LABOR’S RIDICULE OF STUDENT PROTESTERS A NEW LOW

The Greens say Labor is hopelessly out of touch with Australia’s young people, after the government today mocked students preparing to walk out of classrooms for the national Climate Strike this Friday, November 17.

Stephen Bates MP, Greens Youth Spokesperson, asked the Education Minister if he supports students’ right to strike for a safer climate and leave school this Friday to protest new coal and gas projects jeopardising their future. 

In response, Labor MPs jeered from their seats and the Minister merely responded that “that school students should be at school during school hours.”

Greens spokesperson on Education (Primary & Secondary), Senator Penny Allman-Payne said:

“Kids are worried about the future. They know that Labor’s plan for more coal and gas will make global heating worse and on Friday, thousands will leave their classrooms in protest.

“While the Prime Minister and the frontbench laughed, the education minister mocked the idea that students should exercise their democratic right to protest and said he wanted them ‘at school’.

“We’ve grown used to Labor’s cowardice in the face of the climate crisis, but telling kids they should just shut up while they continue to open up new coal and gas shows how hopelessly captured and out-of-touch they are.

“If the government is going to ignore calls from young people to act on climate, then young people should ignore the education minister and take to the streets on Friday.”

Greens Youth spokesperson Stephen Bates said:

“The decisions of this Government to push more coal and gas is harming the future of young people. Most high school students can’t vote, climate protests help make their voices heard.

“Young people deserve to have their voices heard. Right now, they’re inheriting a broken environment, economy, and worsening living conditions.

“Clearly Labor needs to be reminded of their roots if they don’t get why people strike.”

Newcastle Williamtown Air Show will be the largest single day event in Newcastle history

The sky’s the limit for families and aviation enthusiasts preparing for an exhilarating day out this Saturday with Newcastle set to welcome the largest single day event in the region’s history.

City of Newcastle (CN) together with the Royal Australian Airforce (RAAF) will host the Newcastle Williamtown Air Show 2023 this Saturday 18 November, with a RAAF aircraft flying display at 10am to 12.30pm and again at 1.30pm to 4pm.

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With free viewing areas at Nobbys Beach, Foreshore Park and Stockton, up to one hundred thousand people are expected to enjoy family-friendly activities such as rides, face painting, food trucks, static RAAF displays and roving entertainment, in addition to the thrilling aerial displays and flypasts.

Formation and aerial displays will feature historical aircraft like the Harvard, Winjeel, Spitfire, Mustang and Canberra in addition to flypasts from F/A-18F, EF/A-18G Super Hornet and the Growler.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the free community event would offer something for both aviation enthusiasts and families looking for a fun weekend out.

“Newcastle’s spectacular coastline will be on display this Saturday for spectators to catch all the action over Newcastle Harbour, Nobbys Beach, Foreshore Park and Stockton,” Cr Nelmes said.

“City of Newcastle is proud to deliver this one-off event alongside the Royal Australian Air Force and is a testament to Newcastle’s growth as a world-class events and cultural city and indicative of a thriving local economy.

“We look forward to welcoming locals and visitors to both air displays on Saturday 18 November and showcasing the diversity of what our city has to offer including its rich heritage, natural scenery and vibrant cultural scene.”

Transport for NSW will be running extra rail, light rail, bus and ferry services in addition to operating a Park and Ride facility from McDonald Jones Stadium. Parking is also available at Stockton, located within an easy walk to prime vantage points.

Designated parking for Mobility Pass holders is available on Wharf Road (between Argyle Street and Watt Street). A Mobility Pass must be displayed to get through the road closure at Argyle Street.

We recommend you plan your journey ahead by using www.transportnsw.info and www.newcastletransport.info. Information on road closures is available at www.livetraffic.com

“We encourage spectators to leave the car at home where possible and utilise public transport options to ease traffic congestion around the city with almost one hundred thousand spectators expected to attend,” Cr Nelmes added.

“City of Newcastle would like to acknowledge Transport for NSW, NSW Police and NSW Government for their support in delivering this incredible event for the community.”

A limited number of tickets are still available at Fort Scratchley’s premium viewing area, providing access to the only licenced viewing site for both air shows. Earp Distilling Co. will be serving up a variety of premium food and beverage options available for purchase. Gates open at 9am and tickets are restricted to patrons 18+.

On Sunday 19 November, RAAF Base Williamtown will open its gates to the public for a ticketed non-flying Open Day featuring static ground displays and a range of military equipment from across the Australian Defence Force. For tickets and more information about the Open Day visit www.airforce.gov.au/news-events/events/raaf-williamtown-open-day

For more information about the Newcastle Williamtown Air Show 2023, 18 to 19 November 2023, visit www.visitnewcastle.com.au/air-show-2023

Out of this world exhibition touches down at Newcastle Museum

Novocastrians can explore the surface of Mars and take the ultimate celestial selfie this summer thanks to the new hands-on exhibition at Newcastle Museum.

Australia in Space officially opened today featuring interactive exhibits that allow you to command a rover on the Red Planet and step onboard a space station to take a photo ‘in orbit’ above Australia.

Budding astronauts will be inspired by the opportunity to build their own spacesuit and discover the surprising realities of trying to sleep, wash your hair, cook and eat food in space, then use a hand-held ‘medical scanner’ to explore the harsh effects of space on the human body.

City of Newcastle Director Museum, Archive, Libraries and Learning Julie Baird and Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes at the Australia in Space exhibition at Newcastle Museum

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said City of Newcastle is determined to bring world class exhibitions to the region.

“Newcastle Museum is committed to attracting engaging, high quality touring exhibitions for the Hunter Region that enrich Newcastle’s cultural offering and give local communities access to national and international experiences,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Developed by the renowned Questacon National Science and Technology Centre, Australia in Space has something for everybody and celebrates innovation, science and technology.

“Visitors will be inspired by the achievements, aspirations and motivations of Australians in the space sector, with the work of women and First Nations people featuring prominently.”

Other out-of-this-world displays include a virtual telescope that links to iconic deep space missions and a laser-based puzzle game that shows how satellites allow over-the-horizon communications.

Team up with a friend to manage orbital traffic and tackle space junk in a cooperative computer game based on Australian technology, or simply marvel at an airport-inspired ‘Earth departures board’, drawing on real data to display details of upcoming rocket launches around the world.

Learn about space weather and discover how scientists from the Bureau of Meteorology monitor, research and predict electromagnetic storms in order to protect power grids.

City of Newcastle Director Museum, Archive, Libraries and Learning Julie Baird said Australia in Space will excite and inspire audiences of all ages, with an emphasis on school-age children.

“The exhibition is designed to welcome space enthusiasts and newcomers alike, getting all visitors on-board with Australia’s vision for a vibrant and diverse space sector,” Ms Baird said.

“Free science shows will also run throughout the school holidays to complement the exhibition.

“I’d encourage our visitors to make a day or weekend trip to explore Australia in Space as well as Newcastle Museum’s other exhibitions, activities and collections.”

Tickets for Australia in Space cost $15 for adults, $10 for concession card holders, $7.50 for children between five and 14, with children under five admitted for free. A family pass (two adults and two children) is $40.

For more information visit www.newcastlemuseum.com.au/exhibitions/special-exhibitions/australia-in-space

Australia in Space runs until Sunday 10 March 2024.

Nuatali Nelmes marks milestone nine years as Lord Mayor

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes has become one of Newcastle’s longest serving Lord Mayors, officially reaching nine years in the role today.

Cr Nelmes was elected Lord Mayor on 15 November 2014, having previously served six years as a Ward Three councillor, and is now the fourth longest-serving Lord Mayor, surpassing the tenure of former Lord Mayors John McNaughton, Joy Cummings and Greg Heys.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Councillors in February 2022.

Frank Purdue (10 years), Douglas McDougall (10 years) and John Tate (13 years) are the only people to have served longer in the role of Lord Mayor, with Purdue and McDougall serving non-consecutive terms, and elected by other Councillors, rather than the community.

Cr Nelmes noted the significant transformation in Newcastle during her term as Lord Mayor.

“I want to thank the people of Newcastle, who have repeatedly supported our Council to show leadership and take tough decisions to deliver the change our city has needed,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Residents want to see progressive reforms and we are seeing the positive results across the city.”

Cr Nelmes thanked her colleagues who have strongly supported her in the role.

“Leading the organisation during the COVID-19 pandemic was perhaps the most challenging period of my time in office, but City of Newcastle delivered a stimulus program that helped protect local jobs and supported the region through that difficult time,” Cr Nelmes said.

“This record of delivery has only been possible because of tough decisions that have made the City of Newcastle financially sustainable with successive budget surpluses.

“We will continue to focus on attracting more investment to our city to support jobs and deliver the services our residents deserve.”

Key achievements of City of Newcastle during the past nine years include:

INFRASTRUCTURE

  • More than doubling capital spending to reduce the infrastructure backlog, and upgrading amenity and liveability across the city
  • Delivering city-shaping projects including the iconic Bathers Way coastal walk, Wallsend flood mitigation works and rejuvenation of Hunter Street Mall
  • Funding Local Centre upgrades in Carrington, Beresfield, Shortland, Kotara, Merewether, Stockton and New Lambton, with more to come
  • Addressing Stockton erosion with the state’s first certified Coastal Management Program (CMP), which has led to amenity sand nourishment through offshore dredge rainbowing
  • Building dozens of new playgrounds, including regional-scale playgrounds at Stockton, Blackbutt Reserve and Wallsend
  • Delivering a once-in-100-year renewal of Newcastle Ocean Baths
  • Opening new or upgraded fenced off-leash dog parks in North Lambton, Islington and Maryland

ENVIRONMENT

  • Becoming the first council in NSW to use 100 per cent renewables, including a 5MW publicly-owned solar farm
  • Significantly expanding City of Newcastle’s street tree planting program and implemented a verge garden program
  • Becoming the only council in the region to have a soft plastic recyclable program
  • Protecting Blackbutt Reserve from proposed subdivision and sale
  • Rolling out public electric vehicle (EV) chargers and expanded cycleway networks
  • Advocating for off-shore wind, the diversification of the Port of Newcastle and the creation of new clean energy jobs and industry

CULTURE & COMMUNITY

  • Attracting new national and international events to the city
  • Starting construction on the long-discussed Newcastle Art Gallery expansion
  • Launching City of Newcastle’s very own New Annual cultural festival to support local artists
  • Expanding public art and large-scale street murals throughout the city
  • Supporting live music reforms to protect local performers, while implementing a live music grant scheme to support local artists
  • Upgrading local sporting facilities and investment in community sport.

Remediation work to commence at historic Lake George Mine

The NSW Government will next week commence essential remediation work to improve safety and reduce environmental risks at the historic Lake George Mine site in Captains Flat.

Historic mining operations in NSW such as Lake George Mine were not subject to the stringent rehabilitation regulatory requirements in force today.

Under contemporary mining regulations, mine operators are required to submit and implement comprehensive rehabilitation plans, lodge security bonds, and progressively remediate sites to limit poor environmental and safety outcomes.

The NSW Resources regulator is responsible for ensuring compliance with rehabilitation plans approved through the planning process.

While it was operative, Lake George Mine was one of the largest base metal mines in NSW. It produced lead, zinc, copper, pyrite, silver and gold and spanned approximately 100 hectares of legacy mine workings, extending underground to a depth of over 600 metres. The mine operated over several decades, starting in the late 1800s and closing in the 1960s.

Up to $33 million of remediation work at the Lake George Mine will be carried out under the NSW Government’s Legacy Mine Program. The fund includes a total of $107.7 million for high risk historic and abandoned mine sites.

During the work period, the site’s historic mining structures will be preserved to maintain the mining history of the site.

Work at Lake George Mine will commence on 20 November 2023 and be carried out until mid-2026.

Get more information on the Lake George Mine Remediation Projectlaunch.

Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to safeguarding the environment and protecting local communities, including through the Legacy Mines Program.

“Mining continues to drive prosperity in NSW. Remediating historic legacy mines is an important way that the NSW Government can support local economies and ensure regional communities are great places to live and visit.

“By addressing the legacy of historical mining practices, we are ensuring a better and safer future for our communities.”

Member for Monaro Steve Whan said:

“The further remediation of the Captains Flat mine surrounds reflects the fact that our knowledge of the dangers of this type of site continues to get better. This is a big job and I’m pleased the Government continues to work to ensure community health.

“I am also very conscious of the fact that private landowners in Captains Flat also face considerable uncertainty and potentially high costs as a result of the Government identifying issues on town blocks. I have not forgotten those people.”

Cobb completion the final piece in state’s sealed highway puzzle

NSW has a fully sealed highway road network for the first time in its history following completion of a mammoth $195 million project to bitumen seal two Outback highways.

The historic milestone was reached after crews finished sealing the final 3.9-kilometre section of the Cobb Highway near Halfway Tree between Ivanhoe and Wilcannnia.

Completion of the 132-kilometre total Cobb Highway sealing work follows finishing of the 153-kilometre Silver City Highway sealing in late 2022.

About 150 workers — including engineers, road workers, trainees, apprentices and contractors —   were employed each year on the project which commenced in 2011.

The remote location meant workers had no access to an established base or nearby infrastructure, and they were away from their families for months at a time living in caravans at makeshift camps which were built near highway work sites.

About 700,000 tonnes of crushed gravel and 43,000 tonnes of aggregate was used to build and seal the Cobb Highway while work crews camped on-site to ensure the work was completed, battling the elements and isolation.

Key features of both highway projects include:

  • New drainage structures to combat flooding
  • A new bridge at Packsaddle Creek
  • A new landing strip for the Royal Flying Doctor Service at Shannons Creek
  • Close consultation with local Registered Aboriginal Parties to preserve and document culturally-sensitive areas such as those near Mount Manara

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“The sealing of these Outback highways will improve safety, slash journey times, reduce the risk of fatigue and increase resilience against extreme weather events.

“Importantly, this work also means there will be more reliable access to hospitals, schools and essential services for the communities living in the most remote parts of NSW.

“On behalf of the Minns Labor Government I want to thank all the workers who’ve delivered this project for the incredible legacy they have built for our state.”

Independent Member for Barwon Roy Butler said:

“Prior to being sealed, both highways could be closed several weeks a year due to wet weather and these closures hit residents and businesses hard while cutting access to essential services and isolating interstate road users.

“The sealing of both highways now means the need for road closures has been reduced.

“The highways will also be safer for tourists visiting the Outback who, along with people moving livestock and freight operators, will also benefit from reduced travel times.”

Wilcannia Tourism Association president Bill Elliott said:

“We never thought we’d see the day the Cobb was sealed the whole way.

“It’s felt like a never-ending push to get it done, but it is amazing to have seen this project completed.”

Transport for NSW Works supervisor Kevin Bath said:

“The hardest part is living away from family, but we build bonds while we build the roads and try to make camp life as fun as we can.

“There’s also a great sense of pride amongst the team, working on projects that will directly benefit the communities that we come from.”

World first trial of mobile cardiac treatment could save lives

Patients across Sydney are set to benefit from a clinical trial that will mobilise potentially life-saving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) treatment for those in cardiac arrest.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation – or ECMO – is a form of heart and lung bypass which provides blood flow and oxygen to the brain, heart and other vital organs.

This allows time to identify and treat the cause of the cardiac arrest.

Until now however, the treatment has only been available within the hospital setting.

Today, the NSW Government is announcing a new innovative clinical trial which will go a step further, making a cardiac bypass machine mobile.

The staffing model of this trial is a world-first, with critical care paramedics working alongside specialist pre-hospital critical care doctors in a dedicated vehicle to treat cardiac arrest patients.

Taking ECMO to the patient can increase their rate of survival and a good neurological outcome by getting them onto the treatment earlier.

For ECMO to be effective, patients must be placed onto the machine within an hour of their cardiac arrest.

Mobilising ECMO has the potential to increase the survival rate of some patients in cardiac arrest from less than 5% to around 30%.

NSW Ambulance has a dedicated clinician working within the control centre who identifies cardiac arrest patients who are suitable for ECMO and notifies the team immediately.

To be placed on ECMO, a patient must be eligible according to specific criteria set up as part of this trial.

The trial is now underway, with 1 vehicle currently operating 2 days per week.

Westmead Hospital, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney are participating in the trial by receiving patients that have been put on ECMO by NSW Ambulance.

Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“We are embracing innovative, new and effective methods to improve health outcomes.

“Where possible, we want to be able to provide care where and when a patient needs it.

“In instances of cardiac arrest – time is particularly of the essence.

“This world leading initiative can save time to treatment and has the potential to save lives.”

Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said:

“I’m thrilled that this exciting and promising trial is being launched in our community, and that Westmead will be a participating hospital.”

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan said:

“Our doctors and paramedics are well-equipped to respond to cardiac arrests within the community, with all of our ambulances fitted out with vital equipment including mechanical chest compression devices and medications.

“This trial will go a step further, taking a cardiac bypass machine out on the road for the first time in NSW.”

Howzat! Cricket fans to enjoy extended trading hours for finals

The NSW Government is getting behind the ICC Cricket World Cup by announcing special event extended trading hours for venues which screen the finals.

Hotels and registered clubs across NSW will be able to remain open until 4am in the morning instead of the usual closing time for the semi-finals and final of the ICC Cricket World Cup on tonight 15 November, tomorrow 16 November and Sunday 19 November, if they provide a live broadcast for cricket fans.

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said major global events like the ICC Cricket World Cup are moments for communities to come together and can provide a much-needed boost for venues across the state.

“The NSW Government is committed to creating additional opportunities for hospitality venues during special events like this,” Mr Harris said.

“There’s nothing like cheering on the Aussie cricket team and I encourage all members of the community to get down and enjoy the excellent atmosphere and food and beverage offerings at their local pub or club.

“These extended trading hours will help bolster the state’s night-time economy and facilitate a great experience for fans.”

Special event extended trading hours are made available under the Liquor Act 2007 for events that are of “regional, state or national significance.”

Extended trading does not apply to takeaway alcohol trading times and individual trading restrictions and other special conditions on a venue’s liquor licence remain in force.

For more information on extended trading, please visit Liquor and Gaminglaunch.

Western Sydney students turn their minds to tackling key health issues

Western Sydney students spent 2 days developing campaigns to address key health issues and presenting them to industry leaders, as part of a 2 day Health Hackathon event at Westmead Hospital.

The Health Hackathon is designed to engage western Sydney’s young people to build skills and career opportunities, while focusing on improving population health.

Over 50 students from 7 local high schools participated in the event, including Chifley College Mount Druitt Campus, Colyton, Erskine Park, Model Farms, Patrician Brothers Blacktown, Penola Catholic College and Windsor High Schools.

Western Sydney Local Health District’s (WSLHD) Prevention Education and Research Unit (PERU), in collaboration with NSW Health, the Regional Industry Education Partnerships (RIEP) program and the NSW Department of Education, co-facilitated the Health Hackathon at Westmead Hospitallaunch on Monday 13 November and Tuesday 14 November.

Established in 1995, PERU delivers innovative community and school-based prevention and health leadership programs, while working with western Sydney schools, universities and other organisations.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Prue Car said: 

“I am delighted to see the enthusiasm of the school students participating in the program.

“The Health Hackathon gives young people in western Sydney an opportunity to talk about the health issues they are passionate about and how they can make a difference.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“This event at Westmead Hospital is a great example of the relationship between Western Sydney Local Health District and local schools.

“It’s fantastic to see our healthcare staff engaging with the next generation to advocate for health and wellbeing.

“The program engages high school students to develop ideas to improve health outcomes.”

Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said:

“I want to thank our dedicated staff in western Sydney, who not only work hard in clinical spaces, but also support education programs like the Health Hackathon for Western Sydney communities.

“I am so proud this amazing event is happening right here in our community.”

PERU Director, Professor Smita Shah OAM said:

“PERU prioritises evidence-based prevention programs and interventions to improve the health and wellbeing of young people in WSLHD.

“The Health Hackathon is a crucial step in preparing young minds to tackle future health challenges.”

Ministerial media release26 October 2023

$500,000 investment boosts engineering training at TAFE NSW Griffith

The Riverina’s welding and metal fabrication sector has received a boost with the completion of the $500,000 upgrades to training facilities at TAFE NSW Griffith.Ministerial media release18 October 2023

New program taps local talent to ease teacher shortages in high-demand parts of NSW

Local residents in Western and South Western Sydney, Dubbo, Queanbeyan, and the Murray region will be encouraged to take up secondary careers in teaching under a new program targeting areas with high demand for teachers.Ministerial media release15 September 2023

Investment in historic regional school building program

The Minns Labor Government will invest more than $1.4 billion over four years to deliver a massive pipeline of new and upgraded schools for regional NSW.

Fee waiver to provide relief for Port Stephens oyster farmers

The NSW Government is providing support to Port Stephens oyster farmers impacted by the ‘Queensland Unknown’ (QX) disease, with a $240,000 fee waiver.

In recognition of the cost to the local oyster industry the NSW Government will waive the Fisheries and Food Authority State Levy Fees for 2023 to 2024 for all Port Stephens Oyster farmers.

This announcement follows the detection of QX in Sydney Rock Oysters from Port Stephens in August 2021. While not dangerous to humans, QX disease is deadly for oysters. 

The Port Stephens oyster industry was the second largest oyster producing estuary in NSW, valued at more than $11 million. This fee waiver is intended to provide some relief to the local industry as they navigate how to mitigate the impacts of this disease.

NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has been working with the Port Stephens oyster industry to support them, including disease surveillance and breeding Sydney Rock Oysters for QX disease survival, as part of the Sydney Rock Oyster Breeding Program (SRO BP).

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

“I have met with oyster farmers up in Port Stephens and have heard firsthand how devastating QX disease has been for the local industry and the wider community.

“The fee waiver means that everyone will be able to receive some relief, regardless of the size of their production history or income.

“Oysters from Port Stephens remain safe to consume, so I would encourage everyone to support your local oyster farmers this summer by indulging in some delicious oysters.” 

Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington said:

“Port Stephens has a long and proud history of oyster farming, spanning across multiple generations, but the last few years have been really tough.

“I thank Minister Moriarty for hearing firsthand from our local oyster farmers and responding with much-needed, practical relief.

“I’m hopeful that the fee waiver will help some of our struggling oyster farmers stay afloat and continue to produce the local oysters we all love.”

Get more information about QX oyster diseaselaunch.