A SPECIAL SHOUTOUT TO FARMERS THIS NATIONAL AG DAY
- Today, on National Ag Day, farmers in NSW have been recognised and thanked for continuing to produce quality food and fibre in the face of drought, bushfires, mice and COVID-19, as well as the current floods.
- It comes after new data released by the NSW Government revealed the state’s primary industries increased its total output to become a record-breaking $20.9 billion industry.
$9.37 MILLION TO SUPPORT NSW ARTS AND CULTURE PROGRAMS
- The NSW Government is investing $9.37 million in the State’s arts and cultural sector through Round 1 of Create NSW’s 2021/22 Arts and Cultural Funding Program.
- Minister for the Arts Don Harwin announced 198 recipients will share in $9,371,594 million in funding that will deliver record arts and cultural activity across NSW, contributing to the State’s broader economic recovery.
2022 LOCAL WOMAN OF THE YEAR AWARDS
- The NSW Local Woman of the Year Awards is an annual program that provides MPs with the opportunity to recognise and celebrate the contributions of a local woman to her electorate.
- You must submit a formal nomination by 11:59.pm on Sunday 23 January 2022 online at https://facs.smartygrants.com.au/LWOTY22 if you would like your Local Woman to:
- receive a framed certificate by early March 2022
- be included on the 2022 Honour Roll
- be invited to attend the 2022 NSW Women of the Year Awards Ceremony.
GET READY TO HAVE YOUR SAY ON DIGITAL IDENTITY
- Consultation is now open and will be ongoing until 30 June 2022. For more, visit: https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/digital-identity New services will be rolled out in 2022 to save customers time and money, including a Digital Seniors Card, Working with Children Check renewals and occupational or vocational licenses.
- Minister for Digital and Customer Service Victor Dominello said the whole-of-government approach to digital identity would give customers the option to use digital credentials for various licences, certifications, qualifications and other eligibility documents.
NSW GOVERNMENT SERVES UP SYDNEY’S LONGEST LUNCH
· The New South Wales Government is bringing Sydney alive with its longest lunch, a smorgasbord of unique dining experiences for thousands across the city.
· Sydneysiders and visitors will be able to take a seat on Friday, December 3 for the Sydney’s Open for Lunch event to enjoy our top culinary delights and entertainment.
· The Sydney’s Open For Lunch event is part of the NSW Government’s CBDs Revitalisation Program.
· For more information visit www.sydney.com/sydneys-open-for-lunch.
NEW PRACTICAL SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE IMPACTED BY SUICIDE
- The NSW Government is investing $4.5 million to deliver a comprehensive service supporting people and communities bereaved and impacted by suicide, with specific focus on:
- bereaved families, friends and colleagues
- first responders who have attended a suicide
- members of the public who witness or discover a death by suicide
- The service has been co-designed with people with lived experience of suicide and experts in the suicide bereavement field.
PLASTIC REDUCTION & CIRCULAR ECONOMY
- The NSW Government passed the Plastics and Circular Economy Act 2021.
- Key measures include:
- A phase out of problematic single-use plastic items (such as lightweight shopping bags, plastic plates, and plastic straws);
- Supporting a transition away from single-use plastic items through education;
- Product design standards (in particular prohibiting the use of microbeads in cosmetic and personal-care products); and
- Product Stewardship requirements for plastic packaging.
TWO UP – TRIPLE-A CREDIT RATINGS FOR NSW
- Global ratings agency Moody’s has reaffirmed New South Wales’ triple-A credit rating, just days after Fitch also awarded the State the same top tier rating.
- NSW is the only state in Australia with a Moody’s triple-A credit rating which we have retained despite allocating about $45 billion to support people and businesses and to bolster the health system to combat COVID-19.
- NSW has two triple-A credit ratings (Moody’s and Fitch) and one double-A plus credit rating (S&P Global).
HOME DESIGN TO DRIVE ENERGY BILLS DOWN
- New sustainability standards for homes will save residents up to $980 a year on energy bills and reduce the State’s carbon footprint as we move to net-zero emissions by 2050.
- The Building Sustainability Index (BASIX) is a key assessment tool that ensures new homes are comfortable to live in regardless of the temperature, are more energy efficient and save water.
- Energy bills are expected to reduce significantly as a result of the new BASIX standards:
- Savings of up to $190 each year for people living in high-rise apartments;
- Savings of up to $850 each year for people living in new Western Sydney houses; and
- Savings of up to $980 a year for people living in new houses in the regions.
SYDNEY TO HOST MEN’S T20 WORLD CUP SEMI
- Following Australia’s outstanding success at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Dubai, the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) has been announced as the host of a semi-final for next year’s tournament.
- Sydney will be one of seven cities in Australia hosting a total of 45 matches for the competition, to be held in October and November next year.
NEW WESTERN SYDNEY OUTDOOR MUSIC FESTIVAL IS ON ITS WAY
- Some of South-West Sydney’s most talented performers will join emerging artists to take to the stage in February 2022 for a new outdoor music festival.
- ValleyWays, which will be held at Onslow Park in Camden has been developed by renowned local talent and ARIA award-winning artists, The Rubens, in partnership with TEG’s Live Subsidiary, MJR Presents.
ROUSE HILL REGIONAL PARK EXPANSION
- One of Sydney’s best regional parks will grow by more than a third with the acquisition of private land to be dedicated as a permanent public space