Month: November 2024

NSW to rollout new free RSV prevention program in 2025

Infants will be able to receive a free immunisation to protect them against serious illness from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), under a new $16.6 million NSW Government RSV prevention program to begin next year.

RSV is a major cause of respiratory illness infecting up to 90 per cent of children within the first two years of life.

It can affect anyone, but the infection is more severe in children under one year of age, who may develop bronchiolitis or pneumonia requiring hospitalisation.

This year there have been about 70,000 cases of RSV detected in people who were tested in NSW to 7 November. More than 10,000, or 15 per cent, of the cases were among children aged under twelve months old. 

The RSV prevention program will see the NSW Government fund nirsevimab, a type of monoclonal antibody immunisation, from mid-March for babies who are not protected through maternal vaccination, and those at increased risk of severe RSV.

From early 2025, pregnant women will be offered a free vaccine, recommended at 28-36 weeks of pregnancy, under the National Immunisation Program, which will in turn protect their newborn infant from RSV.

As at September this year, the existing NSW RSV vulnerable babies program provided nirsevimab to more than 4,500 vulnerable infants, among whom 86 per cent were aged under six months.

Preliminary data shows the program resulted in a 25 per cent reduction in RSV notification rates in all infants less than six months old, compared to children aged 12-18 months, very few of whom received nirsevimab.

Everyone can help reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses, including RSV. There are some simple steps people can take to help protect themselves, their loved ones and community including:

  • Stay at home if you have cold or flu symptoms and wear a mask if you need to leave home
  • Get together outdoors or in large, well-ventilated spaces with open doors and windows
  • Avoid crowded places
  • Don’t visit people who are at higher risk of severe illness if you have cold or flu symptoms
  • Practice good hand hygiene, including regular handwashing.

For further information on how to protect yourself and others from RSV visit the NSW Health website: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/respiratory-syncytial-virus.aspx#

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“The NSW Government is committed to ensuring all infants are protected against serious illness from RSV through the rollout of this prevention program in 2025.

“There is nothing more stressful than having a sick baby, especially when it is something potentially serious like RSV.

“This program will ensure all infants who are not protected through maternal vaccination will be offered immunisation.

“This program model will help keep babies out of hospital and at home with their family.”

NSW Health Executive Director of Health Protection Dr Jeremy McAnulty:

“This program will protect our youngest and most vulnerable infants in NSW.

“We know RSV can have a significant impact on the health of infants, especially on those aged under one year of age. Every year some children get very sick and need hospital treatment.

“We encourage pregnant women to get an RSV vaccination to protect their baby from RSV next year.”

“We will offer protection to all babies in NSW, either through maternal vaccination or by offering nirsevimab, which significantly reduces an infant’s risk of hospitalisation from RSV.”

The Minns Labor Government’s empty promises leave nurses and patients waiting

The Minns Labor Government’s ongoing failures has led to the cancellation of at least 700 surgeries across the state today, as nurses and midwives stage a 24-hour strike. Only life-preserving care will remain unaffected, impacting thousands of patients awaiting important treatments.
 
The people of New South Wales are left asking what deals did Premier Chris Minns make to get elected, and why are our nurses and midwives still waiting for an outcome?
 
Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said the Minns Labor Government rode to power with union backing, yet today we see the trust of those workers being dismissed.
 
“Chris Minns is now telling nurses and midwives they have to choose between improved staff ratios and higher wages – but he hoodwinked nurses to campaign for him before the election promising they’d get both,” Mr. Speakman said.
 
The government’s reluctance to negotiate with the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association has meant patients and communities suffer as a result, with surgeries postponed and emergency department waiting times set to increase.
 
Shadow Minister for Health Kellie Sloane said for nurses and midwives who keep our health system running, the Minns Labor Government’s response is a major letdown.
 
“The disruption to scheduled surgeries today could have been avoided if the government had shown real commitment to its nurses. Patients deserve better,” Ms. Sloane said.
 
The Nurses and Midwives Association told media this morning the Premier is misleading the public by claiming its demands could not be met due to the Government already funding safe staffing levels.
 
Shadow Minister for Regional Health Gurmesh Singh said the election commitment is yet to be ticked off, particularly across regional hospitals.
 
“Health services in regional areas are stretched extremely thin and staff ratios certainly haven’t been implemented at any of our hospitals,” Mr. Singh said.
  
“The Premier clearly hasn’t been upfront about his ‘one or the other’ approach, because I don’t think nurses would have agreed to vote for him if they thought staff ratios would ultimately come at the cost of their salaries.”13 November 2024Share this

Huge boost for farmers in Tasmania’s south-east

The Albanese Labor Government is investing more than $150 million to deliver the Great South East Irrigation Scheme and drive economic growth in Tasmania.

The project will deliver a significant boost to the Tasmanian economy and create more than 400 jobs.

Powered 100 per cent by hydroelectricity, it will provide water to grow iconic Tasmanian produce like cherries, apples, salad vegetables, grapes, stone fruit and olives.

An extra 37GL of water every year will be available to farmers in Tasmania’s south-east – the equivalent to almost 15,000 Olympic sized swimming pools every year.

The new infrastructure will include 320km of new and upgraded pipelines, four new pump stations and new balance tanks.

After recently receiving a revised bid for funding from the Tasmanian Government, the Albanese Government will contribute more than $150 million towards the project.

The Tasmanian Government will contribute $75 million and Tasmanian Irrigation will also invest $75 million.

The funding for the Greater South East Irrigation Scheme comes on top of funding the Albanese Government has previously delivered for irrigation projects across the state – including the Northern Midlands Irrigation Scheme, Don Irrigation Scheme, and the Sassafras-Wesley Vale Irrigation Scheme Augmentation.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“Labor backs regional jobs, which is why we’re backing infrastructure like this.

“We know that water security is the key to securing economic growth in regional Tasmania.

“This will create jobs and economic opportunity, while keeping costs down for farmers.”

Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek

“Water is one of our country’s most precious resources.

“Labor knows how important increasing irrigation in Tasmania is, to provide water security for farmers and drive economic growth for the state.

“That’s why we are investing almost half a billion dollars in Tasmanian water infrastructure projects.

“It’s a win for Tassie farmers, a win for jobs and a win for the economy.”

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins

“Labor has a proud record of delivering for Tasmanian farmers, investing in irrigation infrastructure across the state.

“Our Government is already investing more on water infrastructure in Tasmania than any other state and territory and this funding will build on this.

“This is a big win for Tasmania and our world-class agriculture sector and again demonstrates that only Labor can be trusted to deliver for our farmers.”

Member for Lyons, Brian Mitchell

“This is a terrific announcement, especially since the money will be flowing as soon as possible to farmers in the south-east.

“This welcome news will provide security to get crops in ground and will ensure the south-east can continue contributing to the great Tasmanian agriculture success story. 

“The announcement adds to the hundreds of millions of dollars the Albanese Government has contributed to irrigation in Tasmania irrigation since the 2022 election.”

SUPPORTING YOUNG MEN AND BOYS TO END GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

The Albanese Labor Government is highlighting the importance of early intervention to end gender-based violence with the commitment of more than $23 million for programs across the country.

The funding will be provided to organisations to support young men and boys aged 12 to 18 years who present with adverse childhood experiences, including family and domestic violence.

Funding of $2.1 million will allow the University of Newcastle to deliver the Name.Narrate.Navigate (NNN) 360 program to help young men and boys in the Newcastle region to heal and recover through services that are culturally safe and responsive, trauma and healing-informed, strengths-based and tailored to their individual needs and circumstances.

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon said funding the trial in Newcastle will provide individual counselling and therapeutic supports for local young men and boys to help break future cycles of violence.

“I am so pleased that the University of Newcastle is leading the way on early intervention strategies to end gender-based violence. I have watched the NNN.360 program develop over the years and I’m thrilled that the Albanese Labor Government is backing its success with this injection of $2.1 million.

“This trial will allow our young men and boys who are victim-survivors in their own right, to address the impacts of developmental trauma and foster healing and recovery to help them avoid choosing to use family, domestic or sexual violence in their own relationships.”

“We want young men and boys who have experienced family and domestic violence to know they have a place of support here the University of Newcastle”.

Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth highlighted early intervention and prevention as key goals in the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032.

“Early intervention is a key focus for the Commonwealth Government, and successful applicants like the University of Newcastle have demonstrated targeted approaches to working with young men and boys,” Minister Rishworth said.

“This will ultimately assist the Newcastle region, and sites across Australia, to contribute to ending the cycle of violence, starting with the younger generation.”

More information on the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032 is available on the Department of Social Services website.

If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family, or sexual violence, call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au for online chat and video call services.

If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit www.ntv.org.au .

Feeling worried or no good? Connect with 13YARN Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporters on 13 92 76, available 24/7 from any mobile or pay phone, or visit www.13yarn.org.au No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn.

Kids Helpline (1800 551 800) is a free, confidential online and phone counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Appeal to locate missing teen – Maitland area 

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a teenage boy believed missing in the state’s Hunter Region.

Christian Nicholls, aged 14, from Carlton, was last seen about 9.45am today (Tuesday 12 November 2024) at Central railway station.

When he could not be located or contacted, officers attached to St George Police Area Command District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Inquiries by police have indicated Christian may have caught a train to the Maitland area.

Police and family hold serious concerns for his welfare due to his age and that he lives with a medical condition. 

Christian is described as Caucasian appearance, about 170cm tall, of medium build and has dark brown hair.

He was last seen wearing cream-coloured pants, a grey zip-up hoodie and black shoes and carrying a brown Nike bag.

Anyone with information into his whereabouts is urged to contact their nearest police station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Greens announce plan to wipe all student debt, putting an extra $5,500 into people’s pockets a year and making it easier for first home buyers

At a time when skyrocketing student debt is making the cost-of-living crisis worse, the Greens have announced an election plan to wipe all student debt, unshackling almost 3 million people from their debts and allowing people to keep more of their paycheck. Since Labor came to office, total student debt has soared to over $81 billion1, and student debt has risen by 16%. 

The Greens have relentlessly pushed the Albanese Government to deliver desperately needed student debt relief since they came to power, and the pressure has worked in securing changes to indexation as well as recent commitments to raise the minimum repayment income and cut student debt by 20% after the election. 

However, Labor’s plans still fall short of what’s needed- Labor’s indexation tweaks still lock in student debt hikes every year. 80% of a lifetime of debt is still a lifetime of debt. All student debt should be wiped. 

The Greens’ plan to wipe all student debt, part of the party’s ‘Robin Hood’ reforms, will be paid for by taxing big corporations that are profiting off price gouging during a cost of living crisis. For someone who has an average student debt and who earns an average income, the Greens’ plan would result in a debt of $27,600 being wiped and a saving of $5,500 a year2– enough to cover more than six months’ worth of groceries3. 

The latest ATO data shows that almost 57,000 Australians have a student debt of more than $100,000 compared to less than 23,000 in 2018-194. Meanwhile, the number of people with a student debt of more than $50,000 has doubled over the last five years, from 7% to 14%. The Greens’ policy will wipe these massive, stifling debts which take years to pay off and make it easier for so many to save money, start a family and get ahead. 

Wiping student debt will also make it easier for people to buy their first home. Recent analysis from the NAB shows that having an average student debt reduces the borrowing capacity of a person on a $120,000 salary by $90,0005.  

The Greens plan to wipe student debt has been independently costed by the PBO. Based on this analysis, the plan would have a fiscal impact of $74 billion over the decade. Wiping student debt will overwhelmingly benefit young people and women, with recent parliamentary library data showing that 71% of student debt is owed by people below the age of 35 and 59% of student debt is owed by women. 

The policy will be announced by Deputy Greens Leader and Higher Education Spokesperson Senator Mehreen Faruqi and Greens candidate Samantha Ratnam in the key Greens target seat of Wills on Monday. The Greens are running a massive people-powered campaign in Wills, where less than 1 in 10 people need to change their vote for the Greens to win the seat. Greens volunteers have already knocked on over 20,000 doors in Wills. 

Student debt is a key concern for voters in Melbourne electorates like Wills. Melbourne is bearing the brunt of the student debt crisis, where more than 650,000 people owe a staggering $19.4 billion in student debt. This is higher than any other capital city. Student debt will also be a key concern for voters in the Prime Minister’s home city of Sydney, where more than 615,000 people owe almost $19 billion in student debt. 

With a minority Parliament looming, the Greens say wiping all student debt is a key policy demand for the Party this election and will be on the table and pushed in any minority Parliament negotiations after the next election. 

Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Deputy Leader of the Australian Greens & Higher Education Spokesperson: 

“Wiping student debt will put money back in the pockets of people who desperately need it to make ends meet, pay rent or save for a deposit for their first home. 

“With everything from rents to grocery bills through the roof, wiping all student debt will make a real, tangible difference to so many people doing it tough. 

“The Greens have a plan to take on the price-gouging corporations and coal and gas giants to make them pay their fair share of tax and wipe all student debt so you keep more of your weekly paycheck. 

“The Greens are the only party fighting to wipe all student debt so you have more money to spend on the things you need. 

“Student debt can’t be fixed because student debt shouldn’t exist. All student debt should be wiped. If Anthony Albanese can go to uni for free, so should everyone else.” 

Samantha Ratnam, Greens candidate for Wills:

“Whether it be spiralling student debts or unrestrained rent rises, young people are being totally let down by Labor and their inadequate, bandaid solutions. 

“So many people in Wills tell me that their student debt is holding them back. Wiping student debt will make life better for so many people. 

“It’s hard enough for first home buyers in Wills to get a foot in the door without student debt making it even harder. 

“People in Wills know that they can’t keep voting for the same two parties and expecting a different result. Only the Greens will wipe your student debt, so you can keep more of your paycheck.”

References 

1 https://data.gov.au/dataset/ds-dga-ce4c58ec-c930-4a05-8a37-f244d960e5f8…

2 Greens estimates based on ATO withholding rates 

3https://www.news.com.au/finance/business/retail/aussies-paying-nearly-1… 634cdb8c788a4a1cdb81a7f1fd88d4e 

4https://www.smh.com.au/national/the-number-of-australians-with-student-…. html 

5https://www.theage.com.au/politics/federal/relaxing-lending-rules-to-he…

Newcastle residents urged to join war on textile waste during National Recycling Week

City of Newcastle is tapping into world-first technology to help residents stop some of the one million tonnes of textile waste Australia contributes to landfill each year.

Novocastrians are being invited to drop off their old towels, sheets and other household linen items at Newcastle TAFE carpark on 16 November as part of Newcastle’s first ‘Give a Sheet for the Planet’ textile recycling event.

Novocastrian residents are being encouraged to recycle their old linen. Image courtesy of BlockTexxNewcastle residents are being encouraged to recycle their old linen at a free community event. Picture courtesy of BlockTexx.

The initiative is being run in conjunction with Australian clean technology company BlockTexx, whose cutting-edge recycling process breaks down textiles into their raw materials, which can be reused by a range of industries.

Managing Director of Waste Services, David Witherdin, said the event, which coincides with National Recycling Week (11-17 November), would add to City of Newcastle’s suite of waste-recovery initiatives.

“City of Newcastle is committed to delivering Our Sustainable Waste Strategy, which sets out a 20-year vision focussed on reducing unnecessary waste going to landfill and increasing recycling rates,” Mr Witherdin said.

“Currently, City of Newcastle diverts around 47% of household waste from landfill through recycling efforts.

“This number will continue to increase through our delivery of education, infrastructure, programs and events such as this one, which give residents access to more practical and sustainable solutions for recycling items that would otherwise end up being thrown out.”

Co-founder of BlockTexx Adrian Jones said Give a Sheet for the Planet events were an effective way for local communities to do their bit to combat textile waste. 

“We estimate that in an average household, linen wardrobes contain around 15 kilograms of old, worn linen. Our aim is to clean out your robe and give your unwanted linen a new life by creating new sustainable products for use by the textile industry and other industries such as building, agriculture and manufacturing,” Mr Jones said.

“This delivers real benefits for the environment, with every truck load of linen collected diverting 3 tonnes of textile waste from landfill and removing carbon emissions from the environment equivalent to taking 20 cars off the road for a year.”

Residents can recycle household linens including bed sheets, bath towels, and tablecloths that are made from 100% cotton or polyester or blends of these fibres. All linens must be clean and free from unapproved materials such as wool, silk, or synthetic blends.  

A full list of accepted items and requirements is available on the City of Newcastle’s website. For more information, visit https://newcastle.nsw.gov.au/giveasheet

Best-selling authors serve up a sizzling summer of reading in Newcastle

City of Newcastle is set to transport readers beyond the page and into the minds of their favourite writers with a packed summer program of free author talks. 

The events are part of Newcastle Libraries’ annual Your Summer Stories and Summer Reading Challenge, which aims to foster the joy of reading among Novocastrians of all ages. 

Now in its fifth year, the program includes an essential summer reading list with 10 carefully curated titles, alongside a swathe of lively literary activities to keep bookworms entertained. 

Director Museum Archive Libraries and Learning Julie Baird said City of Newcastle was committed to ensuring its libraries were vibrant hubs for borrowers, visitors and event attendees.  

“Our libraries play a pivotal role in the local community, with more than 130,000 library members across Newcastle,” Ms Baird said. 

“Aside from holding the largest collection in the state, we also deliver thousands of events and programs each year that help foster rich cultural, social and educational opportunities for almost 30,000 incredibly engaged visitors. 

“This summer, we’re bringing some of Australia’s biggest names in literature to Newcastle with a lively lineup of author events as part of our Your Summer Stories campaign, where they will share insights on their latest releases, discuss their craft, and answer audience questions.  

“We’ll also celebrate the joy of reading with special events for book lovers, including festive gatherings for book clubs to connect and celebrate, and a summer reading challenge for our younger readers to keep them entertained during the holidays.” 

Best-selling Australian author Pip Drysdale will officially launch the Your Summer Stories events at Newcastle Library tonight as she shares insights into her latest thriller, The Close-Up. 

Hot on her heels will be former Home and Away favourite and author Judy Nunn, who will visit Wallsend Library this Friday, 15 November to share her secrets of being one of Australia’s most successful storytellers.  

Hayley Scrivenor, Darcy Tindale, Mitch Jennings, Emma Grey, Samantha Wills and Jim Haynes will complete the line-up of high-profile writers on their way to Newcastle. 

Newcastle’s youngest readers will also be encouraged to join in the fun, with a Summer Reading Challenge running from 1 December to 31 January with great prizes on offer including a $200 book voucher for the most engaged school. 

Open to children aged 5 to13 years, participants can read anything from picture books to comics and digital magazines, tracking their progress with a reading tracker bookmark. The challenge is designed to inspire a love of reading while maintaining literacy skills. 

For more information about all the events, visit https://newcastlelibraries.com.au/experience/what-s-on/your-summer-stories-2024-25

Construction begins on NSW’s first 3D-printed social housing project

The Minns Labor Government continues to use innovative methods to solve the housing crisis with construction now underway on the state’s first 3D-printed social housing properties in Dubbo.

The development will transform a vacant block of land into two modern two-bedroom duplexes for Aboriginal social housing tenants. This innovative method of construction will reduce costs and cut construction time in half, delivering more homes sooner for those who need them.  

The success of the project will help determine whether this modern method of construction can deliver much needed social and affordable homes across the state more quickly and sustainably. 

Indigenous company Aboriginal Sustainable Homes is developing the site in partnership with Contour3D and the 3D-printed houses will soon provide Aboriginal Housing Office (AHO) tenants a safe and secure place to call home.

The printed concrete structures for the modern duplexes are due to be completed within 16 days using approximately 70 tonnes of bespoke Contourcrete, a proprietary 3D printable concrete pioneered by Contour3D.

Once the 3D-printed structure is complete, the roof structure will be installed and the internal fit out commences, with the homes expected to be ready for tenants to move in by February 2025.

3D-printing produces significantly less waste, and the concrete mix uses eco-friendly recycled materials to produce a robust and energy efficient home with substantially reduced lifecycle maintenance costs. 

The total construction time for this project is 16 weeks, while using conventional methods for a similar build could take up to 40 weeks. 

With prior experience of working with the AHO, Aboriginal Sustainable Homes (ASH) was contracted to deliver the new, fast and cost-effective development in partnership with Contour3D. 

The project is supported by Dubbo Regional Council, who approved the Development Application (DA) in July 2024.  

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said: 

“It’s very exciting that construction is now underway on the first 3D printed social housing properties in the state, and I have high hopes that this approach can be replicated at scale.  

“The Minns Labor Government is using out-of-the-box thinking and exploring every option to build more social and affordable homes faster, especially in our regional and remote areas where people are crying out for assistance.

“We can’t solve the housing and homelessness crisis alone, and this project is a fantastic example of what can happen when council, government and private businesses join forces to find new solutions to a growing problem.

“I’d like to thank the Aboriginal Housing Office, Aboriginal Sustainable Homes, Dubbo Regional Council and Contour3D for their dedication to exploring new and efficient ways of building more quality homes for those who need them.”

The Hon Stephen Lawrence MLC said:

“It’s fantastic to see this innovative approach coming to Dubbo in a sensible way. 3D-printed technology can help us build some structures including homes faster and more sustainably. The key is using these sorts of new technologies when appropriate.”

“People are excited to see this project come to life over the coming weeks, and by early next year we will have delivered modern 3D-printed homes to local Aboriginal social tenants.”

$250,000 to upgrade operating theatre equipment in Young

The Young community will benefit from a $250,000 funding boost from the NSW Government to upgrade health facilities in the Murrumbidgee Local Health District.

The Minns Labor Government is investing a total of almost $12 million in 61 projects as part of the Regional Health Minor Works Program.

As part of the Program Young Hospital received $250,000 to upgrade its operating theatre equipment. This includes the purchase of an endoscopy reprocessing system to support improved clinical care for lower acuity surgeries.

NSW Health Minister, Ryan Park:

“The NSW Government is committed to investing in upgrading health facilities to support better health outcomes for rural and regional communities.

“The Rural Minor Works Program will allow Murrumbidgee Local Health District to upgrade equipment at Young Hospital to enhance the working environment for health staff and improve patient experiences.

“The program is one of a number of investments our Government is making to strengthen rural and regional health services, so people have access to the best possible care close to home.”

Labor Spokesperson for Cootamundra, Stephen Lawrence MLC:

“This new equipment upgrade at Young Hospital will help to ensure our clinical staff continue to offer the best high quality and timely care to patients.

“Improvements to these important regional facilities will also help to attract medical professionals to these communities.”