Category: NSW News

The NSW Government is planning to transform underutilised government land at Bega’s former TAFE site into a new 97 dwelling diverse housing project with 30% of the homes to include much-needed social and affordable housing.

A new Bega TAFE facility was opened in late 2021, meaning there will be no impact on tertiary education in the area as a consequence of this acquisition.

This is part of the government’s plan to help ease the ongoing housing crisis by unlocking surplus government land that can be repurposed to create more housing supply across the state.

The NSW Government is today announcing:

• Subject to planning approval, almost 8 ha of NSW Government-owned land at Barrack Street in Bega, already zoned for residential use will be redeveloped by NSW Land and Housing Corporation (LAHC) to provide about 97 new social, affordable, and private homes.
• The mixed tenure development proposes to deliver approximately 8 affordable homes, 65 private homes and 24 social homes, including a 20-unit complex specifically designed for senior social housing residents to meet the needs of this growing cohort of the community.
• It will create a modern, diverse community that is close to key amenities and deliver new infrastructure including, roads and footpaths that deliver positive social and economic outcomes for the Bega community.

Bega is currently experiencing a housing shortage with the social housing priority waitlist increasing 56% in the 12 months to June 2023. 

Bega also has one of the lowest rental vacancy rates in all of NSW at just 0.24%.

The NSW Government is committed to easing the housing pressures faced across NSW and has already taken immediate action including:

• Implemented planning reforms to expedite the delivery of more housing as building more homes is essential to reducing homelessness.
• Extended temporary accommodation from an initial period of 2 days to 7 days.
• Removed the 28-day cap ensuring vulnerable people are able to access support when they need it most.
• Increased the cash assets limit from $1000 to $5000 when assessing eligibility for temporary accommodation.
• Removed the cash asset limit assessment entirely for people escaping domestic and family violence.
• Extended Specialist Homelessness Services contracts for 2 years, to 30 June 2026.
• Appointed a rental commissioner to work with us in designing and implementing changes that rebalance the rental market, making it fairer and more modern.
• Put a 12-month freeze on the requirement for people in temporary accommodation to complete a rental diary, while the scheme is reviewed.

Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:

“We have a housing crisis in NSW and it is on all of us to work together to address the challenges.

“Part of that challenge is the lack of supply.

“Today’s announcement is an important step towards unlocking supply to deliver housing relief in regional NSW.”

Deputy Premier and Minister Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Prue Car said:

“There is a shared responsibility across government to tackle our housing crisis and we will continue to identify government-owned land, including former TAFE sites, that help meet that demand. It is an opportunity to transform these sites into crucial housing.

“We would never reduce access to education facilities to deliver this. The NSW Government has already opened the Connected Learning Centre and a Multi Trades Hub in Bega managed by TAFE NSW.”
 
Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“The scale of the challenge to resolve the housing crisis across the state is massive so if there’s an opportunity to deliver more housing, especially social and affordable homes – we will take it.

“There are simply not enough houses for the people who live and work here. We welcome innovative solutions to deliver more housing and will continue to work across the board to find more opportunities just like this one.

“This development will also create a senior’s living complex, which will provide fit-for-purpose social housing for our aging community. These modern homes will include well-located 1- and 2-bedroom units, will be easier to maintain and more economical to run.

Member for Bega Dr Michael Holland said:

“Bega has one of the lowest rental vacancy rates in the state and as the social housing waitlist continues to increase, we must do everything we can to support the Bega community and part of that work means delivering more homes. 

“Not only will the development deliver more housing, it will also create 55 more local jobs during its construction.”

A new website on coercive control has been launched by the NSW Government to help raise awareness and educate the public about this abuse, which is a known precursor to domestic violence deaths.

Attorney General Michael Daley said the website provides information to broaden the public’s understanding of coercive control in current or former intimate partner relationships.

It provides accurate descriptions and examples of coercive control and includes information about what the legislative reforms mean, who they apply to, how to recognise patterns in behaviour that could lead to this abuse and where and how to seek help.

“The Domestic Violence Death Review Team found that about 97% of intimate partner domestic violence homicides in NSW between 2000 and 2018 were preceded by coercive control where the perpetrator used emotional and psychological abuse towards the victim,” Attorney General Daley said.

“And on average, 1 woman is killed in Australia every 10 dayslaunch by an intimate partner.

“It is for this reason that the NSW Parliament passed the Crimes Legislation Amendment (Coercive Control) Act 2022launch to criminalise coercive control in current and former intimate partner relationships.”

These new laws will come into effect in 2024 and, if found guilty, perpetrators can face up to a maximum of 7 years in prison.

Minister for Women and the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said there is very poor understanding of what coercive control is in the community.

“Independent research commissioned by the Department of Communities and Justice found that while 2 in 5 people claimed to know what coercive control means, only 1 in 5 could correctly identify at least 1 aspect of coercive control,” Minister Harrison said.

“Coercive control is a pattern of behavior used against an intimate partner that impedes on their freedom and liberty, and can include controlling the way they dress, who they communicate with and even their access to finances.

“It is behaviour designed to exercise domination and control over another, and can be hard to spot because it can be deeply contextual.

“Coercive control laws will have a profound impact on the way that our justice system assesses and manages domestic violence cases come 2024, and the government is now making sure people recognise the signs and know what it is.”

Women’s Community Shelters CEO Annabelle Daniel OAM said the website is critical to providing people with accurate information so they can spot the signs of coercive control in their own or others’ relationships.

“While some coercive and controlling behaviours can seem minor on their own, when they’re repeated or continuous, they can cause serious harm to the victim, affecting a person’s sense of safety and independence, and making them feel trapped, powerless and alone,” Ms Daniel said.

“A history of coercive and controlling behaviours in a relationship is also a known precursor for intimate partner homicide. So, if anyone is worried about coercive control in their own, or someone else’s relationship, please know, there is help.”

If you are experiencing or know of someone who is experiencing domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECTlaunch 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.

To learn more, visit the coercive control website.

Netball NSW is now accepting nominations for the 2023 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 2022 – 31 August 2023.

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 Netball NSW Judy Dunbar Media Awards are presented annually at the Netball NSW State Dinner, this year to be held on Saturday 4 November at the Waterview in Sydney Olympic Park.

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

Closing date for nominations is 5pm AEST, Monday 4 September 2023.

The NSW Premier Chris Minns has ended COVID rules for cruising as the industry prepares for a busy summer.

Premier Minns has signed paperwork formally removing the Eastern Seaboard and Western Australian Cruise Protocols.

The cruise protocols were introduced in April 2022 to support the safe resumption of cruising following the lifting of the Commonwealth’s ban during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The participating state governments – NSW, Victoria, QLD and WA – approved the cruise protocols, which have been implemented by the cruise industry on a voluntary basis.

The protocols stated that all passengers aged 12 years and over needed to be fully-vaccinated to board a cruise ship departing or arriving at a port in these 4 states.

It also enforced mask wearing, including when embarking and disembarking, along with mandating negative COVID test results prior to departure.

Governments have agreed there is no longer a need for formal protocols with increasing community immunity to COVID-19 and lessons learned from the cruising industry since voyages resumed.

The Premier’s move follows an announcement late Friday by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC).

The AHPPC rescinded the current Communicable Diseases Network Australia (CDNA) Cruise Guidelines and issued new advice around cruising.

The committee did note that cruise ships remain a higher risk setting for communicable disease and that cruise operators can help reduce the risk, including by managing staff health, encouraging passengers and crew to stay up to date with vaccinations and by promptly identifying and controlling outbreaks.

The NSW Government encourages the cruise industry to continue its work to reduce the risk of COVID-19 and other outbreaks on voyages, in line with the updated Australian Health Protection Principal Committee’s advice.

Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:

“We need to get life back to normal.

“We have scrapped these rules because they aren’t needed any more.

“Passengers can take their own decisions to look after their health before and during a cruise.

“Cruise companies have been looking after their guests and workers and we encourage them to continue that.

“But this change is needed – we could not remain the only country with these rules for cruising.

“These protocols were important at the time to get the cruising industry going again after COVID. They were never meant to remain forever.”

Minister for Tourism John Graham said:

“The 2023 winter cruise season in Sydney is on track to be one of the strongest on record and it is fantastic even more people can now participate.

“These protocols were important after COVID but were not intended to continue in perpetuity and I thank the sector for how they have handled the additional requirements placed upon them.

“The decision to bring the sector in line with other forms of travel is a sensible way to give visitors an unforgettable and safe experience across NSW’s beautiful coastline.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“The decision to repeal the cruise protocols is supported by NSW Health advice and NSW Health will continue to work with the cruise industry to minimise health risks to passengers as much as possible.

“The NSW Government remains committed to safeguarding public health and ensuring that policies are adapted in response to changing circumstances.

“I am confident that the cruise industry will continue to prioritise the health and safety of passengers, crew, and the broader community.”

Legacy Week was officially launched at a commemorative service at the Cenotaph in Martin Place today, commemorating 100 years of Legacy in Australia.

Minister for Veterans David Harris attended the commemoration alongside Legacy Sydney Acting President Tim Becker and other members of the veteran community to lay a wreath in memory of our veterans, and to show support for the widows, widowers, and children whose loved ones served our country.

“This Legacy Week we pay special tribute to Legacy for their support for the families of those Australian Defence Force personnel who served our country and gave the ultimate sacrifice as a result of their service.” Minister Harris said.

“Legacy was built on a promise to a dying soldier, to look after his family and 100 years on that promise continues to be kept, an amazing achievement and one we are all thankful for.”   

The Legacy badge is a special emblem of support for our veterans’ families, it symbolises our nation’s greatest values of mateship, compassion, and courage. Legacy badges will be sold throughout the Sydney CBD and across NSW over the coming week.

“I encourage everyone to purchase a Legacy badge this week. Your donation will help widows and families of defence forces personnel who gave their lives serving our country,” Mr Harris said.

Today, Legacy ensures that 43,000 partners and children of our servicemen and servicewomen across Australia do not suffer financial or social disadvantage as a result of the loss or serious injury of their loved one.

Acting President of Sydney Legacy Tim Becker acknowledged Legacy Week as exceptionally meaningful as they mark Legacy’s centenary.

“As we reflect on the past 100 years, we stand ready to support our veterans’ families for as long as they need us,” Mr Becker said.

To all those donating, volunteering or spreading the word this Legacy Week – thank you. Your contributions are the heart of our mission. With your continued support, we can fulfil our promise that was founded in the trenches of World War One to care for the families of our veterans.”

Legacy beneficiary Kelly Randall spoke at the commemoration, sharing her story about the support her family has received.

“I am extremely grateful for the public’s support each Legacy Week. Your support helped my family pay for my school uniform growing up. You supported me through uni with textbooks and lab equipment,” Ms Randall said. 

It’s nice to see the unity between the community and volunteers, with everyone coming together with the same aim of supporting veterans’ families.”

Find out more about the work of Legacy and how to donatelaunch

The NSW Productivity Commissioner’s latest report confirms the NSW Government’s approach to housing is on the right track.

The NSW Government welcomed the release of the latest housing study – Building more homes where infrastructure costs less – which confirms that it costs less to build in areas with existing infrastructure.

The NSW Productivity Commissioner’s conclusion that building closer to Sydney’s CBD can save up to $75,000 in infrastructure costs per new home reinforces the NSW Government’s commitment to rebalance housing targets around transport links to deliver more well-designed, well-located homes in places where people want to live.

The government has made housing a key focus since taking office, introducing:

• an audit of government-owned land to identify properties available for housing
• incentives to encourage the delivery of more social, affordable and market housing
• expanded capacity for government agencies to deliver more affordable housing
• support for councils with more resource to get more planners into the system
• delivery of built to rent pilots by Landcom on the South Coast and in the Northern Rivers
• reforms to first home buyer stamp duty arrangements and delivering rental reforms.

Additionally, the government’s reforms to infrastructure contributions will help to provide funds to deliver the additional infrastructure needed to support housing growth.

The Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“The NSW Productivity Commissioner evidence shows that the housing crisis inherited from the previous government is linked to their focus on building out rather than up, instead of focusing additional housing around existing infrastructure and networks.

“We need help to deliver housing that people can afford with a fairer distribution of housing in infill locations where people want to live and work, near jobs and services and where it costs considerably less to deliver the infrastructure needed to support those homes.

“Essential workers like health workers, teachers, police, firefighters, cleaners, security guards, truck, bus and train drivers deserve the opportunity to live closer to where they work.

“Density done well is the focus of the Minns Government’s recent announcements.

“More infill development means people can stay in their communities and neighbourhoods through different stages of their life. Everyone wants family and friends to be able to afford to live nearby.

“It’s vital we look at different ways to deliver more homes, including focusing on inner city suburbs with existing infrastructure that can be scaled relatively quickly and easily.

“We reformed infrastructure contributions to close the gap between housing growth and the infrastructure needed to support that growth.

“Investing on scaling up infrastructure for infill development means we’re able to spread every dollar further.

“The Productivity Commissioner notes that established suburbs already have good access to roads, schools, health services and open spaces and to existing water and wastewater services, so it makes much more sense to increase density in those places.”

Iconic fire danger rating signs on roadsides across NSW are getting a digital facelift, with the Rural Fire Service (RFS) set to provide real-time fire risk information to communities via remotely operated signs.

More than 200 digital fire warning signs are being rolled out, as the state approaches bushfire season.

The signs, which are powered by solar panels, are automatically updated each day in line with fire danger ratings on the RFS website. The ratings are informed by data from the Bureau of Meteorology.

The digital upgrade means RFS volunteers will no longer need to manually change the signs daily.

The signs use the revised Australian Fire Danger Rating System, which includes four categories for fire danger: Moderate (green), High (yellow), Extreme (orange) and Catastrophic (red), with simple actions for the community to take at each level. On days when there is minimal risk, ‘no rating’ is used.

The state’s north, where six local government areas (LGAs) are already in Bush Fire Danger Period, has been prioritised for the sign rollout.

From 1 September, a further 32 local government areas in the north and south of the state will enter the Bush Fire Danger Period, as warm, dry conditions increase the fire risk.

Eleven of the 32 areas are entering the danger period a month earlier than usual, with the prolific growth of vegetation after three years of wet weather adding to the heightened fire risk.

This comes as fire activity increases across NSW and Section 44 bush fire emergency declarations are in place for Kempsey, Nambucca and Clarence Valley LGAs.

Section 44 arrangements ensure coordinated efforts are in place to battle the almost 30 fires burning across the region.

Hundreds of volunteer firefighters, with the help of aircrews and our new Chinook helicopter, are currently working to contain fires across NSW.

From 1 September, the following local government areas are beginning their Bush Fire Danger Period one month earlier than usual: Tamworth, Bogan, Coonamble, Walgett, Warren, Moree, Gwydir, Narrabri, Gilgandra, Warrumbungle, and Midwestern.

From 1 September, the following LGAs also begin their Bush Fire Danger Period: Muswellbrook, Singleton, Kempsey, Nambucca, Mid-Coast, Port Macquarie-Hastings, Clarence Valley, Ballina, Byron, Tweed, Bellingen, Coffs Harbour, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley, Gunnedah, Liverpool Plains, Upper Hunter, Bega Valley, Eurobodalla, and Shoalhaven.

This is in addition to the six LGAs that commenced the danger period on 1 August: Armidale Regional, Walcha, Uralla, Glen Innes Severn, Inverell, and Tenterfield.

Once a Bushfire Danger Period commences landholders in these LGAs need to apply for a permit to burn off and notify their neighbours and local fire authorities 24 hours before lighting up. Free permits are available by contacting your local Fire Control Centre.

Information about hazard reduction burning, obtaining permits and required notification is available on the RFS websitelaunch.

Information on the Australian Fire Danger Rating System.

The Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns, said:

“We are bracing for a potentially dangerous bushfire season.

“We are expecting a return to hot and dry conditions.

“There is also significant vegetation growth after three years of wet weather.

“The RFS have been working to ensure we are prepared.

“These new digital signs are another tool to help warn communities about the risk.

“This helps volunteers get on with other important work to protect their communities.

“This also ensures locals get up-to-the-minute info about the fire risk.”

The Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib, said:

“Everybody needs to start preparing for bush fire season as we start to see fire activity on the rise across NSW.

“Hazard reduction efforts have been hampered by weather conditions following three years of significant and record rainfall.

“The latest Bush Fire Danger Period declarations put landholders on notice that they need to take action and consider how to reduce the risk for themselves and their communities.

“Our Rural Fire Service volunteers are at the ready to respond to emergencies 365 days of the year, and it’s every landowner’s responsibility to be equally prepared for the threat of fire.

“As the weather starts to heat up, it’s time to take simple steps like reducing vegetation around properties and cleaning gutters to reduce the amount of fuel.

“We’re also upgrading our roadside fire danger rating signs, using technology to boost our readiness efforts and freeing up time for our dedicated RFS volunteers.”

The Commissioner of the RFS, Rob Rogers, said:

“Wet weather over the last three years has caused prolific growth, and as we move out of this incredibly wet period the bush fire risk is returning to NSW.

“The new fire danger rating system introduced last season is the biggest change to fire danger rating science in more than 60 years.

“The way fire danger ratings are communicated has been improved and simplified, to make it easier for our communities to make decisions to stay safe on days of fire danger risk.”

City of Newcastle (CN) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensure all Novocastrians feel involved in the decision-making process as part of its new four-year Community Engagement Strategy.

Councillors unanimously voted this week to adopt the Strategy, which provides a framework for how CN engages with the community to support the development of its plans, policies, programs and key activities.

Based on inclusiveness, transparency, and responsiveness, the new Strategy will continue to ensure CN delivers genuine, meaningful opportunities for everyone to share their voice and have a say, which in turn delivers better outcomes for the community.

A key focus of this Strategy is ensuring CN hears feedback from all groups within the community, and a diversity of opinions and voices.

It outlines how community members can be involved in local planning and decision-making, as well as how CN will plan and deliver community engagement activities, including the tools and methods that may be used.

The Strategy builds on CN’s current engagement activities, which during the 2022/23 financial year included over 25,000 interactions with members of the community on more than 40 projects. Community input was used to develop a broad range of strategies and plans, events, infrastructure and capital works, facilities and services, parks and recreation, and transport initiatives.

To read the full Strategy visit: http://www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/about-us/forms-and-publications/strategies/community-engagement-strategy

For the first time in at least eight years a TAFE NSW teacher has been appointed to join the TAFE NSW board, as it helps guide TAFE NSW through recommendations to the Minister on services, priorities, and operations.

Metal Fabrication and Welding Teacher Stuart McKinder’s appointment to the TAFE Commission Board has been welcomed by Deputy Premier, and Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Prue Car.

Mr McKinder has a long affiliation with TAFE NSW after completing a five-year apprenticeship in 1992, and becoming a welding and metal fabrication teacher in 2008. He currently teaches at TAFE NSW in Wetherill Park.

While on the board, Mr McKinder will be supported by a panel of teachers who will act as an advisory group, providing a diverse range of perspectives across regional and industry skill areas to ensure all facets of teaching are considered.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Prue Car said:

“The skills crisis in NSW means there’s never been a more important time to rebuild TAFE NSW. That starts with hearing directly from teachers.

“This appointment will ensure TAFE NSW teachers are empowered to shape the future of Australia’s largest vocational education and training provider.

“I want to ensure the NSW Government benefits from advisors who are at the coalface of helping learners, businesses, and communities to thrive.”

Chair of the TAFE Commission Board Danny O’Connor said:

“This appointment will ensure the advisory board gains a deeper understanding of the things that matter most to the educational workforce.

“Mr McKinder’s appointment will round out the professional depth already on the Board.

“Among the Board, we already have a wealth of diversity and industry experience with members coming from critical skills sectors including IT, construction, hospitality, community services, health, and education.

“Hearing directly from teachers will boost the Board’s ability to advocate on behalf of the teaching workforce, ensuring TAFE NSW can deliver skills-based training that provides individuals with access to meaningful jobs, and which is aligned to the skills needs of industry and communities across NSW.”

A young Chinese-Australian journalist delving into Australia’s Chinese history, a first-person account of faith after the devastating Türkiye earthquakes, a radio veteran whose career spans 40 years on-air and a powerful anti-racism campaign are some of the winning entries at the 2023 Premier’s Multicultural Communications Awards (PMCAs) held last night.

More than 130 entries were submitted for the awards, with winners and finalists decided across 12 categories including Best Audio-Visual Report, a Lifetime Achievement Award and Business and Community Campaigns of the Year.

In the marketing realm, 2 anti-racism campaigns have clinched awards. The ‘Racism. It Stops With Me’ campaign developed by Think HQ and CultureVerse and the ‘Stop Racism Now’ community campaign by Moving Forward Together are 2 of the winning entries.

The PMCAs recognise excellence in multicultural media and marketing. These awards acknowledge the important role marketing and media professionals play in communicating to diverse audiences across the state.

This includes journalists, editors, publishers and marketing professionals across text, radio, television and digital media.

They also honour innovative and creative marketing agencies and campaigns that inspire social cohesion and community harmony.

For further information on PMCAs, please visit the Multicultural NSWlaunch website.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“NSW is proud of its record as one of the most successful multicultural states in the world.

“Our people come from all across the globe, with 1 in 3 of us born overseas, 1 in 2 with a parent born overseas and 1 in 4 speaking another language in the home.

“These awards acknowledge that diversity and I commend everyone who entered because providing information in community language is what keeps our society strong.”

NSW Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said:

“NSW is still the only state in Australia to recognise multicultural communicators with a stand-alone awards program for media presented in community languages.

“Strong, resilient multicultural media and marketing agencies are vital to ensuring everyone has access to information in a language they feel comfortable using.

“I congratulate all the outstanding winners and finalists this year for bringing a voice to such important topics such as fighting racism, connecting communities through sport and celebrating the delicate intricacies of diverse Australian perspectives.”

The media award winners are:

• Best Audio-Visual Report – Sharon Offenberger and Ghousoon Bisharat, Plus61J Media
• Best Audio Report – Stephanie Corsetti, Claire Slattery, Marcus Megalokonomos and Hannah Kwon, SBS
• Best Text Report – Dr Salih Yucel, AMUST
• Young Journalist of the Year – Olivia Yuan, SBS Mandarin
• Publication of the Year – Pawan Luthra and Rajni Anand Luthra, Indian Link Media Group
• Alan Knight Student Award – Suhayla Zahira Sharif
• Public Interest Award – Addison Road Community Organisation
• Lifetime Achievement Award – Haralambos Anargyrou Kritharis, known as Harry Crethar.

The marketing award winners are:

• Agency Campaign of the Year – Think HQ and Cultureverse for the Australian Human Rights Commission
• Business Campaign of the Year – Savings Finder Campaign, Department of Customer Service
• Community Campaign of the Year – Moving Forward Together, Stop Racism Now
• Best Use of Digital or Social Media – Western Sydney Wanderers.