Have your say Mental Health Line

People with lived experience of mental illness and their carers are helping shape the future of the Mental Health Line by sharing their experience with the NSW Government.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said the 1800 011 511 NSW Mental Health Line was a free phone service which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, offering specialist advice, support and referral to specialist NSW Health mental health services.

“We want to ensure it continues to meet the mental health needs of our communities,” Mr Dominello said.

“Co-designing the Mental Health Line with people with lived experience of mental illness is the best way to ensure the next evolution continues to make a real difference to those who need it.

“Our aim to be the most customer-centric government by 2030 starts by learning from our customers’ experiences and needs.

“Recent Have Your Say consultations have helped us to better understand areas such as digital inclusion and digital identity, with these engagements generating new ideas for how we can better deliver services to the people of New South Wales.

“We encourage people to get involved in the Have Your Say consultation, whether they have experience using the Mental Health Line or may have not known about the service, we want to hear from all.”

Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said the events of the last few years have highlighted the importance and the need to invest in mental health services.

“The importance of health and specifically mental health in our society is evident, with the National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing showing two in five Australians experience a mental health issue in their lifetime,” Mrs Taylor said.

“The Mental Health Line is an important service which helps people to access appropriate mental health services but there are always areas to improve.

“In 2020-21 around 864,000 Australians accessed at least one digital service for their mental health, but it is understood this represents only one in ten of those who experienced mental health distress.

“People need to be able to easily access services which can help them when they are at their most vulnerable. This is something we can and need to address.”

The NSW Government has allocated $2.2 billion across four years to invest into digital transformation projects through the DRF. The fund is administered by the Department of Customer Service and targets smart, simple technology solutions which create efficiencies for customers across the State. 

To Have Your Say on the future of the Mental Health Line, please visit: www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/nsw-mhl-consultation  

Man charged over several alleged armed robberies – Newcastle 

A man has been charged by Robbery and Serious Crime Squad detectives as part of an ongoing investigation into several alleged armed robberies in the Newcastle area this year.

In July 2022, detectives attached to the State Crime Command’s Robbery and Serious Crime Squad established Strike Force Kulla – with assistance from Newcastle City Police District – to investigate three alleged armed robberies, including:

  • About 10.25pm on Sunday 3 July 2022, a man – armed with a knife – approached two staff members as they were leaving a licenced premises on Station Street, Waratah. The man demanded the employees reopen the hotel before he allegedly stole cash and fled the scene on foot.
  • About 3.20am on Friday 8 July 2022, a 21-year-old male employee was leaving a licenced premises on Denison Street, Hamilton, when he was approached by a man armed with a knife. He allegedly threatened the employee and demanded to be let inside the premises, before stealing cash and fleeing the scene south along Beaumont Street.
  • About 1.20am on Sunday 7 August 2022, two staff members were leaving a licensed premises on Denison Street, Hamilton, via an exit on Steel Street, when they were approached by a man – allegedly armed with a handgun. The armed man threatened the staff members, before stealing cash and fleeing the scene towards Veda Street.

Following extensive inquiries, strike force detectives – with assistance from Newcastle City Police District and the Tactical Operations Unit – attended a home on Everton Street, Hamilton, about 7.30am today (Tuesday 9 August 2022).


Upon police arrival, a 29-year-old man refused to leave the home and a police operation commenced.


Crews from Fire and Rescue NSW attended following reports of a small fire inside the home, however, were not required.


Specialist officers, including negotiators, attended the scene before the man was arrested without incident about 10.30am.


A search warrant was subsequently executed at the Hamilton home, and a second was executed at a home on Scholey Street, Mayfield – where officers seized a number of items for further forensic examination.


The man was taken to Newcastle Police Station and charged with two counts of robbery armed with offensive weapon, robbery while armed with dangerous weapon.

He was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court tomorrow (Wednesday 10 August 2022).

Investigations under Strike Force Kulla are ongoing.

Dogs Australia urges Aussie dog owners to walk their dogs daily: 10 reasons why 

Aussie dog owners are being urged to grab that lead, put it on their pooches and take their dogs for a walk each day. It’s vital to keep them physically and mentally healthy, says Dogs Australia, a leading peak body that promotes responsible dog ownership.

“Exercise is vital for dogs – and us! And it should be part of every dog’s daily routine,” says Hugh Gent, Dogs Australia President, who is also a dog breeder and dog show judge. “But sadly, some dog owners rarely, if ever, take their dogs for a walk, assuming the dog will be happy just spending time in their yard. 

“During the pandemic, many people purchased puppies – and now that people are back at work and school, a lot of dogs are being left at home alone and are missing out on the exercise and interaction they had previously. Separation anxiety has become a major issue. It must be remembered: dogs are not just cuddly toys; they have their own needs, which dog owners need to take into account.”

Hugh says that most dogs need at least 1-2 walks a day (unless specified by your vet). “A rule of thumb is that they should be exercised for between 30 and 45 minutes daily. Of course, senior dogs won’t need as much but it’s still important to give them gentle daily exercise to keep their joints moving and keep them happy.

“Dogs that don’t get enough exercise get a build-up of energy, and they don’t know how to release it. This brings on bad behaviour such as excessive barking, jumping, destructive chewing or even biting. Science shows that taking your dog for walks is good for them, both in terms of their behaviour and physical exercise.”

Research from Finland shows the importance of exercise for all dogs*. It looked at non-social fears such as fear of objects, surfaces (like hardwood floors), heights and noises such as fireworks and thunder. Dogs who took part in more activities with their owner (including walking) and who received more training had the lowest levels of non-social fears. 

“In Germany, dog owners are required by law to exercise their dog twice a day for a total of at least an hour – and while it’s more likely to be enforced for kennels rather than private individuals, it’s certainly brought the topic to the fore. I understand some people aren’t able to always take their dogs for walks, which is why professional dog walkers can be a great option,” adds Hugh.

  1. reasons why your dog needs to be walked daily:
  1. It keeps your dog healthy and limber: daily exercise keeps joints limber and strengthens the muscles supporting those joints.
  2. Fitness: dogs that are walked daily stay lean and trim. 
  3. Weight management: studies have proven that dogs that are walked regularly are less likely to be overweight, and eliminating obesity truly extends their life.
  4. Helps reduce undesirable behaviours, such as barking, licking, chewing, digging, and other anxiety-related and attention-seeking behaviours.
  5. Promotes physical health: in addition to keeping your dog fit, daily exercise/walking provides exposure to fresh air and Vitamin D from the sunshine. For puppies, Vitamin D is used for proper bone development and growth. Sunshine also speeds up healing, kills bacteria and fungi. 
  6. Promotes emotional and good mental health – for both your dog and you! 
  7. Helps boost your dog’s confidence: a daily walking routine helps to provide structure and stability to your dog’s life, which helps boost confidence.
  8. Provides mental exercise: physical activity is an essential source of mental stimulation, which in turn helps prevent boredom and frustration. 
  9. Helps with socialisation: dogs need to be exposed to all kinds of things in order to be well adjusted in new situations and environments. Daily walks and exercise provide a great opportunity for you and your dog to meet new dogs, new people and see new things.
  10. Helps build a better relationship between you and your dog.

*Hakanen et al 2020

Dogs Australia is a not-for-profit organisation, promoting responsible dog ownership. It is the consumer face of the Australian National Kennel Council, which was established in 1958. 

More information: 

www.dogsaustralia.org.auKey facts:

– Dogs Australia, a leading peak body that promotes responsible dog ownership, is urging Aussie dog owners to walk their dogs daily

– It’s crucial to keep dogs physically and mentally healthy

– Sadly, some dog owners rarely, if ever, take their dogs for a walk

– Dogs Australia provides 10 reasons why it’s important to walk your dog

Newcastle’s top young engineer and project announced 

Newcastle’s Young Professional Engineer of the Year and Project of the Year have been announced at the Engineers Australia Excellence Awards – People & Projects Newcastle. 

 “The Engineers Australia Excellence Awards recognise outstanding engineers who show innovation and resourcefulness in their work and the region’s top engineering projects and the teams behind them,” said Engineers Australia Newcastle Division General Manager Helen Link.

“The Newcastle region is home to some of the globe’s oldest engineering structures, as well as world-class people and projects pushing the boundaries of engineering excellence to provide creative solutions to local problems.” 

Project of The Year – Newcastle

Pacific Complete -Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway Upgrade

Joint Venture between Laing O’Rourke and WSP Australia, in partnership with Transport for NSW

The Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway upgrade converted 155km of the Pacific Highway to a four lane, divided carriageway between Hexham and the Queensland border. 

The project team navigated two major river catchments, floodplains, soft soil, threatened species habitat, and sensitive heritage areas to provide safer, reduced travel times and better connectivity for local communities. 

The size, scale and complex nature of the project provided unique challenges to the project team, who devised innovative solutions to leave an economic, social, and environmental legacy. 

Young Professional Engineer of the Year – Newcastle

Steve Adamthwaite, MIEAust

As leader of Arup’s NSW/ACT Water Business Steve Adamthwaite drives sustainable, community-oriented solutions to deliver service and infrastructure excellence to industry and the community. 

Adamthwaite represents the next generation of leaders and innovators – driving change, leading projects, and developing skills to underpin a sustainable future for the infrastructure sector, its people and the communities that rely upon it. 

He also shapes future strategy through leadership positions with WaterAid NSW (Deputy Chair), Australian Water Association (Vice President NSW) and Engineers Australia (Deputy Chair, National Young Engineers Committee, Shadow Board). 

Winners from the Engineers Australia Excellence Awards – People & Projects Newcastle now go into the running for the National Young Engineer of the Year Award and the Sir William Hudson Award – the highest accolade which an engineering project can receive from Engineers Australia. 

The national awards will be held at the Sydney Hilton on October 5.

Labor’s Social Housing Plan will abandon hundreds of thousands of people to housing stress and homelessness

Greens spokesperson for housing Max Chandler-Mather has today responded to the Housing Minister’s comments on social housing, calling Labor’s plan to build 20,000 afforable homes over 5 years deeply unambitious and inadequate to address Australia’s social housing crisis.

Max Chandler-Mather MP, Greens spokesperson for Housing and Homelessness said:

“While it’s good to see the Housing Minister talk about social housing today, Labor’s plan doesn’t even come close to touching the surface of Australia’s massive housing crisis, and in fact under their plan things will only get worse.”

“There are 163,500 households sitting on social housing waitlists across Australia and that number grows by 7600 homes a year, which means Labor’s 4000 social homes a year will literally see the waitlist grow every year.”

“We would never accept 163,500 kids sitting on waitlists to access public schools, so why should we accept that number of people waiting for a home?”

“Once you take into account people living in severe housing stress, then the actual need for social and affordable housing is over 600,000 homes.”

“The Federal Labor Government plans on spending $224 billion over 10 years on the Stage 3 tax cuts, but only $10 billion on building social and affordable housing, which is a real kick in the teeth for the hundreds of thousands of people in desperate need of a home.”

“The Greens plan would see at least 250,000 public and affordable homes built over 5 years, and 1 million over 20 years, which is exactly what we need to ensure everyone has a place to call home.”

“ We have the capacity, money and resources to build enough public housing for everyone who needs one, we just need to break the hold banks and property developers have over our political system.”

Minister Rishworth must heed calls to axe mutual obligations from disability employment service

The Australian Greens are calling on Minister Amanda Rishworth to listen to disability stakeholders and scrap mutual obligations from the new disability employment service model.

Australian Greens spokesperson for community affairs and social services, Senator Janet Rice said:

“The mutual obligations system for people on income support has long been shown to be punitive, discriminatory, and one that prioritises profits over people.

“In the consultation report released today, stakeholders have clearly spelled out to the government that mutual obligations are “ineffective” and “excessive”. 

“The Greens call for an end to all mutual obligations for everyone on income support. 

“We saw in 2020 that when income support payments for jobseekers were raised to $550 on the covid supplement and mutual obligations were dumped, that this led to better outcomes, including employment outcomes. 

“If Labor genuinely want to help people get a job, they should be providing people with a living wage, and including voluntary and supportive services in the new DES model, not the same punitive measures that keep people in poverty.”

Stunning spaces on the way for Barangaroo

Plans for a new 1.85 hectare harbourside park and a stunning new design for the Cutaway have been unveiled as part of the next stage in the NSW Government’s transformation of Barangaroo.   

Minister for Cities Rob Stokes said the park would complement the future mixed-use precinct of Central Barangaroo, and create a new public space on the edge of Sydney’s harbour.   

“What was a vacant container terminal is now a thriving residential, commercial and entertainment hub, soon to be linked to a world-class Metro line,” Mr Perrottet said.  

“The world’s best cities aren’t just liveable and workable, they’re also beautiful. The new harbour park and revamped Cutaway will be the type of public spaces that locals are proud of and visitors are drawn to. 

“To ensure this park is a unique reflection of our city, we’ve appointed a design jury chaired by Paul Keating to help us deliver Sydney’s next great public space.” 

Mr Stokes said the new harbour park and revamped Cutaway would build on the more than eight hectares of public open space and exciting programs of art and events at Barangaroo.  

“The new park will be linked to Barangaroo Reserve and make one of the world’s great harbour walks even more attractive,” Mr Stokes said.  

“Although design and construction will take time some time, we plan on using the space dedicated to the park for temporary activations and pop-ups later this year. 

“New designs for the Cutaway will elevate the venue to become one of Sydney’s premier cultural and event facilities, spanning three levels and creating a space for events, education, art and entertainment.” 

Paul Keating said the new harbour park and the updated Cutaway are opportunities to not only maintain but to enhance the value of the already thriving Barangaroo precinct. 

“In our modern world of city landscapes of redeveloped and ever changing private spaces, the key component that remains at the heart of the city’s function and beauty is the importance of our public spaces,” Mr Keating said. 

FJMT Studio have been appointed as the architects for the design of the Cutaway. 

NSW eyes the future for autonomous vehicles

The NSW Government will invest $5 million for an on-road Connected and Automated Vehicle (CAV) Bus Trial to kick-start its plan to accelerate autonomous vehicles on NSW roads.
 
With driverless vehicles expected to commercially hit our streets in less than a decade, the Government’s new NSW CAV Readiness Strategy sets out the State’s pathway to ensure the road network is CAV-friendly in the future.
 
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said he wanted NSW to be a world-leading adopter of CAV technologies to keep pace with the changing needs and expectations of customers.
 
“Vehicle connectivity and automation are game-changing technological innovations with the potential to sustainably transform the future mobility of people and goods,” Mr Dominello said.
 
“Globally, these technologies are advancing rapidly and already appearing in vehicles on the market today.
 
“We’re putting NSW in the front seat, with a Strategy and funding to back it up to prepare our road network, local industry, and the public for the roll out of this technology.”
 
Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said the CAV Readiness Strategy sets out a faster, easier and safer future for commuters across the state.
 
“The NSW Government is advancing new technology that will revolutionise the way we travel,” said Mrs Ward.
 
“The CAV Readiness Strategy outlines six priority areas focused on integrating this new technology into our transport system.
 
“This will include working within the national regulatory framework over the next five years, so we’re ready for the safe commercial deployment of CAVs in Australia.
 
“Getting ahead of the game will make it easier to upskill our transport staff so customers have a seamless service when it is officially on our roads.” 
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said NSW had set several national and international firsts in autonomous vehicle technology including the world’s first fully automated shuttle service in a public setting through the Coffs Harbour Busbot trial.
“The NSW Government is ready to embark on another Australian first – by investing $5 million for an on-road CAV bus trial that will see CAV systems developed and tested on full-sized, passenger-carrying buses in NSW,” Mr Farraway said.
 
“Expressions of interest are open now, and Transport for NSW is calling on local and international technology leaders to partner with bus manufacturers and transport operators to deliver the trial of on-road connected and automated buses.
 
“This builds on what NSW has already achieved through autonomous shuttle trials, partnerships with local universities and investment in the Future Mobility Testing and Research Centre at Cudal.
 
“This is big picture thinking – by putting NSW one step ahead it will bring investment opportunities, knowledge and better customer outcomes.”
 
The NSW CAV Readiness Strategy seeks to:

  • Test and deploy CAVs on the road network
  • Shape CAV policy, and customer outcomes
  • Get the road network ready for CAVs
  • Develop physical and digital CAV testing capabilities
  • Support freight services automation
  • Increase local CAV knowledge and skills

Building boost for early learning services

Waitlists at 18 early childhood education services in remote, regional and metropolitan areas will be reduced, with the NSW Government committing more than $15.5 million in capital works funding.  
 
Minister for Education and Early Learning, Sarah Mitchell, said this round of Start Strong Capital Works grants will create more than 600 additional community preschool places for children to attend a preschool program at least two days per week.
  
“We want every child in NSW to have access to a quality preschool education, no matter their background or location,” Ms Mitchell said.  
  
“This funding will support a range of improvements, including new builds, extensions and renovations of centre-based community preschools.”  
  
Since 2018, the NSW Government has allocated more than $62m to deliver additional community preschool places in areas of need and demand across NSW, creating more than 1,800 additional places.
 
This is in addition to more than $15 billion in early childhood commitments announced by the NSW Government as part of the 2022-23 budget to deliver a brighter future for every child in NSW through a revolutionary transformation of early childhood education, child development and women’s economic participation over the next decade. Through the introduction of a universal pre-Kindergarten year, the Brighter Beginnings initiative, workforce package and affordable preschools  the Liberals & Nationals Government are ensuring NSW is the best state to live, work and raise a family.
 
More information about the Start Strong Capital Works grants program can be found on the Department of Education website.   
 
Successful applicants:   

  1. Wycliffe Christian School  
  2. Albury Preschool  
  3. Tooleybuc Preschool Association  
  4. CatholicCare Diocese Broken Bay (Wyoming Preschool)
  5. CatholicCare Diocese Broken Bay (Noraville Preschool)
  6. Bungendore Pre School  
  7. Tomaree Community College  
  8. Tumbarumba Start Strong Preschool  
  9. IDFS – Bush Preschool  
  10. Blinky Bill Early Learning Centre  
  11. Illawarra Aboriginal Corporation  
  12. Wollondilly Shire Council  
  13. Presbyterian Social Services  
  14. Shoalhaven Community Preschool  
  15. Bundgeam Preschool  
  16. Ross Circuit Preschool  
  17. North Ryde Community Preschool  
  18. Denman Children’s Centre.  

Grants awarded to reduce the impact of cervical cancer in Aboriginal communities

Aboriginal organisations across NSW will benefit from six new Cervical Screening Community Grants which will provide culturally responsive and targeted health promotion initiatives within Aboriginal communities.
 
The locally-led programs are aimed at boosting the number of Aboriginal women across the State who access cervical screening, reducing the impact of cervical cancer.Minister for Women, Regional Health and Mental Health, Bronnie Taylor said the grants are part of $114,350 in funding awarded to Local Health Districts and non-profit organisations through the Cancer Institute NSW to promote the National Cervical Screening Program.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are almost four-times more likely to die from cervical cancer than non-Aboriginal women and these grants work towards closing the gap,” Mrs Taylor said.
 
“Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers and we know having a Cervical Screening Test every five years is now the best way to prevent it.
 
“By funding these grants, we are working to provide opportunities to educate local communities on the ground about the importance of cervical screening.”
 
Chief Cancer Officer for NSW and CEO of the Cancer Institute NSW Professor Tracey O’Brien said locally led programs empower Aboriginal communities to address local needs and concerns and are critical in helping women understand the new screening options available to them.
 
“We know that the traditional Cervical Screening Test done by a health professional may create shame and fear for many,” Professor O’Brien said.
 
“The recent introduction of self-collection, which allows women to collect their own sample in private, will address a lot of the fear and shame that Aboriginal women have reported in the past.”
 
The NSW Cancer Plan 2022-2027 states that improving cancer outcomes for Aboriginal communities will assist with enhancing quality of life and experiences for people at risk of and/or affected by cancer.
 
The NSW Government is investing more than $170 million this financial year in improving cancer control through the Cancer Institute NSW.