Hundreds of emerging female leaders in Australian sport will receive quality professional development and training under Sport Australia’s 2022 Women Leaders in Sport (WLIS) grants.
Applications are now open for the program which has helped strengthen the role of female leaders in sport for more than two decades.
Sporting organisations can also apply for WLIS grants to create more diverse and inclusive workplaces and attract, retain, and develop even more talented female leaders across the sector.
Now in its 21st year, the highly regarded WLIS program is delivered by Sport Australia and will distribute $370,000 in grants with the support of the Office for Women.
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Women Marise Payne said the Morrison Government is committed to increasing the number of women leaders in sport.
“We are proud to fund a program which sets new benchmarks for supporting women in sport and assists organisations in taking meaningful steps to achieve gender equity in the workplace,” Minister Payne said.
“Increasing women’s economic security and leadership is a key focus for the Morrison Government.
“As we overcome COVID-19, it is more crucial than ever that we build strong foundations for women working in the sport sector.”
Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck said the program provides women with valuable development opportunities and experiences to progress on their leadership pathway.
“We know that sport can bring communities together and inspire positive change,” he said. “By providing these targeted development opportunities we are supporting the next generation of female sports leaders.”
Sport Australia Acting CEO Rob Dalton said the program has a proven track record of success.
‘’Earlier this year we awarded individual grants to a record 84 women who attended courses from Board Room training to High Performance coach education.”
During the last grants round, 13 organisations shared in $170,000 in funding including Football SA which is using its grant to deliver gender inclusive workshops to club board members and run women’s leadership workshops, while the AFL is offering tailored training and education to 36 community coaches and officials.
“To date the WLIS program has supported more than 26,000 women and 100 local, state and national sporting organisations,” Mr Dalton said.
“This is a fantastic achievement, and we are excited to see the program expand thanks to funding from the Australian Government.
“This will enable us to deliver even more opportunities for women and strive for a greater balance of men and women in senior positions both on and off the field.”
Applications for the WLIS individual and organisation grants close on 15 October, 2021.
More information including the eligibility criteria is available on Sport Australia’s website.
Month: September 2021
Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 28 September 2021
Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council Meeting of Tuesday 28 September 2021. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.
Lord Mayoral Minutes
Bypassing freight from residential Newcastle
A Lord Mayoral Minute about City of Newcastle’s submission into the recommended route for the Lower Hunter Freight Corridor, which will provide a future dedicated freight rail line between Fassifern and Hexham that bypasses residential Newcastle, was supported.
The Corridor will dramatically alleviate traffic congestion at level crossings such as Adamstown and Clyde Street. City of Newcastle’s submission requests that the Corridor is aligned to catalyst areas including the Port of Newcastle and the emerging Black Hill industrial precinct, seeks assurance that key infrastructure projects like the Richmond Vale Rail Trail won’t be more onerous or costly as a result, calls for project integration with the proposed M1 extension, and requests that the preferred option at Hexham delivers on the concept of ‘Port Side Rail’, which would minimise community impact and support future economic growth.
The Cities Race to Zero and Cities Race to Resilience Campaigns
A Lord Mayoral Minute regarding two global campaigns, Cities Race to Zero and Cities Race to Resilience, which aim to rally support and action on climate change in the lead up to the International Climate Conference (COP26) in Glasgow, was supported.
To reinforce its stance on action against climate change, City of Newcastle will take the Cities Race to Zero Pledge, which recognises the global climate emergency, pledges a commitment to keeping global heating below the 1.5°Celsius goal of the Paris Agreement and pledges reaching (net)-zero in the 2040s or sooner, or by mid-century at the latest, in line with global efforts to limit warming to 1.5°Celsius. City of Newcastle will also take the Cities Race to Resilience Pledge, which is focused on building resilience to climate change and will see City of Newcastle integrate climate change adaption in urban planning.
Progress Pride Flag
Councillors unanimously supported a Lord Mayoral Minute regarding City of Newcastle’s support of our LGBTQI+ community. City of Newcastle will fly the Progress Pride Flag at City Hall, Civic Park, the City Administration Centre, and other appropriate locations, during Mardi Gras, Pride Week and other times significant to Newcastle’s LGBTQI+ community.
Ordinary Business
Community and Economic Resilience Package Extension
Councillors noted the development of a second phase of the Community and Economic Resilience Package (CERP) in response to the impact caused by the continuing lockdown of the Newcastle LGA, including an increase of the 2021/22 works program of at least $10 million.
Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation – Memorandum of Understanding
Councillors endorsed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation, which recognises and acknowledges the cultural importance of Newcastle Art Gallery and records the spirit of cooperation and respect between City of Newcastle and the Foundation.
Adoption of Wickham Masterplan 2021 Update
Councillors adopted the Wickham Masterplan 2021 update, which was amended following a 28-day public exhibition period.
Executive Monthly Performance Report
Councillors received the Executive Monthly Performance Report for August 2021, which reports on City of Newcastle’s monthly performance.
Notices of Motion
Inner City Bypass – Peattie’s Road Depot
A Notice of Motion relating to Transport for NSW’s proposed Peattie’s Road Depot for the construction of the Inner City Bypass was adopted by Council.
City of Newcastle will not enter into a lease or licence on the Council-owned site for the purpose of the Depot. City of Newcastle will write to the Minister for Transport and Roads to ensure the proposed Peattie’s Road Depot does not proceed, and to request the Minister enters discussions with the Minister for Health to ensure that the original proposal for a construction depot for the Inner City Bypass on site behind John Hunter Hospital can be implemented.
Principal Pedestrian Network
A Notice of Motion was introduced requesting that council staff provide an update on the Principal Pedestrian Network (PPN), including a briefing at a councillor workshop, which includes: an overview of the process of identifying and prioritising footpaths, including ramp, when the PPN will be completed, when a project list is scheduled to be completed, an annual indicative budget required to adequately progress though the routes and projects on a rolling program and how Councillors can participate.
A Director’s comment noting work is underway towards the development of the Principal Pedestrian Network and a draft Walking Plan with a Councillor workshop to be held in early 2022 was supported.
Changes to 2022 Newcastle 500 Supercars
Councillors voted to approve a Notice of Motion that requires any changes to the current agreement with Supercars in relation to the timing, staging, access or other aspects of the 2022 Newcastle 500 event to be reviewed and approved by the elected Council prior to approval.
Woodchip Exports from the Port of Newcastle
A Notice of Motion calling for City of Newcastle to oppose the export of woodchips from the Port of Newcastle and a proposal to export 60,000 tonnes of native forest woodchips per annum to Japan was unanimously supported by Councillors.
City of Newcastle will write to the NSW Minister for Environment and NSW Minister of Planning and Public Spaces to express its concern of the use of woodchips for the creation of clean energy.
NSW set to halve emissions by 2030
NSW is set to attract more than $37 billion in investment while slashing emissions by 50 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030, under updated projections and objectives released as part of the Net Zero: Stage 1 Implementation Update.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the state’s new objective of halving emissions by 2030 – up from 35 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030 – shows that NSW is serious about setting itself up for the future while helping the world decarbonise.
“Our Net Zero Plan is expected to attract more than $37 billion in private sector investment into NSW, support more than 9,000 jobs, save households about $130 on their electricity bills and help NSW become Australia’s first trillion-dollar state by 2030,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“This is about putting the policies in place to give industry and investors certainty, not only to protect our planet but to future-proof our prosperity and way of life.”
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said regional communities will reap the rewards of the new industries set to emerge over the coming decades.
“Whether it is in modern manufacturing, minerals or agriculture, regional NSW is home to the skills, infrastructure and resources needed as the demand for low emissions technologies like batteries and hydrogen grows,” Mr Barilaro said.
“The entire State will benefit from the economic and employment opportunities in low carbon technologies, and we will continue to take action in a way that delivers more jobs and more investment for people in the city and in the bush.”
Energy and Environment Minister Matt Kean said NSW was one of the first jurisdictions to commit to net zero emissions by 2050 and we are now on track to double our economy and halve our emissions by 2030.
“We can be a renewable energy super power and as global demand for low carbon products and investments grows, the fortunes of the state are increasingly tied to the fortunes of our planet,” Mr Kean said.
“In NSW, we also aren’t just setting targets. As a result of our policies, the state’s emissions are projected to fall by 47-52% on 2005 levels by 2030 under independently peer reviewed modelling.”
The Net Zero Plan: Stage 1 Implementation Update sets out the NSW Government’s action on climate change, including the State’s nation-leading EV strategy, Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap, the $750 million Net Zero Industry and Innovation Program and the NSW Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy.
The Implementation Update also outlines the Government’s commitment to disclose the state’s climate related financial risks and opportunities for the first time in NSW, consistent with the Taskforce for Climate Related Financial Disclosures framework.
For more information visit: https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/climate-change/net-zero-plan/
Trees to cool one of Sydney's hottest suburbs
A trial project will see 2000 trees planted in one of Sydney’s hottest suburbs, as part of an initiative informed by new research from the NSW Government.
The south-west Sydney suburb of Rosemeadow has less than six per cent existing canopy cover and is significantly impacted by the urban heat island effect.
The new research used to inform the trial has now been released to councils across NSW to help boost tree canopy cover and improve stormwater management.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the NSW Government and Campbelltown Council were working together to plant the trees in streets, schools, parks and open spaces in Rosemeadow.
“Trees are our first line of defence against rising temperatures and the urban heat island effect, particularly in Western Sydney where temperatures in summer can soar to over 50 degrees,” Mr Stokes said.
“Rosemeadow has some of the lowest tree cover in Greater Sydney and it’s the perfect location to trial new ways to use canopy cover to combat rising temperatures.
“The research shows that we can also improve stormwater management by planting trees in stormwater basins, while also creating habitat for native animals and improving biodiversity.”
To encourage best practice in urban greening, the NSW Government is making three reports that detail the methodology of the Rosemeadow project available to councils to replicate for tree plantings on streets, reserves and in open spaces.
Member for Camden Peter Sidgreaves said Rosemeadow was selected as the demonstration site for the project due to its low tree canopy, substantial open space, and opportunities for planting near schools and on residual land.
“Our aim is to create a greener, more pleasant Rosemeadow for the community to use, access and enjoy, while establishing a framework of best practice methodology that can be replicated by councils across the state”, Mr Sidgreaves said.
“More high-quality open spaces across Greater Sydney provide the community with more opportunities to rediscover the joy of outdoor recreation, connect with nature, and improve wellbeing and active lifestyles.”
The Rosemeadow Demonstration Project supports the Premier’s Priorities for more homes in urban areas within a 10 minute walk of quality green, open public space by 10 per cent, by 2023, and to plant one million trees in Greater Sydney by 2022.
For more information and to view the reports visit: dpie.nsw.gov.au/rosemeadow
Fallen officers honoured on national Police Remembrance Day
NSW has paused to honour our fallen police officers this National Police Remembrance Day, with a number of small gatherings and virtual ceremonies taking place across the state.
This year, the life and service of Senior Constable Kelly Ann Foster was remembered by adding her name to the Wall of Remembrance following her tragic death in January, marking the 275th fallen NSW police officer.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott, Police Commissioner Michael Fuller APM and NSW Governor Margaret Beazley attended a small service at the Wall of Remembrance to honour members of the NSW Police Force who have lost their lives serving our community.
Ms Berejiklian said National Police Remembrance Day is the most important day of the policing calendar, and the absence of a traditional ceremony makes it no less meaningful.
“Today we have paid our respects at the Wall of Remembrance, representing those who cannot attend, honouring the memory of the fallen officers,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Every day more than 17,500 police officers put themselves in harm’s way to keep us safe, and we are deeply grateful for their service.”
Mr Elliott paid tribute to the fallen officers, and acknowledged those who have worked tirelessly in the fight against COVID-19 over the past 18 months.
“The NSW Police Force has had a long tradition of putting another person’s wellbeing before their own, and it is this selfless attitude that lead to the tragic death earlier this year of Senior Constable Foster,” Mr Elliott said.
“She was a much-loved and respected officer; and did not hesitate to go to the aid of the woman in danger. We stand with her family, friends and colleagues to mourn the loss of a fine officer.”
Commissioner Fuller said the fallen officers have been honoured appropriately today, despite the police family being unable to gather together for a second year.
“We remember those officers who have given their life in the line of duty, and today the name of a talented, much-loved officer, Senior Constable Kelly Ann Foster, has been added to the Wall of Remembrance,” Commissioner Fuller said.
“We stand here representing all those officers, family members, and colleagues who – while they cannot attend in person – can be assured their loved ones have been honoured.”
More grassroots support for vulnerable communities
Grassroots organisations can now apply for the latest tranche of a record $43.2 million funding package to support vulnerable people and multicultural communities across NSW.
Minister for Multiculturalism Natalie Ward said community-led grassroots initiatives will be able to share in $3.6 million to provide immediate and essential services. These include food and school products, services to help those experiencing domestic and family violence and seniors facing social isolation, wellbeing checks and community activities such as youth groups.
“The NSW Government has responded urgently to support those in need during the pandemic. This is the second round of funding for vulnerable people and multicultural communities delivered through our Empowering and Supporting Local Communities program,” Mrs Ward said.
The first round of the program has been finalised and will deliver more than $3.4 million to 194 grassroots community organisations across the state.
“This latest round builds on the initial funding and will support communities big and small across our metropolitan, rural and regional areas with grants of up to $30,000,” Mrs Ward said.
“As we continue racing towards our vaccination targets and look to easing restrictions, we want to make sure no one is left behind.”
Attorney General and Minister for Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence Mark Speakman said communities across NSW have stepped up like never before to support and care for each other, and to stay connected during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“These grants will help ensure critical support for some of our most vulnerable, including women and children impacted by domestic and family violence and other hardships during the pandemic, thanks to the many dedicated frontline services working across the state,” Mr Speakman said.
Eligible not for profit non-Government organisations must be currently located in, or service communities in NSW.
As part of the $43.2 million package, almost $18 million worth of grants have supported communities in the 12 LGAs of concern, including grants for local councils, non-Government and grassroots community organisations, and a program engaging the innovation sector.
Applications close at 11am on Monday, 11 October. For more information, visit: https://multicultural.nsw.gov.au/grants/.
Hospital staff allegedly threatened with syringe – Maitland
A man has been charged after allegedly threatening hospital staff with a blood-filled syringe at a Hunter hospital overnight.
About 4.30pm yesterday (Monday 27 September 2021), a 32-year-old man was transferred to Maitland Hospital for medical treatment.
The man later became aggressive towards staff and was directed to leave the hospital by security.
He was removed however re-entered a short time later and allegedly threatened security staff and a nurse with a blood-filled syringe.
The man dropped the instrument and continued to threaten staff before police arrival.
Following a short struggle, the man was arrested and taken to Maitland Police Station.
He continued to resist arrest and allegedly became abusive towards police.
He was charged with nine offences, including:
- Behave in offensive manner in/near public place/school
- Armed with intent to commit indictable offence (x3)
- Stalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm (x4)
- Resist officer in execution of duty
He was refused bail to appear at Maitland Local Court today (Tuesday 28 September 2021).
Train and truck collide – Upper Hunter
A man is in hospital after a truck and a train collided at a level crossing in the Upper Hunter this morning.
Shortly before 7.15am (Wednesday 29 September 2021), emergency services were called to Turanville Road, Scone, following reports a southbound train and a flatbed truck collided at a level crossing.
The 29-year-old male driver of the truck was trapped by confinement for a short time before being freed by a passer-by.
The man was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics, before being taken by road ambulance to Scone Hospital and later airlifted to John Hunter Hospital.
The driver of the train was uninjured.
Officers from Hunter Valley Police District have commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The rail line will be closed for some time whilst the train is assessed.
$90 million to help Australians live longer and healthier lives
The Morrison Government is opening two medical research grant rounds, worth $90 million to help accelerate Australian-led genomics and cardiovascular research, which will improve and save lives.
The grants are available through the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) and focus on two of the Fund’s key initiatives – the Genomics Health Futures Mission ($56 million) and the Cardiovascular Health Mission ($34 million).
The Genomics Health Futures Mission aims to fund research to integrate genomics knowledge and technology into clinical practice, and the Cardiovascular Health Mission aims to reduce the toll of Australia’s number one killer, cardiovascular disease.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said Australia was taking a lead role in improving and saving lives—through better detection, prediction and treatment, and better long-term recovery from acute events.
“The goal of the Genomics Health Futures Mission is to save or transform the lives of more than 200,000 Australians through genomic research by delivering better testing, diagnosis and treatment,” Minister Hunt said.
“Heart disease and stroke are the leading causes of premature death, disability and avoidable hospital admissions, costing more than $10.4 billion each year in direct health care costs. The Cardiovascular Health Mission will help mobilise research, encouraging collaboration and enabling translation of research findings into clinical practice.
“Both of these research grants will accelerate Australian-led research and help improve the lives of all Australians.”
The Cardiovascular Health Mission has $34 million available over three years from 2021–22 through five priority areas identified in the implementation plan:
- Stream 1 – up to $8 million: to improve understanding of cardiovascular disease risk, including biological mechanisms
- Stream 2 – up to $6 million: to help patients to adopt and maintain health interventions to prevent cardiovascular disease and stroke
- Stream 3 – up to $8 million: to give patients more equitable access to best care, including new technologies, devices, and biomarkers; and new ways to target interventions to particular groups
- Stream 4 – up to $6 million: personalised, lifelong care approaches for patients who have had a stroke or heart event, to prevent further attacks
- Stream 5 – up to $6 million: understanding the biology of recovery, leading to new treatments and better monitoring of patients’ health.
The Genomics Health Futures Mission has up to $56 million available over two years from 2021–22 through six streams to support Australian medical research and medical innovation projects:
- Stream 1 – up to $20 million: develop disease-agnostic, high throughput and scalable functional genomics platforms to increase the diagnostic rate of unresolved cases and accelerate the development of experimental therapeutics
- Stream 2 – up to $12 million: develop new models of genomic newborn screening
- Stream 3 – up to $5 million: through a competitively selected national consortium, conduct research addressing emerging ethical, legal and social issues associated with the governance of clinical and genomic datasets
- Stream 4 – up to $5 million: through a competitively selected national consortium, conduct research to develop effective approaches for responsible, culturally appropriate and nationally consistent involvement of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people in genomics research and clinical practice
- Stream 5 – up to $10 million: through a competitively selected national consortium, conduct research to enrich genomics databases to support the inclusion of culturally and linguistically diverse groups in genomics research, and equitable benefit from genomics in health
- Stream 6 – up to $4 million: conduct small-scale development projects to establish feasible, evidence-based approaches for population cohort research, focusing on culturally and linguistically diverse groups.
More information on the grants can be found at www.grants.gov.au. Further details about each Mission: Genomics Health Futures Mission | Cardiovascular Health Mission
The Morrison Government’s $20 billion MRFF, is a long-term, sustainable investment in Australian health and medical research, helping to improve lives, build the economy and contribute to the sustainability of the health system.
New phone app to support children’s mental health and wellbeing
The Morrison Government is today launching a new, free phone application with information, ideas and guidance for parents to help them provide additional support their child’s mental health and wellbeing.
The Raising Healthy Children App was developed by the Raising Children Network as part of its program to support parents’ mental health literacy by building knowledge and confidence concerning the social and emotional wellbeing of children. The Morrison Government is providing $1.5 million over three years to help fund the program.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said supporting the mental health and wellbeing of children and young Australians is a high priority for the Government.
“Each year, more than 300,000 Australian children experience a mental health disorder, and diagnosis and treatment at an early stage is important because it can reduce the length and severity of the problem,” Minister Hunt said.
“Parents can play a crucial role in early diagnosis and this new app will give parents and carers the confidence to recognise early signs of social or emotional problems and help them to seek support if it’s needed.”
Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, David Coleman, said the app was targeted towards parents with children aged 12 years and under and includes information on health, development and wellbeing based on the child’s age.
“The app also includes information and support for parents and carers to ensure they are looking after their own mental health and wellbeing,” Assistant Minister Coleman said.
“We know that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant effect on the mental health and wellbeing of young children and their parents, and this app is a resource families can use to recognise warning signs and seek support.”
The app complements existing dedicated online mental health and wellbeing resources available for all parents and carers on the Raising Children Network’s website and can be downloaded from the usual app stores on mobile phones.
In August 2019, the Morrison Government asked the National Mental Health Commission to develop a new National Children’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy as part of the Government’s Long Term National Health Plan.
The strategy has been informed by a steering committee and expert advisory group and is due to be finalised this month.
The 2021-22 Budget invests a record $2.3 billion in reformed mental health care, through the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan. This includes a number of initiatives for children and young people including:
- $54.2 million to create new Head to Health Kids mental health and wellbeing centres for children up to 12 years, in partnership with the state and territory governments;
- $42.3 million to support access to parenting education and support, to build parenting strategies and help parents to identify problem behaviours early; and
- $26.8 million to support Kids Helpline and meet the increased demand as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Australians looking for support throughout the COVID-19 pandemic can access the Beyond Blue Coronavirus Wellbeing Support Service anytime via telephone at 1800 512 348 or online at coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au.
Anyone experiencing distress can seek immediate advice and support through Lifeline (13 11 14), Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800), or the Government’s digital mental health gateway, Head to Health.
If you are concerned about suicide, living with someone who is considering suicide, or bereaved by suicide, the Suicide Call Back Service is available at 1300 659 467 or www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au.