Game Set Match! Evonne Goolagong World Premiere to headline new Wiradjuri Festival

The glittering World Premiere of Sunshine Super Girl, a brand new theatre work celebrating National Living Treasure and sporting legend Evonne Goolagong-Cawley, will be the centrepiece of the inaugural Yarruwala Wiradjuri Cultural Festival, in Griffith this October.

It was ‘Love All’ when Griffith Regional Theatre secured the highly sought after rights to premiere Sunshine Super Girl, by Yorta Yorta Gunnakurnai playwright and director Andrea James, produced by Performing Lines, with Melbourne Theatre Company and major national festivals amongst the other contenders.

Griffith Regional Arts and Museum Manager, Raina Savage never doubted the work would premiere on Wiradjuri country.

Ms Savage said, “Evonne was born in Griffith, and when we consulted the Wiradjuri community about the project, they were adamant that her story should open where it had its roots, on her traditional country.”

Sunshine Super Girl is a quintessentially Australian story about an Aboriginal girl from the bush who, with the support of a small farming town and her loving family, became a world tennis champion and household name at the tender age of 19.

Evonne won 92 professional tournaments and was a finalist in 18 Grand Slam events and seven singles – winning Wimbledon twice, the French Open once and the Australian Open four times. Her heart-warming story is a celebration of spirit and passion over privilege and discrimination; and a tribute to a great Wiradjuri woman who overcame racism and disadvantage and inspired a nation.

The Sunshine Super Girl World Premiere on Wednesday 7 October is the jewel in the crown of Yarruwala Wiradjuri Cultural Festival, an exciting new festival promoting and celebrating Wiradjuri arts and culture in the Western Riverina. A spectacular Wiradjuri Cultural Ceremony will welcome VIP guests onto country for the event.

Griffith Mayor, Councillor John Dal Broi is looking forward to what he expects to be an exciting celebration of Wiradjuri arts and culture.

“The Yarruwala Wiradjuri Cultural Festival will be a fantastic event and I am extremely pleased that our Theatre and community get to be part of it,” he said. 

Meaning ‘very strong, powerful’ in the Wiradjuri language, the full Yarruwala Festival Program was launched in a live-streamed gala event at Regional Art Gallery on Saturday 15 August curated by Creative Director Kerry Johnson. Due to COVID-19, the launch was a digital event.

The festival program features Aboriginal arts and cultural experiences and events in the Griffith, Leeton, Murrumbidgee, Narranderra and Jerilderie LGAs.

Creative Director Ms Johnson said, “The festival is a ground-breaking cultural occasion to bring the communities together, as we celebrate Evonne Goolagong-Cawley’s life-time achievements. An integral element will be to look back to our roots, remember the sacrifices and be inspired to continue the legacy.” 

Sunshine Super Girl premieres on Wednesday 7 October, with performances on 8th -10 October at 7.30pm, and matinee on Saturday 10 October at 2pm.

Tickets for Sunshine Super Girl are available from Monday 27 July through Griffith Regional Theatre Box Office at 1 Neville Place, Griffith, or contact the theatre on 02 6962 8444.

For any inquiries please contact Raina Savage raina.savage@griffith.nsw.gov.au or Aanya Whitehead at Western Riverina Arts rado@westrivarts.com.au

RDA Riverina CEO Rachel Whiting takes part in SEGRA Conversations 25 - More Jobs than People

In this webinar recording, RDA Riverina CEO and Director of Regional Development Rachel Whiting and Megan Dixon, Director of Regional Development, RDA Orana joined SEGRA for a conversation on the challenges of attracting and retaining a skilled workforce. Both RDA Riverina and RDA Orana have established programs for growing their regions. This webinar identifies the key elements of these programs and explores how they might work for your region.

Rachel Whiting has lived in regional communities in NSW, Western Australia and Queensland throughout her professional career. Her passion and enthusiasm for development in regional and rural communities is evidenced in the success stories of the organisations she works for and in partnership with. Rachel has worked extensively with not-for-profits both as a board member and as management. In her spare time, Rachel has also been breeding horses for the Olympic disciplines for 20 years and is involved in Arts Practice and Facilitation. Rachel is an Adjunct Professional Staff Member at Charles Sturt University, a Fellow of Leadership WA, holds a Master of Communications from Charles Sturt University, a Graduate Certificate in Animal Studies from UQ and a Bachelor of Education majoring in Visual Arts and English from QUT.

Passionate about regional Australia, Megan Dixon has lived and worked in the Northern Territory and regional Queensland and New South Wales, holding various positions that have all been focussed on regional economic development. Now the Director of Regional Development Orana, based in Dubbo, Megan has spent the last four years focussed on workforce development and labour shortages, working strategically and through partnerships on the push/pull ecosystem that drives skills and labour shortages in inland Australia.  

‘Help Harvest NSW' launched to help secure Ag workers to bumper harvest

Farmers will be able to capitalise on what is predicted to be the best harvest in many years, with the launch of a new one-stop resource which will help the agriculture industry overcome a COVID-induced labour shortage and get unemployed Australians into critical work.

Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall announced the launch of the ‘Help Harvest NSW’ website, which will connect unemployed Australians with farm work opportunities across the State as part of the NSW Government’s COVID Recovery Plan.

With NSW at the forefront of this year’s big winter crop comeback after drought and horticulture about six weeks from harvest, Mr Marshall said it was critical to act now as there would be a shortage of between 3,500 and 5,000 workers needed in the state.

“Farmers are desperate to find contractors and employees willing to work to make the most of the bumper harvest we’re about to have,” Mr Marshall said.

“A high volume of primary industries labour generally comes from overseas and due to COVID-19 international travel restrictions there simply isn’t the number of farm workers the ag industry needs at the moment.

“The Help Harvest NSW website will help to overcome this challenge by connecting job-seeking Australians with agricultural work opportunities in NSW.

“I want to see more Aussies climb off the couch and get out into the regions where there’s plenty of good paying work on until the end of the year.

“At a time when we are just beginning to emerge from drought, our State’s farmers cannot afford to miss out on the financial uplift that comes from a strong harvest.”

With higher than average unemployment due to COVID-19, Mr Marshall said that ‘Help Harvest NSW’ was a way to get the State’s workforce moving again.

“Never before and never again will Australians have a better chance to take up farm work, earn a decent wage and see first-hand our beautiful regions where the food we buy every day from the supermarket is produced,” Mr Marshall said.

“My message to the increasing number of people looking for a job at the moment is this: get off your bum and get into agriculture – we need you.

“Take a look at Help Harvest NSW and see what job opportunities are around the corner.”

To explore ‘Help Harvest NSW’ visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/help-harvest-nsw.

Applications Open | School of Rural Medicine | Charles Sturt Orange Campus

Regional students strongly encouraged to apply for the new Doctor of Medicine – applications now open

After years of lobbying, planning and building, the School of Rural Medicine is about to become a reality, opening its doors at Charles Sturt University’s Orange Campus in February next year. Thanks to the support of our communities, we will now be able to “grow our own” doctors right here in regional NSW.

Applications for prospective students for the Doctor of Medicine are now open. Applicants from rural and regional backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply through the rural entry admission scheme. Rural and regional students will need to submit a community member confirmation form as part of their UAC application.

Students have until Wednesday 30 September to apply for the course through the Universities Admission Centre (UAC). Under the Rural Entry Admissions Scheme, the ATAR requirement for rural and regional applicants is 91.5. For non-rural applicants, the ATAR requirement is 95.5

The first cohort of 37 students will commence their studies in Orange in February next year. All of the teaching and clinical placements for the course will take place in rural and regional areas of NSW. The curriculum for the course has been designed for rural contexts, taking into account the healthcare needs of rural communities and the capabilities of local health services.

Students will be taught in a supportive community environment, which includes state-of-the-art teaching facilities, small class sizes, and a personalised teaching approach.

The program will also include a multidisciplinary approach where students are provided with opportunities to learn and train alongside Charles Sturt’s allied health and nursing students. Many of the lecturers, tutors and supervisors will be practising rural and regional medical doctors and allied health professionals.

This is a very exciting time for Charles Sturt University. Establishing a full Doctor of Medicine degree in the heart of regional NSW is a game-changer for health in our communities.

Australian border travel exemption categories now include agriculture and primary industries

Australia has strict border measures in place to protect the Australian community during COVID-19.

The Home Affairs Department has a webpage for those who fit the critical skills sectors and would like to apply for a travel exemption. Exemptions have been extended to include those with critical skills in agriculture and primary industries. A person does not need to hold a visa when they apply for an exemption, however they will need to have a valid visa to travel.

All travellers arriving in Australia, including Australian citizens, are subject to mandatory quarantine for 14 days at a designated facility, such as a hotel, in their port of arrival.​ See Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice for travellers. You may be required to pay for the costs of your quarantine. To find out more about quarantine requirements, contact the relevant state or territory government health department.

Travel exemption requirements for individuals in critical sectors or with critical skills

The Commissioner of the Australian Border Force may grant an individual exemption if you are a non-citizen:

• travelling at the invitation of the Australian Government or a state or territory government authority for the purpose of assisting in the COVID-19 response

• providing critical or specialist medical services, including air ambulance, medical evacuations and delivering critical medical supplies

• with critical skills required to maintain the supply of essential goods and services (such as in medical technology, critical infrastructure, telecommunications, engineering and mining, supply chain logistics, agriculture, primary industry, food production, and the maritime industry)

• delivering services in sectors critical to Australia’s economic recovery (such as financial technology, large scale manufacturing, film, media and television production and emerging technology), where no Australian worker is available

• providing critical skills in religious or theology fields

• whose entry would otherwise be in Australia's national interest, supported by the Australian Government or a state or territory government authority.

An individual can submit a request for a travel exemption under this category or a business can submit a request on their behalf. The applications of multiple travellers within the same group/business can be linked, so that the requests are considered together.

Please request an exemption using the form below and provide appropriate evidence to support the claims. Requests may be finalised without further consideration if insufficient evidence is provided. All documents need to be officially translated into English.

An exemption should generally be applied for at least two weeks, but not more than three months, before planned travel. Urgent business travel will be considered inside this timeframe.

Seasonal and Pacific workers to help fill labour gaps

Australia's farmers and regional businesses will be able to recruit much-needed workers from the Pacific and Timor-Leste under arrangements agreed between the Australian Government and the States and Territories.

The agreement struck today paves the way for the resumption of recruitments under the Seasonal Worker Programme (SWP) and Pacific Labour Scheme (PLS), which connect Pacific and Timorese workers with Australian businesses and fill rural and regional workforce shortages when Australian workers are not available.

The arrival of new workers under these programmes had to be paused in March because of necessary COVID-19 travel restrictions, which are protecting the health of Australians, Pacific Islanders and Timorese.

The Australian Government is focused on ensuring Australian growers and other critical industries have access to the labour force they need. Filling these positions will not come at the expense of getting Australians into jobs. Approved Employers can recruit through the Pacific labour mobility programs only if they can demonstrate they cannot find suitable Australian workers.

The agricultural sector is facing unprecedented pressure on labour supply as a result of COVID-19. These new arrangements will help ensure that States and Territories can address labour market shortages affecting Australian farmers and other regional businesses.

The programmes support food production in Australia so that farm produce does not go to waste, and help ensure the agricultural sector continues to play a key role in Australia's economic recovery.

States and Territories can opt in to these arrangements. Any recruitment will be subject to States and Territories demonstrating sufficient health and quarantine system capacity.

There will be stringent health conditions in place to ensure any recruitment follows required directives and does not put at risk the health or safety of Australians and Pacific workers. Workers will comply with required quarantine periods.

The approach is being informed by a trial recruitment of Pacific workers in the Northern Territory to address labour shortages affecting mango farmers.

Pacific labour mobility will contribute to the economic recoveries of Australia, the Pacific and Timor-Leste.

Our labour mobility programs deliver direct and tangible benefits to our Pacific family, providing income, skills and valuable remittances to support the economic development of our region.

We will work with the Pacific and Timor-Leste governments who want to resume participation to ensure the schemes operate safely.

This announcement builds on the visa changes the Australian Government announced in April to enable temporary workers in Australia to continue to support critical sectors like agriculture, following the disruption of international travel due to COVID-19.

It also follows the announcement earlier this month of a trial in the Northern Territory to address labour shortages affecting mango farmers.

Industry and regions invited to connect to Inland Rail

Image Source: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/build-your-case-for-connecting-to-inland-rail-virtual-information-session-tickets-116063488017

The Australian Government is calling for ideas to improve freight transport and supply chain connections with Inland Rail, delivering easier and more efficient access to the line, encouraging the shift from road to rail and building competitiveness in our regions.

From 17 August to 18 September 2020, industry, governments and communities are invited to submit an expression of interest for the Government’s $44m Interface Improvement Program.

The program is a chance to:

• Explore freight connections to make the most of Inland Rail

• Develop ideas that improve industry and local links to the line

• Be matched with business advisors that are appointed and paid by the Government

• Explore costs and benefits to communities and regions through feasibility studies and strategic business cases

• Attract investment through developing a business case that follows best practice infrastructure investment planning processes.

The Inland Rail Interface Improvement Program is administered by the Commonwealth Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications and helps people to prepare for the new freight line.

The program uncovers and develops a range of ideas that could improve connections to Inland Rail, giving people specialist support to build their business case and attract investment. It does not fund the capital costs of implementing projects.

Industry, governments and communities can submit their expression of interest from 17 August 2020.

Take 3 steps to apply:

• Read the guidance and see examples at www.InlandRail.gov.au

• Make sure your idea supports the program principles

• Get the information you need together and submit by 18 September 2020.

JobTrainer Skills Package for economic recovery and growth

Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced $1 billion to support over 340,000 new training places across the country. The fund will give the trainees access to new skills by upskilling and retraining them for sectors with increased job opportunities.

Courses will be free or low cost and will help school leavers and jobseekers access pre-apprenticeships and full qualifications creating a pathway to growth sectors. 

The Federal Government has committed $500 million in 2020-21 for the fund, contingent on a matched contribution from states and territories. 

The JobTrainer Fund has been proposed to operate from September 2020 to 30 June 2021. 

The JobTrainer Fund is expected to support around 340,700 additional training places. The exact number will depend on the type of training undertaken and in negotiation with states and territories. 

Funding will be available for nationally accredited qualifications and skillsets in sectors that are identified as 'genuine need'. These areas are based on a list agreed by the National Skills Commission. 

Both short courses and full qualifications will be covered by the fund. 

The Supporting Apprentices and Trainees measure provides a wage subsidy to help employers keep their apprentices and trainees in work. The initial program was announced in March 2020 to help continue development of skilled labour during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As part of the JobTrainer announcement by Prime Minister Scott Morrison, a further $1.5 billion will be made available to expand and extend the subsidy.

The wage subsidy is not available to apprentices and trainees who are receiving JobKeeper payments during the same period. However, where a business stops receiving JobKeeper, they will then be eligible to apply for the subsidy if they had an apprentice or trainee engaged on 1 July 2020. 

New Health Service in Wagga Wagga: Free Perinatal Mental Health Support for New Parents

Expectant and new parents experiencing perinatal depression and anxiety (PNDA) can now access GP-referred, free psychological counselling sessions at Gidget House Wagga Wagga, which officially opened at the Tresillian in Murrumbidgee Family Care Centre, 54 Yentoo Drive, Wagga Wagga, on Tuesday 21st July 2020 at 10.30am.

The new Gidget House, which offers free counselling services by appointment, and employs local psychologists, was opened by Deputy Premier, Minister for Regional NSW, Industry & Trade, the Hon John Barilaro MP, and Minister for Mental Health, Women and Regional Youth, the Hon Bronnie Taylor MLC.

Gidget House Wagga Wagga joins its NSW regional sister-services at Tresillian family centres in Dubbo, Coffs Harbour, Taree and Queanbeyan. Other Gidget House services are located in North Sydney, Manly at Royal Far West, Merrylands at Stockland, Randwick at Karitane, North Sydney at the Mater Hospital and St Leonards at North Shore Private Hospital. The Foundation have recently launched Gidget Houses in Toowoomba at St Vincent’s Hospital (QLD) and Clayton at Jean Hailes (VIC).

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said that Gidget House is a wonderful and valuable service for local families in Wagga Wagga and surrounds.

“As a father of three daughters, I know first-hand how important it is to have access to a place like Gidget House for new parents and young families,” Mr Barilaro said.

“Everyone’s parenting journey is different, but it is critical that young mums and dads have access to help when they need it. That is why the NSW Government has backed Gidget Foundation Australia with significant funding and I want to thank and congratulate the Foundation on the amazing work they do,” he said.

Minister for Mental Health & Women, the Hon. Bronnie Taylor MLC, said there can be no doubt that babies are a blessing, but when a baby arrives it can also be one of the most challenging times in a mother’s life.

“Sometimes we can forget that it can be a stressful, lonely and overwhelming time caring for a newborn. I acknowledge the wonderful staff from the Gidget centres; they are passionate about helping families in their hour of need and I’m proud to be part of a government that supports Gidget Foundation Australia,” she said.

Pregnancy brings joy along with challenges. Gidget Foundation Australia and Tresillian recognise the importance of emotional wellbeing for new parents, and the need to provide them with support and services.

Robert Mills, CEO of Tresillian, said “This program perfectly complements the work of our specialist staff at the Tresillian in Murrumbidgee Family Care Centre. The service, which operates through a partnership with Murrumbidgee Local Health District, assists parents with their baby or toddler when experiencing early parenting difficulties such as an unsettled baby, breastfeeding, toddler behaviour challenges and feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. The presence of a Gidget psychologist will deliver practical help and support to parents living in the Wagga Wagga community and its surrounds and, as a free service, will be available to all families, regardless of income.

ABC Landline: Timber Trouble

Timber Trouble: Race to salvage trees killed in bushfire

ABC Landline has released a program covering the impacts of bushfires in our Snowy Valleys communities.

The program features interviews with timber industry representatives, forestry workers and community members who have all been affected by the intense bushfires experienced in Summer 2019/2020.

NSW Business Conditions Survey

Will your business be ready when JobKeeper and other measures end? 

Business NSW is inviting all businesses across NSW to take part in this quarter’s Business Conditions Survey.

In just a few minutes you can help them better understand your current work environment and what is needed to make it easier for you to do business.

Business NSW will use your feedback to let key decision makers know the best ways they can support you and other businesses in NSW. 

Survey closes 5:00 pm AEST. Thursday, 16 July 2020

Agritech Incubator - Ready to Launch! Applications now open

Do you have a spark of an idea for an exciting new business or side hustle venture?

Not sure where to start or how to figure out if your idea is a go-er?

Strap in and prepare to explore the final frontiers of your idea and your potential as an entrepreneur.

Applications are now OPEN for the Charles Sturt University Ready To Launch online incubator program! A journey that will explore:

• Your Minimum Viable Product (MVP)

• How to apply lean startup principles

• Connections to proceed your business idea

• Testing to see if your idea has a market

• Create a business plan using a business model canvas.

Join the region’s most experienced entrepreneurs and become part of the dynamic startup network.

🚀Applications are now open! Places on this program are limited so get in quick.

🚀Launch date: Monday 17th August 2020

🚀Info here: https://bit.ly/2NJaxir
🚀Apply here: https://bit.ly/2VhSwMh

Building a drought resilient Australia

Regional Australia is set to benefit today as the Australian Government announced funding for nation-wide drought resilience.

The government has invested $3.9 billion, which will grow to $5 billion, in the Future Drought Fund (the Fund).

• $3.9 billion (growing to $5 billion) investment in the Future Drought Fund

• $100 million will be available annually for drought resilience projects

• Programs will start to roll out from July 2020 

Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management, David Littleproud, said this long-term, sustainable investment will make $100 million available each year to help our farmers and communities become more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought. 

“Drought is an enduring feature of the Australian landscape. It has economic, environmental and social impacts on our farmers, communities and landscape,” 
Minister Littleproud said. 

“I’m excited to announce the Future Drought Fund’s programs are starting to roll out from July 2020. 

“These programs will give farmers and communities the tools they need to prepare for, manage and sustain their livelihoods during droughts.

“The programs have been developed based on expert advice from the independent Consultative Committee, led by Mr Brent Finlay, a fourth generation farmer, as well as valuable input from communities and industry during last year’s national public consultation tour on the Drought Resilience Funding Plan.

“The programs will help farmers to build resilience and prepare for future droughts.”

“We are funding farm business planning, greater access to information for decision-making, adoption of research and technologies, and building the drought resilience of natural resources such as soil and vegetation in agricultural landscapes.

“Communities will also benefit through improved regional planning, strengthening networks, leadership and community capabilities and small-scale infrastructure projects. 

“This is the first suite of programs to be delivered under this initiative initially for one year. We will continue to monitor and adapt programs to make sure they are building resilience and delivering for farmers and the community.  

“I expect to make a further announcement on the allocation of the remaining funds after the roll out of these initial programs”. 

The Future Drought Fund is an important part of the Government’s Drought Response, Resilience and Preparedness Plan to deliver the support Australian farmers and communities need to be sustainable and productive.

Further details on each program will be available as implementation arrangements are finalised at http://www.agriculture.gov.au/ag-farm-food/drought/future-drought-fund

The eight programs, totalling $89.5 million, are:

The $20m Farm Business Resilience program will provide farm businesses with training to strengthen their strategic business management skills and develop a farm business plan to build risk management capacity and drought resilience.

The $10m Climate Services for Agriculture program will fund the development and delivery of interactive digital ‘climate information services’ for the agriculture sector to assist farmers to make real-time decisions.  

The $3m Drought Resilience Self-Assessment Tool will provide an online self-assessment tool for farmers to self-identify drought risks based on a range of social, economic and environmental indicators, and take action to build the drought resilience of their farm business. 

The $20.3m Drought Resilience Research and Adoption program will establish two regionally located Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hubs, and Innovation Grants will become available to research organisations, private sector, industry, not-for-profit organisations and community groups.

The $15m Natural Resource Management (NRM) Drought Resilience program will fund regional NRM bodies to undertake projects to build drought resilience of natural resources on agricultural landscapes, and there will also be grants available to organisations, farmer groups and individuals to undertake NRM projects to build the drought resilience of natural resources on small scales. 

The $3.75m Networks for Building Drought Resilience program will support community-driven projects that enhance drought resilience and strengthen networks, including small-scale infrastructure projects to make community facilities drought resilient. 

The $7.45m Drought Resilience Leaders program will develop leadership capability in communities and include a mentoring component to foster uptake of innovative practices to build drought resilience of farmers and their businesses.

The $10m Regional Drought Resilience Planning will provide funding to consortia of local councils or equivalent entities to develop Regional Drought Resilience Plans for agriculture and allied industries. 

Environmental Approval granted for Snowy Hydro 2.0

Australia’s largest ever renewable energy project, Snowy 2.0, has been given environmental approval by the Commonwealth government.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced that Commonwealth environmental approval for the project has been granted after a “rigorous environmental process”.

”This marks the final step in the planning and approvals phase and the beginning of a new wave of jobs and investment for the region, which will guarantee clean, affordable energy and position our country for the future,” the Prime Minister said.

”Just as the original Snowy Hydro project brought jobs and prosperity to Australia after the Second World War, Snowy 2.0 will help Australia grow its way out of the economic challenges from the coronavirus.

“Already Snowy 2.0 is creating a jobs boom, with over 100 local businesses benefiting from the Government’s investment to date, with much more local investment to come.”

Over the life of the project Snowy 2.0 is expected to create 4,000 direct jobs, as well as many more indirect jobs as flow-on benefits are realised by local businesses and the broader region.

Minister for the Environment Sussan Ley said the rigorous environmental assessment underlined the importance of the bilateral assessment with NSW.

“Not only has the approval paved the way for critical infrastructure that will help the environment, it has ensured vital funding for protecting the area’s biodiversity,” Minister Ley said.

“The final Commonwealth review resulted in additional conditions around heritage, public transparency on data used to underpin mitigation strategies and the protection of native fish species.

“The approval process ensures the development is built and operated in a way that sensitively avoids, mitigates and rehabilitates environmental impacts while protecting the environment and its rich biodiversity as we move to a clean energy future.”

As part of the approval, Snowy Hydro will invest almost $100 million in biodiversity and environmental enhancements, including establishing an offset fund of up to $73.8m through the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service to protect threatened species and deliver long-term conservation outcomes.

Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said Snowy Hydro 2.0 is a vital project for the National Electricity Market.

“Snowy 2.0 will provide an additional 2,000 megawatts of fast-start, dispatchable energy and provide 350,000 megawatt hours of large-scale storage, enough to power the equivalent of 500,000 homes for over a week during peak demand,” Minister Taylor said.

“It will reduce volatility in the market, support reliability and bring down power prices for Australian families and businesses.

“Snowy 2.0 is a key part of the Government’s agenda to deliver affordable, reliable power and ensure Australians get a fair deal on energy.”

More information about Snowy 2.0 is online at snowyhydro.com.au/our-scheme/snowy20.

Early Childhood Education and Care Relief Package and Transition Arrangements

Early Childhood Education and Care Relief Package and Transition Arrangements

The Australian Government has confirmed the Early Childhood Education and Care Relief Package will be extended until 12 July 2020. From 13 July 2020, Child Care Subsidy (CCS) and Additional Child Care Subsidy (ACCS) will recommence with the introduction of a number of new measures to support providers and families through this period. For more information see the Minister’s media release and our Frequently Asked Questions.

The announcement of the transition arrangements provides four weeks’ notice to allow families time to adjust to paying fees and time for services to prepare for the return to CCS.

More information on the transition arrangements for the end of the Early Childhood Education and Care Relief Package is available at:

• Information for families 

• Information for Child Care Subsidy approved providers 

• Information for Family Day Care providers 

• Information for providers delivering vacation care only 

• Transition Payment Guidelines

• Grant Agreement template with terms and conditions

• Process for reviewing and submitting the Transition Payment Grant offer

• Additional Child Care Subsidy – transition arrangements

• Information sessions

Resumption of Child Care Subsidy and Additional Child Care Subsidy

CCS and ACCS will recommence from 13 July 2020. This is in line with the beginning of the 2020/21 CCS financial year and CCS rates, indexed by the Consumer Price Index taking effect. Providers will be able to submit sessions of attendance reports through their third party software product or the Provider Entry Point.

Services should ensure that parents have updated their income and activity details and their children’s enrolment details are current.

Activity Test

The activity test requirements will be eased from 13 July 2020 to help families impacted by COVID-19.

From 13 July 2020 until 4 October 2020, individuals who can no longer engage in the same number of hours of work, training, study or other activity recognised by the CCS activity test immediately prior to the COVID-19 crisis, can advise Centrelink they meet the requirements to access 100 hours of subsidised child care, per child, per fortnight for up to 12 weeks.

This will assist families to return to the level of work, study or training they were doing before the COVID-19 crisis, or to do more than before.

From 13 July 2020, families will need to update their activity levels to access the 100 hours. This can be done through their Centrelink online account through myGov or the Express Plus Centrelink mobile app.

Fee waiving when services are forced to close

The Minister’s Rule that permits services to waive families’ out of pocket fees in the event their service is forced to close on public health advice, as a result of COVID-19, will be extended from 30 June 2020 until 31 December 2020.

Transition Payment

From 13 July 2020 all approved early childhood education and care services will receive a Transition Payment to help them transition to back to the CCS. To ensure Government support is appropriately targeted, JobKeeper will cease from 20 July 2020 for employees of a CCS approved service and for sole traders operating a child care service. For more detailed information on JobKeeper eligibility please see: Information for Child Care Subsidy approved providers.

The Transition Payment will be made instead of the JobKeeper Payment, for the period 13 July 2020 to 27 September 2020. The Transition Payment is 25 per cent of fee revenue or the existing hourly rate cap, whichever is lower, during the relevant reference period that has been used during the Relief Package. The Transition Payment will be paid as a grant under the Community Child Care Fund.

For more information please see: Transition Payment Guidelines and the Grant Agreement template with terms and conditions. 

Early Childhood Education and Care Relief Package

From Monday 6 April 2020, the department has made weekly payments directly to early childhood education and care services in lieu of the CCS and ACCS to help them keep their doors open and employees in their jobs. During this time, families have not been charged fees.

The Early Childhood Education and Care Relief Package will cease on 12 July 2020.

More information is available at:

• Early Childhood Education and Care Relief Package Conditions

• Early Childhood Education and Care Relief Package–Information for Family Day Care and In Home Care Providers

• Coronavirus (COVID-19) information for early childhood education and care providers and services from 6 April 2020

• Coronavirus (COVID-19) information for early childhood education and care providers and services–up to and including 5 April 2020

Early Childhood Education and Care Relief Package–Exceptional Circumstance Supplementary Payment

Until 20 June 2020, providers and services could apply to receive a supplement or ‘top up’ of the Early Childhood Education and Care Relief Package payment in exceptional circumstances.

Applications for an Exceptional Circumstance Supplementary Payment closed at 11.59pm 20 June 2020.

Four Week Review of the Early Childhood Education and Care Relief Package and the Government's response

The Department of Education, Skills and Employment conducted a Four Week Review of the Early Childhood Education and Care Relief Package. The aim of the review was to assess whether the Relief Package was meeting its objectives.

Early Childhood Education and Care Relief Package Four Week Review

In response to the review, the Australian Government established the Early Childhood Education and Care Relief Package Exceptional Circumstance Supplementary Payment to provide financial support to child care services that had 30 per cent or more of employees who are not eligible for the JobKeeper Payment and more financial security for In Home Care providers. Applications for the Exceptional Circumstance Supplementary Payment closed on 20 June 2020.

$250 million JobMaker plan to restart Australia's creative economy

Thousands of jobs across Australia’s arts industry will be backed with a new $250 million targeted package to help restart the creative economy and get the entertainment, arts and screen sectors back to work, as they rebuild from the impacts of COVID-19.

A range of new grant and loan programs will roll out over the next 12 months to different parts of the arts sector to support the $112 billion creative economy and the more than 600,000 Australians it employs.

The targeted financial intervention will stimulate and support businesses in the cultural and creative sector to restart and build their long-term financial sustainability.

Seed Investment

· $75 million in grant funding to support new productions, festivals and events through the Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund.

· RISE will provide competitive seed funding for new productions, festivals and events to support the successful re-opening of Australia’s creative and cultural sector.

· RISE will help fill the gap by providing seed investment for new productions, festivals and events—including theatre, dance, community and arts and culture gatherings—to partially substitute for the capital lost due to the cancellation and rescheduling of events.

· RISE will help arts and creative businesses to resume activity as quickly as possible and to transition to new ways of working.

· Grant amounts will range from $75,000 to $2 million.

· Arts businesses will bid for competitive funding, with a focus on audience type, popularity of previous events, organisational sustainability and jobs created. Individual artists or practitioners will also be able to apply.

· A portion of funding will be earmarked for music recovery, directed towards recording and distribution, contemporary music touring, the development of safe venue infrastructure and protocols.

Kick-starting Local Screen Production

· $50 million Temporary Interruption Fund (TIF) for Screen Australia to support local film and television producers to restart filming.

· TIF will operate for 12 months commencing 1 July 2020 and is expected to support around 50 Australian productions with total expenditure of almost $500 million.

· TIF will support more than 11,000 individual jobs in a range of roles, including actors, writers, camera operators, set builders, electrical technicians, hair and makeup artists, accountants, caterers, designers, production managers and drivers.

· This measure will address the major roadblock for the Australian film and television industry to restart production.

· In all other respects the production sector is ready to start work, having successfully collaborated to develop and release practical COVID-19 Safe Work Protocols that are acclaimed internationally as best practice.

Show Starter Loans

· $90 million for concessional loans to assist arts and entertainment businesses to fund new productions and events, to be delivered through banks and supported by terms and conditions tailored to the arts and entertainment sector.

· Developed as part of the Government’s existing Coronavirus Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Guarantee Scheme, which provides loans to Australian businesses affected by COVID-19.

· This measure provides art organisations and businesses access to a vital source of required capital to fund rebuilding and investment in income-generating activities.

· Loans will be provided to companies for activities that generate jobs—including through the synergy between arts and entertainment on the one hand, and travel, tourism and hospitality on the other. Loans will also increase arts access in outer metropolitan, regional and remote areas.

· Lenders will provide facilities that only have to be drawn down if needed. Loan terms will be up to five years, with an initial 12 month repayment deferral. The Commonwealth will guarantee 100% of loan amounts.

Supporting Sustainability of Sector-Significant Organisations

· $35 million of funding to support significant arts and culture organisations and infrastructure facing sustainability disruption due to COVID-19 and protects jobs, training and creative experiences for Australians.

· This will be delivered in close consultation with the Australia Council.

· Providing a safety net for established arts organisations that have a current and significant funding relationship with the Australian Government.

· This funding is for important and successful companies, large and small, from across all art forms—including dance, visual arts, Indigenous arts, music, literature and theatre.

· This measure addresses the impact on arts and creative industries that have been severely affected by the shutdown of venues and physical distancing measures.

· Sustainability funding will be delivered through existing funding agreements, specifically for organisations with an Australia Council current multi-year funding agreement, and by exception, other organisations with current and significant funding relationships with the Commonwealth.

Creative Economy Taskforce

· Creative Economy Taskforce will be established to support the implementation of the funding package, alongside the Office for the Arts and the Australia Council.

· The Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts will appoint members for their expertise and understanding of the arts sector. Administrative support for the Group will be provided by the Office for the Arts.

Roadmap to Reopen

· Following the successful development of guidelines to safely reopen our National Collecting Institutions and support the reopening of the screen sector, the Government is also working with the Australia Council to develop a broader roadmap to reopen for the arts and entertainment sector to protect the public and workers.

· The Prime Minister will raise this issue at an upcoming National Cabinet meeting to discuss the importance of providing advice, timeframes and pathways to reopen the sector.

BridgeHub Water Challenge now open!

The Bridge Hub 2020 Water Challenge is offering the opportunity for researchers to make a difference, solve real-life water problems across the agrisystem – and win prizes and investment.

Are you or someone you know working on a solution that could solve these problems:

• How can the agrisystem use less water and increase productivity and profitability?

• How can we ensure the quality of water optimises the outcomes for the agrisystem and the environment

• How can we turn arid agricultural areas into vibrant, sustainable and productive regions?

• How can different sectors outside the agrisystem align to optimise water usage?

The Water Challenge offers an opportunity for you to put forward your research, ideas and solutions, knowing that you could be contributing to solving some of the world’s most pressing problems, including managing water to reduce the impact of drought.

Our research stream is proudly sponsored by CSIRO and the winning solution will receive a $25,000 cash prize PLUS Blue River Group will commit up to A$100,000 of investment into the commercial outcome of the prize winning research.

Commercialisation support will be provided by Bridge Hub. There will also be connection to New Zealand, Israeli and global innovation and water experts – so this is a big opportunity!

The Bridge Hub 2020 Water Challenge is open for applications from Monday 29 June to Friday 7 August.

For more about the challenge or to submit your application visit https://www.waterchallenge.co/

Riverina events receive government funding to boost local tourism economies

Regional New South Wales will receive a welcome boost to tourism with 59 events to share in the NSW Government’s $1 million 2020 Regional Event Fund.

Gears and Beers Festival, Wagga Wagga 2018

The NSW Government, through its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW, will provide funding to event organisers across the state to deliver events that will attract visitors and drive economic activity for local businesses.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said COVID-19 restrictions led to the postponement of many regional NSW events, which meant many event owners and local businesses lost cash flow during the shutdown period.

“Local businesses in regional communities are preparing for a much needed economic boost after enduring drought, bushfires and more recently COVID-19,” said Mr Barilaro.

“This funding will bring regional events back to life, which will not only put money in the pockets of event vendors but will be a huge morale boost for our communities at such a crucial time.

“These events create local jobs and bring regional communities together, and so we look forward to a full calendar of COVID-Safe events across the state later in 2020 and into next year.”

Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the fund would provide critical support to the tourism and events industries across NSW.

“The calibre and diversity of events supported through the Regional Event Fund will give visitors plenty of extra motivation to get out and explore regional NSW,” Mr Ayres said.

“Regional NSW is eagerly welcoming visitors back to drive spending in communities that rely on the visitor economy to support local businesses.”

The Regional Event Fund is part of the NSW Government’s $10 million Tourism Recovery package and in 2020, comprises two streams: the Flagship Event Fund and a new Micro Event Fund.

The Regional Event Fund will support:

• 18 events through $20,000 annual Flagship Event Fund grants

• 12 events through $30,000 cash and in-kind triennial Flagship Event Fund grants

• 29 events through $10,000 Micro Event Fund grants

“Arts, culture, music, sport, and food and wine events highlight the unique attributes of regional towns that make them outstanding places to visit, and stimulate economic activity in these communities,” Mr Ayres said.

“Tourism is the backbone of so many regional NSW towns, and we know that events are a big drawcard for intrastate and interstate visitors so the NSW Government is proud to support these activities at such a critical time.”

Events scheduled between 1 May and 31 December 2020 at the time of application were eligible for funding. In line with current Australian Government restrictions regarding mass gatherings, Destination NSW will liaise with event owners to discuss their plans. Events must be delivered to receive funding.

Riverina Flagship Event Fund recipients:

• Australian Art Deco Festival (Leeton)

• Batlow Cider Festival (Batlow)

• Gears & Beers Festival (Wagga Wagga)

• Lost Lanes (Wagga Wagga)

• Spring Jam (Wagga Wagga)

• Warbirds Downunder Airshow (Temora)

Kosciuszko National Park - 2020 Snow Season FAQs

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service has released Frequently Asked Questions for the 2020 Snow Season.

Due to Covid-19 guidelines there are some changes this snow season to manage numbers and ensure the safety of communities and visitors, in line with the COVID Safe Operating Plan developed by the ski resorts and supported by the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

The NSW ski season officially opened on 22 June 2020.

The ski resort's lift operations are closed until the opening of the ski season.

The NSW resorts will open on the following dates:

Thredbo: Monday 22 June 2020

Perisher: Wednesday 24 June 2020

Charlotte Pass: Friday 26 June 2020

Selwyn Snow Resort: Closed for 2020 due to bush fire damage

What do visitors need before coming to the ski fields this year?

Due to the restriction on numbers required to keep people safe, if visitors are planning to travel to the ski fields this year they should have in place, before leaving home:

• pre-booked accommodation (including camping) if staying overnight

• a pre-purchased lift pass if using the ski lifts Kosciuszko National Park – Operating safely during COVID-19 3

• have lodged a Trip Intention Form with NPWS if doing on-snow sporting activities that occurs outside of the resort ski / snowboard runs

Visitors should plan ahead and check the following prior to travel for the latest access and restrictions:

• Alerts on Kosciuszko National Park website - https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/kosciuszko-national-park

• Traffic for NSW Live traffic updates - https://www.livetraffic.com/

• Resort websites

Park access and parking

The only requirement to enter Kosciuszko National Park is a valid NSW Parks Pass displayed on the vehicle, if you are visiting a location where park use fees apply. Trip Intention Forms or a resort lift pass are required if you are planning on-snow sporting activities but are not a condition of entry to Kosciuszko National Park.

All public carparks which are open throughout Kosciuszko National Park will operate as per previous snow-seasons. Parking spaces cannot be reserved and a pre-purchased resort lift pass or a pre-registered NPWS Trip Intention Form does not assure that a parking spot will be available when you arrive.

To cater for an increase in backcountry activities this snow season, Cascades Trailhead and Dead Horse Gap carparks are available, for day parking only at this stage.

As always temporary road closures or traffic restrictions may be implemented to manage safety on roads. Please ensure that you have planned ahead and keep abreast of relevant alerts on https://www.livetraffic.com.

Is tobogganing allowed?

Tobogganing, sledding and snow-tubing is not permitted throughout Kosciuszko National Park (KNP) in 2020. The resorts developed a COVID Safe Operating Plan for the 2020 season which was supported by NPWS and the emergency services. While this plan has allowed the season to proceed, it has also resulted in the need to manage visitor numbers across all activities in KNP and the temporary closure of Tube Town in Perisher resort. Selwyn resort is also closed due to bushfire damage.

Due to the temporary closure of the only designated facilities, there are no allocated areas in KNP for tobogganing. Because of the traditional popularity of tobogganing and the temporary closure of allocated areas, it is not possible to ensure safety along roadsides or physical distancing with tobogganing in other areas of KNP.

All restrictions relating to COVID-19 are subject to review as advice from the Department of Health changes. This would include reviewing the current restriction on tobogganing.

Can visitors undertake snow play activities?

NPWS and the resorts are asking visitors not to visit the ski resorts in 2020 specifically for snow play activities. This is because there are no areas allocated for snow play or tobogganing in 2020 due to the resorts COVID Safe Operating Plan.

Additionally, all buildings and facilities in the resorts will have capacity issues due to COVID-19 requirements. This may make it difficult to take shelter for breaks or to avoid cold / harsh weather. If the weather is bad, you may have nowhere to shelter and stay warm.

Visitors can still undertake snow play activities (excluding tobogganing) in other areas of the park, if they undertake these activities in a safe and suitable location.

• Examples of snow play activities include sightseeing, building a snowman, throwing a snowball, going for a short walk or other similar experiences.

• NPWS are concerned about safety management of snow play user groups, as unsafe areas along road corridors may become crowded. Visitors should ensure their activities are undertaken in a safe location and physical distancing measures are undertaken.

• Visitors must take responsibility for their own personal safety including, staying well clear of roads, maintaining physical distancing, parking safely and in accordance with road safety signage.

• Sliding on garbage bags or other similar products is very dangerous and strictly prohibited as per the Kosciuszko National Park Plan of Management (2006).

Do visitors doing snow play need to complete a Trip Intention Form?

No. Trip Intention Forms (TIF) are only needed for visitors doing sporting activities on-snow outside of resort operational areas.

Regional Australia Institute releases The Big Movers report

Today, the RAI has released their latest myth-busting report, The Big Movers, which unpacks population trends around the country, and confirms that regional Australia attracted more people than it lost to capital cities during the last Census - 65,204 more to be precise.

Between 2011 and 2016, more than 1.2 million people either moved to regional Australia or moved around regional Australia from one location to another. More than 500,000 of these people moved from a capital city to the regions.

You can find out where the top five regional areas are in your state or territory by checking out their Factsheet, or dive deeper and read the full report on their website.

Alternatively, join them for a free webinar tomorrow at 10.30am (AEST), where CEO Liz Ritchie will lead an expert panel, including RAI Chief Economist, Dr Kim Houghton, REA Group Chief Economist, Nerida Conisbee, and Murray River Council Mayor, Chris Bilkey, will also join the panel.

Key insights from the report will be presented, and the pre- and post-COVID-19 impacts for property as seen by realestate.com.au, as well as the success factors for a growing inland region.

Get in quick - registrations close today at 6.00pm AEST!