In a watershed moment for the sport in this state, Netball NSW is delighted to announce the launch of a new range of apparel designed to provide a more inclusive and welcoming environment for people of all ages, gender identity and cultural backgrounds.
The uniforms, launched in conjunction with apparel partner Valour Sport’s ONE TEAM initiative, are the culmination of a body of work undertaken by the organisation after Netball Australia’s State of the Game Review.
The Review, which was chaired by Australian Diamonds and Swifts legend Liz Ellis AM, highlighted that a lack of flexibility regarding uniforms was proving to be a barrier to many in the community taking up, or continuing their involvement in, netball.
Netball NSW’s long-term hope is that all Clubs and Associations will adopt a mix-and-match approach to netball uniforms to ensure grassroots participants feel comfortable when taking the court for their local teams.
Alongside the traditional netball dress, the new apparel incorporates a range of singlets, t-shirts, long-sleeve tops, shorts and compression wear to provide the netball community with a range of on-court options.
Netball NSW CEO Tain Drinkwater said a flexible approach to uniforms was vital to ensure the game’s continued growth and broadening its appeal.
“Netball NSW believes that all participants should, as far as possible, be supported in wearing a uniform that allows them to participate in netball in the manner in which they feel most comfortable, Drinkwater said.
“Contrary to popular belief, the rules of netball do not indicate that a registered playing uniform must be a dress. The rules indicate that it must be the registered playing uniform. This uniform is defined by Clubs and approved by Associations. This means our grassroots community has the chance to ensure uniforms are inclusive for everyone.
“The key aim of this is to make sure we advance our position as a sport for people not just of all cultural backgrounds and gender identities, but all shapes and sizes too. It is clear that rigidity when it comes to Clubs only allowing dresses is holding back our participation numbers.
“We are encouraging all affiliated Clubs and Associations to embrace adaptability and flexibility around uniforms in order to encourage continued participation and enjoyment in our sport. From today, they have the tools to do just that, backed by new Inclusive Uniform Guidelines prepared by Netball NSW.
“In many ways this is a watershed moment. Netball has been the leader in so many areas, but not when it comes to widening its appeal beyond traditional bases. It is time to change that.”
Matthew Knight, Managing Director of Valour Sport, said his team was delighted to take part in the ground-breaking initiative for netball in NSW.
“This is a wonderful example of how commercial partners can work together to provide better outcomes for both sport and individuals,” Knight said.
“On the back of the State of the Game Review we believe Valour Sport can be the ‘creative thinker’ mentioned in the report by delivering a uniform concept that allows Associations, Clubs and participants to choose garments which cater for comfort, cost and both cultural and personal sensitivities.
“To know that we are having an impact in encouraging participation in sport is truly rewarding.”
Author: admin
Greens target balance of power with $300K homes
The Greens have today announced a plan to build 125,000 new homes and sell them to people locked out of housing for $300,000.
Young people locked out of the housing market could decide a number of key inner city elections around the country, including Griffith in Brisbane.
With a tight election looming, a win in Griffith could put the Greens in the balance of power, and push the next government to make housing more affordable.
The Greens are campaigning on the issue of housing affordability, promising to offer good quality $300K homes to first home buyers.
The Greens victory in South Brisbane in the recent state election, and a perception that Labor has abandoned renters and first home buyers, has given Greens candidate Max Chandler-Mather a huge boost.
On current polling, a power-sharing Parliament is the most likely outcome of the coming election and in the balance of power, the Greens will push for billionaires and big corporations to pay their fair share of tax so we can build affordable housing.
Griffith Greens candidate Max Chandler-Mather said:
“People are telling us they feel abandoned by Labor, and locked out of the housing market.
“We’ve knocked on 30,000 doors and we’re hearing over and over from renters that they can’t imagine owning a home. Parents are worried about their kids struggling to buy a home.
“Almost 1 in 2 people in Griffith rent and with skyrocketing rents and house prices we’re seeing a new constituency of families shifting to the Greens on the basis that Labor has abandoned them when it comes to affordable housing.
“We want to tax the billionaires and big corporations, and build homes that everyone can afford.
“In the balance of power, we can fight for everyone’s future, not just the big donors and big banks.”
Greens Leader Adam Bandt MP said:
“With wage growth going backwards for young people, house prices skyrocketing and billionaires making big profits, we’ve got to do something different.
“Labor has joined the Liberals in abandoning renters, backing billions of dollars in public handouts to people who already own five, six or seven homes, pushing up prices and locking people out of housing.
“The movement in Griffith now feels like Melbourne in 2010, when young people changed the course of politics by putting the Greens in balance of power. If young people back the Greens in Griffith, we can kick the Liberals out and put the Greens back in balance of power, where we will push the next government to tax the billionaires and build secure homes everyone can afford.”
Greens Spokesperson for Housing Senator Mehreen Faruqi said:
“Housing in this country is completely cooked. Some people are making huge profits from housing, while others are struggling to keep a roof above their heads.
“Homelessness is not inevitable. Governments must make the choice of ensuring everyone has a safe and affordable place to live, and to obliterate homelessness and housing insecurity forever.
“A massive build of new homes will reduce inequality in Australia dramatically. Safe, secure, high-quality housing is a human right, not a privilege reserved only for those who are able to afford to
pay through the nose for it.
“Our innovative shared equity ownership scheme will help tens of thousands of people buy their first home for $300,000.
“People who have been locked out of a home due to skyrocketing prices and a housing system stacked against them will be able to own a high-quality sustainable house and make it their home at
an affordable price.
“In a property market rigged for speculators and wealthy investors, buying a home is well out of reach for most people. It’s currently too expensive for many people to both pay rent and save for a deposit. The Greens plan tackles this head-on.
“Whether you are renting a home or buying one, a housing system should work for people, not profit.”
Greens announce plan to build one million homes
The Greens have today announced that in balance of power after the next election, they will push a plan to build one million new publicly-owned, affordable, high-quality and sustainable homes.
The Greens’ push for secure housing comes as property prices surge to record highs and a generation has been locked out of home ownership, unable to save enough for a deposit, while they continue to face rising rents.
One million new homes, built over 20 years, will clear public housing waiting lists, make housing more affordable, end homelessness, and ensure everyone has a roof over their head.
As part of this plan, The Greens’ shared equity ownership scheme will make it easier for people to buy their first home for $300,000.
On current polling, a power-sharing Parliament is the most likely outcome of the coming election and in the balance of power, the Greens will push for billionaires and big corporations to pay their fair share of tax so we can build affordable housing.
To deliver this plan, the Greens will push to establish a Federal Housing Trust, which will:
- Build 750,000 new public and community houses to slash public housing waiting lists and end homelessness;
- Build 125,000 new shared ownership homes, which will allow first-home buyers to buy a home in suburbs they want to live in for $300,000.
- Build 125,000 new public universal access rental homes to provide secure housing for more people and move towards universal housing.
The Federal Housing Trust will construct and manage all dwellings in partnership with states, territories and community housing providers.
The Greens plan also includes a Capital Grants fund to provide State and Territory governments with $1.5 billion each year for three years, and then $2.5 billion divided evenly over the next 7 years, for public housing improvements.
This plan has been costed by the Parliament Budget Office and is expected to impact the fiscal balance by $7.5 billion over the forward estimates period and $22.9 billion over the decade.
New public and community housing
The Greens will invest in public and community housing which will end the waiting lists and ensure everyone has a roof over their head and a place to call home.
750,000 new, sustainable public and community homes built over 20 years will end homelessness in Australia and provide housing security for everyone in crisis or need.
The Greens will push for 125,000 new public universal access rentals to be built focused on creating affordable housing for more people, and move towards universal housing for all. This plan will help people who have been priced out of where they need to live. Essential workers like teachers and nurses, as well as others, will be able to rent a home from the government. This scheme of 125,000 homes will allow people to live closer to work or their community.
All tenants in Federal Housing Trust homes will pay the lower of 25 percent of their income or market rent.
Own your first home
The Greens have a plan to build 125,000 high-quality sustainable homes and give people who have been locked out of home ownership the opportunity to purchase up to 75% equity in their home. Our Shared Equity Ownership Scheme will make it easier for people to buy their first home, in suburbs they want to live in, for $300,000.
The government will provide low cost loans, which will be simple to service.
Rather than selling off public homes to private developers, these homes are kept permanently by the government as part of a Federal Housing Trust, meaning they will always be available to those who have less opportunity to own a home.
These homes will be owner-occupied. When people want to leave, they can sell back their share to the government’s Federal Housing Trust at an appreciated rate linked to property price growth nationally.
Quotes attributable to Adam Bandt MP, Leader of the Australian Greens:
“With so many people locked out of the housing market, we urgently need the government to act and ensure everyone has somewhere secure to call home.”
“The housing market is broken and the government must step in. As well as slashing public housing waiting lists, the government should build good quality homes in good locations that people locked out of the market can afford to buy.
“In balance of power, the Greens will kick the Liberals out and push the next government to tax the billionaires so we can build homes everyone can afford.”
Quotes attributable to Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Greens spokesperson for Housing:
“Housing in this country is completely cooked. Some people are making huge profits from housing, while others are struggling to keep a roof above their heads.
“Homelessness is not inevitable. Governments must make the choice of ensuring everyone has a safe and affordable place to live, and to obliterate homelessness and housing insecurity forever.
“A massive build of new homes will reduce inequality in Australia dramatically. Safe, secure, high-quality housing is a human right, not a privilege reserved only for those who are able to afford to pay through the nose for it.
“Our innovative shared equity ownership scheme will help tens of thousands of people buy their first home for $300,000.
“People who have been locked out of a home due to skyrocketing prices and a housing system stacked against them will be able to own a high-quality sustainable house and make it their home at an affordable price.
“In a property market rigged for speculators and wealthy investors, buying a home is well out of reach for most people. It’s currently too expensive for many people to both pay rent and save for a deposit. The Greens plan tackles this head-on.
“Whether you are renting a home or buying one, a housing system should work for people, not profit.”
Paying for our plan:
By making billionaires and big corporations pay their fair share of tax and winding back handouts to big polluters, we can build a better life for all of us.
1 in 3 big corporations pays no tax and many big corporations and billionaires send their profits offshore tax free.
The Greens will tax billionaires with a new ‘billionaires tax’, require big corporations making excessive profits to pay a ‘corporate super-profits tax’ and axe billions of dollars in handouts to the coal, oil and gas giants that are driving the climate crisis.
When big corporations and billionaires pay their fair share, everyone can have the services they need for a better life.
Australia secures additional COVID-19 treatments
The Australian Government has secured access to two additional COVID-19 treatments to support the National Plan to Transition Australia’s COVID-19 response, following expert medical advice.
Under a new management with Roche Products Pty Ltd, Australia will be supplied with 15,000 doses of the COVID-19 antibody-based therapy, Ronapreve.
First supply of this treatment is expected to be available by the end of this month through an initial shipment of 5,000 doses and will be held in the National Medical Stockpile.
Use of this treatment will occur in line with the regulatory approval by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and advice from the National COVID-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce.
Ronapreve is a combination of two monoclonal antibodies – casirivimab and imdevimab. It is designed to block infectivity of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19. The two monoclonal antibodies bind to two different sites of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and flag the virus as ‘foreign’, prompting the body’s immune response.
Ronapreve can be administered intravenously for COVID-19 patients in a health care facility and is expected to be targeted for use in unvaccinated people who are at risk of developing severe disease. Treatment with ronapreve has been shown to reduce the risk of hospitalisation and death by up to 70% in patients with confirmed COVID-19.
In addition, the Australian Government has secured access to 500,000 treatment courses of Pfizer’s COVID-19 oral antiviral drug, to be used in combination with the protease inhibitor drug ritonavir, subject to regulatory approval by the TGA.
This treatment which is still undergoing clinical trials is expected to help to reduce the severity or onset of illness in adults who contract, or have been exposed to, COVID-19. It is expected to be available over the course of 2022, subject to final clinical trials being completed by Pfizer and the necessary TGA approval process.
This oral antiviral treatment is taken every 12 hours for five days and is designed to block an enzyme the virus needs in order to multiply early in its lifecycle.
Co-administration with a low dose of ritonavir is expected to help slow the metabolism, or breakdown, of the treatment in order for it to remain active in the body for longer periods of time at higher concentrations to combat the virus.
Ritonavir has been used extensively in combination with other antivirals for other viral diseases to help slow metabolism in a similar way.
On 1 October 2021, the TGA granted provisional determination to Pfizer Australia in relation to this treatment which means that Pfizer can apply to the TGA for approval through this fast track approval process once the clinical trials are complete.
Whilst vaccination remains the best protection against COVID-19 our Government continues work to ensure that Australians have early access to safe and effective treatments as they are made available. These agreements reinforces our strong response to managing COVID-19 outbreaks and ensures that Australia benefits from new pharmaceutical technologies.
As with all COVID-19 treatments, both of these medications will be rigorously assessed by the TGA for safety, quality and effectiveness before it can be registered for use in Australia.
The TGA is treating all COVID-19 treatment applications with the greatest priority as part of the Department of Health’s response to the pandemic.
Following regulatory approval by the TGA, Ronapreve will join other COVID-19 treatments including sotrovimab and remdesivir that are already available to health professionals, through the National Medical Stockpile to help treat people with COVID-19.
Australia has also secured an advanced purchase agreement for 300,000 courses of the promising oral COVID-19 treatment Molnupiravir for supply in 2022 subject to TGA approval.
These purchase agreements have been supported by the Science and Industry Technical Advisory Group, which is the Australian Government’s expert group advising on COVID-19 vaccine and treatment purchases.
Further review of the clinical guidelines for use of these treatments in Australia will be undertaken by the National COVID-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce.
Nominations now open for City of Newcastle 2022 Citizen of the Year Awards
As another challenging year draws to a close, City of Newcastle is calling for nominations for its 2022 Citizen of the Year Awards to recognise the strength, resilience and excellence of Novocastrians.
Nominations are being sought for Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Senior Citizen of the Year and Community Group of the Year, with consideration given across each category to nominees’ community contributions throughout 2021.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the awards recognised the outstanding achievements of everyday Novocastrians.
“This year has been just as, if not more, testing than 2020, with the Newcastle community feeling the sustained effects of the COVID-19 global pandemic,” Cr Nelmes said.
“The City of Newcastle 2022 Citizen of the Year Awards are our opportunity to formally acknowledge those among us who have risen to the challenge to improve, innovate, support and lead – it could be your neighbour, friend or colleague.”
The 2022 recipients, to be announced at an award ceremony in January, will be in esteemed company. Past Citizens of the Year include Indigenous ENT surgeon Professor Kelvin Kong; ovarian cancer awareness campaigner and ABC radio presenter, the late Jill Emberson; and three-time Paralympic gold medalist Kurt Fearnley OAM.
A proud Worimi man and passionate advocate for health equality between Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations, devoting time to working in remote Australian communities and contributing to vital research at the Hunter Medical Research Institute, Dr Kong has ascended from Associate Professor to Professor during his time as 2021 Citizen of the Year.
“I was humbled to accept the award earlier this year on behalf of all of Newcastle, following proudly in the footsteps of such extraordinary Novocastrians including Jill Emberson, whom I admire to this day,” Prof Kong said.
“I am honoured as your 2021 Citizen of the Year to represent First Nations people who have been practicing medicine in this country for 60,000 years. This important work does not stop when I pass the baton to the 2022 Citizen of the Year, whose contributions I’m certain will further exemplify what the award means and the recognition it brings.”
Nominations are now open online at newcastle.nsw.gov.au/citizenoftheyear or via hardcopy form available on the website or at City of Newcastle’s City Administration Centre. Nominations close 5pm Wednesday 17 November 2021 and will be judged by the City of Newcastle Award Panel consisting of the Lord Mayor, CEO, Councillors, The Grainery Church Pastor Sue Irwin and the current Citizen of the Year Award holders.
Nominations are being sought for Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Senior Citizen of the Year and Community Group of the Year, with consideration given across each category to nominees’ community contributions throughout 2021.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the awards recognised the outstanding achievements of everyday Novocastrians.
“This year has been just as, if not more, testing than 2020, with the Newcastle community feeling the sustained effects of the COVID-19 global pandemic,” Cr Nelmes said.
“The City of Newcastle 2022 Citizen of the Year Awards are our opportunity to formally acknowledge those among us who have risen to the challenge to improve, innovate, support and lead – it could be your neighbour, friend or colleague.”
The 2022 recipients, to be announced at an award ceremony in January, will be in esteemed company. Past Citizens of the Year include Indigenous ENT surgeon Professor Kelvin Kong; ovarian cancer awareness campaigner and ABC radio presenter, the late Jill Emberson; and three-time Paralympic gold medalist Kurt Fearnley OAM.
A proud Worimi man and passionate advocate for health equality between Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations, devoting time to working in remote Australian communities and contributing to vital research at the Hunter Medical Research Institute, Dr Kong has ascended from Associate Professor to Professor during his time as 2021 Citizen of the Year.
“I was humbled to accept the award earlier this year on behalf of all of Newcastle, following proudly in the footsteps of such extraordinary Novocastrians including Jill Emberson, whom I admire to this day,” Prof Kong said.
“I am honoured as your 2021 Citizen of the Year to represent First Nations people who have been practicing medicine in this country for 60,000 years. This important work does not stop when I pass the baton to the 2022 Citizen of the Year, whose contributions I’m certain will further exemplify what the award means and the recognition it brings.”
Nominations are now open online at newcastle.nsw.gov.au/citizenoftheyear or via hardcopy form available on the website or at City of Newcastle’s City Administration Centre. Nominations close 5pm Wednesday 17 November 2021 and will be judged by the City of Newcastle Award Panel consisting of the Lord Mayor, CEO, Councillors, The Grainery Church Pastor Sue Irwin and the current Citizen of the Year Award holders.
$130 million to fast track NSW Mental Health Recovery
The Perrottet Government’s economic roadmap has mental health as a top priority with a record $130 million to provide immediate access to help for anyone whose mental health has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The funding boost will provide more appointments for psychology and psychiatry services, address the sharp rise in eating disorders and self-harm presentations, free up more mental health beds and launch the biggest suicide prevention training program ever undertaken.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the lockdown combined with working from home and home schooling has seen a record number of people reach out to crisis lines.
“This funding means that parents, children and the most vulnerable in our community can get the help they need now,” Mr Perrottet said.
“As we navigate the economic recovery from this pandemic we must also support people’s mental wellbeing along the way.”
Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said the new funding will provide public access to private psychiatrists, psychologists and mental health beds as well as training 275,000 people in the community to become mental health first aiders.
“We want NSW to be a whole state of mental health champions, which is why we’re launching a statewide community training blitz to make sure help is always close at hand, from the schoolyard to the sports club and beyond.” Mrs Taylor said.
“This is all about fast-tracking access to boosted services to support people doing it tough right now as well as preventing the emergence of mental health issues in the future.
“Our focus over the next two years will be on supporting our young people and families, building system capacity to meet demand and supporting our communities to lead the recovery,” Mrs Taylor said.
Treasurer Matt Kean said the funding builds on the $2.6 billion 2021-2022 NSW Mental Health Budget – the largest mental health investment in the state’s history.
“We’re leading the nation with our COVID-19 mental health support for our communities, making sure the help is there for particularly vulnerable groups, from new parents to older adults, children and young people,” Mr Kean said.
“Mental health issues often present after the crisis, so as we emerge from lockdown and life returns to normal, this funding will mean parents and children will have free access to help, where they need it and when they need it.”
Key highlights of the mental health recovery package include:
- $35 million over two years to boost the surge capacity of the mental health clinical workforce. In partnership with Primary Health Networks, NSW Health will be able to access privately practising psychologists and psychiatrists and other mental health professionals for NSW residents. It’s estimated this will create an extra 60,000 psychiatry consultations and 85,000 consults with other mental health professionals, including psychologists.
- $20 million over 18 months to provide up to 55,000 additional services to young people through their local headspace centre. This funding will boost GP and clinical psychiatrist sessions at headspace centres across NSW. It will also enable masters and doctorate psychology students (clinical and general registration) and social work and occupational therapy students (pre-registration/masters) to undertake placements at headspace centres. Overseen by clinical educators, students will conduct comprehensive mental health assessments and deliver clinical sessions for young people.
- $14 million over two years to train 275,000 people across NSW in suicide prevention training. The training will target high school teachers and support staff; parents; youth influencers (e.g. sports coaches, club managers); community groups, and peer leaders.
- $21 million over four years to employ 18 FTE Aboriginal Care Navigators and 18 FTE Aboriginal Peer Workers across NSW. These roles will link Aboriginal Australians to a range of culturally-appropriate mental health and suicide prevention services.
- $16.5 million over four years to address the increase in eating disorder presentations. This funding will increase frontline workforce capacity to recognise and respond to eating disorder presentations. It will also fund the Butterfly Foundation to admit NSW residents into its national eating disorders centre at Wandi Nerida in Queensland.
- $6 million over two years to build the capacity of caseworkers and casework managers to provide timely support to child protection practitioners at high risk of trauma.
- $5 million over two years to fund a grants program for local community wellbeing events.
- $3 million over one year to assist NSW sporting bodies to deliver mental health and wellbeing initiatives.
- $3 million over one year to provide access to private beds for 12-24-year-olds experiencing complex trauma and eating disorders. This will be trialled in South Western Sydney Local Health District.
- $2.6 million over two years to expand Gidget Foundation’s services and provide an extra 280 psychological sessions every month.
- $3.2 million over four years to establish a Multicultural Mental Health Line – a NSW first.
Opera house lights up as NSW sails past vaccination milestone
The Sydney Opera House will be the backdrop for a special tribute to frontline workers and those who have been vaccinated as NSW passes the 80 per cent double vaccination milestone.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said images would be projected onto the sails of the famous landmark, to celebrate the efforts of so many throughout the pandemic, enabling NSW to lead the country in the vaccination stakes and reopen ahead of schedule.
“When the sun goes down on Monday evening the Sydney Opera House sails will come alive with reminders of the people who have kept us safe, either through their work or by simply rolling up their sleeve and getting the jab,” Mr Perrottet said.
“We want to thank everyone for doing their bit to look out for each other in this pandemic because it’s this combined effort that has enabled us to hit our vaccination targets and start to get our lives back on track.”
Minister for Digital and Customer Service Victor Dominello said the spectacle was a reminder of the freedoms that come with vaccination.
“Those who are fully vaccinated can now visit a hairdresser, watch their favourite sports, head out to dinner and catch live shows provided they follow health guidelines,” Mr Dominello said.
“The people of NSW have absolutely hit it out of the park when it comes to getting vaccinated and alongside our tremendous frontline workers we want to thank each and every one of them for contributing to this magnificent Team NSW moment.”
The sails will light up from 7pm Monday evening until midnight.
The light display builds upon the NSW Government’s “Let’s Do This” campaign which was launched in August to encourage people to get vaccinated. To book a vaccination, visit nsw.gov.au or call the COVID-19 vaccine helpline on 1800 020 080.
Additional investment to future proof indoor air quality in NSW schools
Hundreds of maintenance teams across NSW are finalising repairs and alterations to windows and ventilation systems ahead of the return to classrooms.
The NSW Government is investing $100 million in an air quality assurance program for schools as part of the economic recovery program.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the work was an extension of the NSW Government’s commitment to keeping the community safe throughout the pandemic
“As the community has adapted to living with COVID, so have our schools, and our approach to keeping them safe using a multi-layered approach that includes vaccines, on-site restrictions, mask-wearing, cleaning and ventilation,” Mr Perrottet said.
“The funding will enable us to support ongoing improvements to air quality in public schools, making schools some of the best ventilated spaces in the community.”
The program has several components, including installing automatic fresh air ventilation systems in smaller learning spaces to allow schools to utilise the areas fully.
Funding will also be directed towards replacing windows, ceiling and exhaust fans, and additional servicing of ventilation systems.
In addition, air purifiers have been sourced and will be provided to schools when individual school circumstances require the department to respond to poor outdoor air quality.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said parents should have confidence in sending their children back to school.
“Thanks to the individual ventilation audit reports, Principals know exactly how to use their spaces in a COVID-safe way – and any issues identified by the audit are being fixed in real-time,” Ms Mitchell said.
“The advice from experts is that maximising natural ventilation is the most effective method of minimising the spread of COVID-19 and our classroom ventilation strategy supports our implementation of this advice.
“What this program does is leverage the insights from our comprehensive audit and expert advice to future-proof our learning spaces not just for COVID-19, but for bushfires and other air quality issues.”
Social housing investment key to recovery roadmap
Thousands of new jobs and social housing properties will be created through the Perrottet Government’s economic recovery strategy with an additional $183 million dedicated to fast-track more than 1,400 new homes.
Treasurer Matt Kean said the investment will provide vital new homes for the State’s most vulnerable and create 1,100 direct and indirect jobs in the construction phase.
“The package boosts construction, accelerates over 1,400 new social and affordable homes and supports an extra 990 households through rent assistance, including in areas that have been hit hardest by the pandemic in Sydney’s west and regional communities,” Mr Kean said.
The package is part of the Government’s COVID-19 economic recovery strategy and includes:
- $50 million to accelerate the delivery of around 2,800 homes, including around 1,000 social homes, to be built in Western Sydney, Wagga Wagga and Coffs Harbour through Communities Plus projects, in partnership with the private sector and CHPs;
- $50 million for the delivery of around 290 new social houses in partnership with community housing providers (CHPs) through the Community Housing Innovation Fund (CHIF);
- $30 million for about 80 new small scale social housing, primarily in Western Sydney and regional NSW;
- $20 million for new and upgraded social and affordable homes in partnership with Aboriginal CHPs through the Aboriginal Community Housing Investment Fund;
- $20 million for about 45 new homes for large Aboriginal families to support kinship living and reduce overcrowding, aligned with Closing the Gap targets so more families live in the right size homes;
- $10 million for additional Rent Choice packages to support 990 households to secure or maintain housing in the private rental market; and
- $3 million to support around 130 additional vulnerable Aboriginal families through the Services Our Way program.
Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey, said the package builds on the $812 million COVID-19 social housing stimulus package announced in the 2020‑21 Budget, which is expected to deliver over 800 new social homes and upgrades to around 16,500 existing properties.
“This package will support the people of NSW through jobs for the construction industry, whilst continuing to tackle hard issues like homelessness, housing affordability and providing opportunities for home ownership,” Mrs Pavey said.
“Projects in Western Sydney, Coffs Harbour and Wagga Wagga will be accelerated, by forward funding homes for tenants to relocate into, and local businesses will be used for these local projects.
“The investment unlocks a number of projects and accelerates our capacity to deliver the right homes, in the right areas for the people who need it most.”
Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Alister Henskens said by partnering with CHPs, the NSW Government is significantly increasing the supply of social and affordable housing.
“The CHIF is unlocking exciting and innovative development opportunities which aim to address homelessness and support people who need it most,” Mr Henskens said.
“Part of this package includes additional investment in rent assistance programs which will bolster support to help vulnerable people secure or maintain housing in the private rental market.
“This package builds on the enormous work we’ve done to prevent and respond to homelessness throughout the pandemic, and will provide a robust pipeline of new housing to support vulnerable people for years to come.”
Singleton business closure
Officers from Hunter Valley Police District have served a licensed premises on George Street, Singleton, with an order to close today (Saturday 16 October 2021), due to alleged repeated breaches of the public health orders.
The closure order follows a number of previous interactions with the licensee – a 57-year-old man – due to repeated and continued breaches of the Public Health Order by allegedly allowing – and not taking steps to prevent – unvaccinated people being at the premises.
Police have attended the venue numerous times in the past week and issued the licensee three PINs and staff members three PINs for breaching the public health orders.
The venue will remain closed until midnight on Tuesday (19 October 2021).