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Youth Week to highlight the contribution of city’s young people

Street art sessions, DJing workshops, a skateboarding program and the opportunity to build social connections while learning photography skills are among the activities on offer for the city’s younger generation during Youth Week 2022.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said the aim of Youth Week, which runs from 4-14 April, is to engage with and acknowledge the role of young people from all backgrounds within the local community.

“Our city’s youth are our future, which is why Youth Week plays such an important role within the community by putting young people at the forefront of organising inclusive activities, specifically for people their own age,” Cr Clausen said.

“City of Newcastle has worked with the Newcastle Youth Council Advisory Committee through the Youth Week grants program to support a broad range of initiatives that provide young people with a fun experience and an opportunity to learn new skills.

“We’re pleased to support programs and activities that promote cultural diversity and social inclusion, arts and culture, mental health and wellbeing and highlight the contribution that young people make to the Newcastle community.”

Image: Newcastle Youth Council Advisory Committee member Alex Milles, Broadmeadow PCYC Manager Paula Rowlett, Newcastle Youth Council Advisory Committee member Kevin Hill, Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen, City of Newcastle Youth Engagement Facilitator Nick Grinpukel and Tyson Bashford-Kennedy and Faith Curtis from UP&UP Inspirations, facilitators of Street Art Express.

City of Newcastle and the New South Wales Department of Community and Justice have provided matched funding towards four activities that will take place during Youth Week.

Among the initiatives that have received support is Street Art Express, which provides participants with the opportunity to learn about street art history and culture, graffiti as art and career pathways in art, all while producing their own artwork.

A unique social connection event for teenage dependents of Australian Defence Force personnel, Capture My Community, will provide participants with photography skills while taking a guided walking tour of Newcastle.

Youth attendees of Skateboarding to Youth Health will be able to acquire new skills at an inclusive and innovative skateboarding program that promotes positive socialisation, physical and mental wellbeing, while Express Yourself While You Bop Til You Drop and Bowl will offer participants a combination of workshops featuring graffiti art, lawn bowls and DJing at Jesmond Neighbourhood Centre and Maryland Neighbourhood Centre.

During Youth Week, City of Newcastle will also host a live music event and movie night at Newcastle Library in addition to the funded initiatives. More details for local Youth Week events can be viewed online at www.nsw.gov.au/youthweek.

With support from the federal, state and territory, and local governments, Youth Week began as a New South Wales Government initiative in 1989 and provides young people a chance to express their ideas and views, act on issues affecting them and create and enjoy activities and events.

Seniors Card goes digital for 30th anniversary

While pearl is the traditional gift for a thirtieth anniversary, the NSW Government is celebrating 30 years of the Seniors Card by making it digital via the Service NSW app.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said the digital Seniors and Seniors Savers Cards will make life easier for seniors by taking the hassle out of everyday transactions.

“Seniors have already embraced the Service NSW app through programs like Dine & Discover NSW and the Digital Driver Licence, and this digital option provides them with greater choice and flexibility,” Mr Dominello said.

“The Service NSW app is secure and convenient, and digital cards and credentials mean there is one less thing for customers to carry around with them.

“The rollout follows a successful pilot with 4,000 participants, with the vast majority giving it the thumbs up.”

Minister for Seniors Mark Coure said the program has been providing savings since its inception in 1992, including on gas and electricity.

“We have brought this service, which has been beneficial for easing the cost of living for seniors, into the twenty-first century,” Mr Coure said.

“When this initiative was first introduced by the then Premier of NSW, John Fahey, 250,000 seniors had access to discounts and rebates from 320 goods and service providers.

“Now, it is one of the largest programs of its kind in Australia, with 1.8 million seniors able to access discounts and rebates at more than 6,500 shops, travel, entertainment and professional services.”

The digital cards will be opt-in only and customers will continue to receive a physical card.

To find instructions on how to add a digital Seniors or Senior Savers Card to the Service NSW app or to learn more visit service.nsw.gov.au/campaign/nsw-seniors-card-program

Top 10 Sydney postcodes for Seniors Card holders:

Postcode	Area	Card Holders
2170	Liverpool	16,607
2560	Campbelltown	15,656
2145	Greystanes	15,429
2153	Baulkham Hills	14,491
2148	Blacktown	12,724
2750	Penrith	11,120
2770	Mount Druitt	10,337
2166	Cabramatta	10,088
2176	Bossley Park	9,785
2099	Dee Why	9,731

Women’s sport receives funding boost

The NSW Government continues to break down barriers in women’s sport following the opening of the $650,000 Her Sport Her Way Grant Program.

The Her Sport Her Way Grant Program is providing more than $2.5 million over four years to State Sporting Organisations and State Sporting Organisations for People with Disability to help increase participation, promote leadership and encourage inclusivity.

Minister for Tourism and Sport Stuart Ayres said the program provided a platform to drive change in women’s sport.

“We are committed to building a stronger sport sector where women and girls are valued, recognised and have equal choices and opportunities to lead and participate,” Mr Ayres said.

“The Her Sport Her Way Grants Program enables sports to develop innovative ways to encourage participation, promote role models and foster inclusivity.

“I urge all NSW sporting organisations to explore how to get more women and girls involved in sport, both on and off the field, and apply for a grant.”

Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said the grants will deliver a welcome boost that will benefit the whole community.

“Women’s sport is going from strength to strength. The Her Sport Her Way Grants Program is a fantastic way to inspire even more girls and young women to get involved in sport,” Mrs Taylor said.

Grants of $10,000 – $50,000 are available with sports able to seek grants for multiple projects across various locations.

The Her Sport Her Way Grants Program is part of the NSW Government’s women in sport strategy, Her Sport Her Way, which is driving change for women’s sport in NSW.

As a result of the strategy, the NSW Government has prioritised $450 million in investment in female friendly facilities through its sports infrastructure funding programs pools.

“Through this significant investment, we are making sport safer and more inclusive for women and girls across NSW.”

The Her Sport Her Way Grants Program is open until Thursday 28 April at 1pm. For further information please visit: www.sport.nsw.gov.au/clubs/grants/her-sport-her-way

NSW Government supports innovation program to turbocharge RD in NSW defence businesses

Defence businesses across the state will be supported to engage in active research and development, thanks to support from the NSW Government to co-fund a program led by Australia’s national science agency CSIRO.

The established CSIRO Innovate to Grow program, currently being trialed for the NSW defence sector, will turbocharge industry innovation, create jobs and secure the future of the NSW defence industry.

Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade Stuart Ayres said applications are now open, with a focus on businesses either directly involved with or looking to expand into the defence sector, across key regions including Greater Sydney, the Hunter, Shoalhaven/Illawarra, Riverina-Murray and Capital Regions.

“This program will leverage innovation-aware businesses interested in taking their operation to the next level by investigating new research and development opportunities and wider engagement with research organisations,” Mr Ayres said.

“Our vision for a forward-thinking and world-leading NSW defence industry depends on removing barriers to collaboration between industry and researchers to harness the potential of long-term partnerships.

“Piloting this program for defence will complement our existing defence industry innovation efforts, including $1.9 million to support the NSW Defence Innovation Network to generate hi-tech defence solutions and develop a collaborative research ecosystem.”

The NSW Government has provided $25,000 to upskill up to 30 defence-compatible small to medium businesses via the free self-paced 10-week virtual program to provide expert connections and training to understand R&D opportunities.

Member for the South Coast Shelley Hancock said the NSW Government’s investment in defence businesses provides a ripe opportunity for local businesses to collaborate with the public sector.

“The South Coast is home to some of our nation’s hardest workers and brightest minds,” Mrs Hancock said.

“These projects will enable sharp-minded and ambitious businesses to further boost their capabilities, contribute to a state-wide defence program and train their staff. All while supporting the state’s invaluable defence industry.”

CSIRO SME Collaboration Lead Dr George Feast said the program had a successful track record to date in a range of high-priority sectors.

“To date we’ve delivered the program to more than 200 businesses in a number of key sectors including cyber security and agriculture, and will be expanding to energy manufacturing, health and now defence,” Dr Feast said.

“Our primary goal through this program is to equip businesses with the right knowledge and capabilities to enable them to build their confidence with getting involved with R&D, which can help them come up with new ideas for their business.

“Each course is very much sector-specific, and participants will get to hear directly from industry and research experts, be paired with a CSIRO or university mentor and work alongside other like-minded businesses.”

NSW to turbocharge economic growth with new department

The Department of Enterprise, Investment and Trade (DEIT), a new NSW Government department, is open for business from today reinforcing the state’s commitment to economic development, job creation, innovation, new technologies, and liveability.

Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade Stuart Ayres said the new department brings together enterprise and trade, tourism and hospitality, arts and culture, sport, and Western Sydney under one cluster.

“Bringing together these agencies and groups into a new ecosystem will help drive our state’s post-COVID economic transformation and create sustainable jobs of the future right here in NSW,” Mr Ayres said.

“We are positioning NSW as the best place in the world to do business − where innovation, trade, tourism, sport and culture work together to drive the dream combination of economic strength and vibrant lifestyle.

“We want to help NSW businesses find new markets and help drive collaborative partnerships between government and non-government organisations to fuel economic growth, and make Western Sydney an economic powerhouse.

“This is also about ensuring we have the world’s best arts and cultural institutions, sporting facilities and events to create thriving communities and attract tourists alike.”

DEIT Secretary Amy Brown said the new cluster will not just focus on economic outcomes but has a mandate to ensure liveability is a key focus for prosperity.

“The quality of our neighbourhoods, workplaces and cities has a significant factor on our economic development and our ability to attract talented workers, students and innovative companies to NSW,” Ms Brown said.

“The new department will allow for more cohesive inter-agency planning and decision making, allowing us to build on our reputation as the number one place for people across the world to invest, live, visit, study, grow and play.”

$1.6 billion in WestInvest grants open for community projects

West and South-West Sydney community groups can now apply for WestInvest funding with the $1.6 billion Community Project Grants program open to registrations of interest today.

Community, sports, multicultural and faith based groups, non-government organisations, Local Aboriginal Land Councils, universities, Local Councils, registered charities and more are encouraged to put forward transformative ideas for their neighbourhoods.

Eligible projects must be based in one or more of the 15 eligible Sydney Local Government Areas and deliver transformational infrastructure that addresses one of the six focus areas:

Parks, urban spaces, and green space;
Enhancing community infrastructure such as local sporting grounds;
Modernising local schools;
Creating and enhancing arts and cultural facilities;
Revitalising high streets;
Clearing local traffic.

Treasurer Matt Kean said the allocation of $1.6 billion to community grant projects would enable locals to take the lead on infrastructure projects that would benefit the community.

“Any eligible organisation with a great idea to improve livability in the West and South-West can now apply for a share in these grants to fund a project which will make a difference in their community,” Mr Kean said.

“This isn’t about major roads or tunnels or highways – this is about more quality green space, better high streets, strengthening the connection between schools and communities and improving local facilities. This is about allocating funds to projects that will make a real difference in the West and South-West of Sydney.”

Minister for Enterprise and Trade, and Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said WestInvest had been designed to fund projects that address real, local community need.

“This $1.6 billion grant program is significant, and its importance lies in that it is driven by local people with local ideas,” Mr Ayres said.

“This isn’t a top-down approach to community improvements – this is about informed, capable community groups being able to access funds for projects to transform their communities on a tangible, local level.

“Already we have had more than 5,300 submissions suggest projects through the WestInvest Have Your Say website, so we know the people of the West and South-West Sydney want to have input into the infrastructure projects in their neighbourhood.”

Community organisations will be able to participate in the mandatory Registration of Interest (ROI) process by 21 April, 2022 to help inform their applications and determine their eligibility.

Applicants will be advised of the outcomes of the ROI process before grants open for eight weeks from 2 May, 2022 until 27 June, 2022.

The $5 billion WestInvest program is designed to fund transformational infrastructure projects that will enhance communities. In addition to the $1.6 billion in grants for community projects, $400 million in non-competitive funding will be allocated directly to each of the 15 eligible local councils.

A further $3 billion is set aside to deliver transformational projects that will benefit local communities, led by NSW Government agencies.

To find out more about WestInvest and how your organisation can apply and to access application support, visit: www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/westinvest

Designs for $438 million Shoalhaven Hospital unveiled

The community has been provided with its first look at designs for the $438 million Shoalhaven Hospital redevelopment showcasing the vision for the state-of-the-art health facility.

Minister for Health Brad Hazzard said the NSW Government is investing in a significant expansion of Shoalhaven Hospital, which will provide the local community with enhanced health services.

“In a major step forward for the redevelopment, new artist impressions have been unveiled today revealing the design for the hospital precinct, which will transform healthcare services for the Shoalhaven community and improve health outcomes,” Mr Hazzard said.

Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said the redevelopment of Shoalhaven Hospital is about future proofing healthcare in the region.

“I’m very excited to share the new artist impressions of the Shoalhaven Hospital redevelopment with the community and encourage everyone to provide feedback as we move forward with its delivery. This major investment from the NSW Government marks a new era in healthcare for the South Coast,” Mrs Taylor said.

“A new acute services building connecting to the existing hospital, rooftop helipad, and refurbishment of existing hospital buildings are just some of the highlights of this major redevelopment.

“The NSW Government is also improving access to the hospital with alternate entry and drop off areas on Shoalhaven Street and off North Street. There will also be a new dedicated entrance for ambulances.

“The project team has been working closely with clinicians and key healthcare stakeholders and we’re now encouraging the local community to provide their feedback which will inform the design of the project.”

Local Member and the Parliamentary Secretary for the South Coast, Shelley Hancock, said the southern end of Nowra Park will be retained as greenspace for the local community to enjoy.

“Landscaped areas will also be established on the hospital’s ground to create a welcoming space and enhanced experience for patients, staff and visitors,” Mrs Hancock said.

Mrs Hancock encouraged the local community to attend pop-up stalls that will be taking place throughout the region, where members of the project team will be on site to answer any questions about the redevelopment.

The community pop-ups are scheduled for the following locations and times:

Shoalhaven Hospital, Wednesday, 30 March 2022 from 4pm – 6pm
Stockland Nowra, Thursday, 31 March from 10am – 12pm
Berry Mall (next to Berry Pharmacy), Thursday, 31 March from 2pm – 4pm
Ulladulla Shopping Centre, Friday, 1 April from 10am – 12pm
Vincentia Shopping Village, Friday, 1 April from 2pm – 4pm
Bunnings Nowra, Saturday, 2 April from 10am – 12pm

The $438 million Shoalhaven Hospital redevelopment will provide new facilities including cardiology, mental health and aged care wards, more operating theatres and a new emergency department, and there will also be greater access to more specialised staff, equipment and technology.

The Shoalhaven District Memorial Hospital will complement other health projects for the Illawarra Shoalhaven community, including $700 million for the new Shellharbour Hospital, and recently completed projects including $11.8 million for the new Shoalhaven Hospital multistorey car park, $37.1 million towards the Bulli Hospital, and the Dapto and Ulladulla HealthOne projects, delivered as part of the $100 million HealthOne program.

The project is part of the NSW Government’s record $10.8 billion investment in health infrastructure to 2024-25, with nearly a third of the capital allocation in this financial year going towards regional and rural health facilities.

To view the plans and find out more about the proposed new hospital, please visit www.shoalhavenredevelopment.health.nsw.gov.au

PEP-11

The Prime Minister has taken the final step to reject the application for the Offshore Petroleum Exploration Permit PEP-11.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Government’s decision under section 59(3) of the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 to propose to refuse the application has been formalised.

“PEP-11 is officially dead in the water,” the Prime Minister said.

“I said the project would not proceed on our watch, and that is exactly what has happened.

“The decision has been finalised to ensure PEP-11 will not go ahead as a result of the steps taken by my Government.

“I would like to thank our local Liberal Members and candidates and the coastal communities from Newcastle through to Wollongong for voicing their concerns and for working with the Government to ensure the local communities and environment remain protected.”

The New South Wales Government agreed with the Morrison Government’s proposed decision.

The National Offshore Petroleum Titles Administrator (NOPTA) has advised the applicant of the decision.

INVESTING IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA’S ENERGY AND ROADS SECTORS

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Prime Minister James Marape have welcomed $158 million (PGK415 million) in agreements under the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) to upgrade key power and road networks across Papua New Guinea.

The two Prime Ministers recognised the importance of working together to deliver high‑quality, transformational infrastructure projects, which are critical to Papua New Guinea’s prosperity, and economic recovery from COVID-19.

Australia will support an $86 million (PGK226 million) financing package to improve Papua New Guinea’s national power infrastructure and connect more than 30,000 households, schools and clinics to electricity. Access to electricity is key to improving development outcomes. This partnership will connect many communities in Morobe and East New Britain provinces to the grid for the first time.

Australia’s financing is part of the PNG Electrification Partnership, and supports the Government of Papua New Guinea’s objective of connecting 70 per cent of PNG’s population to electricity by 2030.

Australia is also investing $72 million (PGK189 million) to upgrade road infrastructure in key economic corridors across Papua New Guinea, connecting communities and supporting improved access to markets.

The financing will enable the rehabilitation and maintenance of approximately 359 kilometres of priority roads, including the Sepik Highway in the East Sepik and West Sepik provinces, and the Wau Highway in Morobe Province.

Prime Minister Marape welcomed the agreements.

“This financing will assist my Government to progress our priority Connect PNG Strategy, increase strategic connections across Papua New Guinea, and build up critical infrastructure in the power sector,” Prime Minister Marape said.

Prime Minister Morrison said the partnership would support the development of critical infrastructure in Papua New Guinea, and provide a significant boost to the local economy.

“Australia is pleased to support the development of high-quality infrastructure across Papua New Guinea’s diverse regions, and build on our strong record of supporting critical infrastructure across the Pacific,” Prime Minister Morrison said.

“This partnership will employ Papua New Guinean workers and use local materials where possible to help stimulate the local economy and assist in its economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The agreements recognise the critical importance of Australia and Papua New Guinea’s bilateral partnership and build on the joint ambition established through the Papua New Guinea-Australia Comprehensive Strategic and Economic Partnership (CSEP).

Australia will continue to partner with governments and the private sector in Papua New Guinea, and across the Pacific, to respond to infrastructure needs and support our shared interest for an open, resilient and inclusive Pacific region.

Statement on Cheng Lei

Today in Beijing, Australian citizen Ms Cheng Lei faced a closed trial on charges of illegally supplying state secrets overseas. At the end of proceedings, the court deferred its verdict.

The Australian Government respects the sovereignty of China’s legal system. However, Ms Cheng’s case has lacked transparency and the Australian Government has never been provided with details of the charges.

Australia’s Ambassador to China and officials were present at the court entrance, reiterating Australia’s support for Ms Cheng and our concerns with what has been a closed and opaque process.

Regrettably, the Ambassador was not permitted entry to the court. The continuing lack of transparency is concerning and further undermines confidence.

Since Ms Cheng was detained in August 2020, the Australian Government has consistently stated the fundamental importance of procedural fairness, basic standards of justice and China’s international legal obligations.

Following Ms Cheng’s trial, we renew our calls for China to uphold these principles and to allow Ms Cheng unimpeded access to her lawyer.

We will continue to provide consular assistance to Ms Cheng under the terms of our bilateral Consular Relations Agreement, and to advocate for her rights, including for her to be able to speak to her two young children in Australia, with whom she has had no contact since her detention in 2020.

Australia stands by Ms Cheng and her family at this difficult time.