Technology leader Microsoft, University of Technology Sydney and Macquarie University will join forces with TAFE NSW to pilot the State’s first Institute of Applied Technology for Digital Technology, a new revolutionary education model.
Premier Dominic Perrottet today unveiled the partners of the Institute of Applied Technology (IAT) for Digital Technology, which is under construction as part of the $154 million Meadowbank Education Preccinct.
“This innovative partnership will see students merge the knowledge gained through university study with the hands-on technical skills acquired through vocational education, all in the one model,” Mr Perrottet said.
“To have a global technology leader like Microsoft as the foundational industry partner for the Institute of Applied Technology for Digital Technology is a no-brainer. It means NSW jobseekers will be getting the absolute best vocational training supported by industry leaders and world-leading universities.”
Students who study at the IAT for Digital Technology can gain credentials at all academic levels of study they undertake, including a certificate, a diploma or bachelor’s degree.
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said the IAT in Digital Tech will play a critical role in developing a strong and robust technology workforce in NSW and addressing industry-wide skills shortages.
“The IAT for Digital Technology will first focus on the three signature disciplines of big data, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence, ensuring the next generation of IT professionals can rise to the tech industry’s rapidly changing needs,” Mr Lee said.
“These partners will create industry-led and embedded training programs, including Micro Skills and Micro-Credentials, Masterclasses, and Industry Credentialing to allow for rapid upskilling of our tech workforce.”
Minister for Digital and Member for Ryde Victor Dominello said the IAT will also deliver new ICT traineeships, which will develop and support budding IT professionals through the creation of training and employment opportunities in NSW public-sector agencies.
“This partnership will transform Meadowbank into an education and employment powerhouse and prepare local students for the jobs of the future,” Mr Dominello said.
Managing Director of Microsoft Australia and New Zealand Steven Worrall said he was proud to partner with TAFE NSW and university partners to nurture tangible skills among the next generation of homegrown talent.
“The speed at which technology evolves requires an agile approach to education – one that arms students with real-world skills that meet current workforce needs while futureproofing our nation’s technology capabilities.
“We are proud to be working with TAFE NSW and university partners to build a new educational model and student experience that is by nature flexible, scalable, accessible, and promotes greater diversity of thought across the industry.”
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Technology Sydney Professor Andrew Parfitt said the IAT will support the people of NSW by providing integrated education pathways and job opportunities driven by industry demand.
“UTS is proud to produce graduates that are next-generation leaders with real-world experience and digital transformation skills in new and emerging fields,” Mr Parfitt said.
Vice-Chancellor of Macquarie University Professor Bruce Dowton said the collaborative model would allow the IAT to be agile in responding to change across all sectors.
“Digital skills are in demand while the fast pace of technological change continues to impact the skill needs of the current and future workforce,” Mr Dowton said.
“Providing training in emerging digital technology skill areas will be vital, not only for jobs in digital technology but also for jobs across all sectors, where digital tools and new technologies are reshaping roles and the future of work.”
The IAT for Digital Technology is due to open in August 2022.
Man charged over series of armed robberies – Hamilton
A man will face court today charged over a series of alleged armed robberies at Newcastle overnight.
About 5.50pm yesterday (Wednesday 8 December 2021), a 26-year-old man was seated in his stationary vehicle on Beaumont Street, Hamilton, when another man opened the driver’s side door and demanded he get out.
It will be alleged the man grabbed the driver and pulled him from the car, before a brief struggle ensued and he stabbed the driver in the chest with a scalpel.
The driver was able to grab the keys from the ignition before the man fled the scene on foot, heading south along Beaumont Street.
A short time later, the man allegedly entered a chemist on the same street before demanding cash from an employee and stealing drinks.
The man then walked towards the intersection of Tudor and Beaumont Streets, where he opened the passenger side door of a white Ford Kuga – which was stationary at traffic lights – and allegedly threatened the driver – a 33-year-old woman – with a scalpel.
The woman – who had two young children in the vehicle – circled the block before the man attempted to undo one of the child’s restraints.
The woman pulled over and removed the children from the car, before the man stole the vehicle and drove away.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District were notified of all three incidents and commenced extensive searches and inquiries in the nearby area.
About 7pm, officers attached to Hunter Region Enforcement Squad (RES) observed a white Ford Kuga on Darby Street at Cooks Hill.
Police activated their warning lights and sirens, however the driver failed to stop as directed and a pursuit was initiated.
The pursuit continued through Merewether, before the car was stopped at Flowerdale Avenue.
The driver – a 39-year-old Queensland man – was arrested and taken to Newcastle Police Station, where he was charged with two counts of robbery armed with an offensive weapon, aggravated robbery with wounding/grievous bodily harm, and police pursuit – not stop – drive at speed.
He was refused bail and is due to appear at Newcastle Local Court today (Thursday 9 December 2021).
Better access for Canberrans seeking mental health support
Canberrans seeking assistance for their mental health will have another centre providing high quality support with the opening of the Canberra Head to Health Centre.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, David Coleman, and ACT Senator, Zed Seselja, today welcomed the opening of the Centre, located in Deakin, ACT.
“We know that the pandemic and the measures taken to contain it have had a significant impact on the mental health and wellbeing of many Australians,” Minister Hunt said.
“The Canberra Head to Health Centre will be among the first in a network of community mental health centres ensuring people who need help have access to high quality, person-centred care where and when they need it.
“Head to Health Centres are designed to provide a welcoming, low stigma, ‘no wrong door’ entry point for adults to access mental health information, services and supports through a multidisciplinary team operating over extended hours, without needing a prior appointment or paying a fee.”
Assistant Minister Coleman said the centre would provide a safe place for people experiencing high levels of distress, or who are at heightened risk of suicide.
“At their core, the Head to Health Centres, like this new one in Canberra, will be staffed by multidisciplinary teams that will offer support to adults experiencing mental ill-health by providing support and treatment over the short to medium term.”
Senator Zed Seselja welcomed the opening of the new centre and said it will help people get the support they need by providing care where there are no available services appropriate to their needs or while they are waiting to be connected to longer-term care.
“Our Government is committed to improving mental health services across Australia and here in the ACT. To do so, we have invested considerable funding to improve services now and into the future,” Senator Seselja said.
“This centre will integrate with other services to address fragmentation and offer seamless care pathways, with an emphasis on ensuring consumers and carers do not need to retell their story.”
As part of the 2019–20 Budget, the Morrison Government committed $114.5 million to fund the trial of eight ‘Head to Health’ Adult Mental Health Centres, with one centre to be established in each state and territory.
An additional $487.2 million was announced under the 2021–22 Budget to expand the program to an additional 32 sites (eight new centres and 24 satellites) and provide ongoing funding for the initial eight trial sites.
“Services provided at these centres will be recovery focused, trauma informed and person-centred,” Minister Hunt said.
“The Morrison Government is committed to working towards zero suicides and transforming the mental health system to ensure that all Australians can access the right care and essential services whenever and wherever they need,” Assistant Minister Coleman said.
“I’m pleased the new Canberra Head to Health Centre will also play an essential role in supporting ACT GPs, private and public hospitals and emergency departments, by providing accessible mental health care,” Senator Seselja said.
The service has been commissioned by the Capital Health Network (ACT Primary Health Network) and will be operated by Think Mental Health.
Australians looking for support throughout the COVID-19 pandemic can access the Beyond Blue Coronavirus Wellbeing Support Service any time via telephone at 1800 512 348 or online at coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au.
Anyone experiencing distress can also 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.
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.
The Morrison Government continues to make mental health and wellbeing a priority. Oure Government provided a historic $2.3 billion in the 2020-21 Budget to deliver significant reform of the mental health system and ensure that all Australians have access to high quality, person-centred care as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic.
National study confirms importance of mental health services
Initial results from the first national survey of mental health and wellbeing in 14 years has confirmed the growing importance of mental health services, with Australians seeking mental health support more than ever before.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics has today released the results from the first cohort of the National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing, which collected data from over 5,500 people aged 16 to 85 years from December 2020 to July 2021.
The results show many Australians are taking steps to look after their mental health. The key findings include:
- 15% of adults experienced high or very high levels of psychological distress in the four weeks before their interview.
- Almost two-thirds (61%) of adults took actions to improve their own mental health in the last 12 months, including increasing exercise and physical activity (37%), positive thinking (29%) and increasing enjoyable activities (28%).
- 3.4 million adults reported seeing a health professional for their mental health in the last 12 months, and 612,000 adults used other phone and digital mental health services, such as crisis support or counselling, online treatment programs, or support groups and forums.
Mental health and suicide prevention remain a high priority for the Morrison Government. Through the 2021-22 Budget, we are investing a record $2.3 billion in the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan to deliver landmark reform in mental health support and treatment for Australians in need.
The Morrison Government was quick to recognise and respond to the rise in mental health issues caused by the pandemic and associated restrictions, especially among our children and young people.
Since March last year, our Government has provided more than $1 billion in funding to expand mental health services in response to the pandemic, including a substantial investment in telehealth.
As well as extending Medicare subsidies to telehealth mental health services, we have boosted funding to key service providers such as headspace, Lifeline, Beyond Blue and Kids Helpline.
We have also set up walk-in mental health clinics in Victoria, New South Wales and the ACT, with a national network now in development.
The National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing will provide deeper and more detailed understanding of the mental health challenges facing Australians, and how they manage these challenges.
It will be vital for planning services at the local and national level as the Government continues to reform mental health and preventive health—one of the four pillars of our Australia’s Long Term National Health Plan.
The survey of mental health is one of seven separate surveys which will make up the Intergenerational Health and Mental Health Study (IHMHS). The Morrison Government has provided $89.5 million to the ABS to conduct the study, including data collection from 2020 to 2022.
Australians looking for support throughout the COVID-19 pandemic can access the Beyond Blue Coronavirus Wellbeing Support Service any time via telephone at 1800 512 348 or online at coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au.
Anyone experiencing distress can also 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.
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
More NSW schools to receive Cooler Classroom Program
The NSW Government is adding an additional 37 schools to the Cooler Classrooms Program, taking the total number to 959 schools across NSW benefitting from this investment.
The program, announced in 2018, is a five-year $500 million commitment to deliver heating, cooling and fresh air ventilation in NSW public schools. This is the first time there has been a dedicated program to install air-conditioning in schools with those in the hottest parts of the state prioritised.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said the program is ahead of schedule for the existing 922 schools receiving the system, and she was thrilled to add more schools to the program.
“Our focus has been on our existing delivery priorities including 611 schools in the hottest parts of NSW. I am pleased that we are now in a position to include an additional 37 schools in the program, enhancing the learning environments for students and teachers at NSW public schools,” Ms Mitchell said.
“It is the NSW Liberals and Nationals Government that is delivering record funding in school infrastructure and we will continue to invest in our children’s learning facilities.”
“Students right across NSW are benefiting from this program with more than 4,700 classrooms and 330 libraries already completed with more than 10,000 classrooms and 900 libraries now approved for delivery.”
The systems installed as part of the Cooler Classrooms Program incorporate ‘smart systems’ technology that offer heating, cooling, and the provision of outside fresh air. The units will automatically shut-down after hours and will be powered by solar technology and battery storage to off-set energy usage at more than 300 schools.
“These are complex systems with additional work now to deliver a better system in the long run,” Ms Mitchell said.
As part of the program, more than 3,000 gas heaters are being removed from classrooms and learning spaces.
These systems are also installed in all new and upgraded school facilities delivered as part of the major capital works program.
The NSW Government is investing $7.9 billion over the next four years, continuing its program to deliver 215 new and upgraded schools to support communities across NSW. This is the largest investment in public education infrastructure in the history of NSW.
Appeal to locate missing man – Hunter
Police are appealing for assistance to locate a man missing from the Hunter region, last seen in the Hamilton area.
Colin Whittaker, aged 58, was last seen on Beaumont Street, Hamilton about 9:50pm on Sunday 21 November 2021.
Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District were notified later that day and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.
Police and family members hold concerns for his welfare due to a medical condition.
Colin also hasn’t made contact with family since November and hasn’t used his bank account, he also does not have a mobile phone.
He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, between 180cm to 185cm tall, with a slim build, grey hair and green eyes. He was last seen wearing white/cream coloured jacket, light coloured pants and a dark beanie.
He is known to frequent areas of Lake Macquarie, Newcastle and Ourimbah, he is also known to use the public transport network and other public facilities. He had previously mentioned that he intended to travel to Queensland, however he has no means to travel there.
Anyone who may have seen Colin or that may know of his whereabouts is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Praise for Shepparton's COVID-19 Response
Federal Member for Nicholls, Damian Drum, and Minister for Regional Health, Dr David Gillespie, have praised Goulburn Valley Health for its role in containing Shepparton’s recent COVID-19 outbreak.
“I want to specifically mention chief executive Matt Sharp and his staff for the role they played in getting the outbreak under control,” Dr Gillespie said during a visit to GV Health today.
“I also want to recognise the hard work of your teams, especially those receptionists, nurses and practice support staff who have really been on the frontline in their efforts to help get the community vaccinated – everyone stepped up to the plate.
“The Federal Coalition Government also recognises the important role that state and territory hubs are playing to keep local communities safe and healthy, especially now as they set up to help vaccinate people in their community.”
Mr Drum said GV Health provided significant local leadership during the September outbreak. In partnership with a range of community service organisations, it ensured that the community could access basics such as food, medication and COVID vaccinations.
“Matt and his team did an incredible job during what was one of the most difficult periods in recent memory in the Goulburn Valley,” Mr Drum said.
“As the local member, I was very proud of the work and care from the highly skilled staff at GV Health during what were very trying times for the entire community.”
The strong relationship between GV Health and Murray Primary Health Network (PHN) enabled a collaborative approach where each organisation could focus on its strengths.
Murray PHN supported primary care with outbreak support (including infection protection and control advice and personal protective equipment), information and advice to continue vaccinations, support to private residential aged care facilities and staff vaccination along with significant outbreak and infection prevention and control support to the local Aboriginal Health Service, Rumbalara.
GV Health led the local response through its Public Health Unit, provided enormous testing capacity at short notice and developed and implemented a COVID positive pathway, including home monitoring, in Shepparton and surrounding areas.
Alongside the outbreak response, GV Health maintained a high-volume vaccination hub at the McIntosh Centre at the Shepparton Showgrounds.
Goulburn Valley Welcomes First Medical Intake
The University of Melbourne’s rural pathway medical school program at Shepparton is set to welcome its first intake next year, taking students a step closer to becoming rural doctors and helping to address Australia’s longstanding rural doctor shortage.
Shepparton offers one of five rural-based medical school programs established under the Federal Government’s Murray-Darling Medical Schools Network.
The Network is a key initiative in the Government’s commitment to tackle the rural doctor shortage and improve the distribution of the medical workforce through the establishment of rurally based medical school programs.
Up to half of the 30 students who will study medicine at Shepparton have been based at Bendigo and Albury-Wodonga, where they have just completed the Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Medical) degree from La Trobe University.
This arrangement provides a pathway into the four-year graduate entry Doctor of Medicine offered by the University of Melbourne in Shepparton for regional students intending to practise medicine in a regional location.
The medical program was announced in the Federal Government’s 2018-2019 Budget and involves a unique collaboration between the two universities which have a long and respected track record in medical, health and rural education.
This first Shepparton intake will further benefit from a $6.5 million upgrade to the Shepparton campus, including new student accommodation and expanded teaching spaces, expected to be completed in early 2022.
Federal Member for Nicholls, Damian Drum, congratulated the students on their graduation from La Trobe, and commended both the University of Melbourne and La Trobe University on their successful collaboration.
“Today is a great day for the Goulburn Valley as the first cohort in this ground-breaking end-to-end regional medical program mark a major milestone in their quest to become a doctor,” Mr Drum said.
“I congratulate all those who graduated today and wish them the best of luck for the remainder of their studies.
“I’m proud the Federal Government, in conjunction with La Trobe University and the University of Melbourne, created this medical program as part of an effort to alleviate the doctor shortage in regional and rural Australia.
“I am confident that a high proportion of graduating students will choose to stay in the Goulburn Valley for their medical careers, benefitting the region for years and decades to come.”
Minister for Regional Health, David Gillespie, said the Murray-Darling Medical School Network would be a game-changer in bridging the city-country divide.
“The Network’s aim is to address rural doctor shortages, improve the future distribution of the medical workforce and build on the Government’s existing investment in rural undergraduate training through the Rural Health Multidisciplinary Training program,” Dr Gillespie said.
“It will maximise opportunities to support school leavers and graduate-entry students with a rural background, and to attract those with an interest, intention and aptitude for practising in rural and regional areas once qualified.
“As such, it will help to ‘flip’ the current model of medical training with the majority of training to be regionally based and rotations to metropolitan areas for specialist immersions kept to a minimum.
“The new end-to-end rural medical program is in strong demand from regional and rural students because it means students are able to study closer to home.
“A major positive impact of the program is that students in regional schools now see medicine as a possible career path, and this is lifting enthusiasm and performance in schools.”
The Murray-Darling Medical School Network also enables communities in the region to benefit from the creation of local jobs through infrastructure projects and the increased university presence.
The Network includes University of NSW (Wagga Wagga), University of Sydney (Dubbo), Charles Sturt University in partnership with Western Sydney University (Orange), Monash University (Bendigo, Mildura), and University of Melbourne (Shepparton).
In 2022, all five Network medical schools will be operational, with 145 students commencing their studies, adding to the 80 who started in 2021. La Trobe University will welcome another 15 students to its pathway Biomedical Science (Medical) degree.
New funding to support new and expectant parents
The Morrison Government continues to support the mental health and wellbeing of new and expectant parents with new funding to expand the National Perinatal Mental Health Helpline.
Our Government is providing additional funding of $7.8 million over four years from 2021-22 to 2024-25 to Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia (PANDA), which operates the Helpline.
The expansion, funded in the 2021-22 Budget, builds on existing funding to PANDA under the Morrison Government’s Perinatal Mental Health and Wellbeing Program.
The National Perinatal Mental Health Helpline is Australia’s only free national helpline service specifically for women, men, and their families affected by or at risk of perinatal mental illness.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said the helpline provided a safe and confidential space for any new and expectant parent struggling with the challenges of becoming a new parent.
“The Morrison Government recognises the importance of supporting the mental health of expectant and new parents,” Minister Hunt said.
“Many expectant and new parents do not seek help for perinatal depression and anxiety, because they do not know which emotions are normal, or because of the stigma associated with mental illness.
“PANDA’s services have never been more critical – and this additional funding will ensure the Helpline is there for new and expectant parents to seek the help they need, when they need it.”
The additional funding announced today will enable PANDA to build capacity on the Helpline, which has been in increasing demand during the pandemic, and enable it to continue to provide this vital service.
Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, David Coleman, said that overall, perinatal depression and anxiety can affect around 100,000 Australian parents every year.
“Many women – and their partners – struggle with their mental health before or after giving birth.
“Statistics in Australia and around the world indicate at least one in five women will likely experience anxiety and/or depression during pregnancy and the postnatal period.
“Men can also experience perinatal mental illness, with about one in 10 expectant and new fathers experiencing depression, anxiety, or other forms of emotional distress in the perinatal period.
The Helpline can be accessed at 1300 726 306 from 9:00am to 7:30pm (AEST/AEDT) from Monday to Friday.
The Morrison Government provided a historic $2.3 billion in the 2020-21 Budget to deliver significant reform of the mental health system and ensure that all Australians have access to high quality, person-centred care as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic.
This brings health expenditure in mental health and suicide prevention services and supports in 2021–22 to a record high of $6.5 billion.
New facility supporting elite and aspiring para-athletes
Current and emerging para-athletes will benefit from the Australian Government’s investment in a new community, education and events centre at The Hangar at Tullamarine.
The new development features accessible training and accommodation facilities for para-athletes, a theatre and meeting rooms at the Essendon Football Club’s base which is also home to Paralympics Australia in Victoria.
An Australian Paralympic Sport Hall of Fame is also part of the development at the Hangar which Paralympics Australia have shared administration and training facilities with Essendon since 2013.
This centre is part of a $21 million expansion of the facility, with the Australian Government contributing $4 million to support purpose-built facilities for para-athletes.
Additional funding was provided by the Essendon Football Club and Victorian Government.
Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck said the centre would also benefit the wider community.
“This facility will enable more para-athletes to realise their sporting potential and it also provides increased opportunities for people with a disability to enjoy sport and pathway programs,” Minister Colbeck said.
The centre will support a range of Paralympic sports including table tennis, wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby.
“The Australian Government is pleased to invest in projects that get more Australians involved in sport, bring communities together and support our elite athletes to pursue sporting success on the global stage.”
The 32 bed, nine dormitory accommodation, which is fully accessible, has been available for use by Paralympic athletes and teams since March 2021 and was a key facility in preparation for the recently held Tokyo Paralympics.
Minister Colbeck said the addition of accessible onsite accommodation will also make it easier for athletes and coaches attending Paralympics Australia camps at Tullamarine.
“Our Paralympians displayed incredible talent, teamwork and resilience to claim 80 medals including 21 gold at the Tokyo Paralympics and are a huge source of inspiration to all Australians,” Minister Colbeck said.
“As we turn our attention to the Beijing Paralympic Winter Games in March, these new facilities will help us increase participation at a higher number of training camps which will assist with high performance development and Paralympic talent identification, verification and retention.
“It will also be invaluable in the decade-long lead up to Brisbane 2032.
“More importantly, I hope it inspires more people with disability to participate in and enjoy sport from grassroots right up to elite level competition.”