Patients experiencing breast cancer and their families will benefit from a $2.1 million funding boost to the McGrath Foundation and its nurses from the NSW Government.
Premier Dominic Perrottet, Minister for Health Brad Hazzard and Minister for Women, Regional Health and Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said the funding provides renewed support for eight of the Foundation’s 63 Breast Care Nurses working across NSW.
The McGrath Foundation estimate these eight nurses will help 1600 patients across two years.
“The NSW Government has been a long time supporter of the McGrath Foundation and their good work and we are pleased to extend our partnership,” Mr Perrottet said.
“This year, around 6,800 people in NSW will be diagnosed with breast cancer and the funding will help the Foundation provide free support to the many people facing this challenge.”
Minister for Women, Regional Health and Mental Health, Bronnie Taylor welcomed the announcement, as one of the original McGrath Breast Care Nurses.
“Having worked in this important role for four years, I have first-hand knowledge of just how valuable these nurses are for those living with breast cancer and their families,” Mrs Taylor said.
“These nurses become a trusted, consistent and knowledgeable touchstone for families, offering them the physical and emotional support needed throughout their cancer journey.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the government-funded McGrath Breast Care Nurses will be based across NSW, and will support the ongoing efforts of cancer care teams in our public health system who are working to improve patient outcomes.
“The NSW Government invests $175 million each year through the Cancer Institute NSW to improve both the outcomes and experience of people diagnosed with cancer,” Mr Hazzard said.
“We are delighted to extend our partnership with the McGrath Foundation who shares our goal to deliver patients better continuity of care and offer specialised support.”
The McGrath Foundation, which was co-founded by cricket legend Glenn McGrath and his late wife Jane following her public experience with breast cancer, has supported thousands of people and their families experiencing breast cancer.
McGrath Foundation CEO Holly Masters said: “McGrath Breast Care Nurses provide consistent support for people diagnosed with breast cancer from the time of diagnosis and throughout treatment. We welcome the renewed support of eight nurses in NSW who will ensure more families experiencing breast cancer will have the care and support they need,” she said.
The eight NSW Government-funded McGrath nurses will be based in areas including South Western Sydney, Northern Sydney, Nepean Blue Mountains, the Central Coast, Southern NSW and Western NSW.
The NSW Government is investing $66.6 million this financial year in the BreastScreen NSW program, which invites women aged 50-74 for a free screening mammogram every two years.
A screening mammogram is the best early detection method available for reducing deaths from breast cancer, and can detect cancers as small as a grain of rice, long before they can be seen or felt.
Almost 20 women a day in NSW will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023 and more than two will die from the disease every day this year.
Author: admin
World’s best rescue trucks arrive in Western Sydney
Two new Heavy Rescue Vehicles worth almost $1 million each have rolled off the production line and into operations, in a major capability boost for firefighters across Western Sydney.
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Steph Cooke said the trucks and highly-trained crew will be based at Hurstville and Regentville Fire Stations.
“These Heavy Rescue Vehicles are the most advanced type of rescue truck used by firefighting agencies anywhere in the world and are fitted out with large hydraulic tools, specialised air trolley and rope rescue equipment, a vehicle-mounted winch, inflatable flood rescue boats and search cameras,” Ms Cooke said.
“These state-of-the-art trucks and crew will be regularly called to some of the most high-pressure and dangerous rescue operations firefighters ever face, including building collapses, heavy vehicle crashes and large animal rescues.
“These trucks are unlike any others in the Fire and Rescue NSW fleet and add a unique level of capability for our first responders.”
Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Paul Baxter said the role of a modern firefighter is no longer just about fighting fires.
“Firefighters are trained, prepared and equipped to respond to all types of rescue incidents,” Commissioner Baxter said.
“These trucks will provide firefighters with the best possible resources to continue to assist the community.”
The $905,000 trucks have been stationed at Hurstville and Regentville to complement existing resources across Sydney and enhance emergency service responses to major rescue incidents, fires and other emergencies.
The Heavy Rescue Vehicles have been delivered as part of a $17 million NSW Liberal National Government investment in upgrading the Fire and Rescue NSW fleet.
Global powerhouse Techstars joins Tech Central
Local technology startups are set to boost their growth with Techstars, a global investment business providing access to capital, one-on-one mentorship and programming for early-stage entrepreneurs, joining Sydney’s Tech Central district.
Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade Alister Henskens said securing Techstars would cement Tech Central as a global innovation hub, with more support for global and local accelerators and incubators to follow later in the year.
“Already home to global powerhouses such as Atlassian, Canva, ROKT and Safety Culture, Tech Central will support the growth of next generation cutting-edge companies with the addition of Techstars, one of the largest pre-seed investors in the world,” Mr Henskens said.
“Techstars graduates include 20 $1B+ companies, startups that went on to raise millions of dollars, employ thousands of people and list publicly on stock exchanges around the world.
“This is a major coup for Tech Central and proves that the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s focus on growing the economy is attracting global companies and turbocharging our innovation ecosystem.”
Work to strengthen the NSW startup ecosystem and SME capability is one of the key pillars in the new Emerging Digital Technologies Strategy, which outlines how the NSW Government is growing the State’s innovation ecosystem to drive long-term equitable economic growth and competitiveness on the world stage.
Applications for the Techstars Tech Central Sydney Accelerator open today with a focus on seed and early-stage founders who are building businesses across AI, fintech, advanced manufacturing, cloud computing, robotics, cyber security, quantum computing, creative tech, and climate tech.
“Techstars firmly believes anyone, anywhere can be a world-changing entrepreneur. From our location in Tech Central, founders will have the opportunity to participate in an accelerator program that will build upon their entrepreneurial skills, help them find product market fit, and uncover innovative solutions that can make lasting impact across the community,” Techstars CEO Mäelle Gavet said.
For further information on the Techstars Accelerator Program and to apply visit techstars.com/accelerators/tech-central-sydney-nsw.
VALE PROFESSOR EMERITUS ALAN MACKAY-SIM AM
Australia has lost a shining light in the field of neuroscience and stem cell research with the passing of Professor Emeritus Alan Mackay-Sim AM.
While instantly recognisable in academia and biomedical research, it was Professor Mackay-Sim’s work in the laboratory which set him apart.
Recognised as Australian of the Year in 2017, Professor Mackay-Sim’s expertise and studies led to effective drugs for many neurological diseases, and his work on patient sourced stem cells has improved the lives of many thousands of Australians.
Professor Mackay-Sim’s prestigious accolades also include Queenslander of the Year in 2003 and 2017, the 2018 Neil Hamilton Fairley Medal for outstanding contribution to medicine, the 2017 Australasian Neuroscience Society Distinguished Achievement Award, and the 2011 Eureka Science Prize.
Professor Mackay-Sim’s contribution to health and medicine cannot be overstated.
He was also a proud supporter of Australia’s next generation of health and medical researchers.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:
“Professor Emeritus Alan Mackay-Sim’s work in understanding the human brain and stem cells was game-changing and improved countless people’s lives. A dedicated and innovative researcher, he garnered respect and recognition for Australian science around the world.”
“Professor Mackay-Sim’s work continues to benefit people with spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease and schizophrenia. He lived an inspiring life, and I offer deep condolences to his family and loved ones.”
Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler said:
“While the honours awarded to Professor Mackay-Sim cannot give full measure of the man, those honours are many. His ground-breaking work has had an enormous impact on science and medicine.”
“I offer my sincere sympathies to Professor Mackay-Sim’s family, his wife and children, and his friends. His loss will be sorely felt, but his contribution to medicine in Australia and globally will live on.”
DISASTER ASSISTANCE FOR FLOOD IMPACTED NORTHERN TERRITORIANS
Victoria Daly regional communities in the Northern Territory affected by severe weather and heavy rainfall brought on by ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie have access to disaster assistance to support emergency relief and recovery efforts.
The assistance, jointly funded under the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), may include:
- Help for people whose homes or belongings have been damaged
- Personal hardship and distress payments
- Support for local councils and residents to help with the costs of cleaning up and restoring damaged essential public assets.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his Government would work with the Territory Government to get people the support they need now and long after the waters have receded.
“This was a one in a 50-year flood in Timber Creek, and our thoughts are with all those who have been impacted,” he said.
“I’d like to thank all of our hard working emergency services personnel and volunteers for their hard work and assistance during this unprecedented event.”
Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Murray Watt said the severe weather and flooding had significantly impacted communities in the region.
“This was a one in 50-year flood in Timber Creek and I’d like to thank emergency services for their coordinated response that ensured residents were taken to safety as houses became flooded,” Minister Watt said.
“The Federal and Northern Territory Governments have made this financial assistance available to support impacted residents with their immediate needs to help them get back on their feet and into their homes.
“This funding will also assist councils to cover the costs of clean-up, repairing flood-damaged infrastructure back to a usable condition, and undertaking counter disaster operations.
“The Albanese Government is committed to ensuring communities are better prepared and can recover quicker from natural disasters.”
Acting Chief Minister of the Northern Territory, the Hon Nicole Manison MLA said the Northern Territory is continuing to monitor the situation.
“While some residents have returned home, there are a number of dwellings that need more work,” Minister Manison said.
“We are working with all partners in the community to provide support where it is needed.”
“We thank all the hardworking people who have helped Timber Creek deal with the flood emergency and the recovery efforts, as well as the Commonwealth for their support through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.”
Federal Member for Lingiari Marion Scrymgour said by working together collaboratively, all levels of government have been able to provide support to some of the most isolated communities in the country.
“We have been monitoring this disaster closely since it arrived and have been in constant contact with communities to provide the assistance required as quickly as possible,” Ms Scrymgour said.
“This funding will ensure that the recovery can begin as rapidly as the response.”
The Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) is a jointly funded program between the Australian Government and state and territory (state) governments, through which the Australian Government provides financial assistance to support state governments with disaster recovery costs.
Eligible costs include assistance measures for individuals and families, businesses, primary producers, non-profit organisations and local and state governments.
Under these arrangements, state governments determine what assistance measures will be activated, and the areas in which they will be made available.
The Australian Government may then reimburse state governments for up to 75 per cent of these costs.
State governments are responsible for administering the DRFA assistance measures.
Information on disaster assistance can be found on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website, and the Northern Territory Government’s emergency information and response Secure NT website.
DISASTER ASSISTANCE FOR KIMBERLEY SHIRE’S AFFECTED BY RECORD-BREAKING FLOODING
Disaster recovery assistance has been made available to flood-affected communities in Western Australia’s Kimberley region after heavy rainfall associated with Ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie has caused significant impacts to the area.
The shires of Derby West Kimberley, Broome, Wyndham East Kimberley and Halls Creek are eligible for assistance measures through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Eligible costs include assistance measures for individuals and families, businesses, primary producers, non-profit organisations and local and state governments.
Under these arrangements, state governments determine what assistance measures will be activated, and the areas in which they will be made available.
This funding can be allocated to emergency assistance, temporary living expenses, replacement of essential household goods, housing repairs, personal and financial counselling assistance.
Ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie crossed into Western Australia from the Northern Territory on December 28, 2022.
Since December 30, widespread rainfall totals between 200-500mm have been recorded across the Kimberley region.
Major flooding has occurred along the Fitzroy River to Fitzroy Crossing, reaching record levels of 15.81m.
Major roads and associated infrastructure have been damaged and floodwaters have isolated towns including Fitzroy Crossing and many remote indigenous communities along the Fitzroy River.
Some local communities have chosen to relocate to safer areas until the threat passes. Community infrastructure and homes have also been impacted by the event.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the Commonwealth would provide any support requested by the Western Australian Government.
“We have already deployed aircraft to assist with evacuations and to transport crucial supplies, and will continue to provide support now and long after the water recedes,” Prime Minister Albanese said.
“I’d like to thank all of our hard working emergency services personnel and volunteers for their hard work and assistance during this unprecedented event.”
Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan, said the flooding was unprecedented for the Kimberley region and had wrought devastating impacts on local homes, businesses, and communities and the recovery process would take some time.
“This is a once-in-a-century event so the State and Federal Governments will work for as long as it takes to ensure communities recover and rebuild.
“We’ll continue to work cooperatively with the Federal Government to get support out to the communities affected and I thank everyone who has been assisting in the response for their efforts.”
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt said the rainfall in the north-west of the country was extraordinary.
“This sheer amount of water that is flowing through the region is just staggering and the impact this is having on these communities is immense,” he said.
“We have responded quickly by making assistance available to help with the cost of repairs to damaged infrastructure that is vital to supply chains and access for local communities.
“We have also deployed two C-27J Spartan and one C-130J Hercules transport aircraft to evacuate residents and transport supplies to cut-off communities following requests for support from the Western Australian Government.
“The Albanese Government is committed to ensuring communities are better prepared and can recover quicker from natural disasters.”
WA Minister for Emergency Services, the Hon Stephen Dawson, said the McGowan Government had been in regular contact with the Federal Government to fast-track the activation of the DRFA, which will provide much-needed support for the community.
“First of all, can I say thank you to the community that’s been impacted for their resilience.
“People in the Kimberley are experiencing a one-in-100-year flood event, the worst flooding Western Australia has ever seen.
“While our primary focus has been on ensuring people’s lives and livelihoods, we must eventually pivot to recovery actions and support.
“With this in mind, we have been working closely with the Commonwealth Government to make sure people in impacted communities will have access to Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.”
Labor cuts Medicare support
2023 is already off to a bitter start for many vulnerable Australians as the Albanese Labor Government officially slashes mental health supports provided through the Better Access program.
On the first day of the new year, the Labor Government has blatantly cut Medicare, showing a complete disregard for the importance of accessible mental health support for Australians, particularly as the community continues to face difficult times.
The Better Access mental health initiative will be slashed from 20 Medicare-subsided psychology sessions to only 10 sessions, despite experts warning that the traumas of the pandemic and other pressures continue to impact lives.
Instead of proactively working to continue to improve mental health supports, particularly for Australians with complex circumstances, the Labor Government has just completely cut additional support for everyone.
This is a tragic repeat of history, as the current Health Minister cut the same program back in 2011. The Labor Government is once again disregarding experts, peak bodies, and medical professionals who have all called for these psychology sessions to be re-instated.
Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care, Senator Anne Ruston said, “the Labor Government should be providing tangible solutions to address the critical issue of workforce shortages in the mental health sector, instead of cutting additional psychology sessions at a time when Australians are facing natural disasters, cost of living pressures, and household energy bills are skyrocketing.”
“These cuts simply put more pressure on hardworking psychologists and mental health practitioners who will now be forced to try and space out appointments with patients throughout the year, in a bid to make the Medicare-subsided sessions last. By not addressing the underlying workforce issues, the Labor Government is abandoning the essential mental health workforce,” Senator Ruston said.
The Shadow Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Melissa McIntosh MP, says despite the clear need for these sessions to continue, the Government has ignored the pleas of Australians, and have pushed forward with the cuts.
“I have heard from many families across Australia who have relied on the 20 sessions for their children. Helping people through what has been the toughest of times in recent history is what the extra 10 sessions, implemented by the former Coalition Government, was about.
“If the Albanese Government has a plan to take the mental health of Australians seriously, people deserved to know what that plan is before the cuts were made. Right now there is no plan, just heartless cuts to a much needed service for vulnerable Australians,” Mrs McIntosh said.
The Labor Government’s decision to cut this important additional support is bitterly disappointing, especially after the Coalition, with the support of the Senate, voted to reinstate the additional sessions under the Better Access initiative. The Labor Government is even ignoring the will of the Senate.
The Prime Minister and the Health Minister have demonstrated that the Labor Government is prioritising the Budget bottom line over the mental health of vulnerable Australians.
Labor has turned its back on vulnerable Australians needing its support.
Iconic Frida Kahlo exhibition leads Sydney Festival opening
Sydney Festival 2023 has today opened the doors to its signature event, Frida Kahlo: The Life of An Icon.
The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has secured the exhibition exclusively for Sydney as part of the Sydney Festival program. This world-class exhibition will take over The Cutaway in Barangaroo with nine rooms of multi-sensory experiences exploring the life and work of one of history’s most influential artists.
Minister for Tourism and the Arts Ben Franklin said Frida Kahlo: The Life of An Icon will showcase Sydney as a global cultural destination.
“This extraordinary exploration of one of the greatest cultural icons of the 20th century is the perfect way to open Sydney Festival,” Mr Franklin said.
“Frida Kahlo: The Life of An Icon provides audiences with a uniquely immersive experience through interactive spaces, incorporating photographs, films, digital environments, collector’s items, music and live performance.
“This incredible Frida Kahlo exhibition is expected to draw thousands of visitors to Sydney and inject $3 million into the NSW economy.
“Frida Kahlo: The Life of An Icon is a must-see exhibition at this year’s Sydney Festival, which is once again setting a national benchmark for excellence in major arts and cultural events.”
From 5 – 29 January, Sydney Festival will reimagine a range of Sydney’s iconic and undiscovered venues, from the CBD to Western Sydney, with 25 days of site-specific programming that will have audiences viewing Sydney from a whole new perspective.
Frida Kahlo: The Life of An Icon runs from 4 January – 7 March 2023 at The Cutaway in Barangaroo. For more information on Sydney Festival and to book tickets go to www.sydneyfestival.org.au
Sydney Festival returns for 2023
Sydneysiders and visitors to the State are set to be inspired and entertained once again this summer as Sydney Festival returns with a full program of over 100 unique events.
Minister for the Arts Ben Franklin said the NSW Government is proud to be the largest single financial supporter of the Sydney Festival, which is on track to attract thousands of people across the State and internationally to support our creative and 24-hour economies.
“Sydney Festival is a major visitor drawcard for NSW that attracts tens of thousands of people to Sydney each year, who stay in our hotels, eat and drink in our restaurants, cafes and bars, visit our attractions and explore our regions,” Mr Franklin said.
“In 2023, Sydney Festival presents an exceptional program, showcasing Sydney’s magnificent art and cultural spaces. I invite you to indulge in what promises to be an unmissable festival and enjoy the incredible homegrown and international talent.
“The NSW Government is proud to support this major NSW cultural event as Festival Partner and celebrate bold, powerful, playful stories throughout Sydney Festival 2023.”
Artistic Director Olivia Ansell said there is nowhere better than Sydney to experience an exhilarating summer of art.
“Made possible by over 1,000 local and international artists and the rich diversity of stories and cultures shared. Please join us this January for a blockbuster line up – from proud First Nation stories, groundbreaking international collaborations, a dedicated contemporary music club through to underbelly immersive experiences that invite you to rediscover this city differently,” Ms Ansell said.
The Festival includes 50 free events across 55 venues from 5-29 January 2023.
For more information on Sydney Festival and to book tickets go to www.sydneyfestival.org.au.
Australia’s first multicultural mental health line launched
Recently launched by the NSW Liberals and Nationals in Government, the service is staffed by registered bilingual mental health professionals covering languages such as Arabic, Chinese, Greek, Korean, Vietnamese and Ukrainian.
Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said this new phone line would support people from diverse communities who are struggling with their mental health to access appropriate services.
“While there is a wide range of mental health services available to all NSW residents, language and different cultural understandings of mental health can act as a barrier for people when accessing services,” Mrs Taylor said.
“This new phone line will support people to get the help they need, with a specialist team of health care professionals ready to provide care and connect people with the appropriate services.”
Available Monday to Friday between 9:00am to 4:30pm on1800 648 911, the Transcultural Mental Health Line improves access to mental health care and support for diverse communities.
Minister for Multiculturalism Mark Coure said this initiative once again shows the NSW Government’s commitment to supporting the state’s rich multicultural society.
“We understand that finding the right words to express how we are feeling can be hard, let alone for people that might struggle with English,” Mr Coure said.
“This new service makes mental health support more accessible, and will give people the peace of mind to speak freely in a language they are more comfortable with,” Mr Coure said.
The Transcultural Mental Health Line joins a host of services, programs and initiatives the NSW Government is funding to support the mental health of people from diverse communities. This includes the funding of STARTTS, which offers a 24/7 counselling service for people that have experienced trauma related to war and violence overseas.
If you, or someone you know, is in a life-threatening situation please seek help immediately by calling 000. If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide or experiencing a personal crisis or distress, please call Lifeline 13 11 14 orSuicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467. The NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511 is a 24/7 service that can advise you on appropriate local mental health services for you or a loved one.
For multilingual mental health resources, visit the Transcultural Mental Health Centre website via www.dhi.health.nsw.gov.au/tmhc.
The $3.2 million investment over four years is part of the $130 million COVID-19 Mental Health Recovery package and builds onthe $2.68 billion 2022-23 NSW Mental Health Budget, the largest mental health investment in the state’s history.