Category: NSW News

Today marks the 79th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

Known as Victory in the Pacific – or VP Day – it commemorates Japan’s acceptance of the Allied demand for unconditional surrender.

Australia had been at war for five years, 11 months and 11 days when on 15 August 1945, news broke that the war was finally over.

Australian forces were engaged in campaigns across the Pacific – in New Guinea, Bougainville, New Britain, Borneo, and in the Philippines – and Australian prisoners of the Japanese were spread throughout Asia.

A number of commemorative services are being held across NSW and around the world to commemorate this day and acknowledge the service of our veterans.

Second World War veteran Don Kennedy was the guest speaker at the VP Day commemoration held at the Cenotaph in Martin Place Sydney. He had his first experience in the Merchant Navy in February 1944 at the age of 16, cruising out through the Heads on the Seirstad, destined for the Atlantic.

Although Mr Kennedy wasn’t trained to fight in the war or even acknowledged as a member of the services at the time, the commitment he and others made in the Merchant Navy was no less significant.

He was one of many veterans who shared their story in 2020 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. View the veterans’ stories here: https://www.warmemorialsregister.nsw.gov.au/nsw-stories/theme/75th-anniversary-stories

Minister for Veterans David Harris said:

“Today on VP Day we come together to remember all those men and women who served during the Second World War, in our Navy, Army, Air Force, the Merchant Navy and nursing, and thank them for their sacrifices, through conflict and, for many, long periods in captivity.

“We honour the nearly 1 million Australians who served, and the 39,000 Australians who made the ultimate sacrifice for the cause of peace and the freedom we enjoy to this day.

“August 15 is a date our nation will never forget, as it brought an end to the war that was fought so close to our shores.”

Second World War veteran Don Kennedy said:

“I tell people I was 17 months in the war. There was only half an inch of metal between you and the sea if a torpedo struck the ship. We did what we could to help protect our nation.

“Keeping watch on board at night was a nerve-wracking experience for crew. All ships navigated without any lights at all on the outside to avoid detection by the enemy. You couldn’t even smoke outside on the deck at night.”

The Minns Labor Government’s plan to rebuild the state’s manufacturing industry will be boosted by a $2.3 million funding injection for the Industry Capability Network (ICN).

The funding delivers an election commitment to expand the ICN, enabling the organisation to support economic growth and create jobs by providing more supply chain matching services for NSW manufacturing businesses, particularly in Western Sydney and regional NSW.

The ICN supports local manufacturers by linking them to projects and improving their supply chain opportunities.

The funding boost will ensure more of the state’s businesses are front and centre for new projects and opportunities.

Restoring the state’s manufacturing industry is a key priority for the NSW Government, as well as ensuring the sector has the capabilities to deliver on the government’s priorities around transitioning to net zero and boosting housing supply.

The ICN, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, links projects and businesses through an online gateway database. It is supported by a network of industry specialists who ensure suppliers can grow their capabilities and ultimately achieve scale.

The NSW Government is committed to ensuring NSW is home to globally competitive industries that drive quality jobs and deliver a more resilient economy.

Find out more information on the ICN.

Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“The NSW Government is getting on with the job of rebuilding our local manufacturing sector, and today we’re delivering on our election commitment to expand the ICN, a vital service that increases opportunities for our local businesses.

“There are about 29,000 manufacturers in NSW, employing more than half a million people. We’re determined to ensure those businesses are supported to find new markets and grow their operations.

“The additional funding for the ICN means more businesses across the state will be linked to opportunities and projects to grow their capabilities and create more jobs.”

Executive Director of ICN NSW Ian Hudson said:

“We are thrilled to be able to grow our operations thanks to the NSW Government’s additional support.

“This will allow the ICN to expand its presence, particularly in Western Sydney and regional NSW, which are growing hubs for manufacturers.”

The NSW Opposition is proposing the NSW Government roll out QR codes into the Sydney Taxi Fleet as a solution to ensure customers can pay a fair fare.   
 
The proposal would see unique QR Codes placed into taxis to enable customers to choose to pay via the meter or via the QR Code. 
 
The QR Code would be linked to the driver, the vehicle, and the customer to balance the security of payment for drivers with a passenger’s priority of paying the correct fare and having a safe journey.   
 
The proposal would balance security to passengers who choose to utilise it and ensure both drivers and passengers are accountable for a safe journey at a fair price.   
 
The proposal follows ongoing concerns over the past twelve months regarding dodgy driver behaviour affecting the positive reputation of the NSW Taxi industry. 
 
The Opposition would support the required regulatory or legislative change to implement the QR Code solution.  
 
Shadow Minister for Transport and Roads Natalie Ward commented “Government can’t be in every cab, every time but a QR code can be.” 
 
“You can order a beer with a QR code, why shouldn’t you be able to pay a fair fare in a taxi.”  
 
“This proposal delivers confidence and security to potential victims of dodgy driver behaviour including tourists, seniors and women using taxis at night.” 
 
“I know the majority of taxi drivers do the right thing, so this is a simple step to ensure confidence in the wider system.” 
 
“This isn’t about a carrot or the stick approach, this about a real solution that is easy to implement and puts customers at the centre of Government policy.” 
 
NSW Taxi Council Chief Executive Officer Nick Abrahim commented “This is an innovative solution towards giving passengers financial certainty when using taxis and improve the passenger experience.” 

Netball NSW is now accepting nominations for the 2024 Netball NSW Judy Dunbar Media Awards.

The Judy Dunbar Media Awards recognise individuals and/or outlets that have demonstrated an outstanding media contribution to the sport of netball between the period; 1 September 2023 – 30 August 2024.

Judy Dunbar was an avid and long-serving Member of Netball NSW having served on the Board of Directors as well as various committees. Until her passing in July 2002, she was also the Media Officer for the Baulkham Hills Shire Netball Association and was responsible for building the image and increasing the exposure of netball in her local area.

To recognise her dedication to the sport over the years, Netball NSW named its media awards in her honour.

The Awards are presented annually at the Netball NSW State Dinner later this year.

Nominations can be made in the following categories;

Best Overall Media Coverage
Community Media Excellence
Eligible nominations from accredited media outlets will be accepted whereby the content (print, radio, online, broadcast, photo) refers to individuals or teams representing or participating in the following competitions and/or activities:
Netball NSW competitions, programs or events.
Netball NSW affiliated Association (local) netball competitions.
NSW State Teams
NSW Swifts
GIANTS Netball
Suncorp Super Netball & Australian Diamonds
National Championships

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT AN ENTRY

https://netballnsw.us9.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a61fdddc7216e646211550b26&id=16d77bfc22&e=5dd905e812

Closing date for nominations is 5pm AEST, Friday 30 August 2024.

Healthcare workers will soon have access to modern, fit-for-purpose accommodation at the West Wyalong Health Service following the arrival of new units, delivered as part of the NSW Government’s Key Worker Accommodation (KWA) Program.

Three self-contained units are being installed on the south side of the West Wyalong Health Service, close to the Masonic Village aged care facility.

Healthcare workers are expected to take advantage of the new temporary accommodation before the end of the year, after installation, connection of services, fencing, landscaping, and furnishing of the three units is completed.

Each unit will be fully furnished and self-contained, and feature a screened verandah, light-filled living and dining area, modern kitchen, bedroom with ensuite, and internal laundry.  Parking spaces and secure access are also provided.

The pre-fabricated units were built off-site and modelled on the KWA Program prototype unit completed earlier this year.

The West Wyalong Health Service Key Worker Accommodation was delivered in partnership with Health Infrastructure and Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD).

MLHD is one of three regional Local Health Districts to benefit from a $45.3 million investment to deliver accommodation for health workers under the Key Worker Accommodation Program. Finley, Leeton and Narrandera health services will also benefit from the program.

The NSW Government has committed an additional $200.1 million to increase key health worker accommodation across rural and regional areas of the state as part of the 2024-25 NSW Budget.

Regional Health Minister Ryan Park:

“The new units will support heath care workers looking to establish themselves in West Wyalong by providing accommodation close to work.

“This is a crucial factor in attracting and retaining health workers at rural and regional hospitals and why the Minns Labor Government is investing a further $200.1 million to increase key health worker accommodation across the state.

“We look forward to welcoming the first health workers into the units once completed.”

Labor Spokesperson for Cootamundra Stephen Lawrence MLC:

“It’s great to see the innovation behind the KWA Program accommodation modules, which are built off-site, loaded onto trucks, and then delivered and installed on-site. This approach is cost-effective and also less disruptive to the overall operation of the health facility.

“The Minns Labor Government’s additional investment into key health worker accommodation forms one part of a comprehensive plan to build a better health system across NSW.”

Police officers, teachers, firefighters, doctors and childcare workers are among hundreds of essential workers and their families receiving support to relocate to regional New South Wales thanks to a successful NSW Government initiative.

Launched by the Government in June last year, The Welcome Experience has helped 511 essential workers to find a new home in the regions, settle into their communities, enrol kids in school, join sporting clubs and assist with finding a job for their partner.

The Welcome Experience is part of the NSW Government’s $25.1 million Essential Worker Attraction Program, which aims to boost essential workforces in regional NSW.

The Welcome Experience program pilot has so far delivered the following successes:

• Close to 1,800 workers have inquired about the pilot locations – Broken Hill, Walgett, Coffs Harbour, Muswellbrook, Goulburn, Griffith, Corowa, and Bega.
• Provided a vital boost to essential services in locations, by helping 511 essential workers relocate and settle into their new communities, including 224 health workers, 84 educators and 35 NSW Police staff.
• Helped more than 227 workers move to Broken Hill, 62 to Bega, 57 to Walgett, and 38 to Muswellbrook.

The program offers a concierge style service facilitated by a number of organisations including councils, local business chambers, not-for-profit organisations and community groups.

Originally piloted in Broken Hill, Muswellbrook, Bega, Walgett, Coffs Harbour, Corowa, Griffith and Goulburn, the program has been such a success it is now being rolled out to 52 Local Government Areas across the State.

The new areas include Orange, Dubbo, Kiama, Tumut, Kempsey, Uralla, Bourke, Yass Valley, Queanbeyan, Shoalhaven and Wagga Wagga. These new locations will give essential workers considering a change, that extra nudge to get them over the line, because they will have confidence that they and their family will have choices and opportunities to fit in and be welcomed in the regions.

Whether it is the pristine beaches of the Mid North Coast, the expansive plains of the Far-West or inland regional city living, the program’s new locations will offer a friendly helping hand to essential workers to move, settle their families, grow their career and give back to their new communities.

The expansion will support the delivery of a skilled and robust essential workforce in our regions and is further proof of the NSW Government’s dedication to paving the way for stronger, more resilient communities while ensuring that every corner of the state thrives.

Police Officer Amy Loomes – Walgett

Among these essential workers assisted by The Welcome Experience, is Police Officer Amy Loomes, who now lives and works in Walgett after moving from Sydney with her family in November 2023.

The Welcome Experience helped the family settle into the local community and assisted Amy’s husband Casey to secure a local carpentry job thanks to the Partner Employment Program.

While living in Sydney, the family didn’t have a backyard. Now they have two dogs, a trampoline, a thriving veggie garden and their very own chicken coop, complete with laying hens.

Find out more about The Welcome Experience and the exciting opportunities that await those considering a move to the regions.

Premier of NSW, Chris Minns said:

“We are so lucky to live in a state with such beautiful regions, from the beaches of the South Coast to the bushes of the Central West.

“But what makes it such an incredible place to live, work, and raise a family is the strong sense of community.

“This program is about ensuring when people ‘make the move’, whether it’s to Broken Hill or Bega, they feel welcomed and find their feet as soon as possible.

“We need skilled and essential workers in our country towns, and we’re working to make it easier than ever for people considering a tree change to take that leap.”

NSW Minister for Regional NSW and Minister for Western NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“Locals can give insights on different locations in towns to suit housing needs, or finding a reliable removalist or even knowing which café boasts the best cappuccino in town, and that is why The Welcome Experience pilot has been such a resounding success.

“Since I launched the program 12 months ago, 1,800 individual enquiries have been received from essential workers who are considering moving or have made the move to the regions.

“511 workers and their families have already made the move and the feedback is the program was important in accepting the job offer and was vital in helping people find their feet in their new community.

“The NSW Government’s decision to expand the program shows what a difference a warm welcome can make for workers moving to a new community. It fosters people to grow roots in the town and be part of the community they are looking after.

“I want to highlight that The Welcome Experience is a promise to our regional communities that our Government is invested in their futures and will deliver real and tangible results for them.”

Police officer and The Welcome Experience client, Amy Loomes (Walgett) said:

“We decided to give regional NSW a go, and after making the move to Walgett, we not only have room for a trampoline, but our children love collecting fresh eggs from their very own chicken coop every morning.

“We haven’t looked back. Living in a close-knit regional community has given us the freedom and space to give our kids a childhood filled with fun and adventure. We tend to stress less and have more time to spend together doing the things we love.”

Cardiologist and The Welcome Experience client, Dr Sean Conte (Bega) said: 

“My wife and I told ourselves that our move to Bega could be for a few years, or until the kids are at high school but now we are here, we can’t imagine living back in the city.

“The Welcome Experience has been great and helped us with things such as completing a house inspection when we were still in Sydney, connecting us with local services like electricians and gave us the lay of the land with preschools.

“My wife Anna found the local Tathra playgroup through a recommendation from our Local Connector and enjoyed a social event to welcome newbies to the area.

“We have found that there is a friendly community of young families and a range of opportunities for playgroups and services for young kids.

“To anyone considering a move to the regions, I recommend making the sea change with young kids. Our kids are thriving having us at home more without the longer commutes and busy schedules and thriving at preschool.

“I have gotten into ocean swimming with a local group and Anna has just bought a bike – we are enjoying the outdoors more than we could in Sydney.”

Young people, families and key workers can breathe a sigh of relief as Labor and the cross bench rejected the Opposition’s attempt to stop the delivery of thousands of well-located homes to address the housing crisis, with the defeat of the Liberals and Nationals TOD SEPP disallowance Bill this afternoon.

Despite the fact that 12 out of 13 councils came to an agreement with the Minns Government in April to deliver homes around 37 train stations, the Opposition sought to abolish the agreements and work against councils to deliver more homes for their local community. 

Since the agreement, Development Applications are now able to be submitted at 23 TOD sites as councils have worked with the Government to create bespoke housing plans for their area.

The threat of abolition of these locations has created significant uncertainty on business investment confidence in building new homes in NSW.

This Opposition’s Bill directly put at risk up to 170,000 new homes over the next 15 years and risked hundreds of thousands of direct and indirect jobs over this period.

Not content with abandoning young people and families by refusing to address the housing crisis, the Liberal National Opposition are now trying to confine another generation of young people and families to not being able to afford to rent or buy a home closer to their jobs and in the communities in which they want to live.

The Bill was the product of an opposition more interested in supporting a Nimby objection to more medium density housing around train stations than they are in addressing the housing affordability and availability, that was the product of their more than a decade in government.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Across the political divide upper house members have said it’s time to get on with confronting the housing crisis.

“Not everyone may agree with all the fine details of the Government’s approach, but everyone agrees it’s time to end the uncertainty and build better homes and better communities for young people, families and key workers.

“This was a sad desperate stand by an Opposition with no plan to address the housing crisis and block the development of new homes for those in desperate need.

“Common sense has prevailed with recognition that the only way that homes will be more affordable and available to rent or to buy is to build more homes, and it makes sense to build them near transport, jobs, services and amenities.”

New laws designed to take immediate action to help restore confidence in living and investing in strata schemes are now before the NSW parliament.

The reforms which impose higher penalties and greater disclosure obligations on strata managing agents are aimed at ending secret kickbacks on insurance policies and weeding out bad players.

Strata laws put owners’ corporations in charge of making key decisions on the buildings and common property of townhouses and apartments, usually with the assistance of a strata managing agent.

The new laws will help build confidence in the sector which has been challenged by more than 965 complaints about strata agents to NSW Fair Trading in the five years to 2023. More than half of those complaints were about rules of conduct or budgets, levies and finances.  

The higher penalties, greater transparency and new enforcement powers follow an $8.4 million investment in more resources for the Strata and Property Services Commissioner in this year’s budget.  

Key changes include:  

• increasing the maximum penalties and penalty infringement notice amounts for existing agent obligations to disclose information about commissions
• strengthening the conflict-of-interest disclosure requirements
• banning agents from receiving a commission on insurance products when they don’t play a role in finding the best deal for residents
• strengthening NSW Fair Trading’s enforcement and compliance powers.

The new laws were informed by consultation with key stakeholders such as the Owners Corporation Network and Strata Community Association.

Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“Building more high quality, higher density housing is a key pillar of the NSW Government’s comprehensive plan to build a better NSW.

“These reforms are critical to supporting confidence in investing and living in strata schemes.  

“They will help to restore the confidence of the 1.2 million people already living in strata schemes, but they won’t be the last changes we make as we work to make strata an attractive housing option.”

Good Samaritans can now be guided to automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to help them respond to people experiencing cardiac arrest, while they wait for paramedics to arrive.

The GoodSAM app works by alerting registered responders when someone near them goes into cardiac arrest and a Triple Zero (000) call has been received.

The app guides the volunteer to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) while an ambulance is dispatched, buying precious time.

The incorporation of the NSW public access defibrillator registry into the free, life-saving GoodSAM app means responders will now be able to see if an AED is located near a person experiencing cardiac arrest and use it to improve that person’s chance of survival.

There are already over 4,300 AEDs on the GoodSAM AED registry.

Thirty lives have been saved thanks to the assistance of GoodSAM volunteers, with more than 7,300 people signing up to be responders.

Twelve of those 30 patients benefited from a lifesaving AED prior to the arrival of NSW Ambulance paramedics.

Thousands of Australians will experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest each year and statistics show that only 12 per cent of people who receive resuscitation survive.

In 2021, 9,273 cardiac arrest patients were attended across NSW.

In 2022, the NSW Government announced a $2.5 million partnership between NSW Ambulance and the GoodSAM responder app. To register, please visit: ambulance.nsw.gov.au/goodsam

Find more information about GoodSAM or to register as a responder.

You can register as a GoodSAM responder if you’re 18 years old or over, and able and willing to perform CPR.

Find out more about registering your AED with GoodSAM and watch the explainer video.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“AEDs alone don’t save lives, people with AEDs do.

“I encourage everyone who has an AED to register it online with NSW Ambulance so GoodSAM responders can see it in the app.

“It’s all well and good to have defibrillators around the community, but if people don’t know their location, they’re going to be of little help in a life and death situation.

“By guiding these volunteers to these devices, we can significantly improve the survival rate of people experiencing cardiac arrest.”

Parliamentary Secretary for Health & Regional Health Dr Michael Holland:

“Every minute counts when someone is in cardiac arrest and for every minute that a patient is in cardiac arrest and does not receive CPR, their chance of survival drops by seven to ten per cent.

“The survival rate improves significantly if chest compressions begin in the first few minutes and improves significantly if an AED is also utilised.”

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dominic Morgan:

“This publicly accessible network of over 4,300 AEDs registered with the GoodSAM app in NSW will help responders provide life-saving care to people experiencing cardiac arrest before paramedics arrive.

“The addition of the NSW AED registry to the GoodSAM app delivers increased capability to the Triple Zero (000) connected GoodSAM program to save more lives right across the state.”