The NSW Government has today launched a whole-of-government initiative to better support families that are navigating the first 2000 days of their child’s life.
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said the Brighter Beginnings initiative focuses on this crucial period from conception to age 5, across the breadth of government services.
Brighter Beginnings aims to ensure children in NSW have the best start in life. Crucial to achieving this goal is simplifying and improving the way families access information and services, through a number of parenting life navigator tools and a whole of government web page.
This provides a one stop shop of resources for families when expecting a baby and will support them throughout their child’s early life. This includes keeping track of health and development milestones, accessing financial support, finding early childhood education and care, starting primary school, returning to work and emotional and legal support for parents.
“We know 90% of a child’s brain development occurs before the age of five, and there is a wealth of research on how early experiences in the first 2000 days of life can have flow-on impacts in every decade of life,” said Minister Mitchell.
“We also know this is a challenging and often overwhelming time for new parents.
“Families have told us it can be difficult to access and navigate the support available, from pregnancy to school age and beyond, so we want to make this journey as simple as possible to ensure children are getting the best start in life.
“To achieve this, we are working across government agencies to improve information for families, connect universal services and provide targeted support for those facing complex disadvantage.”
Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward said Brighter Beginnings would help improve the life outcomes of vulnerable children and young people.
“Our Government is focused on keeping families together by intervening early, with evidence-based services, when issues arise,” Mr Ward said.
“This initiative will help parents be better parents, by giving them access to the skills and knowledge they need to navigate the first 2,000 days of their child’s life.”
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the initiative is another example of the NSW Government using technology to make life easier for families.
“The first years of a child’s life are among the most special and memorable for parents but also the most stressful, which is why a digital diary is needed to help manage the important issues,” Mr Dominello said.
“We’re putting families front and centre of this initiative by saving them time and hassle, so they can spend more time on their newborns.”
Brighter Beginnings: the first 2000 days of life initiative launches 30 October 2020 with a virtual conference that will bring together government leaders, policy makers, leading experts and researchers. The event will explore the importance of the first 2000 days of life from health, wellbeing and education perspectives, and opportunities for governments and service providers to work together for improved citizen experiences and life outcomes.
CHECK-IN THROUGH SERVICE NSW APP GOES LIVE FOR TAXIS
Taxi drivers and passengers can now enjoy a safer journey, thanks to the Service NSW app’s QR code check-in going live across the taxi industry.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the rollout of the technology among Premier, Legion, GM Cabs and some regional operators is a big win for the community and follows a successful trial.
“I commend the taxi industry for its leadership and putting the safety of drivers and passengers first. It’s so important drivers download the Service NSW QR code and encourage passengers to check-in with the app,” Mr Dominello said.
“Just like checking into a café or restaurant, passengers simply scan the taxi’s unique QR code using the camera on their phone and follow the prompts. It’s free, easy to use, paperless and secure.
“During a pandemic we can’t drop the ball. Taxis work at the coal face and have a critical role to play in protecting community safety.
“This is a great example of being Covid smart as well as Covid safe. The check-in through the Service NSW app is powerful technology and any industry that is serious about safety should be using it.”
The check-in service automatically captures the date, time and location of the check-in, and securely stores them for 28 days for the sole purpose of contract tracing in the event of an outbreak.
Service NSW’s check-in service has been an overwhelming success, with about 13,500 businesses already downloading the QR code, and more than one million check-ins so far, with 94 per cent giving it the thumbs up.
Taxis, hire cars and ride share services in NSW can currently register as COVID Safe on nsw.gov.au to provide reassurance to customers they’re minimising the risk of transmission.
NSW WELCOMES 264 NEW FIRE AND RESCUE RECRUITS
NSW has today welcomed 264 new firefighters across the state with the latest recruits graduating from the Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Emergency Services Academy at Orchard Hills.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott and FRNSW Commissioner Paul Baxter welcomed the new recruits, who include a former professional rally car co-driver, a martial arts instructor, a former dairy farm manager, youth worker and a number of teachers.
Mr Elliott congratulated the recruits for embarking on a rewarding career that will ultimately put them on the frontline when it comes to protecting their communities.
“The men and women who graduate as part of this class have already shown that they have what it takes to protect the irreplaceable,” Mr Elliott said.
“These Fire and Rescue personnel begin their careers at a time when our frontline workers have never been more necessary, and they know they will have the full support of the NSW Government throughout their new careers.”
This month, the NSW Government announced a $192 million investment in response to the independent NSW Bushfire Inquiry, including $36 million for a new first responder mental health programs that will support all emergency services, as well as new FRNSW tankers and personal protective clothing.
FRNSW Commissioner Paul Baxter said the graduates have trained with passion and dedication to become part of the FRNSW family.
“These recruits have shown they have the diverse skills, capabilities and talents required to undertake the varied work that our firefighters do – from educating the community about fire safety and providing emergency medical care to responding to fires, natural disasters and hazmat incident,” Commissioner Baxter said.
“They’ve been trained to be prepared for anything and I know they will uphold the high standards of integrity, courage and professionalism expected of a FRNSW firefighter.”
You can find a full list of graduates here.
Man drowns at Nobbys Beach
A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner after a man drowned while swimming at Newcastle earlier today.
Emergency services were called to Nobbys Beach at Newcastle just before 8am this morning (Friday 30 October 2020), following reports a man was unconscious in the water.
Lifeguards pulled the man from the water and commenced CPR until the arrival of NSW Ambulance paramedics; however, he died at the scene.
The man is yet to be formally identified; however, is believed to be aged in his 60s.
He was taken to John Hunter Hospital, where he later died.
Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District attended and have commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Lake Macquarie police investigate public place shooting
Investigations have commenced following a public place shooting in Lake Macquarie tonight.
About 5.45pm (Friday 30 October 2020), police were called to an address on Ruttleys Road, Wyee, after reports of possible gun fire.
Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District, assisted by other specialist units, attended and established a crime scene at a home where a number of bullet holes were found in a backyard shed.
No one was injured during the incident.
Early investigations suggest the shots may have been fired from a passing vessel on Wyee Creek.
Anyone with information should contact detectives at Lake Macquarie Police District, or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Man charged over alleged sexual touching – Lake Macquarie
A man will face court after allegedly sexually touching two women at a service station near Lake Macquarie.
Last Saturday (24 October 2020) and Sunday (25 October 2020), two 22-year-old women were working at a service station in Cooranbong, when they were allegedly sexually touched by a man who is known to them.
The incident was reported to officers from Lake Macquarie Police District on Monday (26 October 2020), who commenced an investigation.
Following inquiries, police arrested a 62-year-old man at Cooranbong about 9am yesterday (Thursday 29 October 2020).
He was taken to Toronto Police Station where he was charged with five counts of sexually touch another person without consent.
The man was granted strict conditional bail to appear before Toronto Local Court on Tuesday 15 December 2020.
Debt raising against income support recipients during a recession is a disgrace
The Greens have called the Government’s decision to recommence ‘debt raising’ against income support recipients a disgrace.
We are in a recession and a pandemic and instead of giving Australians certainty about their future and ensuring they won’t be living on $40 a day come December this Government is choosing to create more anxiety and fear in our community by chasing people for debts at a time in their life when many are at their most vulnerable.
This Government has an ideological obsession with punishing people on income support.
In the middle of a recession, it is obscene that the Government has fast-tracked tax cuts for millionaires and now the Government is chasing money from people doing it tough.
The Government should sort out their own illegal robodebt mess.
Minister confirms in Estimates that an extension to Jobseeker supplement will be in place by January
The Minister for Social Services has confirmed today during an Estimates hearing that the Government plans to extend the Jobseeker coronavirus supplement past December but would not confirm the amount and when we will see the legislation.
The Government needs to be clear about what they have planned for the Jobseeker payment and supplement.
It’s unfair that Australians have had to wait to know whether there will be an extension and now uncertainty about the rate post December 31 will cause a huge amount of concern.
The Government needs to get the legislation drafted ASAP, and there needs to be time for proper scrutiny.
The Government has used the excuse of the pandemic to reduce the scrutiny of so much legislation this year and that needs to stop.
There are three sitting weeks left before Parliament finishes for the year and there is no excuse for this to be rushed through at the last minute with a take it or leave it approach.
There has to be time for a Senate inquiry with experts from the sector and economists given the opportunity to give advice.
This does not take away from the need for a permanent increase to Jobseeker. Australians are sick of people stuck in this limbo.
There are absolutely no circumstances in which it would be feasible for Jobseeker to go back to $40 a day.
Construction underway on first leg of City Centre to Merewether cycleway
City of Newcastle has started construction on the first stage of a cycleway linking the City Centre to Merewether Beach.
The first stage is the Merewether to The Junction project, which is a 2.5m-wide, bi-directional path along the eastern side of Watkins Street and northern side of Coane Street, between Watkins and John Parade, which will include new and upgraded raised-crossings for pedestrians and cyclists and associated intersection improvements.
This 1.1-kilometre, $3.1 million project will also significantly improve stormwater drainage systems and capture water for re-use in new garden beds. Construction of this link was brought forward as part of the City’s record $116 million COVID-19-stimulus capital works budget in recognition of residents’ newfound love for cycling during lockdown.
City of Newcastle received $600,000 from the NSW Government’s 2020/21 Walking and Cycling Program to assist with the construction of this stage of the project.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said investment in cycleway infrastructure would enable cycling to play an even larger role within Newcastle’s transport mix in the future.
“We are committed to promoting cycling as a safe and attractive transport option for residents, families, commuters and recreational users, which is why expansion and improvement of the cycleway network is one of the City’s priority projects,” she said.
“Improving and expanding Newcastle’s cycling network is also an important investment in the future of our city, in line with the adopted Newcastle Cycling Strategy and Action Plan.
“The start of construction is an important step towards the completion of the overall City Centre to Merewether Beach cycleway project, which will provide a first-class route between the inner city and one of our most popular beaches”
Councillor and cycling enthusiast John Mackenzie said he was pleased to see the project kick off.
“The community has been very clear in stating that improved cycleways are a top priority and I know this link will be enjoyed by residents, commuters and those visiting this great part of Newcastle. I am happy to see works starting and will be watching and following the project with interest.”
Almost $5 million has been allocated to cycleways projects under the revised 2020-21 capital works budget, including $3.1 million for the Merewether to The Junction cycleway, as well as funding for a missing cycleway link on University Drive between Blue Gum Road and the inner-city bypass in Birmingham Gardens.
To find out more and keep updated on stage one of the City Centre to Merewether cycleway visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/works.
$1 BILLION NEPEAN HOSPITAL REDEVELOPMENT FAST-TRACKED
The $1 billion Nepean Hospital redevelopment has marked a major milestone, as the NSW Government announced Stage 2 of the project will be brought forward by two years.
The fast-tracking of the project was announced at a topping out ceremony of Nepean Hospital’s 14-storey tower, which reached its highest point of construction today.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the NSW Government’s $1 billion investment in Nepean Hospital will future-proof health services in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains for decades to come.
“The redeveloped Nepean Hospital will be a gamechanger for the region, providing new world-class health facilities including an expanded emergency department, birthing suites and neonatal intensive care unit,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Bringing the project forward by two years will fast-track economic recovery in Western Sydney and create thousands of local jobs – both essential drivers of the COVID-19 Recovery Plan.”
The concept design for Stage 2 was unveiled today, providing a preview of the new Intensive Care Unit, in-centre renal dialysis unit, medical imaging and nuclear medicine services, more beds, staff education and training facilities, community health services and a new Front of House for the hospital.
Minister for Health Brad Hazzard said Stage 2 is right on the heels of Stage 1, which is being completed on time and within budget despite the enormous challenges faced this year during the pandemic.
“We’re on track to complete Stage 1 of Nepean Hospital at the end of 2021 – a tremendous outcome for Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains – and now the community can expect the full world-class package two years ahead of schedule,” Mr Hazzard said.
“This $1 billion project will place vastly enhanced health services on the community’s doorstep and support our fantastic staff as they continue to deliver their very best care to increasing numbers of patients.”
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the contemporary health facility would not only help drive economic recovery but would be another drawcard to the rapidly growing region.
“This major project will generate thousands of jobs and deliver the very best healthcare available to the community, making the region an even more appealing place to live and work,” Mr Ayres said.
Member for Mulgoa, Tanya Davies said the acceleration of the Nepean Hospital Redevelopment by two years is further proof Western Sydney is a key priority for the NSW Government.
“The fast-tracking of this project is a welcome boost to the communities of Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains who have been doing it extremely tough during the pandemic,” Mrs Davies said.
Fast-tracked funding will allow Stage 2 enabling and fit-out works to start earlier while construction for Stage 1 is still underway. This will also allow for a much smoother transition into the main works construction for Stage 2.
To register your interest in providing input into the design of Stage 2 of the Nepean Redevelopment visit www.nepeanredevelopment.health.nsw.gov.au.