Business owners in Sydney’s CBD and surrounding suburbs are today invited to get involved in the largest light festival in the Southern Hemisphere, Vivid Sydney, and apply for the Vivid Sydney’s Local Business Program.
Minister for Tourism Ben Franklin said Vivid Sydney’s Local Business Program would support the local business community and encourage festival attendees to dine, shop, spend, stay and experience the Harbour City.
“Sydney is well and truly open for business, and we’re calling on our retailers, hoteliers, hospitality groups, entertainment, travel and tourism operators in the Sydney CBD and surrounding suburbs to join the Local Business Program and truly immerse themselves in Vivid Sydney,” Mr Franklin said.
“Each year, Vivid Sydney brings something bigger and brighter to wow the hundreds of thousands of people who visit each year. This program is a fantastic opportunity for business owners to expose themselves to a large audience of potential new customers.
“Nominations open today and interested parties are invited to present ideas, special offers and experiences for inclusion in the 2023 Vivid Sydney Local Business Program.”
Participants are encouraged to host a one-of-a-kind Vivid Sydney experience, exclusive offer or light up building façades or Harbour vessels over the festival with assistance from Vivid Sydney.
The return of Vivid Sydney in 2022 saw Sydney hotels experience their best weekend occupancy rates since 2019, according to figures released by Tourism Accommodation Australia, with bookings jumping to above 80 per cent for the first time since the pandemic began.
In 2022, more than 650,000 Vivid Sydney attendees dined out in a CBD restaurant or hotel while 2.1 million enjoyed a sit-down or takeaway meal.
Vivid Sydney 2023 will light up Sydney from Friday 26 May to Saturday 17 June. Applications can be made here and closes on 17 November 2022.
Landmark childcare reforms become law
Families across NSW will be able to access cheaper, high quality childcare after the legislation underpinning the Government’s landmark women’s economic opportunity reforms passed Parliament.
The NSW Childcare and Economic Opportunity Fund Act 2022 will drive up to $5 billion of investment in the sector over 10 years to support NSW families with access to childcare.
Treasurer Matt Kean said the legislation would provide long-term certainty to the sector and boost women’s workforce participation as part of the NSW Government’s $15.9 billion investment in childcare and early childhood education.
“We have enshrined this fund into law to give more NSW families access to high quality, affordable childcare. Importantly, it will boost women’s economic security by dismantling the barriers for mothers wanting to take on more paid work,” Mr Kean said.
“These landmark reforms will help create new places in childcare deserts for parents who face the highest disincentives to work.”
The NSW Government’s investment in childcare and early childhood education, delivered alongside the Commonwealth’s childcare reforms, are expected to allow up to 95,000 women to enter the workforce or take on more hours and boost affordable childcare supply by up to 47,000 places.
Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said the Fund added to other measures announced in the 2022-23 NSW Budget to transform women’s economic opportunity, boost women’s workplace participation and tackle the gender pay gap.
“This fund will help close the gender workforce participation gap by up to 14 per cent within a decade and give more women the genuine choice to re-enter the workforce when they want,” Mrs Taylor said.
Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said the Fund will allow the early childhood sector to expand and innovate by establishing new services, growing existing services, and supporting the sector more broadly.
“Access to high quality early childhood education and care is one of the most important things we can do to give children the best start in life, helping young children develop their social skills and open up lifelong opportunities from their earliest years,” Ms Mitchell said.
“This fund will guarantee investment in this key sector, supporting it to provide the highest quality of education and care during the formative years of a child’s life.”
The NSW Government will conduct extensive consultation with families and the sector to design the rollout of the Childcare and Economic Opportunity Fund. A board will be established to oversee funding decisions about projects.
The fund is due to open for applications mid-next year.
AUSTRALIA-SINGAPORE ANNUAL LEADERS’ MEETING JOINT STATEMENT
- The Prime Minister of Australia, The Hon Anthony Albanese MP and the Prime Minister of Singapore, His Excellency Lee Hsien Loong met for the 7th Australia-Singapore Annual Leaders’ Meeting in Canberra on 18 October 2022. The Prime Ministers welcomed the strength and depth of bilateral relations between the two countries, anchored in shared strategic and economic interests. They reaffirmed the Australia-Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) as a broad, constructive and forward-looking framework that has delivered more than 80 joint initiatives since its inception in 2015. The Prime Ministers reaffirmed their ambition and strong commitment to strengthen the CSP.
- The Prime Ministers agreed to deepen cooperation to support ambitious action on climate change. They endorsed ‘Green Economy’ as the 6th pillar of the CSP. They also welcomed the signing of a landmark Green Economy Agreement (GEA) which supports our two economies’ transition to net-zero emissions whilst promoting trade and investment in environmental goods and services. The Prime Ministers acknowledged that the GEA is an ambitious and first-of-its-kind agreement that advances our trade, economic, investment and climate change objectives. They welcomed 17 joint initiatives under the GEA, which signified commitment to early implementation and marked many more initiatives to come. This included the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Australian Trade and Investment Commission and Enterprise Singapore to facilitate business partnerships in priority green economy sectors. The Prime Ministers agreed that the GEA would serve as a pathfinder and model for international cooperation on trade and transition to net-zero economies.
- The Prime Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to upholding a free, open, non-discriminatory, inclusive, transparent and rules-based multilateral trading system, and agreed to continue to work closely to strengthen and reform the World Trade Organization. They acknowledged that resilient global supply chains reinforced our mutual prosperity, security, and wellbeing, and that this required countries to maintain open and predictable trade links to effectively respond to emerging disruptions. To this end, they welcomed the establishment of the bilateral Supply Chains Working Group in September 2022 which will explore opportunities to strengthen trade between both markets, including in the areas of food, energy, and connectivity. The Prime Ministers agreed to begin work on a bilateral Food Pact to support enhanced supply chain resilience and greater flows in trade and investments of Australian and Singapore food supply.
- The Prime Ministers welcomed the depth of our longstanding defence and security cooperation. They acknowledged progress under the Treaty on Military Training and Training Area Development and noted the success of our signature bilateral exercise, Exercise Trident 2022, and the return to pre-COVID levels of Exercise Wallaby 2022, a key force generation exercise for the Singapore Armed Forces. They reaffirmed their commitment to the Five Power Defence Arrangements which have served the region well for over 50 years. Prime Minister Albanese thanked Singapore for its continued support to Australian Defence Force aircraft and ships operating in the region. He also extended Australia’s appreciation for Singapore’s contribution to Operation Flood Assist 2022.
- The Prime Ministers discussed advancing security cooperation including on counter-terrorism, cybersecurity and border security. They acknowledged the importance of countering the threat of foreign interference, including disinformation and misinformation. They also discussed opportunities to strengthen information exchange and cooperation to protect our citizens in the digital space, including through a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Enforcement of Laws on Certain Unsolicited Communications signed in July 2022.
- The Prime Ministers recognised that cooperation in science and innovation plays an integral role in underpinning resilience and future prosperity. They acknowledged a new Synchrotron Access Agreement between the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation and National University of Singapore that will expand Singapore’s current synchrotron capabilities and increase collaboration and research between scientists. The Prime Ministers also welcomed the signing of a Master Research Collaboration Agreement between their respective national science agencies to strengthen collaboration and support joint research and development.
- The Prime Ministers underlined the importance of an open, inclusive, rules-based and resilient Indo-Pacific region, which supports and promotes free trade and open markets and respects the rights of countries to lead their national existence free from external interference, subversion and coercion. They reaffirmed the central role of ASEAN and the ASEAN-led architecture, and importance of working together to support practical implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, including through the ASEAN-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The Prime Ministers shared their concerns on developments in Myanmar and called for an immediate cessation of violence, the release of all political detainees, the release of Australian Professor Sean Turnell, and inclusive dialogue between all parties. They reaffirmed the important roles of the UN, ASEAN and its external partners in facilitating a peaceful solution in Myanmar. They called for the immediate and full implementation of the Five-Point Consensus adopted at the ASEAN Leaders’ Meeting on 24 April 2021.
- The Prime Ministers reaffirmed Australia and Singapore’s commitment to work together to build an Indo-Pacific region of dialogue and cooperation, and exchanged assessments on the interconnected regional and global challenges threatening the international rules-based order. They noted with deep concern Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine in violation of international law and the principles enshrined in the UN Charter. They underscored the importance of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and encouraged the peaceful resolution of disputes. The Prime Ministers expressed their concerns about actions that could destabilise the region and reiterated their opposition to unilateral actions that change the status quo. The Prime Ministers reaffirmed their shared commitment to maintain and promote security and stability in the South China Sea and underscored their strong support for freedom of navigation and overflight and unimpeded trade, and emphasised the need for the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). They emphasised the primacy of UNCLOS, which sets out the legal framework within which all activities in the oceans and seas must be carried out, and that all States must be able to exercise their rights and freedoms under UNCLOS without fear of intimidation or harassment. They committed to working with partners to support States to uphold their obligations under UNCLOS. Leaders acknowledged work towards a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea and emphasised the importance of the Code being consistent with international law, particularly UNCLOS, and not prejudicial to the legitimate rights and interests of other States under the UNCLOS.
AUSTRALIA–SINGAPORE LANDMARK GREEN ECONOMY AGREEMENT
Australia and Singapore have signed a first-of-its-kind Green Economy Agreement (GEA).
The landmark bilateral agreement between Australia and Singapore—our largest two-way trading partner in Southeast Asia—will support Australian businesses to seize economic opportunities presented by the global clean energy transformation.
The GEA builds on existing cooperation between Australia and Singapore to take action on climate change and strengthen trade and investment in clean energy across our region.
The Green Economy will become a new pillar of Australia’s Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Singapore, signalling the resolve of both nations to confront the challenges and seize the opportunities faced in the transition to net zero.
Today the Australian Government has announced an initial investment of $19.6 million over four years for new cooperation under the GEA that will support job creation at home and strengthen supply chains, trade and market opportunities by:
- facilitating trade and investment in green goods and services, including by identifying and reducing non-tariff barriers;
- promoting collaboration between Australian and Singaporean businesses to build capability in new green growth sectors;
- fostering harmonisation and collaboration on standards and conformance to improve the interoperability of markets.
The GEA demonstrates the Australian Government’s ambition to deliver on its trade diversification agenda, strengthen regional energy security, seize the opportunities of energy transformation and support global climate action.
Further details on the GEA can be found on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s website.
Prime Minister Albanese said:
“The Green Economy Agreement extends well beyond a simple bilateral trade agreement.
“This world-first agreement establishes a framework under which our countries can advance work on the clean energy transformation and support businesses and industry.
“This is a model that will support both Australia and Singapore, and partners in our region to seize the economic opportunities of the global transition to net zero.”
Minister Farrell said:
“Our economic, trade, investment and business ties with Singapore will be further strengthened under the Green Economy Agreement.
“This agreement will boost new opportunities for businesses and investors in the global clean energy transformation.
“It will also open up new trade and investment opportunities, strengthen critical supply chains, and support our region’s transition to net zero.”
Man dies following motorcycle crash – Redhead
A man has died following a motorcycle crash near Lake Macquarie last week.
About 4.30pm on Wednesday 12 October 2022, three trail bikes were travelling south along Kalaroo Road, Redhead, when one of the bikes and a Toyota Hilux collided.
Emergency services attended and treated the trail bike rider – a 24-year-old man – at the scene. He was taken to John Hunter Hospital in a serious but stable condition.
Police were notified that the man died in hospital yesterday (Monday 17 October 2022).
The driver of the utility – a 20-year-old man – was taken to hospital for mandatory testing and his since been released pending further inquiries.
Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District established a crime scene and commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.
Full funding, not just words, needed to end family and domestic violence
The Greens welcome the release of the new National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022–2032, but without additional funding or meaningful targets the ambitious plan is just words.
Greens leader in the Senate and spokesperson for Women, Senator Larissa Waters said:
“The Greens have been fighting hard for progress on a National Plan for decades alongside victim-survivors, activists and women’s organisations.
“The plan released today includes laudable goals and a welcome centring of the voices of victim-survivors. But without an increase in funding or meaningful targets, it offers little relief to those trying to escape family and domestic violence today.
“No one should be turned away from a frontline support service when they seek help, but we know that is what is happening across the country because services are stretched beyond capacity.
“The sector has repeatedly called for a $1B per year investment in response and prevention to ensure needs can be met. But their calls have so far gone unheeded by a government more focused on delivering tax cuts for the rich.
“The housing crisis is felt even more acutely by women and children experiencing family and domestic violence. Women are forced to choose between abuse or homelessness, because there is nowhere to go.
“Urgent funding for crisis and emergency accommodation as well as long term affordable housing will benefit all Australians and should be prioritised over tax cuts for the rich.
“We welcome recognition in the Plan that tackling unacceptable rates of violence against First Nations women is an urgent national priority. But there is little detail about when a standalone First Nations Plan will be in place, and no commitment on funding it. First Nations women deserve more certainty.
“Ending violence against women within one generation is possible. But a $1 billion problem can’t be fixed with a $0 plan.”
Hit Broadway musical to make Newcastle debut in 2023
The critically acclaimed musical Come From Away is set to run for an extended stay at the Civic Theatre in February 2023; the first time in 30 years that a Broadway smash hit has come to Newcastle.
Come From Away shares the incredible real-life story of the 7,000 air passengers from all over the world who were grounded in Canada in the wake of 9/11, and the small Newfoundland community that sprang into action to welcome the ‘come from aways’ into their lives.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes experienced Come From Away at Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre at the weekend and was thrilled to announce the Tony and Olivier award-winning musical would be making its way to Newcastle in February 2023.
“This is a spectacular Broadway theatre production and a major coup secured by City of Newcastle that is sure to enhance the cultural life of our city for Novocastrians and visitors this summer,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Major events are a clear economic driver and Come From Away will be a significant drawcard for our city that will provide considerable benefits for Newcastle’s visitor economy.
“Come From Away joins a stellar line-up of international acts featured on Newcastle’s 2023 major events calendar, kicking off on January 10 with one of the biggest names in music, Elton John, offering a taste of what is to come for the region.”
Civic Theatre Manager Leonie Wallace said by securing a Broadway production like Come From Away, the Civic Theatre is now in consideration for future international theatre productions of this calibre.
“We’re delighted to welcome Come From Away to the historic Civic Theatre and look forward to seeing this spectacular production come to life on stage with our theatre’s iconic proscenium arch, grand tiered seating and incredible atmosphere,” Ms Wallace said.
“By securing this international Broadway production for Newcastle and Civic Theatre, we can demonstrate the demand for other musicals and live theatre productions on the national touring circuit.”
Newtheatricals producer Rodney Rigby said he jumped at the chance to present Come From Away in Newcastle for the first time at the historic Civic Theatre.
“We’re thrilled that we can bring this record-breaking Broadway musical about kindness and humanity to Newcastle,” Mr Rigby said.
“Newcastle audiences will finally get to see a production that has captured the hearts of millions across Broadway, London’s West End, North America, Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney.”
Come From Away is showing at Newcastle’s Civic Theatre from 18 February until 5 March 2023.
The production runs for 100 minutes and is recommended for ages 10 and older.
Tickets on sale now. For more information, visit www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au
10,000 permanent teachers to boost NSW schools
At least 10,000 temporary teachers and support staff across the state will be offered permanent roles as part of the NSW Government’s plans to shift surplus teachers into permanent positions.
A successful pilot scheme last year saw temporary teachers offered permanent roles in schools where there was demand.
Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell confirmed that from early next year, temporary teachers in areas of need will be offered permanent roles once again.
“This is an issue that has been raised with me by teachers and principals alike, including our Ambassador School Principals when we met earlier this year, and I made it clear that I wanted to have more teachers in permanent roles,” Ms Mitchell said.
“As such, the Department of Education has been working to identify teachers and support staff in temporary roles who could be transitioned. At least 10,000 roles have been identified and the Department will continue to work directly with principals to identify more.
“The pandemic allowed us to bypass the existing staffing agreement to work on responsible ways of converting excess temporary teachers to permanent positions.
“We have more teachers working in NSW public schools than ever before, and we need to ensure they are working in the places we need them most.
“Progress in this area has been hampered due to the current Staffing Agreement with the union, which has limited the ability to offer temporary teachers a permanent position. However, I am determined to see more teachers in permanent roles across the state and will press ahead regardless.
Ms Mitchell also confirmed plans to convert temporary Student Learning Support Officers (SLSO) roles into permanent positions.
“Our Student Learning Support Officers are critical – they play a vital role in our schools alongside our teachers, often working with our more disadvantaged students and those who have additional needs.
“We want to give those SLSOs on temporary contracts more certainty by also offering them permanent roles.”
This latest action is in addition to the NSW Government’s ongoing $125m Teacher Supply Strategy to attract and retain more teachers in our schools.
The Government has already announced programs to fast track high-calibre graduates and experienced professionals into our classrooms, recruit more teachers from overseas and plans to reward our best teachers with higher salaries in order to keep them in the classroom.
NSW celebrates 850,000 carers
The NSW Government thanks the more than 850,000 carers across NSW for their significant work as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of National Carers Week.
Minister for Families and Communities and Minister for Disability Services Natasha Maclaren-Jones said National Carers Week is an opportunity to recognise the crucial support that carers provide and to thank them for their contribution to our community.
“This year’s theme ‘Millions of Reasons to Care’ is a testament to the endless hours of support NSW carers provide,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.
“Caring for a loved one takes unimaginable dedication and patience and this is a week to highlight the vital work they do.
“These selfless individuals in our community don’t look for thanks and praise but their incredible efforts need to be celebrated.”
In NSW, carers provide help to people with disability, mental illness, chronic illness, frail age, dementia or drug and alcohol dependency. Almost 80,000 carers are young people 25 years or younger.
NSW carer Levina provides care and support for her younger brother.
“My little brother has autism and is non-verbal. I’ve basically been his carer all his life. There are some tough moments but nothing brings me more joy than seeing him live his life to the fullest – happy, healthy and thriving. He’s my best friend,” Levina said.
“Carers should know they’re not alone. There are so many of us out there who are in the same boat as you. Just remember your wellbeing is as important as the person you care for.”
The NSW Government has committed $4.9 million to support carers as part of the NSW Carers Strategy 2020-2030.
Support is available through the Carers Gateway. Visit www.carergateway.gov.au or call 1800 422 737.
National Carers Week runs from Sunday 16 to Saturday 22 October 2022.
Latest water quality report released for NSW swimming spots
The latest State of the Beaches report has revealed 94 per cent of monitored ocean beaches and 80 per cent of all monitored swimming spots are graded as good or very good.
The annual report provides an overview of water quality at 214 swimming locations across the State, which are monitored under the NSW Government’s Beachwatch and Beachwatch Partnership programs.
Minister for Environment James Griffin said State of the Beaches has five categories of water quality rating: very good, good, fair, poor or very poor.
“Despite the wettest summer in a decade, and Sydney’s wettest year on record, there’s been only a slight decline on last year’s results,” Mr Griffin said.
“In 2021–22, 172 (80 per cent) of the 214 swimming sites in NSW were graded as good or very good, indicating they were suitable for swimming most of the time.
“With more than 85 per cent of people in NSW living within 50 kilometres of the coast, heading to a local swimming spot is a way of life for many of us.
“We’ve been running the Beachwatch monitoring program since 1989, and we know how important it is for providing confidence to the people of NSW, which is why we announced in the NSW Budget that we’re expanding the Beachwatch Partnership program with $18.5 million over 10 years.”
Rainfall is the major driver of pollution in recreational waters, as it generates storm water runoff and triggers discharges from wastewater treatment systems.
Many estuarine, lake and lagoon swimming sites did not perform as well as ocean beaches as they are more susceptible to wet weather impacts.
State of the Beaches 2021-22 found:
- 94 per cent of the 123 ocean beaches were graded as ‘good’ or ‘very good’
- all five ocean baths were graded as ‘good’ or ‘very good’
- 68 per cent of the 69 estuarine swimming sites were graded as ‘good’ or ‘very good’
- 24 per cent of the 17 lake/lagoon swimming sites were graded as ‘good’ or ‘very good’.
The Beachwatch program works by routinely collecting water from swimming sites and testing for bacteria as an indicator of contamination.
Beachwatch also issues daily early morning forecasts for the predicted water quality at 160 swim site in Sydney, Hunter, Central Coast and Illawarra regions.
The 2021-22 State of the Beaches report can be viewed at: https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/water/beaches/reporting-beach-water-quality/state-of-the-beaches
Daily Beachwatch pollution forecasts and weekly star ratings for beaches across NSW can be found at www.environment.nsw.gov.au/beachwatch and on Twitter and Facebook.