16 News

Promoting women into leadership roles at sporting organisations will be actively supported by a further $600,000 from the NSW Government.
Minister for Sport Natalie Ward said the funding package will increase the number of exciting new leadership opportunities for women in sports-based roles both on and off the field.
“I am a passionate supporter of women being involved in all levels of sport, and this package will help open the door for those who aspire to leadership positions,” Mrs Ward said.
“Funding will go towards initiatives that promote women in roles such as coaching, officiating, board directorship and developing inclusive sporting cultures.”
The funding boost is in addition to $640,000 recently announced through the Her Sport Her Way Grant Program.
“The Her Sport Her Way strategy acknowledges the importance of female leaders and mentors in the sector as coaches, officials and administrators,” Mrs Ward said.
“This investment will enable education programs and support organisations in embedding equitable leadership at all levels of sport, from grassroots through to boardrooms.”
Sport NSW will deliver gender inclusive training to sporting organisations and support professional development programs for female leaders.
Sport NSW Chief Executive Officer Ross Bidencope said the funding would support the sector in increasing the number of women in leadership roles and on boards.
“This funding will allow us to expand on programs that promote women in leadership and equip aspiring females with the tools and confidence they need to take on these roles,” Mr Bidencope said.
“There will also be a focus on supporting sporting organisations to shift thinking and cultivate positive change so female representation on boards increases.”
Other initiatives to be delivered include the development of mentoring programs, female coaching and leadership programs, mental health networks and youth leadership programs for girls from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Cycling NSW Chief Executive Officer Graham Seers said the grant would help create more female leaders in the sport.
“Through our partnership with AusCycling’s She Rides program, this funding will empower more women to step into mentoring roles,” Mr Seers said.
“These new female mentors will teach, guide and inspire beginners, helping them overcome barriers such as fear of traffic and lack of practice, and getting more women riding confidently.”
Football NSW Chief Executive Stuart Hodge said his organisation was committed to developing the skills of the sport’s female leaders.
“Football NSW, working in conjunction with Football Australia, has identified the wonderful opportunity provided by our co-hosting of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, to shine a light on the need to develop, support and empower the many wonderful women involved across all facets of our game,” Mr Hodge said.
“Working with our clubs and associations, it is our intention to provide capability building programs to further the leadership skills for some of our champions in women’s football, be they coaches, referees, administrators or volunteers.”
To find out more about the Her Sport Her Way Strategy, visit: www.sport.nsw.gov.au/hersportherway

During the current lockdown pets are more important than ever, and from 25 August the NSW Government’s new laws will to put an end to blanket bans on animals in strata.
The changes follow a detailed review of the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 (the Act) and extensive public consultation, focusing on the keeping of animals in strata schemes.
Minister for Better Regulation Kevin Anderson said the new laws reflect broad community sentiment from the review, and demonstrate a balanced approach for both residents and owners corporations in keeping furry friends in strata.
“A lot has changed since the Act commenced in 2015, including a huge shift to apartment living as more and more people in NSW are choosing to buy and rent in higher density areas,” Mr Anderson said.
“On top of that, research tells us that Australia has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world, with 61 per cent of households including a pet in their family, and 91 per cent of households owning a pet at some point in their lives.
“Following extensive feedback from the community we have implemented fair and sensible regulations that prevent schemes from introducing blanket bans on keeping pets in apartments, while ensuring owners corporations can refuse pets where they unreasonably impact other residents.”
From 25 August 2021, the new regulations will prescribe a limited list of specific grounds where an owners corporation can refuse a lot owner from keeping an animal in a strata scheme or take steps to remove an existing animal from the scheme. These circumstances include repeated damage of the common property, menacing behavior, persistent noise and odour.
Owners corporations will also be able to set reasonable conditions through their own by-laws on how pets are kept in their scheme, for example whether they have to be supervised on common property or enter and exit through a dedicated entrance or lift.
“As a dog owner myself I understand how important pets are for families in this state, and their companionship cannot be understated, particularly during the current pandemic,” Mr Anderson said
“Living in strata is becoming more popular and while we don’t want strata residents deprived of the benefits of owning a pet it’s also important the amenity of neighbours and others in the building isn’t impacted. Our new laws have been designed to strike the right balance for everyone living in strata communities, putting an end to blanket bans on pets while giving owners corporations clear guidance on how they can set rules to ensure other owners aren’t impacted.”
NSW Fair Trading will be offering support, advice and mediation services for residents and owners corporations who are unsure about the new rules and how they apply within their scheme. Unresolved disputes can also be escalated to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal where appropriate.
For more information around the new laws, visit: https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-property/strata-and-community-living/strata-schemes/by-laws-in-your-strata-scheme

The NSW Government has announced an additional 3000 training places for people across NSW to skill up at home during lockdown.
An extra 60 short courses are now on offer to study for free including business skills, mental health, marketing, finance and IT skillsets.
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said the courses are an expansion of the 10 free skillsets recently announced by TAFE NSW.
“We know there is great demand for training at the moment, which is why we have added additional free courses and more training places so people can come out of lockdown with skills they can take with them into the workplace,” Mr Lee said.
“The free courses are available to anyone across the State who is unable to work due to public health orders.”
“We have specifically targeted those LGA’s and suburbs in lockdown and are working with local communities and industry to understand what skills are in demand and where shortages exist.”
“There has never been a more crucial time to upskill or reskill through the pandemic and the NSW Government is here to support the people of NSW every step of the way.”
“This isn’t just about upskilling though. In these difficult times, the opportunities provided by these courses can have a hugely beneficial impact on the well- being of participants.”
Training will be funded through the JobTrainer program, which has already seen more than 120,000 people in NSW skill up since it was announced in October last year.
For more information and to see full eligibility, please visit: https://bit.ly/37DYSvq

Police have issued thirty-one Penalty Infringement Notices following a gathering in Sydney’s west yesterday.
Just before 7.30pm (Sunday 22 August 2021), officers from Blacktown Police Area Command attended a premises on Fourth Avenue, Blacktown, after Crime Stopper reports of a gathering in breach of the Public Health Orders.
Police arrived and located a group of approximately 60 adults and children inside the building, participating in a sermon.
Additional police attended to assist and the details of those at the location were obtained, before the group were dispersed and directed to return home.
Further inquiries revealed there was no QR code present at the entry to the building and those in attendance were from various other LGAs including Canterbury-Bankstown, Fairfield and Liverpool.
Thirty adults were issued $1000 Penalty Infringement Notices for fail to comply with noticed direction re s7/8/9 – COVID-19.
The organisation has been issued a $5000 PIN for fail to comply with noticed direction – Corporation.
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: on 1800 333 000 or via https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.