16 News – Page 674 – Newcastle and Australian News

Anzac commemorations funded across the State

92 community groups, schools and ex-service organisations will share in over $100,000, from the Anzac Community Grants Program (ACGP) to commemorate veterans across the state.

The ACGP provides small grants, of up to $3000, for a range of projects that help commemorate and educate communities about the service and sacrifices of our current and former military servicemen and servicewomen.

This year has seen a record 110 applications from a range of organisations including schools, RSL sub-Branches and LifeCare highlighting the importance of honouring veterans in local communities.

Projects funded include:

Purchase of a bagpipe at the Hastings Secondary College, Westport Campus so students can perform at significant Anzac events.
Purchase of jerseys for the Schofields Junior Rugby League Club players to participate in the Penrith Juniors Rugby League commemorative Anzac Day round.
Preservation of memorabilia, handmade during the First World War, for display by the Prince Henry Hospital Trained Nurses Association in Randwick.
Purchase of banners to display across the Wollondilly region by the Council to honour veterans and promote Anzac Day.
Purchase of pull-up banners to support the on-going digital honour board, by the City of Canada Bay Heritage Society, recognising the contribution of soldiers, sailors, nurses and airmen from Canada Bay area.
School holiday art workshops at Kiama Library for children to reflect on the spirit of remembrance for Anzac Day.
Creation of a memorial wall to commemorate the actions and service of the 1st/15th Royal NSW Lancers and precursor units at the New South Wales Lancers’ Memorial Museum in Parramatta.
Creation of an Anzac Day Mural at Goulburn High School which will serve as a reminder of the service and sacrifice of the Anzacs
Creation and installation of a decorative mural to promote learning about Australia’s involvement in peacekeeping operations and war service at Mount Warrigal Public School.

See the full list of ACGP recipients and find out more about the program

Minister for Veterans, David Harris said:

“The NSW Government is committed to honouring our veterans and their families.

“It is great to see so many organisations, especially our schools, keen to honour our veterans and their contributions in their communities.

“And that what this program is for – to fund great projects that not only recognise Australia’s war service history, but importantly also educate a new generation and support the wellbeing of the NSW veteran community.”

Ms Leisa Mooney, Mount Warrigal Public School said:

“The contribution will help our school to honour the strength, courage, and sacrifice of our service men and women.

“The mural will encourage rich discussion about Australia’s involvement in peacekeeping operations and war service throughout history within our classrooms and school community.”

Bulli Urgent Care Centre hours extended

Residents living in the northern Illawarra region who require care for minor injuries or illness will have access to Bulli Urgent Care Centre (UCC) seven days a week, with the service extending opening hours to include Sundays from this weekend.

Health Minister Ryan Park said the extended coverage will ensure the community can receive care quickly for conditions which can be safely and appropriately treated outside the emergency department.

“I am delighted to announce we’re delivering on our election commitment by expanding access to the Bulli UCC to seven days, which will continue to help ease pressure on busy emergency departments, and of course, reduce wait times for those with less urgent conditions,” Mr Park said.

“This model of care remains a real success story. The number of presentations being managed now has more than doubled to an average of 36 people a day, compared with around 15 to 20 in June 2022.

“We know many people who visit our emergency departments could receive timelier and better tailored care in a community setting.

“Services providing urgent care like this one bridge that gap, providing a better option for patients who receive care faster and closer to home.”

Member for Heathcote Maryanne Stuart said having the centre open on Saturdays and Sundays will make a real difference to the community.

“This is an important enhancement to health services for our community – it gives people a genuine alternative outside of a busy ED, when they have difficulty getting a GP appointment, or when their GP is closed, such as on a weekend,” Ms Stuart said.

“Bulli UCC is an important part of the local healthcare network, especially for people living in the Illawarra’s northern suburbs. The Bulli UCC has seen a significant increase in presentations since it re-opened after COVID, and again when we extended operations to six days a week in June last year.

“The Bulli UCC is well-supported to treat a range of illnesses and injuries which are deemed urgent, but not life-threatening, such as wounds, minor burns, infections, sprains, minor breaks, gastroenteritis, rashes and conjunctivitis.”

With the extension of the Bulli UCC on 11 February, it will be open from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 4:30pm on Saturday and Sunday. Patients who attend on the weekend will be able to access the usual weekday services, including radiology.

The Bulli UCC is staffed by a combination of nursing and medical teams, supported by GP Visiting Medical Officers and Nurse Practitioners.

People are reminded that if they are experiencing an emergency such as a life-threatening illness or injury, they should go straight to Wollongong Hospital ED which provides a higher level of care, or phone Triple Zero (000).

NSW Health has partnered with Primary Health Networks to deliver additional Urgent Care Services right across the state, in an effort to ease pressure on busy hospital EDs and ensure the people of NSW receive the most appropriate care.

The NSW Government has committed $124 million over two years to deliver 25 Urgent Care Services in NSW by mid-2025.

Bulli Hospital has also made it easier for locals to visit loved ones in hospital by expanding its free shuttle service.

From Monday 12 February, the Bulli Hospital Shuttle Bus will be available to visitors and carers as well as staff. The hours of operation will be extended and include an on-demand option from locations within the Bulli area.

Parking is available at Bulli Showground, where the shuttle service will run every 15 minutes. The bus will drop off at the front entrance doors of Bulli Hospital, and return. The service will be in operation Monday to Friday 6.45am to 4.45pm.

“We know parking around the hospital can be a challenge, and while longer-term options are being investigated, it’s terrific to see the free shuttle service expanded to provide a great alternative to driving and parking at the hospital,” Mr Park said.

Kennedy Community Centre set to soar

Work is underway on the $113 million Kennedy Community Centre Stage 1 Project, which is set to elevate the Hawthorn Football Club facilities to a nationally-significant sporting venue.

Once complete, the centre will include the ‘Harris’ Elite Training and Administration Facility, which will comprise of an MCG-sized oval with lighting, an indoor training field, aquatic facilities, unisex change rooms, function centre, public amenities and a carpark area with lighting.

An adjacent AFLW and Community oval and three-level pavilion will also be delivered, featuring full broadcast capabilities and grandstand seating.

Construction is expected to be completed by late 2025.

The Australian Government has committed $15 million to the project. The Allan Labor Government ($15 million), the Hawthorn Football Club ($73 million), the AFL ($5 million) and the Kingston City Council ($5 million) have provided the remaining $98 million towards the project.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“‘Teamwork is the thing that talks’ – and my Government is very pleased to be working with the State Government, Kingston City Council, the AFL and the Hawthorn Football Club to help bring this great project to life.

“This centre will be a focal point and a home for community sport, men and women, boys and girls, all ages and so many sporting codes.

“It will be a place in the best of the Australian tradition – where sport belongs to the people and sport brings people together.”

Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said:

“The Australian Government is pleased to partner with the Hawthorn Football Club, the Victorian Government, the City of Kingston and the AFL to deliver this wonderful project.

“The project will deliver the best facility of its type in southeast Melbourne for the community, encouraging both passive and active participation in the sport.”

Federal Member for Isaacs Mark Dreyfus said:

“I’m delighted the Kennedy Community Centre is being supported to become a hub for Dingley, Isaacs and the broader community.

“Sport is an integral part of the Isaacs community spirit – it brings us together and promotes teamwork, inclusivity and resilience. The Centre will be a great asset for local sport and help boost our local economy.”

Victorian Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said:

“This is such an exciting step in helping deliver the Hawthorn Football Club elite facilities for the club’s AFLW team while creating a home base for the brown and gold for many years to come.”

Mayor of City of Kingston Cr Jenna Davey-Burns said:

“Our Council is passionate about supporting sport, particularly the participation of women and girls, and we are thrilled to see the Kennedy Centre project come to fruition.

“Community sport is all about great physical and mental wellbeing, provides a real sense of belonging and helps build strong connections. It’s great to think we could soon be seeing the next generation of Tilly Lucas-Rodds, Jazzy Flemmings, Chad Wingards and Jai Newcombes getting their start on a brand-new community oval here in Dingley Village.”

STILL NO ENFORCEMENT BODY TO HOLD MPS TO ACCOUNT, TWO YEARS ON

Today is the second anniversary of the day the government adopted former Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins’ Set the Standards report, after its release in November 2021.

The recommendations in that report were intended to be adopted within 12 months. With the Independent Parliamentary Standards Commission (IPSC) now delayed until October 2024, an enforcement body to uphold the codes of conduct for parliamentary behaviour will be almost two years overdue.

Greens leader in the Senate and spokesperson on women Senator Larissa Waters said:

“When former Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins released the Set the Standard Report in 2021, the recommendations were intended to be fully implemented within 12 months – not 3 years.

“Establishing an independent, trauma-informed Parliamentary Workplace Support Service to support staff and MPs dealing with harassment and abuse has been a huge step forward, as has the adoption of long overdue draft codes of conduct for the parliamentary chambers, but without enforcement powers, they cannot solve the problem.

“I am proud of the progress that has been made, but we still need an Independent Parliamentary Standards Commission (IPSC) to enforce codes of conduct.

“The timeframe for that IPSC was first extended until February, and has now blown out 1 whole year until October 2024.

“We know that without real prospects that an MP will be sanctioned, staff are reluctant to come forward. Consequences are crucial.

“As a member of the Parliamentary Leadership Taskforce I know that work to set up the IPSC is complex, but there is no excuse for it having been so slow.

“The Greens will continue to push for real accountability and transparency, so that here in Parliament our workplace is leading by example to Set the Standard.”

SCATHING CLOSING THE GAP REVIEW SHOWS IT’S TIME TO GET SERIOUS ABOUT HANDING MONEY AND DECISIONS OVER TO FIRST NATIONS PEOPLE

Following the review of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, the Greens support the Review’s calls for urgent fundamental changes in the way government departments engage with the priority reforms.

The Greens also reiterated their expectation that the government will advance Truth and Treaty through a Makarrata Commission in this term of government.

Senator Dorinda Cox, Greens First Nations portfolio holder said:

“This review is excruciating reading but it is also a brave and necessary act of Truth Telling.

“What this review confirms is we are closing no gaps. It says government departments scorn accountability. It says actions by the government, and I’m quoting here, “exacerbate rather than remedy disadvantage and discrimination”.

“I am appalled by the reported lack of accountability from government departments. The complacency. The business as usual, government-knows-best approach to First Nations communities.

“This is the definition of institutional racism. This is the arrogance of white bureaucrats, systems and managers reinforcing the disempowerment of our people.

“These attitudes keep First Nations people out of schools, out of hospitals, out of workplaces.

“These attitudes empower state violence against our people and ensure we do not get justice.

“Many First Nations people trusted the Albanese government last year when they said they wanted to put us in charge of our own solutions.

“That trust cannot be broken. It’s time for the government to put their money where their mouth is, and that means handing both money and decision-making power over to Aboriginal Controlled Community Organisations.

“This is everyone’s business. It’s not just up to people with the Blak portfolios to solve these problems – we need every Minister and every Head of Department to understand it is their job to Close the Gap. And we need them to know there will be consequences if they don’t.

“Business-as-usual has failed, and it’s clear from these results that the government does not know what’s best for our people.

“Now is the time for Truth and Treaty.

“The referendum campaign clearly demonstrated the need to have an honest and informed discussion about our shared history so we can speak the truth, heal and move forward together through Treaty and the affirmation of First Nations Sovereignty – which has never been ceded.

“We have an opportunity to do things differently in this country by starting that process now.”

FELS REPORT SHINES LIGHT ON PRICE GOUGING AND INFLATION

The Greens welcome the findings of the comprehensive report led by Professor Allan Fels AO on the disturbing practices of price gouging and unfair pricing within Australia’s major industries, including the supermarket sector.

“The findings of Professor Fels’ report are a testament to the urgent need for reform within our supermarket industry and beyond,” Greens Economic Justice spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said.

”It confirms what many Australians have long suspected – that excessive corporate profits and monopolistic practices are contributing significantly to the cost of living crisis and undermining our social fabric.”

“Professor Fels was clear that there is a lack of competitive pressure in the supermarket sector and that Australia needs divestiture laws to break up big business.”

“The Greens could not agree more.”

“There is no doubt that corporate profiteering is occurring in Australia. A corporate super-profits tax would help rein it in and provide extra revenue for the government to help people struggling to make ends meet.”

“The upcoming Senate inquiry into these matters will be a pivotal moment for supermarket CEOs to face public scrutiny.”

”We intend to examine into the issues highlighted by Professor Fels, ensuring that the CEOs of these corporations answer for their actions.”

“We thank the ACTU and Professor Fels for this important report.”

GREENS WIN A RIGHT TO DISCONNECT IN FAIR WORK BILL

Following months of negotiations with the government and the crossbench, the Greens have secured support in their push for a legislated right to disconnect for workers.

As a long-time campaign and demand of the Greens, this win allows workers to ignore contact from their employers outside of work hours, unless they are paid for it.

The amendments to the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes No. 2) Bill 2023 will give employees an enforceable right to refuse contact from their employer out of hours unless that refusal is unreasonable. Where the issue cannot be resolved at the workplace, and the behaviour continues, the Fair Work Commission can issue stop orders. If they are breached, the normal civil remedies of the Fair Work system will apply.

Factors like the reason for contact, the level of contact, compensation, job role and responsibility, and workers’ personal circumstances will be taken into account in deciding what is reasonable contact.

Having reached agreement with the government and crossbench on the right to disconnect, the Greens will back the bill when it comes before the Senate today.

Greens Leader Adam Bandt said:

“The Greens have won workers a right to disconnect,” Mr Bandt said.

“Whether you’re a nurse, teacher, or hospo worker, the Greens believe you shouldn’t have to answer calls or texts from your boss on your day off or after hours if you’re not being paid for it.

“The Greens are in Parliament to fight for workers, and by winning workers a right to disconnect, we have reclaimed the weekend for millions of people who need that time off.

“This is especially a big win for women and carers who are often forced to juggle work and caring responsibilities.”

Senator Barbara Pocock said:

“This right will make a real difference for millions of Australian workers and their families who need some backup when they want to say no to 24/7 contact from their workplace.

‘The right is clear, practical and reasonable. It will make a difference for workers who are not paid for being available and who donate many unpaid hours to their workplace.

‘In implementing this right, we are playing catch up with 20 other nations who have already acted on this massive problem.

‘This change will help workers protect their mental health and improve work-life balance. It will especially help those in insecure jobs who need that legislative backup.

“I want to thank the government and the Senate crossbench for their constructive engagement and their support for our right to disconnect plan.

GREENS SAY PARLIAMENT’S CONTINUED BACKING OF ISRAEL’S INVASION “UNFORGIVABLE”

History will condemn Labor’s backing of a massive humanitarian catastrophe, the Greens say, after the government voted with the opposition to double down on its support of the State of Israel’s invasion of Gaza.

The vote occurred as the death toll in Palestine climbs towards 30,000 people, millions of Palestinians are displaced and facing starvation, dehydration and death from disease, and Israeli troops turn their sights on the city of Rafah.

The International Court of Justice has said there is a plausible basis to claims of genocide, commencing an investigation that the Australian Government has also refused to support.

Adam Bandt MP, Leader of the Australian Greens said:

“As the death toll rises and civilians are slaughtered, it is unforgivable that Labor continues to back the invasion of Gaza,” Mr Bandt said.

“Even after 27,000 deaths, widespread humanitarian catastrophe and orders from the International Court of Justice to prevent genocide, Labor has doubled down on its backing of Israel’s invasion of Gaza.”

“International pressure is crucial to securing a permanent ceasefire, but Labor keeps backing the invasion.

“Labor should join the growing global push for a permanent ceasefire, the release of the hostages and an end to the occupation of Palestine.”

Senator Jordon Steele-John, Greens spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Peace said:

“There is no room for equivocating on the crime of genocide. Labor is trying to present this as complicated – there is nothing morally complex about opposing an invasion which has killed tens of thousands of innocent people,” Senator Steele-John said.

“Now that the International Court of Justice believes there is a plausible basis to claims of genocide in Gaza, ignorance is not an excuse. Continued silence as the death toll mounts and evidence of genocide builds amounts to complicity in what is going on in Gaza.

“Every day, we see horrifying new evidence of what the State of Israel’s invasion means: mass graves, schools and hospitals turned into rubble, all backed by Israeli officials using genocidal language.

“Labor has abandoned everyone in the community who are pushing for a permanent ceasefire, the release of all hostages and an end to the occupation of Palestine.

City of Newcastle kicking goals with strategic approach to sports facilities

More than $20 million has been invested into upgrading and expanding Newcastle’s sporting facilities during the past three years as City of Newcastle (CN) moves forward with the delivery of its Strategic Sports Plan.

Representatives from sporting codes across the city were updated on the progress of the Plan during last night’s third annual Sports Summit, which was established by CN in 2022 to support a more collaborative relationship with local sporting groups.

Cr Margaret Wood, Cr Peta Winney-Baartz, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, Cr Elizabeth Adamczyk, CN Executive Manager Community and Recreation Lynn Duffy and CEO Jeremy Bath attend the 2024 Sports Summit

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said CN was kicking goals in the implementation of its 10-year Strategic Sports Plan, which was designed to address future demand and inform the ongoing supply, maintenance and upgrade of sporting infrastructure across the Local Government Area.

“City of Newcastle is committed to upgrading sporting facilities across the community for the benefit of all, which is why we’ve invested more than $20 million during the past three financial years to enhance our sportsgrounds and amenities,” Cr Nelmes said.

“This includes everything from field layout, drainage and irrigation upgrades to major projects such as the stage one redevelopment and stage two planning and design of No.1 Sportsground and a $1.25 million upgrade at Myers Park.

“We’re also delivering on our promise to develop more inclusive, accessible and female-friendly facilities and amenities, with upgrades completed at Lugar Park and major grandstand redevelopment projects almost complete at Darling Street Oval and Passmore Oval.

Chair of CN’s Sports Infrastructure Working Party, Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz, said that implementation of the City’s Strategic Sports Plan, adopted in 2020, is progressing well.

“Since adopting the Plan, I’m pleased to say that we’ve implemented or are progressing 84 per cent of its 93 recommendations, working collaboratively with sporting clubs across the City to ensure we cater for the needs of our community now and into the future.”

Cr Winney-Baartz said CN also provides funding to assist sporting codes with minor capital works projects.

“With ongoing changes to representatives on sporting committees it’s important to hold regular workshops and forums with the sporting community to keep them up to date with City of Newcastle processes,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.

“This includes educating them on future funding opportunities such as CN’s Recreation facilities grants, which allow groups to apply for grants of up to $10,000 to help upgrade existing facilities or develop new ones.

“Nine projects will be delivered in 2023/24 following on from successful grant applications last year, including new artificial turf wickets at Ballast Park in Stockton, new grandstands for the New Lambton Eagles at Alder Park, as well as creating the region’s first 18-hole disc golf course at Beresfield.

“We’re proud to work closely with our sporting clubs to ensure our community has continued access to high quality sporting and leisure opportunities.”

Councillor Margaret Wood, co-chair of CN’s Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee, said the Strategic Sports Plan 2020 also aligns with CN’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan.

“This plan ensures that City of Newcastle commits to advocating for the equal rights of all, providing services, programs, events and facilities that are respectful and inclusive of people with disabilities, their families and carers,” Cr Wood said.

CN manages 63 sportsgrounds venues, which are home to 152 fields that span over 370 hectares.

The Sports Summit brought together representatives from all codes that utilise CN’s outdoor facilities, providing an opportunity for them to learn about council processes relating to fees and charges, ground allocation, project works and grants.

NSW Government introduces integrity reforms

The NSW Government is set to introduce reforms to help restore public trust and improve public integrity, transparency, and accountability.

The reform package will include amendments to the Independent Commission Against Corruption Act 1988 to make it a legislative requirement for the Government to respond to recommendations of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) directed to the Government.

The NSW Government is also moving to address recommendations made by the ICAC in Operation Witney and Operation Keppel.

Operation Witney was an investigation into the former Member for Drummoyne and allegations concerning improper influence and breach of public trust.

In response to the investigation’s findings, a draft regulation will be tabled in Parliament proposing to:

expand the interests required to be disclosed by Members of Parliament
require Members to disclose new matters including conflicts of interest
require all Members to make disclosures on an ongoing basis instead of periodically, for publication on the NSW Parliament website.

The draft regulation, if made, will implement recommendations 1 and 4 of the Operation Witney report and bring NSW into line with the disclosure obligations in other Australian jurisdictions, including the Commonwealth. The Government intends to introduce the proposed changes on 1 July 2024 after consultation with relevant Parliamentary Committees.

In response to Operation Keppel, which concerned the former Member for Wagga Wagga, the Government will amend the preamble to the NSW Ministerial Code of Conduct to include principles and guiding values recommended by the ICAC.

Further reforms include guidelines for the preparation and funding of business cases in respect of grant applications by non-government entities, and boosting education programs to ensure Ministers are aware of their integrity obligations.

The package of reforms reaffirms the Government’s commitment to the highest standards of integrity. This builds upon recent announcements including a ban on political parties accepting donations from clubs which have gaming machines and the tightening of government grant regulations.