Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp and Shadow Minister for Local Government Greg Warren have called on the NSW Government to urgently intervene and expedite a coastal management program for Stockton Beach.
Mr Crakanthorp and Mr Warren met with locals on Wednesday, less than 24 hours after the situation reached crisis point when the town’s only childcare centre was permanently closed after the building was deemed unsafe due to continued coastal erosion.
At the same time Council workers were moving an exclusion zone significantly closer to the road, with recent erosion now coming within metres of the childcare centre’s back door.
Last August Mr Crakanthorp collected 10,000 signatures on a petition and debated the issue in NSW Parliament. He had also invited the previous minister, Gabrielle Upton, to visit Stockton several times, and has met with the new responsible minister, Shelley Hancock, to highlight the significance of the issue and extend the same invitation.
The Government needs to come to the table with money and resources to assist the City of Newcastle to fast-track the development of their coastal management program.
Greg Warren, Shadow Minister for Local Government said:
“It’s disgraceful that the NSW Liberals and Nationals continue to drag their feet regarding this urgent and serious issue.
“Erosion at Stockton Beach has now forced the closure of Stockton’s only childcare centre. That has created chaos for local parents and their children.
“What more needs to happen for this Government to take this issue seriously?”
Tim Crakanthorp, Member for Newcastle said:
“To see the childcare centre be forced to close its doors is devastating for local families who now have to make alternate arrangements. It should never have got to this stage.
“After I received the news about the childcare centre I asked Greg to come have a look and he jumped at the opportunity, but years of invitations to Government ministers have declined.
“The people of Stockton have been abandoned by this Government. We know the Government has money they can spend – they need to spend it.”
Author: admin
Australia v All Stars game to headline bushfire plan
Netball Australia, supported by Netball NSW and other Member Organisations, has today announced a bushfire relief fundraising showcase match between the Australian Diamonds and a Suncorp Super Netball All Stars team at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney on Sunday 1 March.
The Australian Diamonds will come together outside of official scheduled duties to take on the All Stars and raise funds to support those affected by the Australian bushfires. Further information on this match including match time, how to purchase tickets and how the All Stars team will be selected will be made available in the coming weeks.
In addition to the match, and in partnership with its state and territory-based member organisations, the Suncorp Super Netball league and clubs, the Australian Netball Players Association, corporate partners and NetFit, Netball Australia will utilise a range of initiatives to support fundraising for bushfire relief and recovery including:
The Suncorp Super Netball pre-season competition, the Suncorp Team Girls Cup, will be dedicated to raising funds to support the rebuilding efforts. More details on this event will be announced in coming days.
Netball’s elite athletes will donate a “volunteer day” outside of their contracted requirements to work with Netball Australia, member organisations and/or Suncorp Super Netball clubs on relief and recovery initiatives. Netball Australia staff will also donate two days.
The annual Give for a Goal initiative, coordinated by the Confident Girls Foundation, will run throughout 2020 and will raise funds through a range of netball events and competitions including Suncorp Super Netball and this year’s International Test Series.
Netball Australia’s member organisations will continue to work closely with communities to understand the full impact of the disaster and how Netball Australia can support recovery efforts.
Netball Australia CEO Marne Fechner has acknowledged that the entire Australian netball community has rallied to support those in need.
“The bushfires that have ravaged large parts of Australia over the past few months have been truly devastating, and netball is committed to providing both immediate and sustained relief for bushfire-affected communities,” she said.
“The Australian netball community has a wonderful resilience and determination. We’ll do everything we can to assist both the broader Australian community and also grassroots netball-specific recovery efforts around the country.”
Australian Diamonds captain Caitlin Bassett has been moved by the devastating events and is excited to be bringing her team together for such a good cause.
“Our entire squad has seen these devastating events unfold over the past few months and our hearts go out to those affected. As a group, we’re eager to do anything possible to help and looking forward to getting out there in front of a packed house in Sydney.”
Former Australian Diamond, Swift and Giant Susan Pettitt grew up in a bushfire-affected region and is proud to see her sport come together at such a crucial time.
“I’ve seen firsthand the impact that these fires have had on communities with parts of my parent’s property on the south coast of NSW being burnt out. The emergency threat for some communities isn’t over yet and the recovery for affected regions will take years so it’s great that the Australian netball community has come together to support such a worthy cause.”
All funds raised through Netball Australia’s initiatives will be donated to the Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery Appeal and a Natural Disaster Relief Fund which has been established through the Confident Girls Foundation with the purpose of supporting netball-specific bushfire relief and recovery projects.
Netball Australia’s response to this disaster will continue to evolve and the sport looks forward to working closely with stakeholders, partners and grassroots communities to ensure netball has a real and sustained impact on community relief and recovery.
Swords, crossbows, tasers, batons seized; man charged – Cardiff
A man will face court today after several prohibited weapons were seized from a home at Cardiff yesterday.
About 3.45pm on Monday 13 January 2020, officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District attended a unit on Macquarie Road, Cardiff, in relation to a concern for welfare.
Upon arrival, police spoke with an 11-year-old boy and a 36-year-old man.
Police were granted entry to the premises where they located a gel-blaster rifle and pistol, pellets, swords, knives, and drug paraphernalia.
A 36-year-old man was arrested and taken to Toronto Police Station.
Later that evening, police executed a search warrant at the home where they seized more than 60 items, including gel-blasters, 11 sling shots, four extendable batons, three tasers, three knuckle dusters, two crossbows, a number of knives including machetes, throwing knives and swords, fireworks and a white substance believed to be cocaine.
The man was charged with 32 offences including possess prohibited weapon without permit, possess unauthorised firearm, and possess ammunition without permit.
He was refused bail to face Toronto Local Court today (Tuesday 14 January 2020).
Man charged over alleged sexual abuse of young girl – Hunter region
A man will face court today charged over the alleged sexual abuse of a young girl in the state’s Hunter region.
In January 2020, detectives from the State Crime Command’s Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad commenced an investigation following reports a young girl was sexually abused by a man known to her.
Following extensive inquiries, detectives arrested a 60-year-old man at a home in the Hunter region about 4pm yesterday (Monday 13 January 2020).
The man was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station and charged with three counts of sexual intercourse with child under the age of 10 years, intentionally sexually touch child under 10 years, and intentionally incite child under 10 years to sexually touch them.
Police will allege in court that the man sexually abused the girl – aged eight – numerous times at a home in Raymond Terrace between 2019 and 2020.
He was refused bail and will appear at Raymond Terrace Local Court today (Tuesday 14 January 2020).
Reward announced for information into disappearance and suspected murder of Steven Fenwick – Strike Force Kummari
Police will address the media to announce a NSW Government reward for information regarding the disappearance and suspected homicide of a man who went missing near Newcastle early last year.
Steven ‘Feno’ Fenwick, aged 33, was last confirmed seen exiting a bus on Nelson Bay Road, Fern Bay, about 1pm on Wednesday 30 January 2019; he hasn’t been heard from since.
Numerous searches and public appeals have been conducted since then, with detectives from Newcastle City Police District establishing Strike Force Kummari to investigate the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.
As their inquiries continue, a NSW Government reward will be announced for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for Steven’s disappearance and suspected murder.
Greens Senator Speaks at Big Wollongong Climate Rally Calling for Urgent Climate Action
Greens Senator for NSW, Dr Mehreen Faruqi, has addressed a big climate rally in Wollongong yesterday, condemning Prime Minister Scott Morrison for his lack of leadership and called for more funding for firefighters as well as urgent climate action. Senator Faruqi said:
“The community gathered to first and foremost thank the firefighters, emergency workers, animal carers and thousands of others from around Australia who have sacrificed so much to protect people, homes and habitat, and those who have opened up their homes and hearts for bushfire affected communities. It’s clear that it is the community, not the Government, who have shown leadership through these terrible months.
“What we need at this time of disaster is courageous, truthful, and wise leadership.What we are sadly and shamefully getting from our government is the exact opposite. They are cowardly, dishonest and incompetent. This Liberal-National Government is full of science deniers. They have behaved like a bunch of climate criminals.
“We are literally in a fight for our lives. We need a wholesale shake up of our political, social and economic systems.
“The Liberal and Labor parties won’t say it because they’re too addicted to donations from the fossil fuel industry, but the Greens will. We need an immediate end to new coal, oil and gas – we need a plan to phase out existing coal. Clinging to coal as our country burns is just plain reckless.
“We need to give our firies the pay, resources and support they need instead of ignoring their pleas for years like the Government has. We need a huge investment to build climate resilience and plan for the new normal – that starts with a royal commission and getting parliament back to work.
“We are capable of massive change. It’s now up to us to force Governments to listen to us. As our movement grows, our actions must grow more bold and radical to shake Scott Morrison and his mates out of their climate denying stupor and out of government.
“Together, we will not let the tragedy and trauma of these bushfires pass without the change we need,” she concluded.
Govt’s $50m for wildlife just petty cash for environmental catastrophe
The Federal Government’s announcement of $50 million to wildlife affected by the bushfire crisis is nowhere near enough and should be at least ten times as much, the Greens say.
Greens Spokesperson for Animal Welfare, Senator Mehreen Faruqi said:
“The Government is taking a miserly approach to our iconic wildlife.
“We need an open chequebook and the Government to commit to spending whatever it takes to save lives and to fund a viable recovery for species that have been impacted. This is a bandaid solution, we need funding for long term rehabilitation and recovery plans.
“Animals are in crisis. Wildlife carers are on social media begging for bandages, syringes and animal feed. The Government has been slow to support these heroes and they need money in their bank accounts and supplies on their shelves today.
“Fifty million across the entire country is just a drop in the ocean. We have seen at least a billion animals die and that number will rapidly increase as wildlife face starvation from destroyed ecosystems.
“We have seen so many Australians and people around the world open their hearts and wallets to support animals with unprecedented generosity. The Government should follow that example instead of clutching at purse strings.” she concluded.
Greens Spokesperson for the Environment, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said:
“When Celeste Barber can raise as much money as the Federal Government has committed to this tragedy, it shows their heart’s not in it,” she said.
“This is an environmental catastrophe and saving, restoring and protecting our wildlife and their habitats must be a fundamental part of the recovery from these bushfires,” she said.
“I saw first-hand on Kangaroo Island last week, what wildlife carers and conservationists are going through, they deserve and need far more support.
“This can’t just be a fluffy PR exercise from the Environment Minister because the whole world is talking about Australia’s koalas being burnt and killed.
“Our beautiful environment and wildlife is what makes Australia the place people want to come and visit, it deserves more than this token announcement.
“The Greens called for a Fighting Fund for the Environment and this is not it – this is petty cash.
“We need significantly more money and a proper commitment from the Government to the restoration of the environment and ecosystems, or we may just lose some of our precious wildlife and flora for good.
“The PM should also be leading from the front on this issue yet seems to be in hiding today. Bad news poll or not, restoring the environment and habitat, and protecting our native animals should be more of a priority for this PM.”
Initial commitment of $50 million for emergency wildlife and habitat recovery
In response to the devastating bushfires the Federal Government is today making an initial investment of $50 million, as a down-payment to support the immediate work to protect wildlife, and work with scientists, ecologists, communities and land managers to plan the longer-term protection and restoration effort.
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said the Government’s focus was to support a coalition of groups to assist in the protection and restoration of our environment following the bushfires.
“This initial investment of $50 million into the protection and restoration of our wildlife and habitat is a critical step in creating a viable future for the animals that have survived,” the Treasurer said.
“As part of the Government’s support $25 million will be provided for an emergency intervention fund to be used on critical interventions where required and to help with the immediate survival of affected animals, plants and ecological communities and to control pests and weeds.
“A further $25 million will be made available to support wildlife rescue, our zoos, Natural Resource Management Groups, Greening Australia and Conservation Volunteers Australia with on the ground activities.
“This support will help provide much needed shelter and protection for our native animals and plants from feral predators and pests while local habitats are rehabilitated.”
The immediate priorities are to:
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said the Government’s focus was to support a coalition of groups to assist in the protection and restoration of our environment following the bushfires.
“This initial investment of $50 million into the protection and restoration of our wildlife and habitat is a critical step in creating a viable future for the animals that have survived,” the Treasurer said.
“As part of the Government’s support $25 million will be provided for an emergency intervention fund to be used on critical interventions where required and to help with the immediate survival of affected animals, plants and ecological communities and to control pests and weeds.
“A further $25 million will be made available to support wildlife rescue, our zoos, Natural Resource Management Groups, Greening Australia and Conservation Volunteers Australia with on the ground activities.
“This support will help provide much needed shelter and protection for our native animals and plants from feral predators and pests while local habitats are rehabilitated.”
The immediate priorities are to:
- Care for and rehabilitate injured wildlife, and secure viable populations of threatened species.
- Control feral predators, other pest animals and noxious weeds that are a major threat to vulnerable animals and plants at this time.
- Scientifically map and understand the true impact of these fires.
- Work with landowners to protect those precious remaining unburned areas, which will serve as ‘arks’ and allow our native plants and animals to recover.
At a local level, up to $25 million will be made available. This will include:
- Up to $7 million for Natural Resource Management groups in bushfire affected areas to carry out emergency interventions including control of feral predators, other pest animals and weeds, and habitat protection measures (such as fencing and nest boxes).
- Up to $7.5 million to support on-ground wildlife rescue, protection and care services and address emerging needs on the frontline.
- Up to $5 million for Greening Australia to increase supply of seed and native plants for revegetation.
- Up to $3 million for Taronga Zoo, Zoos South Australia and Zoos Victoria for treatment and the establishment of insurance populations. This is in addition to the $3 million supporting Queensland Koala Hospitals and the $3 million for Koala habitat restoration in northern NSW and south-east Queensland.
- Up to $2.5 million for Conservation Volunteers Australia to mobilise volunteers through a national coordination point.
The Government will coordinate with organisations across Australia to ensure the money goes where it is needed and complements the wave of generous private donations that has flowed in recent weeks.
At a national level, the Threatened Species Commissioner, Dr Sally Box, will Chair a panel of experts charged with advising the Federal Government on further immediate actions funded through the $25 million emergency intervention fund and in developing a long-term wildlife protection and habitat restoration plan. She will work closely with the National Bushfire Recovery Coordinator – Andrew Colvin.
This panel will include members from the Australian National University, University of Melbourne, Charles Darwin University, Charles Sturt University, Zoos Victoria, CSIRO the Australian Government’s Indigenous Advisory Committee and representatives from each state and territory.
Dr Box and the panel will:
- advise the Minister for the Environment on further critical interventions required to support the immediate survival of affected animals, plants and ecological communities and to control pests and weeds.
- assess and map the scale of the impacts of the bushfires on our environment and prioritise recovery efforts, which will inform development of a strategy for building populations of native plants and animals back up again and ensuring their resilience into the future.
Minister for the Environment Sussan Ley said it is still too early to know the full impact of these fires other than it is catastrophic.
“The environmental recovery effort requires collaboration between governments, environment organisations, scientists, farmers, communities, business, philanthropists and industry.
“This is an historic environmental challenge and we need to be guided by scientific experts in the field, by our national research bodies, the traditional owners who have managed this land over tens of thousands of years, our farmers whose passion and commitment to the land spans generations and our local communities.
“The resources and innovation of the private sector will also play a critical role in drawing this national effort together.
“A series of Ministerial roundtables comprising communities, farmers, environmental organisations, business and scientists will also be held and work closely with the expert panel.”
The long-term plan will set out clearly the direction we need to go, the actions to take and outcomes to be achieved to restore our fire-damaged environment. It will guide funding allocation by Government and ensure all sectors are working together.
Development heralds revival of Hunter St Mall
City of Newcastle has welcomed another milestone in the City’s revitalisation, with work beginning today on a major residential and retail development in Hunter Street Mall as part of Iris Capital’s $700 million East End project.
Bounded by Hunter, Wolfe, King and Thorn streets, the multi-storey stage two development will feature 116 residential apartments atop retail and commercial space in buildings standing between three and seven storeys tall.
Under the Hunter Street Newcastle East End Stage One Streetscape Plan, bluestone footpaths, cobblestone laneways and new outdoor eating and retail opportunities will add to the character of the Mall.
Similar to preservation work on the former David Jones building, which marked stage one of the East End development, Iris will retain the facades of the former Lyrique Theatre, Masonic Hall, Royal Exchange Hotel and Soul Pattinson Chemist buildings.
“The redevelopment of the Hunter Street Mall is now well and truly underway,” Newcastle Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said.
“The decision to start work on the second stage of the development before stage one is complete shows the confidence Iris has in the Newcastle market and will minimise overall disruption to Hunter Street Mall traders.
“Stages one and two of the East End development are game changers as they account for more than half of the Hunter Street Mall.
“I recall the disappointment in the city in 2010 when GPT walked away from its redevelopment.
“What was then a devastating blow to the city and its traders is now a distant memory, with Iris attracting blue chip retailers and a five-star hotel to the Mall.
“Woolworths’ fit out of a boutique grocery store will start in July, marking the first return of a major retailer since David Jones closed in 2011.
“The momentum of this development is unstoppable and provides hope for the mall traders that have done it so very tough for several decades since the rise of Westfield Kotara and Charlestown Square.
“A DA for a five-star hotel in the old David Jones building is likely to go to the Hunter & Central Coast Regional Planning Panel for determination in March, which will be the icing on the cake of the $700 million development.”
Iris Capital CEO Sam Arnaout said he was excited about restoring iconic Newcastle buildings as part of stage two.
“The East End has so many incredible buildings that have formed the fabric of the city and we are very proud to restore these and return them to their former glory,” he said.
“What once was the Lyrique Theatre will once again be a feature in the city’s architecture.
“A laneway linking Wolfe and Thorn streets will unveil the theatre like never before and will see it become a landmark in the East End.”
The project will also trigger capital works that are part of The Hunter Street Newcastle East End Stage One Streetscape Plan.
Under the Council-approved blueprint, bluestone footpaths, cobblestone laneways and new outdoor eating and retail opportunities will help re-invigorate two blocks bound by Perkins, Newcomen, King and Scott streets.
Including a separated two-way cycleway, new furnishings, street plantings and street art, the plan will revive the former commercial centre as a tourism, residential and hospitality hub.
“The streetscape plan is a very exciting plan for Newcastle, and has been brought forward to occur at the same time as the Iris development,” City of Newcastle Director of Infrastructure & Property Ken Liddell said.
“It supports the much-needed growth of residential development, boutique retail, hospitality and tourism in Newcastle.
“It will see Hunter Street revert to a traditional high street with kerb and guttering that better define usages and help attract more residents, students and visitors to the precinct.
“Avenue tree-planting, increased public seating and footpaths with distinctive finishes and historical interpretation will encourage more outdoor dining and create a whole new welcoming feel with vastly improved connections between the harbour foreshore and Cathedral Park.”
The plan will see the 40km/h speed limit for westbound motorists replace the current 10km/h limit, with parking retained along Hunter Street’s northern side, and a new accessible ramp in Market Street replace the Morgan Street laneway ramp.
Bounded by Hunter, Wolfe, King and Thorn streets, the multi-storey stage two development will feature 116 residential apartments atop retail and commercial space in buildings standing between three and seven storeys tall.
Under the Hunter Street Newcastle East End Stage One Streetscape Plan, bluestone footpaths, cobblestone laneways and new outdoor eating and retail opportunities will add to the character of the Mall.Similar to preservation work on the former David Jones building, which marked stage one of the East End development, Iris will retain the facades of the former Lyrique Theatre, Masonic Hall, Royal Exchange Hotel and Soul Pattinson Chemist buildings.
“The redevelopment of the Hunter Street Mall is now well and truly underway,” Newcastle Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said.
“The decision to start work on the second stage of the development before stage one is complete shows the confidence Iris has in the Newcastle market and will minimise overall disruption to Hunter Street Mall traders.
“Stages one and two of the East End development are game changers as they account for more than half of the Hunter Street Mall.
“I recall the disappointment in the city in 2010 when GPT walked away from its redevelopment.
“What was then a devastating blow to the city and its traders is now a distant memory, with Iris attracting blue chip retailers and a five-star hotel to the Mall.
“Woolworths’ fit out of a boutique grocery store will start in July, marking the first return of a major retailer since David Jones closed in 2011.
“The momentum of this development is unstoppable and provides hope for the mall traders that have done it so very tough for several decades since the rise of Westfield Kotara and Charlestown Square.
“A DA for a five-star hotel in the old David Jones building is likely to go to the Hunter & Central Coast Regional Planning Panel for determination in March, which will be the icing on the cake of the $700 million development.”
Iris Capital CEO Sam Arnaout said he was excited about restoring iconic Newcastle buildings as part of stage two.
“The East End has so many incredible buildings that have formed the fabric of the city and we are very proud to restore these and return them to their former glory,” he said.
“What once was the Lyrique Theatre will once again be a feature in the city’s architecture.
“A laneway linking Wolfe and Thorn streets will unveil the theatre like never before and will see it become a landmark in the East End.”
The project will also trigger capital works that are part of The Hunter Street Newcastle East End Stage One Streetscape Plan.
Under the Council-approved blueprint, bluestone footpaths, cobblestone laneways and new outdoor eating and retail opportunities will help re-invigorate two blocks bound by Perkins, Newcomen, King and Scott streets.
Including a separated two-way cycleway, new furnishings, street plantings and street art, the plan will revive the former commercial centre as a tourism, residential and hospitality hub.
“The streetscape plan is a very exciting plan for Newcastle, and has been brought forward to occur at the same time as the Iris development,” City of Newcastle Director of Infrastructure & Property Ken Liddell said.
“It supports the much-needed growth of residential development, boutique retail, hospitality and tourism in Newcastle.
“It will see Hunter Street revert to a traditional high street with kerb and guttering that better define usages and help attract more residents, students and visitors to the precinct.
“Avenue tree-planting, increased public seating and footpaths with distinctive finishes and historical interpretation will encourage more outdoor dining and create a whole new welcoming feel with vastly improved connections between the harbour foreshore and Cathedral Park.”
The plan will see the 40km/h speed limit for westbound motorists replace the current 10km/h limit, with parking retained along Hunter Street’s northern side, and a new accessible ramp in Market Street replace the Morgan Street laneway ramp.
Immediate mental health services deployed into fire affected communities
More mental health support services will be immediately provided to firefighters, emergency personnel, individuals and communities impacted by the ongoing bushfire disaster.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said an initial $76 million would fund free counselling sessions, extra Medicare and tele-health consultations, an expansion of headspace services for young Australians, and community recovery initiatives.
“These bushfires have been unprecedented in their scale, coverage and duration. They have caused tragic loss of life and physical damage, that have scarred our landscape. But as I have witnessed in connecting with people on the ground in fire affected communities, they have also taken a traumatic emotional toll on our people. We need to ensure the trauma and mental health needs of our people are supported in a way like we never have before ,” the Prime Minister said.
“Working together, we will continue to do whatever is needed to support those Australians affected and traumatised by these terrible bushfires by rebuilding communities and helping people in need to recover.”
Health Minister Greg Hunt said the funding was part of the Government’s comprehensive response to the bushfire crisis.
“I urge people to reach out, get the support they need and check in on loved ones,” Minister Hunt said.
“Our Government’s response will help assist with distress counselling and mental health support for individuals, families and communities, including frontline personnel, impacted by the ongoing bush fire emergency.”
Minister for Government Services Stuart Robert said Services Australia would put its shoulder to the wheel to help deliver this new level of support to Australians who need it.
“If you’re in a bushfire affected area I urge you to call 180 22 66. Staff are working extended hours and will continue to do so as long as necessary,” Minister Robert said.
Immediate distress and trauma support
$10.5 million will be provided to make up to 10 free counselling sessions immediately available for individuals, including emergency services personnel, who have been affected by the bushfires.
The sessions – offered at recovery centres, Service Australia centres, and existing local mental health centres in fire affected regions – will provide short-term distress support, social support, counselling and family based psychological interventions to help people through the immediate trauma and crisis.
A further $3.2 million investment will help deploy bushfire mental health response coordinators to fire affected areas.
Enhanced services through Medicare and Telehealth
To deliver longer-term support to those affected, $29.6 million will be provided for additional Medicare-supported psychological treatment sessions and expanded access to mental health care via telehealth.
Anyone who has been impacted by bushfires will be eligible to receive Medicare rebates for up to 10 psychological therapy sessions provided by GPs, psychologists, and other eligible mental health professionals.
These 10 sessions will be in addition to the 10 psychological therapy sessions currently available under Medicare.
To make it as simple and fast as possible to access the new items, individuals do not need to have a GP referral or mental health treatment plan, but can seek appointments directly with any eligible mental health professional.
In addition, the Better Access via Telehealth Initiative will be expanded, which will allow people in rural and remote areas affected by bushfires to receive Medicare rebated counselling and psychological support through video telehealth services. This will also allow eligible GPs to deliver mental health and wellbeing support via telehealth.
The new Bushfire Recovery and telehealth Medicare items will apply to all Australians, including children, young people, adults, seniors, and frontline emergency personnel who were residents of, working in, or visiting a bushfire affected region.
The items will be available at the end of this week, be in place for the next two years and will ensure that people impacted by the fires are able to receive more intensive services, particularly over the next three to six months when trauma is more likely to manifest. Individuals are also encouraged to use existing tele-psychiatry services where needed.
Child and youth mental health
We recognise that young Australians may be particularly vulnerable and to assist with managing any increased demand for headspace services, headspace sites significantly impacted by fire will also each be provided with up to an additional $300,000 to ensure that young people can get support when they need it.
Given the particularly devastating impact of the bushfires on the New South Wales South Coast, the Government will also expand the planned Bateman’s Bay headspace site and expedite funding of $4.4 million over five years to ensure the centre is up and running by the end of the year.
Support for Emergency Service Personnel
Emergency services workers and their families often face the most confronting situations. To ensure they have extensive and ongoing support, we will provide $16 million for specialist organisations to provide them with trauma care services.
This funding will ensure that workers and their families are receiving more intensive support that might be necessary to prevent and treat the effects of trauma, including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), both now and after the immediate fire threat has passed.
We will also provide $1 million for training for front line emergency service personnel in trauma-informed care and psychological first aid. This includes training for doctors, pharmacists, and health professionals who are often the first people that communities turn to for support.
An additional $1 million will also be provided for training of staff in organisations that manage front line emergency personnel, in order to help them identify and assist emergency personnel who may be at risk.
Community recovery and coordination
The Government recognises that communities will need support to recover and rebuild, and that they often know what is best to support their wellbeing. To assist them, we will be providing $6.9 million for community wellbeing grants and further funding for locally tailored mental health services through Primary Health Networks (PHNs).
These grants will help communities organise wellbeing and recovery activities. Communities will be able to apply for these grants through their local PHNs, which will also receive funding to facilitate these activities and deliver additional mental health resources specific to the needs of each local community.
This comprehensive response, developed in consultation with key experts, acknowledges and supports individuals, families, frontline personnel, and communities during different stages of recovery. It reinforces our Government’s strong commitment to better mental health for all Australians and will complement the existing investment of $5.2 billion in mental health and suicide prevention services this financial year.
Contacts for support
Immediate distress and trauma support – Individuals can contact Services Australia on 180 22 66 [CN1] or their local Primary Health Network (PHN) (found at www.health.gov.au/phn) to locate and access these sessions.
In addition, anyone experiencing distress as a result of these events can seek immediate advice and support through Lifeline (13 11 14), Beyond Blue (1300 224 636), the Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800), or the Government’s digital mental health portal, Head to Health (www.headtohealth.gov.au).
Mental Health Support through Medicare – Individuals should contact their GP or eligible mental health professional to access these services. GP’s or other health professionals seeking advice should visit www.humanservices.gov.au or call 132 150.
headspace – Local headspace services can be found at: https://headspace.org.au/headspace-centres/. For young people unable to attend a headspace centre, eheadspace is available online at www.headspace.org.au or via telephone at 1800 650 890.