More than 2,800 graduate nurses and midwives will start work across 130 NSW public hospitals and health facilities this year in a major boost for the NSW Health system.
Premier Dominic Perrottet, Health Minister Brad Hazzard and Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor commended the graduates, many of whom are officially commencing work this week, having already worked on the COVID-19 workforce response.
“We owe a great deal of thanks to these graduates. Many of them have already been working as students in NSW’s vaccination and testing clinics. They have done an exceptional job,” Mr Perrottet said.
“We are continuing to make the record investments in the biggest health system in the country, which means no matter where you live in our State you will have access to the care you need when you need it most.
“These extra nurses and midwives will help bolster the ranks of our front line health workers who have done an incredible job helping to protect people and keep them safe throughout the pandemic. We can’t thank them enough for their selfless dedication.”
Mr Hazzard said there are now more nurses and midwives in NSW public hospitals than at any other time in history.
“These graduates join us at an incredibly challenging time. We thank them, and all of our nurses, for their contributions to support the health system and the people of NSW,” Mr Hazzard said.
Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said more than 40 per cent of the graduates will be working in rural and regional areas of NSW.
“Around 1,200 of these fantastic new graduate nurses and midwives will soon be working on the frontline in our regional emergency departments, maternity wards and community teams, making a huge difference in the bush,” Mrs Taylor said.
“As someone who got my start in a regional hospital, I know the skills and experience they gain will set them up for success into their future nursing career.”
Throughout their first year, graduates are provided with opportunities in a variety of clinical settings to ensure they gain a range of experience and consolidate skills and knowledge developed whilst at university.
Between 2012 and 2021, the nursing and midwifery workforce in NSW increased by 9,599 full-time equivalent (FTE) staff, or 23 per cent, to 51,794 (FTE).
The NSW Government is also investing in a further 5000 nurses and midwives from 2019-2022 under a record $2.8 billion boost to frontline staff.
Author: admin
Become an all star this weekend and get boosted
The NSW Government is calling on people to roll up their sleeve and get their third vaccination in a month-long booster blitz at clinics across the state including a pop-up hub at the NRL All Stars blockbuster this Saturday.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the clinic at CommBank Stadium is part of a statewide booster drive over the next four weekends to further protect the community against COVID-19.
“We know boosters provide the best protection against serious illness and hospitalisation and it’s our great vaccination rates that have enabled us to start getting our lives back on track,” Mr Perrottet said.
“I encourage everyone to go take that extra step for themselves and their loved ones.”
Minister for Health Brad Hazzard those eligible should take their cue from the All Stars and front up for a jab before the game.
“NSW has one of highest vaccination rates in the world thanks to the community’s willingness to roll up their sleeves at our many NSW Health mass vaccination clinics and pop-up clinics, as well as at GPs and pharmacies. These additional walk-in pop-up clinics will make it even easier to get your first, second or third dose,” Mr Hazzard said.
“There’s no need to show your Medicare card or book in advance, just drop into one of the many pop-up clinics, or on game day.”
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Ben Franklin encouraged everyone in attendance to use the opportunity to get their free booster while enjoying the world class sporting event.
“The evidence is clear. Vaccines are our best line of defence against COVID-19. They can help protect you, your loved ones and the community from serious illness,” Mr Franklin said.
“In NSW, we know that vaccination rates among Aboriginal people are lower than the rest of the population, so I’m encouraging everyone in attendance this Saturday to roll up your sleeve and get boosted so we can keep each other safe and get back to enjoying more of the things we love.”
Vaccination clinics across the state will be accepting walk-ins every weekend for the next four weeks. Details of all the NSW Health clinics participating in the walk-in weekend campaign over the coming month, with locations and opening times, are available through nsw.gov.au/weekend-walk-in
The pop-up vaccination clinic at the NRL All Stars game will be located inside the stadium and will be operating from 4:00pm to 8:00pm.
You are eligible for the booster shot if you’re aged 16 years or over, and it’s been at least three months since your second COVID-19 vaccination.
Funding provided for veterans projects in NSW
From Alstoneville in the state’s north and Howlong in the south, to Dareton and Gol Gol in the far west, more than 50 NSW communities have received funding to commemorate veterans across the state.
Minister for Transport and Veterans Affairs David Elliott announced more than $56,000 will be provided to a range of projects that commemorate and educate NSW communities about the service and sacrifices of current and former military servicemen and servicewomen.
“The Anzac Community Grants Program provides funding to some great projects and initiatives that recognise Australia’s war service history, educate a new generation and support the wellbeing of the NSW veteran community,” Mr Elliott said.
“It is wonderful to be visiting Milperra Public School today, and providing $1,000 in funding to contribute to the creation of a mural remembering the Anzacs in the school’s Centenary Garden.”
Member for East Hills Wendy Lindsay welcomed the investment for her community.
“I would like to acknowledge the students and staff at Milperra Public School for their vision to create a mural that remembers the Anzacs, which will allow future generations and new students to learn of this history,” she said.
“We are thankful for the sacrifices made by current serving members and our service men and women from over a century of service. This art will be a reflection of their dedication and the commitment my community has, to supporting our veterans.”
Projects that support activities benefiting the NSW veteran community have also received funding.
For the full list of 2021 ACGP recipients and more information about the program visit www.veterans.nsw.gov.au/acgp2021.
Funding delivered to expand domestic violence support program
A funding boost totalling nearly $20 million over four years is being delivered by the NSW Government to help more victim-survivors of domestic violence stay in their homes.
Minister for Women’s Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence Natalie Ward said the commitment will mean the Staying Home Leaving Violence program will be expanded from 33 existing locations to reach 70 locations across the state, focussing on areas with high demand.
“In trying to escape a violent situation, women and children who have suffered at the hands of domestic violence often find themselves having to leave the family home and move away from their crucial network of family and friends,” Mrs Ward said.
“The Staying Home Leaving Violence program turns that around, allowing women and children to stay safely and heal in their own home, while the perpetrator is removed.
“We are expanding this important program and this funding will now be going to 28 service providers, who do incredible work to help victim-survivors, to expand their geographical reach to support more women.”
The NSW Government has committed $4.95 million to the program’s expansion each year for four years, totalling $19.8 million. This forms part of a $32.5 million announcement in the 2021-22 NSW Budget.
The Staying Home Leaving Violence Program works in cooperation with NSW Police to remove the perpetrator from the family home and support victim-survivors to remain safely in the home. Services available include improving home security, help in managing finances, support for children and helping with complicated legal processes.
Details on a further expansion of the program are expected to be finalised in coming months.
80th Anniversary of Australian nurses who lost their lives on Bangka Island in WWII
The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) today pays their respects to the nurses who lost their lives during the sinking of the Vyner Brooke on 14 February 1942 and Bangka Island Massacre on 16 February 1942.
65 Australian Army Nursing Service nurses were evacuated from Singapore on the SS Vyner Brooke due to the pending Japanese invasion. 12 died when the ship was bombed in the Bangka Strait shortly after leaving port.
22 of the group made their way to the nearby Bangka Island where they became victims of one of the worst atrocities of the war. The nurses were ordered to walk into the sea and were machine-gunned from behind in what is now known as the Bangka Island Massacre. 21 died, with only Lieutenant Colonel Vivian Bullwinkel AO, MBE, ARRC, ED, FNM, FRCNA surviving after receiving non-fatal gunshot wounds.
To mark the 80th anniversary of the sinking and massacre, ACN CEO Adjunct Professor Kylie Ward FACN reflected on the incredible courage the nurses displayed in the most horrific of situations and highlighted their legacy still has a lasting impact on the nursing profession today.
“80 years ago, a group of Australian nurses paid the ultimate sacrifice for their dedication to serve their country and use their expertise to care for those who needed it most,” she said.
“All the nurses onboard the Vyner Brooke were highly skilled professionals at the cutting edge of health care innovation for their time. They had a variety of clinical and personal backgrounds and came from all over Australia from Perth to Broken Hill, Sydney to Ballarat and everywhere in-between.
“When the bombs were falling on the ship, it was the nurses who stood tall to lead the ship’s evacuation and treat the injured. On Bangka Island, they endured exceptionally trying conditions in the face of death. Even in their final moments, they stayed true in their commitment to care for others, with several supporting their injured nursing colleagues walk into the water before their tragic deaths.
“The group’s courage, leadership and professional skill continue to have a legacy on nurses in Australia today. These traits are what make us proud to be nurses and our profession never forgets the immense sacrifice of those who came before us.
“To ensure their legacy lives on, The Australian College of Nursing Foundation is establishing a scholarship in the name of each of the 21 nurses who died in the Bangka Island Massacre, in addition to leading the fundraising to erect a sculpture of Vivian Bullwinkel in the grounds of the Australian War Memorial.
New report reveals staggering future $442 billion cost of Alzheimer’s disease
A new report from the University of Canberra’s National Centre for Social and Economic Modelling (NATSEM) reveals the staggering future economic cost of Alzheimer’s disease, and its impact on Australia’s workforce, patients, families and communities.1
The report, The Economic and Societal Cost of Alzheimer’s Disease in Australia, 2021-2041, commissioned by Biogen Australia and New Zealand, builds on NATSEM and Dementia Australia’s Economic Cost of Dementia in Australia 2016-2056 Report released in 2017 and projects a 20-year $442 billion impact of Alzheimer’s disease to the Australian economy.1
Lead author Emeritus Professor Laurie Brown from NATSEM said the number of people aged 50 and over with diagnosed Alzheimer’s disease is expected to increase by 73% from 153,888 in 2021 to 266,114 by 2041. This increase will lead to an annual cost of $26.6 billion, including direct costs (aged care, hospital and out of hospital services) of $9.8 billion and indirect costs (informal care, lost productivity, and income support) of $16.8 billion by 2041.1
“The modelling paints a significant challenge to government, health and aged care systems into the future,” said Professor Brown. “The numbers also provide insight into the ripple effect on families and the community as they struggle to care for people living with the disease.”
Under current care, the number of people in Residential Aged Care Facilities with dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease is expected to increase by more than 72 per cent over the next 20 years, with the numbers increasing from 42,478 persons in 2021 to 73,172 in 2041.1
“This is a huge challenge for an aged care system already under pressure. It will see financial impacts of formal residential and community aged care rising by almost $3.6 billion annually and requiring a paid workforce of 18,652 in 2041 to support those living with Alzheimer’s disease in the community alone, up from 10,752 in 2021,” said Professor Brown.
Associate Professor Michael Woodward AM, geriatrician and Head of Aged Care Research, Austin Health said importantly the report also provides an opportunity to quantify the societal costs outside the health system.
“The impact I see on carers and the community each day is often the most challenging to quantify. However, with an expected additional 80,000+ people with Alzheimer’s disease in the community by 2041 compared with today we can’t afford not to consider this impact in any future approach,” Associate Professor Woodward said.
The report also investigated the potential impact of a disease modifying therapy on the numbers.1 Disease-modifying therapies target the pathogenic pathway of Alzheimer’s disease to delay the onset or progression of dementia.2 The modelling indicates there is an opportunity to reduce the burden on aged care over the 20 years by $7.9 billion, the cost of residential care by $7.0 billion and formal care in the community by $880 million. With fewer people having moderate or severe AD dementia, the cost of informal care is also reduced by $4.3 billion – giving a total savings of $12.2 billion.1
“While the modelling suggests that the introduction of a disease modifying therapy has the potential to lessen the future impact of Alzheimer’s disease, it is only part of the solution,” said Associate Professor Woodward.
“The findings in this report attest to the importance of developing and implementing a system and society-wide approach, in alignment with the anticipated national dementia strategy to ensure we can provide the best possible clinical outcomes and quality of life in the future. We do not have time to delay,” Associate Professor Woodward continued.
This data reinforces the findings from the recent White Paper on the Future of Alzheimer’s disease in Australia that revealed the need for urgent collaboration and action in the healthcare system to manage the growing impact of the disease.
US LOGISTICS VISIT REINFORCES COMMITMENT TO AUSMIN 2021 OUTCOMES
A United States delegation, led by U.S. Indo-Pacific Command’s Director for Logistics and Engineering, Brigadier General Jered Helwig, will visit bases and facilities in Australia to progress the Australian-U.S. Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN) 2021 commitments.
Indo-Pacific Command’s senior logistician will meet with key Australian Defence counterparts to discuss the establishment of cooperative logistics, sustainment, and maintenance enterprises.
Brigadier Jason Walk, Acting Commander Joint Logistics Command, is sponsoring the delegation and welcomed the opportunity to start progressing the AUSMIN 2021 outcomes.
“Aligning Australian and U.S understanding of the Northern Australian environment and the Defence logistics enterprise capabilities is central to achieving an effective AUSMIN outcome,” Brigadier Walk said.
“The visit will focus on logistics opportunities and challenges in our Northern Region, our networks and infrastructure, and interoperability enhancement.”
Brigadier General Helwig said the visit was a great opportunity to connect and discuss cooperative logistics, sustainment, and maintenance, a key outcome from AUSMIN Consultations in September 2021.
“The Indo-Pacific Region is the priority theatre for the United States and working alongside Australia is critically important in this long-term partnership to achieve our collective goals of maintaining peace and stability in the Region,” Brigadier General Helwig said.
“Our network of allies and partners is our greatest strategic asset and central to our goals to ensure a free, open, inclusive, and resilient Indo-Pacific,” Brigadier Helwig said.
The Joint Statement on AUSMIN 2021 endorsed a range of enhanced force posture cooperation activities to enhance maritime, air and land support to promote a secure and stable Indo-Pacific region.
The full statement can be accessed here
The visit will comply with all the relevant state and territory COVID-19 rules and regulations.
RFS boss dragging the chain on volunteer vaccination: PSA
Rural Fire Service Commissioner Robert Rogers is yet to require COVID-19 vaccinations for volunteers, despite a mandate for salaried RFS officers and all other NSW volunteers.
The Public Service Association said members who are employed by RFS as well workers with firefighting duties in National Parks and Wildlife Services and the State Forest Corporation have consistently raised concerns about the vaccination status of RFS volunteers.
“RFS is the only remaining emergency service that hasn’t mandated vaccinations for its volunteers – there is no reason for this other than an apparent lack of leadership from RFS Commissioner Rob Rogers,” said PSA assistant secretary Troy Wright. “The majority of those who give their time to RFS, either paid or voluntarily, want to see their colleagues vaccinated – RFS needs to stop dragging the chain on this.
“Vollies and members are saying they don’t necessarily want to jump in a truck or chopper with someone who has chosen not to get vaccinated. In an emergency there is no time to quickly swab your nose for rapid test – the only practical solution is a vaccine mandate for everyone in the emergency services.”
The union has been seeking an urgent meeting with Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Stephanie Cooke for the past two weeks.
“RFS volunteers do vital work and vaccine mandates are in effect across the rest of NSW’s volunteer sector – so why is RFS Commissioner Rogers dragging the chain on this? Why does Minister Cooke keep letting him kick the can down the road?”
The union said while NSW had escaped serious bushfires so far this season it was still possible. RFS volunteers also join search and rescue efforts, respond to traffic accidents, and support other emergency efforts.
“Do we really want to risk turning a natural disaster into a super spreading event? If the Commissioner is concerned about losing volunteers he needs to stop hiding under the covers and front up so we can all work on promoting vaccination.”
NSW 17U team for 2022 National Champs named
Netball NSW is delighted to announce the athletes who have been selected for the 2022 NSW 17U Team which will contest the National Netball Championships later this year.
The final list of 12 players was selected after a rigorous selection process which brough the best of metro and regional talent together.
The squad will begin their campaign this weekend in preparation for the Nationals in Hobart in April.
“Head Coach Amber Cross and her players and support staff are looking forward to driving growth, cohesiveness and Waratah pride within this team of talented and determined athletes,” Margaret Hamley of Netball NSW said.
The team will benefit from the experience of three athletes returning from the 2021 campaign with Eugenie Little, Freddie Schneideman and Tumut local Grace Whyte selected again. All three are in the QBE Swifts Academy – which underpins the NSW Swifts – and they also play for the Manly Warringah Sapphires in the Origin Energy Premier League.
Talented shooter Monika O’Tai is in GIANTS Academy and will play for UTS Sparks in Premier League, while Hunter pair Hope White and Brooke Rooney play Premier League for the Central Coast Heart and Panthers respectively.
Eliza McKenzie is a proud Eastwood Ryde junior and will represent ERNA Hawks in Premier League while Nicola Barge, Nevaeh Matenga, Isabella Degei, Jayla Dicker (along with White) are all bottom-age athletes with big futures ahead.
Barge (Stingrays), Degei (GWS Fury) and Dicker (Panthers) will also play in Premier League and Matenga (Liverpool City) will foster her growth in the DOOLEYS Metro League competition.
Midcourt player Laicy Costigan will train with her local Hastings Valley team as they prepare for the HART Regional League competition and will travel the eight-hour return trip each week for State Team training.
In 2022 Netball NSW has also selected a 17U Train-On Squad. The squad of 15 athletes will train each Sunday for the next 11 weeks with a focus of individual growth and maximising readiness to progress on the Netball NSW Pathway.
Each of these athletes will have the opportunity to be a part of the Metro Emerging, Regional Emerging or Indigenous All Stars teams in a competition planned for later in 2022.
2022 NSW 17U Team
Brooke Rooney (Newcastle)
Eliza McKenzie (Eastwood Ryde)
Eugenie Little (Manly Warringah)
Frederika Schneideman (Randwick)
Grace Whyte (Manly Warringah/Tumut)
Hope White (Newcastle)
Isabella Degei (Penrith District)
Jayla Dicker (Penrith District)
Laicy Costigan (Hastings Valley)
Monika ‘Otai (St George District)
Nevaeh Matenga (Liverpool City)
Nicola Barge (Sutherland Shire)
2022 NSW 17/U Train-On Squad
Angelina Ballas (Baulkham Hills Shire)
Ashley Vasquez (Camden)
Ava Moller (Wagga Wagga)
Charlie Hawkins (Randwick)
Charlee Belcher (Baulkham Hills Shire/Newcastle)
Ellie Hart (Campbelltown District)
Hinemoa Boylan (Campbelltown District)
Katarina Sincek (Penrith District)
Laura Ashwin (Baulkham Hills Shire)
Maraea Paea (Wyong District)
Mia Blackett (Coffs Harbour)
Nicola Gastelaars (St George District)
Sara Kent (St George District)
Tahlia Robertson (Sutherland Shire)
Yasmeen Janschek (Randwick)
Greens call for cross-party commitment to end culture of sexual violence and harassment
The Greens have called on all parties to pledge an end to Australia’s culture of sexual violence, harassment and predatory behavior by committing to the three asks outlined by Grace Tame and Brittany Higgins in their joint address to the National Press Club today.
Greens deputy leader and spokesperson on women Senator Larissa Waters said:
“Anyone who watched Grace Tame and Brittany Higgins at the Press Club today would have been been under no illusion about what needs to be done to end Australia’s culture of sexual violence, harassment and abuse.
“They asked for three things from this parliament: to take abuse in all its forms seriously, to invest in prevention education, and for structural change. These are things that women have been demanding for years, and we call on all parties to commit to making this happen.
“The Greens have already made that commitment. We’ve pledged to deliver the $1 billion a year that the women’s safety sector says it needs to fully fund frontline services, and we’ve announced that we’ll spend $477 million to support the four-year rollout of Our Watch’s Respectful Relationships education in all public schools.
“A billion dollars a year is a tiny price to pay to ensure the safety of Australian women at work, at home and in public. This government spend 10 times that on subsidies to tax-dodging fossil fuel companies!
“The government must also get on with implementing the remaining recommendations of the Respect@Work report, most critically the positive duty on employers to ensure a safe workplace, and enact all 28 recommendations of Set the Standard, to reform the toxic culture in parliament and parliamentary workplaces.
“Everyone deserves to be free from harassment, bullying and sexual assault. It’s just a tragedy that it’s taken the sacrifices and public re-traumatisation of brave women like Grace Tame and Brittany Higgins to wake many people up.
“The Morrison Government knows what needs to be done. Let’s get cracking.”