A fines-free initiative introduced to support library members during COVID-19 has been extended indefinitely by City of Newcastle.
Fines for overdue library loans were temporarily suspended as part of City of Newcastle’s $5.5 million Community and Economic Resilience Package (CERP), which was announced on 20 March last year as part of a targeted response to the growing impacts of COVID-19.
Fines are seen as a barrier to membership for some of the most disadvantaged members of the community, creating unnecessary stress and discouraging them from engaging with the wide variety of free resources on offer at our libraries.
But since the onset of the pandemic and the removal of the overdue fees, membership at Newcastle Libraries has risen by more than 7,500 people.
The success of the fines-free concept has led to its long-term continuation, creating another incentive for people to sign up to become members.
City of Newcastle and Newcastle Libraries prioritise customer-centred services and positive member experiences, with greater access, increased services and additional ways to connect.
Fees for lost and damaged items continue to apply.
Membership is free and open to anyone who lives, works or regularly travels in the Newcastle region. Find out more about becoming a member at newcastle.nsw.gov.au/library or contact the Libraries team on 4974 5300.
Author: admin
Community reminded to comply with Public Health Orders during extended lockdown
Police across Greater Sydney are working to ensure compliance following the extension of public health orders announced by NSW Health today.
State Emergency Operations Controller, Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys, said with the extension, now is not the time for people, particularly across south-west Sydney, to become complacent.
“Additional officers will be deployed across areas of concern that have been identified, including Fairfield, Liverpool and Bankstown, to ensure the public is complying with the current orders”, Deputy Commissioner Worboys said.
Complaints from members of the public have led to numerous $1000 Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) being issued each day.
About 1.30pm yesterday (Tuesday 6 July 2021), officers from Liverpool City Police Area Command attended a barber shop on Flowerdale Road, Liverpool, after receiving information from the community that the business was still trading in breach of current health orders.
Police spoke with the owner, a 59-year-old man and a 22-year-old customer at the store receiving a haircut.
Both men were issued a $1000 PIN for fail to comply with noticed direction – individual.
In total, 75 PINs were issued yesterday and of those 37 were $200 infringements for failing to wear a fitted face covering.
Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any ministerial direction or behaviour which may impact on the health and safety of the community.
Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact 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.
$1 million reward announced for information into 1979 Luna Park fire
The NSW Government, together with the NSW Police Force, has announced a $1 million reward for information into the 1979 Luna Park fire, as Homicide Squad detectives continue to review the circumstances surrounding the fatal blaze.
About 10.15pm on Saturday 9 June 1979, emergency services were called to Luna Park at Milsons Point, following reports of a fire inside the Ghost Train ride.
Six boys and a man were killed in the blaze.
In September that year, a Coronial Inquest found the cause of the blaze could not be determined.
Over the years, investigators from across the NSW Police Force have investigated all information received in relation to the fire.
On April 2021, a formal request was submitted to the NSW Police Force State Crime Command by the State Coroner to conduct a review into all evidence concerning the cause and origin of the fire and the circumstances surrounding the seven deaths.
Detectives from the Homicide Squad’s Unsolved Homicide Team established Strike Force Sedgeman and a formal review commenced.
To assist with their inquiries, NSW Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott has announced a $1 million reward for fresh and significant information into the incident.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said he is confident any fresh and material information will assist detectives with their review of the case.
“Despite the passage of time, this horrific incident remains embedded in the psyche of Sydney-siders. I am appealing to those who may know something but have not previously been inclined to assist.
“You now have a million reasons to come forward. This is a very unique reward, it does not require a charge or conviction of any person, it relates to information about the Ghost Train fire.
“As soon as I met with some of the survivors earlier this year, and heard their devastating stories, I knew there was more that could be done. I stand with the family, friends, survivors and the broader community in searching for answers, and this reward should encourage anyone with fresh information to speak up,” Mr Elliott said.
NSW Police Force Commissioner, Michael Fuller APM, said police have recently demonstrated a strong record of criminal investigations and arrests for offences committed decades ago.
“I want to assure the family and friends of those who lost their lives in this tragic event, and the broader community, that if our investigators can identify a way to pursue a criminal investigation then it will happen,” Commissioner Fuller said.
“It is very important to acknowledge that any major investigation conducted in 1979 would be deficient in many respects if viewed through the lens of modern investigative and forensic practices employed by NSW Police Force in 2021.
“Our Homicide Squad investigators are exceptionally diligent and will review all aspects of the case including allegations of corruption or malpractice.
“Strike Force Sedgeman detectives will also consider any new and compelling evidence which will allow them to progress inquiries with the State Coroner and Law Enforcement Conduct Commission,” Commissioner Fuller said.
Homicide Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty, said the review will examine all available evidence obtained over the past four decades.
“Detectives attached to Strike Force Sedgeman have commenced a review of the 1979 Luna Park fire, which will take some time to complete,” Det Supt Doherty said.
“There is a significant quantity of materials that will be re-examined including documentation, video recordings, witness statements and forensic evidence.
“We know that the families who lost loved ones during this tragic fire have suffered immensely over the years, not knowing how and why their lives were cut short.
“Rest assured that if the NSW Police Force uncovers evidence to progress a criminal investigation into this historic event, then we will,” Det Supt Doherty said.
Anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Sedgeman detectives is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
Three years of NDIS success in NSW
More than 146,000 people across NSW are now benefiting from services and supports under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) three years on from the full implementation of the world-leading reform.
Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Alister Henskens said NSW was the first state to sign up to the NDIS, leading the nation in early trial sites and then the full rollout. The NSW Government will contribute $3.6 billion to the NDIS this year.
“Since trials of the NDIS started in the Hunter in 2013, approximately $30 billion in reasonable and necessary supports has been committed for people with disability in NSW,” Mr Henskens said.
“The NDIS gives hope and greater independence through choice over the supports people with disability receive so they can live happy and healthy lives, with opportunities for social and economic participation.
“The voices of people with a disability, their families and carers are very important to be heard with respect to the NDIS. NSW will continue to advocate on their behalf to our Commonwealth, State and Territory counterparts as we work to improve the sustainability of this important social reform.”
Of the 146,000 participants accessing the NDIS, 80,000 people are receiving supports for the first time in their lives.
More than 68,000 participants in NSW are children and young people and of them, 22,000 are zero to six-year-olds who were not born when the NDIS trials commenced.
“In additional to delivering tremendous social outcomes for people with disability, the NDIS is also strengthening our economy, driving jobs and growth for organisations across our state,” Mr Henskens said.
“There are currently more than 4,000 service providers operating in the disability sector, many of them achieving exponential growth as a result of the NDIS.”
For more information about the NDIS, visit www.ndis.gov.au.
NSW becomes PPE manufacturing powerhouse
Ten NSW manufacturers have received a share in $5 million of NSW Government funding to produce personal protective equipment (PPE) to support domestic and international markets through COVID-19 and boost local jobs.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the grants of up to $500,000 each have enabled the production of face masks, gloves, disinfectant and medical-grade handwash and soap.
“When COVID-19 first hit last year, we realised how important it was for Australia to reduce its dependence on PPE imports and to shore up local manufacturing for our future needs,” Mr Barilaro said.
“The demand for PPE remains high both here and internationally and the NSW Government is pleased to support our local businesses to pivot from their traditional practices and produce the materials desperately needed for export.
“NSW’s management of COVID-19 has provided an opportunity for innovative home-grown businesses to not only support Australian citizens with PPE, but to export these critical products to our international neighbours.
“These grants are supporting companies across NSW, including five regional businesses, to create new jobs, boost local economies and strengthen our manufacturing export capability in the longer-term.”
Envirus is a new joint venture enabled by the funding between Newcastle-based industrial PPE manufacturer Maddison Safety and wetsuit manufacturer Sharkskin International.
The funding has supported the businesses to purchase additional machinery and equipment to increase their capacity to retool and produce P2 face masks, with Sharkskin focusing on the business to customer market and Maddison Safety the business to business market.
Tim Maddison, Managing Director, Maddison Safety and Shane Holiday, Managing Director, Sharkskin International said that this is a great initiative for Australian manufacturing.
“The grant has supplemented the investment we made during the height of COVID in 2020, helping us to purchase new machinery and secure more staff and training to keep up with demand,” Mr Maddison said.
“While COVID-19 has impacted domestic business in our traditional markets Sharkskin International’s Domestic Manufacturing of PPE grant will help the business to scale-up production and further pursue international markets,” added Mr Holiday.
Congestion busting road upgrades open in Bankstown
Driver journeys through Bankstown have improved after the Stacey Street and Fairford Road upgrade opened to traffic.
Minister for Roads Andrew Constance said the extra lane in each direction and extended right-hand turns would improve journey times along this important corridor and also have benefits for the surrounding streets.
“This work was funded by the NSW Government’s $300 million Gateway to the South Pinch Point Program, which is focused on work that eases congestion and improves journey reliability on Sydney’s key western corridors,” Mr Constance said.
“Drivers will notice a more efficient journey through this part of Bankstown, as well as on the streets connecting to these key arterial roads.
“With construction works now complete, people should drive to the standard speed limit and follow the directions of traffic signs.”
Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the upgrades would help streamline traffic, bust congestion and assist drivers when having to cross traffic.
“It’s great for traffic flow because this upgrade has provided an additional lane in each direction between Macauley Avenue and Stanley Street. It has also seen an extended right-hand turn bay from Stacey Street southbound into Stanley Street and an additional right-hand turn bay from Stacey Street southbound into Macauley Avenue.
“A new bus lane will further assist traffic turning right from Macauley Avenue on to Fairford Road,” Mr Ayres said.
A new signalised pedestrian crossing has been installed at Salvia Avenue while the existing pedestrian crossing at the intersection of Stacey Street and Macauley Avenue has been relocated from the southern to the northern side of the intersection.
Transport for NSW has thanked nearby residents, Canterbury Bankstown Council and the entire community for their goodwill, patience and support over the life of this project.
Charges laid after alleged fail to stop crash – Cessnock
A man has been charged after allegedly failing to stop and assist after a crash in the state’s Hunter region yesterday.
Shortly after 3pm (Tuesday 6 July 2021), emergency services were called to the intersection of Cooper and King Streets, Cessnock, following reports a Holden Rodeo and a motorcycle had collided.
Officers from the Hunter Valley Police District attended; however, the rider had fled prior to police arrival.
The Holden driver, a 43-year-old woman, was uninjured.
Soon after, police responded to reports an injured man had attended a business on Vincent Street, seeking assistance for head injuries.
The man left prior to police attendance and following inquiries, officers located and arrested a 26-year-old man a short distance away at a home on Cumberland Street.
He was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital under police guard with head and leg injuries and abrasions.
He has since been charged with nine offences, including:
- Resist officer in execution of duty (x2),
- Not stop vehicle when directed to do so,
- Drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous,
- Not give particulars to other driver,
- Never licensed person drive vehicle on road,
- Use unregistered vehicle on road or road related area,
- Use uninsured motor vehicle on road, and,
- Possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit.
Three outstanding warrants were also executed.
The Abermain man was refused bail and remains in hospital, he is due to face Newcastle Local Court today (Wednesday 7 July 2021).
Man dies in crash – Cooranbong
A man has died in a single-vehicle crash in Lake Macquarie earlier today.
Shortly before 7am (Tuesday 6 July 2021), emergency services were called to Freemans Drive, about 2km south of Cessnock Road at Cooranbong, after reports a vehicle travelling northbound had left the road and crashed down an embankment.
Upon arrival, police located the driver – and sole occupant – trapped in the vehicle.
He died at the scene and is yet to be formally identified, but is believed to be aged in his 40s.
Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District attended and established a crime scene and have commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or may have dashcam footage is urged to come forward.
Major step in COVID-19 vaccine rollout
Australia’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout takes a major step forward, with more than 500 GPs around Australia set to administer the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine from today.
This will enable Australians to access the Pfizer vaccine through their general practice, helping to significantly accelerate the pace of the rollout for younger populations.
This is further supported by 62 Commonwealth Vaccination Clinics (CVCs) and 15 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHS) who will also begin administering Pfizer from this week.
By the end of July, 1,300 GPs will be administering Pfizer vaccines, along with up to 135 CVCs and 130 ACCHS sites.
As more supplies of Pfizer become available, it is expected all 5,100 GPs participating in the vaccine rollout, will have the opportunity to administer the Pfizer vaccine by later this year.
These practices will now offer both the AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines, which will ensure Australians can access both a first and second dose.
Primary Care vaccination sites, including GPs, ACCHS and CVCs and have been the backbone of the COVID-19 vaccination rollout, administering more than 4.2 million vaccinations so far. This is more than half of the 8.2 million COVID-19 vaccinations administered in the country to date.
This is an incredible achievement and a true reflection of the commitment of GPs to support their local communities.
This will maximise the impact of the rollout across Australia and ensure better access to the Pfizer vaccine. In the first instance, it will provide additional Pfizer vaccines to regional, rural, and remote areas.
We have seen record numbers of vaccinations across Australia, with more than 875,000 Australians receiving a COVID-19 vaccine in the last week.
I encourage all eligible Australians to come forward and receive their COVID-19 vaccines, which will help protect you, your loved ones and the broader community.
All GPs participating in the vaccination rollout can be found through the COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Finder- https://www.health.gov.au/resources/apps-and-tools/covid-19-vaccine-eligibility-checker
Over coming weeks, the finder will have rolling updates to show where people can get the Pfizer vaccine as more GPs start administering it.
Mice plague household and small business rebates now available online
Households and small businesses impacted by the mouse plague across regional NSW can now claim rebates as part of the NSW Government’s $150 million Mouse Control Program by visiting the Service NSW website.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said eligible households can claim up to $500 and small businesses up to $1,000 to help meet the cost of mouse baits, traps and cleaning materials bought after 1 February 2021.
“These rodents haven’t just impacted farmers and crops, they have also been a scourge on homes and businesses right across the regions,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Fighting this plague has come at a financial cost and this rebate is putting money back in the pockets of hard-working families and business owners.
“Claiming rebates is simple but you can only claim once, so I encourage residents and small business owners who have spent close to the maximum amount available to visit the Service NSW website today.”
Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall said primary producers who lived where theyworked could claim a single rebate of up to $1,000 to help meet the cost of protecting their premises.
“Farmers know how to protect their crops and are well prepared to meet a potential mouse surge as we draw closer to the spring harvest and this rebate will help them to also safeguard their homes,” Mr Marshall said.
“By the end of the month, primary producers will also be able to claim a 50 per cent rebate on purchases of zinc phosphide based bait, to a maximum of $10,000, through the Rural Assistance Authority.”
Eligible customers can make a claim for the household or small business rebate via the Service NSW website, where they can upload receipts for mouse bait, trap and cleaning purchases dating back to 1 February 2021.
Customers wanting to claim the rebate by calling the Service NSW hotline should expect longer than usual call waiting times, due to the current COVID-19 situation. For further details about the mouse rebate program, including eligibility and the claims process, go to www.nsw.gov.au/mice.
