Boost for domestic softwood timber supply

The domestic softwood timber industry in NSW has received a significant boost with the NSW Government directing Forestry Corporation to divert selected softwood log exports impacted by the China trade embargo, to domestic markets.

Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for Forestry John Barilaro said this will see at least an additional 270,000 tonnes of timber enter the domestic supply chain over the next three years.

“This additional timber will help to meet the current increased local demand and mitigate against looming supply challenges in the wake of the 2019/20 bushfires,” Mr Barilaro said. 

“This timber will help to build thousands of new homes in NSW and using timber to frame these houses increases carbon benefits over other construction methods.”

Mr Barilaro highlighted the range of important public interest considerations underpinning this decision, including safeguarding vital timber processing jobs in regional NSW, while bolstering the benefits to the construction sector where demand for locally produced and processed timber remains high. 

The decision also allows for the continued use of an existing transport hub in Werris Creek, while taking advantage of rail transport for the diverted timber to avoid the risks of increased truck movements through areas already impacted by heavy vehicles.

“Not only are we producing sustainable timber, keeping it on shore to build Australian homes, and putting NSW jobs first, we are also making a substantial contribution to carbon capture and storage in the timber frames of new homes,” Mr Barilaro said. 

This is a significant step forward for the softwoods sector in NSW and confirms the NSW Government and Forestry Corporation’s ongoing role in the recovery of the timber industry post the devastating bushfires of 2019/20.

NSW to run home quarantine pilot program

The NSW and Commonwealth governments will launch a home quarantine pilot in Greater Sydney next month, as NSW transitions towards opening up international borders.

The pilot, to be operated and monitored by NSW Health and NSW Police, will trial a seven-day home quarantine program for around 175 people. Participants in the pilot will have had both doses of a TGA-accredited COVID-19 vaccine. The participants will be selected by NSW Health, based on a risk assessment framework, and may include some NSW residents, some non-Australian residents, and some Qantas aircrew. The isolation period will be reduced from 14 to seven days.

The pilot program is being run in partnership with the Commonwealth Government and findings will inform future quarantine programs. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the pilot would help secure Australia’s safe reopening plan. “This is the next step in our plan to safely reopen, and to stay safely open,” the Prime Minister said. “NSW has carried the lion’s share of quarantining returning Australians and will be leading the way with this trial that could set the standard for the next phases of the way we live with COVID-19. “This could mean more families and friends being able to reunite more quickly, more business being able to be done here, and more workers for key industries being able to fill critical jobs.”

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the home quarantine program is critical to bringing more Australians home while keeping the community safe. “NSW has quarantined over 245,000 travellers throughout this pandemic, by far the most of any jurisdiction in the country and this pilot will lay the foundations for us to reunite even more families and friends who are fully vaccinated,” Ms Berejiklian said. “Hotel quarantine has been an important line of defence throughout this pandemic but as we move towards our vaccination targets, we have to look at new ways of doing things.” “The safety of the community remains our number one priority and the rules around this home quarantine pilot will be strictly enforced.”

NSW will use a mobile phone app based on that already in use in South Australia. The app uses
geolocation and face recognition technology to monitor isolation compliance. The app will also provide people with a testing schedule and symptom checker. Privacy will be protected through the same mechanisms as the current Service NSW check-in regulations. Random in-person police checks will also be conducted, and the existing penalties for individuals who breach conditions of their isolation still apply.

The Commonwealth Chief Medical Officer has discussed the pilot’s arrangements with the NSW Chief Health Officer and supports the shortened quarantine period proposed for this pilot and for the proposed cohort of fully vaccinated travellers, vaccinated with a TGA-approved vaccine. Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism, and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said improving vaccination rates mean a home quarantine trial is now a viable option. “As more people around the world and here in NSW get vaccinated, we can start to consider things that make lives easier, like home quarantine,” Mr Ayres said. “NSW looks forward to reopening and to accepting a greater number of international arrivals. “Now is the ideal time to pilot a home quarantine solution as we transition towards opening up.” The pilot will run from later this month and operate for four weeks.

Australian Government | SME Recovery Loan Scheme

The Government’s SME Recovery Loan Scheme (the Scheme) is designed to support the economic recovery and provide continued assistance to SMEs dealing with the economic impacts of the coronavirus crisis.

On 25 August 2021, the Government announced changes to eligibility requirements for the SME Recovery Loan Scheme. Current requirements for SME’s to have received JobKeeper during the March quarter of 2021 or to have been an eligible flood-affected business under the Scheme will be removed. The Scheme’s rules will be amended to reflect updated eligibility and loans will be available through participating lenders when changes become effective.

The Scheme is enhancing lenders’ abilities to provide cheaper credit to otherwise viable SMEs for additional funding to get through the Coronavirus crisis, recover and invest for the future. The Government will work with lenders to ensure eligible firms have access to finance to maintain and grow their businesses.

The SME Recovery Loan Scheme builds on earlier loan schemes introduced during COVID-19.

Loans are available from 1 April 2021 until 31 December 2021.

Applications extended for Drought Resilience Leaders Mentoring Program

Applications for the Drought Resilience Leaders Mentoring Program, run by the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation, have been extended.

More than 130 people from all over the country have already applied.

• They have extended applications until 30 September 2021.

• They have made changes to the eligibility criteria for mentee applicants, broadening the range of people from farming communities across Australia who can apply.

• They will be hosting a second Q&A webinar for interested applicants on Wednesday 15 September from 7.30pm. Register here or watch the recording from the first webinar.

Who is an ideal mentee?
You are an ideal mentee if you have the desire to learn from others and get help with identifying, setting and achieving your personal and professional goals. Apply if you are:

• a farmer,

• a farm employee or contractor,

• advising or collaborating with farmers,

• working in the agriculture industry, and/ or

• living in, or linked to a rural community.

Who is an ideal mentor?
You are an ideal mentor if you have the desire to support the development of others and help them achieve their goals by sharing your knowledge and expertise. Apply if you are:

• a farmer,

• involved in agriculture, supporting farming or farming businesses, and regional communities,

• a drought or climate specialist,

• a business leader, and/ or

• someone who is passionate about minimising the impact of drought.

Mentoring is a two way street, so you can expect to learn from each other as both a mentor and mentee. Are you interested in taking the next step in your professional or personal development?

Visit the website for more information, to apply or register for the Q&A webinar on Wednesday 15 September 2021.

New Guides to Bolster Natural Disaster Resilience in the Tourism Industry

The NSW Government has launched a set of new guides to bolster tourism businesses resilience to bush fires and other natural disasters.

The three guides provide information on how to prepare for, respond to and recover from natural disasters. They have been developed by Destination NSW, in collaboration with Resilience NSW and the NSW Rural Fire Service, in response to recommendations from the NSW Bushfire Inquiry.

Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the NSW First Quick Tips for Tourism Businesses ‘tourism resilience’ guides would be an invaluable resource for regional operators.

“The advice in these guides comes from three NSW Government agencies that have extensive knowledge of emergency response, overcoming adversity and the visitor economy,” Mr Ayres said.

“Given the complex landscape of managing visitors on site, incoming visitors, staff and suppliers, the guides provide straightforward and practical advice to help tourism businesses keep everyone safe and informed.

“With NSW responding so positively to the call to get vaccinated, we’re hopeful for a bumper summer of visitation across the State, so we encourage businesses to use this time now to prepare before guests arrive.”

Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said these guides demonstrate another step taken to address recommendations from the NSW Bushfire Inquiry following the devastating ‘Black Summer’ of bush fires in 2019-20.

“Bush fires, floods and other extreme weather events are a part of our landscape, particularly in areas where most of us enjoy our holidays.

“Our emergency services stand ready to respond, but individuals, businesses and communities alike have a responsibility to have a clear plan” Mr Elliott said.

To access the guides, go to www.destinationnsw.com.au/NSWFirst.

Managing Mice in Pastures to Protect your Crops in Spring

Local Land Services (LLS) have put together a plan for managing mice in pastures that will be vital to reducing mouse numbers in Spring. LLS recommends that mice can be managed through grazing management.

LLS report that numbers have significantly decreased over winter 2021. There is reduced activity in cropping paddocks because mice stop breeding in winter, and they may have been baited, burrows disturbed, or their feed source reduced. Mice can still be found in pasture country where they have ample feed and habitat. High feed and habitat availability could increase mouse numbers as it warms up in spring. Mice could then move into our cropping paddocks. They can manage both food and habitat in our pastures to some extent, but there is a need to make sure there is no negative effect on land and livestock conditions.

Lockdown lifted in parts of regional NSW

Parts of regional NSW currently deemed low risk and which have seen zero COVID cases for at least 14 days will emerge from lockdown at 12:01am Saturday 11 September, but will continue to operate under restrictions to ensure the safety of regional communities.

Local Government Areas (LGAs) still seeing COVID case numbers will continue to follow stay-at-home orders and will be monitored by NSW Health with updates provided as circumstances develop.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said regional communities are doing an incredible job following health advice and getting vaccinated which has made the easing of lockdown in some areas possible.

“Today, I can announce that while unfortunately many regional LGAs will remain in lockdown due to COVID case numbers, for other parts of the state, stay-at-home orders will be lifted allowing more freedoms for those communities,” Mr Barilaro said.

“This decision is based on NSW Health advice, and the LGAs which remain in lockdown will continue to be monitored and we will update those communities on a regular basis.

“My strong advice to everyone in regional NSW is to get vaccinated as soon as you can. Our communities need to continue to get vaccinated so that when NSW reaches 70 and 80 per cent, restrictions can ease significantly.”

The following freedoms will be available to all people in regional LGAs where stay-at-home orders have lifted:

Gatherings in the home and public spaces:

• Up to five visitors will be allowed in a home (not including children 12 and under).

• Up to 20 people can gather in outdoor settings.

Venues including hospitality, retail stores and gyms:

• Hospitality venues can reopen subject to one person per 4sqm inside and one person per 2sqm outside, with standing while drinking permitted outside.

• Retail stores can reopen under the one person per 4sqm rule.

• Personal services such as hairdressers and nail salons can open with one person per 4sqm, capped at five clients per premises.

• Gyms and indoor recreation facilities can open under the one person per 4sqm rule and can offer classes for up to 20 people.

• Sporting facilities including swimming pools can reopen.
  

Schools

• Schools will re-open with Level 3 COVIDSafe measures in place.

Stadiums, theatres and major outdoor recreation facilities:

• Major recreation outdoor facilities including stadiums, racecourses, theme parks and zoos can reopen with one person per 4sqm, capped at 5,000 people.

• Up to 500 people can attend ticketed and seated outdoor events.

• Indoor entertainment and information facilities including cinemas, theatres, music halls, museums and galleries can reopen with one person per 4sqm or 75 per cent fixed seated capacity.

Weddings, funerals and places of worship: 

• Up to 50 guests can attend weddings, with dancing permitted and eating and drinking only while seated.

• Up to 50 guests can attend funerals, with eating and drinking while seated.

• Churches and places of worship to open subject to one person per 4sqm rule, with no singing.

  Travel: 

• Caravan parks and camping grounds can open.

• Carpooling will be permitted.

Masks:

• Masks will remain mandatory for all indoor public venues, including public transport, front-of-house hospitality, retail and business premises, on planes and at airports.

• Only hospitality staff will be required to wear a mask when outdoors.

• Children aged under 12 will not need to wear a mask indoors.

Wellways | Break the Cycle Campaign

Break the cycle is a campaign created by Wellways to promote positive health and reduce the rate of suicide. Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians aged between 15 and 44 years of age and has a devastating impact on families, friends and communities.

This World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10) Wellways staff and friends have set the challenge to collectively ride 3318kms as a mark of respect for lives lost to suicide in Australia in 2019. To make this event COVID friendly (for our regions in lockdown) where jumping on a bike may not be achievable, they have an alternative way to take part:

If immediate help is required, call 000

If you are having suicidal thoughts, please talk to someone. The following services are available to you and to family members, carers and friends.

Over the phone

Suicide Call back Service
Free, confidential, support 24/7 from trained specialist counsellors 1300 659 467 (national)

Lifeline
Free, confidential support 24/7 13 11 14 (national)

Beyond Blue
Free, confidential support from trained specialist counsellors 24/7 1300 224 636

Wellways Helpline
Free, confidential advice information and service referral from peer volunteers (note: this is not a crisis line) 1300 111 500 (national, 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday)

In person

Psychologists
Local psychologists can be found by contacting the Australian Psychological Society on (03) 8662 3300 (toll free 1800 333 497)

Counsellors
Local counsellors can be found by contacting the Australian Counsellors Association on 1300 784 333

R U OK Day 2021

Are they really OK? Ask them today.

Do you know how the people in your world are really going?

Life's ups and downs happen to all of us. So chances are someone you know might be struggling. Your genuine support can make a difference whatever they are facing, big or small. 

So, don’t wait until someone’s visibly distressed or in crisis. Make a moment meaningful and ask them how they’re really going. 

Are they really OK? Ask them today. Your conversation could change a life. 

Services Australia warn of SMS scam involving vaccination passports

Please be aware of the latest SMS scam purporting to issue a personal vaccination certificate.

The SMS may appear to be sent from ‘COVIDsafe’ or ‘BeCOVIDsafe’. It shows something similar to; “Your digital version of COVID-19 Passport is available at XXXXXXXXXXX”.

The link in the SMS will direct to a malicious website that offers a ‘COVID vaccination certificate’, requesting a small payment for issuing the certificate. This is an attempt by scammers to steal the individual’s personal and banking information.

If you or a customer have received this SMS please delete it immediately. Do not click the link.

Important facts to know:

• You will never pay for services related to their Services Australia held accounts or records, including for COVID 19 vaccination certificates or assistance with myGov.

• Services Australia will never send a text message to a customer that includes a link.

• All customers can obtain their COVID 19 proof of vaccination via Service Australia’s secure channels.

• If a customer advises they have fallen victim to this scam, they can contact our Scams and Identity Theft Helpdesk on 1800 941 126.

To find out what we know about the latest scams, please visit the Services Australia website and type ‘scams’ in the search bar.

Let’s do this – book your COVID - 19 vaccination today

Let’s do this–book your COVID-19 vaccination today

People across NSW are getting vaccinated in extraordinary numbers. Even during these challenging times, people are working together to protect themselves, their loved ones and our community. Each vaccination brings us closer to getting back to doing the things we love. But our work is not yet done. We need many more people to step forward and get vaccinated now.COVID-19 vaccination with two doses reduces the chance of you spreading the virus to those around you and gives you around 90% protection against hospitalisation and death. It’s also a way you can support our healthcare and essential workers who are caring and providing for those who need it most.

How to book your vaccination

Everyone 16 and over can get a COVID-19 vaccine. Appointments are available at more than 2,000GPs, pharmacies, Aboriginal Medical Services, and NSW Health vaccination clinics across NSW.Speak to your local GP or pharmacist or visit nsw.gov.au to make a booking. Appointments are also now available for those aged 12-15 who are national Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)participants, have health conditions, identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander or who live in a rural area. COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective and free.

Don’t delay

The risk of COVID-19 in the community is high. It can cause serious illness and death. You can’t predict who will get very unwell. For the latest information visitnsw.gov.auor contact the National COVID-19 Vaccine Helpline on 1800020 080, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For a free telephone interpreter, ring TIS National on 131 450(24-hour helpline) and say the language you need. Ask the interpreter to connect you to the COVID-19Vaccine Helpline. The sooner we are protected, the sooner we can get visitors to our regions, travel, and get family back home and our state back to business. Let’s do this, together.

Inland Growth Summit Housing 2021

RDA Riverina teamed up with RDA Orana to host the fourth Inland Growth Summit with a focus on housing.

If you missed the conference or would like to view the presentations again check out the recap below.

NSW Government Covid-19 Business Update

If your business has experienced financial decline during the stay at home orders, there are multiple COVID-19 financial support packages available. $2.58 billion has already been paid out from 239,704 financial support applications.

The main support packages include: 

JobSaver 

Fortnightly payments of up to $100,000 per week for employing businesses and $1000 per week for non-employing businesses, with 30% decline or more. 

2021 COVID-19 Micro business grant

A fortnightly payment of $1,500 for businesses with a turnover between $30,000 and $75,000, that can show a revenue decline of 30% or more.

COVID-19 Disaster Payment 

Financial support for workers of $325–$450 for a loss of 8 to 20 hours of work per week, and $500–$750 for a loss of more than 20 hours per week.

Criteria for some of these support packages have changed to allow more businesses access. You can assess the criteria to work out which one is the most relevant for your business.

NSW Government COVID-19 business support video

The NSW Government recently ran a webinar to assist businesses applying for COVID-19 financial support.

The recorded video is now available to view online. It can help you understand what documents you’ll need to support your application, and how to apply for the 2021 COVID-19 business grant, JobSaver payments, 2021 COVID-19 micro-business grant, payroll tax support and tenancy support. 

Read the video transcript.

New vaccination requirements for authorised workers

If your business employs authorised workers from LGAs of concern and they work outside their LGA, from Monday 6 September, they will need at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine to work.  

Rapid antigen testing will no longer be an alternative to getting a COVID-19 vaccine.  

Employees are not required to follow this rule if they: 

• are an authorised worker under 16 years old

• have a medical exemption.

Priority bookings are available for a COVID-19 vaccine. Employees can book their vaccination appointment by selecting the option below that suits them:

> Authorised workers who live in a LGA of concern  
> People aged 16-49 who live in a LGA of concern  
> Childcare, disability and food workers who live or work in an LGA of concern  
 

Businesses are no longer required to introduce rapid antigen testing by 6 September. 

Free mental health support for your workplace during lockdown

The NSW Government is offering free, one-on-one coaching to support mental health in your workplace.  

Topics include how to manage stress, lead change, support teams remotely and where to find tools and resources. Our mental health at work experts will help you create practical solutions that meet your needs.  

You can also sign up for free mental health training to create a more supportive workplace. After training, 85% of managers felt more confident to manage workplace mental health.

New check-in card for customers without mobiles

The NSW Government has developed a free COVID-19 check-in card that allows customers, staff and visitors without a mobile to electronically check in to your business.

It’s a printed card with a unique QR code that has the customer’s registered contact details. 

When a business scans the QR code on the card, the customer’s contact details automatically update in the Service NSW business online webform. 

It’s not mandatory for your business to use this system, but it allows you to easily collect details of your customers that don’t have a mobile phone. 

Similar to checking-in, it's the best way for contact tracers to let people know if they have been at a location at the same time as a confirmed case, which helps stop COVID-19 spreading.

Find out how your business can scan a check-in card for your customers.

All businesses must update COVID Safety Plans

Due to the recent introduction of new COVID-19 safety measures across NSW, such as mandatory QR check-ins for more businesses, all COVID Safety Plans have been updated.

If your business is currently operating, you need to update your COVID Safety Plan.

If your business is currently closed, you will need to update your COVID Safety Plan before reopening.  

Keep a copy of the plan at your premises, and all staff must follow the latest rules. 

Empowering and Supporting Local Communities Grants

Community organisations and local services are best placed to know what their local communities need.

If you are a local community organisation or group, you may be eligible to apply for funding between $10,000 and $30,000 for projects that support vulnerable members of the community.

The grants program aims to increase COVID-19 testing and vaccination rates in affected LGAs and decrease the transmission of COVID-19.

Applications close 5pm, Friday 3 September.  

Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal Community Volunteer Survey

FRRR, the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal are calling on ALL VOLUNTEERS of Community Groups across Regional, Rural and Remote to participate in a survey.

Local community groups and not-for-profit organisations play a really important role in remote, rural and regional communities. But with so many things affecting so many communities – from drought, fires and floods to the mouse plague and of course the COVID-19 pandemic – how are they faring? What support do they need?

Our colleagues at @followFRRR are trying to answer this question, and more, with their Heartbeat of Rural Australia research study.

Its aim is to understand and quantify the role of community-based organisations in sustaining the vitality of remote, rural and regional Australia. 

Like FRRR, we’re keen to understand impacts of all these recent events and to identify the factors that are currently affecting the capacity, capability, influence and leadership of grassroot community group.

So, do you know of a local community group or not-for-profit making a difference in remote, rural or regional Australia? If so, please encourage them to have their say.

They are looking for responses from groups ranging from;

                • Hall management committees

                • Local environmental groups

                • Progress associations

                • Traditional Owner groups

                • Larger regional not-for-profits that may service more than one town.

Please share this survey
The more organisations that participate, the more valid the data will be, and the more influence it will have. Therefore, if your organisation is on the ground we encourage you to complete the survey yourself, and to share the survey across your rural, regional and remote community networks.

Please complete the Survey
The survey closes September 30, 2021 and takes approx 20 minutes to complete.

complete the heartbeat of rural australia survey now »

PROJECT ENERGY CONNECT - SUPPLY CHAIN OPPORTUNITIES PRESENTATIONS

Regional Development Australia organisations are connectors. RDAs are NFP non-government organisations who work to deliver economic development in 53 regions around Australia. We have voluntary Boards with local people passionate about the region and Chairs who are appointed by Minister Nola Marino. Minister Marino has set an energetic tone and focussed RDAs on developing local procurement opportunities, jobs and investment. 

RDA Murray and Riverina have great track records bringing people together to facilitate community, business and industry development to bring more investment into the region from the Snowys to the SA Border. We each have specific workforce and local procurement initiatives and would be pleased to discuss your needs and ideas to make the most of this project in our region.

SecureEnergy is a Nationally Significant Project with 100s of millions of dollars being invested in infrastructure in our region which will enable the growing use of renewable energy across Australia. We are committed to you to ensure our region benefits as much as possible from this investment.

SecureEnergy is a joint venture between Clough and Elecnor, two global leaders with local knowledge in delivering engineering, procurement and construction projects for the power infrastructure industry. SecureEnergy on behalf of TrnsGrid will build EnergyConnect, a 700km overhead electricity transmission line and one of the nation’s largest energy infrastructure projects.

Find out more about the upcoming supply chain opportunities in the presentations below.

Each of the three videos contains the same presentation followed by a question and answer session. The questions answered in each session are different. Please feel welcome to contact Rachel Whiting on 0429 444 213 and ceo@rdariverina.org.au at Regional Development Australia Riverina or Edwina Hayes at Regional Development Australia Murray on 0427 267 753 and edwina.hayes@rdamurray.org.au . You can find us on social media under our names and “Regional Development Australia” Murray or Riverina

August 25th Morning Presentation - Q&A session begins at 45 minutes and 30 seconds.

August 25th Evening Presentation - Q&A session begins at 41 minutes.

August 26th Morning Presentation - Q&A session begins at 45 minutes and 35 seconds.

Taste Riverina highlights local business efforts during lockdown

Taste Riverina has responded to the 7 day state-wide NSW lockdown, announced on Saturday 14th August 2021 (since extended by a further 7 days), by stepping up their program of promoting Riverina-based food and beverage growers, producers, makers and sellers on social media.

Operated by Visit Riverina (the Riverina’s regional tourism organisation), Taste Riverina is encouraging everyone to support our local businesses by purchasing vouchers, getting takeaway food (within 5km of home / your local LGA) and buying online either for yourself or for loved ones you can’t be with right now.

Visit Riverina Chair, Brent Lawrence, says “We know that our local businesses are doing it tough right now after a really turbulent 18 months of interrupted and changing trade conditions. The Riverina is a diverse region with an abundance of local produce, and cafes and restaurants that highlight the quality food and drink that is grown and made here. It’s important for us to support each other during this time and Taste Riverina is ready and willing to promote what people are doing to get through it.”

How to get involved

If you are a Riverina business offering any of these services, or other innovative products, Taste Riverina wants to hear from you! Either contact them directly at marketing@theriverina.com.au or tag them @TasteRiverina on Facebook, or @tasteriverina on Instagram to share your updates. You can also use the hashtag #tasteriverina to get their attention.

If you’re a customer you can also let them know that your favourite Riverina businesses are offering these services by tagging Taste Riverina in the comments.

ABC Heywire Competition Opens

Heywire is an opportunity for young rural Australians to have their voices heard and share what life is like in their part of the world with the rest of the nation. This annual storytelling competition, run by the ABC, showcases what it’s like to live in regional, rural and remote Australia. Winning Heywire is a chance for young people to have their story told on the ABC and see the impact their story can have. Entries are open now and close on September 16th.

Have your say - Refugee Council of Australia Strategic Plan for 2022 - 2024

The Refugee Council of Australia (RCOA) is the umbrella body for organisations working with and for refugees and people seeking asylum. RCOA conducts research, raises awareness and advocates on national and international issues affecting refugees and people seeking asylum. For more information about RCOA, go to www.refugeecouncil.org.au.

RCOA is currently developing its next 3-year Strategic Plan for 2022 - 2024. They are keen to involve RCOA members and supporters in the development of the new Strategic Plan. Findings from this survey will inform the priorities and actions in the new Strategic Plan.

The survey contains 13 questions and should take no longer than 15 minutes to complete.

If you leave your details you could wina hard copy of the ‘Share a Meal, Share a Story CookBook’.

The survey closes 11pm, Sunday 15th August 2021 (AEDST).

Inland Growth Summit to address housing crisis

The state’s housing crisis will be the hot topic at an upcoming conference jointly hosted by RDA Riverina and RDA Orana with the support of RivJO and REROC.

With many similarities shared in terms of infrastructure, industry and population, the two organisations aim to address the issue of housing needs at a one-day forum being held online on August 13.

RDA Riverina CEO and Director of Regional Development Rachel Whiting said a multitude of factors was pushing housing availability to its limits.

“There is a severe shortage of properties to rent or buy which is causing problems across the community,” she said.

Ms Whiting said the upcoming summit would examine why inland areas are in crisis, what can be done to resolve the problem and who is responsible for addressing the issue.

“It’s incredibly important to be examining housing supply and demand and how it impacts on residential development and growth opportunities,” she said.

“We love living in regional Australia, but housing availability is really being stretched, so we need to look at some solutions. This is having a resounding effect on communities where residents who can’t find a home have to move somewhere else.”

The upcoming summit will feature some high-profile speakers including the Hon Nola Marino, Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories; as well as Garry Fielding who has just been announced as chair of the NSW Government's Regional Housing Taskforce.

In the past, RDA Orana’s Inland Growth Summits have aimed to expose issues and work on solutions. 

“We are looking forward to pairing with RDA Riverina on this event and recognise the power of collaboration,” Megan Dixon, Director of Regional Development at RDA Orana, said.

“We relish community engagement and the opportunity to link with an array of stakeholders to discuss issues impacting regional Australia. Our Inland Growth Summits have become a way to discuss concerns with government leaders, business representatives and community members and make them aware of what is happening on the ground in regional areas.” 

Date: Friday 13 August 2021
Time: 8 am - 3.30 pm
Where: Online

COVID-19 restrictions extended until 28 August

Given low vaccination rates, the current stay at home orders will remain in place for another four weeks (until Saturday, 28 August at 12.01am) across Greater Sydney including the Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Wollongong and Shellharbour.

This extra time will allow NSW residents to significantly increase the uptake of vaccines in areas most affected by the current outbreak and across the state.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said higher vaccination rates and following the health orders are the only way to guarantee the further easing of restrictions.

“Though the Pfizer supply is insufficient there is plenty of AstraZeneca, and updated federal health advice recommends anyone aged 18 and over in Greater Sydney should access the jab,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“If you are unvaccinated, please organise a jab as soon as you possibly can, especially if you live in an LGA of concern.”

Other restriction changes are as follows:

From midnight tonight (28 July):

• In line with exercise rules, Greater Sydney residents including the Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Wollongong and Shellharbour must limit their shopping to within their Local Government Area (LGA) or, if outside their LGA, within 10km from home, unless the item is not available locally.

• Given localised case numbers, the Parramatta, Campbelltown and Georges River LGAs will join the five existing LGAs of concern which are subject to an Authorised Workers Order. Only authorised workers in these eight LGAs may leave their LGA for work.

The five previously announced LGAs of concern are Canterbury-Bankstown, Fairfield, Liverpool, Blacktown and Cumberland.

From 12.01am, Saturday, 31 July:

• Construction in non-occupied settings outside of the LGAs of concern (with no residents on-site) will re-open as planned, subject to a one person per 4sqm rule. These low-risk construction sites must have COVID safe plans in place, compliance will be strictly enforced. Construction cannot resume in the eight LGAs of concern, nor will construction workers be allowed to leave these areas.

• Trades people, including cleaners who are able to work with zero contact with residents will also be allowed to resume (no more than two people inside and five outside). If contactless arrangements are not possible, work cannot go ahead. This work will not be allowed in the eight LGAs of concern, nor will workers be allowed to leave these areas.

• A singles bubble will also be introduced, allowing people who live alone to nominate one designated family member or friend to visit for companionship. Restrictions will apply for people in the LGAs of concern.

Changes to surveillance testing (enforceable from Saturday, 31 July): 

• All authorised workers from Canterbury-Bankstown LGA must get tested once every three days in order to leave their LGA for work.

• People who live in the Fairfield and Cumberland LGAs but work outside these areas as health or aged care workers (including support services for health or aged care, such as cleaners, cooks and security providers) must be tested once every three days in order to be allowed to go to work outside their LGA.

• These surveillance testing requirements will be enforceable from Saturday, 31 July. However, relevant workers will have from today to get their first test.

Year 12 students are also set to return to face-to-face learning on Monday, 16 August, with the Government finalising plans for the resumption of in-class study under strict COVID protocols.

The NSW Government is also working with industry and the Department of Education to introduce Rapid Antigen Testing to mitigate against outbreaks in workplaces and schools.

Deputy Premier John Barilaro said restrictions in regional NSW will remain unchanged. 

“The lockdown in Greater Sydney and every measure and precaution we implement is not only for the residents of Sydney but to protect regional NSW and to prevent the virus reaching our regional communities,” Mr Barilaro said.

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet welcomed the Commonwealth Government’s commitment to provide additional support for those hardest hit during this pandemic.

“Working with our federal counterparts we are providing extra support to ensure the businesses and people who have been hit hardest by this pandemic get the financial assistance they need to get through this crisis and back on the path to recovery,” Mr Perrottet said.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said though the stay-at-home restrictions are difficult for the community this is a critical time if we are to suppress the outbreak.

“The vast majority of the community has been absolutely fantastic to date and have followed the public health advice. Though we are easing some restrictions today we need people to redouble their efforts as we continue to battle the Delta variant in the coming weeks,” Mr Hazzard said.

“We need people to stay at home unless absolutely necessary to leave and the best reason for most people to leave home right now is to get vaccinated. In doing so, you are taking a vital step to protect yourself, your loved ones and the community.”