The NSW Government today announced a new date for the Local Government elections has been set for Saturday 4 December 2021.
Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said the decision, after extensive consultation with and advice from the NSW Electoral Commission and NSW Health, has been made in response to the COVID-19 situation.
“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and current Public Health Orders impacting Greater Sydney, we have made the difficult decision to postpone the Local Government elections until later this year,” Mrs Hancock said.
“We have taken this step to postpone the election to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our communities, voters, polling staff and candidates.”
The NSW Government has worked with the Electoral Commission and NSW Health to implement a comprehensive plan to allow voters to cast their ballot safely in person, by post or online.
iVote (electronic voting) will also be available for the first time in the local council elections and the NSW Government has implemented changes to pre-poll to ensure that voters have 13 days to cast their ballot, reducing congestion on polling day.
The NSW Government has made available a total of $57 million for the elections in 2021, including $37 million to deliver them in a COVID safe way.
In this election, 5.2 million voters will cast their ballots as around 5,000 candidates vie for 1,200 councillor positions across 125 local councils.
Nominations will open on Monday 25 October 2021 and close on Wednesday 3 November 2021.
Prospective candidates can find more information at the Office of Local Government website at www.olg.nsw.gov.au.
Author: admin
It’s time for 100,000 Australians to join, The Great Registration Race for DonateLife Week
The Australian Government is launching its 10th DonateLife Week today by calling on the country to take just one minute to join The Great Registration Race for DonateLife Week and register as organ and tissue donors.
Launching DonateLife Week today, the Minister responsible for the Australian Government’s national program to increase organ and tissue donation, Dr David Gillespie, said there are around 13 million Australians aged 16+ who are eligible to register as organ and tissue donors – but haven’t. People aged 25 and under, those born overseas, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are least likely to be registered.
“Having spent the majority of my career as a doctor, organ donation is a topic close to many clinicians’ hearts, including mine,” Minister Gillespie said.
“We know most Australians actually support organ and tissue donation, in fact, a recent poll of 60,000 Australians showed 4 out of 5 say they’d be willing to donate their organs when they die.
“So the problem isn’t that Australians are against organ and tissue donation – it’s that they’re not sure if they’re eligible to register, don’t know how to or simply haven’t got around to it.”
Last year saw a 12 per cent reduction in the number of people receiving a transplant, a 16 per cent decrease in organ donors and a 16 per cent drop in registrations due to the impact of COVID-19.
“With around 1,800 Australians on the organ transplant waitlist, including almost 40 kids and teens aged 18 and under, the demand for donors has never been greater,” Minister Gillespie said.
“I encourage every Australian to take a minute of their time and get online this DonateLife Week and register, and just as important – tell their family they want to be a donor.
“Any Australian aged 16 and over can sign up online. It doesn’t matter how old you are, your medical history, your lifestyle, what country you’re from or how healthy you are – you can still register as an organ and tissue donor.
“Don’t rule yourself out even if you think you’ve lived an unhealthy life or have suffered illness; let doctors make that decision if the time comes.
“Even if you are unable to donate your organs, you could still transform the lives of others by donating tissue, such as bone, skin or corneas which could help someone suffering burns, significant sporting injuries or facing blindness.”
The Great Registration Race for DonateLife Week runs through July and August with a big push from today for DonateLife Week, encouraging up to 100,000 more Australians to get their phone and Medicare card out to register and get involved.
“Imagine the hope this can bring to these 1,800 Australians waiting for a life-saving transplant if they see 100,000 people register as donors? This really could save and transform lives.”
DonateLife Week is the Australian Government’s key public awareness initiative to encourage people to register as organ and tissue donors and to tell their family they want to be a donor.
Registering is easy and only takes one minute at donatelife.gov.au/register
Work set to commence on $1.5 million Wallsend Active Hub
Wallsend will soon be home to a new $1.5 million recreation facility, with construction on the city’s second ever Active Hub to commence in Federal Park next month.
Wallsend Active Hub will transform Federal Park into a vibrant hive of active recreation opportunities and follows the city’s first active hub which opened in Stockton in 2019. Federal Park is located beside Wallsend Swimming Centre and caters for organised and casual sporting activities.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said that the concept plan for Wallsend Active Hub was received positively by the local community.
“Earlier this year, we asked the community to provide feedback into the concept plan for Wallsend Active Hub, and the response was overwhelmingly positive,’ Cr Nelmes said.
“With a new playspace featuring equipment for a variety of ages, pump track for bikes, scooters and skateboards, multi-sports courts allowing for basketball and futsal, rebound wall, climbing wall and fitness stations, Wallsend Active Hub is set to transform the Western Corridor’s active recreation scene.”
Ward 4 Councillor Matthew Byrne said that Wallsend Active Hub is set to attract visitors from across Newcastle and neighbouring areas, and will be a facility that all community members can enjoy.
“We heard that the community was eager to see additional shade incorporated into the plans, and in response we’ve added more shade shelters, as well as tree planting which will provide natural shade throughout the space,” Cr Byrne said.
“Wallsend Active Hub will cater for community members with accessibility requirements, with a new connecting pathway and an all-abilities spinning carousel in the playspace. A barbecue area and toilets will also be delivered as part of phase two in the future.
“Like the hugely popular Stockton Active Hub, I expect that once complete, Wallsend Active Hub will draw families from further afar who will hopefully then make a day by also shopping in the Wallsend CBD.”
Wallsend Active Hub is supported by a $500,000 grant of the NSW Government’s Resources for Regions program.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said the Resources for Regions program is all about giving back to mining impacted communities and ensuring their prosperity well into the future.
“I’m incredibly proud of this program which, since 2012, has allocated $345 million to 149 projects that revitalise towns, improve vital infrastructure like our roads and community facilities and create positive social outcomes for mining communities,” Mr Barilaro said.
“The Wallsend Active Hub is exactly the type of project this program was designed to fund. I congratulate all those who have contributed to bringing it to life including the local community, who I hope will enjoy this space for many years to come.”
Phase one construction of the Wallsend Active Hub’s active recreation areas is scheduled for completion in July 2022.
Elsewhere in the Western Corridor, City of Newcastle has recently completed the installation of an additional two fitness stations at Fletcher’s Kurraka Reserve as well as completed a new playground at Wallsend Brickworks Park which includes an all-abilities carousel, boulder climb, nest swing, rope ladder, and a slide.
Police operation – Sydney CBD protest
A high-visibility policing operation was launched in response to unauthorised protest activity in Sydney’s CBD about 12pm today (Saturday 24 July 2021), to ensure the safety of participants, as well as the community and local businesses.
Officers from across Central Metropolitan Region, assisted by specialist resources, were deployed.
So far during the operation, a number of people have been arrested.
As attendees disperse, movement out of the city will be facilitated down George Street.
Trains continue to operate and for those at the northern end, access is via Wynyard and Circular Quay Railway Stations.
For those at the southern end, access will be via Central and Redfern with limited access at Town Hall Railway Station.
St James and Museum Railway Stations are closed.
The NSW Police Force recognises and supports the rights of individuals and groups to exercise their rights of free speech and peaceful assembly, however, today’s protest is in breach of the current COVID-19 Public Health Orders.
The priority for NSW Police is always the safety of the wider community.
Two men have been charged with allegedly striking a police horse following unauthorised protest activity in Sydney’s CBD yesterday.
A high-visibility policing operation was launched about 12pm yesterday, (Saturday 24 July 2021), to ensure the safety of all protest participants, as well as the wider community and local businesses.
During the operation, officers were assaulted, and police horses were struck and pushed.
Following the protest, Strike Force Seasoned was established by the Central Metropolitan Region to investigate persons who committed offences associated with the unauthorised protest and breach of Public Health Orders.
As a result of inquiries, investigators from Strike Force Seasoned attended a unit on Marlborough Street, Surry Hills, about 11.20pm (Saturday 24 July 2021), and arrested a 33-year-old man.
He was taken to Kings Cross Police Station and charged with affray, join or continue in unlawful assembly, commit an act of cruelty upon an animal, and not comply with noticed direction re 7/8/9 – COVID-19.
Another man, aged 36, was arrested at a house in Kalang Road, Edensor Park. He was taken to Fairfield Police Station and charged with assault officer in execution of duty, commit an act of cruelty upon an animal, not comply with noticed direction re 7/8/9 – COVID-19.
Both men were refused bail and will appear today at Parramatta Local Court.
Officers attached to the Strike Force have been working throughout the night to identify those involved in the protest and further arrests are expected to be made.
Police would like to thank the community who continue to work with police and abide by the public health orders.
Police have established Strike Force Seasoned following a police operation in response to unauthorised protest activity in Sydney’s CDB today.
A high-visibility policing operation was launched about 12pm (Saturday 24 July 2021) to ensure the safety of all protest participants, as well as the wider community and local businesses.
General duties officers from across the Central Metropolitan Region were assisted by specialist police from the Public Order and Riot Squad (PORS), ODIN, Police Transport Command, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command and the Mounted and Dog Unit.
During the operation, 57 people were arrested and are currently in the process of being charged.
At least 90 Penalty Infringement Notices were also issued for breaches of the public health orders.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said he shared the community’s outrage at the actions of those present at this afternoon’s protest.
“These individuals are on notice, as they have also risked the safety of our frontline officers,” Minister Elliot said.
“They should know that a police strike force has been established and will forensically investigate all CCTV and social media footage collected over the course of the afternoon’s protest.
“Police will not hesitate to bring more charges.
“It will only take one person with COVID-19 to turn to today’s event into a super-spreader, so decent-minded Australians have every right to feel infuriated at such selfish behaviour.”
Deputy Commissioner Mal Lanyon, Metropolitan Field Operations, said the work of Strike Force Seasoned, which will comprise of at least 22 detectives, starts now.
“Our officers have already started to identify attendees and will continue for as long as required to identify and prosecute all those who broke the law today.
“I want to thank the more than 350 police who were part of today’s response. They did not go to work to be assaulted or have projectiles thrown at them – the actions of the individuals involved in those offences was a disgrace.
“I also want to thank the majority of the community who continue to work with police and abide by the public health orders.
“They are in place for a reason and police will continue to enforce them – our officers will not tolerate those who think the law does not apply to them.”
Anyone with information or vision of today’s protest activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers through the online portal or by contacting 1800 333 000. Every single report will be investigated.
Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any public health order or behaviour which may impact on the health and safety of the community by contacting Crime Stoppers: 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.
Woman more than six times over legal limit – Williamtown
A woman will face court after allegedly being caught driving more than six times over the legal limit in the state’s Hunter region yesterday.
About 8.30pm (Saturday 24 July 2021) police were patrolling Nelson Bay Road at Williamtown after receiving information from the public about the manner of driving of a black Audi.
Police stopped the vehicle after they allegedly witnessed the car swerve and hit the gutter.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District spoke to the driver, a 31-year-old woman.
She underwent a roadside breath test, which returned a positive result.
The woman was arrested and taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station, where she underwent a breath analysis and allegedly returned a reading of 0.337, more than six and a half times the legal limit.
She was issued a Future Court Attendance Notice (FCAN) for drive with high-range PCA.
The woman is due to appear at Raymond Terrace Local Court on Monday 6 September 2021.
The woman’s licence was also suspended.
Greens back calls for greater support for Arts Industry
Greens Spokesperson for the Arts and Senator for South Australia Sarah Hanson-Young has backed calls today for greater support for the hard-hit industry:
“The Arts and Entertainment Industry was one of the first to be hit by Covid restrictions early last year and it continues to be pummelled by repeated lockdowns and social distancing requirements.
“Despite being one of the hardest hit industries, the Morrison Government took months to deliver any support and it continues to underdeliver.
“Our artists and entertainers, their crews, the venues they perform and exhibit in, are suffering. Some artists have been lost from the industry entirely.
“In the Festival State – South Australia – we are in the midst of a seven-day lockdown that has closed the doors on our winter events and live music scene, directly impacting artists and entertainers and the industries that rely on them – hospitality and tourism.
“The Arts Industry Council of South Australia has today called for more support for artists and arts workers by lowering the earnings threshold for sole traders and for safety nets for festivals, live performance music and cultural events. The Greens back their call.
“The Greens also again urge Arts Minister Paul Fletcher to implement a federal insurance guarantee for the Arts Industry. Gigs and festivals across the country have been cancelled or postponed and not for the first time. The industry needs to know it is insured for any losses incurred due to snap lockdowns and Covid outbreaks or it will struggle to reschedule events and recover.
“The arts and entertainment industry has given us so much during this crisis, the Morrison Government can and must do so much more to give back to it and ensure it survives and once again thrives when the pandemic is over.”
TGA approves Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for 12 to 15-year-olds
Australia’s COVID-19 vaccination rollout has taken another step forward with the Pfizer vaccine being approved for use in children aged 12 to 15 years.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has thoroughly, and independently, assessed the domestic and international evidence before extending its approval for the Pfizer vaccine to be administered to this age group.
Up until now, the Pfizer vaccine had only been approved for use in Australia for people aged 16 years and over.
The TGA’s approval is a very important step in the process.
As with all of our vaccination decisions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) will now consider this approval and provide expert advice on which groups of adolescents should be prioritised for the roll out of the vaccine and how and when it should be administered.
ATAGI has been meeting with global experts over recent days to inform their deliberations and expert advice.
The National COVID-19 Vaccines Taskforce has been undertaking detailed planning to support the roll out of the COVID-19 vaccine for children, following an approval from the TGA and in line with the expert medical advice from ATAGI.
The Australian Government has been consistently following the advice of our medical experts in order to roll out COVID-19 vaccines as quickly, and safely, as possible.
City commits to elevating women in sport
City of Newcastle has cemented its ongoing commitment to female sporting talent by sponsoring a range of women’s sporting events including rugby, soccer and surfing over the next 12 months.
In addition to its ongoing support of the Newcastle Jets W-League team, City of Newcastle has committed as a sponsor for the Newcastle Knights inaugural women’s team’s historic debut in the 2021 National Rugby League Telstra Women’s Premiership.
City of Newcastle will also bring the fast-paced Women’s Rugby 7s to No.2 Sportsground along with the ‘Girls Day Out’ which features surfing clinics hosted by local Phillipa Anderson.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said investment in women’s sport was paying off with increased local participation and crowd numbers at events.
“Our region has a long and proud history of producing top female sporting talent, including the likes of football’s Emily van Egmond, surfing’s Phillipa Anderson, netball’s Sam Poolman and paratriathlon’s Lauren Parker,” Cr Nelmes said.
“City of Newcastle is committed to supporting local women’s sport because of the range of health, wellbeing and social outcomes delivered by seeing talented female athletes show their skills.
“The City has over recent years worked to bring top female sports such as the Matildas to Newcastle and over the next financial year is investing $50,000 across the Knights, Jets, Women’s Rugby 7s and ‘Girls Day Out’ clinics.
“We’ll continue to support local women’s sports while working to attract top level international fixtures to encourage female sporting participation and attract the growing fan-bases to the city.”
Newcastle Jets mid-fielder Cassidy Davis welcomed the ongoing support provided by the City of Newcastle.
“My teammates and I really enjoy playing at No.2 Sportsground as our home ground, thanks to the ongoing support of City of Newcastle. As a proud Novocastrian, I look forward to continuing to showcase Newcastle to the rest of Australia through televised matches and at our games,” Ms Davis said.
City of Newcastle has proudly hosted international women’s matches including the Matildas and Wallaroos on several occasions, and is working to attract further major international women’s sporting events in the future.
Sporting events contribute considerably to Newcastle’s economy, destination profile and liveability for residents.
Community shapes new vision for Newcastle's iconic Harbour Foreshore
City of Newcastle has released its updated vision for Newcastle’s Harbour Foreshore including a revised concept for Foreshore Park, showing an additional 4,000m2 of playspace with more picnic areas, trees and gardens, cycleways, as well as new plans for the Wharf Road Precinct.
The updated concept includes increasing the size of the fenced regional-level accessible and inclusive playground, a significant waterplay space, a cultural heritage walk that links back to Newcastle’s Indigenous heritage, and improvements along Wharf Road and Tug Berth Lane. Tree planting is planned throughout the inclusive playspace and the concept plan proposes a formal tree grove, which will link the two event spaces, The Grove and The Commons. Additional planting of an avenue of trees is proposed along Wharf Road.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said that the revised concept, presented to the Harbour Foreshore Community Reference Group last night, includes a number of key changes to the preliminary concept plan based on community consultation undertaken earlier this year.
“This project is a great example of City of Newcastle working with our community to deliver its first regional-level recreational park and flexible open space that meets the needs and wants of those who will use Foreshore Park into the future,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Our community provided valuable feedback which has helped shape the revised plans for Foreshore Park and I’d like to thank everyone who provided input, particularly our Community Reference Group members.
“In direct response to the community’s feedback, revisions to the concept for Foreshore Park include the relocation of the inclusive ‘Variety Livvi’s Place’ playspace and adjoining amenities, and provision for a multi-purpose rollerskating, scooting and performing arts area.
“We’ve also developed a concept plan to turn the Wharf Road Precinct into a world-class harbourside esplanade. We are doing this by improving the Joy Cummings promenade, parklands, connecting pathways and cycling infrastructure, improving access to the area, and creating new opportunities for our community and visitors to make the most of the magnificent waterfront location.”
Newcastle Councillor John Mackenzie said he is looking forward to seeing this project progress, delivering new facilities and retaining existing features such as the Sandhills Community Garden in its current location.
“We’ll continue to work with the Community Reference Group to fine tune the concept designs ahead of the development of the draft masterplan for the site, which will be placed on public exhibition for broad community feedback later this year,” Cr Mackenzie said.
A key aspect of the concept design is the inclusive ‘Variety Livvi’s Place’ playspace which is being delivered in partnership with Variety the Children’s Charity and was bolstered by a $500,000 contribution from the Newcastle Port Community Contribution Fund, along with $300,000 from the NSW Government’s Everyone Can Play grant program.
Variety – the Children’s Charity NSW/ACT Head of Inclusive Play, Kim Becherand, said redevelopments for passive recreation and play like Foreshore Park are fundamental in creating inclusive communities across Australia.
“At Variety we believe that all kids deserve to experience the joy and benefits of play. Working together with the kids, families and community of Newcastle we have created a bespoke playspace that pushes the boundaries of what an inclusive playspace can be. A space with endless opportunities to connect, explore and play, where difference doesn’t matter and everyone is included, valued and feels they belong.”
Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Taylor Martin said backing projects like the inclusive playspace in Foreshore Park will make it easier for locals and visitors to enjoy the city’s magnificent shoreline.
“The Newcastle Harbour Foreshore is the heart of the city and this project will give people even more reasons to come together and experience the port’s rich history and culture in an inclusive and accessible setting,” Mr Martin said.
NSW Government Weekly Update – 23 July 2021
TWO NEW VACCINATION CENTRES OPEN
- Two new NSW Health vaccination centres have opened their doors, boosting the NSW Government’s contribution to the Federal Government’s vaccine rollout.
- The growing number of NSW Health sites complements the GP Network, which has and will continue to deliver the majority of COVID-19 vaccines across NSW.
- The mass vaccination centre in Belmont, Lake Macquarie, which has been transformed from an old Bunnings Warehouse into a vaccine centre in six weeks, began administering jabs this morning.
- The centre will have capacity to administer up to 20,000 Pfizer vaccinations each week and will employ around 100 nurses, 25 pharmacists/pharmacy technicians, and around 200 other support staff.
- The new vaccination clinic on Pitt Street in the Sydney CBD also began administering vaccines this morning, and has capacity to administer up to 7,000 Pfizer vaccinations each week.
- Mass vaccination centres at Macquarie Fields in Sydney’s south-west and Wollongong are set to open in the coming weeks.
- To check your eligibility and book an appointment use the vaccine eligibility checker: https://covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/eligibility.
ACCELERATED 2021 COVID-19 BUSINESS SUPPORT GRANT OPEN
- Eligible NSW businesses, sole traders and not-for-profit organisations can apply for up to $15,000 from the first of the NSW Government’s economic support packages: The 2021 COVID-19 Business Support Grant.
- The 2021 COVID-19 Business Support Grant is available to NSW businesses that have a turnover of more than $75,000 and up to $50 million, and have a total annual wages bill of below $10 million.
- Businesses can expect to start receiving funds from the Business Support Grant from the end of July.
- Eligible businesses for the 2021 COVID-19 Business Support Grant will receive:
- $15,000 for a decline in turnover of 70 per cent, or more;
- $10,500 for a decline in turnover of 50 per cent, or more;
- $7,500 for a decline in turnover of 30 per cent, or more.
- For more information on the 2021 COVID-19 Business Support Grants visit: www.nsw.gov.au.
- Support for individuals impacted by the current COVID-19 restrictions and stay-at-home orders is available through Services Australia. For more information visit: www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/covid19.
PAYROLL TAX REDUCTIONS AND DEFERRALS TO SUPPORT BUSINESSES
- NSW businesses are set to benefit from further payroll tax relief to help ease the financial burden of COVID-19 lockdowns.
- Targeted support was being made available through Revenue NSW, with payroll tax deferrals already available for all businesses and a 25 per cent reduction on the 2021 22 payroll tax reconciliation for eligible businesses.
- All NSW businesses who have a payroll tax liability have the option of deferring lodgement and payment of their 2020/21 annual reconciliation until 7 October 2021.
- Customers required to lodge monthly returns will also have the option of deferring their returns due in August and September until 7 October 2021.
- In addition, all payroll tax customers that defer their payments are eligible for an interest free payment plan of up to 12 months.
- Businesses with wages between $1.2 million and $10 million that have experienced a 30 per cent decline in turnover will get a 25 per cent reduction of their 2021/22 payroll tax.
- For more information about payroll tax reductions and deferrals, customers should visit the website www.revenue.nsw.gov.au or contact the team at Revenue NSW on 1300 139 815 or payrolltax@revenue.nsw.gov.au.
REGISTER YOUR CARDS TO STAY COVID SAFE
- People using NSW’s public transport network are being encouraged to register their credit and debit card details in the Opal Travel app or transportnsw.info website, to help NSW Health’s contact-tracing efforts during the current COVID-19 outbreak.
- Customers who register their contactless cards will also be able to review their own trips on public transport.
- Transport for NSW uses Opal data to provide NSW Health with only the names and contact details of customers who are classed as close contacts on public transport services, and does not pass on credit or debit card details.
- More information: https://transportnsw.info/news/2021/stay-covid-safe-register-your-payment-card-to-help-contact-tracing.
$1 MILLION FOR COMMUNITY EDUCATION RESOURCES
- The NSW Government has announced a $1 million investment to help not-for-profit community education providers upgrade crucial infrastructure and training equipment.
- Around 30 Adult and Community Education (ACE) colleges across NSW have received crucial funding from the NSW Government in recognition of the services they deliver to disadvantaged students, communities and regions.
- The funding will allow 30 ACE colleges to expand their online delivery by providing IT equipment, laptops and software as well as upgrading industry‐specific plant and equipment for specialist vocational training.
NSW GOVERNMENT FUTURE OF GAS STATEMENT DELIVERS CLARITY ON PELS AND LAND USE
The NSW Government has released its Future of Gas Statement, outlining plans for the gas industry in NSW, while ruling out gas production under the majority of Petroleum Exploration Licences (zombie PELs), with the exception of those which support the future of the Narrabri Gas Project.
- Gas plays a key role in supporting access to affordable energy and business growth within NSW and the Future of Gas Statement gives industry bodies, regional communities and farmers greater certainty around jobs, economic prosperity and land use.
- For more information, visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/gas-statement.
NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR NSW BUSINESSES AND RESEARCHERS
- The NSW Government has announced new seed funding opportunities, while calling on businesses and research institutions to strengthen the state’s entrepreneurship capability, as part of the third Innovation Districts COVID-19 R&D Challenge.
- The challenge would see an additional $500,000 in seed funding invested in research and development solutions that address the long-term strategic challenges of the pandemic.
- Eligible businesses must be at least 75 per cent Australian owned, based in NSW, have fewer than 200 employees, have operated for at least 12 months, with at least $75,000 in sales revenue, and have a product or service in development that could strengthen the state’s entrepreneurship capability.
- To submit an expression of interest, businesses must contact their local challenge partner. The list of Innovation District Partners and more information on the challenges can be found at www.business.nsw.gov.au.
WELLBEING CAMPAIGN ENCOURAGES HSC STUDENTS TO ASK FOR HELP
- HSC students and their families will have 24-hour access to support from Australia’s leading mental health service for young people in the lead up to exams.
- In addition to the wellbeing programs being run at schools, the government has extended a partnership with ReachOut on the Stay Healthy HSC Hub providing advice for HSC students for staying healthy while preparing for their exams.
- The wellbeing campaign includes a one-stop-shop for students with advice, resources and information available on the Stay Healthy HSC hub.