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New treatment for Australians with rare blood disease

Australians with paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH)—a condition that produces defective blood cells—will have access to a new treatment through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

PNH is a rare, potentially life-threatening condition in which red blood cells break apart prematurely. Symptoms occur because of the production of defective blood cells and because the bone marrow does not produce enough blood cells.

The specific symptoms and progression of the disorder vary greatly and some individuals may have mild symptoms, which remain stable for many years; while others may have serious symptoms, which can progress to cause life-threatening complications. Blood clots are a very serious complication of PNH.

From March 1, Ultomiris^® (ravulizumab) will be listed for the first time for patients with PNH.

Ultomiris^® protects the red blood cells from damage and destruction by blocking the body’s inflammatory response.

Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said around 160 Australians each year will benefit from the listing of Ultomiris^® on the PBS.

“Without subsidy, Australians would pay around $550,000 per year for treatment, instead from March 1, they’ll pay $42.50 per script, or just $6.80 with a concession card,” Minister Hunt said.

“Since 2013, the Coalition Government had approved more than 2,800 new or amended listings on the PBS. This represents an average of around 30 listings or amendments per month – or one each day – at an overall investment by the Government of $14.3 billion.”

At the same time, Soliris^®(eculizumab), which has been available through the Life Savings Drug Program for the treatment of PNH, will move to the PBS.

This PBS listing has been recommended by the independent Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee.

The Morrison Government’s commitment to ensuring Australians can access affordable medicines, when they need them, remains rock solid.

This is a strong contrast to Albanese and Labor, who when last in Government stopped listing essential medicines and treatments on the PBS.

Commonwealth financial assistance for Queensland flood victims

Queenslanders in communities impacted by the unfolding flooding disaster across the state’s South East can apply for Commonwealth financial support from Monday 28 February.

The Morrison Government has activated the Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) of $1000 per eligible adult and $400 per eligible child to support people impacted by the South East Queensland flooding event that began on 22 February.

The Disaster Recovery Payment is a one-off, non-means tested payment and is available to eligible people in those affected local government areas who have suffered a significant loss, including a severely damaged or destroyed home or serious injury.

Eligible Queenslanders in the local government areas of Gympie and North Burnett can claim support via myGov or by calling Services Australia on 180 22 66 from 1pm Queensland time tomorrow (28 February).

We are closely monitoring the flood emergency and we expect further Commonwealth assistance to be extended to other impacted regions and local government areas as the flood impact is known.

Australian Defence Force personnel continue to support the emergency response efforts and will do more once the water recedes and the recovery effort starts.

The Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) will also be provided into the affected local government areas in Gympie and north Burnett, with further flood affected local government areas expected to be added in coming days, as the damage becomes clear.

The DRA assists employees, small business persons and farmers who experience a loss of income as a direct result of a major disaster. You might be eligible for a maximum of 13 weeks payment from the date you have or will have a loss of income as a direct result of a disaster. The DRA is taxable.

Since 2019-20 the Federal Government has provided $17 billion in disaster relief.

Services Australia’s Disaster Assistance phone line (180 22 66) is available for those who are unable to claim online from 1pm Queensland time tomorrow, Monday 28 February. For more information on support available, visit servicesaustralia.gov.au/disaster

Multimillion dollar Blackbutt Village upgrade ready to commence

A $3.7 million upgrade of Blackbutt Village on Orchardtown Road is set to commence next month, delivering a safer, more attractive place to shop for New Lambton residents.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said after previously engaging with the community on their ideas for this popular area, it will be wonderful to see this long-awaited upgrade get underway.

An artist's impression of the upgrade of Blackbutt Village on Orchardtown Road, New Lambton.

“Early in this project the community highlighted concerns about safety, and in particular safety when crossing the busy Orchardtown Road,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Our team have been busy developing a design that both improves safety and encourages pedestrians and cyclists to the area, as well as making it a safer place to park your car and visit the local shops.”

The upgrade will include an off-road shared pedestrian and cycle path, a new pedestrian crossing, improved footpath connections to Blackbutt Reserve, as well as introduction of a 40km per hour High Pedestrian Activity Area.

Ward 3 Councillor and Chair of the Infrastructure Advisory Committee, Peta Winney-Baartz said the upgrade will see the entire public domain of the popular local centre renewed for the local community and visitors, with a focus on place activation and improving public spaces to further promote local businesses.

“Wider footpaths and new plazas will improve outdoor dining and promote activation of the area, while its look and feel will be improved with renewed drainage, kerbs, gutters, road surfaces, footpaths, lighting, street furniture, tree planting and landscaping,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.

“As a part of our ongoing engagement with the community, we will also invite local residents and businesses to let us know their ideas for the best use and activation ideas for the new public open spaces later in the year.”

Traffic and Transport Manager Ryan Tranter said that City of Newcastle will continue to involve the community and local businesses in discussions about the introduction of timed parking in the local area.

“Parking safety and turnover issues have been strongly identified throughout community consultation to date, and we’ll continue to speak with local businesses and residents to ensure ease of access to the upgraded Local Centre for locals, customers and visitors,” Mr Tranter said.

“We hope that through the improvements we are delivering, the community will enjoy even greater connections in this area and benefit from its links to our expanded pedestrian and cycleway network.”

Following a workshop with business owners in the area, the broader community will be invited to provide feedback on options for timed parking in the coming months.

Construction is estimated to be complete by early 2024. The upgrade has been supported with a $591,677 grant from the NSW Government under Round Seven of the Resources for Regions program.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the NSW Government’s Resources for Regions funding is stimulating local economies and supporting the ongoing prosperity of mining towns.

“This project represents the NSW Government’s commitment to providing continued support to mining reliant towns,” Mr Toole said.

“Projects like the Blackbutt Village upgrades will go a long way to help revitalising this area in Newcastle and provide long term benefits for this great mining community.”

The project being delivered as part of City of Newcastle’s Local Centres program and follows similar upgrades at Carrington, Beresfield, Joslin Street in Kotara, Llewellyn Street in Merewether, James Street Plaza in Hamilton, and the upgrades currently under construction in Stockton and Shortland.

Tea and scones provide seniors with social connection

An initiative to combat social isolation amongst the city’s elderly population caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has been dished up today thanks to funds provided by City of Newcastle.

NovaCare’s Scone Time encourages elderly community members, their carers, companions and family members to re-connect over morning tea, with the first event held today in Merewether.

Thirty elderly Newcastle residents came together for the unique social event funded under City of Newcastle’s expanded Community and Economic Resilience Package, which aims to support vulnerable communities through the ongoing impacts of COVID-19.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said initiatives like Scone Time are so important as we continue to feel the impact of COVID-19 and look towards recovering from the pandemic.

“The last two years have presented challenges for everyone, but these are heightened amongst our elderly population,” Cr Nelmes said

“Providing seniors with safe and supported opportunities to seek meaningful social connection will improve the wellbeing of our community.”

City of Newcastle Director Strategy and Engagement Kathleen Hyland said continued support of the community will benefit the city’s most vulnerable residents.

“When the pandemic was declared in 2020, we moved quickly to deliver social, economic and well-being outcomes that would support our community,” said Ms Hyland.

“As the effects of COVID-19 continued to impact our community with social and economic disruption, we extended our $5.5 million community and economic resilience package to provide additional support with a targeted program including assistance for local charities and the most vulnerable in our community.”

NovaCare Chief Executive Officer Joseph McCarthy said City of Newcastle’s support will allow the initiative to be rolled out across a number of locations in Newcastle, with up to 20 events to be held this year.

“The pandemic has caused social isolation amongst older people, some of whom are now feeling lonely and hesitant to re-enter activities” Mr McCarthy said.

“City of Newcastle’s support will enable NovaCare to provide social re-connection to local seniors in a supported environment where they can share homemade scones, their thoughts and feelings, amongst great company.”

The free events are open to anyone over the age of 65, their carers and family members. Bookings can be made by contacting NovaCare.

Northern Settlement Services has also received funding under City of Newcastle’s Community and Economic Resilience Package. The grant will be used for a social and recreational program for vulnerable cultural and linguistically diverse populations.

To find out more about how we’re responding to COVID-19 visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/covid-19

Premier’s reading challenge now open

The Premier’s Reading Challenge marks its 21^st anniversary starting today, with children encouraged to join the party – by reading lots of books!

The Challenge aims to encourage a love of reading for leisure and pleasure in students, and to enable them to experience quality literature.

First started in 2002, the Challenge has grown in both student participation and completion numbers every year since its inception.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said despite disruptions from COVID-19 in 2021, participation in the Challenge was up almost 3 per cent (440,000 students) with individual books read reaching almost 9 million.

“It’s wonderful to see that the Challenge continues to grow, encouraging generations to enjoy reading,” Mr Perrottet said.

“The challenge encourages students to extend reading beyond the classroom where they can read for pleasure and knowledge.”

Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said this year’s motto “stories that stay with you” was very suitable following the years we have had.

“Reading is so beneficial for students’ lives, it sharpens their knowledge and strengthens writing and vocabulary – but just as importantly it makes for happier, more creative kids who take that with them into adulthood,” Ms Mitchell said.

“Reading is a gift that unlocks future success for students. I’m excited for this year’s challenge to start.”

The Premier’s Reading Challenge begins on Monday, 28 February and is open for student entries until Friday, 19 August. Students from government, independent, Catholic and home schools in Kindergarten to Year 10 can participate.

See www.premiersreadingchallenge.nsw.edu.au for the rules of the competition.

Linger Longer at special events in 2022

The NSW Government has extended trading hours for hotels and registered clubs during special sporting and cultural events in 2022.

The extension allows some venues to trade longer hours so patrons can celebrate events such as Vivid Sydney, the Tamworth Country Music Festival, the Parkes Elvis Festival and the NRL Grand Final.

Minister for Hospitality and Racing, Kevin Anderson, said the move would give patrons extra time to socialise and enjoy major entertainment events while opening more trading opportunities for businesses.

“We understand that it has been tough for hospitality venues recently which is why we are extending trading hours for certain events. This will create jobs and put valuable dollars back into the tills of small businesses,” Mr Anderson said.

“NSW hospitality venues are waiting with open arms to welcome patrons through their doors so now is the time to get out and enjoy yourself in a COVID safe way.”

Venues already able to trade beyond these longer hours on can trade as usual.

“We need to recognise and support events that cater to a range of interests and cultures and that are both locally and globally significant,” Mr Anderson said.

“If you’re keen to flag dates in your social calendar, check the list of events to see when and where pubs and clubs can stay open later and get out and enjoy the yourself at one of our excellent hospitality venues.”

These trading extensions do not affect takeaway alcohol trading times. Individual trading restrictions or other special conditions that apply to a venue’s liquor licence also remain in place for these events.

Get your $500 Before and After School Care voucher now

The NSW Government’s $155 million program for Before and After School Care (BASC) vouchers is now live for parents and carers of children enrolled in a NSW primary school.

The $500 vouchers are available now to use at participating providers to assist families with access to BASC services by covering a parent gap fee component of their session fees.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the $500 vouchers are more important than ever in supporting our working families as they get back into the office.

“The vouchers will offer parents greater flexibility as they return to the office,” Mr Perrottet said.

“They’ll also ease pressure on household budgets as we recover from the disruptions of the pandemic.”

Treasurer Matt Kean said the NSW Government is focused on making it easier for women to enter, re-enter and stay in the workforce.

“Covid-19 was the first economic shock where women lost more jobs than men, and providing more affordable Before and After School Care services can give working mothers greater choice when it comes to their careers,” Mr Kean said.

Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said this is a great opportunity for families to access a BASC service in their local school community.

“Every family with children at a NSW primary school is eligible for one voucher per child, which will provide each child with approximately 60 sessions of free BASC,” Ms Mitchell said.

“These vouchers are all about providing affordable access to care for families, particularly after a tough two years where we have had disrupted access to school and BASC.”
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said the vouchers are now live on the Service NSW app.

“Similar to Dine & Discover, First Lap and other voucher programs, eligible parents and carers will be able to store and re-use their Proof of Identity documents, such as Medicare Card and Driver’s Licence, to speed up the application process,” Mr Dominello said.

Families can access the vouchers online via MyServiceNSW account, in the app, or by visiting their nearest Service Centre.

Rangers trial drones to track rare rock-wallaby

First Nations rangers are trialling thermal imaging drones to track one of Australia’s rarest and most secretive wallaby species in the Kimberley region of Western Australia.

The endangered black-footed rock-wallaby, or wiliji as it is known by Traditional Owners in the area, is a small and extremely agile animal that darts among rocky outcrops and caves, making it challenging to find and track.

A population once thought to be more than 2,500 strong has plummeted to an estimated 500 due to the impact of introduced predators and indiscriminate wildfires.

The Nyikina Mangala Rangers have been successfully monitoring the elusive wallabies using sensor cameras since 2013. However, it takes months to process imagery and model data as cameras are retrieved weeks after deployment.

A partnership between Walalakoo Aboriginal Corporation (WAC), Charles Darwin University (CDU), and the World Wide Fund for Nature-Australia (WWF-Australia) is seeking to solve this problem using a combination of traditional knowledge and cutting edge technology.

Rangers and researchers are seeing if multirotor drones can provide a more timely and cost-efficient method to capture population data. It is the first time drones have been used to monitor wiliji.

CDU researchers have provided drone training to Nyikina Mangala Rangers like William Watson so they can continue to conduct surveys.

“We’ve been handpicked to represent our tribe and protect our Country, which means we need to work together with modern-day science now. We’re here to do a job for our old people and our young people,” Mr Watson said.

“Modern science and traditional techniques work hand-in-hand to get a better outcome.”

Contracted by WAC, postdoctoral research fellow at CDU’s Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods (RIEL), Rebecca Rogers has been on field trips with a CDU Bachelor of Environmental Science student Aliesha Hvala to the Erskine Range near Broome to gather drone data.

“We want to find out how many black-footed rock-wallabies are in the area, where they go and what other animals they might be interacting with,” Ms Rogers said.

Ms Rogers said in initial trials, the thermal camera installed on the drones was able to detect the heat signature of the wallabies and could cover a large area in a short period of time.

“We were also able to detect feral cats on the plateau, which are a potential threat to this species,” she said.

“We hope this information will help rangers to better manage predator populations and protect the black-footed rock wallaby from the threat of extinction.”

WWF-Australia’s WA Species Conservation Manager Dr Leigh-Ann Woolley said it is vital to understand this culturally important species so rangers can monitor population response to any management interventions they apply, such as fire and feral cat management.

“The thermal imaging drones could be a game changer,” Dr Leigh-Ann Woolley said.

“They allow us to monitor the wiliji when they leave their rocky outcrops and caves at night. And if the drone survey method proves to be accurate and reliable, it has the potential to be applied to other rock-wallaby populations across Australia.”

Hundreds of Muslim volunteers will take part in #CleanUpAustraliaDay this Sunday

Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Australia has registered 22 ‘Clean-Up Australia Day’ sites nationwide and members will enthusiastically take part in large numbers.

The National President and Missionary In-charge of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Australia, Mr. I.H. Kauser said:

“Each year hundreds of Ahmadi Muslims take part in Clean Up Australia Day. Islam reinforces the importance of cleanliness on individual and societal levels. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) has said that cleanliness is part of faith. Hence it is our responsibility to keep our surroundings neat and clean. Clean-Up Australia Day is a great cause and we all must participate in the nation’s largest community-based environmental event.”

About the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community:

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is a very peaceful, law-abiding, nonviolent and loving community. Founded in 1889, the Community spans more than 200 countries with membership exceeding tens of millions. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is the leading Islamic organisation to categorically reject terrorism in any form. Similarly, the Ahmadiyya Community is the only Islamic organisation to endorse a separation of mosque and state. Today, it continues to be an advocate for universal human rights and protection for religious and other minorities. It champions the empowerment and education of women. Its members are among the most law-abiding, educated, and engaged Muslims in the world.

DEFENCE SUPPORT TO QUEENSLAND FLOODS

From Friday 25 February 2022, following a request by Queensland Police, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) commenced assistance to Queensland authorities and communities in the South-East of the state, affected by severe flooding.

Two Australian Army MRH-90 Taipan helicopters from the School of Army Aviation, based at Oakey near Toowoomba, immediately commenced search and rescue operations on Friday evening. The helicopters are crewed by Australian Army personnel and Defence contractors.

Aircrews continue to conduct rescues under extremely difficult weather conditions and an additional 200 ADF personnel are on standby and making preparations to further support efforts at the direction of the State Government.