A third First Nations person has died from COVID-19 in less than two-weeks. This comes as infections in western New South Wales have ballooned to 885 and 63% of cases are First Nations people.
Senator Lidia Thorpe, the Greens First Nations Spokesperson said:
“First Nations people are in mourning because the Morrison government failed to follow their own guidelines and treat First Nations vaccinations as a priority. This level of incompetence and neglect is having devastating impacts on our communities.
“How many more people need to die before this inept government figures out how to do their job and protect First Nations people from this disease? They were given culturally safe and geo-politically relevant strategies on how to do this 18 months ago, but they’re still not listening.
“The Morrison government has created a new gap between non-Indigenous and First Nations vaccination rates and new dangers are emerging.
“Predatory conspiracy theorists like John Huntley have targeted Wilcannia, trying to coax people into taking ivermectin. Huntley literally called the town a “petri dish” and told the press he was planning on “getting around” attempts to stop the drug being used in the town. What’s the Morrison government going to do about this?
“This government has continued decades of neglect that has left people in regional areas without access to a properly resourced healthcare sector. Scott Morrison needs to spend less time on private jets and more time addressing how his government has put First Nations people in danger.
“The people deserve better than this.” Said Thorpe
A New National Approach on Suicide Prevention
Today, on World Suicide Prevention Day, the Morrison Government is recognising this year’s theme of ‘Creating Hope Through Action’ by establishing the Australian National Suicide Prevention Office to lead a national mission to reduce the prevalence and impact of suicide in Australia.
World Suicide Prevention Day is an opportunity to raise awareness of suicide and to promote action that will reduce the number of suicides and suicide attempts. ‘Creating Hope Through Action’ is a reminder that there are actions that we can take that may provide hope to those who are feeling overwhelmed.
The Government is leading this work through record investment in, and concerted structural reform of, the national approach to suicide prevention. In a first for Australia, the new National Suicide Prevention Office will have the capability to work across all governments and sectors to drive a nationally consistent and integrated approach to reducing suicide rates.
Working as part of the National Mental Health Commission, the Office will take a comprehensive approach to cover policy implementation, investment, data collection, research and workforce reform.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said the Morrison Government is providing $12.8 million to create the National Suicide Prevention Office, as part of the commitment to prevent suicide and support Australians who have been affected by suicide.
“The creation of the National Suicide Prevention Office recognises that everyone plays a role in suicide prevention and that a collective national effort is required,” Minister Hunt said.
“The Office will be a significant step forward in the efforts to reduce suicide by helping to build capacity to address the social determinants that play a role in suicide, working to reduce fragmentation and duplication of efforts across governments, supporting better data collection and sharing, providing advice on research priorities and knowledge translation, and – critically – improving the ability of our system to deliver evidence-based compassion-focused suicide prevention interventions.”
National Suicide Prevention Adviser to the Prime Minister and National Mental Health Commission CEO, Christine Morgan, said it has long been the hope and ambition of many Australian advocates and those with a lived experience of suicide to have a comprehensive national approach to suicide prevention.
“We are committed to the clarion call made for a more connected and compassionate approach to suicide prevention which takes support to people – where they are when they experience distress.”
Establishing the Office is among recommendations and priority actions of the National Suicide Prevention Adviser’s Final Advice report, all of which were accepted by the Government.
Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, David Coleman MP, said the establishment of Australia’s first National Suicide Prevention Office to coincide with the annual World Suicide Prevention Day was a key part of the Government’s ongoing work to transform the mental health and suicide prevention system and ensure that it delivers high quality, person-centred care to all Australians.
“Our Government has made mental health a national priority, investing an unprecedented $2.3 billion in the 2021-22 Budget for the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan, bringing the annual investment in mental health and suicide prevention services and support to a record $6.5 billion in 2021-22.”
Some of the Government’s key investments through the 2021-22 Budget include:
- a further $158.6 million to provide universal access to aftercare services which provide non-clinical follow up and support to Australians following a suicide attempt or suicidal crisis;
- $22 million to provide national postvention services to ensure those bereaved or impacted by suicide have access to support;
- $31.2 million to directly help people experiencing psychological distress, including establishing a national distress intervention trial, implementing national standards for Safe Spaces services, and expanding the Roses in the Ocean CARE connect service; and
- an additional $61.6 million for the National Suicide Prevention Leadership and Support Program which delivers whole of population suicide prevention activities and services.
“This is delivering vital support for those experiencing a suicidal crisis or those bereaved by suicide. It is life-saving care for people when they need it most,” Assistant Minister Coleman said.
“But, each and every one of us can play a role in suicide prevention. We can all create hope for someone by reaching out and showing that we care, and I encourage all Australians to take the opportunity today to do so.”
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.
R U OK? Day more important than ever
The Morrison Government is encouraging Australians to reach out to the people we care about for an important conversation about mental health this R U OK? Day.
R U OK? Day has been happening since 2009, but this year it is more important than ever before.
We all continue to face unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, and these challenges can have significant impacts on our mental health.
This year’s R U OK? Day theme is ‘Are they really OK? Ask them today’.
Research has shown that around 22% of Australians don’t reach out to check on the people around them because there hasn’t been an occasion where they felt someone needed their help. However, a regular check in, or just starting the conversation – even when someone is not visibly distressed or in crisis – can make a real difference.
The conversation about mental health need not be difficult, it is as simple as asking if someone is okay, listening to them, encouraging action and checking back in.
As much of the country faces restrictions to lower the risk of COVID-19, there are numerous other issues that are testing our resilience as individuals and collectively. Whether it is fear for our physical health, uncertainty around businesses, employment or school, sadness over missed things like a holiday, a birthday or a wedding, or grief over lost loved ones, we are all carrying a significant emotional load.
In 2021, we know that an honest answer to ‘are you okay?’ is likely to be ‘no, I’m not’ and that is okay, it’s understandable in these circumstances. But it is not something that has to be carried alone.
Help is available. 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).
The Australian Government is proud to support R U OK? Day and has committed $2.1 million to the work of R U OK? between April 2017 and 30 June 2022.
Mental health and suicide prevention are a national priority. Our Government has invested a record $2.3 billion in the 2021–22 Budget for the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan. A record $6.5 billion will be spent in mental health and suicide prevention services and supports in 2021–22, doubling since 2012–13.
More information and resources to help support the conversation around mental health are available at www.ruok.org.au
Rapid response funding supports COVID-driven demand for community services
City of Newcastle has provided $110,000 towards the purchase of food packages and toiletries, as well as crisis accommodation, counselling and web connectivity to community groups responding to the current lockdown of the city.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the funding was part of an expanded Community and Economic Resilience Package (CERP) designed to combat the economic and social impacts of the current lockdown.
“City of Newcastle has an important role in coordinating local services and providing targeted support,” Cr Nelmes said.
“When the pandemic was declared last year City of Newcastle was quick to respond to the needs of our community, providing rapid financial support to frontline services struggling to cope with the sudden surge in demand.
“With the current Delta outbreak placing added strain on community members and the services that support them, City of Newcastle has expanded this response, dispersing more than $110,000 amongst 15 community organisations.
“Our Rapid Response Grants will give these organisations the resources they need to address critical challenges for some of our most vulnerable residents as we continue to work together to stay safe and keep our community strong.”
The grants will allow existing service providers to supply nutritious food and vouchers for essential needs, improve access to community services, address issues such as social isolation, and increase access to affordable internet, digital technology and equipment to improve participation in education and access to essential services.
Erin Beard from the Family Support Network said the funding would allow them to help more families by providing food, toiletries and baby items, as well as school supplies to help children and young people improve their home learning experience.
“We are all generally feeling the stress of lockdown but for families who are already under duress, these COVID times add an extra load. This grant from City of Newcastle has meant we can relieve some of that stress,” Ms Beard said.
“With the impact of COVID-19 we have changed the way we are providing services and with more online groups and facetime calls, we are aware of the burden of this on families who need to use their data and internet for this support. For children that are doing online learning as part of home schooling, data usage can be an additional cost. This grant means we can support families in a practical way, by covering some of the associated costs.
“We can also provide basic necessities for babies and children, meet some of their school needs and relieve some of the burden of the cost of grocery items.”
Recipients of City of Newcastle’s Rapid Response Grants:
- ACON – emergency food and personal care relief packs
- Awabakal Ltd – culturally tailored communication, outreach and support resources and materials
- Catholic Care Social Services – emergency relief packs and casework support
- Community Disability Alliance Hunter – peer-led social support and public health information package
- Family Support Newcastle – mother and baby items, web connectivity resources and food and toiletry packages
- Got Your Back Sista – emergency food relief and counselling vouchers
- Hamilton Seventh-day Adventist Church Pantry – hampers with food, essential items and toiletries
- Hunter Multicultural Communities – welfare packs and multilingual newsletter production
- Hope Street Wallsend and Mayfield – food preparation and emergency relief packages
- Jesmond and Maryland Neighbourhood Centre – small equipment IT purchases for phone and web connectivity
- LIVEFree Project Hamilton South – scaling up of existing service to meet demand for welfare checks
- Newcastle Beacon – emergency relief food and pharmacy packages
- NOVA for Women – emergency accommodation funding and small equipment purchases for phone and web connectivity
- REACH Homeless Services – food and hygiene packs
- SOUL Café – short term staffing costs for mental health clinician and street manager
Have your say on plan for Mayfield cycleway network
City of Newcastle is continuing to expand the city’s cycleway network with early consultation now open on a plan for the Mayfield area.
The project is investigating cycleways in Mayfield which link key locations and connect local cycleways with regional routes.
The initial consultation seeks feedback from the community on possible cycling routes and aims to get an understanding of what would encourage people to cycle in the area.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the City’s long-term goal is to improve accessibility for the community of Mayfield by building safe and attractive cycleways that cater for all ages and abilities.
“We are planning cycleways that will link residential, commercial and key areas of activity, and connect with regional routes,” Cr Nelmes said.
“We want to hear from residents, students and anyone who has an interest in cycling in our city, especially those who would use these new routes in and around Mayfield in the future.”
Deputy Mayor Declan Clausen said the area in focus includes key nodes of activity such as Mayfield’s commercial area, Steel River, Hunter TAFE, Waratah Station, Warabrook Station, and the University of Newcastle Callaghan Campus via these stations.
“Linking these key locations with cycle networks and pedestrian paths is a strategic objective of the City,” Councillor Clausen said.
“Mayfield is experiencing growth with young families moving into the area and development occurring, so this early feedback will be crucial in shaping active transport plans for the suburb.”
To provide feedback visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/yoursay and share your thoughts via a short survey and interactive map, where you can comment on proposed routes and show us your preferences. This initial round of community engagement closes on Friday 1 October.
Feedback from engagement will be presented back to the community early next year and will inform staging of routes and development of concept plans, which are expected to be exhibited mid next year.
The project is investigating cycleways in Mayfield which link key locations and connect local cycleways with regional routes.
The initial consultation seeks feedback from the community on possible cycling routes and aims to get an understanding of what would encourage people to cycle in the area.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the City’s long-term goal is to improve accessibility for the community of Mayfield by building safe and attractive cycleways that cater for all ages and abilities.
“We are planning cycleways that will link residential, commercial and key areas of activity, and connect with regional routes,” Cr Nelmes said.
“We want to hear from residents, students and anyone who has an interest in cycling in our city, especially those who would use these new routes in and around Mayfield in the future.”
Deputy Mayor Declan Clausen said the area in focus includes key nodes of activity such as Mayfield’s commercial area, Steel River, Hunter TAFE, Waratah Station, Warabrook Station, and the University of Newcastle Callaghan Campus via these stations.
“Linking these key locations with cycle networks and pedestrian paths is a strategic objective of the City,” Councillor Clausen said.
“Mayfield is experiencing growth with young families moving into the area and development occurring, so this early feedback will be crucial in shaping active transport plans for the suburb.”
To provide feedback visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/yoursay and share your thoughts via a short survey and interactive map, where you can comment on proposed routes and show us your preferences. This initial round of community engagement closes on Friday 1 October.
Feedback from engagement will be presented back to the community early next year and will inform staging of routes and development of concept plans, which are expected to be exhibited mid next year.
Roadmap to freedom unveiled for the fully vaccinated
Stay-at-home orders for adults who have received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine will be lifted from the Monday after NSW passes the 70 per cent double vaccination target, under the roadmap to freedom released today.
The roadmap is subject to further fine-tuning and health advice if circumstances change drastically or if cases within a designated area remain too high.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said we are well on the way to hitting the 70 per cent double dose milestone which will allow the state to open up for those who have received both doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.
“I cannot stress enough how important it is for people to get vaccinated – if you have not had both doses of the vaccine by the time we hit the 70 per cent milestone, you will not be able to take advantage of these freedoms,” Ms Berejiklian said.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the NSW Government has worked with industry to design this roadmap, which is our biggest incentive to get vaccinated, to reach the 70 per cent target as soon as possible.
“Our roadmap outlines the freedoms that twice vaccinated people will enjoy once we reach 70 per cent double dose which means a meal with loved ones or a drink with friends is just around the corner,” Mr Barilaro said.
Only fully vaccinated people and those with medical exemptions will have access to the freedoms allowed under the Reopening NSW roadmap.
The freedoms for vaccinated adults will come into effect on the Monday after NSW hits the 70 per cent double dose target and include:
Gatherings in the home and public spaces:
- Up to five visitors will be allowed in a home where all adults are vaccinated (not including children 12 and under).
- Up to 20 people can gather in outdoor settings.
Venues including hospitality, retail stores and gyms:
- Hospitality venues can reopen subject to one person per 4sqm inside and one person per 2sqm outside, with standing while drinking permitted outside.
- Retail stores can reopen under the one person per 4sqm rule (unvaccinated people will continue to only be able to access critical retail).
- Personal services such as hairdressers and nail salons can open with one person per 4sqm, capped at five clients per premises.
- Gyms and indoor recreation facilities can open under the one person per 4sqm rule and can offer classes for up to 20 people.
- Sporting facilities including swimming pools can reopen.
Stadiums, theatres and major outdoor recreation facilities:
- Major recreation outdoor facilities including stadiums, racecourses, theme parks and zoos can reopen with one person per 4sqm, capped at 5,000 people.
- Up to 500 people can attend ticketed and seated outdoor events.
- Indoor entertainment and information facilities including cinemas, theatres, music halls, museums and galleries can reopen with one person per 4sqm or 75 per cent fixed seated capacity.
Weddings, funerals and places of worship:
- Up to 50 guests can attend weddings, with dancing permitted and eating and drinking only while seated.
- Up to 50 guests can attend funerals, with eating and drinking while seated.
- Churches and places of worship to open subject to one person per 4sqm rule, with no singing.
Travel:
- Domestic travel, including trips to regional NSW, will be permitted.
- Caravan parks and camping grounds can open.
- Carpooling will be permitted.
Non-vaccinated young people aged under 16 will be able to access all outdoor settings but will only be able to visit indoor venues with members of their household.
Employers must continue to allow employees to work from home if the employee is able to do so.
There will be revised guidance on isolation for close and casual contacts who are fully vaccinated, with details to be provided closer to the reopening date.
Masks:
- Masks will remain mandatory for all indoor public venues, including public transport, front-of-house hospitality, retail and business premises, on planes and at airports.
- Only hospitality staff will be required to wear a mask when outdoors.
- Children aged under 12 will not need to wear a mask indoors.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the easing of restrictions would come as a huge relief to struggling businesses and workers, who just want to get their lives back on track, safely.
“This roadmap gives us the light at the end of the tunnel we all want and will enable our economy to start firing again, driving our state back to prosperity,” Mr Perrottet said.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the government will continue to be guided by the health advice, and may still require targeted restrictions to deal with outbreaks.
“As we work toward reopening NSW, it is vital people continue to come forward and get vaccinated to help protect the community and reduce transmission of the virus,” Mr Hazzard said.
When NSW hits the 80 per cent double dose target, the government intends to open up further freedoms around international travel, community sport, major events and other areas.
If you are not booked in for a COVID-19 vaccine, please book an appointment as soon possible.
For the latest information visit nsw.gov.au/covid-19
Lockdown lifted in parts of regional NSW
Parts of regional NSW currently deemed low risk and which have seen zero COVID cases for at least 14 days will emerge from lockdown at 12:01am Saturday 11 September, but will continue to operate under restrictions to ensure the safety of regional communities.
Local Government Areas (LGAs) still seeing COVID case numbers will continue to follow stay-at-home orders and will be monitored by NSW Health with updates provided as circumstances develop.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said regional communities are doing an incredible job following health advice and getting vaccinated which has made the easing of lockdown in some areas possible.
“Today, I can announce that while unfortunately many regional LGAs will remain in lockdown due to COVID case numbers, for other parts of the state, stay-at-home orders will be lifted allowing more freedoms for those communities,” Mr Barilaro said.
“This decision is based on NSW Health advice, and the LGAs which remain in lockdown will continue to be monitored and we will update those communities on a regular basis.
“My strong advice to everyone in regional NSW is to get vaccinated as soon as you can. Our communities need to continue to get vaccinated so that when NSW reaches 70 and 80 per cent, restrictions can ease significantly.”
The following freedoms will be available to all people in regional LGAs where stay-at-home orders have lifted:
Gatherings in the home and public spaces:
- Up to five visitors will be allowed in a home (not including children 12 and under).
- Up to 20 people can gather in outdoor settings.
Venues including hospitality, retail stores and gyms:
- Hospitality venues can reopen subject to one person per 4sqm inside and one person per 2sqm outside, with standing while drinking permitted outside.
- Retail stores can reopen under the one person per 4sqm rule.
- Personal services such as hairdressers and nail salons can open with one person per 4sqm, capped at five clients per premises.
- Gyms and indoor recreation facilities can open under the one person per 4sqm rule and can offer classes for up to 20 people.
- Sporting facilities including swimming pools can reopen.
Schools:
- Schools will re-open with Level 3 COVIDSafe measures in place.
Stadiums, theatres and major outdoor recreation facilities:
- Major recreation outdoor facilities including stadiums, racecourses, theme parks and zoos can reopen with one person per 4sqm, capped at 5,000 people.
- Up to 500 people can attend ticketed and seated outdoor events.
- Indoor entertainment and information facilities including cinemas, theatres, music halls, museums and galleries can reopen with one person per 4sqm or 75 per cent fixed seated capacity.
Weddings, funerals and places of worship:
- Up to 50 guests can attend weddings, with dancing permitted and eating and drinking only while seated.
- Up to 50 guests can attend funerals, with eating and drinking while seated.
- Churches and places of worship to open subject to one person per 4sqm rule, with no singing.
Travel:
- Caravan parks and camping grounds can open.
- Carpooling will be permitted.
Masks:
- Masks will remain mandatory for all indoor public venues, including public transport, front-of-house hospitality, retail and business premises, on planes and at airports.
- Only hospitality staff will be required to wear a mask when outdoors.
- Children aged under 12 will not need to wear a mask indoors.
Stay-at-home orders will remain in place in the following LGAs:
- Bathurst
- Bega
- Blayney
- Bogan
- Bourke
- Brewarrina
- Broken Hill
- Cabonne
- Central Coast
- Central Darling
- Cessnock
- Dubbo
- Dungog
- Eurobodalla
- Forbes
- Gilgandra
- Goulburn Mulwarre
- Kiama
- Lake Macquarie
- Lithgow
- Maitland
- Mid-Coast
- Mid-Western
- Muswellbrook
- Narrabri
- Narromine
- Newcastle
- Orange
- Parkes
- Port Stephens
- Queanbeyan-Palerang
- Shellharbour
- Shoalhaven
- Singleton
- Snowy Monaro
- Upper Hunter
- Walgett
- Wingecarribee
For more information, please visit: www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19
Major training program to upskill assistant principals
The largest professional learning program in Australia for assistant principals and head teachers will begin next year to build leadership excellence and help lift student outcomes across public schools.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said research shows that middle leaders – assistant principals and head teachers – play a crucial role in leading excellence in teaching practices and in student outcomes.
“Our new 18-month professional learning program will help middle leaders strengthen their leadership skills, develop their practice and expand their influence and impact in their classrooms and beyond,” Ms Mitchell said.
“The program is the first time a comprehensive development program for middle school leaders has been implemented across an entire public school system in Australia.
“We’ve developed this in partnership with academic experts from the University of Wollongong and the University of Newcastle. The program will be world-class and ground-breaking in the impact it will have in our schools.”
Applications for the first cohort of the MLDP are now open, with the first seminar to be held in February 2022. Up to 200 middle leaders will be part of the first program and over time it will be offered to up to 500 middle leaders per intake.
Participants in the program will take part in a series of leadership conferences and online sessions, covering six learning modules, and will work in teams with the support of experienced principals and deputy principals. Middle leaders who complete the program can receive recognition of prior learning for further tertiary study.
“We have more than 10,000 assistant principals and head teachers across our system, leading learning in classrooms and leading their staff. This program will help them grow as leaders and help lift student achievement across NSW public schools,” Ms Mitchell said.
Appeal to find man missing from Lake Macquarie area
Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from the Lake Macquarie area.
Jade Maybury, aged 25, was last seen leaving a house on Bridge Street, Morisset, about 9am yesterday (Wednesday 8 September 2021).
Police were notified about 5.30pm and officers from Lake Macquarie Police District commenced an investigation into Jade’s whereabouts.
A search of the surrounding area commenced, with assistance from specialist police including PolAir, the Dog Unit, Police Rescue and State Emergency Service (SES).
There are serious concerns for the welfare of Jade, who lives with Asperger’s syndrome and another medical condition.
Jade is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 160cm tall, of medium build, with red/ginger hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a light-coloured t-shirt with faded writing on the front.
As the search continues, anyone who sees Jade or has information about his whereabouts is urged to contact Lake Macquarie Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.
Four men charged after cannabis seized – Hunter Valley
Police have charged four men and seized $1.5m worth of cannabis as part of an ongoing investigation into cultivation of cannabis in the Hunter Valley area.
In July this year (2021), officers attached to the Hunter Region Enforcement Squad commenced an investigation into the hydroponic cultivation of cannabis in the Hunter region.
Following extensive inquiries, officers executed a search warrant at a property on Cessnock Road, Abermain, about 12.30pm yesterday (Wednesday 8 September 2021).
During the search, officers found a sophisticated indoor hydroponic set up and seized 157 cannabis plants.
Police arrested four men, aged 34, 27, 24 and 23 years old, at the property.
The men were taken to Cessnock Police Station, where they were each charged with take part enhanced indoor cultivate cannabis commercial.
They were also issued a $5,000 fine each for breaching the Public Health Order.
The men were bail refused to appear before Cessnock Local Court today (Thursday 9 September 2021), where they were formally refused bail.
As part of inquiries, about 3.15pm yesterday (Wednesday 8 September 2021), police executed a second search warrant at a property on Wollombi Road, Cessnock, where they found another sophisticated set-up and seized a further 148 cannabis plants.
Investigations continue.