Regional and Rural communities facing ongoing adversity in the wake of natural disasters will have access to more mental health support than ever before.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet and Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor today announced a $36.4m package for Response and Recovery Specialists across regional and rural NSW will be included in the 2021-22 NSW Budget.
Mr Perrottet said this announcement continues the NSW Government’s significant investment in mental health services, including a record $2.4 billion in last year’s budget.
“We know families and people have been doing it tough in these areas, facing drought, bushfires, COVID-19 and now a mice plague, and this package will offer continued mental health support to those in need,” Mr Perrottet said.
“We want to ensure people not only get help at the time of a disaster, but that it’s accessible during the recovery phase so communities can bounce back and people can rebuild lives.”
Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said 57 Response and Recovery Specialists would ensure quality services were available at all times.
“When the unprecedented drought and bushfires were crippling our state, these counsellors were there to support communities and now they’re on hand to help those affected by other disasters like the mice plague too.” Mrs Taylor said.
The Response and Recovery Specialists provide mental health counselling, coordination with local services and communities and ongoing support to individuals and their families at locations of their choosing, whether at home or in the local cafe.
“The best thing about these extra 57 mental health specialists is people don’t need to go to their GP to be referred. They can access them through the mental health line or other local services.
“What’s unique about these roles is that the people that undertake this work as counsellors are members of their communities and they can provide local insight, as well as a friendly soft entry to mental health support,” Mrs Taylor said.
“This is particularly important for people who are so used to facing significant adversity that they may hesitate to seek help when they need it.”
NSW Budget: NSW Surf Life Saving Clubs receive funding boost
NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet, Minister for Sport Natalie Ward and Member for Pittwater Rob Stokes today announced $16 million in funding, over four years, for the Surf Club Facility Program as part of the 2021-22 NSW Budget to support the upgrade, restoration, or construction of surf life saving facilities.
NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the Surf Club Facility Program played a vital role in ensuring our surf life saving volunteers had access to the facilities they needed to keep our communities active and safe.
“The NSW Government recognises the critical role Surf Life Saving Clubs play in communities up and down the coast in allowing people to enjoy our world-class beaches,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Whether you hit the surf every day or build sandcastles on the sand with your kids this funding will mean our life saving facilities are fit-for-purpose and our volunteers can continue to keep people safe on our beaches.”
The additional funding in this year’s Budget comes off the back of $3.5 million being awarded to 29 clubs through the 2020-21 Program. Grants are valued between $30,000 and $350,000 per project.
“These grants will help to increase participation across NSW by creating inclusive and accessible surf life saving facilities,” Mrs Ward said.
“I congratulate all the successful applicants in this year’s program.”
Highlights of the 2020/21 program include:
- $300,689 to Warriewood Surf Life Saving Club resurfacing works and redirection of public walkway and beach access.
- $302,406 to Redhead Surf Life Saving Club for upgrades to the club’s observation area, radio room and first aid room.
- $223,687 to Cabarita Surf Life Saving Club for upgrades to the club, including a new training room.
Member for Pittwater Rob Stokes said Warriewood Surf Life Saving Club is part of the fabric of the Northern Beaches community.
“Warriewood surf life saving volunteers are on the beaches every weekend – rain, hail or shine – protecting our community,” Mr Stokes said.
“The grant of $300,689 will really help improve facilities so that our volunteers can keep beach goers safe here on the Northern Beaches.”
President of Surf Life Saving NSW, George Shales OAM, said safe, accessible and secure rescue facilities across the State remain a top priority.
“Surf Life Saving Clubs are often the hub of communities and our volunteer lifesavers require access to fit-for-purpose facilities so they can focus on saving lives. The funding will allow significant upgrades to surf club facilities to improve access for our 75,000 members,” Mr Shales said.
“We have 129 clubs across the State, volunteer surf lifesavers who performed over 2,500 rescues, 141,000 preventative actions and 7,000 first aid treatments last year.”
For further information about the Surf Club Facility Program, including the list of recipients visit: https://sport.nsw.gov.au/clubs/grants/SCFP
Police investigate suspicious fire – Hunter Valley
An investigation is underway after two buildings were destroyed by fire in the Hunter Valley overnight.
About 10.20pm yesterday (Friday 4 June 2021), emergency services responded to reports of a fire on a property in Morpeth Road, Morpeth.
Officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District attended and established a crime scene; the blaze was extinguished by NSW Fire and Rescue.
Two buildings on the property were destroyed in the fire, while another was badly damaged.
All buildings were unoccupied at the time.
At this stage the cause of the fire is unknown; however, it is being treated as suspicious.
As investigations continue, anyone with information is urged to contact Port Stephens-Hunter Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Anyone with information about this incident 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.
Man charged over serious assaults – Hunter Region
A man has been charged after two men were seriously injured in two separate assaults in the state’s Hunter region.
About 8.50pm yesterday (Friday 4 June 2021), a 23-year-old man pulled into the driveway of his Woodberry home and was confronted by a man armed with a baseball bat.
The armed man assaulted the 23-year-old with the bat as he attempted to get out of his car.
He managed to free himself and ran inside his Dalwood Street property as the armed man damaged his vehicle with the bat before running from the scene.
The man suffered a broken elbow and was treated at hospital.
About 3.40am (Saturday 5 June 2021), a 24-year-old man was found at the railway overpass bridge on Railway Parade, Beresfield, suffering serious head injuries. He was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital for further treatment. He remains in a stable condition.
Detectives from Port Stephens – Hunter Police District commenced inquiries into both assaults and arrested a 22-year-old man at a home on Fairfield Street, New Lambton about 2pm today (Saturday 5 June 2021).
He was taken to Waratah Police Station where he was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, wound with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and malicious damage.
He was refused bail and will be appearing in Newcastle Local Court tomorrow (Sunday 6 June 2021).
The men are all known to each other.
National Cabinet Statement
The National Cabinet met today to discuss Australia’s COVID-19 response and changes to the Australian COVID-19 Vaccine Strategy.
National Cabinet continues to work together to address issues and find solutions for the health and economic consequences of COVID-19.
There have been 30,150 confirmed cases in Australia and, sadly, 910 people have died. More than 18.7 million tests have been undertaken in Australia.
Globally there have been over 172 million cases and sadly over 3.69 million deaths, with 483,968 new cases and 10,553 deaths reported in the last 24 hours. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to surge in many countries around the world.
Australia’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout continues to expand. To date 4,786,362 doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in Australia, including 143,659 in the previous 24 hours. In the previous 7 days, more than 750,000 vaccines have been administered in Australia. To date 19.9 per cent of the Australian adult population have now had a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, including over 56 per cent of over 70 year olds.
National Cabinet agreed on the imperative to work together to administer COVID-19 vaccinations to Australians as quickly as possible.
Professor Brendan Murphy, Chair of the Science and Industry Technical Advisory Group and Secretary of the Health Department provided a detailed briefing on the vaccination program, and acknowledged the significant increase in COVID-19 vaccination take up following National Cabinet’s recalibration of the vaccine rollout in April 2021. The Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly provided an update on COVID-19 epidemiology, particularly in relation to the current outbreak in Victoria.
National Cabinet received an update on the COVID-19 Risk Analysis and Response Taskforce from the Secretary of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Mr Phil Gaetjens. The taskforce will continue to advise on gradual, risk-based increases to international travel, including exploring additional travel bubbles and increasing arrivals of skilled migrants and international students, while continuing to prioritise the return of Australians from overseas.
National Cabinet will meet again on Friday 9 July 2021 in Darwin, with all members attending in person.
Vaccination Rollout
National Cabinet agreed to refine the national vaccination rollout plan to maximise opportunities for Australians to be vaccinated over the second half of the year, as the supply of vaccines increases.
National Cabinet thanked Health Associate Secretary Caroline Edwards for her role in leading the Commonwealth’s COVID-19 health response and vaccination rollout. Ms Edwards has announced her retirement from the public service after a distinguished career over several decades.
As the vaccination program moves into the next phase Lieutenant General John (JJ) Frewen DSC, AM, will become the head of the National COVID Vaccine Taskforce. Lieutenant General Frewen established the COVID-19 ADF Taskforce in 2020 and commanded military support during the Victorian second wave.
Commodore Eric Young will continue to have a senior leadership role in the Commonwealth Vaccine Operations Centre.
The National COVID Vaccine Taskforce will help ensure as many Australians are vaccinated as early as possible within the available supply.
National Cabinet further agreed that primary care will continue to be a principal delivery channel of the COVID-19 Vaccination Program, noting the importance of developing this capacity for longer term use, supported by continuing expansion of state and territory-operated sites and other points of vaccination, particularly in the fourth quarter 2021.
The vaccination rollout will continue to prioritise vaccinations for people in Phase 1a through simplified and streamlined access at all state and territory-operated sites, including for example by providing walk-in access and no requirement to pre-book an appointment.
National Cabinet agreed to opening access to a COVID-19 vaccine to the following groups by 8 June 2021:
- people aged 40-49 years not otherwise eligible;
- all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 16 to 49 years;
- NDIS participants aged 16 years and over and carers aged 16 years and over of NDIS participants of any age; and
- temporary visa holders aged under 50 years who are currently in Australia and have been approved for return travel to Australia through the travel exemption process.
National Cabinet further agreed to not proceed with the identification of ‘other essential and high priority workers’ in Phase 2a, given the difficulty defining these populations and the expansion to people aged 40-49 years.
National Cabinet noted that the Commonwealth has released over 7.1 million doses to vaccine sites as at 31 May 2021. Under the vaccine rollout program, surplus vaccine doses are able to be surged into outbreak areas to increase opportunities for Australians to be vaccinated.
The Commonwealth reconfirmed that states and territories do not need to provision for second doses as the Commonwealth retains doses for second use. States and territories are able to administer all doses supplied by the Commonwealth.
Post Quarantine Testing Arrangements
National Cabinet asked the AHPPC to provide advice on post 14-day quarantine testing standards and arrangements to ensure nationally consistent standards reflect the latest medical advice.
Mandatory Vaccinations of Aged Care and Disability Workers
National Cabinet reaffirmed the importance of Aged Care and Disability workers being vaccinated as soon as possible.
National Cabinet indicated an in-principle disposition to mandating aged care and disability workforce COVID vaccinations, and has tasked AHPPC to provide advice on this matter as soon as possible.
National Cabinet noted that influenza vaccinations are able to be mandated under state public health orders and other similar state and territory legislative arrangements, based on health advice.
Domestic Vaccine Certification
National Cabinet welcomed the Commonwealth’s COVID-19 digital vaccination certificate and the work of Services Australia and the Department of Health on the design and functionality for deployment. The certificate will soon be available through the Medicare Express app, with a future digital wallet version to be made available in July.
States and territories may consider the potential future value of COVID-19 digital certificates when considering automatic travel exemptions for interstate travel during state-determined lockdowns and travel restrictions.
Stand-alone Quarantine Facilities – Commonwealth Partnership Assessment Criteria
Today, the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments signed a Memorandum of Understanding to progress negotiations on Victoria’s proposal for an alternative quarantine hub.
The MoU formalises the principles agreed between the Commonwealth and Victoria to guide negotiations, including covering potential ownership of the facility, operating costs, and other key elements. The Victorian Government will be responsible for operation including operational costs and the Commonwealth will support capital costs. The MoU does not specify a site for the facility with both the Avalon site and the Mickleham site under active consideration.
The Commonwealth also tabled ‘Key Assessment Criteria’ the Commonwealth will use to assess any proposals for purpose-built quarantine facilities provided by state and territory governments seeking Commonwealth support.
Key considerations include that a proposal should be value-for-money, provide net additional quarantine capacity and work alongside (not supplant) hotel quarantine, meet the health requirements, and be for a national facility for use by all Australians. Further criteria include proximity to an international airport taking regularly scheduled international commercial passenger flights and close – within approximately 1hr vehicle transport – to a tertiary hospital, otherwise known as a principal referral hospital.
States and territories need to identify the most appropriate potential sites for quarantine capacity, reflecting their experience and the practicalities of an effective quarantine system that needs to bring together healthcare, logistics and law enforcement aspects to minimise risks.
Temporary COVID-19 Disaster Payment
National Cabinet discussed arrangements for the Temporary COVID-19 Disaster Payment. It was agreed that the Commonwealth will provide all of the funding for the demand driven program. This is on the basis that states provide all assistance to businesses, with the Council of Federal Financial Relations to consider a nationally consistent approach to providing support to businesses impacted by lockdowns.
The Commonwealth will enter into individual agreements with the states and territories on this basis to provide rapid support to those workers who reside or work in a Commonwealth declared COVID-19 hotspot and are therefore unable to attend work and earn an income as a result of state imposed health restrictions that last for more than one week.
Eligible recipients will receive up to $500 per week for losing 20 hours or more of work, and $325 per week for losing under 20 hours. They must not have liquid assets of more than $10,000.
The payment will be made in respect of the second and any subsequent weeks of restrictions, subject to a Commonwealth COVID-19 hotspot being declared.
This support will be available for Australian citizens and permanent residents and eligible working visa holders. Individuals who are already receiving income support payments, business support payments, or the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment will not be eligible for this new payment. To qualify, people will need to have exhausted any leave entitlements (other than annual leave) or other special pandemic leave.
The payment complements existing payments, including the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment.
International Passenger Caps
National Cabinet noted international passenger cap arrangements will be in place until 31 August, and will be revisited as circumstances evolve.
National Cabinet acknowledged the work of the states in facilitating the continued repatriation of Australians from overseas. In particular, National Cabinet welcomed the resumption of flights from India following a pause. The pause ensured that Australia’s quarantine system was able to be effectively managed with a significant reduction in positive cases.
Presentation by the Chair of the Council of Capital City Lord Mayors
Adrian Schrinner, Chair of the Council of Capital City Lord Mayors and Brisbane City Council Lord Mayor, provided National Cabinet with a presentation on the economic impacts of the pandemic on capital cities.
National Cabinet recognised the importance of getting people back into Central Business Districts, noting that fewer people are utilising public transport and attending work in the office. National Cabinet called on businesses with global headquarters outside of Australia to ensure any restrictions on Australians workers are appropriate for Australian workplaces.
The AHPPC has been asked to consider the guidelines governing density arrangements that may be impacting a return to work and report back to National Cabinet.
Temporary Australian Government assistance for workers
Australians who have had their hours of work and income significantly affected due to state lockdowns, will be eligible for a temporary COVID Disaster Payment.
The rapid support will be paid weekly to those workers who reside or work in a Commonwealth declared hotspot and are therefore unable to attend work and earn an income as a result of state imposed health restrictions, which last for greater than one week.
Eligible recipients will receive up to $500 per week for losing 20 hours or more of work, and $325 per week for losing under 20 hours. They must not have liquid assets of more than $10,000.
The payment will be made in respect of the second and any subsequent weeks of restrictions.
This support will be available for Australian citizens and permanent residents and eligible working visa holders. Individuals who are already receiving income support payments, business support payments, or the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment will not be eligible for this new payment. To qualify, people will need to have exhausted any leave entitlements (other than annual leave) or other special pandemic leave.
The payment will complement existing payments including the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment.
By making these payments available, the Australian Government will ensure that Victorian workers get the financial support they need to stay at home during this outbreak.
Access to Services Australia Disaster Assistance will be open to the public from Tuesday at www.servicesaustralia.gov.a
Extending COVID-19 vaccine access for our region
The Morrison Government will contribute an additional $50 million to the COVAX Advance Market Commitment (COVAX AMC) to ensure more people in our region and across the world have access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines.
This additional contribution will help COVAX deliver on its objective of vaccinating 30% of populations of AMC countries, from an original goal to reach 20% of their populations.
Australia has now committed a total of $130 million to COVAX AMC.
Australia’s support for COVAX complements our $623 million Regional Vaccine Access and Health Security Initiative – which is assisting our Pacific and Southeast Asian neighbours to access and administer safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines.
This includes $100 million for our Quad partnership with Japan, the US and India to deliver a billion doses to Southeast Asia by the end of 2022.
Our neighbours in the Pacific and Southeast Asia have now received more than 13 million doses from COVAX, with more deliveries planned.
These vaccines are being prioritised for high-risk individuals, health workers, frontline personnel and vulnerable groups.
Australia’s contribution will assist the COVAX AMC to deliver more than 1.8 billion doses worldwide, reaching at least 114 million people in Southeast Asia and the Pacific.
City of Newcastle brings the compost revolution to the family home
Newcastle households are being given the opportunity to take up home composting and reduce the amount of food waste going to landfill.
Residents will be offered a 75% discount off the recommended retail price as well as free shipping of selected composting, worm farming and bokashi fermenting products.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the program will be available to the public from 5 June, which is World Environment Day. This year’s theme is ecosystem restoration, focussing on resetting our relationship with nature, and home composting is a great way to do this.
“In Newcastle, around 30% of the waste in our red-lidded bins is organic and food waste. Per household we throw away an average of 135kg of food waste each year and home composting is one way we can combat this,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Composting and worm farming are both fantastic ways to recycle scraps from the kitchen while providing a rich fertiliser for the garden.
“Households with no garden, or limited space, can still get involved by choosing the compact bokashi bin, which ferments a large range of food scraps including meat, citrus and dairy, so there’s a way for everyone in the community to get involved.
“An important impact of this program will be less food waste to landfill. A recent survey of more than 500 Newcastle residents found 98% felt it was important to divert waste from landfill.
“To support this program, Newcastle Libraries will be hosting a four-part podcast series and short video series, which will help provide residents with knowledge and skills for successful home composting.”
Newcastle Local Government Area residents will be able to purchase a home composting system from the Compost Revolution website at the subsidised price and it will be delivered to their door free of charge.
Before making their purchase, residents will need to complete a simple training program either online or in person to ensure they choose the right home composting program for their household and learn how to compost successfully.
The discounted products available are:
- Dirt Vader compost bin plus compost revolver;
- The Farm worm farm plus 1,000 worms; and
- Urban Composter bokashi bin + 1L enzyme refill + scrap smasher.
“Composting, worm farming, and bokashi fermentation are positively exploding as more people discover how easy it is to make a big difference for the environment while creating their own soil and fertiliser at home,” David Gravina, CEO of the Compost Revolution, said.
“Composting is something all of us can do to turn a problem into a valuable resource while doing our bit for the planet.”
This initiative is part of a broader organics recycling plan for the City of Newcastle, which includes the construction of a commercial grade organics recycling facility at Summerhill Waste Management Centre. Once the facility is commissioned, it will allow food waste to be collected with vegetation in the organics bins. Ultimately, this new facility will produce a quality compost product from kerbside organics, which can be used as a replacement for inorganic fertilisers.
The home composting program will be launched on 5 June, with products available to purchase online. Product numbers are limited and will be on a first come, first served basis. For more information visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/foodwaste
This project is a NSW Environment Protection Authority, Waste Less, Recycle More initiative, which is part funded from the waste levy.
Face-to-face home composting workshops
- Monday 28 June: 10am – 12pm at Stockton Senior Citizen Hall
- Saturday 10 July: 2pm – 4pm at Hamilton South Estate Centre Care Hall
- Monday 6 September: 2pm – 4pm at Hunter Multicultural Communities Waratah
- Saturday 16 October: 2pm – 4pm at Wallsend Library
Safety is key in new electric vehicle training
Specialised training to support the introduction of electric buses in Australia will form the basis of a new partnership between TAFE NSW and Volvo Bus Australia.
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee and Minister for Transport Andrew Constance today announced the NSW Government, through TAFE, will develop short courses with Volvo to help mechanics upskill and work safely with industry-leading bus technology.
Mr Lee said the training will play a key role in helping NSW transition to a zero emissions bus fleet by 2030.
“The adoption of electric buses introduces a new range of skills needs that we must address such as working with high voltage systems and understanding the way
vehicles are built, operated, and serviced,” Mr Lee said.
“We’re proud to be partnering with Volvo Bus Australia, to ensure the safety of people working in this industry.”
Mr Constance said the training will provide a framework as more businesses adopt new products in bus assembly, servicing, driving, and managing emergency service
responses.
“With the NSW Government’s commitment to introduce more electric buses, the number of workers who need to be retrained and upskilled to support these vehicles
is growing.
“Volvo is well known for its commitment to safety and I’m pleased to see this collaboration between industry and TAFE,” Mr Constance said.
General Manager of Volvo Bus Australia Mitch Peden said the courses developed with TAFE will set a standard in the industry.
“We see the need for a national approach to training, skills and certification of staff, and are delighted to be partnering with TAFE NSW on these new programs.
“Our operator partners and industry have done a fantastic job in recent years delivering safe public transport – now we have an opportunity to lift safety standards even
further,” Mr Peden said.
Member for Holsworthy Melanie Gibbons said the training was a win for local jobs.
“This training will ensure local mechanics have the ability to upskill as the industry advances so they are ready for the jobs of tomorrow,” Ms Gibbons said.
The training will be delivered nationally as part of TAFE’s Micro Skills strategy, where targeted skillsets are designed with industry to meet current or emerging skills needs
in a range of jobs.
100 new public space projects approved for NSW
Communities across the state will share in $250 million worth of funding to create a legacy of green and accessible public spaces as part of a program that is the first of its kind in NSW.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the funding supported 60 successful council proposals for more than 100 projects as part of the NSW Government’s inaugural Public Spaces Legacy Program.
“This pandemic has reminded us of the immense value we all place on our public spaces – our parks, streets, plazas, cycleways, foreshores, bushland and walking trails,” Mr Perrottet said.
“This program and the funding behind it will not only lead to better public spaces, but the work to construct them will boost local economies through the creation of more jobs.”
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the funding being delivered to councils was reliant on them meeting agreed targets to speed up local development applications.
“This program is the first of its kind in NSW and demonstrates state and local government working together to create a legacy of beautiful public spaces that communities, for decades, can be proud of,” Mr Stokes said.
“In exchange for legacy funding, councils participating in the program need to speed up their assessment times. They have until June 30 to keep hitting their targets but, so far, the program has seen a 20 per cent improvement.
“It’s been great to see the unclogging of the planning system as part of this program – 42 of 53 planning proposals that had been stuck in the planning system for more than four years have been resolved and 161 of 168 regionally significant development applications have been cleared.”
This innovative program will see legacy projects delivered across NSW including:
- Albury: More than two hectares of public space adjacent to the Murray River will be upgraded with a boardwalk and the construction of a shared zone market area to provide for up to 60 market stalls;
- Bankstown: Paul Keating Park precinct will be rejuvenated with an inclusive playspace in the heart of the CBD, plus more tree coverage and seating;
- Georges River: A car park will be converted into permanent green, public space, including smart furniture, more trees and shade.
- St Leonards: the new St Leonards Plaza will create a green space in the heart of the CBD to benefit local residents and workers with an accessible, active and vibrant public space;
- Double Bay: A road will be closed to create a public plaza in Knox Street, including seating and gathering areas, landscaping, lighting and public art elements;
Mr Stokes said 28 councils in Greater Sydney and 32 councils in regional NSW took part in the program.
“We’re offering funding from $2 million to $5.5 million for projects from Albury to Byron and from Dubbo to Sydney, including parklands, trails, foreshore and riverfront precincts, plazas and street improvements,” he said.
Councils will be provided with funding for project planning and design and will have until 30 June 2021 to demonstrate they have met DA assessment performance improvements to lock in their full allocation of funding ahead of construction starting from August.
For more information, visit:
https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/Policy-and-Legislation/Planning-reforms/NSW-Public-Spaces-Legacy-Program