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Put health check-ups first in 2022

Many of us have New Year’s resolutions but the most important one all Australians can make in 2022 is to get any health checks they put aside during the pandemic.
With the heavy focus on COVID-19 for the past two years, many of us haven’t prioritised other areas of our health.
Prevention is a key priority for the Morrison Government. Our 10-year National Preventive Health Strategy focuses on valuing health before illness, highlighting the immense value of maintaining good health throughout a person’s life.
Now is the time to do just that. Australia has a world-class health system and, like COVID, we can prevent many diseases and conditions from developing, or reduce their impact.
One of the best ways to prevent future illness is to keep up to date with regular health checks and early detection programs such as cancer screenings, regular immunisations, and tests for blood borne viruses and sexually transmitted infections.
Regular cancer screening saves lives and early detection leads to better outcomes for cancer treatments. Some types of cancer can be detected before symptoms appear, and screening can also find changes in cells before they become cancer.
There are three world-leading population-based cancer screening programs in Australia:

  • Cervical screening every five years for women aged 25 to 74, subsidised by Medicare
  • Breast screening – or mammograms – provided free every two years for women aged 40 to 74 years
  • Bowel screening tests – a free, easy, at-home test posted to men and women aged 50 to 74 every two years.

The timing of your next screening will depend on your age, gender and when your last screening was. If you need screening in 2022, you may need to book an appointment.
To book in for a cervical screening test or check when you’re due, contact your GP or healthcare provider.
To book a free mammogram, call BreastScreen Australia on 13 20 50 and you will automatically be directed to your nearest service.
For bowel screening, a kit will be mailed to you every two years once you become eligible. If you need a replacement kit, order one for free online.
Sexual health is also important to your overall health and decreases in testing and treatment for blood borne viruses and sexually transmitted infections (BBV and STI) mean there could be a lot of people who aren’t aware they have an infection.
If you think you may be at risk, talk to your GP about testing. Medicare items are available for telehealth consultations relating to BBV and STI.
For smokers, the best way to help your health in 2022 is to quit. We know it isn’t always easy, but help is available and there are huge benefits when you kick the habit.
For help to quit smoking, talk to your GP, call Quitline, or visit www.quit.org.au. Research shows that getting the support of a health professional greatly improves a smoker’s chance of successfully quitting.
To help, our Government has extended specific Medicare items for GP nicotine and smoking cessation services – including via telehealth – to 31 December 2023.
For those looking for assistance in reducing their reliance on alcohol and drugs, there is also support available.
Australians can talk to your GP or call the free and confidential National Alcohol and Other Drug hotline on 1800 250 015. If you prefer to seek online treatment, you can visit Counselling Online, a free and confidential service at: https://www.counsellingonline.org.au/.
The pandemic has not only taken a physical toll on some Australians. Many people have also experienced mental health issues.
Since March last year, our Government has provided more than $1 billion in funding to expand mental health services, including a substantial investment in telehealth.
Help is at hand if you are struggling with your mental health, and there are many ways you can get it. Talk to your GP or visit the Government’s digital mental health gateway, Head to 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) and Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800).
Our health system is in a strong position to support Australians with health challenges, throughout the pandemic and beyond.
COVID-19 has taught us the importance of our health and speaking to our health experts when we notice something out of the ordinary. In 2022, I urge you to attend medical appointments and health checks and follow through on any referrals for blood tests or scans. It is about living well for long – it could just save your life.

Labor Will Create a Strategic Fleet to Protect Our National Security and Economic Sovereignty

An Albanese Labor Government will strengthen Australia’s economic sovereignty and national security by building an independent Strategic Fleet to secure our ongoing access to fuel supplies and other essential imports.
More than most nations, Australia is dependent on seaborne trade. Shipping accounts for 99 per cent of our Australia’s imports and exports of goods, including fuel.
Despite this, for eight long years the Morrison-Joyce Government has put our national security and economic sovereignty at risk by standing idle as large multinationals dumped Australian flagged and crewed vessels so they could hire cheaper overseas crews.
Right now, less than one per cent of Australian seaborne trade is carried by Australian ships, forcing our nation to reply on foreign governments and companies for our essential imports.
As a first step, an incoming Albanese Labor Government will appoint a Taskforce to guide it on the establishment of the Fleet as quickly as possible. While these ships will likely be privately owned and operate on a commercial basis, we will ensure they are available for use by the Defence Forces in times of national crisis, whether that be natural disaster or conflict.
This Taskforce will include representatives from the shipping industry, major charterers, unions, Australian business and the Department of Defence.
An Albanese Labor Government will also act immediately to close loopholes in the existing regulatory framework to help rebuild Australian shipping. The Taskforce will also advise on how best to enforce existing coastal shipping laws and what legislative or regulatory reforms are necessary to reinvigorate Australian shipping.
In times of conflict and crisis, our economic sovereignty and national security are dependent on Australian seafarers working on Australian ships.
That’s why an Albanese Labor Government will protect Australia and rebuild our strategic fleet.

Labor to Make Fast Rail Between Sydney and the Hunter a Reality

Labor will provide a $500 million down payment in our first budget to start corridor acquisition, planning and early works. We will work closely with the New South Wales Government that has already identified this project as a key priority.
Labor is the party of nation building and during our last period in Government we invested more in rail projects than all previous governments combined. The Phase 2 study report into high-speed rail commissioned by Anthony Albanese as Infrastructure Minister identified Sydney to Newcastle as forming the first component of an eventual line to Brisbane.
An Albanese Labor government will establish the High-Speed Rail Authority (HSRA) as a statutory agency and issue a clear statement of expectations to the HSRA to begin work on the Sydney to Newcastle corridor as a matter of priority. The line would include stops in the Central Coast, with Wyong and Gosford as obvious possibilities.
We recognise the potential of our regions and the vibrant jobs and lifestyle options they offer all Australians.  And with the population of the Hunter Valley and Central Coast forecast grow by close to 200,000 people by 2040, Labor knows that planning for our medium to long term future requires vision, dedication and a commitment to work cooperatively with the states and territories.
That’s why only an Albanese Labor Government can be trusted to build the infrastructure Australians deserve.

What’s the problem?

The NSW Government’s projections show the population of the Central Coast and the Hunter Valley growing by some 200,000 by 2040, making better transport connections a necessity.
Labor shares the NSW government’s vision of a brighter future for our regions, with fast rail connections offering people more choice of where to live and work.
The Morrison-Joyce government has for too long seen infrastructure investment as a political plaything – only Labor has been the party of nation building with a vision for our nation’s long-term future.

Labor’s Plan.

An Albanese Labor Government will ensure the new High-Speed Rail Authority works on the Sydney to Newcastle corridor as its first priority. This will be backed by a $500 million down payment to begin corridor acquisition, planning and early works.
This project will be a signature element of Labor’s plan for smart regionalisation – recognising our regions’ prosperity can be improved by better connectivity between regional centres and from the major population centres and international gateways.
An Albanese Labor government will work closely with the NSW Government on this nation-building project. We expect the High-Speed Rail Authority to identify and acquire a corridor of land that would accommodate either an initial fast rail line that could eventually be upgraded to high-speed rail, or move directly to build high-speed rail itself. And as with all our infrastructure projects, we will look build as much of our fast and high-speed rail future in Australia as is possible.

Cost of our plan

Fast and High-Speed Rail connections are not short-term political fixes, they are the kind of significant nation-building projects visionary governments invest in.
We will ensure a down-payment of $500 million is set aside in our first budget to begin work on this project, with further investment options identified between the Federal and NSW Governments once detailed planning work has been completed.

How fast will the trains go?

This line will be built with the capacity for trains to run up to and over 250kmh.
This would slash journey times from Sydney to Newcastle from over 2 and a half hours to just 45 minutes. From Sydney to Gosford would take only half an hour.
Given that this is a staged project with a long-term focus, the new High-Speed Rail Authority would work collaboratively with the NSW Government to determine the best way of delivering the project, whether that be a phased faster rail approach or an immediate provision of High Speed Rail services.
Either way, it will deliver shorter journey times to the people of Newcastle and the Central Coast.

What sections will come next?

The Phase 2 report commissioned by the last Labor government identified this Sydney-Newcastle route as the first stage of the eventual Sydney to Brisbane line.
We will take that advice and make this a priority for the new High-Speed Rail Authority.
While this route is a priority, the High-Speed Rail Authority would continue work on advancing other sections of the line, eventually connecting Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney and Brisbane.

Labor Will Save the Hunter’s GP Access After Hours Service

An Albanese Labor Government would reverse over $500,000 of annual Liberal cuts to the Hunter’s GP Access After Hours service, securing the future of these crucial after hours healthcare clinics.
After two years of Liberal cuts to the service, operating hours have been reduced at the GP Access After Hours clinics at Belmont Hospital, Maitland Hospital, John Hunter Hospital and the Toronto Polyclinic, while the clinic at Calvary Mater Newcastle closed its doors on Christmas Eve.
The Prime Minister has refused to rule out supporting a recommendation for a further funding cut, which if approved would end this vital service.
This is a devastating blow to the Hunter community, especially in the middle of a global pandemic. Almost every Hunter family has used this vital service.
This service sees 50,000 patients a year and provides 70,000 telephone consultations, alleviates pressure on overstretched hospitals and has been estimated to save the broader health system almost $22 million per year.
For example, when the Belmont After Hours Clinic was forced to close temporarily, waiting times at the Belmont Hospital Emergency Department blew out from 2.5 hours to six hours.
Like so many Liberal decisions about funding health services, cutting funding to the Hunter’s GP Access After Hours service just doesn’t make sense.
Reduced hours of operation and closure of services have led to an incredible local campaign to get services restored, led by the local community, the Hunter GP Association and the four Labor MPs and candidates who have fought passionately to retain their treasured after hours care service.
Unlike Mr Morrison, Labor has heard the message loud and clear and an Albanese Labor Government will restore cut funding as a priority.
Labor built Medicare, we protect Medicare and we’ll strengthen Medicare if the Australian people elect an Albanese Labor Government.

Two people located deceased in submerged vehicle – Port Stephens

Two people have been located deceased during the recovery of a submerged vehicle at Port Stephens today.
Just after 4.30am (Sunday 02 January 2022), emergency services were called to Soldiers Point boat ramp following reports of a vehicle in the water.
Officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District attended and located a white hatchback fully submerged.
Initial inquiries indicated a person was deceased within the vehicle.
A crime scene was established and during the recovery of the vehicle, the bodies of two people – a man and woman – were located inside. They are yet to be formally identified.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District are being assisted by Police Rescue, Marine Area Command divers, PolAir and SES volunteers.
An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident has commenced.
The Soldiers Point boat ramp remains closed.
A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

Woman missing from state's Hunter Region located safe and well

A woman missing from the state’s Hunter Region has been located safe and well.
The 74-year-old was last seen at a home at Raymond Terrace Road, Millers Forest, about 11am (Monday 27 December 2021).
She was reported missing to officers attached to Port Stephens Hunter Police District after she failed to return.
Following inquiries, the woman was located safe and well today (Wednesday 29 December 2021).
Police would like to thank the community and media for their assistance.

Appeal for man wanted on an outstanding warrant – Maitland

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man wanted on an outstanding warrant in the state’s north.
Daniel Truswell – aged 36 – is wanted on an outstanding warrant for break and enter offences.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District have commenced inquiries to locate the man.
He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180cm tall, of solid build, with brown hair and blue/grey eyes.
He is known to frequent the Newcastle, Maitland, and Singleton areas.
Anyone with information relating to his whereabouts is urged not to approach him but to contact Triple Zero (000).

Police appeal to locate missing elderly woman – Hunter Region

Police are appealing for public information to locate an elderly woman missing from the state’s Hunter region.
Lynette Robson – aged 74 – was last seen at a home at Raymond Terrace Road, Millers Forest, about 11am yesterday (Monday 27 December 2021).
She was reported missing to officers attached to Port Stephens Hunter Police District after she failed to return.
Police and family hold serious concerns for Lynette as she lives with a medical condition that requires medication.
Lynette is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 160cm tall, of slim build, with a tanned complexion and short grey hair.
She was last seen wearing a red and white sleeveless dress and sandals.
Lynette may be driving a 2018 silver Suzuki Vitara with NSW registration plates – LR 445.
Anyone with information about Lynette’s whereabouts, or who sights Lynette, is urged to contact Raymond Terrace police on 4983 7599immediately.

Keeping our kids safe over the holidays

City of Newcastle has again teamed up with Little Blue Dinosaur to promote safety and reduce child pedestrian injuries and fatalities across the city.
Over the coming weeks, road users will start to notice unique signage at local beaches, parks and other popular spots which urge people to slow down and take care during the holiday season.
The ‘Holiday Time; Slow Down, Kids Around’ signage has been installed along Wharf Road, at Newcastle Harbour, and at key locations along the Bathers Way.
Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz visited the locations of the sign and spoke about the importance of keeping our kids safe when they are out and about.
Founders of Little Blue Dinosaur Michelle and David McLaughlin tragically lost their son Tom at age four to a roadside accident on the Central Coast, and now work tirelessly with organisations like City of Newcastle to prevent further tragedies from occurring on our roads.
The signs are colourful and highly visible, and incorporate simple messaging reminding drivers to slow down, and children and families to take care as pedestrians. It is crucial we work together to ensure we have an incident-free Christmas period.
The Holiday Time; Slow Down, Kids Around campaign is supported by many councils across four states in Australia.
To read more about Michelle and David’s story, or the Little Blue Dinosaur Foundation, visit http://www.littlebluedinosaur.org

Record investment celebrated as challenging year comes to a close

City of Newcastle (CN) staff are being congratulated for their achievements during a challenging 12 months after delivering another record capital works program, uninterrupted community services and a targeted response to the pandemic.
More than $103 million was invested in infrastructure across the Newcastle local government area during the 2020-2021 financial year, surpassing the previous year’s record investment by more than 10%.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said CN stepped up in the face of adversity to deliver these important community projects and provide support for those in need.
“While it’s been another year of COVID disruption, it’s also been a time of triumph in the face of adversity, challenging us to do things differently, come together as a community and support each other during this difficult period,” Cr Nelmes said.
“I’m proud of the proactive response City of Newcastle adopted in 2020 and 2021 to help mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 and forge ahead with a record $103 million in new and renewed community facilities and infrastructure.
“The projects are fundamental to enhancing the way our communities work and live, as well as ensuring we continue to be an attractive destination for visitors and investment.
“Delivering in 2021 has required an immense effort from City of Newcastle staff and members of the community who play an active role in our projects throughout the public consultation process. In light of the challenges presented by the pandemic, this is an achievement to be celebrated more so than ever before.”
In the past 12 months CN has renewed local centres at Joslin Street in Kotara, Llewellyn Street in Merewether and Hamilton’s James Street, invested more than $1.3 million in playground upgrades at Novocastrian Park and Dangar Park, started work on the $1.5 million Wallsend Active Hub recreational space and playground, continued work on the Bathers Way upgrade at South Newcastle Beach, completed the first stage of the Merewether to City Centre cycleway, and completed planning for stage one of the long-awaited upgrade to the Newcastle Ocean Baths.
CN also expanded its Community and Economic Resilience Package to help combat the ongoing economic and social impacts of COVID-19, delivering a targeted program with hardship measures for ratepayers, support for small businesses and impacted sectors, assistance for local charities and families in need, and job saving investment into local infrastructure projects.
Environmental and sustainability issues remained in focus, with CN continuing to implement its Climate Action Plan, which has a net zero commitment for its operations by 2025. CN invested more than $1.1 million into planting street and park trees and continued its roll-out of rooftop solar systems at key facilities.
Newcastle strengthened its reputation as a major events city attracting a host of international events including the World Surfing League championship tour event, while CN celebrated the success of its inaugural flagship cultural event, New Annual, which delivered an economic and confidence boost to the local arts sector and community while also cementing the city’s status as a hub of creativity and culture.
CN launched its Destination Management Plan, which is a collaborative, whole of industry approach designed to reposition Newcastle as a premier tourism destination, while the new Economic Development Strategy will strengthen existing and create new economic opportunities by investing in people, their skills, network and investments, in order to position Newcastle as a global city recognised for its innovation and creativity.
The delivery of The Count Us In Festival and the launch of CN’s draft Disability and Inclusion Action Plan placed the focus on enhancing inclusion and accessibility across Newcastle, while CN’s commitment to celebrating and sharing its rich indigenous culture was expressed through a range of programs including the award-winning NAIDOC Week podcast series, Newcastle’s First Storytellers, and the landmark Newcastle Art Gallery exhibition WARWAR: The Art of Torres Strait, which coincided with the flying of the Torres Strait Island flag above City Hall for the first time.
“While I think we’re all looking forward to the end of this year and spending some time with our loved ones over the festive season, it’s important to take stock and recognise just how much we delivered this year,” Cr Nelmes said.
“This is just a small sample of what we have achieved during the past 12 months, but it provides a valuable snapshot of what can be done by working together and supporting each other.
“I thank everyone involved for the milestones we have reached this year and look forward to continuing this journey together in 2022.”
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