Labour force figures released today by the ABS exceeded all market expectations in December 2019, with seasonally adjusted employment rising by 28,900 over the month, to stand at a record high of 12,981,600.
Over the year to December 2019, employment has risen by 262,500 (or 2.1 per cent), above the decade average growth rate, of 1.8 per cent.
Seasonally adjusted full-time employment is now at 152,700 (or 1.8 per cent), which is higher than it was a year ago.
Full-time employment has comprised 58.2 per cent of total employment growth over the last year.
Part-time employment rose by 29,200 in December and is now 109,900 (or 2.7 per cent) higher than it was a year ago.
The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell by 0.1 percentage points over the month, to 5.1 per cent in December 2019.
The participation rate was steady in December 2019, at 66.0 per cent, but is 0.3 percentage points higher than it was a year ago.
The Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, welcomed today’s positive figures and noted that while labour force figures can jump around from month-to-month, a total of 1,505,400 jobs had been created since the Government came to office, an increase of 13.1 per cent.
“The Government is also facilitating a record infrastructure spend, which will help create tens of thousands of jobs across the country and also has a plan to create 80,000 apprenticeships,” the Minister stated.
“Today’s data continue to reflect the underlying strength and resilience of the Australian labour market and highlight the success of the Government’s efforts to stimulate ongoing, sustainable jobs growth, even in the face of significant global and domestic headwinds,” the Minister said.
CORRECTIVE SERVICES NSW STAFF HONOURED ON AUSTRALIA DAY
The outstanding service of four Corrective Services NSW officers at Long Bay, Goulburn, Leichhardt and Silverwater has been recognised in this year’s Australia Day Honours List.
The Australian Corrections Medal was awarded to Jean Dally, Rebecca Edwards, Amandeep Singh and Albert Torrens for their distinguished service and leadership.
Minister for Counter Terrorism and Corrections Anthony Roberts congratulated the four officers for their commitment to making the community safer.
“These officers should be very proud to be the recipients of this prestigious medal and I thank them for their service to NSW,” Mr Roberts said.
“Corrections is a challenging area to work in, and a difficult one, but these officers have shown true leadership, hard work and a strong motivation to make our communities safer and reduce reoffending.”
CSNSW Commissioner Peter Severin said the four officers inspired others.
“Jean, Rebecca, Amandeep and Albert are great representatives of Corrective Services NSW and we are proud to have them working for us,” Mr Severin said.
“They demonstrate all the best traits of correctional officers and provide a good role model to other staff. They are also doing their best to improve practices at the department and the rehabilitation prospects of offenders.”
The Australian Corrections Medal for distinguished service and leadership was introduced in 2018 and is awarded in the Australia Day and Queen’s Birthday Honours lists. The four recipients will be invested with their medals at NSW Government House in May.
Regional Support Manager Jean Dally, Offender Services and Programs, Goulburn
Ms Dally joined Corrective Services NSW in 2004 and has been pivotal in providing services and programs in custody and the community, which support behavioural change in offenders.
She has been vital to developing programs for young offenders, ensuring access to specialist services, particularly for those with medical or mental health issues.
She has also established relationships with local agencies to deliver best practice programs and support services for inmates pre-release.
She was instrumental in the development and implementation of the structured day routine to ensure offenders have daily access to programs, education and industries to reflect their case plans.
Ms Dally’s commitment and dedication to assisting offenders with complex needs involves travelling to 15 correctional centres and 25 Community Corrections offices across the state.
“This medal definitely does make me feel proud, but also humbled and surprised that I’m recognised for the work I do. It’s more than a just a job for me – I enjoy my work so much and every day is exciting, challenging, rewarding and actually enjoyable,” Ms Dally said.
Rebecca Edwards, Acting Manager of Governance and Compliance – Security and Intelligence, Silverwater
Ms Edwards joined CSNSW in 2005 and has worked at Silverwater Women’s and Dawn De Loas correctional centres.
She later joined the Corrections Intelligence Group with her work involving the management of Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMCG) offenders, who have been identified as a significant risk to the security of NSW prisons. Her efforts have contributed to reducing the risk of incidents at CSNSW locations and the community.
The management of OMCG members in custody and the community requires a unique knowledge, not only of a correctional environment, but also of the highly complex nature of these gangs.
Through her work, she has established and strengthened relationships with law enforcement bodies, which have contributed to a safer community.
Ms Edwards said she was “honoured and humbled” to receive the Australian Corrections Medal.
“None of this would’ve been possible without the commitment, dedication and support of those who worked in this field before me, and for my team members past and present who share the drive and passion to do our bit to disrupt gang activity,” Ms Edwards said.
“I’ve been very fortunate to work alongside people who’ve worked tirelessly to detect and disrupt gang activity, as well as managing the threats from all crime types. I am inspired by those who think outside the box and seek real life solutions in this field.”
Amandeep Singh, First Class Correctional Officer, Long Bay
Mr Singh joined CSNSW in 2014 and currently works at the Metropolitan Special Programs Centre at Long Bay. His job involves managing inmates and working at the reception desk at the internal visits centre.
During his own time he designed a user-friendly computer dashboard application, to assist staff in performing their daily duties.
The dashboard provides direct links to current policy and procedures, and templates and forms, regularly used by custodial staff and business partners.
The dashboard application is now being rolled out to other centres across the state, allowing staff to focus on business-as-usual operations and perform their duties more effectively.
Mr Singh continues to liaise with individual correctional centres to establish programs tailored to their specific needs to improve outcomes for Corrective Services NSW.
Mr Singh said: “I feel honoured. I wasn’t expecting this. I share this award with my team.”
Albert Torrens, Aboriginal Client Service Officer, Leichhardt
Mr Torrens joined CSNSW as an Aboriginal Client Service Officer in 2000 and has been instrumental in developing Community Corrections engagement models with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island offenders and their families.
The Bundjalung man has been a tireless advocate and champion of Community Corrections within the community and shows dedication and commitment to reducing recidivism and improving outcomes for Aboriginal offenders.
He is an acknowledged subject matter expert on engaging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander offenders, and their families, and his use of culturally appropriate methods is significant.
In 2002 he was involved in the implementation of the ‘Walking Together Program’ aimed at addressing Aboriginal offenders’ criminogenic needs within a culturally appropriate setting.
He also was pivotal in rebuilding relationships with the criminal justice community and the Aboriginal community following the Redfern Riots in 2004.
Mr Torrens said of receiving the medal: “I feel elated. It was a bit of a surprise. I am trying to reduce recidivism. It’s my hope that one day we come close to really driving it down.”
POLICE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES RECOGNISED IN AUSTRALIA DAY HONOURS
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott has today congratulated 21 first responders recognised in the 2020 Australia Day Honours.
Eight NSW Police officers have been awarded the Australian Police Medal, one NSW Police civilian employee has been awarded the Public Service Medal, six Rural Fire Service members and three Fire and Rescue personnel have been awarded the Australian Fire Services Medal, while three members of the State Emergency Service and Volunteer Rescue Association have received the Emergency Services Medal.
Mr Elliott said the men and women on this year’s Honours List exemplified the Australian values of mateship and community service.
“Over the past few weeks and months, the community has seen more of our heroes in Police and Emergency Services than they have ever seen before,” Mr Elliott said.
“It’s been a horror bushfire season and as a community we are grieving for the lives, homes and memories that have been taken away from us.
“But today is a day to recognise the service and sacrifice of the men and women who well and truly stepped up to the plate and put the safety of others before their own.
“It is also a day to pause and reflect on those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
“To the families of the fallen, both in NSW and in the United States our message is this: thank you – thank you for raising and supporting the kind of people who put others first in our darkest hour.
“On behalf of the NSW Government, I’d like to thank all of our police officers and emergency services personnel and volunteers, and reiterate our commitment to providing them with resources they need to keep communities across NSW safe.”
Australian Police Medal Nominees:
Detective Superintendent Anthony Cooke, St George PAC
Detective Superintendent David Darcy, Northern Beaches PAC
Detective Superintendent Gavin Wood, Sydney City PAC
Detective Superintendent Kerrie Lewis, Campsie PAC
Detective Superintendent Peter McKenna, Orana Mid-Western PD
Superintendent Daniel Sullivan, Lake Macquarie PAC
Detective Chief Inspector Robert Allison, St George PAC
Sergeant John Rayment, Burwood PAC
Public Service Medal Nominees:
Mr Christopher Beatson
Australian Fire Services Medal Nominees:
RFS Group Captain Robert Graham, Goolmangar Rural Fire Brigade
Group Captain Raymond Hill, Curlwaa Rural Fire Brigade
RFS Group Captain John Stuckings, Gidgell Rural Fire Brigade
RFS Captain Michelle Thornley, St Georges Basin Rural Fire Brigade
RFS Group Captain Owen Tydd, Kelvin Rural Fire Brigade
RFS Deputy Captain Graham Williams, Sussex Inlet Rural Fire Brigade
FRNSW Chief Superintendent Brett Davies, Green Point
FRNSW Captain John Bevan, Lightening Ridge
FRNSW Station Officer Dawn Maynard, Port Macquarie
Emergency Services Medal Nominees:
Ms Allison Flaxman, NSW SES, Penrith
Mr Warren Turner, NSW SES, Burradoo
Mr Richard Rooke, NSW VRA, Wagga Wagga
NSW GOVERNMENT WEEKLY UPDATE – 24 JANUARY 2020
NSW BUSHFIRE RELATED UPDATES
NEW ONE-STOP SHOP CUSTOMER CARE SPECIALISTS FOR BUSH FIRE AFFECTED COMMUNITIES
- Bush fire affected families and businesses can now access all available assistance being offered by local councils, the State Government and Federal Government, through the NSW Government’s new Bush fire Customer Care program.
- The one-stop shop service, administered by Service NSW, connects affected people with a Customer Care specialist, who can check their eligibility for assistance and help them access it.
- The Customer Care specialists will operate like case managers and connect bush fire affected customers with services and support information including:
- Accommodation advice;
- Relevant charitable services;
- Mental health and wellbeing services;
- Support for businesses;
- Clean-up services;
- Financial assistance;
- Insurance and legal support;
- Replacing lost ID; and
- Volunteer RFS and SES payments.
- To connect with a Customer Care specialist call Service NSW between 7am and 7pm on 13 77 88. The Contact Centre hours have been extended to include weekends while communities recover.
DOORS OPEN FOR $75,000 PRIMARY PRODUCER GRANT
- Primary producers affected by bush fires can now apply for a Special Disaster Grant of up to $75,000 to help pay for recovery costs.
- The Special Disaster Grant is administered through the NSW Rural Assistance Authority (RAA) and available to eligible, fire-affected primary producers within Category C declared Local Government Areas (LGAs) since 31 August 2019.
- To apply for the Special Disaster Grant visit www.raa.nsw.gov.au or call 1800 678 593 to speak to the RAA. Service NSW Service Centres are able to assist producers with information.
PROTECTING BUSHFIRE VICTIMS FROM UNLICENSED BUILDERS
- The NSW Government is taking action to protect bushfire victims from unlicensed builders performing illegal work.
- In NSW, tradespeople need a licence for any residential building work valued at more than $5,000, and all specialist work regardless of the value.
- The Government has made it easy to know whether someone is qualified or not by developing an online licence check tool, so be vigilant, verify their licence, ask for references and request a written contract for any work over $1,000.
- To check the licence of a NSW tradesperson, please visit http://bit.ly/NSWLicenceCheck.
NSW GOVERNMENT BUY REGIONAL CAMPAIGN EXPANDED TO HELP BUSH FIRE AFFECTED BUSINESSES
- Shoppers wanting to directly support businesses in towns impacted by bushfire or drought can connect with sellers via the NSW Government’s Buy Regional webpage, which is now taking new business listings after delivering substantial sales in the lead up to Christmas.
- Business owners in both bushfire and drought affected areas across regional NSW can register for free by visitingwww.nsw.gov.au/buyregional, which currently has more than 350 businesses listed and 435,000 page views.
- Buy Regional features links to charity organisations and advocate partners such as Buy from the Bush, Thankful4Farmers and One Day Closer To Rain.
BUSHFIRE DISASTER STATE MEMORIAL
- A State Memorial for those impacted by the recent bushfires to be held on Sunday, 23 February at Qudos Bank Arena at Sydney Olympic Park.
- The event will give members of the public from across NSW an opportunity to come together to recognise the lives lost, the sacrifices made and to think of those directly impacted by the fires.
- There will be a separate opportunity to formally thank volunteers and emergency services workers in the near future.
FUTURE OF SOUTH WEST SLOPES FORESTRY INDUSTRY STRONG WITH BUSH FIRE RECOVERY OPERATIONS UNDERWAY
- The SW Slopes forestry industry has begun salvage operations in burnt softwood plantations, with most of the merchantable burnt timber expected to be recoverable over the coming year.
- Salvageable pine trees need to be harvested within around 12 months, however finished product can be stored for years under the correct conditions.
- For more information please visit www.forestrycorporation.com.au.
OTHER NSW GOVERNMENT UPDATES
NSW GOVERNMENT INVESTS $42 MILLION TO LOWER IVF COSTS
- Women seeking fertility treatment can now apply for a $500 rebate under the NSW Government’s $42 million election commitment to cut costs for IVF services.
- The NSW Government is also expanding publicly supported IVF services in three public hospitals, making fertility treatment much more affordable for up to 6,000 women.
- For more information go to www.health.nsw.gov.au/affordable-ivf.
PLANS UNVEILED FOR THE FUTURE OF BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION
- Dodgy developments will be a thing of the past under NSW Government plans that will see the implementation of ratings systems for professionals in the building industry and strong new powers to prevent occupation certificates from being issued on suspect developments.
- The new rating system will help the building regulator determine who the risky players are in the industry and prevent dodgy apartments from being sold to unexpecting buyers
- The changes form part of the NSW Building Commissioner’s work plan which, for the first time, outlines publicly how the government plans to overhaul the building and construction industry in NSW under Six Reform Pillars.
- The six reform pillars cover legislation and regulations changes, ratings systems, improving skills within the industry, ensuring contracts help meet standards, digitising the industry and establishing NSW as a leader in modern construction methods.
EXPERT PANEL ANNOUNCED FOR REGIONAL ROADS RECLASSIFICATION
- The NSW Government has established an expert panel to identify up to 15,000 kilometres of council-managed roads in rural and regional areas to hand back to the state, easing the burden on local ratepayers.
- The Panel will conduct a review of the road classification framework and recommend roads for transfer to the State Government.
- The Panel is expected to meet this month and will prepare a discussion paper and consultation strategy for public release shortly afterwards.
- The draft Terms of Reference will be distributed directly to councils for their consideration and feedback.
MORE ENROLMENTS THAN EVER BEFORE IN 2020
- Public schools across the State will open their doors to the largest cohort of students ever recorded on Day 1, Term 1 this year
- Approximately 497,000 primary school students and 318,000 high school students are enrolled so far for 2020, with 71,000 alone starting kindergarten.
- The NSW Government is rolling out the largest ever investment in public education in the history of NSW, with $6.7 billion over four years to deliver 190 new and upgraded schools, $1.3 billion on school maintenance over five years and $500 million to provide schools across the State with new air conditioning.
- The Government will continue preparing for growing enrolments over the coming years, with more than 130,000 extra students expected to be in NSW public schools by 2036.
Woman charged twice with high-range PCA offences on Australia Day – Operation Safe Return
Police are continuing to see risky-driver behaviour on Day 3 of Operation Safe Return with one woman stopped twice by police and charged with successive high-range PCAs and another allegedly caught drink-driving with a child in the car.
The high-visibility policing operation began on Friday (24 January 2020) and concludes at 11.59pm tonight (Monday 27 January 2020) and is targeting drink-and-drug-driving among other poor driving behaviour.
About 6.50am (Sunday 26 January 2020), police stopped a black Toyota Aurion on James Street, Redfern and subjected the 26-year-old female driver to a roadside breath test, that returned a positive result.
The woman allegedly returned a breath analysis reading of 0.163. Police also observed three young adult passengers inside the vehicle, despite the woman holding a P1 licence.
Her licence was suspended, and she was issued a Field Court Attendance Notice for high-range PCA and an infringement notice for not display P-plates.
Just before 7.30am on the same morning, police observed the 26-year-old woman driving southbound on Regent Street, Redfern. She was stopped and participated in a second roadside breath test that allegedly returned a positive result.
She was arrested and taken to Mascot Police Station where a subsequent breath analysis allegedly returned a reading of 0.153.
The woman was charged with drive with high-range PCA (second offence) and drive motor vehicle while licence suspended.
She was granted conditional bail and is due to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on Monday 2 March 2020 for all charges.
Later in the day at 11.25am, officers attached to Traffic and Highway Patrol Command were conducting stationary road side breath testing on New South Head Road, Bellevue Hill when they stopped a 49-year-old woman driving a Range Rover SUV with a 5-year-old passenger inside.
The woman, from Potts Point, was after returning a positive result to roadside breath test. She was taken to Waverley Police Station where she underwent a breath analysis which allegedly returned a reading of 0.086.
She was issued with a Future Court Attendance Notice for mid-range PCA to appear at Waverley Local Court on Tuesday 18 February 2020.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy, reminds the public that this type of driving behaviour will not be tolerated by police.
“It is alarming to see the number of people getting behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol, endangering not only themselves but their passengers and other people on the road.
“Do not make the mistake of pushing yourself while driving over the weekend. Know your limit, take your time, take a break and look after people around you.”
Other items of interest on day three (Sunday 26 January 2020) of Operation Safe Return include;
- Around 3.30am, police stopped a 41-year-old woman on Parkes Street in Wellington, near Dubbo, where she participated in a roadside breath test, returning a positive reading. She was arrested and taken to Wellington Police Station where a breath analysis returned a reading of 0.214. She will be issued a Court Attendance Notice and appear at Dubbo Local Court on a later date.
- At 5.30pm, a 37-year-old man was observed failing to stop at a stationary roadside breath test on Henry Lawson Drive, Georges Hall. He was stopped by police nearby on Haig Avenue and submitted to a roadside breath test that returned a positive reading. He was arrested and taken to Bankstown Police Station where a breath analysis allegedly returned a reading of 0.210. He was issued a Future Court Attendance Notice to appear at Bankstown Local Court on Thursday 27 February 2020.
- At 5.30pm, a 21-year-old man with a UK driver’s licence was stopped for a roadside breath test on Bessemer Street, Mittagong where he allegedly returned a positive result. He was taken to Southern Highlands Police Station where he allegedly returned a breath analysis reading of 0.253. He was issued a Field Court Attendance Notice for drive with high-range PCA and will appear at Moss Vale Local Court on Tuesday 3 March 2020.
Key statistics (progressive total):
Speed infringements: 3,164
Breath tests: 141,974
PCA charges: 214
Major crashes: 217
Fatalities: 2
Appeal for information after elderly couple assaulted – Scone
Police are appealing for public assistance as investigations continue into an assault on an elderly couple in the state’s Hunter Valley region yesterday.
About 10pm (Sunday 26 January 2020), a man and woman – aged 84 and 86 – were putting rubbish in the bin outside their home on Guernsey Street, Scone, when an unknown woman began verbally abusing them from across the road.
The woman then crossed the road and assaulted the pair – the man was punched to the ground and kicked in the head and body and the woman was pushed to the ground – before fleeing the scene on foot.
They were treated at the scene before being taken to Maitland Hospital in a stable condition suffering cuts, grazes and bruising.
Officers from Hunter Valley Police District have commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Investigators are urging anyone who may have information, dashcam footage or CCTV from the area and its surrounds to contact Muswellbrook Police Station on (02) 6542 6999 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Inquiries continue.
Australia Day award winners honoured
A dedicated and passionate community fundraiser has been named City of Newcastle’s 2020 Citizen of the Year.
Michelle Faithfull coordinates the highly successful Hunter Homeless Connect Day, which links people experiencing homelessness and those at risk of it with essential services, helpful advice and other assistance.
Michelle Faithfull coordinates the highly successful Hunter Homeless Connect Day, which links people experiencing homelessness and those at risk of it with essential services, helpful advice and other assistance.
The annual event has connected thousands of people with accommodation and housing providers, health and wellbeing services, legal and financial assistance, employment, study, and general support.
Faithfull, from Bar Beach, also organises the annual all-women ‘Divas on the Green’ golf day at Merewether Golf Club for Westpac Rescue Helicopter and Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2020.
Over the past decade, she has raised $180,000 for local charities, including more than $90,000 for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, almost $65,000 for the Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation and $20,000 for the new Ronald McDonald House Family Room at John Hunter Hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit. This amazing effort followed earlier volunteer work for children’s charities in the Hunter with which she felt aligned, following a personal tragedy.
“Losing my first-born daughter Jessica over 30 years ago at four months of age opened my eyes to the importance of community and supporting each other,” Ms Faithfull said.
“Bringing people together for a common cause has certainly become a passion of mine, and apart from honouring my daughter’s legacy, it has taken me on the most amazing journey of connection.
“The people of Newcastle have been very supportive of my activities here over the years and I am absolutely honoured to receive this award in a community I adore. I hope that I can inspire others to bring their communities together, because the rewards are priceless.”
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Faithfull’s commitment to improving the lives of others had earned her the City’s top Australia Day honour at today’s Civic Theatre citizenship ceremony.
“Until today, Michelle was one of Newcastle’s unsung heroes, so the City of Newcastle is thrilled to recognise her tireless efforts to assist those in our community who are doing it tough,” the Lord Mayor said.
“Michelle embodies everything that is good about the human spirit. Resolutely committed to improving the lives of others, she has contributed to many great organisations including Westpac Rescue Helicopter, Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation, Hunter Homeless Connect, Vinnies, Got Your Back Sista, Ronald McDonald House, Hunter Medical Research Institute, CanTeen, Camp Quality and the Starlight Foundation.
“The Citizen of the Year award is a fitting honour for her dedication to bettering our society and I hope the recognition helps her continue that endeavour.”
The City’s 2020 Young Citizen of the Year has been instrumental in the national Student Strike 4 Climate (SS4C) action.
New Lambton High’s Alexa Stuart, 16, has collaborated with peers, senior climate campaigners and SS4C’s national organising team since attending her first rally as a 15-year-old in 2018.
Alexa Stuart and the Lord Mayor.
The Year 11 student has variously liaised with police, spoken with media, delivered speeches, created banners and performed all manner of tasks behind the scenes to promote the SS4C movement.
“Alexa is an inspiring young person who has maintained excellent academic grades while leading her peers amid the climate emergency that the recent bushfires have brought to national and world prominence,” the Lord Mayor said.
“At such a young age she has represented the SS4C at meetings with local members of parliament, unions, university staff, local businesses, and spoken about climate change at her High School and local church.
“At last September’s global strike she gave an inspiring speech in front of 10,000 people and has played a major role in writing the national SS4C constitution.”
Newcastle Pride, the organisers of the highly successful Newcastle Pride Festival, was named the Community Group of the Year.
After two instalments of their annual event, which the City of Newcastle sponsors, Newcastle Pride will move to develop a Youth Pride Tribe this year to focus on events for LGBTIQ young people, featuring a 2020 Queer Youth prom.
Newcastle Pride’s Ed Abbott, Leanne McDougall and Ivan Skaines with the Lord Mayor after receiving the Community Group of the Year award.
“I’d like to congratulate Newcastle Pride on their fantastic festival and for providing an inclusive, vibrant and fun environment for all LGBTIQ residents to build social connections and experience a community free of discrimination,” Councillor Nelmes said.
“The festival fosters a sense of community inclusion and participation, as well as benefits to the broader economy of Newcastle through tourism and event attendance, and its success owes to the hard work of the committee members.”
The Newcastle Citizen of the Year awards are decided by a panel consisting of:
Faithfull, from Bar Beach, also organises the annual all-women ‘Divas on the Green’ golf day at Merewether Golf Club for Westpac Rescue Helicopter and Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2020.
Over the past decade, she has raised $180,000 for local charities, including more than $90,000 for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, almost $65,000 for the Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation and $20,000 for the new Ronald McDonald House Family Room at John Hunter Hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit. This amazing effort followed earlier volunteer work for children’s charities in the Hunter with which she felt aligned, following a personal tragedy.
“Losing my first-born daughter Jessica over 30 years ago at four months of age opened my eyes to the importance of community and supporting each other,” Ms Faithfull said.
“Bringing people together for a common cause has certainly become a passion of mine, and apart from honouring my daughter’s legacy, it has taken me on the most amazing journey of connection.
“The people of Newcastle have been very supportive of my activities here over the years and I am absolutely honoured to receive this award in a community I adore. I hope that I can inspire others to bring their communities together, because the rewards are priceless.”
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Faithfull’s commitment to improving the lives of others had earned her the City’s top Australia Day honour at today’s Civic Theatre citizenship ceremony.
“Until today, Michelle was one of Newcastle’s unsung heroes, so the City of Newcastle is thrilled to recognise her tireless efforts to assist those in our community who are doing it tough,” the Lord Mayor said.
“Michelle embodies everything that is good about the human spirit. Resolutely committed to improving the lives of others, she has contributed to many great organisations including Westpac Rescue Helicopter, Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation, Hunter Homeless Connect, Vinnies, Got Your Back Sista, Ronald McDonald House, Hunter Medical Research Institute, CanTeen, Camp Quality and the Starlight Foundation.
“The Citizen of the Year award is a fitting honour for her dedication to bettering our society and I hope the recognition helps her continue that endeavour.”
The City’s 2020 Young Citizen of the Year has been instrumental in the national Student Strike 4 Climate (SS4C) action.
New Lambton High’s Alexa Stuart, 16, has collaborated with peers, senior climate campaigners and SS4C’s national organising team since attending her first rally as a 15-year-old in 2018.
Alexa Stuart and the Lord Mayor.The Year 11 student has variously liaised with police, spoken with media, delivered speeches, created banners and performed all manner of tasks behind the scenes to promote the SS4C movement.
“Alexa is an inspiring young person who has maintained excellent academic grades while leading her peers amid the climate emergency that the recent bushfires have brought to national and world prominence,” the Lord Mayor said.
“At such a young age she has represented the SS4C at meetings with local members of parliament, unions, university staff, local businesses, and spoken about climate change at her High School and local church.
“At last September’s global strike she gave an inspiring speech in front of 10,000 people and has played a major role in writing the national SS4C constitution.”
Newcastle Pride, the organisers of the highly successful Newcastle Pride Festival, was named the Community Group of the Year.
After two instalments of their annual event, which the City of Newcastle sponsors, Newcastle Pride will move to develop a Youth Pride Tribe this year to focus on events for LGBTIQ young people, featuring a 2020 Queer Youth prom.
Newcastle Pride’s Ed Abbott, Leanne McDougall and Ivan Skaines with the Lord Mayor after receiving the Community Group of the Year award.“I’d like to congratulate Newcastle Pride on their fantastic festival and for providing an inclusive, vibrant and fun environment for all LGBTIQ residents to build social connections and experience a community free of discrimination,” Councillor Nelmes said.
“The festival fosters a sense of community inclusion and participation, as well as benefits to the broader economy of Newcastle through tourism and event attendance, and its success owes to the hard work of the committee members.”
The Newcastle Citizen of the Year awards are decided by a panel consisting of:
- Nuatali Nelmes, Lord Mayor of Newcastle
- Carol Duncan, Councillor City of Newcastle
- Andrea Rufo, Councillor City of Newcastle
- Jeremy Bath, CEO City of Newcastle
- Pastor Sue Irwin from Grainery Church
- Bahavi Ravindran, Newcastle’s Young Citizen of the Year 2019
- Luisa Amosa, representing The Y Project, Community Group of the Year 2019
City welcomes cheerful Brazilian among 270 new Aussies
A joyful South American woman set to become a naturalised Australian credits our country’s streamlined bureaucracy as the reason for her big move, perhaps surprisingly to many homegrown citizens.
Sibele Lima from Curitiba city in the southern Brazilian state of Parana “loves everything” about her adopted country and will pledge her allegiance at City of Newcastle’s annual Australia Day citizenship ceremony in the Civic Theatre on Sunday.
The 33-year-old IT worker will be among 270 new citizens from 40 different nations to receive citizenship certificates at one of NSW’s largest citizenship ceremonies.
Lima in the Blue Mountains
Each will receive their certificate confirming their citizenship from Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, who rates welcoming people from diverse backgrounds among the job’s greatest honours.
“Hearing the stories of many of these people really opens your eyes to how lucky we are in Australia, particularly in Newcastle,” the Lord Mayor said.
“We are so fortunate to enjoy a safe, secure life as part of an advanced, pluralist society in a nation blessed with natural attractions and abundant resources. Sunday’s ceremony and two other annual citizenship ceremonies are, for mine, the best way to celebrate that good fortune.”
Lima, who lives in Wickham, was bitten by the travel bug on a road trip to Brazil’s north with her family aged 11, but could easily have been making a different oath in colder climes.
“My first plan was Canada because I went on an exchange there when I was 18 and it’s on the same time zone as Brazil and closer to home,” recalled the Computer Science graduate, who moved to Australia on a skilled migration visa five years ago.
“I was learning French and filled out pages and pages of hard copy documents to get a Canadian visa but I got no reply. I had friends in Australia who said it was just beautiful and that the process was very straightforward because it was all online. I applied for a skilled visa and got permanent residency, all in eight months.
“Officially becoming a citizen is going to be special because I feel very welcome here and I thank Australia for providing a way for immigrants like me to work.”
Lima travelled much of the world before a soft landing on Sydney’s North Shore was followed by a move to Newcastle in 2018.
When not practising Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, she enjoys going to the beach and walking or bike riding through the bush, especially along the Fernleigh Track on her way to work in Charlestown.
Brazil is also spoiled with natural wonders but can’t provide Lima the same sense of security and order as Australia.
“In Curitiba you are walking around with your purse held tightly and always looking over your shoulder, but here you can relax outside and leave your purse on the table when outside enjoying a coffee with friends.
“The news here is always about a shark story or a kangaroo, but in Brazil it’s people died, armed robbery and politics coverage is just corruption – I tell my mum not to watch it when I go back there.
“I hear people complaining in Australia about the train or bus being late and I laugh, because I’m just so pleased to have a map timetable – in Brazil the bus just comes when it does.”
Sunday’s ceremony will also see local Australia Day awards presented before a range of family activities are staged on the Foreshore from 10am-2pm.
For more information about the City’s planned celebrations, visit the City’s Australia Day information page online at https://newcastle.nsw.gov.au/Explore/Things-to-do/What-s-On/Events/Australia-Day-2020
Sibele Lima from Curitiba city in the southern Brazilian state of Parana “loves everything” about her adopted country and will pledge her allegiance at City of Newcastle’s annual Australia Day citizenship ceremony in the Civic Theatre on Sunday.
The 33-year-old IT worker will be among 270 new citizens from 40 different nations to receive citizenship certificates at one of NSW’s largest citizenship ceremonies.
Lima in the Blue MountainsEach will receive their certificate confirming their citizenship from Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, who rates welcoming people from diverse backgrounds among the job’s greatest honours.
“Hearing the stories of many of these people really opens your eyes to how lucky we are in Australia, particularly in Newcastle,” the Lord Mayor said.
“We are so fortunate to enjoy a safe, secure life as part of an advanced, pluralist society in a nation blessed with natural attractions and abundant resources. Sunday’s ceremony and two other annual citizenship ceremonies are, for mine, the best way to celebrate that good fortune.”
Lima, who lives in Wickham, was bitten by the travel bug on a road trip to Brazil’s north with her family aged 11, but could easily have been making a different oath in colder climes.
“My first plan was Canada because I went on an exchange there when I was 18 and it’s on the same time zone as Brazil and closer to home,” recalled the Computer Science graduate, who moved to Australia on a skilled migration visa five years ago.“I was learning French and filled out pages and pages of hard copy documents to get a Canadian visa but I got no reply. I had friends in Australia who said it was just beautiful and that the process was very straightforward because it was all online. I applied for a skilled visa and got permanent residency, all in eight months.
“Officially becoming a citizen is going to be special because I feel very welcome here and I thank Australia for providing a way for immigrants like me to work.”
Lima travelled much of the world before a soft landing on Sydney’s North Shore was followed by a move to Newcastle in 2018.
When not practising Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, she enjoys going to the beach and walking or bike riding through the bush, especially along the Fernleigh Track on her way to work in Charlestown.
Brazil is also spoiled with natural wonders but can’t provide Lima the same sense of security and order as Australia.
“In Curitiba you are walking around with your purse held tightly and always looking over your shoulder, but here you can relax outside and leave your purse on the table when outside enjoying a coffee with friends.
“The news here is always about a shark story or a kangaroo, but in Brazil it’s people died, armed robbery and politics coverage is just corruption – I tell my mum not to watch it when I go back there.
“I hear people complaining in Australia about the train or bus being late and I laugh, because I’m just so pleased to have a map timetable – in Brazil the bus just comes when it does.”
Sunday’s ceremony will also see local Australia Day awards presented before a range of family activities are staged on the Foreshore from 10am-2pm.
For more information about the City’s planned celebrations, visit the City’s Australia Day information page online at https://newcastle.nsw.gov.au/Explore/Things-to-do/What-s-On/Events/Australia-Day-2020
TRANSPORT TICKETING TECH HITS 30 MILLION JOURNEYS
Millions of commuters are taking advantage of contactless payments when taking trains, trams, buses and ferries across the Opal network.
Acting Minister for Transport and Roads Paul Toole said a major milestone had been reached with more than 30 million journeys taken using debit or credit cards, or linked devices, since the first trial on the Manly Ferry in 2017.
“The NSW Government is powering ahead with more innovative payment options for those using our Opal network as people continue to move away from cash, and even more recently cards,” Mr Toole said.
“We know digital wallets are becoming more common, so being able to pay a fare with a mobile phone or smart watch is just another added convenience for commuters.
“Rolling out contactless payments is an Australian-first innovation and is one of the biggest advancements in ticketing technology in generations, with around 1.5 million journeys paid for without an Opal card in an average week.”
Mr Toole said while new payment options were growing in popularity among commuters, there was still demand for pre-loaded Opal cards.
“It’s easier than ever to pay for public transport and through our innovative payment platforms we’re aiming to create more digital products including the digital Opal card which we plan to roll out in a trial phase in 2020,” Mr Toole said.
“This follows the activation of contactless payments on all public transport modes on the Opal network, and introducing the same fare and travel benefits of an Adult Opal card last year. Transport for NSW continues to offer Opal cards.”
| Date | Milestone |
| July 2017 | Trialled on the Manly Ferry |
| November 2018 | Expanded to Sydney Trains network and NSW TrainLink services |
| July 2019 | Adult Opal card fare and travel benefits extended to contactless payments |
| September 2019 | Extended to entire Opal network (inc. Buses) |
BUSHFIRE DISASTER STATE MEMORIAL
Premier Gladys Berejiklian and NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons today announced a State Memorial for those impacted by the recent bushfires to be held on Sunday, 23 February at Qudos Bank Arena at Sydney Olympic Park.
Ms Berejiklian said the event will give members of the public from across NSW an opportunity to come together to recognise the lives lost, the sacrifices made and to think of those directly impacted by the fires.
“We will pay tribute to the brave firefighters who lost their own lives protecting the lives and properties of others,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“I know that many members of the public, the RFS, and emergency services personnel will want to come together as families and communities work their way through this unbelievable loss.
“There will be a separate opportunity for us to formally thank our volunteers and emergency services workers in the near future.
“In the first instance it is important for us to acknowledge the ultimate sacrifices made and to move forward together on the path to healing and rebuilding.”
Commissioner Fitzsimmons said the service will pay special tribute to those firefighters and emergency services personnel who lost their lives.
“NSW has, and continues to face, the most difficult and dangerous bushfire season in history,” Mr Fitzsimmons said.
“While we have seen tragedy, we have also seen the best of the community, working together to help each other when it matters most.
“This is especially true for those firefighters who have worked so hard to protect communities.”
Further details about the memorial and how to attend will be available shortly.