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PROVIDER SELECTED FOR BUNDABERG MEDICARE URGENT CARE CLINIC

The Albanese Government is delivering on its commitment to Bundaberg locals with a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic (Medicare UCC) provider selected following an Expression of Interest process.

The Indigenous Wellbeing Centre on Barolin Street in Walkervale will be established as the Bundaberg Medicare UCC and will start seeing patients from late November 2023.

The Bundaberg Medicare UCC will deliver on the Australian Government’s commitment to make it easier for people in Queensland to get the urgent treatment they need – from highly qualified doctors and nurses – while taking pressure off the nearby Bundaberg Hospital.

The Medicare UCC will be open for extended hours, 7 days a week, and offer walk-in care that is fully bulk billed for everyone.

Over 41 per cent of presentations to the Bundaberg Hospital are for non-urgent or semi-urgent care.

The Bundaberg clinic is one of 11 Medicare UCCs being established across Queensland – located in Cairns, Gold Coast, Ipswich, Logan, Northern Brisbane, Murrumba Downs, Rockhampton, Southern Brisbane, Toowoomba and Townsville. The Australian Government will continue to work closely with Primary Health Networks and the Queensland Government to deliver the remaining Medicare UCCs, all of which will open this year.

Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“All around Bundaberg and the surrounding areas, when Queenslanders need urgent care that isn’t life threatening – the Bundaberg Medicare UCC in Walkerville will be here to help.

“Prior to the election last year, we committed to rolling out 50 new Urgent Care Clinics across the country.

When we complete our rollout – we’ll have exceeded our target and there’ll be 58 centres giving Australians urgent care, taking pressure off emergency departments all over the country.”

Minister Butler said:

“The Bundaberg Medicare UCC will make a big difference to patients in the region who will be able to walk in seven days a week and get free urgent care from a nurse or a doctor.

“The clinic will ease pressure on Bundaberg Hospital, so that its hard-working doctors and nurses can focus higher priority emergencies.

“The Bundaberg Medicare UCC is just another way the Government is strengthening Medicare and making it easier to see a doctor.”

Minister Fentiman said:

“We know that our state is experiencing exponential growth, and it’s great to see the Albanese Government providing free healthcare options for Queenslanders.

“Urgent Care Clinics are designed to take pressures off our health system and GPs by being an accessible and community-based alternative to busy hospitals.

“I’m thrilled that the Bundaberg community who will soon have this wonderful clinic open and available for their urgent health needs.”

Assistant Minister Chisholm said:

“This new Medicare UCC will offer high-quality care for residents in the Bundaberg region who need to see a medical professional for a health issue that is urgent and requires treatment but is not life-threatening and doesn’t require attending the emergency department.

“The Bundaberg Medicare UCC will ease pressure on emergency departments and offer more convenient care for the local community – closer to home, at short notice, and free under Medicare.

“As the Wide Bay Burnett region continues to grow, that means more demand for local hospitals. Our government is committed to delivering the health services that regional Queensland needs to improve waiting times and protect lives.

“This is another example of the Albanese Labor Government delivering for Queensland’s rapidly growing regions.”

BUNDABERG BREWED DRINKS’ REFRESH AND JOBS BOOM

The global success of Bundaberg Brewed Drinks is set to continue as the business’s new super brewery is opened in Bundaberg today.

The new facility will allow for increased production of the brand’s iconic ginger beer and other soft drinks, further ensuring the company’s growth for many years to come.

The $152.4 million facility took two years to construct and includes an innovation centre, large storage and cold room facilities, a laboratory as well as manufacturing and processing equipment.

The Australian Government provided $19 million, Bundaberg Brewed Drinks provided $133.4 million and the Queensland Government provided $575,800 towards the super brewery.

The project supported more than 850 jobs during construction and has created more than 600 ongoing jobs in the region, ensuring production stays in Bundaberg.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“I’m not sure there’s a more Australian way to cool down in summer than ripping off the top of a Bundaberg Ginger beer.

“But this isn’t just about supporting an iconic Australian brand – it’s an investment of $19 million from the Federal Government in jobs for the Wide Bay Burnett region.

“More than 850 jobs in the construction phase of the super brewery and more than 600 ongoing jobs in the region with this new facility which has an innovation centre, large storage and cold room facilities, a laboratory as well as manufacturing and processing equipment.

“My Government backs Australian manufacturing, we back jobs in the regions, and we back the innovation and success of Queenslanders at every turn.”

Assistant Minister Anthony Chisholm said:

“We see backing businesses like Bundaberg Brewed Drinks, as integral to the Albanese Government’s agenda when it comes to strengthening local manufacturing.

“Bundaberg Brewed Drinks’ iconic ginger beer and other soft drinks are doing a roaring trade, and are the perfect example of how investment in Queensland’s regional economy provides benefits that extend well beyond the Wide Bay Burnett region.

“In addition to ensuring production remains in Bundaberg, the new brewery will benefit local suppliers, farmers and other direct and indirect affiliates of Bundaberg Brewed Drinks. The super brewery will also support global market growth, while improving operational capabilities by increasing annual production.

“This is yet another demonstration of the Australian Government supporting transformational projects that unlock long-term economic growth and regional jobs.”

Man charged over the murder of Zachery Davies-Scott in the Hunter Region

Homicide Detectives have charged a man following an investigation into a home invasion and fatal shooting in the Hunter Region last year.

About 10.50pm on Tuesday 27 December 2022, emergency services were called to Traders Way at Heddon Greta – about 20km east of Cessnock – following reports a man had been shot.

NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the man; however, he died at the scene.

He has since been identified as 25-year-old Zachery ‘Zac’ Davies-Scott, known to many in the area as ‘Donnie’.

State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad took carriage of the investigation under Strike Force Roslyn, with assistance provided from officers attached to the Hunter Valley Police District and Northern Region.

Police were told a group of people allegedly forced entry to the Heddon Greta home before Mr Davies-Scott was fatally shot in what is believed to be a home invasion gone wrong.

A 52-year-old woman also sustained minor injuries attempting to fight off the alleged attackers.

Other family members home at the time – including two children, aged 2 and 4, and Mr Davies-Scott’s pregnant partner – witnessed the incident, but were uninjured.

The group allegedly left the scene in a white SUV that was seen travelling on Main Road, Heddon Greta, shortly after the incident.

In February 2023, strike force detectives seized a white 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander from a street in Boolaroo near Newcastle.

Following further extensive inquiries, about 6am today (Tuesday 31 October 2023), strike force detectives executed a search warrant in Boomerang Beach – about 20km south of Forster – where they arrested a 25-year-old man.

He was taken to Forster Police Station, where was charged with murder.

The man was refused bail to appear before Taree Local Court today.

Investigations under Strike Force Roslyn are continuing.

City of Newcastle invests in the next wave of trainee lifeguards

With predictions of a scorching summer, City of Newcastle (CN) is calling for new high school-aged trainee lifeguards to patrol Newcastle’s iconic beaches and baths.

For a third year running, CN is investing in upskilling Hunter Surf Lifesavers under the Trainee Lifeguard program.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said it is important CN continues to support valuable career experiences and enhance surf lifesaving skills across diverse cohorts.

Cr-Peta-Winney-Baartz-with-CN-Beach-lifeguards-on-Dixon-Beach.JPG

“Newcastle beaches attract more than one million swimmers and sun-seekers to our picturesque coastline each year, so it is vital we invest in keeping our visitors safe,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Our Trainee Lifeguard Program offers successful applicants three weekday shifts of up to 24 hours per week throughout the summer school holidays, and invaluable mentorship from our professional lifeguards.

“The six-week program offers trainees the ability to shadow our lifeguards, supporting the wellbeing and safety of the community so they can safely enjoy the City’s beaches and ocean baths.”

Since CN launched the program in 2021, the traineeship has helped kickstart the careers of nine lifeguards, who are now regularly patrolling our beaches during the summer months.

Lily Forbes, who undertook the traineeship in 2021/22 and commenced working as a casual lifeguard for City of Newcastle last season, said the program provided her with great insight and experience into being a beach lifeguard.

“The traineeship allowed me to learn the ins and outs of the job from the most experienced lifeguards. It offered me first aid qualifications, knowledge of beach geography and strengthened my interpersonal skills,” Ms Forbes said.

“I would encourage school-aged individuals to apply for this opportunity. Being a lifeguard is exciting, every day is unique, the environment is friendly and supportive, it’s flexible around studies and you get to spend the summer on Newcastle beaches.”

City of Newcastle lifeguard Dan Collins said the program is the perfect way to foster and develop new lifeguards here in Newcastle.

“Working alongside lifeguards, trainees utilise skills in customer experience, problem solving and team work to keep our community safe. The traineeship is an incredible opportunity for young people to gain valuable skills in a supported environment for a career in lifeguarding or any other industry they may work in later in life,” Mr Collins said.

“The opportunity to have these trainees as part of our team and see their development across the six-week program is awesome. To see trainees return as team members in the following years goes to show how effective this traineeship is in developing lifeguards here in Newcastle.”

Applications close on Sunday 5 November, with successful trainees beginning the program on 18 December.

Visit City of Newcastle’s Employment Opportunities webpage for more information.

City of Newcastle prioritises infrastructure investment and budget responsibility

`City of Newcastle (CN)’s 2022-23 financial statements confirms the delivery of a record $117.8 million in key infrastructure projects across the city, following on from $100.6 million spent the year prior.

Major projects delivered include more than $12.4 million invested in road resurfacing, $10.8 million in improvements to local pools and aquatic facilities, $7.4 million in stormwater upgrades, $3.2 million on coast, estuary and wetland projects including Stockton erosion management, $1.8 million on new street and park trees, $1.4 million on new footpaths and $1 million on cycleway improvements.

The financial statements underscore CN’s commitment to fiscal responsibility, wrestling in a modest surplus of $7.8 million for the city, following three years where it was required to draw down on its savings to support the local community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle’s strong financial performance was to be congratulated and reflected prudent financial management.

“City of Newcastle’s 2022/23 financial year results reflect prudent financial controls to deliver essential services and undertake a record infrastructure works program for the city, boosting its investment in essential community infrastructure,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Our financial statements confirm the ongoing support provided to members of our community facing hardship, including our direct investment in new social housing, our Grants and Sponsorship Program, pensioner rebate, and access to financial planning and counselling services.

“We know how important essential community infrastructure like recreation facilities are to Novocastrians and CN is proud to deliver new parks and sporting facilities such as Wallsend Active Hub and continue with projects like the revitalisation of Bathers Way, Newcastle Ocean Baths and Newcastle Art Gallery’s expansion.”

The financial statements confirm the City’s continued commitment to renewing and maintaining ageing assets. In 2022/23, CN invested $30.2 million in asset maintenance, exceeding the required amount by $5 million.

The Council remains a net contributor to the NSW and Commonwealth Governments, paying $45.12 million in taxes and levies, while receiving $44.7 million in State and Commonwealth Grants.

City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said the City had delivered on his promise to return to a modest operating surplus without compromising its service levels or community commitments.

“Our financial statements align with every financial key performance benchmark set by the Office of Local Government, demonstrating the City’s fiscal responsibility and effective management,” Mr Bath said.

“City of Newcastle has delivered a record infrastructure program that helped stimulate the local economy and create new employment opportunities while overcoming inflationary pressures, La Nina weather events and ongoing challenges as a result of the pandemic impacting the construction industry.

“Our last three Budgets were put under significant strain to address the economic impacts of COVID-19. Still, we managed to accelerate infrastructure delivery to keep 700 Novocastrians in jobs through the pandemic. This move was made possible by CN’s strong financial position, with a legacy of delivering six consecutive operating surpluses prior to the pandemic.

“With net assets of $2.09 billion, our financial statements confirm that the City remains in a strong financial position.”

War Memorials across the state in line for a facelift

Thirteen war memorials across the state will share in $124,239 of funding under Round 1 of the NSW Government’s Community War Memorials Fund.

The NSW Government established the Community War Memorials Fund in 2008 to help conserve, repair and protect war memorials across NSW. Applications opened on Anzac Day and closed on Tuesday 25 July. 

There are more than 3700 war memorials in NSW many of which provide a place for people to gather and remember those who have served from their local community.  

Funds will be awarded directly to local councils, schools and community organisations in 10 electorates spanning metropolitan and regional areas including:

  • $10,000 to Bellingen Shire Council for conservation work to the Urunga War Memorial
  • $10,000 for the Christ Church War Memorial Gates in Gladesville
  • $10,000 to Coolah District Development Group Inc for conservation work to the Coolah War Memorial School of Arts.

Since the establishment of the program in 2008, grants have been provided for a wide range of projects including condition assessments, honour roll repair, war memorial cleaning and conservation work, arborist advice for war memorial trees, security measures for memorials, repairs to war memorial halls and improvements to the accessibility of memorials.

Round 2 of the program opens on Remembrance Day, Saturday 11 November 2023.

For more information and details of the fund go to the Veterans Affairs website.launch

Minister for Veterans, David Harris said:

“Our communities are proud of their military history, and local war memorials are a vital part of our culture enabling us to reflect on over 100 years of our veterans’ service and sacrifice.

“It is wonderful to announce this funding, which will be used to give our war memorials much-needed attention so they can continue to honour our veterans who have served our community.

“I encourage all communities to review the status of their local war memorials and to apply for funding for eligible conservation work that is needed, after Remembrance Day.”

Mayor of Bellingen Shire Council, Councillor Steve Allan said:

“Thank you to the NSW Government for this funding which will go towards the staged restoration of the Urunga War Memorial.

“Cenotaphs own unique values and hold space to the importance of the history of regional areas both as a community and for individual families.

“They remind us of the sacrifices made by earlier generations to protect the freedoms we enjoy today. Council is pleased to be able to undertake conservation works to help protect this memorial for years to come.”

Jeremy King from the Anglican Parish of Gladesville said:

The Christ Church War Memorial Gates in Gladesville will also benefit from conservation work. Mr Jeremy King from the Anglican Parish of Gladesville acknowledged the benefits to the memorial thanks to the funding.

“This funding will help preserve and restore the memorial gates, a significant historical feature of the Gladesville streetscape and a tribute to those who served in the First World War.”

Round 1 of the Community War Memorials Fund 2023-2024

Organisation nameProject descriptionAmount funded
Anglican Church Property Trust Diocese of SydneyChrist Church War Memorial Gates, Gladesville$10,000
Barkers Vale Public SchoolBarkers Vale District War Memorial$9450
Bellingen Shire CouncilUrunga War Memorial$10,000
Blayney Shire CouncilMillthorpe War Memorial Gates$8921
Blue Mountains City CouncilWentworth Falls War Memorial$4950
Coolah District Development Group IncCoolah War Memorial School of Arts$10,000
Mallanganee Hall Public Land ManagerMallanganee Memorial Hall$9979
Northlakes High SchoolNorthlakes High School War Memorial$3500
Shoalhaven City CouncilNowra Soldiers Memorial$8107
Shoalhaven City CouncilNowra Mafeking Boer War Memorial$11,627
Shoalhaven City CouncilKangaroo Valley Soldiers Memorial$15,000
Shoalhaven City CouncilBerry War Memorial$14,905
Tocumwal War Memorial HallTocumwal War Memorial Hall$7800

New Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner appointed

NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib has appointed a new commissioner, Jeremy Fewtrell, to lead Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW).

FRNSW provides rapid response to fire, rescue and other emergencies across NSW, with roughly 7000 full-time and on-call firefighters operating from a network of 335 fire stations.

Commissioner Fewtrell joined FRNSW in 1997 as a firefighter, spending 17 years in frontline crew, station officer and inspector roles. After working in metropolitan and regional units, he progressed to management roles in 2014 and most recently served as Deputy Commissioner of Field Operations.

He oversaw the FRNSW emergency response to major incidents such as the recent Surry Hills warehouse fire and the Greta bus crash, and played a key leadership role in major disasters such as the 2019–2020 Black Summer bushfires and the 2022 floods.

Along with his extensive operational and leadership experience, Mr Fewtrell also holds a Master of Business Administration.

The appointment follows a competitive recruitment process undertaken by the Department of Communities and Justice. Mr Fewtrell will take up his role as Commissioner from today.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“I am pleased to announce Jeremy Fewtrell will be the new Commissioner of Fire and Rescue NSW.

“Jeremy is a highly accomplished emergency services leader who has dedicated his career to keeping the people of NSW safe with a quarter of a century of service at Fire and Rescue NSW.

“He has shown his leadership and management abilities time and again, both in high-pressure scenarios and in peacetime, and has proven he is ready to take the helm of this critical first response agency.

“I look forward to working with the new Commissioner closely to deliver on the Minns government’s commitment to ensure this vital service is strong and sustainable into the future.”

Commissioner for Fire and Rescue NSW Jeremy Fewtrell said:

“Fire and Rescue NSW has a proud history of serving the community for 140 years.

“It is an honour, a privilege, and a dream come true to be selected as its next Commissioner.

“My priority as Commissioner is to ensure FRNSW continues to deliver exceptional prevention and emergency response services to the NSW community.

“Every 4 minutes, a FRNSW truck is rolling out the door to an emergency.

“My intention and direction is to ensure those men and women are supported with the best training, equipment and systems from across our organisation to ensure we can deliver on our mission to protect the irreplaceable in the community, whenever and wherever we are needed.”

NSW Government green light for $320 million Western Sydney metal coating facility

The NSW Government is continuing to take steps to increase housing supply across NSW as well as boost local domestic manufacturing jobs with approval being granted for the development of an additional BlueScope Steel factory in Western Sydney.

The development of this factory will firm up the supply of BlueScope steel products for the building and construction industry.

With construction completion slated for 2025, the facility is expected to produce approximately 240,000 new Colorbond steel rooftops per year, or 80,000 new steel house frames.

This approval will not only boost housing supply by firming up supply of BlueScope steel products for the building and construction industry, it will also boost the local economy.

The Western Sydney community is set to benefit from more than 300 new job opportunities, with 43 ongoing jobs at the plant. Approximately 258 jobs will be created during the construction process.

With private investment of $320 million, the factory will be built at the existing BlueScope Western Sydney Service Centre on Templar Road, Erskine Park.

For more information visit the BlueScope Erskine Park Metal Coating Line 7 websitelaunch.

Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:

“This is exactly the kind of innovation we want to see in NSW.

“Not only will this factory boost our states domestic manufacturing capability, it will also provide vital materials as we boost housing supply.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“This planning approval signifies another step in the right direction for supporting increased housing supply and economic growth.

“The project is a major $320 million investment into the future of domestic steelmaking and will play an important role in supporting housing and infrastructure projects.

“It’s a vote of confidence in NSW, helping to meet current and future demand for the sector, providing the locally sourced materials we need to build homes, hospitals, renewable energy and transport infrastructure.

“The demand will be met with a higher volume of materials able to be sent from Port Kembla to the new factory, which is being built on the existing BlueScope site.” 

Minister for Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement Courtney Houssos said: 

“After 12 years of neglect by the previous Liberal-National Government, the Minns Labor Government is committed to rebuilding our domestic manufacturing industry.

“This project will create good, well-paid jobs in Western Sydney, with the important multiplier effects they bring.”

BlueScope’s Chief Executive Australian Steel Products Tania Archibald said:

“The NSW Planning Minister’s decision to provide planning approval for this State Significant Project will allow BlueScope to progress the construction of a new, state-of-the-art, metal coating line, the first to be built in over 30 years. 

“Construction of the manufacturing facility will allow BlueScope to better meet the growing demand for steel building and construction products, in particular TRUECORE® steel for light gauge steel framing and feed for the company’s iconic COLORBOND® steel products for roofing and walling applications.

“Our plan is to have the plant commissioned and operational by the end of 2025.”

GREENS CONDEMN ISRAEL’S GROUND INVASION OF GAZA, CONDEMN LABOR’S FAILURE TO VOTE FOR CEASEFIRE

The Greens have reiterated their calls for a ceasefire and condemned Australia’s failure to vote for a humanitarian ceasefire at the UN General Assembly as Israel’s ground assault commences in Palestine.

Greens Leader Adam Bandt said:

“The Greens condemn Israel’s ground invasion of Gaza, which will lead to a humanitarian catastrophe, and we repeat our call for a ceasefire.

“Yesterday, Labor failed to vote with most of the world for a ceasefire at the UN General Assembly.

“Labor cannot wash its hands of what happens now.

“By failing to back a ceasefire and continuing to approve defence exports to Israel, Labor shares responsibility for the unfolding catastrophe in Gaza.

“Labor has backed Israel’s military cutting off communications for civilians, aid workers and journalists, plunging Gaza into darkness and hiding the horror of what happens next.

“Instead of working hand in glove with the US, Labor should be using Australia’s diplomatic pressure to demand an immediate ceasefire and an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestine so that Israelis and Palestinians can have a just and lasting peace.”

Support for Vanuatu in response to Tropical Cyclone Lola

The Australian Government will provide an initial $800,000 to support the Government of Vanuatu’s immediate response to Tropical Cyclone Lola, and is liaising closely with the Government of Solomon Islands on its needs following the cyclone.

The package will provide essential items for impacted communities, including shelter and water purification supplies, in line with the Government of Vanuatu’s priorities.

Funding will also support the Australian Humanitarian Partnership (AHP) with leading Australian NGOs, to deliver additional essential, targeted and effective humanitarian assistance to local communities impacted by the cyclone.

This builds on Australia’s ongoing support to Pacific communities and governments, to better prepare for and respond to disasters, including through the AHP Disaster READY program.

The Royal Australian Air Force has supported Vanuatu and Solomon Islands with aerial assessments of the damage caused by the cyclone and will assist with the delivery of humanitarian relief supplies.

Australia is also working closely with France and New Zealand through the FRANZ humanitarian coordination mechanism, which coordinates support from the three partners at the request of Pacific partners.

Australia is a reliable and steadfast partner to countries in the Pacific in times of need. Australia will continue to provide support to the governments and people of Vanuatu and Solomon Islands, as required, to recover and rebuild.

Foreign Minister, the Hon Senator Penny Wong said:

“Our thoughts are with the people living in communities impacted by Tropical Cyclone Lola. For Vanuatu, this is the third Tropical Cyclone they’ve experienced this year.

“In times of crisis, the people and the Governments in the Pacific can always rely on Australia, as a member of the Pacific family, to support their response.”

Minister for International Development and the Pacific, the Hon Pat Conroy MP said:

“Australia is proud to be a longstanding partner in the Pacific at times such as this. We know it’s crucial to move quickly to help our partners respond, to minimise the long-term impacts.

“Working closely with partners through mechanisms like the Australian Humanitarian Partnership and the FRANZ arrangement ensures our efforts are well coordinated and deliver support efficiently to those most in need.”