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On Sunday, 29 September, we commemorate National Police Remembrance Day across Australia and the Pacific.

National Police Remembrance Day is a day to honour and remember members of the NSW Police Force who have died in the line of duty.

It is also a day to reflect on and pay tribute to the bravery of those who dedicate their lives to protecting, serving and keeping their communities safe.

This year, one name has been added to the NSW Wall of Remembrance: Sergeant Peter Thomas Stone.

Sergeant Peter Thomas Stone from Blue Mountains Police Area Command was killed on 1 January 2023 while saving his son from a rip at Bologa Beach on the state’s South Coast.

An investigation into Sergeant Stone’s passing confirmed he was on duty at the time death.

We pay our respects to Sergeant Stone and remember the 275 names already inscribed on the Wall.

The annual National Police Remembrance Day service is being held today at the NSW Police Wall of Remembrance in the Domain ahead of the National Day on Sunday, 29 September.

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley, is attending alongside the NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb.

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:

“Today, we pause to remember the officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

“We also pay our respects to those left behind – the families, friends, and colleagues – whose losses are incomprehensible.

“On behalf of the people of NSW, we thank you for the incredible work you do – all too often in the face of grave danger. Today we honour the relentless dedication, compassion, and commitment of our police officers, both past and present.”

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said:

“Police Remembrance Day is a day of the year where we, along with the community, remember those officers who have lost their lives serving the community.

“Those officers’ dedication and courage serve as a powerful reminder of the risks our officers face every day to keep our communities safe.

“This year is particularly poignant in that we will be adding the name of Sergeant Peter Stone to The Wall of Remembrance. Peter tragically lost his life his life whilst rescuing his own son near Narooma last year.

“We stand with the families and loved ones of our fallen officers, offering our deepest gratitude and unwavering support.”

NSW Ambulance has welcomed 13 new paramedic interns and 11 emergency medical call takers today after they were officially inducted into the service at a ceremony at the State Operations Centre in Sydney.

This is the sixth call-taking class and seventh paramedic intern class to join NSW Ambulance this year, who will begin their new roles from tomorrow to further boost frontline health services across the state. 

The new recruits joining the service come with a range of backgrounds and experience, including Emergency Medical Call Taker Lee Williams, who is making a career change after many years as a police and correctional services officer.

Paramedic Intern Nicola Willis was inspired to become a paramedic after working in a variety of corporate roles with NSW Ambulance during the last few years.

The paramedic interns will be posted across NSW to complete the on-road portion of their 12-month internships before taking permanent positions in metropolitan and regional areas.

The emergency medical call takers will be posted to Triple Zero (000) Control Centres in Sydney and Warilla (Wollongong).

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our paramedics and emergency medical call takers for reaching this milestone as they start their careers on the frontline of emergency healthcare in NSW and thank them for their dedication to their community.”

“It is with great pride that I welcome you to NSW Ambulance. I have every confidence that you will deliver exceptional care to the people of NSW during their times of greatest need.”

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan:

“I know all who are graduating today have worked incredibly hard throughout their training. I thank them for their commitment and warmly welcome them into NSW Ambulance.”

“Their dedication to care is highly commendable and I wish them well in their career with NSW Ambulance.”

Paramedic Intern, Nicola Willis:

“I walked past the education rooms when I worked in the business side of NSW Ambulance, and I always dreamed that one day I would be a paramedic.

“I am very excited to start on the road with NSW Ambulance – it just feels right.”

Emergency Medical Call Taker, Lee Williams:

“It has been a lifelong dream to work for NSW Ambulance and I can’t wait to get started.

“It has been a first-class experience throughout my training – I was initially nervous about making a career change, but I feel well prepared now and I know I made the right decision.”

The NSW Government has launched its Adult and Community Education Strategy, outlining its plan to deliver crucial training and education in language, literacy, numeracy and digital to equip disadvantaged learners and enable them to enter the skilled workforce.

The Strategy will be supported by a Federal Government investment of $22.8 million over 5 years to build literacy, numeracy and other key foundational skills among some of the state’s most disadvantaged learners.

The new funding announced is part of delivering on the National Skills Agreement commitment to the delivery of foundational skills.

The funding aims to develop work-readiness skills for these learners and builds on the NSW Government’s $24.2 million annual investment in the Adult and Community Education sector.

The NSW Adult and Community Education sector plays a vital role in providing opportunities for learners that have experienced barriers in their education journey, providing a quality, flexible, supportive and welcoming environment where learning can thrive.

The new strategy aims to ensure the adult and community education sector builds learners’ skills and confidence and supports their access to further learning.  and ability to enter the workforce.

Key initiatives will support disadvantaged learners in building skills in information technology, business services, and foundational skills, with a focus on the English language, reading and writing, numeracy, and digital skills.

Strategic partnerships and targeted funding will help increase the sector’s impact, particularly with Community Colleges Australia, to create further opportunities and address sector challenges.

The cornerstones of the four-year strategy include:

• Strengthening the capability of Adult and Community Education educators through targeted recruitment, professional development, and support programs.
• Enhancing learning pathways through high-quality, flexible, and relevant courses that meet the diverse needs of learners and communities.
• Optimising learning pathways for anyone who requires additional support.
• Outreach Support Officers connecting disadvantaged community members with educational opportunities, providing support and guidance to help them achieve their goals.

The Department of Education will evaluate the Strategy’s progress and report on its outcomes annually.

Find out more about The NSW ACE Strategy 2024 – 28

Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles:

“All Australians deserve to have the language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills to meet their career potential and the demands of daily life.

“The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are working together under the National Skills Agreement to improve access to training for Australians held back by the lack of essential foundation skills.

“The Albanese Government has invested $436 million to redesign and expand the Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) program, which provides free language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills training across the country.

“This investment in Adult Community Education will complement the SEE program, providing targeted support to priority groups who may find it difficult to engage with mainstream education.”

NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan:

“The Adult and Community Education sector, funded by the NSW Government, plays a critical role in providing tailored opportunities for learners who have faced barriers to education.

“The new ACE strategy will foster innovation in our education and training programs and ensure that our most vulnerable people, our communities, and our workforce are equipped to meet emerging needs.

“Improving adult literacy and numeracy is a vital step in connecting disadvantaged people in our community with genuine employment opportunities.

“This is a win-win, delivering skills and empowerment to individuals, while enabling a new portion of our community to bolster our skilled workforce.

“ACE Training can also provide a valuable first-step, enabling people to take up further training opportunities such as apprenticeships and traineeships.

“With the support of the Federal Government through the National Skills Agreement this strategy will deliver increased funding certainty to the community education sector and build partnerships across government and community to deliver pathways to employment for our students.”

A new provider has been found to deliver services for Central Coast residents impacted by the sudden closure of a major private community transport operator, with Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Community Transport (HKCT) stepping into the breach.

Transport for NSW (TfNSW) is pleased to advise that discussions with the Transport Workers Union are ongoing on the matter of employment of former Community Transport Central Coast Limited (CTCCL) drivers.

CTCCL, an operator contracted to TfNSW, announced last week that it was ceasing its services as of Friday 20 September. It advised that their organisation would go into Members Voluntary liquidation from this Friday 27 September.

After extensive negotiations, CTCCL has entered into an agreement with Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Community Transport, which means they will take on provision of community transport services for eligible clients on the Central Coast.

HKCT has also indicated it will take over operation of the Shirley Shuttle, a non-Transport contracted service.

TfNSW understands the new provider will honour all existing bookings on the Shirley Shuttle until the end of the year.

The NSW Government thanks HKCT for their support of the Central Coast community. Central Coast clients can call 02 4355 4588 to discuss their service needs with the new provider from today. 

Minister for the Central Coast David Harris said:

“This has been an anxious time for all involved and I am glad arrangements can now be put in place to ensure passengers aren’t left in the lurch following Community Transport Central Coast’s decision.

“The NSW Government thanks Hornby Ku-ring-gai Community Transport for stepping up to support community transport users on the Central Coast.

“Community transport is a vital part of the fabric of our region and I’m glad local residents will continue to receive this essential service.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“I am pleased to see an agreement has been implemented so quickly, one that will give comfort to those who rely on community transport services on the Central Coast.

“Community transport is an essential part of the Central Coast’s transport network as it allows eligible seniors, pensioners and those with limited access to public transport to get to health services, shopping and stay connected with family and friends.

“The ability to access transport is a social determinant of health and quality of life, which is why community transport in places like the Central Coast is so important as it provides an accessible and affordable option for many people in the region.”

Member for Swansea Yasmin Catley said:

“Last week’s sudden closure of Community Transport Central Coast left many frustrated and without a means to move around the community.

“Reliable public transport is crucial to the lives of Coasties and the Government has stepped in to secure a new operator.

“This means passengers won’t be left in the lurch and can continue to access an essential community service.”

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said:

“I know that this has been an anxious experience for Coasties who rely on this service, and I am so glad that a new agreement has been reached that will provide peace of mind for the many community members who rely on this important service.

“For the many community members who use this service, community transport isn’t a luxury, it is a vital connector that ensures that individuals can access essential services, including health care, social connection, and shopping.

“I am thrilled that a solution could be reached so quickly, ensuring that continuity of transport can resume as soon as possible. I welcome Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Community Transport to the Central Coast transport landscape.”