16 News

The community, Aboriginal Elders, health care professionals and families who have used the Malabar Midwifery Group Practice are celebrating 18 years of the service providing culturally respectful pregnancy, birth, and postnatal care to Aboriginal families.

Affectionately known as ‘Malabar Midwives’, the service has supported the births of over 1,500 babies since it was established in 2006.

The service provides pregnancy, birth and postnatal care to Aboriginal women, and women with an Aboriginal partner, who choose to give birth at the Royal Hospital for Women.

Malabar Midwives has a unique way of working that promotes flexible and culturally respectful midwifery care, and is available to Aboriginal women and families from anywhere in NSW who seek out the service.

The midwives work alongside an Aboriginal Health Education Officer in a continuity of midwifery model of care, which supports women getting to know the midwives during their pregnancy journey.

Four midwives work on a rotating 24-hour roster so women have a known midwife to provide care around the clock. Two midwives in the team are proud Aboriginal women.

Local community members, Elders, health care professionals and families who have used the Malabar Midwifery Group Practice will be attending celebrations to mark this milestone at the La Perouse Medical Centre at 11:00am on Wednesday, 6 November 2024.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“The Royal Hospital for Women’s Malabar Midwifery Group Practice is an exceptional model of care that other services seeking to establish pregnancy, birthing and postnatal care for Aboriginal women and families can learn from.

“The service is an outstanding example of the success that can be achieved when health professionals work collaboratively with communities to find the best solutions for their health care needs.”

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, David Harris:

“Malabar Midwives is an example of how working alongside community can help close the gap to improved health outcomes for Aboriginal people.

“This successful model of maternal and infant health care for Aboriginal families sets the standard for Aboriginal midwifery initiatives.”

Member for Maroubra, Michael Daley:

“Women from all over NSW travel to Sydney to attend Malabar Midwives, which is a testament to the solid reputation the team has developed across Aboriginal communities.

“I congratulate the Malabar Midwives team on their great success over many years and look forward to them continuing their outstanding service for many years to come.”

Aboriginal Health Worker, Malabar Midwifery Group Practice, Trudy Allende:

“We know the women and families in this community and are able to support their voice within the health system. It’s an incredibly dedicated team and it’s a tribute to the service to have been around for 18 years.

“I believe that the team at Malabar Midwives gives our local Aboriginal community the service and care it deserves to support best outcomes for mothers and babies.”

Motorists using Summerland Way will have a safer drive after the completion of two projects between Casino and Woodenbong, funded by the Albanese and Minns Governments through Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

The first project at Stoney Gulley, 9km south of Kyogle, has taken just over three months for workers from Transport for NSW to complete.

The team excavated unsuitable material and placed rock backfill to repair the slope above a 100m section of road, to stabilise the cuttings and provide a low-maintenance solution.

The Burnetts Slip project, 52km north along Summerland Way at Dairy Flat, started in May and required similar repairs along a 126m section of road.

Over the past three months the project team has excavated and installed rock backfill, while also carrying out extensive drainage repairs.

Work was carried out under single lane, alternating traffic flow arrangements which have now been removed.

Transport for NSW thanks the community and all road users for their patience while this essential flood recovery work was completed.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister:

“Summerland Way is an important route for the Northern Rivers, connecting communities from Kyogle to Casino.

“We’re helping build the road back as efficiently as possible, and to a more resilient standard.

“Work is now complete which is excellent news for everyone traveling in the region.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully:

“Summerland Way is an important secondary transport route that links a number of major towns on the Northern Rivers.

“This disaster recovery effort will take pressure off the major highways and is the transport lifeline for commuters and primary producers.

“This work will make a big difference to daily lives of people on the Northern Rivers.”

NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison:

“Repairing the Summerland Way is great news for the 700 vehicles who use this route every day, of which about 20 per cent are heavy vehicles.

“This is an important route for locals, visitors and freight operators connecting southern Queensland with northern NSW and I’m sure all who travel along this section of road will be happy to see it’s back in business.”

NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery and State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin:

“The Summerland Way, an alternate route to the Pacific Highway, is a key rural road for daily commuters, freight carriers and tourists, and these two projects will help make driving conditions safer for all.

“I congratulate Transport for NSW work gangs on making such great strides to stabilise flood-damaged slopes above both sections of road, reopening the Summerland Way to traffic in both directions.

“I have a long history with the Summerland Way, securing $50 million from then NSW Minister for Transport Carl Scully to do a substantial upgrade.” 

The Minns Labor Government today opened the next round of Recreational Fishing Trust Grants, with $5 million available for fishing clubs, community groups and other organisations to run projects which improve and promote recreational fishing in their local area.

For the first time, applicants in this round will be able to access the $2 million recreational fishing small infrastructure grants program announced by the NSW Government in August.

This program will make it easier for local fishing clubs, community groups and other organisations to apply for funding for projects such as fishing platforms, fish cleaning tables, fishing access tracks, kayak launching platforms and other fishing facilities.

Applicants are encouraged to contact dedicated Department staff to discuss their ideas and for assistance in applying your small infrastructure grants.

As well as small infrastructure, funding is also available to promote participation in the sport and the mental health and well-being benefits of fishing, such as for free fishing events, fishing workshops, come and try fishing days, fishing for therapy initiatives, and the development of educational material to promote sustainable and responsible fishing practices.

Grants are available for both large projects valued at more than $10,000 in funding and small projects involving less than $10,000.

Applications will be open for the next six weeks, until 18 December 2024.

Following the recent review of the Recreational Fishing Trust, the NSW Government will continue to provide greater support to the NSW recreational fishing community by:

• Strengthening communications with all fishers and organisations to encourage them to apply for grants to improve fishing in their local areas.
• Providing more support for applicants to discuss ideas for projects and assist with developing their applications through the dedicated Recreational Fishing Trust grants assistance phoneline.
• Making the grant application process clearer and simpler, so groups have the best opportunity to receive funding, including streamlining the application form.

This round of funding follows the recent announcements of some $20 million in grants and program funding from the Recreational Fishing Trust to enhance recreational fishing across the State.

Funding guidelines and the new online application form are available here at –  https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/recreational/recreational-fishing-fee/licence-fees-at-work/apply-for-funds or you can email recreational.fishingtrust@dpird.nsw.gov.au or call the dedicated Recreational Fishing Trust phoneline on 02 4424 7428.

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“We want to make fishing accessible, enjoyable and safe for everyone.

“By streamlining the grant application process, we aim to provide every fishing group with a greater chance to secure funding for projects that improve the fishing experience in their local communities.

“The $2 million infrastructure grants program will ensure more of the licence fees collected from recreational fishers are invested back into the infrastructure we know fishers want, such as fishing platforms, fish cleaning tables and other fishing facilities.

“This is an excellent example of how funds generated by the NSW Recreational Fishing Licence Fee are reinvested into projects that directly support the recreational fishing community.

“If you have an idea on how to improve your local fishing spot or make fishing even better for your local community, I encourage you to contact our dedicated DPIRD staff to discuss your ideas.”

A new permanent BreastScreen NSW clinic will soon be available in Blacktown, providing women in the community with access to free breast screening services all year round.

Minister for Health Ryan Park today announced the new location, which will better support the almost 60 per cent of eligible women in the Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) who are overdue for their two-yearly breast screen.

The new clinic at Warrick Lane, Blacktown, will be open in of the middle of 2025, seven days a week and will deliver vital breast screening services to more than 80,000 women who live and work in the Blacktown area.

A mobile screening van is currently active at various locations across the Blacktown Local Government Area, including the Blacktown Workers Sports Club and Blacktown City Council to service the Blacktown community.

Other western Sydney screening sites can also be found at Mount Druitt Hospital, Castle Towers Shopping Centre and Parramatta Westfield. There is capacity available at all of these clinics and mobile sites, with no delays for screening appointments.

You can find details of these locations as well as more screening centres near you at BreastScreen NSW or by calling 13 20 50.

For women aged 50-74 years, a breast screen every two years is the best way to detect breast cancer early, before it can be seen or felt. Breast screening is available from the age of 40.

BreastScreen NSW recommendsAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have a mammogram every two years from age 40.

Anyone with breast symptoms should contact their GP or health worker without delay.

Any woman with a family history of breast cancer should discuss their needs with their GP. To book a mammogram with BreastScreen NSW, call 13 20 50 or visit BreastScreen NSW – Online booking.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park

“We encourage all eligible women in western Sydney to make breast screening a priority.

“Early detection is the key with breast cancer, and a mammogram is one of the most important things eligible women can do for their health and I strongly urge women in Blacktown to visit the team when the new service opens.

“It takes just 20 minutes of your time, with no doctor’s referral required, and could save your life.”

Member for Blacktown, Stephen Bali

“Having a permanent clinic at Blacktown will enable more western Sydney women to have this life-saving screening in a convenient location.

“This new clinic with comfortable surroundings will treat women with dignity and increase screening participation, which is lower for many multicultural communities, often due to barriers like language, health literacy and trauma.”

NSW Chief Cancer Officer and Cancer Institute NSW Chief Executive Officer Professor Tracey O’Brien AM

“Breast cancer affects far too many women in our community and detecting it in its earliest stages is key to saving lives.”

“I know life gets busy, but I urge all women in western Sydney to not delay and book in their breast screen today.”

Nirmala Pathmanathan, Director, Westmead Breast Cancer Institute

“I’m so pleased women in the Blacktown community will benefit from this new permanent clinic. We know a screening mammogram can pick up cancers well before you can feel them, so having a mammogram every two years for women should be a priority and part of their routine health checks.”

The NSW Government has announced an additional $5 million investment in the Safe Places for Faith Communities Grants program furthering efforts to improve safety and security for faith groups across the state.

This funding comes after a successful first round, where $5 million was distributed to 103 community and faith organisations addressing security needs at places of worship, and congregation.

This funding is part of a $15 million program focused on creating secure, resilient and cohesive spaces for NSW’s diverse faith communities. This new grant round provides new applicants a chance to apply for $5,000 to $250,000 to be used anywhere in NSW at eligible faith-based centres including places of worship, seminaries, religious museums, religious community centres, religious retreats and places of religious significance.

The program takes a holistic approach to safety and security by supporting community preparedness, wellbeing and resilience, as well as more traditional protective security measures at places where faith communities gather.

An information session will be held online on Monday, 18 November 2024 at 4pm. To register for the information session email safeplacesgrants@multicultural.nsw.gov.au by Friday 15 November.

To apply, visit multiculturalnsw.smartygrants.com.au/SafePlacesforFaithCommunitiesGrants2024-25. Applications close 3pm, Thursday 19 December 2024.

NSW Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said:

“In NSW we are proud of our reputation as a safe place for people to practice their faiths and come together without fear of harm.”

“This funding will assist faith communities to maintain and improve the security of their places of worship so they can continue to be places of guidance and peace for attendees.”

Almost 200 additional childcare places will be created across far western New South Wales, as the Minns Labor Government continues work to increase the local workforce and ensure children across the state have access to high-quality education and care.

Over the next 18 months, 44 additional childcare places will be created in Broken Hill, 40 in Bourke and 102 in Cobar – a total of 186 additional places

Broken Hill, Bourke and Cobar have some of the highest gaps in childcare services statewide. Not only does this impact local children but creates a barrier to parents returning to work and prevents skilled workers with young families moving to these areas.

Delivered through the Minns Government Regional Development Trust Fund’s Western NSW Workforce Activation Package, $5.6 million will be made available to successful service providers immediately.

A further $4.4 million will be made available to further expand childcare places across western New South Wales early next year.

Busy Kids Childcare – Broken Hill

Over $1.4 million will be invested in Busy Kids Broken Hill to double the childcare’s existing capacity from 44 to 88 places for children aged 0 to 6 years old, creating 9 additional full-time jobs.

This investment will support the construction of a new adaptable daycare classroom as well as other necessary centre upgrades to increase its capacity and service delivery.

Further, this money will allow for the employment of additional staff and programs to support their professional development, wellbeing and retention.

Cobar Shire Council

102 additional childcare places, and 18 additional jobs will be created in Cobar, with over $1.3 million being provided to Cobar Shire Council to support locally run childcare services.

This funding will support relocating Cobar Out of School Hours care from a shared hall to a dedicated facility at the Kubby House Childcare Centre.

Currently, the service operates in a rented church hall, causing frequent interruptions to the service to accommodate other users.

Cobar Shire Council will also undertake work to expand the number of Family Day Care Operations. Family Day Cares are trained and registered educators who provide childcare from their homes. The Council will use this Government funding to cover the costs associated with these operations including, CPR and First Aid training, working with children checks, public liability insurance and professional development sessions.

A comprehensive attraction and retention package will also be developed, which will include relocation assistance, rental assistance and formal training plans.

Bourke and District Children’s Services

$1.85 million will be utilised by Bourke & District Children’s Services to created 20 additional childcare places for children aged 0-3, and 4 full time jobs.

This work will include the construction of a new childcare room to accommodate the children, with three child accessible bathrooms and two craft sinks.

To support staff recruitment and retention, relocation support will be offered to attract new staff and retention bonuses will be available to encourage long term service.

Bourke & District Children’s Services – Out of Hours Care

More than $900,000 is being invested to support Bourke & District Children’s Services establish a 20-place Out of School Hours Care program, operational five days a week for 40 weeks of the year.

Out of hours care offers care to school aged children before and after school.

Infrastructure improvements will be made to the services facility to ensure it is fit for purpose. This includes replacing the roof and installing a new kitchen for child food preparation.

A professional early childhood consultant will also be retained to ensure this new service is established to operate at the highest possible standard.

Comprehensive training and development programs will be provided to upskill staff, as well as relocation expenses offered to attract staff and retention bonuses for long term care providers.

Chris Minns, Premier of New South Wales said:

“This program is a win-win, and one of the best things a government can invest in.

“Not only does it increase access for children in our state to quality care and education, it also removes one of the barriers facing parents who may want to re-enter the workforce or enter it for the first time.

“I’ve heard countless stories of essential and skilled workers with young families who had considered making a move to one of our fantastic regional communities but were concerned about being able to access childcare. My genuine hope is that news of these extra places helps them to take that leap.”

Prue Car, Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Early Learning said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring children across NSW can kick-start their education in high-quality facilities – no matter their postcode.

“Improving equity in access to early education and care in the regions is vital for young families, and ensures our youngest learners are given every opportunity to thrive.

“The Minns Labor Government is delivering a plan to build a stronger, more accessible education system, for families across the state.”

Tara Moriarty, Minister for Regional NSW, Minister for Western NSW said: 

“This investment from the Regional Development Trust will change lives in Western NSW.

“Not only will this package improve the lives of families in Broken Hill, Bourke, and Cobar, it will also unlock local economic opportunities by enabling workforce participation in organisations that are keen for workers.

“Our Government is focused on growing regional economies through smart, targeted investments that deliver positive and real outcomes in a short time.”

Roy Butler, Independent Member for Barwon said:

“Access to childcare is often a choke point for people returning to work or who choose to live in regional NSW. I know professionals who have chosen not to move to these communities because of the lack of access to childcare. This funding will go some way towards ensuring that places are available for professionals to move to our regions, and I thank the NSW Government.”

Jenny French, Director of Busy Kids Childcare, Broken Hill said:

“We are thrilled and incredibly grateful to receive this grant, which with our existing plans will assist Busy Kids to more than double our childcare capacity and support even more families in our community.

“This funding will help us to create up to twelve new staffing positions, build a flexible new daycare classroom, and make improvements to our facilities.

“It will also support ongoing professional development and well-being initiatives for our staff, helping us maintain a nurturing and high-quality environment for the children in our care.”

Jarrod Marsden, Mayor of Cobar Shire Council said:

“We are very excited and appreciative to the State Government for providing these funds that will allow us to attract families to Cobar and support the liveability of the town.”

Prue Ritchie, General Manager of  Bourke & District Children’s Services said:

“Bourke and District Children’s Services is delighted by the investment of the NSW Government to increase the number of Early Childhood and Out of School Hours Care places available in Bourke.

“The provision of high-quality Early Childhood Education and Care services has multiple benefits for the community, as an economic enabler for workforce participation in remote communities,  addressing social disadvantage, linking to health and family supports, and creating employment opportunities.

“We are excited for the children, parents and carers and collaborative partners through Maranguka, and look forward to getting started!”