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A pioneering tutoring initiative supporting school students to recover following COVID lockdowns has benefits beyond its original aim of improving student learning, a new evaluation has shown. 

Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said the NSW Government’s COVID Intensive Learning Support Program was seeing benefits for students and early career teachers.  

“We are seeing students’ confidence and classroom engagement improve thanks to the support they’re receiving, along with providing hundreds of pre-service teachers invaluable hands-on experience,” Ms Mitchell said.  

A recent evaluation of the COVID Intensive Learning Support Program examined its impact on student learning and engagement from the teachers’ perspective, the quality of the program-specific teaching and learning resources, as well as some of the challenges encountered by schools.  

The evaluation revealed student confidence and engagement improved by 80 per cent, and students’ motivation and attitude towards school had improved by 77 per cent and 69 per cent respectively.  

A wider evaluation of the program, including academic outcomes of students involved, will be completed by the end of Term 1 2023. 

The NSW Government invested an additional $383 million to extend the program in 2022. The total investment is more than $700 million since 2021.  

Third-year university student Mackenzie Allen spent two days a week for a year at Oak Flats Public School in the Illawarra, providing literacy and numeracy tutoring under the supervision of an accredited teacher.   

“This experience has cemented my future career aspirations in the teaching profession,” Mackenzie said. 

Australia’s biggest renewable energy and storage policy, the NSW Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap officially launched today, paving the way for a cheaper, cleaner and more reliable energy future for NSW.
 
Minister for Energy Matt Kean said the first tender for renewable energy and long duration storage contracts opens today, the first in a series of bi-annual tenders over 10 years to replace retiring coal fired power stations with modern electricity infrastructure.
 
“NSW is targeting the construction of 12 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2030, enough to power the equivalent of 5.8 million homes, as well as 2 gigawatts of long duration storage like pumped hydro, making this the biggest renewable energy policy in Australia’s history,” Mr Kean said.
 
“The opening of the first tender marks a major milestone in the delivery of our renewable energy and storage plans, it’s expected to create a jobs and investment boom across NSW.”
 
Mr Kean said that the Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap is the State’s landmark energy policy designed to replace the generation capacity from four out of five of NSW’s coal-fired power stations, which are scheduled to retire in the next 11 years.
 
“NSW is building five massive Renewable Energy Zones across the State, which will produce cheap, clean electricity for generations to come and create major investment opportunities for industry and small businesses.
 
“Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine has put enormous pressure on power prices and shows why we need to fast track our plans to replace ageing power stations and reduce our reliance on generation that relies on volatile international commodity prices.”
 
The Roadmap is forecast to lead to savings of around $130 a year on average on the typical household electricity bill and $430 a year on the average small business electricity bill between 2023 and 2040, compared to if the Roadmap is not implemented.
 
Registration is open until 28 October, which is when project bids close.

Residents in Burwood will benefit from activated high streets and laneways, new and expanded local parks, gardens and playgrounds and an innovative library pod funded by the $2 billion WestInvest Community Project Grants program.   
 
Premier Dominic Perrottet, Treasurer Matt Kean and Minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman today announced $20.7 million in funding to Burwood Council for eight projects through the city-shaping WestInvest program, which will deliver transformational infrastructure projects in West and South West Sydney
 
The $2 billion WestInvest Community Project Grants includes $400 million for 15 Local Government Areas in West and South West Sydney, to advance priority local projects.
 
Projects funded in Burwood include:

• $6.6 million for the Burwood Main Street Transformation Project to transform Burwood Road into a vibrant and iconic food and culture destination.
• $3.9 million for the Dean Street Precinct Transformation which will build on the current NSW Government-funded trial to create a permanent food and entertainment destination in the heart of Burwood Town Centre.
• $2.7 million for the Henley Park Sports Field Upgrade which will revitalise two aged sports fields to improve sport and recreational facilities.
• $814,641 for the Henley Park and Russel Reserve Expansion which will transform 1,450m2 of underutilised land into a new open space.
• $2.2 million for the Strathfield Place Making Project which will transform Bells Lane into a vibrant laneway and shared pedestrian zone, increasing outdoor dining.
• $2.5 million for the Burwood Park Inclusive Play Space to support a makeover of Burwood Park into an inclusive and welcoming recreational precinct.
• $1.2 million for the Woodstock Sensory Garden Project which will revitalise an underutilised open space on the edge of the Burwood Town Centre.
• $876,150 for the Burwood Library Pod which will implement new technology to deliver an innovative and purpose built 24/7 library pod in Enfield.

 
Burwood Council has contributed $107,196 towards the Burwood Park Inclusive Play Space project.
 
Mr Perrottet said the projects funded in Burwood will deliver new and exciting infrastructure for everyone in the community to benefit from. 
 
“WestInvest will help secure the best quality of life for families in West and South West Sydney,’’ Mr Perrottet said.
 
“These projects put forward by Burwood Council will reinvigorate and reimagine high streets and laneways and revitalise local parks, providing great enjoyment to the local community.”
 
Mr Kean said the High Street activation projects will transform streets with colourful public floor art and overhead catenary lights and artworks showcasing the local heritage and history.
 
“The Woodstock Sensory Garden is supported by community engagement and provides safe and accessible green spaces, particularly for people with a disability,” Mr Kean said
 
“The library pod project in Enfield allows users to scan their library card to borrow and return from the selection of 600 books curated based on the community profile.”
 
Mrs Tuckerman said the NSW Government allocated each of the 15 local WestInvest councils a share in WestInvest funding to accelerate projects to ensure communities benefit sooner.
 
“The projects put forward by Burwood Council are the result of years of community engagement and are aligned with the outcomes of the WestInvest Have Your Say survey,” Mrs Tuckerman said.
 
“This WestInvest funding will expedite priority community initiatives that we feel will have the greatest impact on the ground for residents in the Burwood local government area.”
 
Announcements will be made on projects submitted by the other LGAs soon.
 
The $5 billion WestInvest program was made possible by the Government’s successful WestConnex asset recycling strategy. A further $1.6 billion from the $2 billion Community Project Grants is available to local community groups. Successful projects will be announced from December.
 
The $5 billion WestInvest program also includes $3 billion to deliver transformational projects that will benefit local communities, led by NSW Government agencies.
 
To find out more about WestInvest visit www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/westinvest

Innovative NSW businesses and their homegrown defence and aerospace technology and products will be on show at a major international trade show this week.
 
Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade Alister Henskens said the NSW Government is supporting 26 NSW businesses with prime floor space to attend and extend their networks at the Land Forces International Land Defence Exposition, held at the Brisbane Exhibition and Convention Centre.
 
“With defence and aerospace as a priority sector for the NSW Government, Land Forces provides our local businesses with the opportunity to showcase their capabilities to industry leaders including the Chief of Army and respected counterparts from across the world,” Mr Henskens said.
 
“The unique and diverse capabilities on display at the NSW Government stand range from composite manufacturing, cyber security, telecommunications and robotics through to innovative power drives and human-machine interface engineering.
 
“NSW is well placed to lead Australia in growing and nurturing the defence and aerospace industry, underpinned by our world-class advanced manufacturing capabilities and leading universities and research institutions that are primed to accelerate technological advancements and innovation.”
 
Reach Robotics Commercial Director Anders Ridley-Smith said the company, specialising in advanced robotic arms for harsh environments, relished the chance to show their products to domestic and international industry decision makers.
 
“With the NSW Government’s support, we can proudly display our robotic arm and controller, and build on our strategic and export opportunities,” Mr Ridley-Smith said.
 
Alongside the 26 businesses at Land Forces, the NSW Government will provide other NSW businesses attending the event with a dedicated platform to open new doors and reinforce the message that Sovereign Defence and Aerospace is made in NSW.
 
More information about NSW at Land Forces 2022 is available online.  

NSW is set for a major economic injection with Sydney set to host a suite of action-packed matches as part of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which starts in less than two weeks’ time.
 
A host of sports stars and celebrities, including Australian women’s cricketer Alyssa Healy, GWS Giants player Lachie Whitfield and former NRL player Michael Ennis, got into the spirit today taking part in a ‘Biggest Hit’ competition on Sydney Harbour to promote the upcoming T20 action.
 
Premier Dominic Perrottet said Sydney will host seven games, with tens of thousands of cricket fans expected to flock to NSW throughout the tournament.
 
“This is going to be a cracker of a tournament as the Aussies look to defend their T20 World Cup crown and NSW will be right in the thick of things,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
“Sports fans across the state will be treated to world-class T20 cricket action and our economy is also set for a major boost. 
 
“This will be a real boon for the NSW economy. Our restaurants, bars, hotels and shops will be filled with the thousands of visitors who will embark on Sydney throughout the tournament.”
 
Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said the event is part of the NSW Government’s 10 World Cups in 10 Years initiative, which is driving visitors to the state and delivering economic benefits for our community.
 
“The T20 World Cup follows the huge success of recent sporting events, such as the FIBA Women’s World Cup and the UCI Road World Cycling Championships, which put NSW on the world stage,” Mr Henskens said.
 
“NSW is showcasing itself to the world with the best athletes on the planet treating fans to an array of sporting contests that carry with them huge economic benefits, and the T20 World Cup is another great example of that.” 
 
Minister for Tourism Ben Franklin said there was no better place than Sydney to take in the action of the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
 
“Sydney has a long history of hosting world class events. The energy of the city, the vibrant culture and diverse experiences provide the most exciting backdrop for the tournament,” Mr Franklin said.
 
“We are delivering on our promise to make NSW the major events capital of the Asia Pacific and giving locals and visitors the opportunity to witness the world’s best athletes right here in Sydney.”
 
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Local Organising Committee CEO Michelle Enright said tickets to matches at the SCG are on sale now.
 
“Tickets are selling fast for all six match days in Sydney, which includes the Super 12 opener between Australia and New Zealand on 22 October, and the first semi-final on 9 November,” Ms Enright said.
 
“All children’s tickets for Super 12 matches are just $5 and adult tickets start from $20, so we urge Sydneysiders to gather family and friends and head out to experience the unique atmosphere of a World Cup on home soil.”
 
To purchase tickets, visit http://tickets.t20worldcup.com/. 

Women in NSW who undergo fertility treatment with an accredited private provider will be eligible for a cash rebate of up to $2,000 from 1 October, thanks to the NSW Government.
 
Treasurer Matt Kean said the rebate is the first of its kind in Australia and builds on earlier NSW Government initiatives that make fertility treatments more affordable.
 
“Around 12,000 eligible women will benefit from the new fertility treatment rebate as part of the NSW Affordable IVF Initiative from this month onwards,” Mr Kean said.
 
“Families navigating their fertility journey don’t need to do it alone – we are backing them with an $80 million investment over four years to increase access to affordable fertility treatments.
 
“This funding will mean more women won’t have to choose between looking after their household budget and starting a family.”
 
To be eligible for the fertility treatment rebate, women must:

• Be a resident of NSW
• Have incurred an out-of-pocket cost from an accredited private provider from 1 October 2022.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said falling pregnant for many women is stressful enough without the added challenge of finding additional funds for fertility treatment.

“The NSW Government has led the nation in its efforts to lower these costs so that families can have access to our world-leading fertility specialists,” Mr Hazzard said.

“NSW is now one of the most affordable places in the world to have fertility treatment.”

Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said one in every six couples experience fertility issues. 

“Fertility challenges can be absolutely heartbreaking and a huge financial burden. The NSW Government is lowering the cost of treatments, helping more women on their journey to start a family,” Mrs Taylor said.

“This new rebate builds on the NSW Government’s $42 million 2019 election commitment for affordable IVF, which is helping so many families.”

Professor Luk Rombauts, President of the Fertility Society of Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ), welcomed the continued investment and commitment from the NSW Government to support people on their fertility journey.

“This rebate is an opportunity to provide more equitable access to fertility treatments  and builds on the existing pre-IVF testing rebate that has already helped so many people across NSW,” Professor Rombauts said.

This rebate is separate to the existing one for pre-IVF fertility testing and is not available for out-of-pocket costs for lower cost treatments in publicly supported fertility clinics in NSW.

The $80 million expansion to the NSW Affordable IVF initiative also includes:

• Extending the rebate for pre-IVF fertility testing
• Expanding statewide access to lower cost IVF treatment through publicly supported clinics
• Boosting fertility preservation services for patients with a medical need
• Providing up to five days paid fertility treatment leave for teachers, nurses and other public servants across NSW.

The rebate eligibility criteria is listed here.

The new fertility treatment rebate of up to $2,000 will open for applicants to make a claim from 1 January 2023. Women who have undergone an eligible procedure from 1 October 2022 will be able to submit a claim when the rebate scheme opens.

More information on how the NSW Government is working to improve affordability and access to IVF services in NSW is available online here.

High-tech sensors which can predict and detect fires and clean energy solutions for bush fire-affected communities are among five innovative ideas being piloted under a landmark NSW Government research and development (R&D) program.
 
Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology Alister Henskens said the Bushfire Technology Pilots Program, a total of $6 million over four years, will support trials of field-ready bush fire technology developed by NSW businesses.
 
“NSW is a world leader in bush fire technology and this NSW Government investment is unlocking opportunities for homegrown innovators to test their potentially life saving research,” Mr Henskens said.
 
“We’re investing in these innovative technologies so that NSW can remain at the cutting edge of bush fire technology, and save lives by enhancing bush fire preparedness and response.”
 
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the grants on offer through the Bush Fire Technology Pilots Program cover multiple components of a bush fire response, including providing power to remote sites, real-time monitoring of fire conditions and data-sharing.
 
“The investment being announced today will put innovative technologies to the test so that one day they can be used by our emergency services in NSW, as well as organisations across Australia and the world, to save lives and improve the way we respond to disasters,” Ms Cooke said.
 
NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer Professor Hugh Durrant-Whyte said the wide range of work funded through the grants reflects NSW’s position as a global leader in bush fire technology.
 
“These projects will be collaborative, with grant recipients working closely with lead NSW fire response organisations, including the Rural Fire Service, Fire & Rescue, NSW Telco Authority, National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Department of Planning and Environment,” Professor Durrant-Whyte said.
 
The program is the first initiative to be rolled out under the Bushfire Response R&D Mission, a recommendation of the NSW R&D Action Plan