Community invited to share feedback on Newcastle Show public holiday

City of Newcastle is inviting Novocastrians to help determine whether the first day of the 2025 Newcastle Show should be declared a local public holiday.

A community survey will gather feedback from people who live, work and run businesses in Newcastle to gauge support for the proposal, with specific questions about the economic and social benefits as well as tourism industry promotion of the region.

Newcastle ShowExecutive Director Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer David Clarke said the community has traditionally supported the idea of a local public holiday.

“City of Newcastle conducted community consultation in 2023 and 84 per cent of respondents supported a local public holiday for the Newcastle Show,” Mr Clarke said.

“The Newcastle Show is an important historical, social and cultural event that dates back to 1901, and visitor numbers have continued to increase since the interruption of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As part of the community survey City of Newcastle will consult with chambers of commerce, banks, major employers and schools that would likely to be impacted, should the day be declared a local public holiday.”

“If the day was to be declared a local public holiday it would apply to all employees whose place of work is within the Newcastle Local Government Area.”

Alternatively, a local event day may be declared, as has been the case in recent years. A local event day is not a public holiday, but can be considered as one, for those employees in the area who have agreed to observe the day in their relevant industrial agreement and any other employers who want to participate.

The community survey is now open and will close at 5pm on 5 November.

Feedback will then be presented to Council for consideration, prior to an application being made to the NSW Government. 

You can have your say by completing the online survey here before 5pm on 5 November http://haveyoursay.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/Newcastle-regional-show-day-2025

The 2025 Newcastle Show will run from Friday 28 February to Sunday 2 March.

Consultation to help make silica workers across NSW safer

Public consultation is underway on the form and scope of a new register in NSW to monitor and track the health of at-risk workers exposed to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) – otherwise known as silica dust.

Silicosis is a preventable occupational disease caused by inhalation of very fine silica dust particles, with workers at greatest risk in mining and construction including the engineered stone industry. 

Eliminating the risks associated with silica is a high priority for the Minns Government and a number of initiatives have been introduced including:

  • a ban on engineered stone, including a federal ban from 1 January 2025 on its importation.
  • tougher safety laws to protect workers
  • increased SafeWork NSW inspector presence to enforce regulations
  • funding for a SafeWork NSW Silica Team.

The new silica worker register will be used to ramp up health screening services for at-risk workers, minimise the impacts of silica dust exposure and prevent illness.

The NSW Government on Have Your Say is seeking feedback from the community, including from past and present workers and employers in construction, manufacturing, mining and tunnelling.

The feedback will help ensure the silica worker register reflects industry needs and protects workers and the community.

SafeWork NSW is conducting the consultation and will carefully consider all feedback received.

The closing date for submissions is Sunday, 3 November 2024.

For more information, visit: https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/silica-worker-register

Minister for Work Health and Safety, Sophie Cotsis:

“The Minns Government is committed to ensuring workers across the state are safe at work and the new silica worker register is an important step in the fight against silicosis.

“Silicosis is entirely preventable and feedback from past and present workers, unions and employers will help to ensure the new register protects workers.

“The new register will help us to ramp up and target health screening services, minimise the impacts of silica dust exposure and prevent illness.”

World first vehicles boost capability for NSW Ambulance

NSW Ambulance will roll out eight specially designed vehicles known as Hazardous Area Rescue Ambulances (HARA), the first of their kind in the world, optimising response capabilities during natural disasters and in difficult terrain.

Minister for Health Ryan Park said the community will benefit from the specialist capabilities of the HARA Mercedes-Benz Unimog vehicles, as part of a major $14.8 million funding package by the NSW Government to further build the state’s flood rescue capabilities.

The HARAs are designed to drive through flood waters up to 1.2 metres and are equipped with safety features for operation in hazardous environments. The vehicles have also been made to operate around fire grounds, with the inclusion of a burn-over crew protection system, replacement of flammable components, and by wrapping critical vehicle infrastructure in fire-retardant material.

The rear of the vehicle is a fully operational ambulance, with a specially designed stretcher loading system to assist paramedics in patient handling and for patient comfort.

The HARAs are equipped with the latest technology and purpose-built features, improving the organisation’s capability to deliver the very best outcomes for patients.

The vehicles have been purpose modified by NSW Ambulance to withstand harsh environments with enhanced safety features including a reinforced exoskeleton to protect paramedics and patients from falling trees.

HARAs will be rolled out over the coming months, with the vehicles proposed to be strategically stationed at NSW Ambulance heavy rescue stations based in Tamworth, Rutherford, Cowra, Wagga Wagga and Bomaderry, as well as special operation team locations in Point Clare and Sydney.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“I’m so pleased our Ambulance service will be the first in the world to get these vehicles.

“These high-tech vehicles, will mean our world class clinicians will be even better prepared for any scenario they face – which could include floods or bushfires.

“Once they’re rolled out these vehicles will be an invaluable addition to NSW Ambulance.”

Member for Heathcote, Maryanne Stuart:

“I am proud to join the Minister for Health, Ryan Park MP in Heathcote today and see these innovative vehicles ahead of the rollout. They are long overdue and I’m so appreciative that a Minns Labor government has delivered on these essential vehicles. 

“They will ensure communities across Heathcote with our challenging landscape and right across NSW receive world-class care and will be an invaluable resource during natural disasters.”

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan:

“The HARA vehicles are the first of their kind and an essential addition to our fleet giving clinicians greater access to patients during natural disasters, such as in fire grounds and floods.

“The 4WD vehicles will be operated by our highly trained special operations paramedics and have been specifically modified by NSW Ambulance to withstand harsh environments.”

$410,000 to upgrade health facilities on the Mid North Coast

The Mid North Coast Local Health District will benefit from a $410,000 funding boost from the NSW Government to upgrade health facilities in the region.

The Minns Labor Government is investing a total of almost $12 million in 61 projects as part of the Regional Health Minor Works Program.

Port Macquarie Base Hospital, Kempsey District Hospital and Macksville District Hospital will share a $235,000 allocation to replace outdated waste management systems in each facility’s operating theatres.

Wauchope District Memorial Hospital will also receive $175,000 to replace the decking structure between the main building and the hospital’s rehabilitation unit, improving accessibility for patients and staff at the facility.

NSW Regional Health Minister Ryan Park:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to investing in health infrastructure to support better health outcomes for rural and regional communities.

“This investment will allow Mid North Coast Local Health District to upgrade equipment and health facilities to enhance the working environment for health staff and improve patient experiences.

“The program is one of a number of investments our Government is making to strengthen rural and regional health services, so people have access to the best possible care close to home.”

Labor Spokesperson for Port Macquarie, Cameron Murphy MLC:

“I’m proud to be part of a government which is making this important investment in regional health facilities.

“This funding will benefit staff and patients, and it means we can upgrade outdated systems in operating theatres in Port Macquarie, Kempsey and Macksville and also improve accessibility for patients in Wauchope.”

Labor Spokesperson for Oxley, Anthony D’Adam MLC:

“Through investments like this one, our government is improving access to care in our regional, rural and remote communities.

“The replacement of outdated waste management systems at Port Macquarie, Kempsey and Macksville hospitals will ensure that we can continue to safely remove surgical waste at each of the facilities in an appropriate manner.

“The upgrade to the deck structure at Wauchope District Memorial Hospital will enable patients, staff and visitors have improved accessibility when moving between the main building and the rehabilitation unit.”

Multilingual NSW Academy launch invests in State’s diversity

The Minns Labor Government is investing $7.5 million into Multilingual NSW which will deliver the new Multilingual NSW Academy for translators and interpreters to further strengthen NSW’s linguistic diversity and government services.

The Multilingual NSW Academy will support the development and sustainability of translating and interpreting services across the State and fulfil a 2024-25 Budget commitment.

The Academy will explore new opportunities for partnerships and collaborations with leading training organisations, including University of New South Wales, Macquarie University, Western Sydney University and TAFE NSW. The Academy aims to increase the specialist and digital competency of Multicultural NSW’s more-than 1,000 language professionals by providing them with skills to work more effectively on NSW Government assignments.

Digital uplift through technology and training will be a key feature of the Academy supported by an investment in new technology. Additionally, the Academy will embrace the customer-centric way of working as championed by the Department of Customer Service.

At a recent event to recognise the work of NSW Government translators and interpreters and launch the new Multilingual NSW academy, three long serving Multicultural NSW employees were recognised for their 40-year professional commitment to their communities.

Polish translator Czeslaw Olechnowicz, Hindi interpreter Neena Sinha and Thai translator and interpreter Songsri Foran were recognised with medals to commemorate their service.

Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said:

“Translators and interpreters have a crucial role in ensuring everyone in NSW has access to important information and services, which is why we’re investing in our people.”

“Multilingual NSW is focusing on building the skills and capabilities of our translators and interpreters so that language is no longer a barrier to our multicultural community accessing government services.”

“This significant investment delivers on the government’s plan to build strong, diverse communities and a better NSW for everyone.”

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said:

“With almost 1 in 3 people living in NSW born overseas and more than 280 languages spoken in homes across the state, it is essential we deliver the resources and services our communities need to stay connected.”

“We are working on a Digital Inclusion Strategy which puts people at the centre of how we roll out technological innovations and develop solutions which focus on diversity and accessibility and bridge the digital divide.”

“This digital funding will support the rollout of new technology which will support more effective translation and interpreting services to benefit our linguistically diverse residents.”

“This is about delivering digital for people, with the needs of the community being considered at every step.”

Visit to Laos for ASEAN-Australia and East Asia summits

Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, will travel to Vientiane, Laos from 9-11 October for the 4th Annual ASEAN-Australia Summit and 19th East Asia Summit.

This visit is vital to advocating for Australia’s interests for a more prosperous and stable region, and will build on the success of the 2024 ASEAN-Australia Special Summit held in Melbourne in March, where leaders reaffirmed their commitment to securing peace and a sustainable future for the region.

Deepening engagement with Southeast Asia is a priority of the Australian Government. Stability in the region is crucial for Australia’s future.

ASEAN is Australia’s second largest two-way trading partner. Trade supports one in four Australian jobs, with half a million jobs in Australia already linked to trade with Southeast Asia. More than one million Australians have Southeast Asian heritage, reflecting our personal ties in the region.

In Vientiane, Prime Minister Albanese will meet with leaders and business representatives to discuss work underway to boost two-way trade and investment through Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Strategy to 2040.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“I look forward to building on the success of the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit earlier this year and thank Prime Minister Sonexay for hosting these vital meetings.

“We are committed to working with our partners to pursue a peaceful, stable and prosperous region with ASEAN at the centre.

“We are also acting to grasp economic opportunities in a region of incredible vitality and promise. Trade creates jobs for our nation and helps build our Future Made in Australia agenda.

“My Government will continue to work closely with our partners to maximise opportunities for Australian businesses and workers within the region.”

Excellence celebrated at 25th Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science

The 25th anniversary of the Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science celebrates the outstanding contribution made by scientists, innovators and teachers to uplifting Australia’s way of life.

Ground-breaking research into children’s anaesthesia, life-saving treatments for blood cancer, and novel paths to creating a net zero future are awarded in this year’s ceremony.

Prime Minister’s Prize for Science: Professor Matthew Bailes is recognised for his world-first discovery of fast radio bursts. An expert in astrophysics, his work is helping to determine how much normal matter exists in the universe.

Prime Minister’s Prize for Innovation: Professor Andrew F. Wilks and Dr Chris Burns are recognised for inventing and commercialising a drug called momelotinib that is used to treat myelofibrosis, a rare form of blood cancer.

Frank Fenner Prize for Life Scientist of the Year: Professor Britta Regli-von Ungern-Sternberg is recognised for her life-changing research into reducing risks associated with anaesthesia for children, to make surgery and recovery safer.

Malcolm McIntosh Prize for Physical Scientist of the Year: Distinguished Professor Tianyi Ma from RMIT University is recognised for groundbreaking work in renewable energy, which could support Australia in its clean energy transition and the path to net zero.

Prize for New Innovators: Dr Andrew Horsley, founder of Quantum Brilliance, is recognised for his groundbreaking innovations towards making quantum computing an everyday technology, unlocking a range of potential new applications for the field in Australia and abroad.

Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Primary Schools: Mr Daniel Edwards from Montello Primary School in Tasmania is recognised for creating unique opportunities for students of all abilities and backgrounds to overcome challenges, engage with STEM subjects and consider a career in science.

Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Secondary Schools: Ms Alice Leung from Concord High School is recognised for her creative teaching strategies to equip students from diverse backgrounds with STEM knowledge and skills for the future.

The Albanese Government announced that from this year, more money will be available for the teaching prizes so that recipients receive the same amount as the other major prize categories.

This change recognises the critical role that our teachers play in fostering engagement by children from all backgrounds in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The achievements of all 2024 prize recipients.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said this year’s winners showed the breadth and depth of Australia’s scientific talent.

“Australia has world-class scientists, researchers and teachers. This year’s winners show just how bright the future is for Australian science.

“On behalf of all Australians, I congratulate the 2024 prize recipients and thank them for their contributions.”

Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic said the prizes highlighted the potential of our science sector.

“Science is at the heart of so much of Australia’s way of life – from medicines, to robotics, telecommunications and artificial intelligence.

“The great ideas and hard work of our scientists and researchers are creating a better life for all Australians.

“This Government recognises our brilliant science teachers who are inspiring the next generation of Australian scientists.

“To every young person out there – know that as a scientist, you can make a huge difference to the world and even the universe.”

Albanese Government keeping the National Broadband Network in public hands

The Albanese Government is introducing legislation today to keep the National Broadband Network (NBN) owned by the Australian people – ensuring fast, reliable and affordable internet now and into the future for all Australians.

Our Government committed at the election to deliver accessible internet for all, and today we continue to take that forward.

High speed broadband is essential to modern life – it allows Australians to work remotely, run their businesses more productively, video-conference with clients and colleagues, supply and receive telehealth services – while enjoying leisure with their families through streaming.

The Coalition rushed to declare the NBN ‘complete’ so they could put it on the block for sale – selling out Australian consumers and regional communities.

The Albanese Government won’t let that happen. This legislation will ensure the NBN is owned by who it belongs to – the Australian people.

This is in addition to what we have already done:

  1. Invested $2.4 billion to expand full fibre NBN access to an additional 1.5 million premises – including 660,000 rural and regional communities;
  2. From September next year, boosting download speeds by up to 5 times current speeds – at no extra wholesale cost.  A household or small business with a 100 Mbps plan in 2024 will benefit from 500 Mbps connectivity in 2025;
  3. Rolling out more fibre in the fixed line network, upgrading the fixed-wireless network and planning for future needs.

These upgrades are already making a real difference in the lives of Australians through faster more reliable internet access.

Keeping the NBN in public hands will lock in affordable and accessible high speed internet for all Australians for generations to come.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“All Australians deserve high quality and affordable services no matter their postcode. That includes access to the NBN.

“Keeping the NBN in public hands means high speed broadband remains affordable for Australian families and businesses around the country.

“Upgrades to the NBN are also a key part of our plan for a Future Made in Australia, but achieving this vision won’t happen without a reliable, high-speed National Broadband Network.

“The Coalition made a mess of the NBN – my Government is getting on with the job of fixing it and making sure it stays in public hands, where it belongs.”

Minister for Finance Katy Gallagher

“The NBN is critical national infrastructure, and we know that having a faster, higher quality NBN network has a huge impact on Australia’s economy – delivering a $400 billion uplift in GDP by 2030.

“Economic analysis commissioned by NBN Co shows that for every one megabit per second increase in average broadband speed, Australia’s productivity-driven GDP increased on average by 0.04 per cent.

“The Albanese Government is delivering a better NBN for Australians, investing $2.4 billion in the October 2022-23 Budget to expand fibre access to 1.5 million premises by 2025.”

Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland

“It is only a Labor Government that will ensure the NBN remains in public hands.

“Communities across Australia have told us that the job of upgrading the NBN is not complete, which is why we’re investing in more fibre and fixed wireless upgrades.

“Australians don’t trust the Coalition not to flog off the NBN just like they did with Telstra, resulting in higher prices and poorer services, especially in the regions.

“This Bill will ensure the NBN continues to deliver for all Australians – improving digital inclusion and price certainty for industry and consumers.

“The Government is delivering on our election commitments to provide fast, reliable and affordable broadband to all Australians, and only by keeping the NBN in the ownership of the Australian people will that vision continue to be delivered.”

Man charged over alleged property offences – Newcastle

A man has been charged over alleged property offences following an investigation by Newcastle police.

About 2am on Tuesday 1 October 2024, two males allegedly attempted to enter homes and vehicles on Duke Street and Henderson Place, New Lambton.

Police attached to Newcastle City Police District’s Proactive Crime Team were subsequently notified and commenced inquiries into the incident.

About 7.30am today (Wednesday 9 October 2024), police executed a search warrant at a unit on Christo Road, Waratah.

During the search, police allegedly located and seized clothing and jewellery.

Police also seized the key to a vehicle which was allegedly stolen from a Rankin Park address on Thursday 3 October 2024, before it was discovered on Morpeth Road, Waratah, on Monday 7 October 2024.

A 20-year-old man was arrested at the unit before being taken to Waratah Police Station where he was charged with two counts of attempt aggravated break and enter in company steal, two counts of attempt armed with intent to commit indictable offence, two counts of attempt larceny, possess housebreaking implements, goods suspected stolen in/on premises, and breach of bail.

He was refused bail and appeared before Newcastle Local Court today (Wednesday 9 October 2024), where he was refused bail to reappear in Newcastle Local Court on Thursday 17 October 2024.

Inquiries into the incidents are ongoing.

Shredders rejoice: Greens to invest $1.2 million in mountain biking

The ACT Greens will support volunteer trail builders and deliver new trails at Stromlo Forest Park, to maintain Canberra’s appeal as a mountain biking destination for locals and tourists.

“Mountain biking is one of Canberra’s fastest growing sports, and more trails means more fun,” said Laura Nuttall MLA, Greens spokesperson on sport and recreation, recontesting her Tuggeranong seat of Brindabella.

“Mountain biking has already brought $30 million a year in domestic tourism to the ACT, and an international event happening on the South Coast next year is a huge opportunity for Canberra – if we can maintain our status as a mountain biking destination for tourists.

“We need to get on and deliver the Master Plan for Stromlo Forest Park and keep Canberra’s other trail networks in great shape.

“That’s why the ACT Greens will invest $1.2 million in our trails and the people who look after them,” Miss Nuttall said.

The ACT Greens will:

  • Invest $800,000 in new trails at Stromlo Forest Park, as a start to delivering the Master Plan
  • Provide $400,000 to community groups building and maintaining trails across the ACT
  • Make the most of the opportunity offered by Sea Otter 2025 coming to Mogo Trails next October.

“Mountain biking is good for our health, it’s great fun, and it’s a wonderful way to appreciate Canberra’s environment,” said Jo Clay MLA, recontesting Greens Member for Ginninderra.

“We have excellent trails across the city for locals and visitors. But our volunteers need support to keep them that way.

“The Greens plan will build on the improved maintenance we’ve secured at Stromlo, to support local groups to maintain trail networks across the ACT, from Majura Pines and Cotter Pines to Bruce Ridge, Kowen Forest and more.

“This investment will get the gears moving again on making Canberra Australia’s mountain biking capital – where locals, tourists and competitive riders can shred the day away.”

More detail about the Greens’ plans for mountain biking and community sport is on the ACT Greens website.