Police are appealing for assistance to find an 82-year-old woman who has gone missing from her home in the Hunter region.
Mrs Joy Morrow was last seen about 6.20pm (Sunday 8 November 2020), at her home in Abermain but has not been sighted since and officers from Hunter Valley Police District were alerted.
Mrs Morrow is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 152cm tall and 80kg with a solid build and short dark hair; she speaks with an Irish accent.
At the time she was wearing a multi-coloured shirt with ¾ sleeves, black skirt and slippers. She was walking with her 13-year-old Maltese terrier called Susie. Mrs Morrow may appear disoriented or confused.
A search of the area is now underway by local police with PolAir assisting.
Anyone who may have seen Mrs Morrow is urged to contact Muswellbrook Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
National Incident Centre: a year of continuous operation
For the first time in its history, Australia’s National Incident Centre (NIC) has been activated continuously for more than one year, working across Government to respond to unprecedented health emergencies faced by Australia and the world.
The NIC was activated in November 2019 in response to a measles outbreak in Samoa, and continued to act during the 2019–20 bushfires, the Whakaari Island volcano eruption and, most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic.
From December 2019 and into January 2020, the NIC was concurrently managing three different situations, also for the first time ever.
I want to thank all of the extraordinarily talented, dedicated and hardworking staff of the National Incident Centre over the past year. Led by the Department of Health, the staff have been drawn from across Government, including the ADF.
Their work around the clock allowed Australia to maintain an air bridge for critical and scarce global supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE) and test kits at a time of international shortage. The NIC has literally been the Operations Headquarters for Australia’s national response to the pandemic.
Never has the National Incident Centre been more important, and its worth is shown in the Medical Journal of Australia’s paper, which attributes the saving of 16,000 lives to the comprehensive and early nature of Australia’s response.
The staff of the NIC have embodied the concept of real and profound public service. We are fortunate to have had such a well-prepared and well-drilled centre as the NIC in place before the pandemic. We are even more fortunate to have such an extraordinarily capable and dedicated team to help save lives and protect lives across Australia.
As the Department of Health’s emergency operations centre, the NIC coordinates Australia’s health emergency response to national and international incidents. It is also the primary means of communication between the World Health Organization and Australia for public health events, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
A significant accomplishment was distributing millions of masks and other PPE from the National Medical Stockpile in response to the bushfires and COVID-19 to states and territories, aged care facilities, disability service providers and Primary Health Networks.
As part of the COVID-19 response, key staff from a range of agencies across the APS were seconded to help operate the NIC. At its peak, the NIC engaged more than 200 employees, including liaison officers from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australian Border Force and the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. Surge staff have included epidemiologists and analysts from the Department of Defence, the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment and the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
The NIC has also engaged in public information, community awareness and communications. The Australian Government has the strongest commitment to informing the community about the latest health advice and developments. This includes a national campaign, website, fact sheets, media liaison and social media.
The NIC was first formally activated for the SARS outbreak of 2003. It has since been activated for a range of emergencies including the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004, the Bali bombings of 2005, the H1N1 Pandemic in 2009, the Victorian bushfires of 2009, and the Christchurch earthquake of 2011.
I thank the hardworking public servants in the NIC, which will remain activated for as long as this national health emergency demands.
Missing man located – Lake Macquarie
A man reported missing from Lake Macquarie has been located safe and well.
The 59-year-old Macquarie Hills man was reported missing about 3.00am on Tuesday 3 November 2020 by members of his family.
About 10am today (Sunday 8 November 2020), police received notification from the man’s family that he had returned home.
Police would like to thank the public and the media for their assistance.
Driver charged after passenger killed in single-vehicle crash in Hunter
A driver has been charged after a passenger died in a single-vehicle crash in the Hunter region overnight.
Emergency services were called to Anambah Road at Rutherford, 8km north-east of Maitland, shortly after
9pm (Saturday 7 November 2020), after a Ford utility left the roadway and hit a guard rail.
The front passenger seat was thrown from the vehicle.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District attended and commenced inquiries.
The passenger, a 29-year-old man, was declared deceased at the scene.
The driver, a 33-year-old man, was arrested and taken to John Hunter Hospital for mandatory testing, before being taken to Maitland Police Station.
He was charged with dangerous driving occasioning death – drive manner dangerous, and negligent driving (occasioning death).
The man has been granted conditional bail to appear at Maitland Local Court on Wednesday 9 December 2020.
A report will be prepared for the Coroner.
Missing teen located – Lake Macquarie
A teenage boy reported missing from the Lake Macquarie area has been located safe and well.
The 16-year-old from Morisset was reported missing about 6.00pm on Friday 6 November 2020 by members of his family.
About 2.00pm today (Sunday 8 November 2020), police from Lake Macquarie Police District received notification from the boy’s family that he had found at a house in Dudley.
Police would like to thank the public and the media for their assistance.
Newcastle Art Gallery resumes tours and programs
Newcastle Art Gallery is set to reintroduce face-to-face educational programs and regular opening hours of 10am – 5pm Tuesday to Sunday as COVID-19 restrictions ease.
The Gallery will maintain its contact tracing systems, additional cleaning and will limit visitor numbers to adhere to physical distancing requirements and ensure a safe environment is maintained for all patrons.
Public programs, including Art Cart, will recommence from November 14 with a maximum capacity of 10 participants and their parent/guardian per session. Guided tours will also recommence with a limited capacity per group, facilitated by volunteer guides. See the website for session times and booking information.
Art Cart engages children with the exhibitions on display through discussion and art making. Led by Gallery educators, every weekend Art Cart engages with a different work of art on display, and the event is staged in the Gallery space as close as possible to the original work. Bookings are required as Art Cart will be initially returning every Saturday for two sessions and places will be limited.
Newcastle Art Gallery will continue to offer its digital programs. For more information, visit www.nag.org.au/home
Newcastle Art Gallery ready to rock with rare images of music royalty
Music lovers will be given a backstage pass to some of the biggest bands and gigs in the world when Newcastle Art Gallery showcases rarely seen and previously unreleased photographs of Australian and international musicians.
At a time when COVID-19 restrictions have seriously curtailed the slew of gigs usually packed into our summer music schedules, the Gallery is thrusting visitors into the thick of the action with its upcoming exhibition, WE CAN BE HEROES: a backstage pass.
From homegrown local musicians to international superstars, the exhibition showcases major acts from the 70s through to the contemporary heroes of today, including everyone from The Beatles, David Bowie and Iggy Pop, to Dave Grohl, Gang of Youths, Midnight Oil and Silverchair.
The images will also take audiences into the epicentre of festivals such as Austin City Limits, Big Day Out, and Lollapalooza, featuring the work of leading Australian music photographers including Charlie Hardy and Luke Kellett, who are both based in Newcastle, as well as Sydneysiders Maclay Heriot and Sophie Howarth.
The exhibition will also be supported with works of art drawn from the Newcastle Art Gallery collection.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the exhibition offered a window into the excitement and energy of live music.
“At a time when COVID-19 restrictions have changed the way we experience live music, this exhibition is a wonderful reminder of the joy of going to a gig and the memories that musicians create for their fans,” Cr Nelmes said.
Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton said the exhibition also showcased the amazing talents of the photographers who help preserve these moments in history.
“This major summer exhibition celebrates not only the connection and relationship between the photographer and their subject, it also showcases their incredible artistic talent in capturing unforgettable moments through rarely seen touring photos, unreleased press images and views from the stage that very few of us get to experience.”
Leading up to the exhibition, Newcastle Art Gallery put a call-out to Newcastle music fans to submit digital copies of posters from their favourite local gigs, with a selection to be included in the Gallery’s interactive smart space.
WE CAN BE HEROES: a backstage pass will run from 14 November 2020 – 14 February 2021 at the Newcastle Art Gallery.
Musicians featured in the exhibition:
Angus and Julia Stone, Baker Boy, Boy and Bear, Dave Grohl, David Bowie, Delta Riggs, DMA’s, Dr G Yunupingu, Flight to Dubai, Gang of Youths, Garbage, Grinspoon, Iggy Pop, Kira Puru, Kwame, Midnight Oil, Mo’Ju (formerly known as Mojo Juju), Nick Cave, Paul Dempsey, PJ Harvey, Powderfinger, Saltwater Band, San Cisco, Silverchair, Skeggs, The Beatles, The Jungle Giants, The Preatures, The Prodigy, Violent Soho, You Am I, plus more.
$250 MILLION PROGRAM CONFIRMS NSW AS JOBS CAPITAL
The NSW Government will encourage domestic and international business into NSW through payroll tax relief as part of a new $250 million Jobs Plus Program, which is part of the 2020-21 NSW Budget.
The Jobs Plus Program will support companies who want to relocate their head offices to NSW, or expand their jobs footprint in NSW.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the new Program would create or support up to 25,000 jobs to 30 June, 2022.
“The challenges NSW has faced as a result of the triple crises of drought, bushfires and COVID-19 have given us an opportunity to change our approach and refocus on creating jobs for the future,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“NSW is the nation’s economic powerhouse and Jobs Plus will entice top-performing companies from interstate and across the globe to NSW, and cements this State as the best place to do business in Australia.”
Under the Jobs Plus Program, the NSW Government will provide support to businesses if they create at least 30 new net jobs. Support will include:
- Payroll tax relief, up to a four-year period, for every new job created where a business has created at least 30 new net jobs;
- Assistance with the NSW planning system, including fast-tracked planning approval pathways and advice, plus guidance on appropriate site selection to increase speed to market;
- Partnering to develop subsidised training programs in order to build specialised skills aimed at sustaining these new jobs into the future. This includes funding to develop and deliver bespoke skills programs which can be accessed by the wider NSW community;
- Providing enabling infrastructure such as building local roads, access to utilities and future-proofed digital infrastructure.
- Access to a one-stop-shop Jobs Plus Concierge Service in government to help businesses efficiently navigate and access government agencies and programs; and
- Access to free or subsidised government spaces and accommodation.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the $250 million Program will reduce the cost of establishment, financial risk and speed to market for businesses looking to scale and grow in NSW.
“This is a clear signal to the private sector that NSW is the best place to invest and grow your business,” Mr Perrottet said.
“We are backing private and non-government sectors seeking to invest in job-creating projects, proposals and partnerships by supporting them throughout the critical stages of business development.”
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the proposals that will create jobs in growth industries or support technology and knowledge-based job creation could apply for a number of support measures.
“Jobs Plus is focused on bringing forward private sector investment and attracting new investors to NSW. Driving job creation in the non-government sector is critical to a successful COVID-19 recovery strategy,” Mr Ayres said.
“We want to make it clear to world-class multinational and domestic businesses that there is no better place in the world than NSW for them to set up, grow and create and sustain the jobs of the future.”
The Jobs Plus Program will commence 15 December 2020 and conclude on 30 June 2022.
$850 MILLION UNLOCKED FOR COUNCIL COVID-19 RECOVERY PROJECTS
The NSW Government has worked with councils to unlock $850 million worth of investment in local projects following changes to infrastructure contributions policy.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said 488 community projects had been identified by 15 councils with significant funds across Sydney, the Central Coast and the Hunter.
“We’ve cut red tape to give councils greater flexibility to pool contributions funds and invest them in vital local infrastructure immediately,” Mr Stokes said
“It means communities from Parramatta to Lake Macquarie and beyond will benefit from new and upgraded roads, parks and public spaces, community facilities and recreation centres.
It’s all part of the NSW Government’s ongoing work to create a better planning system while ensuring councils step up to the challenge of creating jobs and supporting the state’s economy during the pandemic.
Projects on the list identified by the 15 councils include:
- Bayside Council: $7.3 million for improvements to Arncliffe Town Centre;
- Fairfield Council: $3 million for the Fairfield showground redevelopment;
- Ku-ring-gai Council: $1.6 million for Stanley Street park in St Ives;
- Lake Macquarie City Council: $4.4 million for the Gymea Avenue and Myall Road intersection upgrade at Garden Suburb; and
- City of Parramatta: $4.8 million for Hill Road and Bennelong Road upgrades, bus shelters and upgrade to Haslam’s Creek Bridge.
“Councils also have access to a range of low cost loans and grant programs provided by the NSW Government which will help them to deliver infrastructure and drive investment to support the growth of local communities,” he said.
For more information and a list of participating councils visit https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/Local-infrastructure-contributions-policy
$56 MILLION FOR MORE PALLIATIVE CARE SUPPORTS
People approaching the end of life will have more choice to remain in their own homes for longer thanks to a $56 million funding boost included in the 2020-21 NSW Budget.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the funding is in addition to the $220 million the NSW Government invests in palliative care services each year to benefit patients and carers.
“The unprecedented situation with COVID-19 has shown all of us the importance of having frank end of life discussions with our vulnerable loved ones,” Mr Perrottet said.
“This investment will support individual preferences and improve access to palliative care services, as well as create more jobs for those working with palliative patients.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said, as part of the investment, an additional 5,000 End of Life home support packages will be made available across NSW from 1 July 2021.
“For many people, dying at home, or staying at home longer, offers more peace but it requires access to a comprehensive package of support for carers,” Mr Hazzard said.
“The NSW Government held roundtables across the state to inform our palliative care strategy and we continue to make good on our promise to provide integrated care.”
Mr Hazzard said the home packages not only offer case management but provide practical personal care and domestic supports, assistance with meals and transport.
Linda Hansen, Chief Executive of Palliative Care NSW said that quality palliative care requires a multi-disciplinary approach.
“This funding recognises the vital role of allied health professionals in supporting the physical and mental health needs of patients at this difficult time,” Ms Hansen said.
“Extending the program of in-home support will mean that more people will be able to achieve their goal of being cared for at home.”
The total funding boost includes:
- $30.4 million over four years to support multi-disciplinary approaches for end of life and palliative care to meet the needs of patients and their families and carers.
This includes:
- $4.5 million per year for up to 35 additional allied health professional positions such as occupational therapists, speech pathologists, dietitians and physiotherapists, to address patients’ physical health needs and to support safe discharge from hospital so that people can be cared for at home if they choose
- $1.2 million per year, from 2021/22 to implement education and training to develop and grow the specialist palliative care workforce, and enhance capability across the health workforce
- $2 million per year to improve access to bereavement and psychosocial support services for people experiencing complex grief
- $25.6 million over four years to increase End of Life home support packages across NSW, including:
- Case management and services such as; personal care, domestic supports, assistance with meals, in-home respite and transport to appointments.
- The new funding will supplement this program with an additional 5,000 packages.