Wallsend Library access updated to provide safer visitor experience

City of Newcastle has been forced to change the way people enter Wallsend Library after 3pm weekdays following a series of ongoing threatening and violent attacks towards staff and the general public.

Visitors to the Library will need to scan their library cards to gain entry to the building on weekday afternoons after 3pm following the installation of technology known as OPEN+, which safely manages and monitors use of the space.

CEO Jeremy Bath said City of Newcastle implemented the changes in response to a series of anti-social behaviours, which had impacted the wellbeing of staff and visitors.

“As recently as a week ago a group of young people carrying hammers were attacking the windows of the library. Two weeks ago, a group of people blocked the entry to the library and refused to allow people to enter or leave,” Mr Bath said.

“For the past year we’ve had to employ a security guard to patrol Wallsend Library. We’re now at the point where we are exploring employing paid police to protect our staff and library patrons. 

“Earlier this month Wallsend Swimming Pool was broken into and trashed. It’s the third time this season the pool has been broken into and vandalised. 

“It goes without saying that this situation is unacceptable. We are regularly meeting with Police but this is not the solution.

“It’s clear that Wallsend needs help. It’s extraordinary that a local council should have to pay police to protect the local library, but that’s what we are now considering.”

Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge said City of Newcastle was committed to the safety of its staff and the community.

“Obviously it is disappointing that we need to take these measures, but the library needs to be a safe place for staff and visitors,” Cr Kerridge said.

“City of Newcastle already uses this technology at Lambton Library and it works very well for visitors.

“Importantly, visitors who have forgotten their cards or do not have a card, will be able to access the library by ‘buzzing’ the intercom at the front door. They will be assisted and supported by staff promptly.

“I will be visiting Wallsend Library in the coming weeks to talk to staff and visitors about these new arrangements.”

Director Museum Archive Libraries & Learning Julie Baird said libraries have always been a valuable resource for our community, offering a safe and welcoming space that provides opportunities for social connection, education and recreation.

“While the vast majority of visitors use the library respectfully, it’s disappointing that the troubling actions of a few within the community have necessitated this change,” Ms Baird said.

“We’ve worked with Police, who have previously responded to instances of anti-social behaviour at Wallsend Library, and they are supportive of this new arrangement.

“Our staff will remain on site during the afternoons and will be able to assist members who need help with the technology.

“We appreciate the support and patience of our library members while they adjust to this change, which will ensure safer access for library members while delivering a positive experience for all visitors and staff.”

Customers who may not have their membership details with them or other visitors to the site will still be able to access Wallsend Library by using an intercom located at the main entry to contact staff onsite.

No changes will occur to opening times, closing times and staffing hours and security will remain onsite during afternoon and evening hours to continue to provide friendly, helpful service to library customers and visitors.

City of Newcastle invites community to share in almost $1 million in funding

Projects that support Newcastle’s social, cultural, environmental and economic development are set to benefit from almost $1 million from City of Newcastle.

Community and sporting groups, residents and businesses are being invited to apply for a share of the funding available through City of Newcastle’s annual grants, sponsorships and Special Business Rates programs.

Councillors Elizabeth Adamczyk, Jenny Barrie and Declan Clausen join Bianca Bartlett from The Full Circle Collective, who received City of Newcastle funding for a clothes swap event in Wallsend. Jade Perry from AMS Art Studio, the event location, is also pictured.City of Newcastle’s Executive Director of Creative and Community Services, Alissa Jones, said successful projects deliver real and lasting benefits for the city and the community.

“City of Newcastle’s grants and sponsorship programs offer support across a broad range of areas from recreation facility improvements to community initiatives, events and creative projects,” Ms Jones said.

“Our Special Business Rates program is an important way of involving businesses and the community in the continued improvement of their local precincts.

“Funding is assessed across a range of criteria including economic impact, social cohesion, creativity and innovation, and is available to events and projects at all stages of development.”

Chair of City of Newcastle’s Community and Culture Strategic Advisory Committee Cr Jenny Barrie said the funding helped to deliver worthwhile initiatives for the community. 

“City of Newcastle invests in diverse initiatives across the city each year that enhance community wellbeing and deliver tangible impacts,” Cr Barrie said.

“These projects can help strengthen the community, improve the city’s identity and make Newcastle a better place in which to live, work, play and invest.”

Previous grant recipients include a diverse mix of initiatives such as Books at the Bowlo by Club Lambton, Summer Runway by Facon Models and projects creating culturally safe spaces for Aboriginal women through art and film.

Environmental initiatives have included wildlife habitat enhancement, invasive vine removal and storage infrastructure for community gardens.

Social inclusion programs have also been supported, such as mental health and wellness walks, youth outreach and health and wellbeing programs tailored for Afghan women and people experiencing homelessness.

The Full Circle Collective received Special Business Rates funding in 2024 to continue their Wallsend Op Shop Trail, delivering related events such as the community Clothes Swap, which took part in Wallsend today.   

The event promoted sustainable fashion and the reduction of textile waste by inviting participants to exchange pre-loved clothing, shoes and accessories.

Co-founder and Director of The Full Circle Collective Bianca Bartlett said the funding enabled her team to deliver hands-on, community-driven events, and highlight the important role op shops play in a sustainable future. 

“Support from the City of Newcastle’s Special Business Rate program has made it possible for us to create fun, inclusive and sustainable events like the clothes swap,” Ms Bartlett said. 

“Our goal is to empower the community to take simple steps toward reducing waste and embracing the circular economy. Initiatives like these help people see that environmental action doesn’t have to be overwhelming, it can be creative, practical and social.”

Applications for grants and sponsorship funding are open from 2 June and close 29 June.

Funding streams include Infrastructure Grants, Community Support Grants, Event Sponsorship, and Tourism and Economic Development Sponsorship.

To learn more or apply, visit https://newcastle.nsw.gov.au/community/grants-and-sponsorships

Applications for City of Newcastle’s Special Business Rates program are invited for projects that support the promotion, beautification and economic development of the Wallsend and Hamilton business precincts.

Expressions of interest open on 26 May and close on 22 June. For more information visit https://newcastle.nsw.gov.au/business/supporting-local-business-people/business-improvement-associations/special-business-rates-program 

First look at the expanded Mount Druitt Hospital

The Mount Druitt community is being provided with their first look at plans for the expanded Mount Druitt Hospital. 

The Minns Labor Government is investing $120 million in the upgrade of Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals to provide expanded and contemporary acute medical and surgical capacity.

The project will include 60 additional beds across Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals.

The plans show the area for the planned upgrades, which will deliver modern health care facilities to service one of the country’s fastest-growing communities.

A mix of new and refurbished clinical areas and support spaces will form part of the redevelopment. 

Welcoming and culturally inclusive spaces for consumers, staff, and visitors will be central to the planning and design process.

Staff, stakeholders and the community are invited to attend an information session at Mount Druitt Hospital to meet the project team and learn more:

  • Mount Druitt Hospital main entrance
  • Thursday, 22 May 2025 at 9:00am-11:00am

Staff, stakeholders, and the community will continue to be consulted as the project progresses.

Planning and design will continue throughout 2025, with construction timeframes to be finalised as part of planning and once a builder has been appointed.

Construction work will be carried out in stages to minimise disruption to clinical services, which will remain operational throughout the redevelopment.

The project will build on the $700 million expansion of Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals completed in 2020 which has expanded capacity at both hospitals. This included a new Emergency Department (ED), cancer centre, and inpatient facilities at Blacktown Hospital and additional renal dialysis and inpatient facilities at Mount Druitt Hospital.

The redevelopment is being delivered by Health Infrastructure and Western Sydney Local Health District.

For more information visit:  Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals – Additional beds – Health Infrastructure NSW.

This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s delivery of more than $3 billion in hospital infrastructure across western Sydney, including:  

  • $1.3 billion for the New Bankstown Hospital; 
  • $550 million for the Fairfield Hospital Redevelopment;
  • $910 million for the new Rouse Hill Hospital.
  • $120 million for additional treatment spaces for Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals; and
  • $350 million for the Canterbury Hospital Redevelopment.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“This is the first important stage of the $120 million investment into Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals.

“The project will expand medical and surgical capacity at both hospitals boosting healthcare access for the growing local community.

“This project will minimise the need to transfer patients from Mount Druitt Emergency Department to Blacktown ED leading to more efficient operation of both EDs, and a better service offering for the community.”

Member for Mount Druitt, Edmond Atalla:

“I’m delighted to see continued investment in Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals to support our growing area.

“I, along with the community look forward to seeing this project take shape as the planning and design process progresses.

“The Blacktown and Mount Druitt project is estimated to support approximately 200 direct jobs with the potential for supporting hundreds of indirect jobs.”

Graeme Loy, Chief Executive, Western Sydney Local Health District:

“This expansion will strengthen the services available to the people of Mount Druitt making a more specialised level of care available to the local community.

“Providing increased health services is essential to continuing to support the local Aboriginal community, patients and their families and carers to access the care they need at their local hospital.

“The additional medical and surgical capacity will add to the comprehensive paediatric and renal services currently available at Mount Druitt Hospital.”

NSW Ambulance welcomes new paramedics and control staff

NSW Ambulance has today welcomed 116 new paramedic interns and 24 trainee emergency medical call takers, after they were officially inducted into the service at a ceremony.

These new recruits will commence 12 months on-road placements to consolidate their training, prior to permanent postings across metropolitan and regional NSW, boosting frontline health services.

NSW Ambulance has welcomed 466 new recruits so far this year.

The new recruits joining the service come from a range of backgrounds and experiences, including paramedic intern Paris Alcorn who is fulfilling a long-held ambition to be a paramedic, and trainee emergency medical call taker Melissa Moore, who has previously worked as a neonatal nurse and volunteer firefighter, while juggling being a mother-of-four.

The emergency call takers will be posted to the Northern, Western and Sydney control centres.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“During my time as Health Minister I’ve met many paramedics, both in larger metro areas and the bush.

“Whether they’re based in Wollongong, Broken Hill, Dungog, Kingscliff, Randwick or Liverpool they’re some of the most valued members of their communities.

“A career of service, like the one these 140 graduates are embarking on today is incredibly rewarding, and I wish them the very best as they head out across the state.”

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive, Dr Dominic Morgan:

“These paramedics and control centre interns are stepping into a role that demands not just clinical skill, but compassion, resilience, and courage.”

“Whether responding to emergencies or supporting community healthcare, these graduates will become an integral part of NSW Ambulance”

Paris Alcorn:

“I knew my future profession would be in healthcare as a paramedic – a profession underpinned by kindness and compassion.”

“Spending time working as a teacher’s aide for children with autism, showed me how even the simplest of kind acts make such a difference to people in need.”

Melissa Moore:

“Combining my love of healthcare and emergency services, I am very excited to be working in ambulance control.”

“Knowing I am that first contact for people in need, will be very rewarding.”

Consumers get thousands of dollars in refunds after Fair Trading prosecutes trader for non-supply

Fair Trading has successfully prosecuted a Sydney furniture supplier who was ordered to pay more than $37,000 in compensation and sentenced to a 15-month Community Corrections Order after an investigation found he charged consumers thousands of dollars for furniture which never arrived.

Gerasimos Lord was convicted in Parramatta Local Court 30 April for 10 breaches of Australian Consumer Law for knowingly accepting payment for goods and failing to supply those goods within a reasonable time, if at all.

The offending related to a business, Gallery Furniture Pty Ltd, taking payment for goods but failing to deliver furniture including a $4,499.10 timber cabinet, $3,596 for dining chairs, and a marble side table worth $450.

The defendant was ordered by the court to pay $37,683.41 in compensation to seven consumers and acknowledged other consumers who did not receive goods gained refunds through credit card charge back facilities.

Failure to supply is a common complaint raised with NSW Fair Trading, which received more than 13,000 complaints about the issue from 2022-2024.

It occurs when a trader accepts payment for their goods or services but does not deliver the promised goods or services in a specified time, or within a reasonable time. 

In December, NSW Fair Trading successfully prosecuted Milano Republic Director, Branislav Supa, for seven offences of accepting payments without supplying goods within a reasonable time or at all.

In Parramatta Local Court, Mr Supa was fined $2,000 and ordered to pay $5,621 in compensation to affected customers.

Also in December, NSW Fair Trading successfully prosecuted Nicholas Paxinos and Open Close It Pty Ltd trading as Shutters Quickly, who was convicted of accepting payment and not supplying goods/services in time.

Mr Paxinos was fined $5,000 and ordered to pay more than $20,000 in compensation, while Open Close It Pty Ltd was fined $5,400 and ordered to pay $2,100 in compensation to customers.

For more information about consumer rights when you pay for goods and don’t receive them, visit the NSW Fair Trading website here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/legal-and-justice/consumer-rights-and-protection/when-you-dont-receive-products-or-services-paid-for

Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong:

“NSW Fair Trading will prosecute businesses who take the money but don’t deliver.

“There is nothing more frustrating than spending hundreds, if not thousands of dollars on furniture and going months without seeing your purchase arrive, if at all.

“When making major purchases, consumers should always research the seller by searching for online reviews on their products and by checking NSW Fair Trading’s Complaints Register.”

Community celebrates recognition of Koori Knockout legacy with a Blue Plaque

The Koori Rugby League Knockout is being memorialised with a blue plaque in Sydney’s inner west, to celebrate the grassroots sporting competition.

The plaque will today be unveiled at the first Koori Knockout venue, Camdenville Park, St Peters, to recognise what is considered one of the biggest annual gatherings of Aboriginal people in Australia. More than 40,000 spectators attend each year.

The Koori Knockout was formed by six young Indigenous men at Redfern’s Clifton Hotel, who wanted an opportunity to showcase Aboriginal sporting talent that had been overlooked by scouts. The founders – Victor Wright, Bob Smith, Bob Morgan, Bill Kennedy, Danny Rose and the late George Jackson – envisioned an event that was more than just a platform for football, but also a gathering of family, community and cultural pride.

The first Koori Knockout at Camdenville Park in 1971 brought together seven teams from across NSW: Koorie United, Redfern All Blacks, Kempsey, La Perouse, Walgett, Cowra and a combined Mt Druitt-South Coast side. It was a resounding success, setting the foundation for what has now become one of Australia’s most significant indigenous events.

The blue plaque recognising the Knockout’s importance to the state’s heritage has been incorporated into the renovations of Camdenville Park. Aboriginal community members who were there for the tournament’s conception, have flown into Sydney from around Australia to attend the unveiling of the blue plaque, to remember why the competition was started and celebrate what it has become.

The Koori Knockout continues to serve as a vibrant celebration of Aboriginal heritage, drawing together communities from across the state to compete, connect and celebrate their shared culture.

The popular Blue Plaque NSW program places round, blue plaques at sites across NSW to recognise and share the stories of individuals or moments in history. The installation of each new plaque brings added interest to the heritage of an area, encouraging locals to explore their backyards, and inviting those from further afield to learn more about the unique history of these communities.

For information about the Blue Plaques NSW program visit www.blueplaques.nsw.gov.au.

Minister for Heritage, Penny Sharpe:

“This is more than a tribute to a game of footy – it’s a celebration of the deep cultural connections, identity and resilience of Aboriginal communities across NSW. The Koori Knockout is a living celebration and it’s great to see it formally recognised today.

“The Koori Knockout is a proud legacy of Aboriginal leadership, determination and community spirit. It began as a grassroots initiative and has grown into one of the most significant cultural gatherings in the country. This plaque rightly honours that history.”

Member for Heffron, Minister Ron Hoenig:

“I’m proud that Camdenville Park in my electorate now bears a permanent reminder of the first Koori Knockout – an event that continues to bring people together in a powerful show of unity and culture.

“This plaque is a reminder of how local places carry national stories. The Koori Knockout began here, but its legacy stretches far and wide. The addition of this plaque in the wonderfully upgraded Camdenville Park cements this important legacy for generations to come.”

Member for Summer Hill, Jo Haylen:

“I am so proud that we have, right here in the Inner West, a recognition by the NSW Government of the Koori Knockout and its enduring cultural and community legacy.

“For over 50 years, the Koori Knockout has been more than just a rugby league competition. It is a demonstration of the power of cultural connections and community determination, and this oval in the heart of our Inner West community has put into motion decades of increased access for Aboriginal players from all over our state, many of whom have gone on to represent NSW, QLD or Australia, and bring the game of rugby league to new heights.”

Bold new Trade and Investment Strategy launched ahead of trade mission to the Republic of Korea and Japan

The NSW Government has today released the NSW Trade and Investment Strategy 2035 – a 10-year plan with clear targets to grow and diversify the state’s exports and attract investment to develop and strengthen new and existing industries, as well as driving long-term economic prosperity.

As the impacts of tariffs flow through global markets, NSW is strengthening its commitment to an open economy that champions free and fair trade, with diversification of both what NSW’s exports and which countries we export to at the centre of our approach.

The release of the Strategy comes ahead of Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong undertaking a seven-day trade mission to the Republic of Korea and Japan – markets that present clear opportunities to increase trade and investment and advance the government’s ambitions in housing, the transition to net zero and local manufacturing.

The NSW Trade and Investment Strategy provides a clear path towards a more productive and resilient economy focused on the following outcomes by 2035:

Increase the value of NSW exports to $245 billion; a $100 billion increase from 2023-24

  • NSW’s goods and services exports total $142.5 billion, which has grown by more than $70 billion over the last decade.
  • NSW has set an ambitious export target focused on continued growth, taking advantage of opportunities arising from our proximity to high growth markets such as Southeast Asia, and opportunities created by the global energy transition.

Increase the diversity of NSW’s export markets

  • NSW’s largest merchandise export markets in 2023-24 were Japan, mainland China, and Taiwan, comprising nearly 45% of goods export value.
  • The Strategy seeks to diversify our export destinations through solidifying links with growing economies, at the same time as embracing new opportunities in current major markets

Increase the diversity of NSW’s export products

  • NSW’s largest export products in 2023-24 were coal, international education and gold, comprising approximately 42% of total export value.
  • Improving the diversity of goods and services that NSW exports around the globe will build the resilience of the NSW economy.

Support 10,000 businesses over 10 years to grow and export into new markets

  • Investment NSW currently supports 800 businesses each year to export or to build their exporting capacity, with a target to grow this to 1,000 each year through new and existing initiatives.

Support the creation of 30,000 direct full time equivalent jobs through NSW Government investment attraction activities

  • Our aim is to increase the number of jobs created through NSW Government investment attraction activities to an average of 3,000 per year.

Attract $25 billion in investment to NSW, with $17.5 billion into the Industry Policy Missions

  • Targeting investment outcomes in the NSW Industry Policy missions – Housing, Net Zero & Energy Transition and Local Manufacturing – will be crucial to unlocking NSW’s economic potential, achieving the missions, and supporting government priorities.

During his mission to Korea and Japan, the Minister will advance the objectives of the Strategy in meetings with government and business leaders. He will also address an audience comprised of major Japanese businesses Expo 2025 in Osaka, where the NSW Government will host a major investment showcase at the Australian Pavilion.

The NSW Trade and Investment Strategy is aligned with the NSW Industry Policy – the overarching framework for delivering on the Government’s strategic priorities, and which also complements the goals of the Innovation Blueprint.

Read the NSW Trade and Investment Strategy here: https://www.investment.nsw.gov.au/why-nsw/resources/nsw-trade-and-investment-strategy/

Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“NSW is Australia’s leader in trade and investment, and through the NSW Trade and Investment Strategy, we’ll take things to the next level.

“We have clear targets in place to grow exports, diversify the products we export and where they go, and support more NSW businesses with their international growth objectives.

“We will continue to position NSW as an attractive place for global investment and target outcomes associated with the Industry Policy Missions to deliver a more innovative and sustainable economy.

“NSW has numerous strengths – an extensive research and development sector, and unique advantages in sectors like digital technology, clean energy, defence and space, life sciences, health care, and agrifood.

“We have the skills, knowledge, and capabilities that make NSW a leading place to invest.

“My mission to Japan and the Republic of Korea has been targeted to promote the opportunities outlined in the NSW Trade and Investment Strategy.

“NSW is a long-standing and trusted trading partner to both Japan and the Republic of Korea.

“Opportunities also exist to turbo charge NSW housing by harnessing regional expertise in cutting edge building technology and encouraging investment in the housing sector.

“The NSW Government looks forward to leveraging our state’s global competitiveness to deliver better trade and investment outcomes for businesses and the people of NSW.”

Vacant, unused aged care home converted into housing for older women in the Hunter

A long-vacant aged care facility in Mount Hutton is now home to women over 55 experiencing homelessness, thanks to a groundbreaking project supported by the Minns Labor Government.

The former Anglicare site — sitting unused for years — has been converted into Lakeside Haven: 20 fully refurbished studio units offering safe, supported accommodation. Over the next five years, it’s expected to provide housing for up to 100 women in the Hunter.

The project is being delivered by Pacific Link Housing and Women’s Community Shelters, with more than $550,000 in funding from the NSW Government’s $100 million Homelessness Innovation Fund—helping to cover the costs to run the project, including fit-out and refurbishment, operating costs, and support staff.

Designed for women over 55, the property provides access to communal lounges, kitchens, laundry facilities, and gardens, and aims to help up to 100 women over its five-year lease term.

This is the first “meanwhile use” housing project in Lake Macquarie, part of a broader push by the NSW Labor Government to make better use of empty buildings and get people housed faster.

The Homelessness Innovation Fund is a key part of the Government’s historic $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW Program, which will build over 30,000 new and upgraded homes across the state – the largest investment ever in housing for NSW.

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:

“Housing is a major concern for people in the Hunter – no one should have to worry about whether they’ll have a roof over their head.

“This new facility will provide women with the safety and stability of a home, surrounded by a supportive community of other women.

“I’m proud to be part of this announcement as we enhance the Hunter’s reputation as one of the best places in Australia to live, work and thrive.”

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“This is exactly what we should be doing — taking empty buildings and turning them into homes for people who desperately need them.”

“This aged care home sat unused for years. Now it’s a lifeline for women who would otherwise be sleeping rough or stuck in motel rooms.”

Minister for Women and Seniors Jodie Harrison said:

“This Homelessness Innovation Fund project represents a significant step forward in our collective commitment to supporting vulnerable women in our community, particularly those facing the harsh realities of homelessness and domestic and family violence.

“Lakeside Haven is a great example of what’s possible when the New South Wales Government partners with incredible organisations such as Pacific Link Housing, Women’s Community Shelters and Anglicare, all of whom bring a wealth of experience, dedication, and compassion to the table.

“It’s through this ongoing collaboration that Lakeside Haven has become a reality and a place to restore hope, dignity, and security to women in need.”

Pacific Link Housing Group CEO Ian Lynch said:

“Lakeside Haven represents a significant step towards our mission of providing safe, secure and affordable housing for those in need.

“This collaborative project demonstrates our commitment to not just address immediate housing crises but to also create sustainable housing outcomes.

“Thanks to the support from the Homelessness Innovation Fund and our work with Women’s Community Shelters and Anglican Care, Lakeside Haven is turning a temporary solution into long-term stability for older women facing homelessness.”

Annabelle Daniel OAM CEO Women’s Community Shelters said:

“Women’s Community Shelters is proud to be standing beside cherished partners in opening a new safe haven for older women at risk of homelessness, and to be working with the Lake Macquarie community for the first time. At ‘Lakeside Haven’, women will access safety, housing and critical supports they need for a secure future.

“Our long-established model of revitalising vacant properties and turning them into safe and supported housing brings together the best of collaboration between the NSW Government, community housing providers, Women’s Community Shelters, corporate partners and the local community.

“We thank the NSW Government for embracing our ‘meanwhile use’ housing model as a pragmatic and immediate response to NSW’s housing crisis, and we look forward to opening more of these life-changing homes for women, where they can thrive with the respect and care they deserve.

Woman critically injured after car crashes into bus shelter – Lake Macquarie Police District

A woman has been critically injured after being hit while waiting at a bus stop in the state’s Hunter region.

About 4pm yesterday (Friday 16 May 2025), emergency services responded to reports that a car had crashed into a bus shelter along Main Road, Glendale.

NSW Ambulance paramedics treated a 28-year-old woman at the scene before she was taken to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition.

The 25-year-old male driver of the Holden Commodore sedan was taken to the same hospital for mandatory testing.

Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District established a crime scene, which was examined by specialist police from the Crash Investigation Unit.

Police have been told that the woman was inside the bus shelter at the time of the crash.

GREENS SECURE SIGNIFICANT CHANGES TO MAKE LEVY FAIRER WITH EXEMPTIONS FOR FARMERS AND GUARANTEED FUNDING FOR FIREFIGHTERS

In the face of climate change, with increased bushfires, floods and storms, it’s critical that emergency services have the funding they need to keep the community safe. We only need to look to the fires in LA to see what happens when emergency services are under-resourced.

The Victorian Greens share the concerns that have been raised by farmers and firefighters about Labor’s changes to the fire services levy, and have pushed the government to make significant changes to make the levy fairer and ensure it commits real, additional funding for our emergency services and firefighters.

Labor’s original proposal had a lot of problems. It was going to redirect money from this levy to fund government administration, while leaving key emergency services like firefighters without the basic funding to replace their fleet of aging, unsafe firetrucks – which puts firefighters, and the whole community, at risk. 

In summary, the Greens have secured the following significant changes to gain our support for the legislation which also requires the support of other crossbench MPs to pass: 

  • Increased funding for emergency services – instead of the new levy providing no more than 87.5% of FRV annual funding, it will now be required to provide no less than 90% of FRV annual funding and no less than 95% of funding for the CFA and SES.
  • Guaranteed $10 million every year ongoing, for a rolling fleet replacement program for out-of-date firetrucks for FRV, on top of the funds for rolling fleet replacement for the CFA and additional money for vehicles for the SES.
  • Key amendments that ensure the levy is strictly used for frontline emergency services and not a dollar can be used for other government administration. 
  • Exemptions for farmers experiencing hardship due to drought. 
  • A significant additional drought relief package for farmers.
  • Additional $15 million for support for farmers to reduce their energy bills.
  • A commitment to a reduced levy rate for primary production land.

People expect that 100% of this levy go towards properly funding frontline emergency services we rely on, like safe and reliable firetrucks – which is why the Greens have ensured every dollar will go towards funding frontline emergency responders and have secured guaranteed funding for a rolling firetruck fleet replacement for both the FRV and CFA, which makes sure every firetruck is replaced when they reach retirement age. 

The Greens are deeply concerned about farmers facing drought and have secured changes that will exempt them from the increased levy and expand drought-affected areas to cover more farmers. We’ve also pushed the government to agree to a major drought relief package to be announced before the state Budget and significant additional support for farmers to reduce their energy bills.

All this legislation does is provide a legal tool to provide secure, ongoing funding for our emergency services into the future. The rate of the levy is not part of the legislation and is set by the Treasurer separately.

Leader of the Victorian Greens, Ellen Sandell: 

“With increased bushfires, floods and droughts, we need fully funded emergency services to keep us all safe – so we don’t face a horrific situation like the LA fires.

“Labor’s original levy had some serious problems, so the Greens pushed for significant changes. These changes mean farmers experiencing hardship from drought will be exempt from the increased levy, firefighters will have proper secure and ongoing funding including to replace their ageing trucks, and amendments will ensure every dollar goes to emergency services and can’t be spent to plug government budget holes.”