Netball NSW welcomes today’s announcement from Sport’s Minister Geoff Lee that all community sport will return from July 1.
With over 115,000 participants across the state this development is not only vital to their health and well-being, but also to that of the local communities which are served by our Clubs and Associations.
Netball NSW would like to take this opportunity to thank the thousands of hardworking volunteer coaches, team managers and administrators across the state who have kept the game alive in the greatest challenge it has known.
We would also like to thank our Board, staff, corporate partners, media and all stakeholders who are highlighting the challenges community sport faces at this time as a result of the Covid19 pandemic.
While today’s news is a very welcome development it is important to note that road to recovery will be long and arduous.
It is vital that the NSW Government follows the lead of other States and Territories across Australia and provides a community sport assistance package to ensure no-one gets left behind.
The role that community sport will play in Australia’s emergence from the Covid19 Pandemic cannot be understated. Community sport provides a safe outlet which promotes health, well-being, teamwork and responsibility. These are all elements which bring communities together and create a better State in which to live.
With the Premier recently announcing the reallocation of the $800 million ANZ Stadium redevelopment fund to reboot the State’s economy, it is imperative that community sport is made a priority.
It is the grassroots, not billion-dollar TV-funded elite codes, which will ensure sport’s survival. They cannot be forgotten.
Author: admin
Teen missing from Port Stephens found at Katoomba
A teenager who went missing in the Port Stephens area has been found safe and well in the Blue Mountains.
The 13-year-old boy was last seen on the Pacific Highway, Heatherbrae, about 9.15pm yesterday (Tuesday 9 June 2020).
He was reported missing when he walked away from his mother and failed to return.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District attended and commenced an extensive search of the surrounding area with assistance from Police Rescue, Police Transport Command, the Dog Unit and the State Emergency Service.
Following inquiries and a public appeal, the teen was found after attending a high school on Martin Street, Katoomba, about 8.30am today (Wednesday 10 June 2020).
The boy is now in the care of relatives.
Police would like to thank the media and the community for their assistance.
Search continues for missing teen – Port Stephens
The search continues to locate a missing teenager in the Port Stephens area.
Darshan Sigel, aged 13, was travelling from the North Coast to the Blue Mountains with his mother, when they stopped in a carpark at the intersection of Pacific Highway and Masonite Road, Heatherbrae, for a rest about 8.30pm yesterday (Tuesday 9 June 2020).
Police were notified just after 10.30pm, after Darshan, who is on the Autism spectrum, walked off about 9.15pm and failed to return.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District attended; however, despite an extensive search of the area with the assistance of the Dog Unit, police have been unable to locate him.
The search is continuing with assistance from Police Rescue, Police Transport Command, the Dog Unit and the State Emergency Service today (Wednesday 10 June 2020).
Assistance has also been requested from PolAir, however, the search is being hampered by poor weather conditions.
Darshan is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180cm tall, of thin build, with blue eyes and sandy blonde hair.
He was last seen wearing a pink hooded jumper covered by a black jacket, black pants, and yellow shoes.
He was seen walking on the Pacific Highway at Heatherbrae and is known to like public transport.
Anyone who sights Darshan or has information about his whereabouts, is urged to contact Triple Zero (000) or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Appeal to locate missing teen – Port Stephens
Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a teenager missing in the Port Stephens area.
Darshan Siegel, aged 13, was travelling from Sydney to the north coast with his mother, when they stopped in a carpark at the intersection of Pacific Highway and Masonite Road, Heatherbrae, for a rest.
Police were notified just after 10.30pm (Tuesday 9 June 2020), after Darshan, who has Autism, walked off and failed to return.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District attended; however, despite an extensive search of the area with the assistance of the Dog Unit, police have been unable to locate him. Further resources are attending to assist with the search.
Darshan is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180cm tall, with a thin build, and sandy blonde hair.
He was last seen wearing a pink hooded jumper covered by a black jacket, black pants, and yellow shoes.
Anyone who sights Darshan or has information about his whereabouts, is urged to contact Triple Zero (000) 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 crime via NSW Police social media pages.
$24 million funding boost for additional mental health care at headspace
The Morrison Government is investing $24.2 million to reduce wait times – fast tracking access to mental health services for young people aged 12–25 seeking headspace appointments.
Mental health and suicide prevention remains one of our Government’s highest priorities.
One in four young Australians are affected by a mental health illness every year, and as we battle COVID-19 it’s more important than ever that we prioritise mental health.
The disruption to normal life caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the required restrictions has had profound impacts on young Australians.
Funding will go to Primary Health Networks (PHNs) in NSW, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, the ACT and headspace National.
Services provided through headspace centres are a safe place to turn to, somewhere young people can get professional help, peer support and feel comfortable enough to tackle their challenges in a way that is right for them.
headspace provides access to free or low cost youth-friendly, primary mental health services with a single entry point to holistic care in four key areas—mental health, related physical health, substance misuse, and social and vocational support.
Prior to the pandemic, headspace service centres were experiencing high demand across the country.
Our Government’s investment will ensure young Australians can get information, advice, understanding, counselling and treatment, when and where they need it.
Individual grants of up to $2 million will improve facilities, access and reduce waiting times at headspace services commissioned by PHNs.
The headspace Demand Management and Enhancement Program is an investment of $152 million over seven years from 2018-19 by the Morrison Government to reduce wait times at headspace services.
The headspace services which will receive funding through this grant opportunity are:
| State/Territory | headspace Service |
| New South Wales | Bankstown, Bondi Junction, Camperdown, Dubbo, Griffith, Hurstville, Lismore, Lithgow, Liverpool, Maitland, Miranda, Nowra, Orange, Penrith, Port Macquarie, Queanbeyan, Tamworth, Tweed Heads, Wagga Wagga and Wollongong |
| Victoria | Albury-Wodonga, Bairnsdale, Bendigo, Geelong, Greensborough, Shepparton, Werribee and Wonthaggi |
| Queensland | Bundaberg, Capalaba, Hervey Bay, Inala, Maroochydore, Nundah, Rockhampton, Southport, Townsville and Warwick |
| South Australia | Berri, Mount Gambier, Murray Bridge and Port Augusta |
| Tasmania | Hobart and Launceston |
| ACT | Canberra |
Our Government continues to demonstrate its firm commitment to the mental health and wellbeing of all Australians.
Children, young people and their families have been identified as a vulnerable population in the National Mental Health and Wellbeing Pandemic Response Plan.
We know this group will experience the impact of the social and economic outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic the most.
Through record investments in mental health services and support, the Morrison Government will invest an estimated $5.2 billion this year alone.
Since the beginning of the year, our Government has provided $8 billion as part of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) National Health Plan, which is supporting primary care, aged care, hospitals, research and the national medical stockpile.
This includes an additional $500 million for mental health services and support, including $64 million for suicide prevention, $74 million for preventative mental health services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and $48 million to support the pandemic response plan.
Extending the Instant Asset Write-Off
The Morrison Government continues to back small business with the announcement that it will extend the $150,000 instant asset write-off for six months to 31 December 2020.
Australian businesses with annual turnover of less than $500 million will be able to take advantage of this extended timeframe to invest in assets to support their business as the economy reopens and Coronavirus health restrictions continue to be eased.
These measures will support over 3.5 million businesses. They are designed to support business sticking with investment they had planned, and encouraging them to bring investment forward to support economic growth over the near term.
The instant asset write-off also helps to improve cash flow for businesses by bringing forward tax deductions for eligible expenditure. The threshold applies on a per asset basis, so eligible businesses can immediately write-off multiple assets provided each costs less than $150,000.
The extension will also give businesses additional time to acquire and install assets, as they will now have until the end of the year. Assets can be new or second hand and could include for example a truck for a delivery business or a tractor for a farming business.
Legislative changes will be made to give effect to this measure, which is estimated to have a cost to revenue of $300 million over the forward estimates period.
Hardworking Australian businesses can rest assured that the Morrison Government will do all that is necessary to support them to bounce back stronger and get to the other side of this crisis.
Community invited to have their say on Newcastle Harbour Foreshore
The community is invited to play a part in the revitalisation of the Newcastle Harbour Foreshore, which envelops Foreshore Park and the Joy Cummings Promenade in Newcastle’s iconic East End.
City of Newcastle today commenced community engagement on the Harbour Foreshore Masterplan, which will help shape the blueprint to reinvigorate this important community hub with an inclusive playspace and improved recreation opportunities between Merewether Street, Newcastle and Foreshore Park.
In addition to having their say through online information sessions and workshops, surveys and an online mapping tool, Novocastrians are encouraged to submit an application to join the Community Reference Group (CRG). The role of this group is to provide input on the project and achieve a shared, community-owned vision that respects the foreshore’s history and paves its future.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Expressions of Interest (EOIs) in the CRG were now open, marking a significant milestone.
“The Community Reference Group will play an important, collaborative role in shaping and informing community outcomes, offering valuable insights into how this space might be used,” the Lord Mayor said.
“Together we can transform the Harbour Foreshore into an even more liveable and accessible recreational space to enjoy all that our picturesque coastline has to offer, which is paramount as our City grows.”
The CRG will consist of community members and stakeholders, including, but not limited to:
- Residents;
- Families;
- Students;
- Businesses;
- Government bodies;
- Indigenous groups; and
- Accessibility advisories.
In conjunction with the Harbour Foreshore Masterplan, the City is working on the design of a ‘Variety Livvi’s Place’ inclusive playspace, for which Variety – The Children’s Charity has provided grant funding and will play a key part in its delivery.
“At Variety we believe that all kids deserve a fair go, including the ability to play,” Variety – the Children’s Charity NSW/ACT Inclusive Play Manager, Kim Becherand, said.
“Variety is proud to work alongside the City of Newcastle to create a truly inclusive playspace in the heart of Newcastle that will engage all children, parents, grandparents and friends in play. Variety Livvi’s Place playspaces are a key element of our broader mission to make sure no child misses out on what they need to join in and attain their full potential.”
Expressions of Interest in the Community Reference Group can be submitted via the City of Newcastle website. Submissions close on 26 June 2020.
LIBERALS HONOURED FOR SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY
The outstanding contributions to our community by NSW Liberal Party members were recognised in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours List.
The Hon Tony Abbott has been recognised with the Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) for his eminent service to the people and Parliament of Australia, particularly as Prime Minister, and his significant contributions to trade, border control, and to the Indigenous community.
Tony represented the people of Warringah for a quarter of a century, and has contributed to Australian public debate and discourse for even longer. Whether as the Member of Parliament, a Cabinet Minister in the Howard Government, Leader of the Parliamentary Liberal Party and the 28th Prime Minister of Australia, Tony’s deep commitment to public service and his determination to protect and advance the Australian way of life were unwavering.
The Hon Mike Baird has been made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for his distinguished service to the people and Parliament of New South Wales, particularly as Premier, and to the community. Following his election as Member for Manly in 2007, Mike was appointed to the Shadow Ministry, serving in a number of portfolios including Finance and Treasury. After the 2011 landslide election victory, he served as the Treasurer before being elected Leader of the Parliamentary Liberal Party and sworn in as the 44th Premier of New South Wales in 2014. Mike led the Liberal Party to victory at the 2015 state election, and served as Premier until his retirement from parliament in 2017. He was made a Life Member of the Liberal Party of Australia the same year.
The Hon Bronwyn Bishop has been made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to the Parliament of Australia, to the people of New South Wales, and to women in politics. Bronwyn is one of only a few people to have represented the people of this state in the Senate and the House of Representatives, as the Member for Mackellar. In her parliamentary career spanning almost three decades, Bronwyn served as a Shadow Minister, a Minister in the Howard Government and as Speaker of the House Representatives. A Member of the Liberal Party for some 60 years, Bronwyn has served in a range of elected positions, including as Metropolitan Vice-President from 1982 to 1985 and State President of our Division from 1985 to 1987.
The Hon Philip Ruddock has also been made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for his distinguished service to the people and Parliament of Australia, and to local government. During a parliamentary career of more than four decades, Philip served as a Shadow Minister, a Cabinet Minister in the Howard Government and later, as Chief Government Whip in the Abbott Government. At the time of his retirement from federal politics, Philip was the ‘Father of the Parliament’ and remains the second longest serving Member of the Australian Parliament since Federation.
Philip has continued to serve his local community, as the popularly elected Mayor of Hornsby Shire Council. Also a Member of the Liberal Party for some 60 years, Philip was President of the NSW Young Liberal Movement, Federal Chair of the Young Liberal Movement of Australia, and has been the State President of the NSW Division since 2018.
The work of NSW Liberal Party’s Country Vice President Aileen MacDonald was also recognised with an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for service to the community of Guyra. Her award recognises years of dedicated service to her local community, organisations like the Rotary Club and the local Chamber of Commerce, and for the Liberal Party.
NSW Liberal Party State Director, Chris Stone, congratulated the recipients on behalf of all Party members.
“We owe a great debt of gratitude to Tony, Mike, Bronwyn, Philip and Aileen for their service. Their membership of our great Party, and immeasurable contribution to its continued success, is a particular point of pride for all of us,” said Mr Stone.
“We would like to offer our sincere congratulations to them and all other Australians whose outstanding service to our state and our nation have earned them recognition in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours List.”
Charges laid over alleged online threats – Belmont
Detectives have charged a man in the state’s Lake Macquarie region following investigations into alleged threats made online.
On Sunday (7 June 2020), detectives from the Fixated Persons Investigated Unit commenced an investigation, following reports a 49-year-old man had received threatening messages online.
Following inquiries, investigators executed a search warrant at a home at Belmont about 3.30pm yesterday (Monday 8 June 2020).
During the search, detectives located cannabis, medication without a prescription, two gel blasters and ammunition.
These items were seized to undergo forensic examination.
A 25-year-old man was arrested at the home and taken to Belmont Police Station.
He was charged with use carriage service to threaten to kill, possess prohibited drug, possess prescribed restricted substance, possess unauthorised firearm, and possess unauthorised prohibited firearm.
The man was granted strict conditional bail and is due to appear at Belmont Local Court on Monday 20 July 2020.
City’s libraries set to reopen
Plans for a staged reopening of Newcastle’s libraries will progress from 15 June after home library services resumed last week.
“The City has developed a staged approach to reopening our libraries’ doors to its members that prioritises public and employee safety,” Manager Libraries and Learning Suzie Gately said.
“We’ll start with reopening the Newcastle and Wallsend branches to library members on 15 June, limiting the number of customers inside to allow for social distancing and we will monitor browsing and attendance time using a ‘Library Express’ model.”
“We have modified our opening schedule to allow for adequate cleaning of the facilities. The City’s libraries have also expanded their online offerings during the COVID-19 pandemic which has led to an increase in downloads of the Library app of 233 per cent. Our expanded online program will continue.”
The Libraries’ membership has increased by more than 1,000 during the pandemic to 93,640 after the City invested $60,000 in 5,800 additional e-book and audiobook titles, plus a new video streaming platform ‘Medici TV’.
This follows a 213 per cent increase in usage of an online learning package offered through Newcastle Libraries, with 2,291 sessions streamed free of charge in April alone.
The Library has continued to engage its audience through 52 online programs such as Facebook Live story times, stop motion Lego clubs, kids online crafternoons, podcasts, author talks and creative workshops.
In May, almost nine hours of video content was published and more than four hours of Facebook Live kids’ programs were delivered receiving 11,433 views during the month.
Newcastle Museum will reopen to the public on 23 June, however the facility’s interactive attractions will remain closed for safety in line with State guidelines.
Blackbutt Reserve’s animal exhibit boardwalk reopened last week.