ticketing applies, even if you are travelling to a commemorative event.

A number of bell towers across the state will ring their bells at 11am and we can all observe one minute of silence to remember the service and sacrifice of our veterans.

For more information on Remembrance Day commemorations, visit Remembrance Day 2024 | NSW Government and to plan your trip, visit transportnsw.info.

Albanese finally cancels 16 military exports to Israel after a year of misinformation

Last night in Senate Estimates, it was revealed that the Albanese Government ‘lapsed or amended’ 16 military permits to Israel from Australia due in part to the “very high number of civilian casualties” in the ongoing conflict.

It was also revealed that 59 of the 65 military export permits that were active with Israel as of June 2024 were for “goods and technologies designed or adapted for use by armed forces or goods that are inherently lethal.” The remaining 6 permits are for “dual-use goods” that are used by both civilians and militaries.

Over the past year, there has been persistent misinformation and gaslighting from the Albanese Government on the two-way arms trade with Israel. Minister Marles falsely claimed that Australia’s exports were all “dual use” and that Australia has not exported “a piece of military equipment” to Israel. Minister Wong’s statement that we have only exported “non-lethal” parts to Israel has now also been proven untrue.

The Albanese Government’s review is still not finalised, and more export permits may be cancelled. In the meantime, Australia is continuing to provide military exports to Israel, some of them part of the two-way arms trade with Israel, where Australia receives the weapons back.

Senator David Shoebridge, Greens Spokesperson from Defence, said: “This is a victory for the millions of Australians who, for a year, have been calling on the Albanese Government to take steps to end the arms trade with Israel.

“Over the past year, tens of thousands of innocent people have been killed across the Middle East, with an ongoing genocide in Gaza. In the face of this horror, we now have confirmed that the Albanese government has been permitting the export of military and inherently lethal equipment to Israel.

“After a year of gaslighting and denying that there is a two-way arms trade with Israel, the Albanese Government, under the clouds of a US election, has finally cancelled 16 military permits to Israel.

“The Albanese Government has no credibility in claiming there is no arms trade with Israel while also permitting Australia to export military and inherently lethal goods.

“The Government’s position doesn’t make sense because it is not supposed to, it is designed to silence critics and hide Labor’s complicity in a genocide.

“Cancelling 16 military permits to Israel is a much-needed first step, but why has it come a year late?

“It’s time to end the two-way arms trade with Israel in full.”

Faruqi: Introduction of TAFE bill shows Labor can also bring in legislation right now to wipe student debt

Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Deputy Leader of the Australian Greens and spokesperson for Higher Education, has called on Labor to bring in a bill right now to fulfil their promise of wiping 20% of student debt like they have done for fee-free TAFE places today.

Senator Faruqi:

“If Labor can introduce legislation for fee-free TAFE places today, why can’t they bring in a bill right now to fulfil their pledge to wipe some student debt.

“People are hurting right now, they need student debt relief right now, not next year.

“Not only is Labor delaying their promised changes to student debt, they are making them uncertain by tying them to the result of the next election.

“There’s no reason to wait. Student debt relief shouldn’t be dangled like a carrot on a stick and held ransom to the next election results. We have the numbers in the parliament to lock in these changes right now.

“We’ve kept the pressure on Labor and it’s clear they are worried more than ever before about people voting Greens.

“Let’s keep up the pressure for wiping all student debt and making TAFE and uni free.”

Court Rules in favour of Police over Newcastle Climate Protest

Today the NSW Supreme Court has ruled in favour of the NSW Police Commissioner against grassroots climate action group Rising Tide in the Police attempt to prohibit “The People’s Blockade of the World’s Largest Coal Port”. Following two full days of hearings, Justice Fagan has ruled both prohibition orders sought by the NSW Police will be granted. It is understood that the NSW Police refused to negotiate throughout the proceedings even after Rising Tide significantly reduced their protest event applications from eight to four days, and from 50 hours on the Port’s waters to 30, in line with last year’s successful event which received international attention.

Greens MP and spokesperson for Climate Change and Justice Sue Higginson says, “This is a chilling day for our democracy. It is the second time in the past few weeks that Police have sought to use the Court to prohibit a public protest event with the full support of the Premier of this State, and it should serve as a wake up call to the people of NSW. Our rights of political communication in their many forms are being steadily eroded by the very people put in place to protect them,”

“While this outcome is extremely disappointing, it must be made absolutely clear, this case was never about whether or not this event could go ahead. The people do not need permission from the police to protest on public land and water in this State. This court case was always about the police insisting they should hold on to their full suite of criminal and policing powers during this event. In other words, for the last week they have dragged a family-friendly event through the courts at the public’s cost, so that they may be emboldened to arrest anyone who is protesting against the Government’s support for the continuation of coal exports through the Newcastle coal port in the face of the climate crisis,”

“As I understand it, The People’s Blockade of the World’s Largest Coal Port will go ahead. It is also the case that Rising Tide does have appeal rights if they are of the opinion that the Judge made an error of law in the case and of course they can lodge a new Form 1 should they choose. The Police case rested heavily on safety and Rising Tide responded by modifying their application but the Police would not budge. The case took a perverse turn when the argument to refuse the application for the on land event, which is full of community and performance family friendly activities, focussed on the need for police to be able to arrest people on land to prevent them from accessing the water,”

“Today, as the state of democracy is in peril across the world, NSW has slipped further into authoritarianism, spurred on by Premier Chris Minns’ intolerance of the freedom of political communication and the right to assemble and protest,”

“Under the laws of NSW it is not the job of the Premier or the Police to say where, when and how people can protest. It is the job of the Police and the Premier to serve the people and work with organisers to facilitate a safe and effective event. Today, the Premier and the Police have thrown this obligation back in our faces. What we have seen are the tactics of authoritarian politics attempting to silence the people,”

“It is telling that the NSW Government would rather seek to silence the community and protect their profits from exporting the climate crisis straight through the Port of Newcastle rather than support our grassroots communities, embrace the right to protest, take firm action to end coal exports and transition our economy.

“The climate crisis is here and people need to exercise their hope that their governments will hear them. It is only a matter of time before we see another catastrophe in this State like the Black Summer fires of 2019 2020 or the devastation of the floods in the North in 2022. As the experts in the CSIRO and the BOM told us loud and clear in their recent and terrifying State of the Climate 2024 report, we must stop our addiction to fossil fuels,” Ms Higginson said.

Greens MP and spokesperson for Democracy Kobi Shetty says, “Today’s outcome is a shocking attack on the right to protest. It’s appalling that the police and the NSW Labor Government have sought so hard to deny people the fundamental right to protest,”

“The Rising Tide event was held last year with no significant safety concerns or incidents. It is a peaceful, family friendly protest – and it has been an important way for people concerned about climate change to express their frustration and hold our government to account,”

“Protest is a key part of our democratic process, and as people become more concerned about our government’s inaction on climate change, it’s vital that people are able to speak out and demand more from decision makers. The Greens will continue to stand in solidarity with climate protestors like the Rising Tide organisers and the Knitting Nannas. We cannot allow these attacks on our democracy to continue,” Ms Shetty said.