City of Newcastle celebrated a city-wide tree planting drive today and the upcoming installation of an environmental sensor network as part of World Environment Day’s global campaign to combat air pollution.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes helped plant a Port Jackson Fig in Centennial Park, Cooks Hill, this morning as the City’s Environment teams continued their work in driving rain to minimise carbon pollution on World Environment Day 2019.
The Fig will eventually grow to a height of 30 metres and is just one of 205 trees the City will plant before 23 June at parks and playgrounds in Cooks Hill, Broadmeadow, Wallsend and Shortland.
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The Port Jackson Fig was winched into its new home via crane
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes helped in the planting efforts
“Our City has never been more invested in local and global climate issues than we are right now,” Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.
“Today’s tree planting and the ongoing projects our environment and smart city teams are working on are practical efforts we’re making following our commitment to the UN’s Sustainable Goal Development goals, which we incorporated into our 2030 Community Strategic Plan last year.
“While small in stature right now, this Port Jackson fig may absorb more than two tonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere over its lifetime whilst producing oxygen, aligning perfectly with the theme of World Environment Day today, which is #BeatAirPollution.”
Also harnessing the environmental benefits of technology, the City will soon deploy up to 40 clusters of Internet of Things sensors right across the local government area, providing a comprehensive analysis of environmental conditions in real-time, including particulate pollution, flooding, humidity and soil moisture.
L-R City staff Angus Weingott, Michael Linsley and Matthew Warby with the Lord Mayor at Centennial Park
The Lord Mayor said the network had been designed to grow as new applications and challenges were identified, with data collected, communicated and aggregated on smart city technology platforms and made freely available to the public.
“By collecting real-time data on air quality and environmental conditions, City planners will be able to make more-informed decisions about the impacts of urban design decisions and better understand industrial processes,” the Lord mayor said. “Researchers can also use the data to inform projects to improve liveability and maintain urban amenity.”
The envirosensing network is a leading smart city application of the Hunter Innovation Project. Initial installation is funded by the NSW State Government as part of the Hunter Infrastructure Investment Fund.
The City of Newcastle received $4.9M for the Hunter Innovation Project to deploy smart city infrastructure across the city and local government area.
For more information about World Environment Day, visit https://www.worldenvironmentday.global.
Funding Strengthens Cyber Security Capability
The Morrison Government is backing Australia’s cyber security sector to grow and create new jobs, with businesses to share in up to $8.5 million in funding.
Announcing the opening of the second round of AustCyber’s Projects Fund, Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews encouraged companies that can make a significant contribution to the sector to apply.
“Australia’s cyber security industry is continually growing and this funding will further boost our ability to become a global leader in the field, creating more Australian jobs while also making the nation more cyber resilient,” Minister Andrews said.
“According to a report released by AustCyber last year, the global cyber security market is projected to be worth almost US$250 billion by the year 2026.
“This funding will assist the cyber security industry to upskill and expand the sector, and harness the enormous opportunities available to Australia.
“The Morrison Government is committed to supporting the cyber security industry to reach its full potential by capturing a significant share of the global market and creating jobs for the future.”
Matched funding for individual projects ranges from $100,000 to $3 million, totalling up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs.
Previous funding of $6.5 million has resulted in many innovative advancements, including unique smart barcode technology that enables people to identify and verify the quality of products they buy through their smartphone, and technology that allows for independent authentication of personal data stored and managed on mobile devices.
AustCyber was established in 2017 as part of the Australian Government’s Growth Centres Initiative.
The Industry Growth Centres are part of the Coalition’s plan to drive innovation and productivity to grow the economy and create 1.25 million new jobs over the next five years.
Applications close on Friday 12 July. For more information on the AustCyber Projects Fund visit www.austcyber.com/grow/projects-fund
LIFTING EDUCATION STANDARDS AND OPPORTUNITIES ACROSS NSW
Every student across NSW will have the opportunity to accelerate their learning and study at higher levels, under a NSW Government plan to lift academic performance at all public schools.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Education Minister Sarah Mitchell unveiled the plan today at Alexandria Park Community School where they also announced a new selective school will be built in southwest Sydney.
Ms Berejiklian said the plan was part of the Government’s ambition for more opportunities, for more students.
“I was a product of a quality public education and would not be where I am today if it weren’t for the excellent teachers who inspired me,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“I want to ensure every child in NSW has the opportunities to be best they can be, no matter where they live or what their circumstances may be.”
Ms Berejiklian said the new selective school in southwest Sydney will provide another option for families in the key growth area.
“We know many students are travelling long distances to attend selective schools,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“There is strong demand for selective schools, with around 15,000 applications for only 4200 places. This new school will provide another convenient local option for these students and their families.”
Ms Berejiklian and Ms Mitchell also outlined two performance-lifting initiatives that will be rolled out in every public school across the State.
The new High Potential and Gifted program will identify students who will benefit from being challenged in areas where they show talent. Under the program, students will have access to a personalised learning approach depending on their ability, and will give them the chance to learn above their age.
In addition to this, the NSW Government’s Bump It Up program will be expanded statewide, providing every school in NSW with tailored targets for improving performance.
Bump It Up is currently in place in 137 schools that have the greatest potential for lifting literacy and numeracy and has been an important part of the Premier’s Priorities to raise academic performance.
The program has already lifted academic performance significantly, with more than a quarter of the first 137 schools achieving their targets in the first year alone.
Under today’s announcement, Bump it Up will be offered in every school and its targets will be expanded to focus on five key areas – literacy, numeracy, wellbeing, equity and attendance.
Ms Mitchell said all students should have equitable access to the support they may need to reach their academic potential.
“These programs not only will help lift academic results, they will help prepare young people for rewarding careers and ventures in the future,” Ms Mitchell said.
“NSW is the largest provider of public education in Australia, and we are committed to ensure that every student – from Gunnedah to Gordon – has access to a top quality education.”
The High Potential and Gifted program will be operating in all public schools in NSW by Day 1, Term 1 2021, and Bump it Up by 2020.
SOD TURNED ON NEW AIRPORT PREMISES FOR POLICE
A new state of the art headquarters for the NSW Police Force’s Aviation Support Branch will deliver brand new infrastructure to reduce crime and strengthen community safety.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet and Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott joined Commissioner Mick Fuller and Sydney Metro Airports CEO Lee de Winton to turn the first sod on the 2.5-hectare purpose-built facility at Bankstown Airport today.
NSW Police Force (NSWPF) will be the $35 million centre’s primary tenant, which will be funded by Sydney Metro Airports and will house five PolAir helicopters and three fixed wing aircraft.
Mr Perrottet said the NSW Government is investing $34.7 million this year towards the upgrade of the Pol Air fleet.
“The NSW Liberals and Nationals will continue to assist police in keeping the community safe by supporting search and rescues, operations targeting crime, reconnaissance missions and counter terrorism operations,” he said.
Mr Elliott welcomed the Sydney Metro Airports investment and said the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government would deliver the new helicopters to support police investigations.
“It is vital our police work with the best technologies to keep our communities safe. This centre will be state of the art and the Government will deliver new helicopters to operate out of the facility,” he said.
Ms de Winton said Sydney Metro Airport Bankstown is the proud home to the majority of the region’s emergency air services.
“In an ongoing commitment to this we are pleased to start the construction of this new facility to support the service provided by Police Aviation Support Branch”.
The centre is due to open in July 2020, and the first of three new helicopters will arrive in late 2020
WESTERN SYDNEY: THE NEW HOME OF SYDNEY 7s
The HSBC Sydney 7s is headed west with the new state-of-the-art Bankwest Stadium set to host the 2020 tournament from 1-2 February.
Following three successful years at Allianz Stadium and a fourth at Spotless Stadium at Sydney Olympic Park, players and fans from right across the globe will descend on the heart of Western Sydney at Parramatta to celebrate the tournament next year.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said Bankwest Stadium will be the perfect fit for the HSBC Sydney 7s tournament.
“The Sydney 7s is an exciting event in our State’s calendar – it’s as much about the enthusiastic fans in the stands as it is about the players on the field,” Mr Ayres said.
“About half of Sydney’s population lives in Western Sydney and it’s among the fastest growing regions in NSW, so it makes perfect sense to hold this fantastic multicultural sporting event at the new state-of-the-art Bankwest Stadium, where there isn’t a bad seat in the house!
“Not only will it help grow the game of rugby union, but it will also encourage more people to spend a weekend in Western Sydney and make the most of what this beautiful region has to offer.”
Supported by the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency Destination NSW, the HSBC Sydney 7s combines world-class rugby with a festival atmosphere, featuring live bands, rides and interactive entertainment.
Rugby Australia Chief Executive, Raelene Castle said: “We are looking forward to taking the HSBC Sydney 7s to Bankwest Stadium, continuing our drive to showcase the event in Sydney’s west.
“The fan experience at Bankwest Stadium is nothing short of world class and it will lift the event to another level in 2020.
“It is a massive year for Rugby Sevens next year with the Tokyo Olympic Games and those who come along to Bankwest Stadium in February will find out just why it is one of the fastest growing sports on the planet.”
Fans are encouraged to register at sydney7s.com.au to take advantage of early-bird prices.
Storms force Stockton closures
City of Newcastle has closed accessways along Stockton Beach and will monitor other seaside walkways and roads over the next 24 hours amid today’s storm warnings.
Heavy seas with significant wave heights in excess of seven metres from a southerly direction are expected to hit the coast by 1pm. Heavy wind gusts strong enough to uproot trees in urban areas are also predicted.
In preparation, the City has closed Stockton Beach accessways along the Mitchell Street seawall and the northern access at Stone Street.
Staff will continue to monitor rising water levels throughout the day.
Updates will be provided on the above, and other possible closures as they arise. Locations and facilities currently being monitored include:
Heavy seas with significant wave heights in excess of seven metres from a southerly direction are expected to hit the coast by 1pm. Heavy wind gusts strong enough to uproot trees in urban areas are also predicted.
In preparation, the City has closed Stockton Beach accessways along the Mitchell Street seawall and the northern access at Stone Street.
Staff will continue to monitor rising water levels throughout the day.
Updates will be provided on the above, and other possible closures as they arise. Locations and facilities currently being monitored include:
- Shortland Esplanade and promenades along City beaches, including the Newcastle and Merewether Ocean Baths
- Low-lying roads
Please limit your travel and stay safe when moving in and around the City in the predicted weather event.
To stay uptodate on the most current weather warnings, please follow the Bureau of Meteorology http://www.bom.gov.au/, and for emergencies, the State Emergency Service https://www.ses.nsw.gov.au/ 13 2500.
Economic, Art and Community Grants now open
City of Newcastle has opened applications for three separate funding programs worth a total of $265,000 in a bid to empower community groups to make the city a better place.
The 2019-20 funding round includes:
- Up to $65,000 via the City’s Economic Sponsorship
- Up to $140,000 via the Arts and Cultural Organisations program
- Up to $60,000 via the Community Assistance grants for projects, services or activities that will enhance and or create vibrant and activated spaces
The Mind Our Mullets project received the City’s support last year
“Organisations should look to take advantage of the funding available to promote their own – and the City’s – economic and cultural development,” Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.
“We want to see emerging and established artists, cultural groups and commercial entities thrive in our City, and this funding is allocated to help them do so. These funding programs help deliver activities that foster a sense of community, build capacity within our community, strengthen our economic base and enhance the quality of life for our residents”.
Up to $20,000 will be made available for successful applicants under the Economic Sponsorship, and a maximum of $4,000 will be offered to each project that secures a Community Placemaking grant.
Organisations successful in the arts and cultural category will be provided with an annual contribution of $70,000 for a maximum of three years to help cover the cost of their ambitious projects.
Last year, funding across a range of sponsorship and grant programs contributed to projects with a direct expenditure of $1.25 million and provided support for business growth and employment while encouraging innovation, community capacity building, placemaking and developing the visitor economy.
The Mind Our Mullets project received support last year to increase awareness of and change waste management behaviours around Islington and Throsby Creek catchment.
The Greater Hunter Technology Festival at Broadmeadow, which showcased innovative companies and start-ups and allowed school, university and TAFE students to display their projects, also benefitted.
The latest round of City funding follows the opening of last month’s Event Sponsorship Program (ESP), which closed last Tuesday. The $280,000 ESP program provides up to $20,000 each to groups keen to stage community events, major community events, major destination events, commercial events and business events throughout the City.
For more information, or to apply to this year’s programs prior to the 1 July closing date, visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/community/grants-sponsorships.
Funding Strengthens Cyber Security Capability
The Morrison Government is backing Australia’s cyber security sector to grow and create new jobs, with businesses to share in up to $8.5 million in funding.
Announcing the opening of the second round of AustCyber’s Projects Fund, Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews encouraged companies that can make a significant contribution to the sector to apply.
“Australia’s cyber security industry is continually growing and this funding will further boost our ability to become a global leader in the field, creating more Australian jobs while also making the nation more cyber resilient,” Minister Andrews said.
“According to a report released by AustCyber last year, the global cyber security market is projected to be worth almost US$250 billion by the year 2026.
“This funding will assist the cyber security industry to upskill and expand the sector, and harness the enormous opportunities available to Australia.
“The Morrison Government is committed to supporting the cyber security industry to reach its full potential by capturing a significant share of the global market and creating jobs for the future.”
Matched funding for individual projects ranges from $100,000 to $3 million, totalling up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs.
Previous funding of $6.5 million has resulted in many innovative advancements, including unique smart barcode technology that enables people to identify and verify the quality of products they buy through their smartphone, and technology that allows for independent authentication of personal data stored and managed on mobile devices.
AustCyber was established in 2017 as part of the Australian Government’s Growth Centres Initiative.
The Industry Growth Centres are part of the Coalition’s plan to drive innovation and productivity to grow the economy and create 1.25 million new jobs over the next five years.
Applications close on Friday 12 July. For more information on the AustCyber Projects Fund visit www.austcyber.com/grow/projects-fund
Literacy and numeracy tests ensuring high-quality teachers
The literacy and numeracy test for teaching students is ensuring that graduate teachers have the necessary skills required in the classroom.
Teaching students are required to pass a literacy and numeracy test with a score that puts them in the top 30 per cent of the Australian adult population.
In 2018, 90.4 per cent of teaching students met the literacy standard and 90 per cent of students met the numeracy benchmark.
Minister for Education Dan Tehan said the test was working as intended by ensuring that graduate teachers had a high level of the essential skills needed to teach children.
“Our Government recognises the difference high quality teachers make to a child’s education,” Mr Tehan said.
“That is why we introduced a mandatory literacy and numeracy benchmark for teaching graduates. As the latest test results show, ensuring teachers meet the prerequisite standard is as important as ever.
“We have also introduced a high-quality teaching performance assessment that students must pass prior to graduation that demonstrates graduate teachers are classroom ready.
“Our Government will also ensure phonics is included in university teaching courses so that new teachers can use it in the classroom as well as investing $15 million in Teach for Australia to train more high-achieving teachers.
“Higher education providers need to take responsibility for the teaching students that do not meet the standards by ensuring they receive additional support to improve their literacy and numeracy skills. The onus is on universities to ensure the graduates they are producing meet the high standards expected by parents and the standards that our children deserve.
“In September I wrote to all vice-chancellors to remind them of their obligations to support students they enter into initial teacher education degrees to meet the test standard.”
Police seek assistance to locate missing man – Hunter Valley
Police are seeking information from the public to locate a man missing from the Hunter Valley.
Matthew Warwick Brooker, 47 old, was last seen on Sunday 4 May 2019 when he left his workplace at Scone, after feeling unwell and has not been seen since.
Family became concerned and reported him missing to police.
He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 170–175cm tall with a medium build. He has brown hair and possibly a moustache and/or goatee beard.
He is known to frequent the areas of Sydney City, Darlinghurst, Kings Cross and the Eastern Suburbs.
He is possibly driving a 2013 white Volkswagen Up! with NSW registration plates CMH15F.
Family and police are concerned for Mr Brooker’s welfare as this is out of character.