Nine people, including eight teenagers, have been arrested following a police pursuit in the Hunter region today.
About 11.15am (Wednesday 28 July 2021), officers attached to Newcastle-Hunter Traffic and Highway Patrol observed a Honda Civic allegedly travelling at speed southbound on the Hunter Expressway.
A pursuit was initiated at Church Street, Minmi, with the vehicle allegedly reaching speeds of 120km/hr in a sign-posted 90km/hr zone.
Officers terminated the pursuit at Metcalfe Street, Wallsend, due to the manner of driving.
The vehicle was subsequently sighted by several police vehicles across Newcastle City and Lake Macquarie Police Districts, before being abandoned at Arthur Street, Cardiff, shortly after midday.
A perimeter was established by officers from Lake Macquarie, Newcastle City, Port Stephens-Hunter and Hunter Valley Police Districts, assisted by PolAir, the Dog Unit and the Police Transport Command.
Nine people were arrested, including a 19-year-old woman and eight teenagers – aged between 13 and 17.
All nine have been taken to Belmont Police Station where inquiries are continuing.
Lake Macquarie Police District Commander, Superintendent Danny Sullivan, praised the efforts and collaboration between neighbouring police districts and specialist resources.
“While this incident occurred across various locations, it demonstrates the great team work between all our police officers, regardless of district boundaries – we are one team protecting the people of the Hunter,” Supt Sullivan.
As inquiries continue, police will also be investigating any alleged breaches of the current Public Health Order.
$3.3 million to support Australians living with a rare disease
The Morrison Government is providing $3.3 million to support the approximate two million Australians living with a rare disease, providing them with support, raise awareness and create new educational programs.
The new funding will drive the development and delivery of awareness and education resources, and care and support services, for people living with a rare disease, their families and carers, health professionals and the wider population.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said the funding would help to provide new supports to those living with rare diseases.
“Rare diseases are defined as those that affect fewer than 5 in 10,000 people. It’s estimated there are more than 7,000 rare diseases affecting about 8% of the Australian population. Most have genetic origins and many have no known cure,” Minister Hunt said.
“The Morrison Government took the first nationally coordinated step to address rare diseases with the release of the National Strategic Action Plan for Rare Diseases in February 2020 and this funding helps to build on these key foundational steps.”
The University of New South Wales has received $1.9 million to deliver the Rare Disease Awareness, Education, Support and Training Project (RArEST). This project will develop and deliver rare disease resources, education and training which will include a focus on mental health, and social and emotional wellbeing.
Rare Voices Australia has received $1 million for its Rare Awareness Rare Education Project (RARE Project). This project will develop and deliver rare disease awareness, information and education activities including a national rare disease digital platform. This digital platform will provide specific information on how to access rare disease expertise, support and services in the health and disability systems, and elsewhere.
The Australian National University has received $198,000 over 2 years for work to enhance healthcare provider awareness to improve the timely and accurate diagnosis of rare diseases. The project will develop a diagnostic reasoning tool to support recognition of rare diseases with different presentations, based on 3 indicative diseases – myositis, primary immunodeficiency disorder and sarcoidosis.
The Morrison Government is also funding the Childhood Dementia Initiative with $185,000 for the National Childhood Dementia Awareness, Support and Education Project. This project will develop and deliver awareness, information, and education for families and health professionals about childhood dementia, a term used to describe over 70 rare genetic neurodegenerative disorders.
The National Strategic Action Plan for Rare Diseases was developed by Rare Voices Australia in consultation with stakeholders, including people living with a rare disease, their families and carers.
The plan highlights three main pillars – awareness and education, care and support, and research and data. It can be found on the Australian Government Department of Health website.
City continues activation of unused space in National Park
Work is about to start to triple the number of basketball courts located within the inner city’s National Park.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the decision to add four basketball courts was based on the popularity of the existing courts since opening in September last year.
“Each weekend, hundreds of mostly young people flock to National Park to use the blue basketball courts and the green space located on the site of the former bowling club building,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Based on the demand, we’re continuing our re-activation of the former tennis courts located near the corner of National Park and Parry Streets by increasing the total number of basketball courts to six.
“By delivering four additional courts, we’re increasing the opportunity for our community to get outdoors to participate in casual sport and exercise.”
Seating, shade shelters and a drinking fountain will also be installed as part of the work, with lighting to be considered during the development of the National Park Plan of Management and associated Landscape Masterplan.
The Lord Mayor said the long-term future of the space would be determined through the National Park Plan of Management and Landscape Masterplan.
“We recently consulted with our community regarding the future of National Park to inform the revised National Park Plan of Management and Landscape Masterplan, which are now under development.
“National Park is such a unique recreation space located in the heart of Newcastle. It will continue to play an important part in the liveability of our city into the future.”
Local basketball coach, Kristy Flores, who has played and coached USA college basketball, said that the local basketball community has welcomed the news of additional courts in National Park.
“Newcastle has a growing number of basketball players and it’s been fantastic for both amateurs and professional players to have access to such great community facilities. I’m sure that once the additional courts are complete and there’s space for spectators to sit and relax, that National Park will become even more popular a recreational hub,” said Flores.
National Park is one of Newcastle’s largest and oldest sportsgrounds and open space reserves, covering over 20 hectares and is currently home to a range of community facilities including sportsgrounds, netball courts, croquet club and athletics track.
The northwest corner of the park was formerly home to tennis courts and a bowling club, which was later occupied by charity Life Without Barriers until 2017.
In 2019 City of Newcastle commenced a process to provide safe public access to the northwest corner of the park, including demolishing the fire damaged Life Without Barriers building and turfing the area for passive recreation.
Construction on the new courts will commence this week. For a complete listing of basketball courts throughout Newcastle click here.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the decision to add four basketball courts was based on the popularity of the existing courts since opening in September last year.
“Each weekend, hundreds of mostly young people flock to National Park to use the blue basketball courts and the green space located on the site of the former bowling club building,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Based on the demand, we’re continuing our re-activation of the former tennis courts located near the corner of National Park and Parry Streets by increasing the total number of basketball courts to six.
“By delivering four additional courts, we’re increasing the opportunity for our community to get outdoors to participate in casual sport and exercise.”
Seating, shade shelters and a drinking fountain will also be installed as part of the work, with lighting to be considered during the development of the National Park Plan of Management and associated Landscape Masterplan.
The Lord Mayor said the long-term future of the space would be determined through the National Park Plan of Management and Landscape Masterplan.
“We recently consulted with our community regarding the future of National Park to inform the revised National Park Plan of Management and Landscape Masterplan, which are now under development.
“National Park is such a unique recreation space located in the heart of Newcastle. It will continue to play an important part in the liveability of our city into the future.”
Local basketball coach, Kristy Flores, who has played and coached USA college basketball, said that the local basketball community has welcomed the news of additional courts in National Park.
“Newcastle has a growing number of basketball players and it’s been fantastic for both amateurs and professional players to have access to such great community facilities. I’m sure that once the additional courts are complete and there’s space for spectators to sit and relax, that National Park will become even more popular a recreational hub,” said Flores.
National Park is one of Newcastle’s largest and oldest sportsgrounds and open space reserves, covering over 20 hectares and is currently home to a range of community facilities including sportsgrounds, netball courts, croquet club and athletics track.
The northwest corner of the park was formerly home to tennis courts and a bowling club, which was later occupied by charity Life Without Barriers until 2017.
In 2019 City of Newcastle commenced a process to provide safe public access to the northwest corner of the park, including demolishing the fire damaged Life Without Barriers building and turfing the area for passive recreation.
Construction on the new courts will commence this week. For a complete listing of basketball courts throughout Newcastle click here.
More support for the most vulnerable
Hundreds of people will be supported to secure or maintain housing in the private rental market as part of a $12.5 million NSW Government support package.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said $10 million would support 990 private rental assistance packages, with a focus on individuals and families escaping domestic violence and young people aged 16-24 years old.
“There’s a lot of people doing it tough right now and it’s important that our strong social safety net is there to support the people who need it most,” Mr Perrottet said.
“This package also includes $2.5 million to deliver food relief to those most in need, with Foodbank and OzHarvest engaged to provide support.”
Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Alister Henskens said rent assistance packages like Rent Choice Start Safely and Rent Choice Youth supported close to 18,000 households to secure or maintain housing in 2020-21.
“These support packages provide people with a roof over their head and the support they need to live independently,” Mr Henskens said.
“This additional funding will secure housing for hundreds of people and give them a strong foundation to improve their health and general wellbeing.”
Attorney General and Minister for Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence Mark Speakman said the investments made during the pandemic were supporting women and their children across NSW to escape abuse.
“No person deserves to live in fear of violence. Rent Choice Start Safely ensures victim-survivors have the confidence to flee abuse without the fear of financial insecurity or not being able to afford a place to live,” Mr Speakman said.
“It is helping put a stop to domestic violence by providing a pathway for victim-survivors to escape, have a safe place for them and their children to sleep, and access other wrap-around supports so they can begin the journey of recovery.”
More information about housing and homelessness support is available online.
Free of charge advice for businesses affected by lockdown
Small businesses affected by the current COVID-19 lockdown and restrictions are encouraged to seek free-of-charge advice from the NSW Government’s business advisory service Business Connect.
Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said Business Connect had advisors across the state who were ready to help businesses navigate the current situation.
“We know many small businesses across NSW and particularly in the Sydney metropolitan area are doing it tough at the moment,” Mr Tudehope said.
“While some businesses have had to shut their doors to comply with the Public Health Orders, others are experiencing reduced foot traffic and challenges with cashflow, paying rent and wages.
“But Government support is available, including Business Connect. All of the advisors have previously owned small businesses and they can advise business owners on ways to make it through this health pandemic and plan for the future. All advice provided is free of charge if it relates to COVID-19.”
Mr Tudehope said Business Connect had helped more than 40,000 businesses since the program started in 2017 and the service had more than 60 free-of-charge webinars available for small businesses coming up, through to September 2021.
“There are new webinar topics addressing issues being faced by business owners during this difficult period, including dealing with disputes, starting your own online store, cash flow essentials and building a more resilient business,” Mr Tudehope said.
“The webinars are a great way for all small business owners to upskill and learn from experts, with other key day-to-day topics, from cyber security to social media marketing.”
In addition to helping small businesses, Business Connect can also assist medium enterprises and in some circumstances, social enterprises and not-for-profit organisations, if eligible.
Mr Tudehope said other Government support measures that could benefit small businesses through the current COVID-19 lockdown include:
- The 2021 COVID-19 Business Grant is available to eligible NSW businesses that have a turnover between $75,000 and $50 million (inclusive), and a total Australian wages bill of $10 million or less. They can claim grants between $7,500 and $15,000 to cover the first three weeks of restrictions. Businesses can apply now by visiting service.nsw.gov.au;
- The JobSaver scheme, to be delivered together with the Commonwealth, will provide cash flow support to help eligible businesses retain staff. This will be up to 40 per cent of weekly payroll with a payment of between $1,500 to a maximum of $10,000 per week, provided staffing levels are maintained at the level as of 13 July 2021. Eligible non-employing businesses will receive $1,000 per week;
- The Micro Business COVID-19 Support Grant is available for eligible businesses with a turnover of more than $30,000 and less than $75,000 that experience a decline in turnover of 30 per cent or more. Eligible businesses will receive $1,500, tax-free, per fortnight of restrictions;
- Land tax relief equal to the value of rent reductions provided by commercial, retail and residential landlords to financially distressed tenants, up to 100 per cent of the 2021 land tax year liability;
- Residential landlords who decrease rent for impacted tenants can apply for a grant of up to $1,500 or land tax relief depending on their circumstances.
- Introduction of legislative amendments to ensure a short-term eviction moratorium for rental arrears where a residential tenant suffers loss of income of 25 per cent due to COVID-19 and meets a range of criteria;
- No recovery of security bonds, or lockouts or evictions of impacted retail and commercial tenants prior to mediation.
For more on Business Connect visit www.nsw.gov.au/businessconnect
For more information on the support measures for businesses visit https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/campaign/covid-19-help-businesses
High School students launch future careers in tech
High school students across the State will kick-start their future tech careers, thanks to new virtual TAFE courses on offer for students to study as part of the HSC.
Cyber Security, Big Data, Cloud Computing, and Game Design are just some of the 20 new courses students can study from next year under the Schools Launchpad program.
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said the NSW Government is committed to future-proofing the State’s workforce and meeting skills shortages in the technology sector.
“These cutting-edge courses are already garnering strong interest from students right across the State,” Mr Lee said.
“In the virtual Game Design course, students will learn to create concepts, design 2D and 3D digital animations, and write code using industry-standard game engines.
“We know there is a huge demand in NSW for tech talent, the role of Game Designer alone is set to grow by 25 per cent in the next five years.”
The courses have come at the right time, with the Computer System Design and Related Services sector in NSW forecast to grow by 10,300 jobs over the next three years.
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said the courses were providing high school students with more options in in-demand industries as thousands of students begin to select their HSC subjects.
“The Launchpad is part of the NSW Government’s Curriculum Reform in schools, which is building strong foundations for primary students and creating job opportunities for our senior students,” Ms Mitchell said.
“These students will graduate high school with not only their HSC but a qualification they can translate straight into paid employment as soon as they finish Year 12.”
Managing Director of Microsoft Australia Steven Worrall said the courses provide students with the skills the industry demands.
“These virtual TAFE courses will help students develop the skills required to thrive in the digital age, an age where technology will underpin every industry and where tech talent is in huge demand.”
Students who complete the virtual courses will graduate with a nationally recognised VET qualification that forms part of their HSC and contributes to an ATAR.
Expressions of Interest are now open for all Schools Launchpad courses. Students can express their interest via their school Career Counsellors.
For more information, visit www.tafensw.edu.au/launchpad.
Council rates relief for bushfire victims extended for another six months
The NSW Government is continuing to support victims of the devastating 2019-20 bushfires, announcing $2.5 million to fund another six months of council rate relief for those who lost their main properties.
Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for Disaster Recovery John Barilaro said the NSW Government is committed to continuing to help our local communities recover from the devastating bushfires.
“I am pleased to announce council rate relief has been extended for a further six months for people whose main property was significantly damaged or destroyed by bushfires, if it has not yet been rebuilt or changed ownership,” Mr Barilaro said.
“This financial support for property owners is in addition to the NSW Government footing the bill for the initial bushfire clean-up with more than 3,600 properties cleared across the state.”
Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said the extension comes after more than $5.4 million in council rate relief has already been provided to over 3,300 property owners to reduce the financial burden on bushfire victims as they rebuild their lives.
“In February 2020, the NSW Government announced it was funding six months of council rate relief for owners of homes, farms and businesses whose properties suffered damage beyond repair in the bushfires,” Mrs Hancock said.
“Then in June last year, we announced a further six months of rate relief for eligible property owners to ensure they can direct more of their finances towards rebuilding.”
Member for Bega Andrew Constance said funding has been paid directly to 34 local councils which means eligible ratepayers don’t have to pay anything and it does not cost local government anything to support these property owners.
“Our north and south coasts suffered terribly during the 2019-20 bushfires and I am pleased to say that these areas have received significant council rate relief,” Mr Constance said.
“As the local member of two of the hardest hit regions, I know that the additional support will be welcomed across our region and will further assist in taking pressure off residents as they rebuild their lives.
Mrs Hancock said the additional rate relief will cover the second half of the 2020-21 rates period, recognising that some owners are still in the process of recovering and rebuilding their properties.
“We’re encouraged by the positive feedback and response we’ve had to helping NSW property owners affected by the 2019-20 bushfires, so much so that we’re considering an additional six months of relief.”
$11m for Youth Living With A Complex Mental Illness
A successful mental health program that supports young people living with severe and complex mental illnesses will receive an extra $11 million from the NSW Government.
Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said the Youth Community Living Supports Services (YCLSS) program will be funded for another five years to give more 16-24 year-olds a sense of confidence and independence.
“This program provides comprehensive wrap-around care to young people living with complex mental illness and aims to reduce their future risk of chronic disability, frequent hospital stays or long-term care,” Mrs Taylor said.
“It’s an impressive collaboration between our local health districts, which provide clinical care, and NGO partners, which provide practical and social support.”
Many of the young people supported by YCLSS have been diagnosed with a complex mental illness, as well as dealing with homelessness or drug or alcohol addictions, and limited education and work opportunities.
“We want more young people to be excited and hopeful for their future,” Mrs Taylor said.
“This program provides much-needed daily life support to its participants, such as helping them to access other support services, follow their clinical treatment plan, find work or study opportunities, access safe housing, and develop a healthy daily routine.”
In the three years to June 2019, YCLSS provided 110,000 hours of support to 360 young people, with significant number of these (15 per cent) of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background.
On average, each young person received 306 hours of direct support and many of these reported a boost in self-confidence and self-efficacy.
Wellways Australia has been engaged to deliver the program in the Hunter New England, Nepean Blue Mountains, Northern NSW, South Western Sydney and Western Sydney Local Health Districts to 2024.
Since 2015, YCLSS has been allocated almost $25 million by NSW Government. It forms part of the NSW Government response to Living Well: A Strategic Plan for Mental Health in NSW 2014-2024.
Labor's negative gearing betrayal
Australian Greens Housing spokesperson Senator Mehreen Faruqi has responded to Labor’s move to dump its commitment to winding back negative gearing.
Senator Faruqi said:
“This is a cowardly and pathetic backflip. House prices and rents are skyrocketing, and Labor is throwing fuel on the fire.
“In the middle of a housing affordability crisis, Labor has caved to wealthy investors and the Liberals. This is a shocking move and a betrayal of young people in particular.
“Not too long ago, Labor was calling out negative gearing and the CGT discount as ‘tax subsidies’ that ‘benefit the wealthiest Australians’ and are ‘skewed to high income earners’. What, exactly, has changed?
“It seems that for Labor, short-term, cheap politics have trumped any semblance of a commitment to progressive and equitable public policy. Shame!”
Greens urge Arts Minister to stop talking and start spending
The Morrison Government must urgently deliver targeted and adequate funding support to the the Arts and Entertainment Industry, the Greens say.
Greens Spokesperson for Arts Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said:
“Australia’s Arts and Entertainment Industry has been pummelled by this crisis from the very beginning and it is still suffering.
“The Morrison Government has failed to provide adequate support to help the Industry survive, to help workers put food on the table and pay rent, and to keep doors open in the future.
“The Greens are calling for the RISE fund to be uncapped so that those who need support can get it.
“The Morrison Government had no problems uncapping the grants for the construction industry and extending initial funding even further, why won’t they do the same for the arts and entertainment industry?
“The arts, entertainment and tourism industries in particular, have not been able to recover and have had little support. JobKeeper should never have been taken away and should be reinstated immediately.
“The government must also establish a federal insurance guarantee for the Arts Industry.
“Gigs and festivals across the country have been cancelled or postponed and not for the first time. The industry needs to know it is insured for any losses incurred due to snap lockdowns and Covid outbreaks or it will struggle to reschedule events and recover.
“I wrote to the Treasurer and Arts Minister months ago calling for an insurance guarantee. It seems much like the pleas of the entire Industry, this has fallen on deaf ears.
“The support given by the Morrison Government to workers in lockdown states is insufficient and will not help many artists and entertainers due to the nature of their work.
“The Arts Minister needs to show he truly understands the Industry he is supposed to represent and start walking the talk, by making more money available and getting it out the door faster.
“We stand to lose a generation of artists and entertainers, many have been lost during the past year already, it will be on the Morrison Government if that happens.”