To help improve the treatment times of those with hepatitis C, the Morrison Government will fund a new national point-of-care testing (POCT) program that can confirm active hepatitis C infections within an hour and allow treatment to begin immediately.
The Kirby Institute at the University of NSW and the International Centre for Point-of-Care Testing at Flinders University will be provided with $6.5 million combined to establish the program.
Being able to provide the testing and treatment all in one visit is a real game-changer for people who would normally have to wait several weeks for a test result.
This technology can test for active hepatitis C infection by taking a small amount of blood from a fingertip. This blood is analysed on site, with a result ready for the patient within an hour. If the result comes back positive, treatment can begin during that same visit.
Under the program, testing will be available nationally at 65 sites with a high prevalence of hepatitis C infection, including drug treatment clinics, needle and syringe programs, and prisons.
The program will also include the development of standard operating procedures, logistics, deployment, operator training, and external quality assurance.
At the end of 2018, an estimated 129,640 people were living with chronic hepatitis C in Australia. Hepatitis C rates have been declining in Australia since the country implemented wide access to direct acting antiviral treatments.
These treatments cure the virus in 95% of people. But many people living with hepatitis C are not aware they have it, so innovative methods are necessary to increase testing.
This major investment will increase access to hepatitis C testing, treatment, and cures across the country.
Australia is committed to achieving the global goal of reducing the burden of viral hepatitis and eliminating viral hepatitis as a major public health threat by 2030. Indeed, we could be one of the first countries in the world to reach that goal.
Author: admin
$38.5 million to support senior Australians in Dementia Action Week
A new National Centre for Monitoring Dementia is to be established to improve the care for those suffering from the condition along with $25.5 million for new research.
Marking Dementia Australia week, the Morrison Government is providing $13 million in funding to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare to establish the National Centre, to routinely monitor dementia care in Australia.
This will help address critical gaps to support national dementia policy and service provision.
A further $25.5 million is also being made available under the Government’s Dementia, Ageing and Aged Care (DAAC) Mission including the release of a comprehensive roadmap and implementation plan to chart the way forward.
The Mission is funded through the Medical Research Future Fund.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt said it was a significant step forward.
“The research will improve the quality of life for Australians as they age, reduce stigma associated with dementia and enable better outcomes for older people,” Minister Hunt said.
The theme for Dementia Action Week is “A little support makes a big difference.”
Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck, said it was a relevant message for all Australians.
“Many people with dementia can continue to live well for many years – but this remains a complex and often misunderstood condition,” Minister Colbeck said.
“Those living with dementia deserve our understanding, love and support. It’s about seeing the person behind the diagnosis – an individual with a life, passions and relationships.”
The week of awareness has also been marked by the release of the Dementia in Australia 2021 Report, a benchmark study by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).
Dementia in Australia 2021 provides comprehensive, timely and accurate data that will inform our continuing work to improve the quality of life for Australians living with dementia – particularly senior Australians.
The report confirms that dementia is the second leading cause of death in Australia, and the leading cause of death among Australian women.
The DAAC Mission Roadmap is a high-level strategic document that includes the aim, vision, goals and priorities for investment for the $185 million Mission.
The Implementation Plan outlines the priorities for investment, evaluation approaches and measures, supporting activities and collaborative approaches.
The Roadmap and Implementation Plan were developed by the DAAC Mission Expert Advisory Panel, led by the co-chairs, Professor Elizabeth Beattie and Professor Len Gray.
“We know that dementia is now the third leading cause of disease burden in Australia, and that as our population ages, the number of Australians with dementia is projected to more than double by 2058,” Minister Hunt said.
“Lifting the quality of dementia care is one of the key drivers of our $17.7 billion plan to reform aged care, which includes a $229.4 investment in reforms specific to improving the quality of life and care for people living with dementia.”
The Dementia in Australia 2021 report found up to 472,000 Australians are living with the condition and more than half of all people in residential aged care are also affected.
Minister Colbeck, said the report validated the prominence of dementia care in the Government’s aged care reform plan.
“Our vision for quality dementia care in aged care encompasses staff capability, regulation and appropriate design of residential facilities. Dementia research has given us guidelines on dementia friendly design, and as part of our five year plan a new accommodation framework will be implemented from 1 July 2024.”
Dementia Action Week also encourages healthcare professionals to find out how they can make their practice more dementia-friendly.
“The Government’s reform package provides a boost for training in dementia care including for more than 3,000 personal care workers to be trained as dementia leaders in their organisations and training places for an additional 1,000 GPs and GP registrars each year,” Minister Colbeck said.
He said the Dementia in Australia 2021 report also confirmed the trend of more senior Australians choosing to age in their homes, and the corresponding need to support carers.
“We know up to 337,200 Australians are providing care for a person with dementia, and that 1 in 3 of those carers feels worried or depressed due to that role,” Minister Colbeck said.
“Our aged care reform package includes additional support for dementia carers through the National Dementia Support Program, more respite care places and better dementia-specific models of respite care.
“This week is also an opportunity for people to find out some simple things they can do to support a person living with dementia, or a friend or family member who is a carer.”
Dementia Action Week runs from 20‑26 September 2021. People can find out about simple things they can do to help support those living with dementia by visiting the Dementia Action Week page on the Dementia Australia website, www.dementia.org.au
Car park demolition to reveal first glimpse of stunning city to harbour view corridor
City of Newcastle will commence demolition of the 59-year-old Mall Car Park at 92 King Street, with works scheduled to be completed by late-January 2022.
A structural assessment of the seven-storey car park was conducted in March 2020 and subsequently closed due to public safety concerns.
City of Newcastle Director of Governance David Clarke said with demolition work now underway to remove the aging Mall Car Park, every effort will be made to ensure that disruption to nearby businesses and residents is minimised during the process.
“During demolition, there will be increased noise from machinery and frequent truck movements in and around the work zone. Demolition vehicle access will be via King Street, into Thorn and Laing Streets. Vehicle access to Laing Street will be maintained for most of the project duration with some road closures during strategic works,” Mr Clarke said.
“Pedestrian access around the site will be maintained with temporary fencing in place, to ensure community safety. Environmental monitoring and controls to manage dust, noise and vibration will be undertaken by the site contractor.
“With work now underway, it’s exciting to see a first glimpse of the stunning view corridor that brings to life a long-held strategic vision of City of Newcastle and the NSW Government to connect the city to the harbour by opening up the lines of sight.”
The vision proposes to link Christ Church Cathedral to the Harbour via a grand staircase. Accessibility for the community is a key consideration to ensure everyone can share and enjoy the proposed space, in addition to retaining 380 public car parking spaces for the community to utilise.
“Preserving the view corridor between the harbour and the Cathedral has the full support of The Property Council and Urban Design Review Panel, to turn a long-held concept into a landmark public space for the city,” Mr Clarke said.
Phase one of the City’s East End revitalisation is well underway, with Hunter Street currently closed to upgrade the streetscape, stormwater infrastructure and underground communication lines. Most of the work along Wolfe Street is complete and works have also started on Perkins Street.
The project is one of the City’s four Priority Projects and phase one is on track to be completed by February 2022.
Visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/eastend for the most up-to-date information.
Help shape public art in Newcastle
City of Newcastle is seeking community-minded art, design and architecture experts to help advise on the development of public art that reflects Newcastle’s history, culture and community.
Councillors voted to expand the expertise of the City’s Public Art Reference Group (PARG) by appointing five external members who are professionals in their fields, including an expert with Awabakal or Worimi Indigenous cultural knowledge and a specialist in heritage.
The PARG provides leadership on all aspects of public art, from advising on the commissioning of new art proposals to ensuring transparent commissioning processes.
Councillor and PARG Chair Carol Duncan said public art humanises urban spaces and the built environment and by expanding the PARG with external arts professionals, public art will continue to play a major role in the city’s transformation.
“Art contributes to our wellbeing in public spaces, reflects our values as a community, and gives our spaces meaning and the opportunity to be unique. It provides opportunities for artists to create, for visitors and residents to enjoy, and to build an even greater economic contribution to the city by way of the value of our arts and cultural organisations,” Cr Duncan said.
Since 2018, the PARG has considered a number of public art proposals for the private domain related to development applications in the Newcastle CBD including the Seed Pod and Lyrique Lane Light Chandelier on Hunter Street, and Indigenous murals and native artworks on Hannel Street in Wickham.
PARG member Councillor John MacKenzie said a key focus for the group is public art associated with development applications.
“Helping applicants meet the 1% public art contribution and ensuring those funds are spent on incorporating artwork reflective of Newcastle’s culture and heritage is an important role of the PARG,” Cr MacKenzie said.
“Ensuring we plan a healthy funding stream for the commissioning and maintenance of public art in the city is also a core focus in order to maintain these public investments.”
PARG member Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said there is no shortage of artistic expertise in Newcastle to contribute to the advisory committee.
“Newcastle is home to more artists per capita than any other city in Australia, and boasts a thriving creative arts hub,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.
“I look forward to welcoming community-minded arts professionals and an Indigenous and heritage representative to the reference group and continuing to shape the future of public art for the enjoyment of the Newcastle community and visitors alike.”
Applications are now open and close 5pm, Sunday 17 October 2021.
To submit an Expressions of Interest form visit, City of Newcastle’s website.
City services and facilities COVID-19 lockdown update
Many of City of Newcastle’s publicly facing facilities will be closed to the public in line with the lockdown announced by NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian for areas of the Hunter, including the Newcastle local government area.
The following City of Newcastle facilities are closed:
- City of Newcastle libraries including the return chutes
- City Administration Centre at 12 Stewart Avenue including the customer service centre and the digital library
- City Hall
- Civic Theatre
- Community centres and halls
- Fort Scratchley
- Newcastle Art Gallery
- Newcastle Museum
- Tighes Hill Animal Facility
- Visitor Information Centre
Essential services including kerbside waste collection and patrols of beaches, ocean baths and public areas by City of Newcastle lifeguards and rangers will continue, while Beresfield Childcare Centre will remain open.
City of Newcastle staff will continue to undertake essential construction and maintenance services in a COVID-19 safe manner and in accordance with relevant Public Health Orders.
Summerhill Waste Management Centre is open to all customers including domestic and commercial, and for kerbside collections in line with NSW Government advice. Customers will be required to check-in, wear a face mask and adhere to social distancing. Cashless payments are preferred. If you have a bulk waste self-haul voucher with an expiry date between 5 August and 10 September 2021, its expiry will automatically be extended by two months to give you sufficient time to use your voucher.
The gates at Blackbutt Reserve are open for outdoor recreation and exercise in line with the NSW Government advice. Blackbutt’s animal enclosures will remain closed until restrictions ease further.
On Sunday 19 September the NSW Government announced that public swimming pools can reopen from Monday 27 September. We are awaiting further information from the government regarding the COVID safety measures that will be required for opening and operation as part of the Public Health Order. When the pools reopen, we will have robust COVID safety plans in place to keep our community and staff safe. Further details will be available on our website as soon as possible.
City of Newcastle will continue to provide customer service via telephone and online web chat between 8.30am and 4pm Monday to Friday.
We encourage our community to follow the Public Health Order and the Stay at Home restrictions.
For information regarding the lockdown or Public Health Orders visit www.health.nsw.gov.au/COVID-19
Information regarding individuals or businesses who are or may be contravening the current NSW Health Order should be reported to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Environmental upgrades underway at Summerhill Waste Management Centre
City of Newcastle will deliver approximately $6 million in environmental upgrades at Summerhill Waste Management Centre, including new systems to prevent pollution of water and manage leachate.
The work includes upgrading an alarm system which failed in January 2021, leading to an overflow that City of Newcastle reported to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and ultimately saw it fined $15,000.
The work also includes connecting of storage tanks to Summerhill’s leachate system and increasing its capacity.
Manager Waste Services Troy Uren said that the leachate overflow incident occurred in January during a period of heavy rainfall with work now underway to improve environmental monitoring.
“Our leachate storage overflowed during heavy rain in January as a result of a fault in the telemetry system alarm, which triggers when the storage tank is nearing capacity, but did not activate,” Mr Uren said.
“City of Newcastle reported the incident to the EPA and accepts the $15,000 fine for the failure of the alarm, which ultimately led to the overflow of leachate into the surface water system, but caused negligible environmental harm.
“We’ve since been working with the EPA to address the matter and have initiated a robust environmental program that will improve the separation of leachate and surface water systems to prevent this from happening again.
The leachate overflow occurred in an area that predates the existing engineered, lined landfill and the measures we are taking aim to connect the older infrastructure to the site’s modern leachate system while upgrading the overall leachate capacity.”
This work is part of a broader investment into upgrading environmental controls at Summerhill which includes an increased capacity of storage tanks, upgraded capacity of stormwater systems on site and new vehicle wheel wash infrastructure to reduce sediment.
A significant program of environmental works, which will address immediate, interim and long-term environmental compliance of the site is underway at Summerhill Waste Management Centre following the recent awarding of two contracts to implement Stormwater and Leachate Management, Environmental Improvement and Public Amenity Programs.
New $5 billion WestInvest fund to rejuvenate western Sydney Communities and boost jobs
A new $5 billion investment by the NSW Government will help secure a brighter future for western and south-western Sydney families and residents, helping build new and improved facilities and local infrastructure to help communities hit hard by COVID-19.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the new WestInvest Fund would focus on projects that make a real difference to quality of life, help create jobs in the process, and change the face of Western Sydney for the better.
“The future of Western Sydney is bright and this announcement is a major first step along the road to recovery after a challenging year,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“This is about helping to rejuvenate local communities with improved parks, better open spaces, giving town centres a boost and providing opportunities to grow.”
The unprecedented boost was made possible by the State’s strong financial management and asset recycling strategy, with the NSW Government today announcing the sale of its residual 49 per cent stake in WestConnex for $11.1 billion.
The new WestInvest Fund will allocate $3 billion for future projects across six areas:
- Parks, urban spaces and green space;
- Enhancing community infrastructure such as local sporting grounds;
- Modernising local schools;
- Creating and enhancing arts and cultural facilities;
- Revitalising high-streets;
- Clearing local traffic.
The remaining $2 billion will be reserved for high priority projects to be developed in consultation with local communities.
NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the local infrastructure and facilities drive would create jobs at a critical time, as NSW begins its economic recovery from the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Western and south-western Sydney is an economic powerhouse, but first and foremost there must be places where families can have a great quality of life – that’s what this investment will achieve,” Mr Perrottet said.
“No matter where you live, we want people to love living locally, and this investment will deliver better local facilities, open spaces and convenient services all close to home.
“This investment is just the first stage of our economic recovery strategy which the Government is currently developing for release in October.”
Minister for Jobs, Investment and Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the funding injection would be a game-changer and a catalyst for growth.
“The pandemic has hit Western Sydney hard, and highlighted important opportunities to deliver new facilities and amenities that will make life better for locals now and into the future,” Mr Ayres said.
“Sydney’s West is a rich mix of new and old, with a huge cross-section of cultures and people from all walks of life and this funding will help provide a big kick start as the region recovers.
“From school upgrades to sporting fields, and clearing traffic to making town-centres shine, we want to revitalise and renew the region for the benefit of everyone who calls it home.”
Moore parkland for people as cars moved off the grass
Car parking will be moved off the grass and underground at Moore Park, creating more open space for the community, following the announcement of a new village precinct and carpark adjacent to the Sydney Football Stadium (SFS) redevelopment.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the proposed carpark will ensure works to improve ‘Upper Kippax’ can begin immediately, transforming the damaged field into a community green with a central sports field, shaded walkways and picnic amenities.
“We’ve seen how important green open space is to people during the pandemic and at Moore Park alone, there has been a 20 per cent increase in patronage in the last 12 months,” Mr Stokes said.
“Increasing and improving public space such as Moore Park is part of the NSW Government’s vision to create a city within a park. This is why the upcoming Greater Sydney Parklands Trust Exposure Bill will also legislate additional protections for Moore Park by making it an offence to park on this section of the grass.
“It’s also a huge day for the tireless advocacy of Saving Moore Park, and demonstrates the ability of Greater Sydney Parklands to deliver the parklands our community needs.”
Minister for Sport Natalie Ward said the development will deliver new open spaces for the community and stadium visitors, as well as a children’s play area and a new cafe and restaurant. It will also include a new partially underground 1500-vehicle car park.
“The NSW Government will turn what was a bitumen car park into a revitalised green space for nearby residents, as well as the millions of people who will visit the area each year for sporting and entertainment events,” Mrs Ward said.
“Moving vehicles off the grass near Kippax Lake and into a purpose-built underground car park is a win for locals and visitors.
“It means a sea of cars will be replaced by inviting open parkland for community recreation and sport, making it a great setting for our new world-class stadium.”
The precinct project, which will be funded by Venues NSW, will be delivered in two stages, with the first stage to be operational by the end of next year. The second stage will be complete in 2023.
Once the car park is fully operational, all remaining on-grass parking will be removed from Moore Park.
WestConnex sale generates more than $11 billion for NSW
NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet today announced the transaction of the State’s remaining 49 per cent stake in WestConnex has been finalised.
The Government announced Sydney Transport Partners (STP) was the successful bidder with $11.1 billion in sale proceeds for the two 24.5 per cent stakes in WestConnex.
The Government has now received $20.4 billion from the sale of the entire WestConnex project.
“This transaction continues our successful asset recycling strategy, which has been the cornerstone of our record $108.5 billion infrastructure pipeline that has built and upgraded schools, hospitals, road and rail across the State,” Mr Perrottet said.
“This sale is part of our prudent, long-term strategy to bolster the State’s finances, while also supporting the NSW economy by investing in job creating projects that will drive our COVID economic recovery.”
The Government launched the sale process for its remaining 49 per cent stake in WestConnex in November 2020.
The sale was structured as a two-tranche process to maximise competition and achieve the best result for the people of NSW.
Net proceeds from the sale will be invested in the NSW Generations Fund (NGF) – the State’s sovereign wealth fund – as required by legislation – before being used to retire an equivalent amount of debt.
WestConnex is Australia’s largest toll road project and when complete will enable motorists to travel over 50 kilometres from Penrith to the city without hitting a single traffic light. Before the road was constructed motorists could face a trip of up to two hours from Penrith to the Sydney CBD.
In 2018 STP purchased a 51 per cent stake in WestConnex for $9.26 billion.
This money was used to fund the vital M4-M5 Link – the final stage of WestConnex as well as other infrastructure throughout Western Sydney.
“Labor opposed building WestConnex but we have already seen this vital artery slash travel times for tens of thousands of motorists,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Additionally the project has created tens of thousands of jobs while transforming Sydney’s road network and through our asset recycling approach has allowed us to invest billions back into the State’s future.”
Key WestConnex highlights include:
- Around 40 minutes cut from an average peak journey between Parramatta and Sydney Airport;
- Around 20 minutes cut from a peak hour trip between Burwood and Sydney Airport;
- Bypassing 52 sets of traffic lights, including an uninterrupted journey between the Blue Mountains and Rozelle;
- The estimated construction cost to complete WestConnex is $16.8 billion with the final section due to open in late 2023.
Restrictions to ease in LGAs of concern
Restrictions in local government areas of concern will start to align with other lockdown areas, as vaccination rates continue to rise in Sydney’s West and South-West.
From 12.01am Monday, 20 September, the following restrictions will ease for those who live in LGAs of concern:
- No limit on the duration of outdoor exercise and recreation (previously a two-hour limit);
- Outdoor gatherings of up to five fully vaccinated people (not including children aged 12 and under) will be allowed in a person’s LGA or within 5km of home (previously only fully vaccinated household members could gather outdoors, or up to two fully vaccinated people from different households);
- Shopping, exercise and outdoor recreation can be done 5km from home or within your LGA (previously only 5km from home);
- Attend a small wedding (maximum 11 people) in Greater Sydney as a guest (previously only allowed in their LGA); and
- A person’s single’s bubble buddy can live in Greater Sydney (previously must have resided within 5km of a person’s home). A person from a LGA of concern can also now be a buddy for someone in Greater Sydney.
Nearly all restrictions in the LGAs of concern are now aligned with other lockdown areas, with the main differences being authorised worker conditions and travel permit requirements which remain in place in the LGAs of concern.
From 12.01am Monday, 27 September outdoor pools across NSW will be able to open, provided councils have a stringent COVID safety plan approved by NSW Health. Natural pools are already permitted to be open.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian thanked those in Sydney’s west and south west who have come forward and received their COVID-19 vaccine.
“We are so grateful to everyone who has come forward to get a jab, helping bring first dose vaccination rates in some LGAs up to 90 per cent,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“There’s still more work to do to push those vaccination rates higher and everyone must continue to follow the lockdown rules until we reach that 70 per cent double dose target when further restrictions can be eased for those who are fully vaccinated.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said that after all the hard work getting vaccinated and complying with lockdown requirements, it’s fantastic that some restrictions can now be relaxed.
“The NSW Government is determined to ensure everyone can benefit from increasing vaccination rates. Outdoor pools are part of Australian life, and enjoying a Summer splash no matter where you live is a big plus for families.”
If you have not booked in for a COVID-19 vaccine please book in as soon as possible, to protect not only yourself but also your family and friends.
For the latest information or to book a vaccination appointment visit nsw.gov.au/covid-19