Author: admin

More than 5100 patients have received free dental care at the Campbelltown Hospital’s Dental Centre since it launched 15 months ago.

The new dental centre means more eligible people in Campbelltown, Camden, Bankstown, Fairfield, Liverpool, Wingecarribee and Wollondilly can access public emergency, general and specialist oral health services closer to home.

Over the past year, the 20-chair clinic has provided 276 patients with specialist treatment and a further 5103 patients with emergency and general treatment.

NSW Health Minister Ryan Park joined Member for Campbelltown Greg Warren and Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant for a tour of the flagship oral health facility to mark Dental Health Week.

“This is an invaluable service which delivers state-of-the-art dental care closer to home for those who need it most,” Mr Park said.

“We know that poor oral health is linked to a multitude of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes, which is why a world-class dental clinic like this one is so important to the community of south-west Sydney.”

Member for Campbelltown Greg Warren said the dental clinic was a huge boost to healthcare services in the south-west Sydney region.

“Prior to these specialist dental services being available at Campbelltown Hospital, patients were referred and required to travel to tertiary centres outside South Western Sydney,” Mr Warren said.

Dr Chant said NSW Health is committed to reducing dental disease and supporting equitable access to oral health care for all people across NSW.

“I’m pleased to be here to tour this new facility, which is also a major teaching centre, providing clinical training for the next generation of oral health clinicians,” Dr Chant said.

South Western Sydney Local Health District Chief Executive Amanda Larkin said the new centre is already improving patient experiences and reducing wait times.

“We are incredibly proud to receive such fantastic wait time results for dental services,” Ms Larkin said.

“The hospital and all of South Western Sydney Local Health District is committed to providing timely and high-quality dental services to those eligible for public health dental services in south western Sydney.”

All patients accessing the dental service in the South Western Sydney Local Health District waited less than the maximum recommended waiting time for their treatment.

The centre’s scope of services includes treatment for patients with special needs, paediatric dentistry and oral surgery.

This year’s Dental Health Weeklaunch (7–13 August) focusses on the link between oral health and chronic disease such as heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, adverse pregnancy outcomes, lung conditions and inflammatory bowel disease.

Record-breaking attendance and global viewership of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023^TM have seen leading figures in Australian sport and business come together today to establish a ‘Winning Playbook’ – the roadmap to guide the continued growth and development of women’s sport.

Hosted by the NSW Government and Football Australia, The Winning Playbook looked at key trends driving innovation in women’s sport, set against the backdrop of the remarkably successful FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.

Speakers included FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura, a trailblazer for women’s football who has overseen unprecedented growth in the sport, Jill Ellis, President, San Diego Wave and two-time World Cup champion coach, U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team and James Johnson, Football Australia CEO who masterminded Australia’s successful bid for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.

The event was an initiative of the NSW Football Legacy Program which is overseeing the investment of $10 million by the NSW Government in football as a legacy of NSW hosting matches at the tournament.

NSW Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 has not only showcased the beautiful game, it has turbo-charged women’s sport.

“There is so much to learn from this pivotal moment to allow us to unlock the potential for women’s and girl’s sport.

“The NSW Government recognises the importance of World Cups on home soil to increasing the visibility, engagement and support for women’s sport.

“The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 has delivered on this promise, and today is about coming up with a game plan to keep future generations of girls loving and playing sport.”

NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“The rise of women’s football has been remarkable, with exponential growth in participation, record breaking attendances and increased investment.

“With more than 1.7 million tickets sold, Australian football fans are revelling in the highs, lows and excitement of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.

“While the tournament has established a new benchmark for FIFA Women’s World Cups, the NSW Government is also committed to ensuring it leaves a positive legacy for women and girls through sport and that’s what The Winning Playbook is aiming to achieve today.”

FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura said:

“Accelerating the growth and development of women’s football on and off the pitch is a top priority for FIFA. Since 2018, FIFA has invested significant time and resources into reforming competitions, enhancing the game’s commercial value, modernising women’s development programmes, and enhancing the professionalisation of the sport.

“Through this record-breaking FIFA Women’s World Cup, it has been thrilling to witness our strategies and investments, as well as those of our co- host countries and participating member associations, take women’s football to a whole new level. The new standards and benchmarks we have set at this truly special tournament will be felt for generations to come.”

President, San Diego Wave and two-time World Cup champion coach, U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team Jill Ellis said:

“Success in sport, as in any field, requires passion, dedication, and a shared vision. This World Cup has demonstrated that women’s football has the power to unite, inspire, and pave the way for a brighter future for the sport. We must keep this momentum going, make sure our efforts do not end with the final whistle. This is just the beginning.”

Football Australian CEO James Johnson said:

“The FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 has been a turning point for women’s football in Australia. The energy and engagement we’ve seen around this event has been truly transformative. However, our journey does not end here. Through collaborative efforts with stakeholders at all levels of the game, we are committed to harnessing this energy to provide sustainable growth, inclusivity, and opportunity for women’s sport in Australia. The Winning Playbook will ensure we stay focused and united in achieving these goals.”

Applications are now open for fishing fun and activities as part of the annual Gone Fishing Day, Minister for Agriculture, Regional NSW and Western NSW Tara Moriarty said today.

“Mark 8 October 2023 in your calendar as NSW Gone Fishing Day is on again! It doesn’t matter if you haven’t fished before or if you’re the keenest of anglers, Gone Fishing Day is for everyone!” Minister Moriarty said.

“Clubs and organisations are encouraged to host their own event and can apply for a Gone Fishing Day package which includes rod and reel sets to assist with your event, some giveaways/prizes and advisory information. 

“Grant funding of up to $2,000 is also available for clubs to help run their events. 

“Recreational fishing clubs and organisations are encouraged to apply for a package or grant to host fishing activities such as casting and fishing workshops and information sessions on Gone Fishing Day.

“The grants can be used to purchase fishing gear, bait, food and soft drinks and equipment hire etc.

“Activities to restore fish habitat, through replanting and/or weeding creek banks, on Gone Fishing Day are also eligible to apply.

“Free community fishing events will also be hosted by DPI across NSW to celebrate our love of fishing and encourage everyone to get out on the water.”

Minister Moriarty said Gone Fishing Daylaunch is a great way for the state’s one million fishers to connect and introduce their friends and family to their valued pastime.

“It doesn’t matter if you haven’t fished before or if you’re the keenest of anglers, Gone Fishing Day is for everyone. I’ll see you there!” Minister Moriarty said.

DPI event locations will be announced over the coming months. 

Find out more about application forms and grant funding guidelineslaunch. Grant applications close 8 September 2023. 

Gone Fishing Day is run in collaboration with the Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation. 

Activities in NSW are supported from the Recreational Fishing Trusts and NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSWDPI).

The Minister for Natural Resources, Courtney Houssos, the Minister for Energy, Penny Sharpe, and the Mayor of Cessnock, Jay Suvaal, on Tuesday hosted a Roundtable as the NSW Government begins establishing Future Jobs & Investment Authorities in coal-producing regions.

New authorities will be established in the Hunter, Illawarra, Central West and North West to create jobs, where necessary re-skill workers and advance economic diversification. This is a key priority for the Minns Labor Government.

The authorities will work with the Commonwealth Government’s Net Zero Authority to support workers, industries and communities to seize transformational opportunities. The NSW Government is also considering how they will work with existing Royalties for Rejuvenation Regional Expert Panels.

More than 60 stakeholders from mining companies, unions, energy producers, industry groups and universities joined Tuesday’s meeting in Cessnock to provide their insights, share their perspectives on how the authorities should operate, and discuss the region’s core priorities.

The Roundtable is an important first step to creating the authorities and will be followed up with further discussions in the Hunter, as well as stakeholder roundtables across the state.

During the meeting, participants spoke of a commitment to work together to create opportunities to secure a strong future for the Hunter Region.

Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos said:

“It is vital we consult with workers and industry to better understand what support they will need. We want to ensure no-one gets left behind and that they are well prepared for the opportunities in the future.

“We only have one chance to put in place the right structures, policies and supports for communities to flourish in the post-coal era. The Minns Labor Government is committed to getting it right.

“We know our future productivity will rely on the economic diversification and workforce planning that we do now. That’s why we are working with local stakeholders to identify ways we can help workers and their families in mining regions prepare for a strong future.

“We recognise there is strong interest to explore how new industries can develop on mined land following mine closures.There is a great deal of energy and good will to make this happen and it was great to hear such a wide range of views as to how we can support these new economic opportunities.”

Minister for Energy Penny Sharpe said:

“The coal sector in NSW is changing. It is vital we work with coal communities to take action now to ensure NSW’s economy and these communities continue to grow and prosper.”

“We are committed to collaborating with local communities, industry and workers to develop bespoke plans which prioritise future industry and workforce needs.

“We know there is already substantial work underway and clever ideas being generated from the Hunter, and so it’s timely that the NSW Government listens and learns from our important Hunter stakeholders to bring together and build on what has already been done.”

Mayor of Cessnock Jay Suvaal said:

“The government’s work to promote economic diversification requires a sustained and authentic local engagement, and hosting the first Roundtable in Cessnock shows how serious the NSW Government is about getting this right.

“This is about supporting our communities, and supporting our workers and their families, while ensuring they have every opportunity as the area moves towards new and emerging industries.”

BHP NSW Energy Coal Vice President Adam Lancey said:

“We welcome the opportunity to consult on the creation of the authorities and look forward to future engagement around how we can work together towards a brighter future.

“We are currently exploring what might be possible when mining ends at Mt Arthur Coal so we can leave a positive legacy in the Hunter Valley.”

MEU Northern Mining and NSW Energy District President Robin Williams said:

“The mining and energy industries in the Hunter have made the region an economic powerhouse for NSW, but our economy is changing which has real implications for regional jobs in the years and decades ahead.

“I commend the NSW Government for bringing stakeholders together for a practical discussion about the investment we will need to ensure Hunter residents can continue to access quality, skilled jobs and the region has a bright future.”

Shadow Minister for Health Matt Kean has declared the Government’s latest union pay ‘deal’ nothing more than a band-aid solution that will lead to more budget blowouts and industrial action, calling on Chris Minns to come clean on the true cost of their public sector pay rises. 

“Labor are running around patting themselves on the back while nurses and midwives warn that this is merely a ‘ceasefire’ in their fight for a pay rise that exceeds the rate of inflation,” Mr Kean said.

“Nurses and midwives have every right to feel dudded by Chris Minns, who before the election promised huge pay increases, and now has walked away from keeping this promise. The fact that only 58% of members voted for this ‘deal’ shows there are still major problems before the Minns Labor Government.”

It was reported today that NSW Nurses and Midwives Association is set to continue campaigning for a pay rise that is “at least more than inflation”.

“The chickens are coming home to roost for Chris Minns, who’s quickly realising that he has to keep his word and come true on his election commitments. We don’t know how much a pay rise in excess of inflation would cost, and Chris Minns is refusing to be upfront and honest about the impact on the Budget, or how he’ll pay for these pay rises,” Mr Kean said. 

“Before the election Chris Minns said any pay increases would be paid for by productivity gains, now we know that this was a lie and that the cost to the Budget is in excess of $3 billion and rising.”

“That’s why Chris Minns and his ministers are looking to cut essential cost of living support, limit energy relief and delay or cancel vital infrastructure projects across NSW.”

Health Services Union paramedics have also walked away from negotiations over Government’s pay offer, last week announcing that members would refuse to be on standby at some major sporting events.

“This is a health crisis of Chris Minns’ own making, he should spend less time trying to spin his way out of this mess on social media, sit down with paramedics, nurses and midwives and be true to his word,” Mr Kean concluded.