admin – Page 620

Bumper October delivers trading hours bonanza for fans and pubs and clubs

Pubs and clubs’ patrons will be the big winners during October thanks to the NSW Government extending trading hours for venues that televise and support major upcoming sporting and cultural events.

A series of special event extended trading nights kicked off on the long weekend and will continue through until the Rugby World Cup final on 29 October.

Special event extended trading hours are made available under the Liquor Act 2007 for events that are of “regional, state or national significance.”

Extended trading does not apply to takeaway alcohol trading times and individual trading restrictions and other special conditions on a venue’s liquor licence remain in force.

Additional extended trading hours for 2023:

Event	Extension
Bathurst 1000	10pm to midnight, 8 October for venues in the Bathurst LGA (specifically Abercrombie, Bathurst, Eglinton, Kelso, Llanarth, Mitchell, Mount Panorama, Orton Park, Perthville, Raglan, South Bathurst, West Bathurst and Windradyne)
Rugby World Cup 2023—Quarter-Final 1	Midnight to 5am, 14 October to 15 October, statewide
Rugby World Cup 2023—Quarter-Final 2	5am to 8am, 15 October, statewide
South by Southwest Sydney	10pm to midnight, 15 October for venues in Sydney and The Rocks in the City of Sydney LGA
Rugby World Cup 2023— Quarter-Final 3	Midnight to 5am, 15 October to 16 October, statewide
Rugby World Cup 2023—Semi-Final 2	5am to 10am, 22 October, statewide
South by Southwest Sydney	10pm to midnight, 22 October for hotel or club premises in Sydney and The Rocks (City of Sydney LGA)
Rugby World Cup 2023—Final	5am to 10am, 29 October, statewide

More information on extended tradinglaunch.

More information about South by Southwest Sydneylaunch.

Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy Jonh Graham said:

“These big events, whether they are major televised sporting and motor racing fixtures or the first ever South by Southwest festival to be held in Sydney, are bringing people together and of course we want to support that as part of returning vibrancy to NSW.

“Local venues get a much-needed boost in numbers out of this and in turn boost their local and night-time economies.

“I’m very pleased that people attending South by Southwest will have the chance to see Sydney at its best after dark, with more venues able to open later as people walk between shows and venues soaking up the music, the ideas and the culture of an event being held for the first time outside its home city of Texas.”

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:

“This October is going to be huge for sporting and cultural events in NSW and we want to support fans and venues to enjoy a piece of the action.

“Our bumper October of extended trading kicked off with the NRL Grand Final. It was a huge success, with patrons able to celebrate for longer than usual after the final whistle at the same venues where they had been cheering on their favourite teams.

“I look forward to NSW sports fans being able to enjoy extended trading hours at their favourite venues as they watch the rest of this month’s big sporting events, including the Rugby World Cup and the Bathurst 1000.

“What’s more, audiences attending the wide mix of technology, music, film and cultural events on opening and closing nights of SXSW Sydney can continue the celebration with hotels and clubs in the City of Sydney LGA open until midnight.”

Fire and Rescue NSW works with multicultural communities to deliver key fire safety messages

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is continuing to work with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities to deliver key home fire safety messages as the weather warms up.

FRNSW attended the Canterbury-Bankstown Safety Expo today, with firefighters from Arabic, Greek and Vietnamese backgrounds spending time with locals to discuss fire safety in their native language.

More than 27% of NSW residents were born overseas, and 1 in 3 households speaks a language other than English.

Engaging CALD communities through education initiatives is an important way FRNSW is preparing residents for any emergency, helping overcome knowledge and awareness barriers that might put these communities at risk of home fires.

While fires are more likely to occur during winter, the risk remains year-round with working smoke alarms and cooking safety perennial concerns for firefighters.

As the weather warms up, residents living near bush and grass land are urged to be aware of the fire risk in their area and to heed the advice and warnings of authorities.

Barbecue use is more popular during warmer months, but it carries a heightened risk on hot days and residents are urged to observe limitations on barbecue use during total fire ban days.

Translated fire safety fact sheets and videos are available in several languages on the Fire and Rescue NSW websitelaunch where you can also book in a free home safety visit from your local station.

Minister for Emergency Services and Member for Bankstown Jihad Dib said:

“I can’t stress enough the importance of creating consistent messaging for people from all backgrounds.”

“Bankstown is home to people of diverse languages and backgrounds, and finding a way to reach communities in a way that is familiar to them is incredibly important.”

“I commend FRNSW for recognising this as an outreach opportunity.”

Fire and Rescue NSW Assistant Commissioner Paul McGuiggan said:

“As an organisation we are fully committed to connecting to, and working with, multicultural communities to help prepare them for any emergency.”

“Explaining fire safety messaging in a way that simplifies the language used and the understanding of potential outcomes is crucial.”

“We need to make sure we are able to educate people from different backgrounds, in the language and concepts that make sense.”

The alternative vision to a divisive ‘Voice’

What are the alternatives to a Voice, and why hasn’t a vision of a united Australia been canvassed by leaders other than One Nation?

Let’s explore a vision that draws from the wisdom of our past while looking toward the future.

Our beautiful land is a canvas painted with the stories of both Aboriginals and those who came after. It’s a narrative of unity, struggles, and perseverance. We are one mob, not divided among races.

That’s a vision we would love to instill in our nation. Unity. A vision where all those who want to be a part of our Aussie culture can join if they respect who we are, and where we have come from.

Think of our country as a grand old tree, its roots deep in history, its branches reaching out to every Australian. Every leaf represents each one of us — unique yet part of the same tree. Every decision made at the top impacts the whole tree, right down to the deepest root.

Farmers are the best custodians of their land, and any farmer will tell you what you do to interfere with one branch or leaf has an impact on the whole tree.

Our founders envisioned a nation where decisions were made in unity. A land where every voice, whether from the busy cities or the vast outback, mattered equally. While we acknowledge the connection the Aboriginals have with this land, we must also ensure that in our quest to do right by one group, we don’t inadvertently silence others.

Imagine a grand assembly, a gathering of minds, where every Australian has a seat. From the young to the elderly, from the Indigenous to the immigrant. All with their stories, hopes, and dreams. While we listen to the songlines of our Aboriginal friends, we must also hear the dreams of a farmer in Geelong, the aspirations of a teacher in Perth, or the challenges faced by a business owner in Cairns.

Our grand assembly is Parliament, where members debate, discuss and hopefully listen. Where many Aboriginal folk, people from many races, and both genders are represented.

We must move forward with respect and understanding after the referendum is finished, cherishing our foundation while paving the way for an inclusive future based on us all being equal. Australia’s strength doesn’t come from sidelining any group but from uniting our diverse voices in harmony.

We need to ensure that the harmony of the Australian chorus isn’t disrupted. They believed in an Australia where tradition met progression seamlessly, ensuring a brighter future for all.

Man in Newcastle court on 45 charges

A man is due in Newcastle court today charged with 45 offences after allegedly exposing himself to school children.

Officers from Newcastle City Police District established Strike Force Fitzwater to investigate multiple reports of a man exposing his genitals to children in the Merewether and Cooks Hill area.

As part of inquiries, detectives were patrolling the Cooks Hill area yesterday (Friday 6 October 2023), when they followed a vehicle to Robey Street, Merewether, and arrested the 65-year-old driver.

The man was taken to Newcastle Police Station where he has now been charged with 45 offences,

Intentionally do sexual act towards child between 10 to 16 years (21 counts)
Stalk person intent to cause physical or mental harm (22 counts)
Intentionally sexually touch child 10 years or older and under 16 years, and
Carry out sexual act with another without consent.
He has been refused bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court today (Saturday 7 October 2023).

A number of items have been seized for further examination from both the vehicle and a home in the Newcastle area.

LABOR OFFERS LIBERAL SOLUTIONS TO IMMIGRATION CRISIS

Labor’s approach to Australia’s immigration system is too similar to the Liberal Party and leading to the same disastrous human rights outcomes.

“Secret transfers of people seeking asylum to Nauru is a disgraceful continuation of the last government’s war on refugees,” Greens Immigration Spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said.

“They need to explain why they are exiling people to Nauru instead of ending the barbaric practice of offshore detention immediately.”

“Labor’s approach to asylum seekers is so flawed it may as well have been designed by Scott Morrison or Peter Dutton.”

“This Government was elected on a platform of change, not just to offer the same rubbish in a different bin.”

“The Nixon Report identified the massive delays in asylum seeker resolution – that needs to be addressed by actually investing resources into resolving claims quickly and fairly.”

“It also needs to be addressed by restoring massive cuts the Status Resolution Support Services, as Labor promised to do.”

“Labor should rule out using the Nixon report to remove people’s rights, ditch the Dutton law and order rhetoric and concentrate on making the visa processing system faster and fairer.”

SENATE INQUIRY EXPOSES AUSTRALIAN ANTARCTIC DIVISION IN TURMOIL

Senate inquiry hearings into Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) funding mismanagement have exposed the Division is in turmoil.

A staggering level of incompetence in the Division’s governance has been identified, resulting in harrowing impacts on science staff and capabilities.

Damning evidence to the committee over the past two days includes:

Revelations of a $42 million AAD budget overspend with an admission from the AAD of “ongoing issues with Budget transparency”, resulting in cost cutting and budget restraints that have impacted the delivery of science in the Antarctic.
Distress from AAD staff who “dread” coming into the office and face extreme stress in “a hostile work environment where there is bullying and where funding is uncertain”.
Frustration from UTAS and other scientists that no field work has been conducted in Antarctica investigating critical marginal sea ice movements for over a decade.
Alarm from CPSU delegates and members about a “culture of secrecy”, project funding being used as a bullying tactic, and “at least half a dozen” current AAD employees who had felt pressured not to give evidence.
Incredulity expressed by TasPorts on why the government didn’t listen to warnings dating back to 2018 that its $528m ice-breaking research ship – RSV Nuyina – which resupplies Australia’s three Antarctic stations and conducts crucial climate research was too big to safely pass underneath Hobart’s bridge to refuel.

The inquiry was initiated following the Albanese Government’s failure to set the record straight and address rising fears about what science programs will be axed as a result of a $25 million cut the AAD’s operating budget..

Greens spokesperson for healthy oceans, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson said:

“We knew going into this inquiry that certain matters relating to the AAD’s governance were dysfunctional, but I never could have imagined just how toxic the situation had become – especially for our nation’s Antarctic scientists.

“The AAD self-identified a shocking $42 million overspend and ongoing issues with budget transparency – and whether or not the Division likes to admit it, this has resulted in budget restraints that have impacted Australia’s delivery of critical science programs in the Antarctic.

“Deeply personal witness testimony to the AAD inquiry has been devastating and has indicated a staggering level of incompetence in the Division’s governance that has resulted in harrowing impacts on scientists and their critical work. People’s lives have been dramatically impacted by the dysfunction of the AAD’s workplace culture and historic poor decision making.

“It’s now incumbent on the Senate to provide a strong majority report with recommendations that can fix this mess, and for the Government to listen and restore critical funding for Antarctic science programs, as well as implement long-term structural change.

“MPs from across the political spectrum who attended the hearings were in solidarity about wanting to find a solution to this mess – but only the Government has the power to implement meaningful change.”

Disaster assistance following Bega Valley bushfires

Disaster assistance will be made available in the Bega Valley Shire Local Government Area (LGA) following severe bushfires on 3 October 2023.

Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt said the bushfire across the Bega Valley area caused significant damage.

“For many in the Bega Valley the threat of bushfires is still fresh from Black Summer,” Minister Watt said.

“This early assistance will begin the recovery process for those directly affected, as we continue to collect information to understand the full impacts of the fires. We stand shoulder to shoulder with the Minns government, ready to support communities.”

NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said the assistance will support communities, landowners, farmers, and primary producers to help in the clean-up and recovery from the bushfires.

“It is important that we open up this funding and support so impacted councils and some residents get their lives back on track,” Minister Dib said.

Assistance available under the DRFA may include:

Help for eligible people whose homes or belongings have been damaged (eligibility criteria apply).
Support for affected local councils to help with the costs of cleaning up and restoring damaged essential public assets.
Concessional interest rate loans for small businesses, primary producers, and non-profit organisations.
Freight subsidies for primary producers.

For information on personal hardship and distress assistance, contact Service NSW on 13 77 88launch or visit the NSW Government website.

To apply for a concessional loan, visit the NSW Rural Assistance Authority websitelaunch or call 1800 678 593launch.

Veterans’ transition to employment in NSW on the right track

The NSW Government held the annual Veterans Employment Roundtable at the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park today focussing on collaborative communication to assist veterans transitioning from the Defence Force into private and public sector employment.

Around 1,200 Defence Force personnel transition to employment in NSW every year.

Minister for Veterans David Harris hosted public and private sector stakeholders along with veterans’ support and employment organisations to foster ongoing discussions and initiatives for veterans career opportunities after their service.

Roundtables have been held since 2020, with a focus on the work that government can do in partnership with private employers, to foster increased collaboration and supports to ensure veterans find meaningful employment.

This year’s Roundtable had a special focus on communication, and a key goal was to build opportunities between organisations to effectively share information about services and communications to reach and assist veterans in their job search.

Mark Bransdon, an Army Veteran of 22 years’ service, discharged in 2019 and is now the Learning and Development Officer at Campbelltown City Council. He shared his story with the Roundtable, highlighting the value to veterans transitioning to employment outside of the Defence Forces.

The NSW Government is committed to honouring our veterans and their families, and the NSW Veterans Strategy and 2023-2024 Action Plan ensures that the veteran community is supported. One of the strategy actions is the organisation of an annual NSW Veterans Employment Roundtable.

The NSW Government Veterans Employment Program leads the way in assisting veterans finding roles within the NSW public sector. For more information visit Veterans Employment Programlaunch.

Minister for Veterans, David Harris said:

“It was great to meet key leaders in the employment field to discuss how we can all work together and assist veterans with their job search and use the skills they have learnt while serving in the Australian Defence Force.

“Their unique skillset enables them to work in a range of sectors and contribute positively to the NSW economy and community.

“We understand it can be challenging for some veterans to apply for work after their service.

“Today’s discussions are a positive step forward to ensure our veterans have a clearer path and a smoother transition from military service to civilian life.”

Army veteran and Learning and Development Officer at Campbelltown City Council, Mark Bransdon said:

“I have brought a lived experience to Campbelltown City Council with my transition.

“The hiring manager for the role I applied for was aware of the skills I learnt in Defence, that I could bring to the role. That made a big difference to my transition.

The opportunities moving forward are that we can share this information with other councils and organisations to make it easier for them to implement a program assists veterans transitioning.

“Councils are also a beneficiary as they employ someone with great skills that can add value to their organisation.”

Four new members join Multicultural NSW Advisory Board

The NSW Government has welcomed the appointment of 4 new members to the Multicultural NSW Advisory Board.

Malaemie Fruean OAM, David Giang, George Vardas and the board’s newest Youth Member, Polina Mycak, will each serve 3-year terms on the Advisory Board until 2026.

Ömer Incekara, was reappointed after serving a 3-year term and Esther Adeyinka was appointed to a general board member from the youth position to an additional 3-year term.

The merit-based selection process attracted more than 150 applications.

Minister Kamper thanked the outgoing Advisory Board members (Margaret Piper, Ken Hong, Sam Elmir and Grace Ho) for their committed service advising government on multicultural policy, improving equitable access to services for all people in NSW, and ensuring no one is left behind.

Chaired by Nick Kaldas APM, the Multicultural NSW Advisory Board provides advice and guidance on a range of matters relating to culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

Further information about the new members is as follows:

Polina Mycak (youth member) – Polina Mycak is passionate about the promotion of multicultural principles. She is also a member of the Ukrainian Youth Association, and an undergraduate at Macquarie University studying psychology and arts, with an interest in cross cultural psychology.
George Vardas – George is a practising lawyer, accredited mediator, and cultural heritage consultant. He has extensive experience advising on multicultural policy and working with multicultural groups to effectively campaign to bring about positive change.
Malaemie Fruean OAM – Malaemie is a strong advocate for Pacifica communities and is well known and respected across Western Sydney. She is committed to sharing her knowledge and extensive experience in community engagement to increase cultural awareness.
David Giang – David is Managing Director and Editor of Australia’s first and only Vietnamese language newspaper, Chieu Duong (The Sunrise Daily) – the only remaining Vietnamese print publication in Australia today. He recently founded the Independent Multicultural Media Association.

The following 2 members have been reappointed:

Esther Adeyinka – Esther is passionate about making sure that diverse voices are heard and respected in decision-making spaces, particularly the voices of young, diverse women. She works as a lawyer in a commercial law firm and is also a small business owner
Ömer Incekara – Ömer is passionate about community language schools and promoting multiculturalism. Ömer is CEO of an advertising agency and sits on several boards and associations. He is Chair of the Ataturk Scholarship and Director of the Australian Turkish Mutual Alliance (ATMA).

NSW Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said:

“The Advisory Board has a vital role to play as a conduit between community, Multicultural NSW and the NSW Government.”

“Drawing on their community connections, cross-cultural understanding and lived experience, our Advisory Board elevates the voices of the wider community.”

“In partnership with Multicultural NSW CEO Joseph La Posta, I look forward to working with the new members and entire Advisory Board, to ensure future generations of NSW residents can enjoy the benefits of living in one of the world’s greatest multicultural states.”

Multicultural NSW Advisory Board Chair Nick Kaldas, APM said:

“Our vision is for a stronger NSW, using our cultural diversity as a vehicle to achieve cultural and economic prosperity.”

“We are committed to ensuring the views and concerns of all people are heard in government decision-making processes and that everyone has equal access to government services.”

“Through understanding our communities, we can deliver improved services, make better use of our cultural and linguistic resources and be more cohesive and resilient in response to challenges.”

Labor betrays Cootamundra and Gundagai communities

The Opposition condemned a callous backflip by the Minns Labor Government on council demergers.

Local Government Shadow Minister Wendy Tuckerman said that before the election Labor was telling communities that it was going to help councils to demerge, and even passed a legislative amendment to ensure the Government paid the demerger costs.

“Since coming to Government, Labor and Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig have completely changed their tune on council demergers,” Mrs Tuckerman said. “The Labor Government is trying to backpedal as fast as they can from their own amendment, and the Budget handed down just weeks ago has no funds available for councils like Cootamundra-Gundagai that had already done the hard yards and been through the Boundary Commission inquiries.”

“The former Coalition Government set out a clear demerger roadmap, in consultation with the council and the local community, that guided the entire process – which has now been completely and senselessly discarded by Ron Hoenig.

“Instead of following the roadmap, which was near completion to delivering a demerged council, the Labor Government – true to form – starts another review.

“The Coalition Government’s had also announced in February that the legal path for demerging the council would likely require legislative change to facilitate the process after the March State Election,” said Mrs Tuckerman. “So, either the Minister wasn’t paying attention, or he is wilfully misleading the community and should apologise.”

“Despite having a roadmap that is almost complete and advice to urgently create new legislation, the Minns Labor Government will be returning the issue to the Boundaries Commission for the third time further dragging out this process and risking the Council’s ability to hold a demerged election in time with other councils across NSW.”

“The Minister needs to urgently fix this mess, and provide clear details on the demerger process, including timelines and what financial support will be provided.”

“I am devasted for the residents and the Cootamundra-Gundagai Council staff – this is yet another example of Labor saying one thing before the election and doing another after the election. This is a Government that just doesn’t care about regional and rural communities,” Ms Tuckerman concluded.