Rural and Indigenous health experts are meeting regularly to ensure rural communities continue to be central to the phased rollout of Australia’s COVID-19 vaccine.
The Remote Vaccine Working Group will provide advice to the Federal Government and identify issues as the rollout continues towards Phase 1B and beyond.
Federal Regional Health Minister, Mark Coulton said the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines to every corner of the country was complex and that was why the Federal Government had a plan and was listening to expert advice from rural health stakeholders.
“COVID-19 case numbers in rural and remote areas have been low, but the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine into regional, rural and remote communities is a vital part of the Government’s vaccine strategy to ensure everyone in Australia is protected,” Minister Coulton said.
“The TGA has found the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines to be safe, they are free, and you’ll be able to receive your vaccination near where you live.”
The vaccine demonstrates it will stop people becoming very sick – keeping them off ventilators and out of hospital.
Minister Coulton said the Working Group – made up of the Commonwealth Department of Health, the National Indigenous Australians Agency and state and territory agencies – draws on expertise from health representatives. Many of the health experts have also participated in Rural and Remote Health Roundtable chaired by the Minister since the start of the pandemic.
“The leadership and expertise of these professionals provide important voices to the Working Group to ensure the rollout is done in genuine partnership and enables all rural Australians to be vaccinated close to where they live.”
Minister Coulton said the rural health workforce and representative bodies had been integral in managing the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We commend the efforts of our doctors, nurses, midwives, pharmacists and allied health workers in rural and remote areas,” Minister Coulton said.
“We genuinely appreciate the ongoing leadership of the rural health sector, and we are in this enviable position because of the care and advice this sector has provided us over the past year.”
The Australian Government is working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Services, general practices, state and territory governments, Primary Health Networks, GP-led respiratory clinics and community pharmacies to ensure that Australians living in regional, rural and remote locations have access to a COVID-19 vaccination if they so choose.
Author: admin
Newcastle projects identified as nationally significant on Infrastructure Priority list
A project to allow direct flights between Newcastle and countries including the United States, China, Singapore, Russia, Japan and South Africa, as well as the transformation of Broadmeadow into a truly international sporting, residential and entertainment precinct, have been acknowledged as projects of national significance by the Federal Government’s infrastructure advisor.
Infrastructure Australia, the independent national authority on projects of national significance, has announced the Broadmeadow Precinct Regeneration and Newcastle Airport Capacity Expansion projects on its annual Infrastructure Priority List following City of Newcastle’s multi-year advocacy.
City of Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the Infrastructure Priority List is the authoritative reference for government and private investment and provides an indisputable statement of the immense potential the projects can deliver for Newcastle, NSW and Australia.
“Infrastructure, along with a skilled local population, is a critical catalyst for enabling economic opportunities for the city,” the Lord Mayor said.
“With today’s announcement, Newcastle’s status as one of Australia’s most important cities is confirmed. No other local government area dominates the IA priority list like Newcastle.
“Already the Port of Newcastle is on the list as the location of a deep water container port, as well as the John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct, and the extension of the M1 to Raymond Terrace.
“Both the Newcastle Airport Precinct and Hunter Park have already been recognised as Catalyst Areas in the Greater Newcastle Metropolitan Plan and City of Newcastle’s new Economic Development Strategy.
“The independent advisor has now confirmed the importance of these infrastructure projects on a national scale.
“I invite both the State and Federal Governments to be investment partners in these initiatives in their upcoming budget announcements. The value of these projects to the local, regional and national economy is significant, and worth many billions of dollars.”
Newcastle Airport has been designated by the NSW Government as a Special Activation Precinct in recognition of its potential to stimulate economic activity and jobs.
Newcastle Airport CEO, Dr Peter Cock said the inclusion was the strongest possible affirmation that upgrading the airport to Code E status was a game changer for the region, the aviation industry, and more broadly for the nation.
“The inclusion on IA’s priority list, further demonstrates that this project is one of national significance with huge potential,” he said.
“It strongly reinforces the link between upgrading the Airport to international status and the global defence and aerospace precinct it sits in. The City of Newcastle’s advocacy has been a game changer for the Airport.”
The Broadmeadow Precinct regeneration is a once in a generation opportunity to transform a well-used and loved, but tired space into a contemporary community and mixed used precinct located at the heart of the Newcastle community and just five kilometres from the Newcastle CBD. The 63-hectare precinct has a variety of sporting facilities, as well as commercial uses.
The proposed regeneration offers the potential for international sports facilities, multi-purpose entertainment venues, green spaces for local amenity, residential and mixed-use development, and will generate up to 8,000 jobs; 1,000 of them ongoing.
The City of Newcastle is collaborating with Newcastle Airport, Venues NSW and HCCDC to support Stage 2 submissions to Infrastructure Australia.
$20 MILLION STIMULUS FOR NSW SHOWGROUNDS
The NSW Government has allocated a further $20 million for showground upgrades across the State to improve community infrastructure, support jobs and stimulate local economies in response to the pandemic.
Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said this further funding injection brings the total to $55 million worth of investment in showgrounds as part of the COVID-19 stimulus program.
“This investment will improve the safety and quality of showground infrastructure while stimulating local economies by providing work for a host of local tradies and materials suppliers,” Mrs Pavey said.
“Showgrounds are incredibly valuable community infrastructure, whether it’s for events and shows or use as emergency centres during crisis events. This investment in Crown land ensures showgrounds can continue to serve communities throughout the State for many years to come, building a stronger and safer regional NSW.”
To date, improvement work has included the rebuilding of grandstands and pavilions, upgrades of kitchen and amenities blocks, lighting and electrical systems, water and sewerage networks and roads and fencing.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the further funding will boost jobs and contribute to local communities adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The NSW Government previously provided $35 million across the State to support 623 upgrade projects at 187 showgrounds, which has so far supported over 1,490 jobs, providing work for tradespeople, suppliers and fabricators”, Mr Stokes said.
“Now with the allocation of this further $20 million we will see another 172 upgrade projects at 73 showgrounds to support more improvements and jobs.
“Showgrounds are multi-use facilities at the heart of our communities and this continued funding comes at a critical time when COVID-19 has been disrupting annual shows and other activities that showgrounds rely on for their income.”
NEW POLICE RECRUITS HIT THE STREETS OF NSW
The NSW Police Force has welcomed 194 new police officers in the first graduation ceremony of 2021.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott joined NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller APM at an attestation ceremony at the NSW Police Academy in Goulburn today.
Mr Elliott congratulated the incoming officers and welcomed the return to a full ceremony after last year’s events were disrupted by COVID-19 restrictions.
“Over the course of last year, we have seen first-hand the crucial role our police officers play in protecting the community and we owe them a debt of gratitude for their efforts,” Mr Elliott said.
“I am pleased to personally welcome the latest recruits in Goulburn and offer my assurance that they have the full support of the NSW Government as they commence their law enforcement careers today. Their commitment and dedication to serve and protect the community will not go unnoticed.”
“These officers will join a NSW Police Force that has been strengthened by investment from the NSW Government, including the delivery of 1500 additional officers over four years and the commitment to a $60 million upgrade to Goulburn Police Academy.”
NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller APM said the latest intake of probationary constables will hit the ground running.
“I welcome Class 345, and their families and friends who have been able to join us here today,” Commissioner Fuller said.
“I know from experience that this is a very significant moment in every officer’s career. As our newest police officers start at their new commands on Monday, they can be assured that this is the start of a memorable and rewarding career in law enforcement.”
Class 345 includes 139 men and 55 women. Some recruits entered the NSW Police Academy straight from school or university, while others left established professional careers and trades such as teachers, ambulance officers and a jockey.
MENTAL HEALTH AND SUICIDE PREVENTION INQUIRY CALLING FOR INPUT
A select committee on mental health and suicide prevention has been established to consider a range of strategic reviews of the current mental health system, and whether the recommendations are fit for purpose to address the fallout from bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Chair of the House of Representatives Select Committee on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Dr Fiona Martin MP said, “While the bushfires were catastrophic, it was the emergence of COVID-19 that has changed everything.”
“Over the last year, COVID-19 has had a significant effect on the mental health of many Australians through increased isolation, job loss and financial stress. In addition, there has been a reduction in access to face-to-face mental health services, with many changing to telephone support models, while crisis organisations and suicide prevention services experience higher demand. However, it has also seen innovation prioritised and communities rally to support one another.”
The Committee will begin the inquiry by reviewing the findings of the Productivity Commission Inquiry Report into Mental Health, the Report of the National Suicide Prevention Officer, the Victorian Royal Commission and the National Mental Health Workforce Strategy. It will then turn its attention to the experiences and successes of mental health and suicide prevention stakeholders, from grassroots services through to international initiatives.
The Committee is accepting written submissions addressing one or more of the terms of reference and invites individuals and organisations to share their views with the Committee. The closing date for submissions is 24 March 2021. A guide to making a submission can be found on the website.
The Committee will also hold hearings as part of this inquiry so that it can hear from people who have relevant experience or expertise. The dates and locations for the Committee’s hearings will be published on the inquiry website.
The Committee is unable to intervene or provide advice in relation to individual circumstances. If you are in immediate danger, please contact 000. If you or someone you know needs help, please contact one of the services below:
Lifeline Australia 13 11 14
Suicide Call Back 1300 659 467
Kids Help Line 1800 551 800
BeyondBlue 1300 224 636
eheadspace 1800 650 890
Broncos Exec Drinkwater joins Netball NSW as CEO
Netball NSW is delighted to announce that Tain Drinkwater has been appointed to the role of Chief Executive Officer.
A highly experienced and respected sports administrator, Drinkwater will join Netball NSW from the Brisbane Broncos where she has been a senior member of the club’s Executive Team for the past five years as General Manager of HR, Risk & Compliance as well as head of the club’s National Rugby League Women’s Program.
A Newcastle native, Drinkwater played a key leadership role in the design and delivery of the inaugural NRLW competition and helped secure three consecutive Women’s Premiership titles for the Broncos, expanding the financial and commercial portfolio of the club in the process.
Prior to the Broncos the 43-year-old held senior and executive management roles in the Australian mining industry for 16 years, leading major operational and business transformation projects in remote and regional communities.
Hailing from a passionate netball family, Drinkwater is no stranger to the game. She played representative netball for both Westlakes and Charlestown while her father is also a successful NSW State Titles coach.
Drinkwater said she was excited to be returning to the sport and outlined some of her vision: “I am energised by the opportunity to build on the all-important foundation of community netball and perpetuate the on-court success of both the NSW Swifts and GIANTS Netball into financial self-sustainability.
“By enhancing the commercial footprint of our professional clubs, we can bring our elite players and coaches the recognition and reward they deserve which will place Netball NSW in a strong position to offer our grassroots and volunteers even more support to continue to thrive.
“I can’t wait to be a part of Netball NSW, a prestigious organisation with such a rich history across the state. I thank the Board for their confidence in me and feel privileged by the opportunity.”
Speaking on behalf of the Netball NSW Board, President Louise Sullivan congratulated Drinkwater on her appointment.
“We are delighted to have Tain join us as we look to bounce back stronger than ever from a COVID-interrupted 2020,” she said.
“Tain has a lifelong connection to netball and is deeply passionate about the sport with a sound understanding of the challenges associated with participation and facilities.
“Pre-COVID-19 we had two consecutive record-breaking grassroots participation years above 115,000 and we are determined to get back to those levels and build on them.
“Tain has done wonderful things for the development of women’s rugby league and we are very happy to have secured her expertise as we look to not only consolidate netball’s place as the clear leader for women in sport, but also widen our horizons to ensure it is a game for all.
“She is a people-focused leader and strategic thinker who we are confident will bring together the many hard-working and valued stakeholders of netball in this state to reach our shared goals.”
Drinkwater’s appointment follows an extensive and thorough independent Executive search process. She will commence in her role in early April 2021.
ABOUT NETBALL NSW
Netball NSW is the peak state sporting organisation responsible for the governance, development, promotion and administration of netball throughout New South Wales and is affiliated to Netball Australia.
The proud home of the NSW Swifts and GIANTS Netball who compete in Suncorp Super Netball, Netball NSW also provides the framework for the state’s grassroots Clubs and Associations to enjoy the sport at all levels.
Netball is proudly the No.1 team sport for women and girls in both NSW and Australia, and Netball NSW aims to be innovative to retain this position state-wide and nationally, while also seeking to expand its reach.
Man charged after paramedics assaulted and ambulance damaged – Lake Macquarie
A man has been charged after allegedly assaulting paramedics and damaging an ambulance vehicle in the Lake Macquarie area.
About 9.00pm on Thursday 25 February 2021, paramedics responded to a home on Edward Street, Cardiff, to assist a man who had reportedly injured his shoulder.
While treating the man, he allegedly became aggressive, verbally abused them.
When the paramedics went to leave, the man allegedly pushed one of them in the chest.
The paramedics returned to the ambulance vehicle, the man is alleged to have lashed out as they drove off, damaging a door.
Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District were alerted and arrested the 25-year-old man a short time later.
He was taken to Toronto Police Station, where he was charged with common assault and malicious damage.
The man was granted conditional bail to appear in Toronto Local Court on Wednesday 10 March 2021.
Morrison makes mockery of environment law review with latest legislation
The Morrison Government’s latest attempt to weaken Australia’s environmental laws completely ignores their own expert’s recommendations and will lock in the demise of our wildlife and iconic natural places, the Greens say.
Greens Environment Spokesperson Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said:
“This move by the Morrison Government is a death sentence for Australia’s koalas and wildlife.
“The Morrison Government has blatantly ignored their own expert’s recommendations and is instead taking a chainsaw to environmental protections.
“They have absolutely no intention of reversing the unsustainable environmental trajectory Professor Samuel warned about in his once-in-ten-year review. They haven’t even bothered to respond after more than 100 days sitting on the final report.
“The Morrison Government’s only plan is to weaken environment laws to make it even easier to mine, log and pollute.
“This latest bill is a push to satisfy big miners, big developers and big polluters who donate to the Liberal party.
“We need strong environmental standards and laws that protect our iconic natural places and precious wildlife and an independent watchdog to hold governments and corporate interests to account. This bill doesn’t even get close to delivering that.”
Rape apologists and PM's arse-covering contribute to sexist and misogynistic culture in politics
“Peter Dutton has finally confirmed when he was told about Brittany Higgins’ rape allegations and outed himself as a rape apologist in the process. Mr Dutton is now the fifth government member who knew about the allegation, but apparently didn’t bother to pick up the phone to the PM”, said Senator Larissa Waters, Greens Leader in the Senate and spokesperson on women.
“The AFP this morning has called out a culture of silence that makes it harder to hold perpetrators to account. Ministers need to report criminal allegations, or provide genuine support for their staff to do so.
“At the International Women’s Day event today, the PM spoke a lot about ‘protecting women’ and the rule of law. Yet he failed to acknowledge that it is men who are harming women, and continues to oversee a culture in which alleged crimes are covered up.
“The terms of the Gaetjens review released today make it clear that it is yet another narrow exercise in arse-covering. The government yesterday voted against making the terms public, and it’s no wonder.
“Rather than a comprehensive inquiry into government mishandling of a rape allegation, Mr Gaetjens will investigate only what the PM’s staff knew – not what the PM knew, not what other Ministers knew, and not whether the appalling allegations that his staff have been backgrounding journalists against Brittany Higgins are true.
“In other concerning news today, it appears that the alleged rapist visited Parliament House for a private event after he was dismissed in 2019. I will be asking the President of the Senate to confirm who invited him to that event, who signed him in, and which MPs and/or Ministers were in attendance at the event.
“If the PM was serious about protecting and respecting women, he would ask himself how a man fired following rape allegations could be allowed back into the building, and why so many people in his government did so little in response to an alleged rape of a staff member just metres from his office.”
Agencies confirm growing far-right threat
Australian Greens Anti-Racism spokesperson Senator Mehreen Faruqi has said that all key government agencies have indicated in initial PJCIS committee submissions that the threat of far-right extremism is growing.
However, the Greens say substantial policy change and political action is nowhere to be seen.
Senator Faruqi said:
“The unanimity of federal authorities on the growing threat of far-right extremism stands in sharp contrast to the dismissive rhetoric of Government MPs.
“The Liberals have completely failed here. Laws on extremist hatred must be strengthened and enforced. There are still no dedicated programs for tackling far-right extremism in the community, and no commitment to an anti-racism strategy or campaign.
“When MPs have their heads in the sand, or even tacitly endorse far-right ideas, it totally undermines the government’s response to this threat.
“The government was dragged into this inquiry kicking and screaming, and even deflected a clear-eyed focus on far-right extremism and white supremacy. Now they have to look at the evidence and respond accordingly.”