Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon will spend the night sleeping in her car in Canberra after a fortnight in Federal Parliament. Canberrans are expecting a minimum overnight temperature of 3 degrees.
“The night is being run slightly differently this year as a result of COVID, with participants taking part from their cars, couches or backyards,” Ms Claydon said.
“The CEO Sleepout provides some insight into homelessness and demands that we focus on some of the issues that homeless people confront every day.”
Ms Claydon said the CEO Sleepout raises money for local Vinnie’s services providing food, accommodation, healthcare and support for people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness.
“Last year, the donations to the Newcastle CEO Sleepout delivered funding for the Matthew Talbot Centre in Wickham to employ a property officer and a specialist mental health worker to give people the assistance and support to successfully transition to the private rental market.
“The CEO Sleepout will deliver a concrete positive outcomes for our community in Newcastle. I’d encourage everyone to dig deep and support it.”
Ms Claydon said it was a national tragedy that more Australians are homeless than ever before.
“On any given night, close to 120,000 Australians will be homeless. For a wealthy country like Australia – that’s to our great shame.
“Stable and secure housing, is absolutely central to developing wellbeing in all areas of our lives.”
Ms Claydon commended the work of Vinnie’s and all frontline services working to help people facing homelessness, but said that governments need to do more.
“We’ve seen through the COVID-19 crisis that where there is genuine commitment, we can rapidly reduce the number of people sleeping on the streets, in cars, or on couches,” Ms Claydon said.
“Now we need to take that political will and commit to genuine long-term solutions to drive down homelessness.”
To support Sharon and donate to the CEO Sleepout, visit https://www.ceosleepout.org.au/fundraisers/sharon-claydon-sharon-claydon-mp/newcastle
Wanted man charged over alleged road rage incident – Newcastle
A man has been charged with outstanding warrants and firearm offences after a public-place shooting in Stockton earlier this month.
Just after 7pm on Tuesday 9 June 2020, police responded to reports of an alleged road-rage incident on Fullerton Street, Stockton.
Police have been told two vehicles – a blue SUV and a utility – were involved in a driving incident before the SUV driver allegedly produced a firearm and discharged it towards the utility.
The SUV was driven away, last seen turning onto King Street.
Following inquiries, officers from Newcastle City Police District, attended licenced premises on Maitland Road, Mayfield, and arrested a 31-year-old man at about 8.30pm yesterday (Tuesday 16 June 2020).
During a search of man, police located a sawn-off firearm and several rounds of ammunition.
He was taken to Newcastle Police Station, where he was charged with possess unregistered firearm-prohibited firearm, possess shortened firearm (not pistol) w/o authority, not keep firearm safely – prohibited firearm, possess ammunition without holding licence/permit/authority and for two outstanding warrants.
The man has been refused bail to face Newcastle Local Court today.
MORRISON GOVERNMENT VOTES AGAIN TO SLASH AUSTRALIA POST DELIVERIES
The Morrison Government has voted eight times over two days to slash Australia Post deliveries and threaten jobs and wages.
Today Labor Leader Anthony Albanese moved to disallow the Prime Minister’s regulations which cut the frequency of postie delivery rounds, extend mail delivery times for millions of Australians and put the jobs of up to one in four posties and many others at risk.
This follows Labor’s move to disallow the regulations on Friday.
Many Australians, including isolated, vulnerable and older Australians and those living in regional areas, rely on regular postal services.
The Prime Minister’s regulations rip away Australia Post services from Australians who need them most.
The Prime Minister has used the coronavirus pandemic as cover for an attack on essential services and frontline workers.
Labor considers the parcels boom an opportunity to preserve and create jobs — not cut them.
Cutting Red Tape by Modernising Business Communications and Improving Occupational Mobility
The Government today announced the next two priority areas for its Deregulation Taskforce, both of which will assist COVID-19 economic recovery by cutting red tape.
Modernising Business Communications
Commonwealth and state laws have not kept pace with the way Australians engage with digital communications and add compliance costs, for example, by mandating that businesses use certain methods of communicating or storing information – preventing them from using electronic delivery or adopting new technologies such as blockchain applications.
The Electronic Transactions Act 1999 (ETA) facilitates commerce by removing impediments to using electronic communications to satisfy legal obligations but, in the 20 years since its introduction, digital communication has proliferated while the number of exemptions, currently 147, has hardly changed. State and territory jurisdictions have similar ETAs, also with numerous exemptions.
The Taskforce will also examine other legislation which can be made technology neutral.
In order to reduce business costs and better reflect the way Australians want to engage and communicate, the Deregulation Taskforce will work with business and consumers to identify and address these issues, and with state and territory governments to explore complementary reforms.
Improving Occupational Mobility
Occupational licensing and registration requirements often vary across states and territories, which increases costs on business and workers who operate or move across Australia.
20% of workers in the economy are required to be licensed or registered, while there are in excess of 800 licenses in manual trades across states and territories.
The Deregulation Taskforce’s work area is aimed at cutting red tape by exploring greater mutual recognition of qualifications and improved information flows between jurisdictions.
State and territory Treasurers have written to the Commonwealth asking that the Deregulation Taskforce consider potential reforms to Australia’s mechanism for the mutual recognition of occupational licences.
The Government is seeking to partner with state and territory governments to progress this work.
This will let business access skilled workers more quickly and provide more opportunities for people such as builders, trades workers, and architects and engineers. It will also facilitate labour movement across borders in response to disasters, such as bushfires.
The work of the Deregulation Taskforce continues the Australian Government’s commitment to reducing red tape, to make it easier for businesses to invest and create jobs. Further information is available on the Deregulation Taskforce webpage.
Modernising Business Communications
Commonwealth and state laws have not kept pace with the way Australians engage with digital communications and add compliance costs, for example, by mandating that businesses use certain methods of communicating or storing information – preventing them from using electronic delivery or adopting new technologies such as blockchain applications.
The Electronic Transactions Act 1999 (ETA) facilitates commerce by removing impediments to using electronic communications to satisfy legal obligations but, in the 20 years since its introduction, digital communication has proliferated while the number of exemptions, currently 147, has hardly changed. State and territory jurisdictions have similar ETAs, also with numerous exemptions.
The Taskforce will also examine other legislation which can be made technology neutral.
In order to reduce business costs and better reflect the way Australians want to engage and communicate, the Deregulation Taskforce will work with business and consumers to identify and address these issues, and with state and territory governments to explore complementary reforms.
Improving Occupational Mobility
Occupational licensing and registration requirements often vary across states and territories, which increases costs on business and workers who operate or move across Australia.
20% of workers in the economy are required to be licensed or registered, while there are in excess of 800 licenses in manual trades across states and territories.
The Deregulation Taskforce’s work area is aimed at cutting red tape by exploring greater mutual recognition of qualifications and improved information flows between jurisdictions.
State and territory Treasurers have written to the Commonwealth asking that the Deregulation Taskforce consider potential reforms to Australia’s mechanism for the mutual recognition of occupational licences.
The Government is seeking to partner with state and territory governments to progress this work.
This will let business access skilled workers more quickly and provide more opportunities for people such as builders, trades workers, and architects and engineers. It will also facilitate labour movement across borders in response to disasters, such as bushfires.
The work of the Deregulation Taskforce continues the Australian Government’s commitment to reducing red tape, to make it easier for businesses to invest and create jobs. Further information is available on the Deregulation Taskforce webpage.
Vital Funding For Regional Airports
60 regional airports will receive a share of $41.2 million, in another step taken by the Federal Government to help Australia’s aviation industry get through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Regional Airports Program would assist the owners of regional airports to undertake essential works, promoting aviation safety and access for regional Australians.
“For our regional communities, the local airport is an essential link to the rest of Australia,” Mr McCormack said.
“The Government is investing in regional airports because we know this infrastructure is key to securing our regional aviation network now and into the post-COVID future.
“We are investing $100 million over four years from 2019-20 to 2022-23 to help owners of regional airports right across Australia deliver safer runways, taxiways and other safety upgrades such as new fencing and safety equipment.”
The Federal Government will work with successful recipients and communities under this round to deliver the funding needed to help support regional Australia’s post-pandemic recovery.
Examples of projects funded include:
- A $5 million runway upgrade at Ballarat Airport in Victoria
- $4.5 million for runway works at Merimbula Airport in New South Wales
- $2.45 million for runway and taxiway works at Whyalla Airport in South Australia
- $1.73 million for a range of work at Gladstone Airport in Queensland
- $1.66 million for re-surfacing works at Albany Airport in Western Australia
This funding is in addition to the Federal Government’s total package of support for Australia’s aviation industry of more than $1.2 billion.
For more information on the Regional Airports Program, visit https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/aviation/regional/rap.aspx
Help shape how we manage Newcastle’s rich heritage
Community members are invited to have their say on how to manage the city’s heritage assets and better recognise Newcastle’s Aboriginal history.
A rich portfolio of local conservation areas and buildings are noted for their character and heritage significance in The City of Newcastle Heritage Strategy.
An updated version, which is on public exhibition from today, places greater emphasis on Newcastle’s original inhabitants in guiding management of the city’s historical treasures over the next decade.
Highlighted are the Awabakal and Worimi people’s early encounters with European settlers and subsequent history of dispossession, as well as the reconciliatory 2016 recognition by the Geographical Names Board of eight places and landmarks with dual Aboriginal names.
“We are engaging with the local community and stakeholders to communicate our commitment to the protection, support and promotion of Newcastle’s heritage,” Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said.
Left: Toby CEDAR Op Nor Beizam (Shark Mask) White 2018 bamboo cane, twine, raffia, pearl shell, acrylic paint, feather 80.0 x 56.0 x 31.0cm Les Renfrew Bequest 2019 Courtesy the artist. In 2019-2020, 20 of 37 works purchased for the Newcastle Art Gallery collection were by Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander artists. This work was one of those acquisitions.
“Our city has a unique mix of heritage conservation areas, archaeological sites, heritage-listed buildings and places that are recognised and protected for their character and heritage significance.
“The Awabakal and Worimi peoples, descendants of the traditional owners of the land, have ties dating back tens of thousands of years, and this updated strategy better considers their ancient and ongoing connection as well as their hardships since settlement in an unvarnished history.
“This is important because Newcastle is home to one of Australia’s largest Aboriginal populations, a diverse community drawn from many language groups which identify with, foster and protect their distinctive cultures, beliefs and languages through connection to land and each other.
“The new strategy emphasises our rich Aboriginal and European heritage and the important role the City’s public exhibitions and performances play at our museum, art gallery, libraries and theatres, all of which celebrate our cultural heritage.”
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Joseph LYCETT Inner view of Newcastle c1818 oil on canvas 59.8 x 90.0cm Purchased with assistance from the National Art Collections Fund, London UK 1961 Newcastle Art Gallery collection.
The updated heritage strategy also builds on the Newcastle 2030 Community Strategic Plan (CSP).
“Through the CSP, the Newcastle community strongly expressed its wish for local heritage to be valued, enhanced and celebrated,” Councillor Winney-Baartz added.
“This heritage strategy allows Council to articulate a framework for achieving this vision, and to meet its statutory responsibilities.”
Community input will be considered when the draft Heritage Strategy 2020-2030 is finalised by Council later this year. Community members can review the draft strategy and have their say https://www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/Community/Get-Involved/On-Public-Exhibition from Monday 15 June to Monday 13 July.
Newcastle visitor economy receives a boost with the opening of a new Visitor Information Centre
City of Newcastle has opened its new Visitor Information Centre (VIC), offering hands-on interactive experiences, tourist information and unique souvenirs for those welcoming friends and family to the city.
Housed in the repurposed Civic Railway Station, the VIC is located in the heart of Newcastle’s emerging tourist hub, nearby the under-construction five-star Kingsley Hotel and a stone’s throw from the Civic Theatre, Civic Park, City Hall and Museum.
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Deputy Lord Mayor Cr Declan Clausen and Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes inside the new Visitor Information Centre.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the VIC was opening just in time to welcome visitors back to the city following the lifting of many of the COVID-19 travel restrictions.
“The June long weekend saw many travellers take advantage of the relaxed restrictions in what was the first opportunity to hit the open road in months,” the Lord Mayor said.
“The establishment of the Visitor Information Centre is another very visible step in the maturity of our city as a tourist destination. Pre-COVID-19 figures showed about five million tourists visit Newcastle each year, which is a rise of about 60% over the past five years. The value of the Newcastle tourism economy increased 57.6% to $1.127 billion in the 12 months to March 2019 alone.
“And with two five-star hotels now under construction and Newcastle Airport offering seasonal flights to New Zealand, the number of visitors is set to surge even further. More than 1.2 million passengers passed through the airport in the 2018-19 financial year.”
City of Newcastle’s new Visitor Information Centre will play a vital role in boosting the local tourism industry, which has been decimated by COVID-19, as appetite for travel grows stronger, particularly with the July school holidays just around the corner.
“We have already received an influx of enquiries from interested travellers whom we can’t wait to welcome to our beautiful city.”
Following the site’s exterior renovation by Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation, City of Newcastle undertook a full fit-out of the new VIC, including a hand-painted mural, incorporating a Welcome to Country in both Awabakal and Worimi languages, and a map of Newcastle printed on the vinyl floor.
As with all City of Newcastle services and facilities reopening, public health is paramount, and there is a COVID Safe Plan in place for the VIC’s operation that, in conjunction with physical distancing and hand hygiene practices, will ensure everyone can enjoy this new community space.
The Visitor Information Centre is conveniently located at the Civic light rail stop at 430 Hunter Street and will initially operate from 9.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday, and 10am to 2pm on Saturdays. Sunday operation will commence as demand increases and restrictions further ease. There are more than 300 parking spaces within a five-minute walk.
19 NEW AND UPGRADED SCHOOLS IN NORTH-WEST SYDNEY
Jordan Springs Public School is one of 19 new and upgraded schools being built in Sydney’s north-west, which has seen enrolments grow by 24 per cent over the last five years.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Education Minister Sarah Mitchell and Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres visited the $50 million Jordan Springs Public School that will open its doors to students next month.
“Even during a pandemic we have continued to build schools across NSW,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“No matter where you live or what your circumstances are, all students deserve access to world class education.
“In the last 18 months, we have already opened eight of the 19 schools being built in Sydney’s north-west and another three are scheduled to open early next year.”
Ms Mitchell said Jordan Springs Public School is one of several new schools being built using innovative technology.
“For the first time in NSW, we’re harnessing a new way of building schools. Ninety-five per cent of the school is constructed off site reducing the on-site build time to weeks,” Ms Mitchell said.
“The construction method will be used in select locations, meaning we can deliver new, high quality schools with minimal disruption to those communities.”
The construction model is currently being used for the new schools at Jordan Springs, on Farmland Drive near Alex Avenue at Schofields and in Catherine Field, Leppington and Wagga Wagga.
Mr Ayres said there is need for new schools in this area.
“The NSW Government is fast tracking infrastructure programs across the state,” Mr Ayres said.
“These projects will provide jobs and boost the economy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The new Jordan Springs Public School will provide 27 permanent classrooms, a school hall, a library, a covered outdoor learning area as well as administrative and staff facilities. It will have capacity for more than 1000 students.
The NSW Government is investing $6.7 billion over four years to deliver more than 190 new and upgraded schools to support communities across NSW. This is the largest investment in public education infrastructure in the history of NSW.
Eight schools already open in Sydney’s north-west:
- Claremont Meadows Public School (upgrade)
- Riverstone High School (upgrade)
- Quakers Hill East Public School (upgrade)
- Riverbank Public School (upgrade)
- Bella Vista Public School (new)
- North Rocks Public School (upgrade)
- Excelsior Public School (upgrade)
- North Kellyville Public School (new)
11 schools currently being built in Sydney’s north-west:
- Jordan Springs Public School (new) *students commence in Term 3
- Matthew Pearce Public school (upgrade)
- Castle Hill Public School (upgrade)
- Samuel Gilbert Public School (upgrade)
- Marsden Park new high school (new)
- Marsden Park new primary school (new)
- Alex Avenue new primary school (new)
- Glenwood High School (upgrade)
- John Palmer Public School (upgrade)
- Schofields Public School (upgrade)
- Tallawong new primary school (new)
FURTHER COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS SET TO EASE FROM 1 JULY
Restrictions imposed during COVID-19 will be further eased next month with strict social distancing rules, the NSW Government announced today.
From July 1, the new rules keeping the state COVID-Safe mean:
- The number of people allowed inside indoor venues will be determined by the ‘one person per 4 square metre’ rule, with no upper limit. This includes function centres. All activity must be seated only.
- Cultural and sporting events at outdoor venues with a maximum capacity of 40,000 will be allowed up to 25 percent of their normal capacity. Events must be ticketed and seated and follow strict guidelines.
- On compassionate grounds, restrictions on funerals will immediately be eased to allow the four square metre rule to apply.
- All other restrictions including 20 guests inside the home and 20 for outside gatherings remain the same.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said NSW was able to further ease restrictions due to the limited community transmission of COVID-19.
“The community has worked incredibly hard over the past few months which has allowed us to be where we are today,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“However we can’t let our guard down. People need to come forward for testing with the mildest of symptoms and practise good hand hygiene and social distancing.”
Deputy Premier John Barilaro, Treasurer Dominic Perrottet and Customer Service Minister Victor Dominello have consulted with peak business, industry and community bodies on the changes as part of the Government’s reopening strategy.
“We are keen to open the economy in a COVID-safe way. The government will also be considering solutions for smaller venues, particularly in regional NSW, where the 4m2 rule is not practical for small businesses,” Mr Barilaro said.
“The July 1 measures will allow vital community hubs in the regions to open, such as showgrounds, providing a big boost for communities many of which are still recovering from the devastating impacts of drought and the bushfires.”
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said rebooting these sectors of the economy was vital for the state’s economic recovery.
“We have made the investments needed in our health system and now we need to get our economy firing on all cylinders,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Allowing these centres, facilities and venues to safely open will provide a significant boost to the economy and help keep more people in jobs and businesses in business.”
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the government would be helping business and industry open safely through a variety of simple and easy to use tools through Service NSW.
“We recently launched the online COVID Safe Check, which is simple to use and helps businesses continue to build their hygiene and compliance plans by checking and testing their safety plans – more than 30,000 businesses have already downloaded a COVID Safety Plan template,” Mr Dominello said.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard urged the community to be mindful of their own health as well as the health and well-being of their families and fellow citizens.
“We still need to be vigilant because we have to assume the virus hasn’t gone, and there is no vaccine or treatment on the immediate horizon,” Mr Hazzard said.
“So I encourage people to go about their daily lives, enjoy playing sport or a night out visiting friends but do it in a COVID safe way – maintain physical distancing, good hygiene and if you feel unwell stay home and get tested.”
Music festivals and nightclubs will continue to remain closed in July as the Heath advice remains that these venues and activities pose a high risk of the virus spreading. It is anticipated that restrictions will be eased further in August if community transmission of the virus remains low.
For the latest information please go to nsw.gov.au/covid-19
Man charged over alleged historical child sex offences in Lake Macquarie
A man has been charged following an investigation into historic sexual assault offences in the Lake Macquarie region.
In January 2020, detectives from Lake Macquarie Police District established Strike Force Glenwarrie to investigate allegations of historic sexual and indecent assault offences against two juvenile boys in the 1990s.
Following extensive inquiries, detectives attended a facility at Silverwater and arrested a 62-year-old man about 11am today (Monday 15 June 2020).
He has since been charged with 15 offences including:
- Aggravated indecent assault – victim under the age of 16 years (x5)
- Commit act of indecency with person under 16 years
- Aggravated indecency – victim under 16 & under authority offender
- Aggravated sexual assault – victim under the age of 16 years (x5)
- Cause child under 14 to participate in child prostitution (x3)
Police will allege the man sexually and indecently assaulted two juvenile boys known to him on separate occasions in the 1990s at locations in Lake Macquarie and on the Mid North Coast.
The man was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court via AVL tomorrow (Tuesday 16 June 2020).
Investigations under Strike Force Glenwarrie are continuing.