The NSW Government has invested almost $1 billion to fast track elective surgeries which have been significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
To minimize disruption to this program, Health Minister Brad Hazzard has instructed NSW Health to encourage all local health districts to retain as much of their planned elective surgery on 22 September as possible, subject to staff availability.
“Obviously many of us feel great sadness following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II but as Health Minister, it is my role to ensure our hospitals continue to perform necessary activity where possible, while also respecting the protocols that have been put in place to mark this special day,” Mr Hazzard said.
Surgical activity has been significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic at various stages in recent years – with suspensions and reductions in activity – and NSW Health is working hard, in collaboration with our private hospital partners, to ensure everyone receives the procedures they need as soon as possible.
Thursday, 22 September 2022 has been declared a public holiday in NSW by the Minister for Employee Relations Damien Tudehope under section 5 of the Public Holidays Act 2010.
The Order will be published on the NSW Legislation website as soon as possible.
This follows the announcement made by the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese that the National Day of Mourning on 22 September 2022 will be recognised as a National public holiday across the country.
The day coincides with the National Memorial Service to be held in Canberra.
Shops and retailers can trade as they normally would on other public holidays such as Australia Day or New Year’s Day. This additional public holiday will not be a “restricted trading day” (such as Good Friday or Anzac Day) under the Retail Trading Act 2008.
For banks and other financial institutions it will be a “bank close day” under the Retail Trading Act 2008.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard has instructed NSW Health to encourage all local health districts to retain as much of their planned elective surgery on 22 September as possible, subject to staff availability.
Registered heavy vehicle operators can now access their drivers’ demerit points balance, allowing them to better manage driver behaviour and improve road safety.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the Liberal and Nationals Government was committed to making NSW roads the safest in the country and reducing the number of crashes involving heavy vehicles is critical to achieving this goal.
“Transport for NSW has worked closely with the heavy vehicle industry and listened to their calls for a clearer system to help both operators and drivers carry out their work safely,” Mr Farraway said.
“Giving operators access to their drivers’ demerit points record will allow them to identify and work with their drivers to address potential safety issues early.
“Improved education and training will help employers work with their drivers to prevent them from losing their licence and save lives on our roads.
“Crashes involving a heavy vehicle are likely to have more serious consequences due to their size and extra time and distance needed to stop.
“It’s also timely to remind all road users that they have an important part to play in preventing crashes involving heavy vehicles – give heavy vehicles plenty of space, stay out of their blind spots, take care and be patient.”
An operator must receive driver consent before accessing their drivers’ demerit points record. Providing consent to the release of personal information is voluntary.
The NSW Government today confirmed that once operational, the WestConnex M4-M5 Link project will be officially referred to as extensions of the M4 and M8 motorways.
Once complete, the 7.5 kilometre underground mega tunnels will connect the two motorways, providing a seamless link between Haberfield and St Peters and cutting travel times by up to 40 minutes between Western Sydney and Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport.
Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said the operational names aligned with the NSW motorways’ numbering system, making it easier for motorists travelling across the broader network.
“We are in the final stages of one of the most significant road infrastructure projects ever undertaken in Australia,” Ms Ward said.
“Naming the tunnels the M4 and M8 motorways will help motorists join the dots on the new and improved network when the tunnels open next year.
“Once complete, the tunnels will significantly improve connections between west and southwest Sydney, reducing travel times into the city for Western Sydney residents.
“This is all about making a real difference to people’s daily lives, with our Government committed to providing them with the transport connections they need to move quickly and safely across our city.”
The new link between the M4 and the M8 is expected to open in early 2023 and will connect to the Rozelle Interchange at the end of 2023, marking the completion of Australia’s largest road infrastructure project, WestConnex.
The project will also include future links to the Western Harbour Tunnel, Sydney Gateway and the M6, to better connect communities across the city and improve freight routes.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has invited 10 everyday Australians to travel with him to the United Kingdom for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s State Funeral.
In addition to invitations extended to Australia’s Heads of State, the Palace has invited 10 Australians who have made extraordinary contributions to their communities, and who represent Australian culture and values.
Among invitees are 2022 Australian of the Year recipients and community representatives who embody inclusion and the spirit of helping others.
They represent each state and territory and the rich diversity of contemporary Australia.
The 10 everyday Australians who will represent Australia at Her Majesty’s funeral are:
Dylan Alcott AO – 2022 Australian of the Year
Valmai Dempsey – 2022 Senior Australian of the Year
Dr Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr Baumann AM, 2021 Senior Australian of the Year
Shanna Whan – 2022 Australian of the Year Local Hero
Saba Abraham – Local Hero 2022, Queensland
Kim Smith APM – Local Hero 2022, Tasmania
Trudy Lin – Young Australian of the year 2022, South Australia
Danny Abdallah – Co-Creator of i4give Day and Foundation
Chris Waller – Inductee, Australian Racing Hall of Fame
Professor Helen Milroy – Western Australia Australian of the Year 2021
These everyday Australians will travel alongside the Prime Minister and Governor-General His Excellency the Hon David Hurley AC DSC (Retd). The travelling party will join the acting High Commissioner Lynette Wood currently located in the United Kingdom.
Prime Minister Albanese said:
“I am honoured to be accompanied by these Australians who will join me, on behalf of Australia, in paying our respects to Her Majesty The Queen, Elizabeth II.
Each of these extraordinary citizens represents contemporary Australia, and quintessential Australian values such as respect, inclusion and helping others.”
Police are renewing an appeal for public assistance as they continue to investigate the disappearance of a man from the Lake Macquarie area.
Aaron Clear, aged 45, was reported missing to officers from Lake Macquarie Police District in February 2021, after family and friends were unable to contact him for an extended period.
Aaron is known by family and friends to live a nomadic lifestyle and was last formally seen by family at Belmont North for a gathering on Christmas Eve 2019 (Tuesday 24 December).
Inquiries so far have established that Aaron was at Belmont in March 2020, however his movements after this time are unknown.
Police and family have concerns for Aaron’s welfare.
He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 170cm tall, of medium build, with brown hair and brown eyes.
Aaron has been known to frequent the Newcastle, Cessnock, Morisset, and Bonnells Bays areas.
Lake Macquarie Police District Crime Manager, Detective Chief Inspector Scott Parker, said Aaron’s family were deeply worried and concerned about him.
“Aaron is much loved by his family, and they are desperate to know that he is okay.”
“Despite extensive inquiries, including a land search of bushland in Belmont where we were told Aaron liked to camp, we have been unable to locate any trace of him since March 2020.
“It is important to understand that Aaron is not in any trouble. We just want to make sure that he is safe and well. All he needs to do is to contact us or his family,” Detective Chief Inspector Parker said.
Anyone with information about Aaron’s whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
A motorcyclist has died following a crash near Wollombi, in the state’s Hunter Region.
Emergency services were called to the Great North Road at Fernances Creek just before 1pm today (Sunday 11 September 2022), after a motorcycle and car collided.
The rider, a 48-year-old man, died at the scene.
The driver of the vehicle wasn’t injured; however, was taken to hospital for mandatory testing.
Officers from Hunter Valley PD established a crime scene and commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Anyone who witnessed it, or the events leading up to it, is urged to contact police.
Newcastle Museum’s largest ever exhibition will showcase the terrifying creatures that ruled the oceans during the time of the dinosaurs.
Designed for visitors of all ages, Sea Monsters: Prehistoric Ocean Predators is an immersive exhibition that features hands-on installations alongside real fossils from millions of years ago.
Gigantic life-sized replicas, including a 13-metre long Elasmosaurus and 9-metre Prognathdon, will demonstrate the sheer scale of these ancient marine reptiles alongside other incredible specimens including a huge 1.4 metre Kronosaurus jaw and a five-metre long fish that died after swallowing another fish whole.
Newcastle Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said Sea Monsters provides a unique opportunity to learn more about these fascinating prehistoric creatures.
“Now open in time for the upcoming school holidays, Sea Monsters gives visitors the chance to learn more about the giant prehistoric sharks and reptiles that hunted the depths of the oceans at a time when the land was ruled by the might of the dinosaurs,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.
“This fun and educational exhibition is perfect for the whole family to enjoy as they walk through the giant ribcage of a sea monster, reach out and touch a replica of a fossilised Megalodon tooth and feel the thrill of the hunt with a 180-degree immersive video that puts you right inside the action.”
Sea Monsters: Prehistoric Ocean Predators is an Australian National Maritime Museum touring exhibition in partnership with Queensland Museum Network.
Newcastle Museum Director Julie Baird said it was a real coup for City of Newcastle to host this significant exhibition, which has taken a team of 10 staff from the Newcastle Museum and Australian National Maritime Museum two weeks to install.
“Newcastle Museum is committed to bringing engaging, high quality touring exhibitions to the Hunter Region that enrich Newcastle’s cultural offering and give local communities access to national and international exhibitions,” Ms Baird said.
“This is the largest exhibition ever hosted by Newcastle Museum, as well as being the first time Sea Monsters has been displayed in Australia outside a capital city.
“Newcastle Museum plays a key role in the rich diversity of experiences that help attract visitors to our city and we’re thrilled to be able to share exhibitions of the calibre of Sea Monsters with our community.”
Sea Monsters: Prehistoric Ocean Predators is on display now at Newcastle Museum and will run through to 26 February 2023. Ticket prices start from $7.50 for children, $15 for adults and $40 for a family of four, and are on sale now at Newcastle Museum or online via www.newcastlemuseum.com.au.
Australia will hold a National Day of Mourning to observe Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday 22 September 2022.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has written to Premiers and Chief Ministers asking they declare this day a National Public Holiday to commemorate Her Majesty’s remarkable life and dedication to service.
A National Memorial Service will be held at 11:00am in the Great Hall of Australian Parliament House in Canberra and will begin with one minute’s silence. It will be broadcast live across the nation.
The Prime Minister, Governor-General David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), Premiers and Chief Ministers and other attendees from across Australia will be invited to come together to pay their respects.
Prime Minister Albanese said:
“Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth the Second led a remarkable life, dedicated to service and duty.
“Queen Elizabeth II is the only reigning monarch most Australians have known and her faithful service will be remembered for centuries to come.
“Her Majesty was the only reigning monarch to ever to visit Australia and it was clear from her first trip that she had a special place in our hearts.
“I have asked Premiers and Chief Ministers that Thursday 22 September 2022 be declared a National Public Holiday in honour of the life and service of our late Queen.
“Over the coming weeks, Australia will continue to commemorate our late Queen.
“I encourage all Australians, wherever you may be, to take time to pause and reflect on Her Majesty’s extraordinary life of service.”
A second youth has been charged over the alleged assault of another teenager on the state’s Hunter region.
On Thursday (8 September 2022), officers from Lake Macquarie Police District commenced an investigation after receiving information regarding an assault at a skatepark in Charlestown.
Police were told a 14-year-old male was allegedly assaulted by a group of males, causing him serious facial injuries. The teenager remains in John Hunter Hospital undergoing treatment.
Following inquiries, a 14-year-old boy was arrested and charged by detectives on Friday (9 September 2022). He remains before the courts.
About 5.30pm yesterday (Saturday 10 September 2022), investigators arrested as 12-year-old boy at a unit in Cooks Hill.
He was taken to Newcastle Police Station and charged with assault with intent to rob in company cause grievous bodily harm.
The boy was refused bail to appear before a children’s court today (Sunday 11 September 2022).
