Newcastle crowned NSW’s ‘Top Tourism Town’

Newcastle has been hailed NSW’s ‘Top Tourism Town’ by Business NSW at the Local Government NSW Destination & Visitor Economy Conference in Manly.

City of Newcastle (CN) was presented with the award by NSW Tourism Industry Council Executive Director, Paula Martin, in recognition of its strategic initiatives to increase visitation and support tourism development for local operators and hospitality businesses.

Top-Tourism-Town.jpgNewcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the award was recognition of CN’s collaboration with industry, government, and tourism operators to boost the local visitor economy.

“This accolade acknowledges City of Newcastle’s leadership in growing our city as a must-see destination,” Cr Nelmes said.

“Cementing our city’s status as a premier tourism and major events destination, we partnered with Venues NSW to secure Newcastle as the first stop on Sir Elton John’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour in Australia under a strategic Major Events Partnership and has since secured a coveted spot on the upcoming world tour of American pop powerhouse Pink in February 2024.

“Attracting headline acts of this calibre is a testament to Newcastle’s growth as a world-class events and cultural city and indicative of a thriving local economy.

“Major events are a key part of our Destination Management Plan as a primary driver of the local tourism visitor economy, delivering both an immediate and ongoing benefit for the community and economy, with greater visitation, investment and liveability outcomes.

“We are committed to ongoing investment in major events and tourism through event sponsorship, industry development, our recent tourism brand refresh ‘Seek Off Beat’ and targeted marketing campaigns which are integral to building a thriving, diverse and robust visitor economy.”

From 2024, the expansion of Newcastle Airport will pave the way to attract more international events, while international hotel brands like Crystalbrook and QT have already recognised Newcastle’s expanding tourism appeal, investing millions of dollars to open five-star hotels in the city.

“To help attract more leisure visitors, a key action in Newcastle’s Destination Management Plan has been to work with the business sector to increase the number of bookable visitor experiences on offer,” Cr Nelmes said.

“By continuing to leverage our city’s unique offering in a way that appeals to visitors from outside the region and abroad, Newcastle’s future as an international tourism and major events destination is bright.”

Newcastle will now vie for Australia’s Top Tourism Town title at an event later this year.

Watch City of Newcastle’s winning-award submission video.

$1 million in grants and sponsorships on offer from City of Newcastle

Projects that attract people to public places, enhance community well-being and strengthen the city’s reputation as a tourism, business and events destination are set to share in almost $1 million from City of Newcastle (CN).

Applications are now open across 12 grants and sponsorship funding categories to support social, cultural, environmental and economic initiatives.

Initiatives ranging from a learn to swim program for refugee women, and an indigenous and disability sports clinic, through to workshops teaching Auslan to the community using popular songs are just some of the programs delivered under CN’s community support grant funding last year.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said grants and sponsorship funding is vital to enhancing community well-being and contributing to building a welcoming, liveable and inclusive city.

“City of Newcastle’s annual grants and sponsorships program has seen amazing initiatives come to life, from programs that help engage our culturally and linguistically diverse communities in local sport to major events like SailFest, which welcomed thousands of people to our harbour city,” Cr Nelmes said.

“We provide funding to a wide variety of activities, projects and events annually, including recreation facilities, community initiatives, arts, culture and heritage, as well as environmental and social inclusion projects.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said social inclusion, recreation participation and economic development were at the heart of CN’s grants and sponsorships program.

“Last year, City of Newcastle funded upgrade projects for local clubs who use our sporting and recreation facilities right across the city, whilst event sponsorship provided a great way to increase visitation to the city,” Cr Clausen said

“We’re looking forward to seeing a range of new applications come through this year for projects and initiatives that benefit the community and create a vibrant city for all.”

Grants that target minor infrastructure improvements for recreational facilities and sustainability upgrades are also available under the infrastructure grants category.

Event sponsorship grants are available for events that promote active and vibrant spaces, attract local and out of region visitation and enhance Newcastle’s profile as an events city, while economic development sponsorships will be provided for activities that enable skills and innovation, and are considered city-shaping initiatives.

Applications for grants and sponsorship funding are open from tomorrow until 30 June 2023. Further details can be viewed on City of Newcastle’s website by visiting newcastle.nsw.gov.au

VISIT TO SINGAPORE AND VIETNAM

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will travel to Singapore from 1 to 2 June to deliver the keynote address at the 20th Shangri-La Dialogue, and to meet with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong for annual bilateral discussions.

Through his keynote address to the Shangri-La Dialogue, the Prime Minister will outline Australia’s vision for the Indo-Pacific region. Convened by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, the Dialogue is the premier regional forum for senior government and thought leaders to discuss regional security dynamics and challenges.

Meetings with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will focus on strengthening our bilateral cooperation, implementing the Singapore-Australia Green Economy Agreement, signed in October 2022, as well as strengthening mutual food and energy security, defence cooperation and trade and investment ties.

The Prime Minister will travel to Vietnam from 3 to 4 June to mark 50 years of diplomatic relations between our two countries.

In Vietnam the Prime Minister will hold meetings with Vietnam’s senior leaders and promote Australian business and education ties. Leaders will discuss ways to boost trade, investment and education links and expand cooperation on climate, energy and the environment.

Vietnam is an increasingly important economic and strategic partner for Australia in Southeast Asia, an area of focus for the Albanese Government. 

This is the Prime Minister’s first official visit to both Singapore and Vietnam.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

“At the Shangri-La Dialogue I will outline Australia’s vision for a stable, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

“Australia is committed to expanding and deepening ties with our partners in Southeast Asia to address shared challenges and ambitions.

“I look forward to the Annual Leaders’ Meeting in Singapore, where Prime Minister Lee and I will discuss the broad range of work underway as part of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

“My first official visit to Vietnam is an opportunity to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations and agree on new areas of economic, trade and other cooperation to deliver a stronger relationship into the future.”

Hunter, Central Coast and Central West studentsawarded for excellence in Public Education 

Students from across the Hunter, Central Coast and Central West received scholarships at the 2023 Proudly Public! Awards night at Sydney Town Hall on Monday.

They are among over 700 public school students and educators from across Australia to receive scholarships administered by the Public Education Foundation in 2023.

Since the launch of PEF’s scholarships program in 2009 over 3,000 students and more than 120 educators have been supported with greater than $8.5 million in life-changing scholarships administered by the Foundation.

A list of Hunter, Central Coast and Central West student and teacher recipients is attached below, with full details in the link.

Department of Education Acting Secretary Murat Dizdar thanked the Public Education Foundation for its ongoing support of public education in NSW.

He said the scholarships helped to remove barriers to achievement created by social and economic disadvantage.

“These scholarships are about recognising student excellence, potential and ability and rewarding students so they can continue to reach their potential,” Mr Dizdar said. 

“Behind many of these awards are extraordinary stories of resilience and a commitment to learning against the odds, especially during the pandemic, bushfires and floods. 

“I am proud of our students, teachers and leaders who have attained scholarships. It is their efforts that combine to create the extraordinary public education system we have in NSW, one that believes in the individual no matter your postcode and as part of its DNA is determined that every individual connects, succeeds and thrives in public schools.”

Public Education Foundation CEO David Riordan said the awards celebrate the enduring values of Australian public education. 

“Every student deserves the opportunity to achieve their full potential, and these scholarships will help make that possible,” Mr Riordan said.

The Public Education Foundation is a charity dedicated to enhancing the value and reputation of public education by providing life-changing scholarships to its students, teachers and principals. 

For a full list of scholarship recipients visit: https://www.publiceducationfoundation.org.au/

Walter and Eliza Hall Trust Opportunity Scholarship

Isla Farr                                   Oxley High School

NSW Teachers Federation Primary Scholarship

Charlie Palmer                        Gwandalan Public School

Kua Swan                               Glendore Public School

Public Education Foundation Primary Scholarship

Levi Nicholson                        Scone Public School

Felicity Samuel                       Wadalba Community School

Levi Nicholson                        Scone Public School

Felicity Samuel                       Wadalba Community School

Niyahla Wright                        Glendore Public School

Waratah Education Foundation Primary Scholarship

Dhakota Hodges                     Glendore Public School

Kaitlyn Mulligan                       Woodberry Public School

Alana Newland                        Glendore Public School

Lily Nguyen                             Glendore Public School

Waratah Education Foundation Secondary Transition Scholarship

Eliza French                            Glendore Public School

Jakeisha-Lee McBride            Glendore Public School

Aboriginal Education Council Scholarship

Hannah Baillie-Angeles          Bulahdelah Central School

Kailee Good                            West Wallsend High School

Jie Matthews                           West Wallsend High School

Nakiesha Vickery                    Northlakes High School

Andrew Casey Indigenous Scholarship

Charlie Deacon                       West Wallsend High School

Connected Communities Scholarship

Destyni Bight                           Coonamble High School

Jordan Briar                            Coonamble High School

Braydon Dodd                         Coonamble High School

Madie Hodgson                       Coonamble High School

Rihanna McBride                    Coonamble High School

Public Education Foundation Indigenous Scholarship

Beau Hinton                            Coonabarabran High School

Yooralla Samuel                     Wadalba Community School

Una May Smith Scholarship

Ashlee Dawson                       West Wallsend High School

Tae-Lani Gordon                     Glendore Public School

NSW Teachers Federation Refugee Scholarship

Maryam Hossein Zadeh         Callaghan College Waratah Campus

Friends of Zainab Senior Secondary Scholarship

Maryam Hossein Zadeh         Callaghan College Waratah Campus

Narges Eftekhari                     Callaghan College Jesmond Campus

Madina Khanzada                   Callaghan Collage Waratah Campus

Unions NSW Jeff Shaw Memorial Scholarship

Caitlin Blanch                          Peel High School

VET in Schools Scholarship

Chloe Lund                              Denison College of Secondary Education, Kelso High Campus

Woodcock Family Scholarship

Harry Brown                            Singleton High School

Katie King                               Singleton High School

Hunter Mcloughlin                   Scone High School

Koby Newman                        Singleton High School

NSW Teachers Federation Award for HSC Excellence

Rebecca Oewns                     Gosford High School

Lara White                              Newcastle High School

NSW Cookery Teachers Association Scholarship

Emilie Coe                              Dunedoo Central School

Rilee Perry                              Whitebridge High School

Nurses and Midwives Health Scholarship

Anastasia Walsh                     Nyngan High School

Public Education Foundation Tertiary Scholarship

Dinara Jayarathna                  Taree High School

Alishea Rankin                        Coonabarabran High School

Hugh Shadwell                       Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School

Teachers Health Early Career Scholarship

Jessica Burg                           Oxley High School

Ad campaign backs Same Job Same Pay laws to close labour hire loopholes 

The Mining and Energy Union is today launching an advertising campaign to support the Albanese Government’s proposed Same Job Same Pay laws for labour hire workers and challenge mining company scare campaigns. 

The print, television and social media campaign will continue until the new laws pass Parliament. 

MEU General Secretary Grahame Kelly said that despite mining company fear-mongering, Same Job Same Pay laws would be good for the industry. 

“Mining companies are notorious for throwing their weight around when governments propose changes requiring them to act in the community’s best interests. 

“But Same Job Same Pay will be a positive for mining because it will end a rort affecting the workers and regional communities that sustain the industry. 

“Same Job Same Pay will improve wages and conditions for labour hire workers and prevent them being treated as second class citizens. It will strengthen collective bargaining by ensuring companies stick to their end of the bargain. And it will be great for regional communities who lose out when big employers cut wages for half the workforce.”

Mr Kelly said that over the past decade, big mining companies have replaced thousands of good, permanent mining jobs with insecure, lower-paid labour hire jobs, cutting wages while their profits have grown. 

He said Same Job Same Pay laws would close the loophole that allows companies to avoid paying the wages and conditions negotiated under site Enterprise Agreements by outsourcing jobs to labour hire companies paying barely above the legal minimum. 

The practice means that on many mine sites, labour hire workers are paid from $30,000 to $50,000 a year less than permanent workers for doing the same job. Workers in other industries including transport and manufacturing are also affected. 

“We know that workers in industries apart from mining are also the victim of labour hire loopholes, being paid less than permanent employees performing the same job. 

“We encourage all workers who want to end this rort to get on board and help make sure Same Job Same Pay becomes a reality.” 

The ads have started airing today and the campaign is being officially launched at Parliament House in Canberra, where a delegation of MEU coal mineworkers has been briefing MPs about the misuse of labour hire and the need for Same Job Same Pay laws. The campaign will include events in regional areas in the months ahead.

Humanitarian assistance to Middle East and Africa

The Australian Government will provide an additional $29 million to humanitarian partners to respond to the growing food security crisis and to assist vulnerable people in the Middle East and Africa.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a dramatic rise in the number of people at risk of acute food insecurity, increasing to 350 million people globally.

Australia is deeply concerned for those impacted by conflict, those experiencing extreme hunger and the consequences of crises on global stability and security.

As part of our ongoing response, Australia will contribute $29 million from the Humanitarian Emergency Fund to partners in the Horn of Africa and the Middle East, including:

  • $15 million to address increased humanitarian, displacement and protection needs of people in drought-affected areas in Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia.
  • $4 million to provide food and nutrition support to the most vulnerable in Yemen.
  • $10 million for food and monetary assistance to refugees and vulnerable populations in Lebanon and Jordan.

This package builds on humanitarian support already delivered, including $25 million in emergency assistance announced in February to respond to growing global food insecurity and humanitarian crises affecting Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Yemen and Pakistan.

Australia’s ongoing response is part of broader efforts to address the underlying causes of crises and food insecurity globally, which includes long-term financial and technical support to build resilient communities and food systems.

We continue to advocate for open, transparent and predictable agricultural trade to reduce the export restrictions which raise prices and worsen food insecurity.

Australia has also committed $6 million to support those affected by the conflict in Sudan. The Government is concerned about active conflict and widespread food insecurity across the region and is monitoring the impacts closely.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong said:

“Conflict and climate change are driving unprecedented levels of humanitarian need, particularly in Africa and the Middle East.

“Australia is using all elements of our national power to shape the world for the better, including by providing humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable.”

Minister for International Development and the Pacific, the Hon Pat Conroy MP said:

“We are seeing the largest global food crisis in modern history, with 350 million people going hungry.

“Australia is making an important contribution to the humanitarian response in partnership with other countries and international organisations.”

the Assistant Minister Foreign Affairs, the Hon Tim Watts MP said:

“Our $29 million package for immediate life-saving assistance is part of a broader effort to address the underlying causes of food insecurity and displacement globally.

“We are acting now to fight global hunger, help the most vulnerable, and build the conditions for stability.”

Cooked: Red Rooster Franchise Faces Charges for Employing Minors

Introduction: 

In a recent development, the Red Rooster franchise located in Wodonga has come under scrutiny as it faces a staggering 355 charges from Victoria’s Child Employment Watchdog.

The allegations suggest the franchise employed ten children under 15 without the necessary permits. This incident is just one among several cases that have led to increased discussions around the employment of teenagers and the need to reassess current laws. One Nation Victoria MP, Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell, acknowledges the importance of safeguarding children but emphasizes the potential benefits of early part-time employment for teenagers. Let’s delve into the topic, exploring the advantages, safeguards, and the possibility of allowing younger people to work. 

The Importance of Part-Time Jobs for Teenagers: 

Mrs Tyrrell recognises the value of teenagers having their first part-time job, citing its invaluable benefits. Beyond monetary compensation, such employment instils essential work ethics and a sense of purpose and encourages the development of professional relationships. Moreover, it provides teenagers with a basic understanding of business and economics through financial incentives, and skill sets that may not be adequately covered in the school curriculum alone. 

Calls for Reassessment: 

While acknowledging the necessity of safeguarding children in the workforce, Tyrrell suggests evaluating existing teenage employment laws. Not all young individuals can work as she did on a family farm or in a family business. By imposing restrictions on maximum working hours to prevent exploitation and ensuring appropriate measures such as working with children checks and training, lowering the age bracket to 13 years old could provide numerous benefits. 

Safeguards to Protect Teenagers: 

Mrs Tyrrell emphasises the importance of implementing safeguards to protect the well-being and rights of teenagers. Restricting working hours can prevent potential abuse and ensure teenagers balance work and other commitments like education. Additionally, enforcing thorough working with children checks and providing training programs will help create a safer and more secure working environment for young employees. 

Win-Win Situation: 

Lowering the minimum age for employment can be seen as a win-win situation. Teenagers eager to earn a few extra dollars can gain valuable work experience and financial independence. Simultaneously, employers can tap into this talent pool to meet their labour needs, benefitting from the enthusiasm, energy, and fresh perspectives that young employees often bring. 

Conclusion: 

The recent charges brought against the Red Rooster franchise in Wodonga highlight the need to reassess current teenage employment laws. While protecting children in the workforce is essential, the potential benefits of part-time employment for teenagers should not be overlooked. By implementing appropriate safeguards, such as restrictions on working hours, thorough background checks, and training programs, it is possible to create a safe and enriching environment for young employees. With proper regulations, lowering the age bracket to 13 years old can provide teenagers with valuable life skills and offer employers access to a motivated and capable workforce. As the discussion continues, it is crucial to balance safeguarding young individuals and empowering them through suitable employment opportunities. 

STATEMENT ON MARK MCGOWAN

I spoke to Mark McGowan earlier today to congratulate him on his retirement and all he has achieved through his time in public life. Mark leaves office as he led, on his own terms and as his own man. He has been a great Premier of his proud state, an extraordinary leader for WA Labor and a trusted friend. Above all, Mark will be remembered for seeing the people of Western Australian safely through one of the most challenging crises in our nation’s history. In unprecedented times, Mark always held to his convictions and always sought to do the right thing by his state.

While it’s true the sheer scale of his final election victory earned him a place in Australian political history, I know Mark’s definition of success has always been about delivering for people, improving lives and creating progress that endures. He has done all this in spades. I wish Mark, Sarah and their family all the very best for the next chapter of their lives.

Calvary Mater GP After Hours Clinic Restored

Following an investment of $28.7 million from the Albanese Labor Government the GP Access After Hours Clinic at the Calvary Mater will re-open tomorrow.

The re-opening of the Calvary Mater clinic is the first stage of a rollout of restoration of the Hunter GP Access Clinics – the hours at the GP Access Clinics at Belmont Hospital, John Hunter Hospital, Maitland Hospital and Westlakes Community Health Centre in Toronto will be fully restored over the coming months.

The Albanese Government has provided a record $28.7 million to the Hunter New England Central Coast PHN to commission Hunter Primary Care to reopen the Calvary Mater Clinic and restore full after-hours services at all GP Access clinics.

The Former Liberal Government cut funding to GP Access services, forcing the GP Access clinic at the Calvary Mater Hospital to close permanently and four other clinics to significantly reduce their hours from Christmas Eve 2021.

It is a significant milestone that after 16 months of having their doors closed, the GP Access After Hours service at the Calvary Mater Hospital will reopen tomorrow.

GP Access clinics offer face to face and telehealth primary care services outside business hours. These services are bulk billed to anyone with a Medicare card, and delivered by GPs and Registered Nurses, reducing the barrier to access care, and preventing visits to the Emergency Department.

The Calvary Mater clinic will be open weekdays from 6pm – 10pm, Saturdays from 1pm – 8pm and Sundays from 9am – 4pm. Appointments must be booked via the GP Access call centre on 1300 130 147.

Minister Butler said:

“The Albanese Government has delivered on its commitment to restore the GP Access After Hours clinic, after the former Liberal government cut funding forcing the service to close its doors.

“The much-needed service will again be able to provide individuals and families the care they need, when they need it – and reduce pressure on local hospitals.”

Sharon Claydon MP said:

“After an incredible community campaign, more than 11,000 Novocastrians signed the petition to save this essential service. It was your strong advocacy that saw the Albanese Labor Government’s record investment to restore GP Access to its full capacity.

“The re-opening of the Calvary Mater After Hours Clinic means Novocastrians will once again have access to free quality primary healthcare outside business hours, where the only card you need is your Medicare card.”

Pat Conroy MP said:

“Following the cuts to the beloved GP Access After Hours service by the former Liberal government, I was proud to work with the community, alongside my Hunter Labor colleagues, to campaign to restore this service. The Albanese Labor Government is listening to the Lake Macquarie and broader Hunter community and restoring this vital service.

The re-opening of Calvary Mater is the first tranche in the rollout to restore this service and I look forward to working with Primary Health Network over the next few weeks as services are restored at Belmont Hospital and the other GP Access After Hours services.”

Meryl Swanson MP said:

“I’m proud to work alongside my Hunter colleagues as a team delivering for our region as part of the Albanese Labor Government.

“Together we are making good on a commitment to reverse the bad decisions of the former Liberal Government, restoring this vital service that should never have been cut.”

Dan Repacholi MP said:

“Restoring the hours for the Toronto GP Access After Hours Clinic was one of the biggest commitments I took to the election, and I am pleased we’ve been able to deliver it.

“The full hours will be restored in coming weeks, and this will mean residents can see a doctor while they are sick and will reduce our overcrowded Emergency Departments.”

Missing man found – Newcastle area 

A man who was reported missing from Lambton in the Newcastle area has been found safe and well.

The 19-year-old was last seen at an address on Albert Street, Lambton, about 12.00pm today (Monday 29 May 2023).

When he could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Newcastle City Police District were notified and immediately commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Following a public appeal through social media and a geo-targeting alert sent to the Lambton area, police were advised the man returned home about 7.20pm.

Police and family would like to thank the community and media for their assistance.