The Morrison Government today recognises the contributions of carers across Australia as part of National Carers Week.
Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians, Richard Colbeck, said the commitment and support carers provide to senior and vulnerable Australians should not be underestimated.
Almost 2.65 million people care for a partner, family member or friend who needs them.
“These are the unsung heroes making an enormous difference in the lives of others,” Minister Colbeck said.
“National Carers Week offers an opportunity to raise awareness about the integral work carers do for many Australians and how they make an important economic contribution to the community as well.”
Minister Colbeck said the tireless work of informal carers was a particular focus of the Morrison Government’s $17.7 billion response to the Aged Care Royal Commission.
Part of the key supports includes an investment of $798.3 million to increase support for those who offer care with little recognition or outside help.
“Strengthening the support available will improve carer wellbeing, maintain the care relationship and avoid crises that may jeopardise the relationship between the carer and those in need,” Minister Colbeck said.
Flexible and Centre Based Respite funding to support 8400 carers a year is being provided to Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) providers from 1 January 2022.
“This will also support approximately 134,000 informal carers through early referral from aged care assessors to the Carer Gateway support network to help plan support services.”
Carer Gateway provides counselling, connection with other carers, coaching, courses, and emergency respite services.
“Through this substantial investment, we are showing we are committed to supporting senior Australians to remain living safely and independently in their own homes and communities for as long as they wish to do so – which would not be possible without carers,” Minister Colbeck said.
Importantly, support for carers of dementia patients has also been reinforced.
The expansion of care models will see increased access to carer education in the early period after diagnosis.
Enhanced early support for people living with dementia in the community and their carers is also being provided through a significant funding increase for evidence-based activities delivered under the National Dementia Support Program (NDSP).
This is expected to provide around 30,000 people with more timely access to supports like counselling, education sessions, support groups, and peer mentoring that provides coaching, advice and support to carers.
Information about support and programs offered by Dementia Australia can be found here.
Carers can contact Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737, to speak to trainer workers in their local area to help find the services and support required or by visiting the website here.
National Carers Week continues until 16 October. For more information visit the website here.
Author: admin
World Mental Health Day—mental health care for all Australians
Today is World Mental Health Day. A day to reflect on our mental health and wellbeing, to reach out to our loved ones who may need support and to raise awareness of this important issue.
The lives of many Australians have been turned upside down since the COVID-19 pandemic swept the world.
It has been a challenging time and it’s never been more important to prioritise our physical health by getting vaccinated, but also investing time into our mental health and wellbeing.
One in every five Australians — about four million people — suffers from a mental illness in a given year, and almost half the population has suffered a mental disorder at some time in their life.
The theme of this year’s World Mental Health Day – Mental health care for all: let’s make it a reality – is about taking action to ensure that everyone has access to mental health services, especially as we find ourselves on the other side of the pandemic.
In line with this mission, since March 2020, the Government has stepped up to provide more than $500 million additional funding to ensure Australians have the mental health support they need during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This includes rolling out telehealth to enable mental health treatment from home and limit risks to physical health, establishing the national Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service operated by Beyond Blue, and providing funding to scale up support services such as Lifeline and Kids Helpline.
Through the National Pandemic Mental Health and Wellbeing Response Plan, the Government has also delivered vital funding for vulnerable groups such as older Australians, Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islanders, students and young Australians, LGBTIQA+ Australians and those affected by eating disorders and perinatal depression and anxiety.
Through $79.4 million additional funding to Victoria, New South Wales and the ACT, where COVID-19 cases remain high and lockdowns have been extended, the Government has also rapidly rolled out 26 pop-up mental health treatment centres to provide easy access to free, multidisciplinary mental health care.
In addition, in the 2021-22 Budget, the Morrison Government invested a record $2.3 billion in the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan to lead landmark reform. This takes mental health funding to an estimated $6.5 billion in 2021-22 – doubling since 2012-13.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said mental health and suicide prevention was one of the Morrison Government’s highest priorities.
“We have embarked on system wide reform to ensure Australia’s mental health system is more compassionate, accessible and affordable,” Minister Hunt said.
“To achieve this, we are investing in additional mental health services no matter who you are, what your circumstances or where you live in Australia.”
“This includes $820 million to establish a national network of adult, child and youth mental health treatment centres.”
Operating under a ‘no wrong door approach’, these new services will ensure the delivery of easy to access, high quality, person-centred treatment and supports across the mental health care system, in our cities, regions and rural areas, providing stigma-free and compassionate care.
Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, David Coleman, said all Australians should be able to receive compassionate and effective mental health care.
“That is why our Government is prioritising investment for all Australians, including early intervention supports and preventive measures for migrants and culturally and linguistically diverse people,”
“We are also investing in the growth and upskilling of the mental health and suicide prevention workforce, who are the most critical component of Australia’s mental health system, and do a fantastic job.”
On World Mental Health Day, the Morrison Government reiterates our thanks to frontline health care workers and mental health and suicide prevention workers for their tireless commitment.
We are committed to working towards zero suicides and transforming the mental health system, to ensure that all Australians can access the right care whenever and wherever they need.
Help is available so please reach out for support. You don’t have to suffer alone.
Australians looking for support throughout the COVID-19 pandemic can access the Beyond Blue Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service anytime via telephone at 1800 512 348 or online at coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au.
Anyone experiencing distress can seek immediate advice and support through Lifeline
(13 11 14), Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800), or the Government’s digital mental health gateway, Head to Health (www.headtohealth.gov.au).
If you are concerned about suicide, living with someone who is considering suicide, or bereaved by suicide, the Suicide Call Back Service is available at 1300 659 467 or www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au.
Ready, set, go – NSW prepares to re-open
After more than 100 days of restrictions NSW will tomorrow take its first steps back to normal life.
Families and friends will be planning catch-ups while cafes, restaurants, pubs, clubs, and other businesses are busy re-stocking their fridges, dusting off their tables and chairs as we prepare to safely re-open the economy and get businesses back on their feet and people back into jobs.
Businesses will open to customers on Monday, 11 October, with patrons required to demonstrate they have been double-vaccinated and are willing to comply with physical-distance requirements.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said tomorrow is the first step in seeing some restrictions lift for those who are double-vaccinated, and for businesses around the state to re-open and get the NSW economy back to business.
“There is a sense of optimism out there with thousands of businesses across the State busy preparing to open their doors tomorrow. NSW you’ve earned this.” Mr Perrottet said.
“As we re-open after more than 100 days we ask everyone to treat staff with kindness and respect when they ask you to check-in or see your vaccination certificate.
“Following these simple measures will help keep us all safe and keep us moving forward out of the pandemic.”
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres welcomed the reopening and reminded people to act responsibly when going out.
“NSW has pulled together to get our vaccination rate to more than 70 per cent, which means we can begin the reopening process. We need the same spirit of cooperation to keep people safe and ensure that venues remain open.
“Like many people, I can’t wait to have a beer and a schnitty at my local, but we all have a responsibility to stick by the rules. Book ahead, check-in with your QR code, show proof of vaccination, be respectful to staff and look after each other.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said it is vital that NSW residents continue to roll up their sleeves to push the state’s rates of double vaccination even higher.
“The community has done a fantastic job to reach the 70 per cent double dose target, but we must keep going. We want to get to as close to 100 per cent double vaccination as possible to keep everyone safe,” Mr Hazzard said.
“Vaccination is our greatest weapon against the virus, together with social distancing, hand sanitising, mask wearing and getting tested when we have symptoms – which all remain important as we navigate our way out of this pandemic.”
Digital and Customer Service Minister Victor Dominello encouraged people to have their vaccination status ready to go.
“There are already three ways to get a copy of your vaccine certificate, through the Express Plus Medicare app, the digital wallet on their phone or a paper certificate from Services Australia,” Mr Dominello said
“We have successfully started testing the integration of the vaccine certificate into the ServiceNSW app and are expanding the pilot into the regions this week which is exciting. Until then, please ensure you have your proof of vaccination ready.
“The nsw.gov.au website has all the materials needed to help businesses re-open safely and we have proactively sent out information packs to help make the transition as easy as possible.”
Businesses can find all the resources that they need to ensure they are complying with the 70 per cent roadmap here: COVID Safe business | NSW Government.
To find out how to download a copy of your vaccination certificate visit Services Australia website.
If you are not booked in for a COVID-19 vaccine, please book an appointment as soon possible.
For the latest information visit the COVID-19 pages on nsw.gov.au.
To view the 70 per cent Roadmap and lifting of restrictions, visit nsw.gov.au.
Regional pilot locations for COVID-19 certificates announced
Tamworth, Port Macquarie, Wagga Wagga and Lismore customers will be the first to display their COVID-19 digital vaccination certificate on the Service NSW app, with the NSW Government pilot of the technology underway.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the regional pilot starting Monday would focus on staff and visitors at a number of clubs and aged-care facilities, as well as selected taxi companies.
“Up to 500 customers, to be selected by the businesses involved, will participate in the pilot across Tamworth, Port Macquarie, Wagga Wagga and Lismore,” Mr Toole said.
“Customers will have the convenience of checking in to a venue and showing proof of vaccination status on the one app. This is NSW leading the way with a pilot in the regions and helping to make life easier for our communities in the roadmap out of COVID.”
Minister for Digital and Customer Service Victor Dominello said while it was currently possible to display your vaccination certificate, given there were over 6 million people using the ServiceNSW app this was a smart extra service for the citizens of NSW.
“There are already three ways to download your vaccination passport so this is about making life easier for the people and business of NSW as we safely open back up,” Mr Dominello said.
“In a week of being granted access to the Australian Immunisation Register information we have already begun successfully testing internally ahead of this regional pilot but we also need to ensure we have the right checks and balances in place.”
The ServiceNSW app will include a number of security measures to help compliance officers and businesses with checking and validating a customer’s vaccination status, including a NSW Waratah logo hologram and rotating QR codes, similar to the Digital Driver Licence.
“Integrating the vaccine certificate onto the ServiceNSW app will be optional,” Mr Dominello said.
“Customers can also use the Express Plus Medicare app, the digital wallet on their phone or a paper certificate from Services Australia to prove their vaccination status.
“I would like to thank the Federal Government, in particular Minister Stuart Robert, for his support and collaboration in making this happen.
“Integrating the vaccine certificate also helps future proof our State’s digital infrastructure in the event that proof of vaccination is ever required again.”
To integrate a COVID-19 digital vaccination certificate with the ServiceNSW app, customers will need to have a Federal MyGov account with Medicare linked and the Express Plus Medicare app. Customers without a smartphone should contact Services Australia for a non-digital option.
For more information, please visit nsw.gov.au
PEP-11 more about politics than public interest
Recently on local radio, the new Minister for Industry, Angus Taylor was pressed for answers on why the Minister for Resources, Keith Pitt has failed to deliver a verdict on the Petroleum Exploration Permit (PEP 11) extension.
Angus Taylor described Keith Pitt’s indecision as a “balancing exercise”.
But the only balancing act I see taking place here is the one in the Liberal National party room over PEP 11.
We know that in February this year, former NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro, the other key decision-maker of the Joint Authority, came out strongly against renewing the PEP 11 permit.
Given Minister Pitt has been aware of Mr Barilaro and the NSW Government’s strong objection of this project for over eight months now, why is it taking Minister Pitt so long to make the final decision?
It certainly has many Novocastrians scratching their heads.
The Government’s ongoing delay and indecision has driven individual Members of Parliament, myself included, to lead debates, put Private Members Motions and voice our concerns on the floor of Parliament many, many times. The latest push will be in the form of a Private Members Bill when the Australian Parliament resumes on 18 October.
I was very pleased to second this Bill, to ensure that it will be presented to Parliament, but I expect the Morrison Government has zero intention of allowing members to actually vote on this bill.
As the government of the day, the Liberal National Party controls the legislative agenda, and as such determines whether they wish to throw their support behind a Private Members Bill like this one. It’s a historical fact that less than 2 per cent of Private Members Bills are successfully passed in the Australian Parliament.
If the Morrison Government permitted a vote on this Bill, would they grant the Liberal Party MPs whose electorates strongly oppose PEP 11 a “free vote”?
More importantly, if granted the opportunity, will those MPs who have come out against the permit themselves, be prepared to cross the floor to exercise their “free vote”?
In February this year the Australian Labor Party made clear our strong opposition to PEP 11 – this is a binding decision of all Labor members. The Morrison Government, however, has zero appetite for leadership and is unlikely to adopt a position ahead of the introduction of this Private Members Bill in Parliament.
But we wouldn’t have to bring this Bill before the Parliament if the Minister responsible actually did his job and delivered a verdict in the first place.
It’s safe to say that the Morrison Government only has one agenda – and that has more to do with politics than public interest.
The PEP 11 project is a thorn in the Liberal National Party’s side.
Keith Pitt knows that if he accepts the extension of the application, his party colleagues who publicly opposed PEP 11 are going to be met with significant political backlash in their own beaches.
The looming decision on PEP 11 is like staring down the barrel of Morrison Government’s re-election campaign. And this time, it’s locked and loaded.
Keith Pitt’s Sydney North Shore and Central Coast colleagues would most certainly have to explain to their constituents why they backflipped on PEP 11. Not an ideal circumstance for Scott Morrison whilst gearing up for an election, especially when the clock is ticking, and time is running out.
So, the real question is, when does this so-called “balancing exercise” simply become more than an act of political desperation, and rather a subversion of democracy?
Communities along our coastline have overwhelmingly voiced their opposition to PEP 11. This is a project without friends. The Minister knows this. His Liberal and National Party colleagues know this. And his leader, Prime Minister Scott Morrison, most certainly knows this.
Keith Pitt’s apparent inability to make a decision on PEP 11 says much more about this government’s determination to prioritise political interests over and above the collective concerns of our community.
Over 75,000 people along the coastline have signed petitions to stop PEP 11.
Just like his boss, Keith Pitt has failed the greatest test of leadership – taking responsibility.
Unlike the Morrison Government, Labor’s position on this proposal has always been crystal clear.
As Anthony Albanese has already stated, Labor won’t rest until this bad idea is 100 per cent dead and buried.
Can Scott Morrison and his Liberal National Party colleagues say the same?
Labor’s Buy Australian Plan to Support Australian Businesses and Jobs in COVID Recovery
An Albanese Labor Government will back Aussie businesses and create more local jobs by rolling out common sense changes to the way the tens of billions of dollars of taxpayers’ money is spent each year in government purchases.
During this pandemic, we have seen the best of Australians supporting Australians. But we’ve also seen some of the holes in our economy exposed.
COVID has made clear that Australia must be a country that makes more things here and supports homegrown businesses and industries.
Labor believes government must do its part to make that happen and ensure that our future is made in Australia, which is why we are announcing our Buy Australian Plan.
Australia has an abundance of talent, resources and innovation. We have workers who are highly respected and sought after all around the world, as well as businesses and entrepreneurs who provide environments for them to flourish in. What we lack right now is a federal government who is willing to back them.
We see no reason why Australian taxpayer dollars should go to London when they can go to Launceston or why we buy from Pittsburgh when we can buy in Perth.
The Australian Government has spent around $190 billion on government contracts over the last three financial years showing that procurement policy is a major economic lever available to drive the economic recovery from COVID-19.
What’s clear is that the Morrison-Joyce Government is not pulling this lever in a way that maximises benefit to Australian businesses.
An Albanese Labor Government will improve the way Australian Government contracts work, ensuring more opportunities are available to Australian businesses and their employees through our 10-point Buy Australian Plan.
- Establish a Future Made in Australia Office, backed up by laws that will lock in key elements of Commonwealth Procurement Rules (CPRs) to actively support local industry in taking advantage of government purchasing opportunities
- Maximise opportunities for Aussie businesses in major infrastructure projects
- Open the door to more government work for more small and medium businesses by decoding and simplifying procurement processes
- Establish a Secure Australian Jobs Code to prioritise secure work in government contracts and ensure that government purchasing power is being used to support businesses that engage in fair, equitable, ethical and sustainable practices
- Provide more opportunities for First Nations businesses with a view to maximise skills transfer so that we can get more First Nations workers into long-term skilled work
- Level the playing field by bringing in a Fair Go Procurement Framework requiring those that gain government contracts to pay their fair share of tax
- Supporting industry sectors through the government’s purchasing power
- Use government spending power to take action on climate change and support energy projects
- Strengthen Defence industries and capability
- Make National Partnerships work to maximise the use of local workers and businesses
Over eight long years in government, the Liberals and Nationals have squandered the opportunities for Aussie business and workers that come from government buying power, but Labor has a plan to change that and put Australians first.
Labor’s Buy Australian Plan is good for Australian businesses, Australian jobs, Australian families, and it’s good for the economy.
Under this plan, we’ll also be ensuring that the government’s buying power is used to maximise opportunities for regional workers and businesses and First Nations workers and businesses that do the right thing by their workers and encourage women into the workforce.
As we as a nation transition out of the COVID-19 pandemic, Australians need their government to be on their side.
The Morrison-Joyce Government has pulled the handbrake on the Australian economy for too long and only an Albanese Labor Government can be trusted to rebuild the economy, so it works for all Australians.
Bathers Way just got even better
Local coffee lovers will soon be flocking to Dixon Park Beach, with the arrival of a long-awaited kiosk in time for the busy Summer period.
City of Newcastle sought tenders to lease, fit-out and operate the Dixon Park Beach kiosk in August, with Sunnyboy Kiosk Pty Ltd named the proposed lessee.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said that the revitalisation of the kiosk building at Dixon Park Beach demonstrates the City’s commitment to upgrading coastal assets.
“Newcastle’s beaches are world-renowned, and City of Newcastle is committed to ensuring these incredible natural assets remain accessible to our community and have the amenities required for a positive visitor experience,” Cr Nelmes said.
Councillor Carol Duncan said that the recent works have brought the space to life and the kiosk will soon become a regular stop for locals.
“The recent refurbishment of the Dixon Park Beach kiosk has transformed the building into a space which will become a vibrant hive of activity once it becomes operational later this year.
“Following a tender process, Sunnyboy Kiosk Pty Ltd was assessed as the proposed lessee and with such a stunning backdrop, I have no doubt that the kiosk will become a regular haunt for coffee lovers and a place for people to stop and enjoy our magnificent coastline.”
Public notice of the proposed five-year lease, with a further five-year option, to Sunnyboy Kiosk Pty Ltd commences today for a period of 28 days. Consideration will be given to submissions, before a lease agreement is enacted. It is expected that the kiosk will be operational by mid-December.
Work to prepare the kiosk for use commenced in 2020 and included the connection to power, water and sewerage infrastructure, and more recently saw the construction of a shade shelter and seating, and the renewal of the iconic Mark Richards mural.
Another coastal building which is also soon be enjoyed by the community is Shepherds Hill Cottage, with the final stages of renewal works underway. An expression of interest for the lease of Shepherds Hill Cottage also concluded in August and is currently under evaluation.
The refurbishment of the Dixon Park Beach kiosk and Shepherds Hill Cottage supports City of Newcastle’s Coastal Revitalisation program which began in 2010 as part of a long-term commitment to enhance Newcastle’s coastline.
Surf life savers gear up as NSW returns to beaches this summer
As summer approaches and COVID-19 restrictions ease, more than 20,000 surf lifesavers are getting ready to welcome beachgoers and keep them safe by patrolling the State’s shores in the iconic red and yellow.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott joined Steven Pearce, CEO of Surf Life Saving NSW, and lifesavers at Queenscliff Beach today to raise the red and yellow flags and inspect one of the 20 new Emergency Rescue Beacons (ERBs) rolled out along the State’s coastline.
Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW) will be utilising a range of new technology including drones (UAVs) and the new ERBs this summer to ensure all beachgoers are safe in the water as well as on the sand. This is part of the NSW Government’s record $16 million investment in SLSNSW over four years.
“While our State’s surf lifesavers begun patrolling on 18 September, in the midst of the most recent lockdown period, it is only this week that the rest of NSW can make a long-awaited return to our beaches,” Mr Elliott said.
“This year 20 new ERBs have been rolled out at unpatrolled locations, to provide an added layer of protection for anyone enjoying NSW beaches, directly connecting people to the SLSNSW State Operations Centre in the case of an emergency.”
Mr Pearce said with the stay-at-home travel restrictions being lifted this week, they are expecting large crowds at the beaches.
“With 129 patrolled locations there is plenty of beautiful coastline for everyone to re-discover and enjoy,” Mr Pearce said.
“Please don’t take unnecessary risks that could put your life and those you love in danger as well as put unnecessary strain on our volunteers. We are prepared but we need the cooperation of everyone to keep our beaches safe for everyone to enjoy.”
The Surf Lifesaving Patrol season runs until Sunday 25 April 2021. For the latest updates on COVID-19 beach safety advice, visit the Surf Life Saving website.
Booster shot for severely immunocompromised Australians
From next week Australians who are severely immunocompromised will be offered the option to receive a third COVID-19 vaccine dose to boost their protection against COVID-19 to the highest level.
This follows advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) and other leading vaccination and health experts.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said research showed that some people who are severely immunocompromised may need a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine to maximise protection.
“Australians who are severely immunocompromised may have a decreased immune response to a COVID-19 vaccination and be more at risk from severe COVID-19. An additional booster dose for this specific cohort will ensure they continue to be protected,” Minister Hunt said.
“If you or someone in your family are severely immunocompromised, we encourage you to reach out to your GP or specialist to discuss whether an additional dose is required.”
It is expected that up to approximately 500,000 people are severely immunocompromised in Australia and may need a third dose of vaccine over the coming months. This includes people who are being actively treated for cancer, organ failure, or being treated with a range of immunosuppressive or biologic therapies.
The recommended interval for the third dose is two to six months after their second dose of vaccine. ATAGI’s advice is that an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) is the preferred option for a third dose.
Importantly, Australians who are mildly to moderately immunocompromised are not currently being recommended by ATAGI to have a third dose at this stage.
While vaccines are our best defence against COVID-19, Australians are reminded to continue implementing other safety measures to reduce their risk of contracting the virus. Physical distancing, hand washing, wearing a face mask, and following other public health measures continue to be important for public safety.
The Government expects to receive advice from the Therapeutic Goods Administration and ATAGI within the coming weeks about the administration of booster doses for the general population. Advice on booster doses will be made public as soon as possible.
With over 151 million Pfizer, Novavax and Moderna vaccines already secured for supply into the future, Australia is well prepared to provide booster doses if they are recommended by the medical experts.
In October, there are sufficient doses available to offer every Australian a first or second dose vaccination. Around two million vaccinations are now being administered each week in Australia. To date, nearly 82 per cent of the population over the age of 16 has received one vaccine dose, and more than 60 per cent are fully vaccinated.
To book a COVID-19 vaccination today, visit https://www.australia.gov.au/
Statement on pools and staged resumption of services
City of Newcastle will continue to focus on the health and safety of our community as we take a staged approach to the safe reopening services and facilities from next week in line with NSW Government Public Health Orders (PHOs).
The NSW Government’s PHO comes into effect on Monday 11 October, now that NSW has reached the 70 per cent double dose vaccination target.
The PHO requires visitors attending public swimming pools to have received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine. From Monday, proof of vaccination will be required as a condition of entry to all City of Newcastle pools.
All adults (over 16) will need to show their COVID-19 certificate to pool staff to gain entry. A person under 16 years of age attending a public swimming pool must be accompanied by a fully vaccinated adult member of their household.
Several other City of Newcastle services will resume on Monday. Blackbutt Reserve will reopen its wildlife boardwalk and shelters, while Newcastle Libraries will commence a Reserve & Collect service where members can place reservations online and pick up their items from a library branch.
Library return chutes have reopened this week, and the Library 2U delivery service is operating where members can borrow up to five items via home delivery or collection.
The City will continue to take a measured, safety-first approach to reopening our facilities, with most services to resume closer to or after NSW reaches the 80 per cent double dose vaccination target, noting that vaccination rates in the Hunter are behind the state average.
City of Newcastle is finalising COVID safe plans for all sites in accordance with the NSW Government’s latest PHO to ensure we can adhere to the required safety measures, which include one person per four square metres, mandatory mask wearing, and proof of full vaccination upon entry.
We will continue to monitor information as it is released by the NSW Government and appreciate the community’s patience and understanding as our staged reopening begins.