Author: admin

The NSW Government is meeting the growing demand for construction courses in the Bathurst region with an investment of $1.5 million for TAFE NSW Lithgow. 

This investment is part of a $300 million statewide program delivering upgraded facilities and equipment to 120 TAFE NSW campuses across the state by June 2024.

Carpentry will be offered at TAFE NSW Lithgow for the first time in 2024, with an $80,000 investment towards a workshop for carpentry apprentices. A further $119,000 has been allocated to new equipment for welding and metal fabrication courses.

NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steven Whan said these facilities will help meet the growing demand for construction and manufacturing workers in the region.

“TAFE NSW is providing learners with the skills needed for the next generation of construction and manufacturing workers in Lithgow.

“Construction and manufacturing are 2 of the top 5 most in-demand industries in the region and the NSW Government is investing in TAFE NSW to provide the facilities, training, and industry standard equipment to meet this workforce demand,” Mr Whan said.

With the demand for construction courses increasing across Western Sydney, Mr Whan said the creation of a construction hub at TAFE NSW Lithgow would save local students significant travel time to surrounding campuses.

“Local students won’t need to travel up to 40 minutes to Bathurst or 1.5 hours to Nirimba to complete their carpentry course. With our investment in the assets here at TAFE NSW Lithgow, we’re establishing Lithgow as a hub for industry and manufacturing,” he said.

TAFE NSW is also partnered with local employers, Thales, Energy Australia, and Centennial Coal to deliver training to apprentices through its Skills Centre. Skills Centre students get accelerated learning in their trade as well as developing foundational knowledge in a range of other trade skill sets, boosting their versatility as workers, and improving job prospects.

“Through our investment in TAFE NSW, the NSW Government’s commitment to delivering a workforce with the skills Lithgow needs,” Mr Whan said.

More than 50 years of service to the community has earned Father Nicolaos Zervas OAM the honour of becoming the 17^th Freeman of the City of Newcastle.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes bestowed the award on the 90-year-old today during the Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church’s annual celebration for Greek Independence Day.

Father Nicolaos Zervas wearing his medal with wife Nina, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, Sharon Claydon MP, Tim Crakanthorp MP and CN Councillors.

Cr Nelmes said Father Nicolaos’ selfless acts have benefitted multiple generations, from teaching scripture to children, through to volunteering with senior citizens.

“Father Nicolaos’ list of achievements spans decades, with a remarkable breadth of service to the community,” Cr Nelmes said.

“He has contributed to initiatives that not only advanced his local Greek community, but also across sectors of health and wellbeing, peace and justice, sport, and aged care, for all Novocastrians.”

Born in Greece in 1934, Nicolaos Zervas came to Australia in 1955. He initially opened a restaurant in Victoria, then one in Sydney, but his real dream was to become a priest.

After marrying his beloved wife Christina (Nina) in 1965, he was given an opportunity to move north where he was ordained by the Newcastle Greek community in 1973.

Twenty years later he was awarded the Order of Australia medal for his spirit of giving, volunteering with Meals on Wheels at Hamilton, the Northern Settlement Services, the Ethnic Communities Council and Lifeline.

Father Nicolaos is a founding member of Greek Day Care and a life member of Hippocrates Aged Care, Fronditha Aged Care Nursing Home and Newcastle Olympic Football Club.

Despite retiring from his role with the Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in July 2021 he still regularly visits people in nursing homes and hospitals.

Father Nicolaos said he was proud to receive the honour of being named Newcastle’s 17^th Freeman of the City, a place he has called home for over 50 years.

“I was living in Sydney when I was given the option to relocate to Newcastle,” Father Nicolaos said.

“As soon as we arrived, I felt very at home, and I knew it was the place I wanted to work and raise my family in. 

“It is emotional to be recognised by the City of Newcastle in this way. The support of my wife Nina, my four children and 10 grandchildren has enabled me to keep giving back to the community of St Demetrios and the people of Newcastle and now, even in retirement, it has been my absolute privilege to do so.”

Father Nicolaos joins an impressive list of fellow Novocastrians to be awarded the Freeman of the City honour including former Lord Mayor Joy Cummings, Surfest co-founder Warren Smith and writer, philanthropist and passionate historian, Vera Deacon.

The Housing and Homelessness Ministerial Council will meet today to discuss the Commonwealth’s contribution to the National Housing and Homelessness Agreement.

Ministers from the Commonwealth and all States and Territories will press their case for an increase in Commonwealth funding to support building more social housing and bolstering support for homelessness services who are facing unprecedented demand.

Our state is grappling with a housing and homelessness crisis. Every part of our housing system is under pressure and every lever must be pulled to meaningfully address the crisis.

The NSW Government stands ready to work with the Commonwealth as an equal partner but funding trends over the last 10 years need to be turned around if that hope is to become a reality.

Commonwealth funding has fallen from 0.52% ($2.08 billion) of the 2013-14 Commonwealth Budget ($398.3 billion) to be only 0.28% ($1.9 billion) of the 2023-24 Commonwealth Budget ($684.1 billion).

To retain the same relative share of the Commonwealth Budget as 2013-14 for 2023-24, that would require a 90% increase on the 2023-24 allocation.

Recent investments in social housing from the Commonwealth Government are a welcome start to help confront the housing crisis, but the job is far from done.

NSW Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Rose Jackson, will attend to advocate for more Commonwealth funding and resources to help NSW address the housing crisis and work toward the National Housing Accord target.

Last month, the Productivity Commission reported that Sydney was at risk of becoming a city with no grandchildren, whilst an analysis by Homelessness NSW showed that homelessness has risen across 58 of the state’s 128 local government areas in the past year alone.

The face of homelessness is changing. We have people with jobs, long rental histories, and no previous history of homelessness unable to get access housing. This is the harsh reality that thousands of people across NSW are experiencing right now.

More people are facing a disproportionate amount of housing stress. Thousands of people across the state are grappling with the reality of being locked out of the housing market. Not only unable to buy their first home, but also struggling to secure or sustain a rental.

The NSW Government reaffirms its commitment to deliver more and better homes and increasing access to comprehensive housing and homelessness support services as a core priority.

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“Since December we have seen a steady increase in people needing help to secure a safe home. There are more than 57,000 people currently on the social housing waitlist. We need to drive this number down by getting the delivery numbers up.

“Every report, every analysis, and each statistic say the exact same thing – NSW is grappling with a housing crisis. People are being priced out of their community, unable to live near their jobs or struggling to even secure a roof over their head.

“Access to housing is a basic need. I will continue to fiercely advocate for our fair share of Commonwealth funding programs. We need immediate action and bold reform to support the people of NSW.

“The best way to reduce homelessness is by building houses. But building houses takes time. NSW has a large number of people who are homeless or on the brink of homelessness. We need funding to help those people.”

The NSW Government today released the Interim NSW VET Review into the state’s vocational education and training sector.

A key election commitment of the NSW Labor Government, the Interim Report makes seven recommendations for rebuilding TAFE NSW and strengthening the wider vocational training sector.

The report is an important step in restoring TAFE NSW which has been badly neglected for more than a decade by the previous government.

Chaired by Dr Michele Bruniges AM, with the valuable support of Professor Verity Firth AM and Jason Ardler PSM, the Panel conducted an extensive consultation process over four months seeking input from registered training organisations, teachers, students, government agencies, peak bodies, industry representatives, local businesses, councils, and universities.

The Interim Report contains recommendations which the government will seek to immediately implement, including the development of a TAFE NSW Charter which will set clear expectations as part of the process of TAFE reform. The panel is expected to submit its final report to the government by the middle of 2024 when the NSW Government will consider all recommendations in full.

A copy of the Interim NSW VET Review can be accessed online: NSW vocational education and training (VET) review.

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

“The NSW Labor Government knows that to address the critical shortage of skilled workers, NSW needs a strong and sustainable vocational training system.

“Over the next decade, NSW will need thousands of skilled professionals across healthcare, hospitality, construction, and burgeoning sectors like renewable energy.

“This report underscores the pivotal role of TAFE NSW in helping meet the skills needs of the NSW economy.”

“I want to thank the VET Review Panel for its tireless work in leading this once-in-a-generation review of the NSW vocational training sector. This report sets the direction for an exciting future where TAFE – as Australia’s biggest training provider – rebuilds and provides the core for meeting our need for skilled workers.

The former Liberal National Government had an ideological fixation with running down TAFE and privatising training. Labor has stopped this, stabilised funding and will now embark on the rebuild. This report is the next stage in the NSW Labor Government’s plans to place TAFE NSW at the heart of the vocational training system.

“The NSW Government will consider the panel’s recommendations alongside the final report mid-year. Meanwhile, the government has begun work on crafting a new TAFE Charter, and I’ve asked TAFE NSW to fast-track work on a revised operating model that aligns courses with industry needs, enhances support for teachers and puts TAFE at the heart of communities.”

Chair of the NSW VET Review, Dr Michele Bruniges AM said:

“I’m proud of the extensive consultation process conducted by our panel, which ensured diverse perspectives were heard and considered in shaping these recommendations.

“I would like to thank the Stakeholder Reference Group for its continued support in working with the panel to improve the quality and accessibility of vocational training in NSW.

“As we move forward, our focus remains on delivering a final report that provides a roadmap for a robust and responsive VET sector.”

After just one year in power, the NSW Labor Government is delivering for communities in the Illawarra and the South Coast, making progress to increase healthcare access, invest in support services and pushing through important infrastructure projects.

Continuing on from record investments in the regions as part of the State Budget in September, the NSW Labor Government held the first Cabinet meeting in Wollongong in over a decade and remains committed to seeing the Illawarra and the South Coast reach their full potential, making vital investments to achieve this.

Improving healthcare access

• Improvements to wait times in public hospitals in the region, including a 27 percentage point improvement in the number of patients transferred from ambulances to the ED within 30 minutes at Wollongong Hospital.
• Expanded hours for the urgent care centre at Bulli Hospital to 7 days a week.
• Opened an urgent care centre in Dapto in partnership with the Commonwealth Government, which has seen over 2,400 patients since opening in December.
• Combined, these new and expanded health facilities have treated thousands of patients that could have ended up in emergency departments, easing pressure on our busy public hospitals and reducing wait times for those with less urgent conditions.
• Reducing the number of patients overdue for their elective surgery, thanks to hardworking staff and the Surgical Care Taskforce, seeing a 62% reduction in Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District as well as almost entirely removing all patients waiting longer than recommended in Southern NSW LHD, both in the 12-months since December 2022.

Delivering on key infrastructure and planning milestones

• $390 million investment to build a new Mount Ousley Interchange in partnership with the Commonwealth Government.
• Construction underway for a new network of mountain bike trails across the Illawarra and opening the Narooma and Eden Mountain Bike Trails.
• Train station upgrades at Dapto, Bellambi and Unanderra, improving accessibility and upgraded amenities for commuters.
• Work continuing for the Shoalhaven Hospital redevelopment and New Shellharbour Hospital and Integrated Services project and on track to deliver the new Eurobodalla Hospital and plan for the new Batemans Bay Community Health Service.
• Secured $22 million to enhance Wollongong Hospital and $7.5 million to upgrade Milton Ulladulla Hospital.
• Opened Australia’s first commercial hydrogen refuelling station at Port Kembla and a hydrogen powered bus operating in Wollongong.
• Commenced work into $20 million feasibility study for Bulli Bypass.
• Planning is underway for additional south facing entry and exit ramps for the M1 Princes Motorway at Dapto.
• Commencement of planning for the Wollongong Health Precinct.
• Commenced construction of a new ambulance station at Fairy Meadow.
• Approved a $182 million upgrade of berths at Port Kembla Harbour to support steel production.
• Secured a site in Bomaderry for a $35 million Landcom Build to Rent project.
• Transformed Bega’s former TAFE site into a new 97 dwelling diverse housing project with 30 per cent of the homes to include much needed social and affordable housing.

Securing our education future

• $200 million to upgrade schools, including a new primary school for Nowra, and planning underway for a new high school at Flinders and new primary schools at West Dapto and Calderwood.
• Announced 100 new public pre-schools for NSW with ten in the Illawarra and the South Coast.
• Entered into a Memorandum of Understanding, through NSW TAFE, to explore “super TAFE” on the surplus BlueScope land.

Investing in support services

• Providing $2 million to create the first trauma recovery centre in the region to provide specialist care for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence.
• Increased funding for Women’s Health Centre’s in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven.
• Launched Midwifery Group Practice in the Eurobodalla at Moruya Hospital.
• Rolled out the Aged Care Outreach Service (ACOS) which saw 1,054 residents in the first 6 months, with 80 per cent able to be cared for in their home and not needing transfer to hospital.
• Opened aged care transitional beds at Figtree Private Hospital in partnership with Commonwealth Government, providing an alternative for older patients who will benefit from additional therapy services whilst waiting in a residential style setting following discharge from hospital.
• Opened the new Safe Haven service to support Bega Valley residents experiencing mental health distress.

Supporting our frontline workers

• 826 teachers and 620 school support staff who were temporary now made permanent across the Illawarra and South Coast.
• Permanently funded 1,112 fulltime equivalent nursing and midwifery positions across NSW temporarily funded by the former Government, including positions in ISLHD and SNSWLHD.
• Record pay increase for local paramedics, seeing an average wage increase of 25 per cent over four years, delivering professional recognition to retain our highly skilled workforce.
• Investing $700,000 in the successful Youth Employment Strategy programs in the Illawarra and Eurobodalla, supporting businesses and tackling youth unemployment.

Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast Ryan Park said:

“As the Member for Keira and the Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast, I am proud of what our Labor Government is delivering for our region.

“The Illawarra and South Coast are both growing parts of the state in need of these vital investments to support our communities now and well into the future.

“There is still more to do, however I’m proud of the work we’ve done so far and I know we’re on the right track.”

Member for Wollongong Paul Scully:

“Wollongong has been at the heart of the Minns Government since day one.

“Over the past 12 months, along with my colleagues in the region, we have been able to deliver and progress more than was done in the last decade.

“We still have more work to do as we continue to build a better future for Wollongong and its residents.”

Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson:

“It is fantastic to be part of a Government that cares about the Illawarra and it committed delivering for our region.

“We have a lot more work to do to ensure our fast-growing area has the infrastructure it needs, and we are committed to building much needed schools, roads and hospitals that will serve our community well into the future.”

Member for South Coast Liza Butler:

“I am proud to be part of a government that is investing in the Illawarra and South Coast.

“Upgrades to healthcare services, education, infrastructure projects and historic pay deals with our amazing teachers, nurses, and paramedics, just to name a few.

“The Minns Labor Government is getting on with the job and putting people first.”

Member for Heathcote Maryanne Stuart:

“After more than a decade of neglect, we finally have a Government that is delivering for this area.

“I’m so proud we have delivered on promises to open Bulli Urgent Care Centre 7 days a week and on the $20 million feasibility study for Bulli Bypass.

“There is still more to do in the Illawarra but we are determined to continue to achieve for this area and across NSW.”

Member for Bega Dr Michael Holland:

“Representing the Bega Electorate is an honour and I am very pleased with the NSW Labor Government’s commitments to health improvements including opening a level 4 Eurobodalla Regional Hospital, Bega mental health Safe Haven, Midwifery Group Practice in Moruya, and working with the Commonwealth Government to provide an Urgent Care Clinic at Batemans Bay Hospital.

“In response to the housing crisis, our NSW Labor Government is planning to transform under-utilised government land at Bega’s former TAFE site into a new 97 dwelling diverse housing project with 30 per cent of the homes to include much needed social and affordable housing.

“This is a NSW Labor Government which is delivering on the Bega Electorate’s most critical social needs.”

Labor Spokesperson for Kiama Sarah Kaine MLC:

“I am proud to be part of a Government that is investing in both the community and community members in Kiama.

“From the Shoalhaven and Shellharbour hospital redevelopments, to upgrades at Bomaderry High School, and new public pre-schools planned for Nowra and Bomaderry.

“To the community members who work in our schools, and our healthcare system who now have permanent positions, and all our public service workers who are no longer subject to an unfair wages cap.”