The Government is seeking input on the design of Round 5A of the Mobile Black Spot Program. The program funds telecommunications infrastructure to deliver new and improved coverage in regional and remote Australia. The Australian Government has committed $380 million over six rounds to the program.

On behalf of the National Steering Committee, SEGRA has published a special COVID-19 edition of SEGRA : Speaking up for Regional Australia.

The Red Cross National portal to assist temporary migrants (anyone in Australia who is not a citizen or permanent resident) to access emergency relief is now operational as of 5/5/2020.

The Australian Department of Home Affairs have launched a new website providing a collection of information on COVID-19 for Australia’s diverse communities.

This new website provides information and advice in 63 languages.

The first rural GP-led COVID-19 respiratory clinic in New South Wales officially opened 15th April at Wagga Wagga’s Glenrock Country Practice.

Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development and Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack said the new respiratory clinic, assembled at Dr Ayman Shenouda’s practice, was part of the Australian Government’s $2.4 billion health package to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Bushfire-affected landholders will now have access to their share of up to $209 million to help cover the cost of rebuilding boundary fences, after Deputy Premier John Barilaro launched the NSW Government’s ‘Supporting our Neighbours’ project.

NSW frontline healthcare workers will be provided with free accommodation to protect their loved ones as part of $100 million in extra measures to support frontline staff battling COVID-19.

Regional Express (Rex) has provided an update for the 54 regional and remote communities that are serviced by Rex on its immediate plans for the suspension/reduction of services so that they could be prepared for the drastic changes. Rex has communicated, several times in the past two weeks, that the significant drop in passenger numbers means that air services are no longer viable.

The Australian Government is making a number of changes to temporary visa holder arrangements during the coronavirus crisis in order to protect the health and livelihoods of Australians, support critical industries, and assist with the rapid recovery post the virus.

There are 2.17 million people presently in Australia on a temporary visa.

The Australian Government is making temporary changes to visa arrangements to help farmers access the workforce they need to secure Australia’s food and produce supply during COVID-19.

The changes allow those within the Pacific Labour Scheme, Seasonal Worker Program and working holiday makers to continue to work in agriculture and food processing until the coronavirus crisis has passed.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, TAFE NSW, in conjunction with the NSW Government, is offering a number of fee-free* short courses that can be completed in just days or weeks, offering practical skills and experiences across a range of industries.

In this rapidly changing jobs market, the Australian Government is supporting businesses and those Australians looking for work by launching a jobs hub.

While many businesses have been adversely affected by COVID-19 and are reducing their workforces, there are some areas of the economy which have an increased demand for workers.

The NSW Government today established the new Department of Regional NSW to better coordinate support for communities, businesses and farmers in the bush that have endured drought, bushfire and flood and now face the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The NSW Government is calling on manufacturers around the State to help fill gaps in the global supply of medical equipment and hygiene products, redeploying spare capacity to save lives and jobs.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres today launched a portal for companies to offer to build parts or supply eight urgently needed items during the COVID-19 crisis.

A new $110 million initiative will back Australia’s agricultural and fisheries sector by helping them export their high-quality produce into key overseas markets, with return flights bringing back vital medical supplies, medicines and equipment.

If you’re dealing with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, or facing the impacts of drought, bushfire or flood, there are practical ways your bank can help

Australian banks have hardship teams ready to help you, depending on your circumstances.

An Expression of Interest published on AusTender is seeking to identify suppliers of swabs used for testing for COVID-19 in Australia as well as other equipment such as gloves, goggles and gowns.

The required swabs collect samples from the nose and throat and are the critical first stage of the testing process for COVID-19. Diagnosis is the important first step in both treating affected individuals and, through isolation and quarantine, reducing the risk of transmission and infection.