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$50 million to play, splash and roam

NSW is set for an outdoor renaissance this summer, with the Government providing $50 million in new and improved parks and public spaces.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the Government’s economic recovery package would result in more places to play, splash and roam.
“We’re setting aside $50 million for new places to swim or paddle, improved playspaces and more trails that connect communities to their parklands,” Mr Perrottet said.
“With Greater Sydney offering some of the most beautiful river, lake and bushland environments, this package will mean everyone can discover more of the hidden gems in their own backyard.
“Lockdown showed us that we need more public spaces that are better connected with more recreation facilities, and that’s exactly what this funding will help achieve.”
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the $50 million investment would go towards adventure, nature and water play opportunities.
“While lockdown is over, it highlighted that people living closer to the coastline have far more natural swimming spots than those living in our west,” Mr Stokes said.
“This program will create new opportunities to dive into places like our stunning harbour, Parramatta or Nepean Rivers, take a hike in the bush or ride along a new nature trail.”
“Children will have more opportunities to play and connect with nature and there’ll be funding to create more community garden and greenway projects for everyone to enjoy.”
The Government’s $50 million Open Space program includes:

Places to Swim ($16.7 million): New swimming and kayaking locations across Greater Sydney’s lakes, rivers and harbour;
Places to Play ($16.7 million): Additional public open spaces for play and adventure, for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds across NSW; and
Places to Roam ($16.7 million): New and upgraded regional trails, better active transport corridors and connected bushland, parks and gardens across Greater Sydney.

Councils and state government agencies will be able to nominate projects and apply for the grants over the coming months.
For more information visit: www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/premiers-priorities/great-public-spaces/open-space/

Recommendations of review into COVID outbreaks in aged care accepted

The Morrison Government has accepted all 38 recommendations from a review into COVID-19 outbreaks in residential aged care facilities.
The Independent Review of COVID-19 Outbreaks in Australian Residential Aged Care Facilities, will underpin continued improvements as the Government and aged care sector prioritise the health and wellbeing of senior Australians in care.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, and Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck said the review was an important blueprint as we navigate the ongoing impact of the pandemic.
“It has been an extremely challenging time for all of us, but particularly senior and vulnerable Australians and those who care for them,” Minister Hunt said.
“The review’s 38 recommendations will help aged care facility administrators better prepare for and respond to future COVID-19 outbreaks and will assist the Government in monitoring and evaluating these measures.”
Minister Colbeck said the review was already guiding measures for the protection of aged care residents and workers in the current New South Wales, Victoria and ACT outbreaks.
“Importantly, the findings show that while community transmission is the biggest predictor of COVID‑19 outbreaks in aged care settings, effective leadership at all levels is the most critical factor in defending against the virus,” Minister Colbeck said.
He said the information in the report will also provide input and guidance into the principals required as we move towards living with COVID-19 in residential aged care.
The report outlines nine key lines of defence to minimise risk of COVID-19 outbreaks:

Built environment and infrastructure;
Clinical care;
Effective interagency communication;
Emergency response;
Infection prevention and control;
Leadership, management and governance;
Planning and preparation;
Preventing social isolation; and
Workforce and staff mental health.

The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) and its Aged Care Advisory Group have considered the recommendations.
Minister Hunt said the Government will continue to adapt the way it prepares for and responds to an outbreak, based on what has been learned.
“This will be done in collaboration with the aged care sector, state and territory governments and health authorities,” Minister Hunt said.
“It will also be important that, as the community transitions to living with COVID, we continue with critical strategies such as vaccinations and testing, so that aged care residents and staff are protected.”
Minister Colbeck said since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Morrison Government has committed over $2.1 billion in funding for aged care COVID support.
“We have listened to the experiences and stories of those living, working and caring in the aged care sector throughout the pandemic,” Minister Colbeck said. “We are committed to improving our preparation for and response to outbreaks, and better supporting our most vulnerable Australians.”
The Ministers thanked the authors of the review and the residents, families, friends, carers, providers and workers who contributed to this and the previous four independent reviews.
The full report can be found here.
Please note that the release of the report may be confronting for anyone affected by the impact of the pandemic on Australia’s aged care sector. The following support is available:

The Older Persons Advocacy Network can be reached on 1800 700 600
The Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement can be reached on 1800 22 22 00
The Essential Network for health professionals– a website and mobile app by the Black Dog Institute available at blackdoginstitute.org.au/ten or via the Google Play and Apple Store
Smiling Mind – a mobile application with practical tools to support good mental health during challenging times, available via the Google Play and Apple Store.

Aged care workers can also access mental health support available to all Australians including:

Beyond Blue Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service can be reached on 1800 512 348 or at coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au.
Lifeline can be reached on 13 11 14
Head to Health provides access to free and low cost digital and phone mental health services and supports, available at headtohealth.gov.au

World-leading appointment for Australian disaster response expert

The strategic founder of Australia’s National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre (NCCTRC), Professor Leonard Notaras AO, has been appointed Chair of the World Health Organization’s Emergency Medical Team (EMT) Strategic Advisory Group (SAG).
Professor Notaras has a long history in disaster response having coordinated the Royal Darwin Hospital response to the 2002 and 2005 Bali bombings, along with events at Ashmore Reef in 2009.
Professor Notaras AO currently serves as the Executive Director of the NCCTRC and has been a staunch supporter of the EMT Initiative and its network since it began in 2014.
The Australian Government provides annual funding to the NCCTRC since its inception in 2005, with the current National Partnership Agreement with the Northern Territory providing $67.6 million from 2019-2023. Its role, out of Darwin, Northern Territory, includes coordinating and deploying the AUSMAT (Australian Medical Assistance Team) capability, as well as providing extensive training and research opportunities in response to major national and international disasters.
AUSMATs have been deployed internationally for more than a decade, providing medical response following major disasters and health crises.
More recently AUSMATs have been deployed domestically, in particular to provide additional support to the states and territories during the COVID-19 pandemic, along with the 2019–20 Black Summer bushfires.
Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt, said Professor Notras’ nomination and acceptance of the role was a testament to his storied career in the medical profession.
“The Australian Government nominated Professor Notaras for the position in recognition of his commitment and work in the EMT Initiative, a program endorsed by the Strategic Advisory Group and the World Health Organization,” Minister Hunt said.
“I am delighted that Professor Notaras will take up the 2-year appointment, advising on the strategic direction of the EMT Initiative, as well as continuing his vital work in his role with the NCCTRC.”
“The appointment of Professor Notaras as Chair also recognises the continued commitment from Australia to supporting the EMT Initiative. I commend him for his work and know he will serve Australia and the world well in this new position.”
Professor Notaras said he was honoured to have been nominated and appointed to the role, following in the footsteps of highly acclaimed World Health Organization Ambassador Toni Frisch.
“Ambassador Frisch played a critical role in guiding the EMT initiative and I am honoured that I have been appointed to steer this important work for the next two years,” Professor Notaras said.
“The EMT initiative plays an important role in the global health workforce and the COVID‑19 pandemic has demonstrated the value of continuing to ensure teams have training and equipment, are self-sufficient, credentialed and meet the necessary standards for emergency deployment.”

Solid foundations for the future of stem cell transplants

The Liberal and Nationals Government is helping refine the delivery of life-saving stem cell and bone marrow transplants for patients with blood or immune disorders, and those receiving chemotherapy or radiation treatment.
Haemopoietic progenitor cells (HPC) are self-renewing stem cells which can change and mature into all blood cell types. A HPC transplant regenerates bone marrow and blood-forming systems, potentially saving or extending the recipient’s life.
Federal Regional Health Minister, Dr David Gillespie said the new National HPC Framework spans Commonwealth and state and territory governments, delivering on a commitment to enhance future operations and management of the Australian HPC sector.
“This will set strong foundations for robust decision-making and future arrangements across the HPC sector, helping to guide clinicians, advocates and policy-makers,” Dr Gillespie said.
“We know that demand for transplants is increasing; in 1996–97 there were 237 donor searches, while in 2019–20 there were more than 900.
“Our Government is committed to improving access to HPC transplants for Australian patients, whether they have leukemia or other blood disorders, or are undergoing chemo or radiation therapy, which can damage their blood-forming system.”
Dr Gillespie said the principles within the framework cover important issues across the HPC sector including national consistency, governance and oversight, funding and sustainability, donor registration and retention, collection, searching and matching, and ethics and research.
The Framework was informed by a 2018 Review of the HPC sector in addition to targeted consultation. Its development has been a collaborative effort by all jurisdictions and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
A copy of the National HPC Framework is available on the Department of Health website.

NSW Government support to reignite visitor economy

The Perrottet Government will invest more than $8 million in a suite of grant programs to accelerate the recovery of the NSW visitor economy as the state reopens to visitors.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney and Minister for Trade and Industry Stuart Ayres said the funding would be a significant boost to the visitor economy as travel restrictions lifted.
“This funding will create jobs, enhance the visitor experience, support the return of lifestyle and business events in regional NSW and promote our regions as ‘must-visit’ destinations, generating hundreds of millions in visitor expenditure,” Mr Ayres said.
“These grants are all about assisting NSW tourism operators and event organisers to develop and deliver the best possible visitor experiences and ensure we are the number one state to visit as we reopen to the world post COVID-19.
“Whether it’s to upgrade the standard of accommodation, develop an entirely new visitor experience, stage conferences and regional events, or deliver a compelling destination marketing campaign, these grants will ensure NSW remains top-of-mind for all types of visitors.
“Supporting our tourism operators is a top priority. They are the backbone of the visitor economy – their passion and resilience and incredible diversity of offerings are key to the state’s success.”
The $8.35 million will be delivered through the following programs:
·      $4.1 million Tourism Product Development Fund – to support regional accommodation renewal and new visitor experiences
·      $1.5 million Regional Event Fund – to support new and flagship regional events
·      $2 million Co-operative Marketing Program – leveraging Destination NSW’s new Feel New marketing campaign
·      $750,000 Regional Business Event Development Fund – to create, attract and support new business events for regional NSW

The NSW Government, through Destination NSW, will deliver the grants and support recipients to best manage their project delivery.
For more information on these funding programs and all other support available to businesses, go to www.destinationnsw.com.au/funding.

Students enjoy more freedoms from November 8

More restrictions are easing in NSW public schools, allowing students to enjoy additional activities safely at school in line with current community settings.
Changes to settings includes allowing fully vaccinated extra-curricular providers on school site, as well as some music classes and bands, day excursions and assemblies. Activities must maintain cohorts and be done in line with all COVID-Safe settings in schools.
From November 8 the following activities can take place on school grounds in cohorts only:

Assemblies and presentations – outdoors only
Excursions – day only, not overnight
Incursions – activities provided on school site by external providers related to curriculum delivery or student wellbeing
Dancing
Music classes, bands, ensembles and lessons – for instruments that can be played with a mask only
Sport – as previously announced, in-school within cohort and inter-school outside school hours.

Fully vaccinated volunteers and providers will be allowed on site to support school operations or fulfil specific roles, such as helping with the canteen or uniform shop.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said the changes allowed students more curricular and extra-curricular opportunities while schools maintain COVID-19 safe measures.
“Students have experienced an incredibly disrupted school year; in line with the relaxation of community settings, we are aligning some school activities to provide them with as much normality as possible,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Schools’ stringent safety measures remain in place, including vaccinations of all adults on site, cohorting, cleaning, mask wearing and ensuring appropriate ventilation.
“Importantly all adults on site during school hours, including staff and visitors, must be fully vaccinated and wear masks to be allowed on school site.”
Community use of school facilities can also go ahead from November 8, outside school hours only.
Further detail regarding the revised settings will be available https://education.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/advice-for-families/term-4-roadmap.html

Doors to swing open as NSW continues to get the jab done

In response to the faster-than-expected rate of vaccination, the NSW Government will further ease rules for those who are fully vaccinated by bringing forward many of the roadmap changes scheduled for 1 December to Monday, 8 November.
From 8 November there will be no limit on visitors to a home, no rules for outdoor gatherings with fewer than 1,000 people, and indoor swimming pools will re-open for all purposes.
Businesses will be able to welcome in more fully vaccinated customers with all premises to move to 1 person per 2 sqm rule, and nightclubs will be able to re-open dancefloors.
Caps will be removed for settings other than gym and dance classes (where the 20 person cap for classes will remain) and replaced by density limits or 100 per cent fixed seated capacity for major recreation outdoor facilities (including stadiums, racecourses, theme parks and zoos) and entertainment facilities (including cinemas and theatres).
These freedoms will only be available for people who are fully vaccinated, including those who have medical exemptions and children under the age of 16. COVID Safe check-ins and proof of vaccination will still be required.
Those who are not fully vaccinated must still abide by pre-roadmap restrictions until the State reaches the 95 per cent double vaccination target, or 15 December, whichever happens first.
The current settings for masks, which apply to everyone, will remain in place until the State reaches the 95 per cent double vaccination target, or 15 December, whichever happens first.
To maintain high levels of immunity across the community, NSW Health has commenced rolling out a booster vaccination program at its clinics to individuals aged 18 and older who received their second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine 6 months or more ago. Pfizer will be used for boosters regardless of the COVID-19 vaccine received for the first or second dose.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said bringing forward the easing of restrictions was only possible because of the State’s high vaccinations rates and the roll out of booster shots.
“Everybody has done an incredible job to ensure NSW can ease restrictions in a safe and considered way earlier than we planned,” Mr Perrottet said.
“We are on track to reach 90 per cent double vaccination weeks ahead of schedule and this is a testament to everybody across NSW and especially our health workers.
“There is still a long way to go but the NSW Government is standing with the community and continuing to do everything that we can, including booster shots, to keep people safe as we open up.”
Deputy Premier Paul Toole said regional NSW had rolled up their sleeves for vaccinations and we’re now ready to welcome back visitors.
“Regions across NSW answered the call when we asked them to come forward and get vaccinated. Thanks to the community for coming out and getting the jab,” Mr Toole said.
“The time is right now for regional businesses to welcome back visitors safely in every town across the state and get tills turning over.”
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said reaching the 90 per cent target will be a significant milestone in the state’s recovery.
“We are inching closer and closer to returning to many of our pre-pandemic activities, and this latest easing of restrictions will be welcome news for hundreds of businesses ready to re-open, expand their operations, and welcome back more customers,” Mr Ayres said.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said NSW has amongst the most vaccinated populations in the world and rolling out booster shots would continue to maintain that advantage.
“We are amongst the best in the world when it comes to vaccinations but we cannot forget that COVID will continue to circulate in the community and we must remain vigilant,” Mr Hazzard said.
“Boosters are a key priority moving forward and we continue to work closely with the Commonwealth on the COVID-19 vaccination roll out. I want to encourage anyone who is yet to be vaccinated to make a booking as soon as possible.”
More information about the 90 per cent easing of restrictions at nsw.gov.au.
You can book your COVID-19 vaccine or your booster shot, via www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/vaccination/get-vaccinated.

Online service to match job-seekers to jobs

Thousands of job-seekers will have access to free career guidance and employment advice to help match their skills to job growth trends, thanks to an $11.4 million investment from the Perrottet Government.
In launching Careers NSW today, Premier Dominic Perrottet said the online service aimed to get people into work faster with tailored assistance that included access to volunteer industry experts in emerging and critical industries.
“NSW is the State of opportunity and has attracted businesses and industries from all over the world, strengthened by investments including the Aerotropolis, and our record infrastructure boom,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Careers NSW will supercharge our pandemic recovery by ensuring every jobseeker in NSW has online access to career advice regardless of their experience or education, so they can take advantage of the jobs of the future.”
One-on-one access to dedicated careers specialists and more than 40 industry volunteers will be available in a pilot across four regions – Western Sydney, South Western Sydney, the Mid North Coast and the state’s North West – ahead of the full rollout in 2022.
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said the pilot will initially target 10,000 people in key regions and scale up to include school students from the middle of next year.
“The Careers NSW service will make lifelong career information accessible for all people seeking to upgrade skills or change careers and guide them to the industries offering employment and opportunities,” Mr Lee said.
“The pilot program launching today enables residents in four priority regions to book appointments on the Service NSW website, receive tailored advice with a careers specialist and/or talk to an expert already working in the industry they’re looking to enter to set them on a pathway to employment success.”
Minister for Digital and Customer Service Victor Dominello said customers could access a self-service portal which contains a number of resources designed to help people identify their skills, passions and values, as well as learn about prospective industries.
“People want to make informed decisions about their career path, which is why we’re making it easier to explore the industries and occupations they are interested in and the opportunities they present,” Mr Dominello said.
“This includes the ability for customers to compare courses and academic providers and find the study option that suits their learning preferences and location.”
Careers NSW was a key recommendation in the Review of the NSW vocational education and training sector led by Mr David Gonski AC and Professor Peter Shergold AC, released earlier this year.
Professor Peter Shergold AC said Careers NSW will help people navigate their lifetime employment journey.
“It will also be the cornerstone of a comprehensive state-based career information and guidance ecosystem that will support people to make informed decisions,” Professor Shergold said.
To access Careers NSW, visit: careers.nsw.gov.au

Pair charged following pursuit in state's Hunter region

Two people have been charged following a pursuit through the state’s Hunter region yesterday.
About 8.50am on Monday (1 November 2021), officers attached to Traffic & Highway Patrol Command and Hunter Valley Police District were patrolling along the New England Highway, Ravensworth, when they were alerted of an unregistered Ford Fiesta travelling north.
Police attempted to stop the vehicle at a safe location along the highway; however, the driver allegedly failed to stop and a pursuit commenced north along the highway.
The pursuit continued to the Muswellbrook township until the Ford stopped on William Street, Muswellbrook and the driver – a 29-year-old man – exited the vehicle and was arrested by police.
The front passenger of the vehicle – an 18-year-old woman – also left the vehicle and approached police. A police officer attempted to arrest the woman when she allegedly assaulted the senior constable.
Police checks revealed the man’s driver’s licence was suspended until 2024.
A search of the vehicle resulted in police allegedly locating and seizing two bags of cannabis.
The pair was taken to Muswellbrook Police Station and the man was subjected to a breath test analysis which allegedly returned a reading of 0.035.
The man was charged with police pursuit, not have interlock fitted, unregistered/uninsured vehicle, special range PCA, drive whilst disqualified and contravene AVO.
He was refused bail and appeared at Muswellbrook Local Court yesterday (1 November 2021).
The woman was charged with two counts of possess prohibited drug, assault police, resist arrest, fail to disclose particulars and offensive language.
She was granted conditional bail to appear at Muswellbrook Local Court on 20 December 2021.

Appeal for public assistance into shooting death – Port Stephens

Detectives have released vision as part of an ongoing appeal for public assistance following a fatal shooting in Port Stephens.
About 1.45pm on Sunday 29 August 2021, emergency services were called to Hideaway Drive, Salt Ash, following reports a white Ford Ranger utility had hit a tree.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District attended along with NSW Ambulance paramedics and located a male driver suffering a fatal gunshot wound.
He was later identified as 45-year-old David King.
A short time later, officers located a burnt-out white Santa Fe located on Masonite Road, Heatherbrae, which police believe is linked to the shooting.
Detectives established Strike Force Breve to investigate the incident, with assistance from State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad.
As part of investigations, strike force detectives have released vision of a man who was near the crime scene in Heatherbrae and may have information that could assist police with their inquiries. It is not believed this man is linked to the death of David King.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.