April 2025 – Page 4

Newcastle employers urged to improve communication to retain Gen-Z

Local employers came together at a forum hosted by Apprenticeship Support Australia (ASA) on Tuesday night to discuss the five generations working side-by-side in the workplace and strategies to bridge the generation gap. With apprentice completion rates still hovering at just 54%, it’s critical for businesses to engage and retain their young talent.

Former Newcastle Knights NRL player and current Assistant Coach Blake Green shared insights from his time spent coaching young athletes, emphasising that trust and communication go together in any team environment. “When I first started receiving feedback, you just copped it in front of everyone; it didn’t matter how you felt about it. That can’t happen in our environment today because you lose trust, the relationship breaks down.”

“It’s important to deliver feedback firmly, but the most important thing for us is showing genuine care and developing relationships. Once we show that, then we’re able to deliver feedback more effectively.”

Coaching psychology expert Susie Burrell, who led the panel, said, “Research highlights that apprentices and trainees are most likely to leave their jobs due to problems with their experience in the workplace, specifically around communication. Employers who fail to recognise generational differences or adapt their communication style risk losing valuable talent.”

Some of the strategies discussed included implementing regular career check-ins, highlighting pathways for the employee to keep them motivated, setting employees up for success with clear guidelines and expectations and mentorship through peer buddy systems.

ASA NSW North Manager, Jeff Cooke, said, “Larger employers with strong HR resources and experience in mentoring apprentices and trainees often achieve the highest completion rates. But not every business has that level of in-house expertise. That’s why these events and our programs are designed to support employers of all sizes, providing practical, low-cost strategies to help them build positive relationships with the next generation of workers.”

“Workplaces are changing, and while Gen-Z often get labelled with certain stereotypes, the reality is they can bring a lot of value to a business — especially when it comes to fresh ideas, technology and innovation,” Ms Burrell said. “It’s really just about employers learning how to genuinely connect with them to unlock their true potential.”

More information about ASA’s programs is available at apprenticeshipsupport.com.au or by calling 1300 363 831.

Appeal for information over armed robbery – Jewells

Police are appealing for public assistance over an armed robbery in the state’s north.

About 3pm on Friday 28 March 2025, police were called to a licensed premises on Ntaba Road, Jewells, following reports of an alleged armed robbery.

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were told an unknown man forced his entry into the premises with a broken glass bottle before he stole an amount of cash and left the scene.

There were no injuries reported due to the incident.

A crime scene has been established and an investigation into the incident was commenced.

Following inquiries, police have released images of a man who they believe may be able to assist with inquiries.

The man is described as being of Caucasian appearance, of medium build, with short hair and beard, seen wearing grey track pants and black shoes.

Greens welcome calls for new approaches to food security but warn meeting climate change targets is paramount

The Greens welcome the national conversation stimulated today by an Australian Strategic Policy Institute report which highlights the need for stronger government leadership to ensure Australia’s food system is resilient enough to withstand current and future challenges – but are disappointed the report appears to downplay the risks of an accelerating climate breakdown.

The Greens warn that immediately mitigating emissions and showing policy leadership on meeting global climate targets is paramount to ensure global food security into the future.

Greens spokesperson for agriculture, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson:

“This report rightly highlights how Australia has taken its food security for granted for too long, operating under the false assumption that the world will stay the same as it’s been in living memory.

“The climate crisis is changing the world so rapidly that the assumptions, policy approaches and economic frameworks that have traditionally supported Australia’s food security are no longer fit for purpose.

“The most important thing any government can do to help farmers and guarantee food security is radically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including banning all new coal and gas projects and rapidly transitioning to renewables.

“This simple but critical message was notably absent from this ASPI report, even though it identified climate change as a threat to food security.

“Only focussing on agricultural adaptation measures to address climate-related risks without recommending the need for meaningful emissions reductions is like rearranging the deckchairs on the Titanic.

“This report is a timely reminder that few industries are more impacted by climatic disruption than farming. Many farmers are still putting off implementing carbon or methane reduction farming techniques, partly due to perceptions of cost and productivity, lack of technological readiness, but also a lack of policy clarity and support.

“By investing in climate action policies and sustainable practices that reduce methane emissions, increase on-farm renewables, and future-proof agriculture, the Greens are working to create a resilient and flourishing food system.”

Support for Northern and Western NSW farmers as flood risks increase

Landholders and communities in western NSW are being urged to prepare for extensive flooding and isolation throughout April and May as significant flows from Queensland continue to move down the river systems into NSW.

Major flooding is occurring on the Paroo River at Wanaaring, and moderate flooding on the Warrego River at Barringhun.

Flows from these river systems are expected to travel downstream with stock owners strongly encouraged to take the opportunity before flood waters peak to move stock to higher ground and ensure adequate fodder is on hand, if possible.

The Minns Government through the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and Local Land Services (LLS) have activated the Agricultural and Animal Services Functional Area (AASFA), which will support NSW SES in assisting landholders with:

Animal assessment and veterinary assistance
Euthanasia of animals and welfare grounds
Emergency fodder (for up to three days where there is an immediate animal welfare concern)
Emergency stock water (where there is an immediate animal welfare concern)
Livestock feeding and management advice
Aerial support for livestock

LLS will continue to contact landholders in at-risk communities along the Paroo to encourage preparedness..

AASFA will continue to work closely with SES providing support for this flood event, and long-term impacts to landholders.

For updated warnings on the NSW flood event, go to www.ses.nsw.gov.au or download the Hazards Near Me App.

For urgent requests for stock assistance, including animal assessment, veterinary support or emergency fodder, call the AASFA emergency hotline at: 1800 814 647

Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty said:

“With major flooding occurring and likely to last several weeks, I urge landholders and people in at-risk communities to act now. Move stock to higher ground, secure property, and have a plan in place.

“Staying informed during events like these is vital, monitor flood warnings, follow advice from authorities and reach out to emergency services if you need help.

“The NSW Government is committed to helping communities and our agricultural producers through this event, if you are in need of any stock assistance, veterinary support or emergency fodder, please call the AASFA emergency hotline on 1800 814 647.”

$180,000 to support people living with macular disease

The NSW Government has announced $180,000 in funding to increase access to treatment and support services for people living with macular disease.

The one-off grant will support national charity Macular Disease Foundation Australia (MDFA) to minimise the impact of the disease on the 1.9 million Australians living with it and their families.

Macular disease is the leading cause of severe vision loss and blindness in Australia and this grant will support the organisation to reduce the impacts of macular disease through prevention and early detection, supports for those living with it, and further research into the disease.

MDFA provides information and advice through programs such as a confidential helpline (1800 111 709), peer support groups, and services to support people living with the condition, those at risk of the condition and their families.

The Foundation also advocates for patients in NSW to receive affordable anti–vascular endothelial growth factor eye injections which can slow and, in some cases, prevent vision loss.

Without treatment, people with macular diseases such as neovascular AMD, diabetic macular oedema and retinal vein occlusion will lose their vision.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“Macular disease impacts around one in seven Australians over the age of 50 years and in some cases can even lead to blindness.

“The NSW Government is supporting Macular Disease Foundation Australia to ensure more people across NSW who are at risk of this disease have access to sight-saving care and support.

“Through this work more people than ever before will have access to better treatment and support options which could improve the quality of life for them and their loved ones.”

Chief Executive Officer Macular Disease Foundation Australia, Dr Kathy Chapman:

“Today marks a significant moment in Macular Disease Foundation Australia’s fight for sight. With the generous support from the NSW Government, we are pleased to be working with NSW Health to drive access to sight-saving treatments so no Australian needlessly goes blind from macular disease.

“This backing brings us closer to a future where accessibility and affordability are no longer barriers to health and well-being. No one should face macular disease without access to the treatment they need to keep their vision.”

School oval gates thrown open across NSW, unlocking new green spaces for the public

Schools across NSW are throwing open their gates for the public to access outdoor facilities outside of school hours every day of the week, in a trial allowing families and communities greater access to green space.

This trial, conducted in 11 schools across the state, will open up school ovals, sports courts and playgrounds for the public to use for personal and recreational use, giving people access to space that has been locked up for no reason for many years.

Participating schools include:

Kogarah High School
Bardwell Park Infants School
Delegate Public School
Hernani Public School
Kambora Public School
Manly West Public School
Menindee Central School
Roseville Public School
Seaforth Public School
Strathfield Girls High School
Teralba Public School

The NSW Government’s existing shared spaces program already opens up almost 200 schools’ outdoor facilities during school holidays for public use, however, it does not permit the opening of ovals outside of school holidays.

Unlocking this extra green space outside of school hours is especially important at a time when we are encouraging more young people to get off their devices and to get active, following the introduction of mobile phone bans in schools and social media restrictions championed by the Minns Labor Government.

The shared spaces trial will also provide more critical green space and outdoor recreation as we continue to build much needed new homes and apartments for young people and families across the state.

Kogarah High School is one of the schools opening its sports field for community access as part of this trial, following a recent upgrade.

The sports field, which had been shared between the school and the public outside of school hours for decades until this was ended under the former government, has been upgraded to provide students and the community with a safer environment to learn, play and exercise in.

Fencing has been replaced on several sides of the field to improve safety and access to residents, and two new stair entrances and an access ramp and gate have been installed to improved accessibility.

The sports field will be open to the public from 4pm to 8pm Monday to Friday, and 8am to 8pm on weekends. During school holidays, it will be open to the public from 8am-8pm every day.

Upgrades on nearby Kogarah Public School are also progressing. This upgrade will include the construction of 24 new classrooms in a three-storey building, a new multipurpose hall and the removal of 10 demountable classrooms.

The upgrades are part of the NSW Government’s plan to rebuild public education, with record education funding in the 2024-25 Budget including $8.9 billion for new and upgraded schools to ensure all children in NSW have access to a world-class public education.

A full list of schools taking part in the Share Our Space program, including the trial, can be accessed here.

NSW Premier and Member for Kogarah Chris Minns said:

“I’ve never been a fan of locking up school grounds to the public. I want kids and families to be able to use the grounds outside of school hours.”

“It seems like a waste to keep hundreds of school ovals locked up at night, over the weekends and during school holidays.

“It’s why we’re throwing the gates of this public land open – it means people who live in apartments have more space to enjoy the outdoors, and kids have more options to get off their devices and play outside.

“I’m really pleased that one of the schools taking part in this trial is Kogarah High School who are also getting to enjoy an upgraded oval, with new fences, gates, stairs and an access ramp, ensuring this space is accessible to all who wish to enjoy it.

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

“The new trial of the Share Our Space program will give people across the state greater access to green spaces throughout the school term.

“The upgrade to nearby Kogarah Public School is part of the Minns Labor Government’s work to rebuild public education, which includes record funding for new and upgraded schools that ensure all children have access to a high-quality public education.”

Planning reforms to deliver affordable housing in Wollongong

Key workers, students, cleaners, and childcare workers are all a step closer to better access to affordable housing in central Wollongong with the approval of 145 new homes including 25 affordable units.

Since the introduction of the Minns Government’s Infill Affordable Housing Bonus in late 2023, where projects can receive up to a 30 per cent increase in height or Floor Space Ratio (FSR) if they maintain at a minimum 10 per cent for affordable housing for at least 15 years, there has been a strong pipeline of projects with recent approvals in North Sydney, Rhodes and Burwood.

But Wollongong is set for a housing boost with the first project approved under the pathway outside of Greater Sydney, providing greater access to private and affordable homes alongside shops, cafes and more parking.

The project, worth nearly $70 million, will provide 145 apartments, including 25 affordable housing units, within two 10-storey buildings above a shared podium.

The mixed-use development, led by The Smith Street Development Partnership, will be built at 106 and 120-122 Smith Street and 3A Charlotte Street in Wollongong.

The affordable units will be managed by community housing provider, Evolve Housing, to make sure they remain available to low and moderate income households for the next 15 years.

The development includes ground floor commercial and retail spaces as well as parking for 185 cars, and easy access to public transport, schools, and other essential services

The project is expected to create 305 jobs during construction, with 30 ongoing jobs as part of the new retail space, once completed.

During the public exhibition period the proposal received three submissions. The concerns outlined in these submissions have been addressed through conditions of consent relating to flood management and road upgrades to support the development.

Choice and diversity are at the centre of the Minns Government’s planning reforms, choice of where you want to live, when you want to live there and the variety of services and amenities you have access to.

The development has been approved as a State Significant Development (SSD) as part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to delivering well-located housing close to transport, shops, and job opportunities.

Under the Infill Affordable Housing pathway, there are currently 29 projects under assessment, which if approved would deliver approximately 8,000 homes, including 2,400 affordable homes.

There have been nine affordable housing projects determined since 1 July 2024, which once constructed will deliver 2,010 homes, including 536 affordable homes.

For more information visit Shoptop housing with in-fill affordable housing Smith Street, Wollongong | Planning Portal – Department of Planning and Environment

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said:

“The need for affordable housing close to transport, jobs and amenities is not just something that needs to be delivered in Sydney, cities like Wollongong need this diversity of housing stock too.

“This will help health workers, teachers and other front-line workers or low to medium income families be able to work closer to home in a modern, purpose-built development with excellent new amenities.

“The infill affordable housing bonus scheme is generating strong interest with proposals for thousands of new homes being considered across the state.

“The centre of our cities need to provide homes for a mix of people across all income levels and the Minns Government’s approach allows the delivery of affordable housing, alongside market housing, in good locations.

“The Department reviewed the application closely, in consultation with Wollongong City Council, the community and other relevant stakeholders. The approved development will see the development of a vacant site close to the Wollongong city centre to provide much-needed housing.”

Registrations open for the 2025 annual Rural Women’s Gathering in Lismore

Registrations are now open for the annual Rural Women’s Gathering on Saturday, 25 October 2025 in Lismore.

The Minns Labor Government is investing $30,000 towards this event to encourage women from across regional, rural and remote New South Wales to get together, to connect and learn.

Organised by Lismore Council with support from the Rural Women’s Network, the theme for this year’s program is “Connect to the Heart”. The Gathering, held at the Lismore Quadrangle, will showcase a diverse program that includes inspirational talks, entertainment, writing and AI workshops, music, arts, local businesses and catering and community vendors.

Keynote and guest speakers include:

Keynote speaker: Shanna Whann, Founder and CEO of Sober in the Country, spokesperson, and 2022 Australia’s Local Hero.
Guest speaker: Madeleine West, Partner of Safe on Social, Logie-nominated actor, bestselling author, and co-creator of the podcast Predatory.
Master of Ceremony and speaker: Lissie Turner, CEO of The Prana Project, therapist, and advocate for change.

Tickets are $85 for the program, including lunch at one of a selection of incredible Lismore eateries.

A full weekend of activities has been planned from Friday 24 October to Sunday 26 October so that attendees can stay and enjoy Lismore for the whole weekend.

Lismore (Bundjalung nation)is located in the Northern Rivers region of NSW, 45 minutes from Byron Bay and is surrounded by lush rainforest, national parks and has a rich indigenous history.

This event will help boost the local tourism economy on the North Coast which has been affected by the impacts of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred and recent floods.

The Rural Women’s Gathering has been held annually around different regional and rural towns in NSW for more than 30 years. It’s an opportunity for the host town to showcase the strength of their community, their region, culture, talent and attractions to women who attend from all corners of the state.

To learn more about the Rural Women’s Gathering, order The NSW Rural Women’s Network: 30 Years Strong – A History of the Rural Women’s Gathering through the Rural Women’s Gathering webpage.

Minister for Regional New South Wales Tara Moriarity said:

“Congratulation to Lismore on hosting such an exciting event. The committee have done a great job of putting together this program of festivities and I really encourage people to get out there and visit the Northern Rivers region.

“Women in our regional communities are doing extraordinary things and the Rural Women’s Gathering provides a great opportunity to share their experiences, and in turn help other women to better support their communities.”

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“The Rural Women’s Gathering has a great history and is a staple of the Rural Women’s Network calendar. It’s a fantastic opportunity for women from regional, rural and remote New South Wales to make friends, find new connections, and learn from each other as well as expert guest speakers.

“Each year brings something different, and I am excited to meet talented and exceptional women from across the state, embodying the essence of each of their country towns.

“I encourage women from regional, rural and remote areas in New South Wales to show your support for regional women and the community in Lismore and come along to what is going to be an exciting event.”

Minister for the North Coast, Janelle Saffin said:

“This will be a great event, and I’m so glad that we will have the privilege of welcoming so many wonderful women to our Lismore community.

“I want to thank Lismore Council for the contribution they’ve made, and it’s great that we get to host so many fantastic people from all around the state.”

Mayor for Lismore, Steve Krieg said:

“I look forward to welcoming the NSW Rural Women’s Gathering to Lismore, which plays an important role in regional communities. It is a privilege to host the Gathering and I am sure they will enjoy their time here.”

“This is a wonderful opportunity for local women to network with like-minded women from other regional areas and share their experiences and skills.”

Keynote speaker, Shanna Whann said:

“Most won’t know this, but Lismore and its surroundings were home to me in another life and hold some good memories. I am humbled to be invited back – and my goal as always – is to help equip others with a decade of extremely hard-earned experience from my alcohol harm advocacy through Sober in the Country by sharing our work around health, mental health, mateship, and social inclusion.”

“We survivors of hard times and catastrophes are uniquely bonded.”

Minns’ handpicked education boss wants to abolish catholic and independent schools

The Minns Labor Government’s handpicked education head wants to eliminate school choice and abolish private education in New South Wales.

In extraordinary comments provided online ahead of ABC’s Australian Story last night, NSW Education Secretary Murat Dizdar openly questioned whether private schools should exist. He flagged his desire for a national debate on scrapping all non-government schools and enforcing a one-size-fits-all model of public-only education.

Mr Dizdar tried to recover the situation by some later comments published on the Education Department website, but did not walk away from his earlier questioning whether private schools should exist at all.

This is an attack on every parent in NSW who dares to make a choice about their child’s education. It is an insult to every Catholic and independent school community. And it is a betrayal of every teacher, principal and staff member working outside the public system.

The NSW Opposition believes in school choice—public, Catholic or independent.

If the Minns Labor Government truly believes in the continuation of Catholic and other private schools, it’s untenable to have as its education boss someone who wants to abolish them. His views are not merely about, say, a particular curriculum or pedagogical issue, or even as to the appropriate share of funding, but goes to the heart of the structure of the NSW education system and whether two of the three sectors should exist at all.

Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said parents in NSW work hard, pay taxes and make sacrifices to send their children to the school that best suits their values, beliefs and needs.

“Labor’s Education Secretary wants to take that choice away from families. That’s unacceptable and untenable,” Mr Speakman said.

Acting Shadow Minister for Education Justin Clancy said we back our public schools and the teachers and support staff who working tirelessly to lift up the next generation.

“But we also back parents. School choice is not a privilege—it’s a right. Mr Dizdar’s comments are out of step and wildly inappropriate for someone in his position. The Premier and Education Minister have handed over the education department to someone who wants to abolish private schools altogether,” Mr Clancy said.

This is not about pitting sectors against one another. It’s about demanding leadership that respects the diverse fabric of our education system.

The Minns Labor Government must decide—do they stand with parents, or with a bureaucrat ideologue who wants to abolish their rights?

Labor leads NSW into worst health chaos this century

Another strike. Another crisis. Another day the Minns Labor Government fails to deliver the healthcare people in NSW deserve.

For the first time this century, doctors are walking off the job.

Surgeries are being cancelled. Emergency departments are under pressure. And the Premier can’t even be bothered to meet with doctors and negotiate an outcome.

This comes off the back of failed negotiations with nurses, midwives, and the mass resignation of public hospital psychiatrists.

NSW Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said Chris Minns is running a government of excuses, not outcomes.

“Chris Minns leads the Do Nothing Government — they don’t do leadership, don’t do reform, and they certainly don’t do new delivery. NSW doesn’t need another press conference. We need a government that actually does something,” Mr Speakman said.

Shadow Health Minister Kellie Sloane said this week, patients in NSW hospitals will pay the price for the Minns Labor Government’s industrial chaos.

“They will pay for it in longer waits in our EDs and cancelled surgeries. The Government has admitted that patient safety may be compromised – this is an unacceptable outcome.

“Doctors, nurses and psychiatrists have all say the same thing – this government isn’t listening, and it isn’t negotiating in good faith,” Ms Sloane said.

After two years of Labor:

Health is breaking.
Trains are delayed.
Housing has stalled.
The budget is busted.

This isn’t a government. It’s a slogan factory with no follow-through.

The Do Nothing Government is running out of excuses, won’t take the blame and is out of its depth.