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SCHOOL, SPORT AND MUSIC RESTRICTIONS RELAXED

More families can attend community sports, music ensembles and school camps can proceed, and a modest increase dancing at weddings is allowed under new COVID-19 safety rules.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard and Education Minister Sarah Mitchell said the latest easing of restrictions around school and community life is due to lower case numbers.
“While we are by no means out of the woods, low case numbers give health authorities the confidence to allow mums and dads back onto the sideline,” Mr Hazzard said.
“NSW Health has also given the green light for up to 20 people in the official Wedding Party to take to the dance floor, where previously only the happy couple were permitted.”
Education Minister Sarah Mitchell said the updated health advice comes as NSW schools prepare for a two-week break before returning for the final term of 2020.
“Everyone is committed to providing a safe environment for children, students and staff and these changes will ensure COVID-safe celebrations can happen,” she said.
“Schools have done an incredible job, and it’s exciting to see things returning closer to normal. However, we need to stay vigilant.”
Changes to Term 4 school guidelines include:

  • Community Languages Schools Program will recommence face to face learning;
  • Interschool activities can recommence on September 26 where there is a COVID-19 Safety Plan in place;
  • Playing wind instruments, singing and chanting is permitted with strict restrictions;
  • Year 6 formals and graduations are permitted;
  • High school formals are permitted from 12 November to limit any HSC disruption; and
  • Kindergarten orientation, Year 7 transition, excursions and camps can resume with strict guidelines.

Musical ensembles can also resume, as long as players keep a 1.5 metre distance from one another, or three metres for players of non-reeded woodwind instruments.
Acting Minister for Sport Geoff Lee said the changes to community sport will be a welcome relief for parents.
“From this weekend, more than one parent may now attend community sporting activities if physical distancing of at least 1.5 metres can be maintained between people that are not from the same household,” Mr Lee said.
“We know the last few months has been hard on families who want to see their kids score a try or kick a goal on the weekend.
“I would like to thank all the parents and volunteers in community sport for their commitment to following the guidelines to help keep our community safe.”
Accommodation facilities and overnight event organisers should develop and implement a COVID-19 Safety Plan. All carpooling should continue to be avoided.
There is no restriction on school holiday travel within NSW for people who live within the State however, anyone who is unwell should defer travel plans and get tested.
Updated school guidelines are available here and the full health advice is here.

Three injured after car drives off cliff – Newcastle

Two women and a child have been injured after a car drove off a cliff and crashed onto a beach in Newcastle today.
About 10.25am (Thursday 24 September 2020), emergency services were called to Bar Beach in Newcastle, following reports that a car had gone off a cliff.
Police have been told the white Volkswagen Golf drove off the cliff from the top car park and landed on the sand.
A 40-year-old woman and her infant child, who were on the beach, were struck by the car. The woman sustained possible leg fractures and was taken to John Hunter Hospital for treatment. The child suffered minor scratches.
The driver of the Volkswagen, a 32-year-old woman, was treated at the scene for minor injuries before being taken to the same hospital where she will also undergo mandatory testing.
Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District attended and have commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Police are investigating reports there was a male passenger in the Volkswagen.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, or has dashcam footage, is urged to come forward.
The car park has been cleared and members of the public are being advised to avoid the area.
A retrieval operation is underway to remove the vehicle from the beach.

NBN Upgrade

The Government’s NBN announcement is a small step in the right direction, but there are still significant issues that need to be addressed, the Greens say.
“This is an effective admission of guilt by the Liberals- that fibre to the premises should have been done years ago,” Greens NBN spokesperson Nick McKim said.
“It is encouraging that many more Australians will have access to faster broadband, but the plan announced today does not cover enough homes and businesses.”
“But this plan does not cover the exorbitant cost of broadband in Australia.”
“As we have seen this year in particular, the internet is an essential service, and cost is one of the biggest barriers preventing access.”
“Minister Fletcher also needs to address the NBN’s horrible record of mistreating contractors.”
“It is critical that all people employed on this project are treated as employees and paid all their relevant entitlements.”
“Finally, the NBN should scrap its plans to lay off 800 workers while paying bonuses to its senior executives. This is a terrible decision that simply should not happen during a recession.”

Chinese government must allow access to Tibet, Greens say

Following reports of a mass forced-labour program in Tibet, Greens Senator Janet Rice has called on the Chinese Government to allow access to the region so journalists and officials can look into these allegations.
Senator Janet Rice, Greens Foreign Affairs spokesperson said:
“Reports of a mass labour program in Tibet are deeply disturbing. This program has dangerous parallels with the enforced labour, indoctrination and surveillance of the Uighur people.
“The Tibetan people have suffered under Chinese Government oppression for many years.  They have been deprived of their right to freedom of speech and their right to freedom of religious observance.  Now it looks like hundreds of thousands of rural workers are being channelled into so-called “training” centres.
“The Morrison Government should raise Australia’s deep concerns and call on the Chinese Government to allow access to Tibet so that officials and journalists can see for themselves what is going on.”

Uni Rallies Essential To Fight Cuts And Autocracy

Australian Greens Education spokesperson Senator Mehreen Faruqi has said she was proud to speak at and attend heavily-policed student rallies at the University of Sydney today, which were organised in opposition to the federal government’s proposed university fee hikes and funding cuts.
Senator Faruqi said:
“I was so proud to stand with students and staff in opposition to these terrible fee hikes and funding cuts.
“Unfortunately my speech was cut short by NSW police moving us on.
“It was outrageous to see, yet again, a heavy-handed police presence at these vital ongoing student rallies.
“It’s nothing less than authoritarian to shut down safety-conscious, socially distanced rallies while thousands are allowed to congregate at the footy.
“Public protest is a fundamental right and a cornerstone of a functioning democracy.
“Classes are in full swing and face-to-face. Police action at these rallies is not about public safety – it’s about shutting down democracy,” she said.

Sign language milestone for Senior Australians

Senior Australians who are deaf or hard of hearing will have access to sign language services for a broader range of daily activities as part of a Federal Government funding boost.
A $13 million injection will mean sign language services will be more accessible for deaf elders aged 65 and over.
Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians, Richard Colbeck, said the initiative marked an important milestone for elders who use Auslan in their everyday communication.
Today marks International Day of Sign Languages.
“Hearing limitations can have a profound impact on the daily activities of senior Australians,” Minister Colbeck said.
“The Morrison Government is committed to ensuring anybody dealing with hearing loss can still live life to the full.”
Certified interpreters will provide Auslan, American Sign Language and International Sign Languages as part of the new service due to launch in November.
Signed English for deaf consumers and tactile signing and hand-over-hand for deafblind users will also be available.
It means those in need will have access to interpreters for a range of daily activities from face-to-face appointments and online learning to community and family functions.
The service, which will also include on-demand video remote interpreting, will be offered nationally, seven days a week and after business hours.
“I thank Australian Deaf Elders and members for advising how together we can address this gap and develop the new service,” Minister Colbeck said.
“I know many Australians who are deaf or hard of hearing have benefited from sign language interpreters at press briefings during the recent bushfires and the COVID-19 health emergency,” Minister Colbeck said.
“The Government will continue to identify and remove barriers so senior Australians can live healthy, active and socially connected lives.”
For more information about this and other sign language services available to senior Australians visit the My Aged Care website or call 1800 200 422.

Australia Now Eligible To Purchase COVID-19 Vaccine Doses Through COVAX

The Australian Government has joined the COVAX facility, enabling the purchase of COVID-19 vaccine doses as they become available.
The COVAX facility provides access to a large portfolio of COVID-19 vaccine candidates and manufacturers across the world.
This agreement opens up additional supplies for Australia, from which we could access vaccines for up to 50 per cent of our population under a two dose treatment requirement.
Under the agreement, Australia will commit an initial $123.2 million to be part of the purchasing mechanism of the facility, meaning we can receive offers to purchase vaccines when they become available.
Purchases of vaccine doses will be negotiated as the potential vaccines are proven to meet safety and effectiveness standards.
This investment is in addition to the agreements with Oxford University/AstraZeneca and University of Queensland/CSL for supply of vaccines, opening up additional supply options for Australia.
Minister for Health, Greg Hunt said participating in COVAX is an important part of Australia’s strategy to secure early access to any safe and effective vaccines.
“A COVID-19 vaccine is the best way to protect the Australian community,” Minister Hunt said.
“Whoever finds a COVID-19 vaccine must share it. Australia signing up to the COVAX Facility is an important part of our commitment to this principle.”
“Being a part of COVAX means we’re giving Australians the best chance of accessing a safe and effective vaccine, but also our neighbours in the Pacific and Southeast Asia, and partners overseas,” Minister Hunt said.
Any COVID-19 vaccine doses purchased on behalf of Australians will have to meet the rigorous safety and quality standards of the Therapeutic Goods Administration.
Foreign Minister Marise Payne said it is in Australia’s – and our region’s interests – to support the facility.
“Access to vaccines will play a critical role in the economic recovery of our region from this pandemic,” Senator Payne said.
“Now more than ever, we must come together as global community to ensure that our response leaves no one behind.”
“The facility is a major endeavour, but together we can work to end the acute phase of the pandemic by the end of 2021.”
The COVAX facility was established by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance as part of an international vaccine partnership with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, the World Health Organization and other organisations.
It aims to ensure that there is equitable access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines, when available, through facilitating purchases, funding access for developing countries, and allowing countries to trade or donate doses.
This is Australia’s second commitment to the COVAX facility, with $80 million donated in August to the COVAX Advance Market Commitment – a collaborative effort to provide doses to developing countries, enabling more countries to protect their most vulnerable groups.
Australia’s contribution supports a global coordination effort to ensure equitable and affordable access to COVID-19 vaccines, which is essential to reinvigorate the global economy.
Eighty self-financing countries, including Australia, have joined the COVAX Facility and a further 92 countries are eligible to access vaccines through the Advance Market Commitment.
In addition to individual country allocations, 10 per cent of manufactured doses will be retained by the COVAX facility to address sporadic outbreaks and for humanitarian use.

City unites to address surging youth unemployment

Local organisations are being encouraged to make a commitment to expand opportunities for young people as youth unemployment approaches 20 per cent.
The Greater Newcastle Youth Employment Charter is an initiative of the City Taskforce aiming to combat the impact of growing youth unemployment exacerbated by COVID-19 while recognising and celebrating the important role of youth in our community.
Youth-Employment-Charter1.JPGCity of Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said local organisations can play a key role in supporting young people to find and maintain work in these challenging times.
“The local youth unemployment rate has hit 19.8 per cent, well above the state’s 13.5 per cent and now two in five people under the age of 25 are not working the hours they would like to in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.
“The Hunter has a higher proportion of people aged 15-24 years working in the accommodation, food, retail, arts and recreation services than many other parts of Australia. These industries have been hardest hit by COVID-19.
“Consequently, COVID-19 has had a significant and disproportionate impact on young people, so collectively we must act.”
Organisations across the region can engage with the Charter by making five commitments regarding youth employment, youth training, youth voice, youth support and youth celebration.
Several organisations have already pledged to prioritise professional development opportunities for young people, establish structured mentoring programs, ensure youth are represented in decision-making processes and expand trainee, apprenticeship and graduate positions.
Port of Newcastle CEO Craig Carmody said it was important that the region’s businesses made a commitment to creating opportunities for young people.
“These are challenging times and our youth need opportunities to build technical skills and knowledge so they can contribute to the region’s economic recovery and long-term prosperity.  Port of Newcastle is already working to play its part today, through initiatives like our Indigenous STEM scholarship, while also pursuing plans to grow and diversify in order to create many more direct and indirect employment opportunities for future generations,” Mr Carmody said.
“Our vision is that youth trained in STEM disciplines can look forward to local, highly technical roles requiring years of training and attracting higher wages – these roles could be working directly at the new Multi-purpose Deepwater Terminal or in any of the many associated businesses and operators spawned from its operation.”
The University of Newcastle Hunter Research Foundation’s Lead Economist Dr Anthea Bill, who provides local employment research insights to the City Taskforce, said COVID-19 has caused disruption at a vulnerable time for young people as they transition between education and work.
“Young people are more vulnerable in the labour market because they have shorter work histories and less acquired skills and qualifications. They are also more likely to work in jobs which are casual and therefore more likely to have hours cut when an economic downturn hits,” Dr Bill said.
“That is what makes affirmative action like the Youth Unemployment Charter all the more crucial.”
All Greater Newcastle organisations are encouraged to sign the Youth Unemployment Charter. Visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au for more information.

FLEXIBLE REGULATIONS FOR BUSINESSES EXTENDED TO 2021

Supermarkets and pharmacies can continue to trade and receive deliveries 24 hours a day as rules introduced by the NSW Government have been extended until next year.
The Government responded to the COVID-19 pandemic in March by amending the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and the State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008 to allow around-the-clock trading and delivery hours as well as the extension of café and restaurant take away capabilities.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the orders will be extended for another six months until March 25, 2021.
“Our quick response to the immediate challenges of the pandemic ensured everyone had access to essential household goods, businesses remained viable and the economy kept ticking,” Mr Stokes said.
“Six months down the track it’s obvious we still need this flexibility. The pandemic has taught us that we can be nimble and reduce red tape where necessary.
“We have to live with the virus for a little while yet, so we’ve extended these orders and will review them before the new expiry date in March next year.”
Mr Stokes added that extended operating hours for the construction industry, introduced to ensure COVID Safe working conditions, will also continue.
“The construction industry is a key driver for jobs growth during the recession so we needed to find ways to support it while keeping workers safe from the virus,” he said.
Since March, the NSW Government has issued eight Ministerial orders under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 to:
– Extend retail trading, delivery and waste removal hours;
– Allow home businesses to operate 24 hours a day;
– Provide more flexible conditions for takeaway food and beverage facilities, food trucks and ‘dark kitchens’;
– Allow construction sites to operate the same hours on weekends and public holidays as they would on weekdays;
– Permit temporary pop up cycleways within the City of Sydney; and
– Allow temporary vehicle sanitisation stations to be built to provide professional cleaning for taxis, Ubers and community transport vehicles.
Further information on the Planning Ministerial orders can be found here: https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/Policy-and-Legislation/COVID19-response

NSW LEADS THE WAY ON AGRICULTURAL WORKERS’ CODE

The NSW Government will become the first jurisdiction to write the new Agricultural Workers Code into public health orders, paving the way for the $15.9 billion NSW primary industries sector to find skilled workers for the upcoming harvest.
Premier Berejiklian said the Code was critical to supporting the agricultural industry and ensuring regional communities can capitalise on this year’s bumper crops.
“NSW is an agriculture production powerhouse and the Agricultural Workers’ Code enables the State’s farmers to be the launching pad for NSW to commence recovery from the economic impact of COVID-19,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The Code means that farmers from Warialda to Wagga Wagga can get the best skilled workers to help them with this year’s harvest, regardless if they’re from Queensland, South Australia, Victoria or the Northern Territory.”
Acting Deputy Premier Paul Toole said the Code was common sense policy that would ensure farmers could access the workers they need to run their farms.
“I’m glad NSW has worked proactively to ensure our farmers can tap into the skills they need despite the unprecedented COVID-19 restrictions impacting movement across State borders – from shearers to contract harvesters and fruit pickers,” Mr Toole said.
“This is a win for farmers and will support jobs in agriculture right across the state.”
Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW Adam Marshall said the NSW Government had been a driving force behind the interjurisdictional agreement.
“Our farmers have just come out of the worst drought on record, and they are now poised to begin their recovery with the largest winter crop harvest since 2016, and they need the workforce to take advantage of that,” Mr Marshall said.
“This Code will allow the critical free movement of agricultural workers across state borders so that primary industries can not only continue to feed and clothe the nation, but be the driving force behind the economic recovery from COVID-19.”
Agricultural workers travelling between NSW and Victoria will need a permit and relevant identification and will be required to use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as appropriate.
Travelling workers will also need to keep records of their movements. Agricultural employers need to support workers to perform self-isolation in the first 14 days after entry into NSW, and must have a COVID safety plan in place