Record funding to take the show on the road to regional NSW

Audiences in regional NSW will have more access to quality arts and culture experiences thanks to the NSW Government’s commitment of $12 million over the next four years for small to medium and major arts organisations to take their shows on the road.

Minister for the Arts Don Harwin said audiences, artists and regional economies will reap the rewards and assist the state’s COVID-19 recovery with the  $24 million Arts and Cultural Funding Program uplift secured through the 2021/22 State Budget.

“We are more than doubling the total level of funding for the Create NSW Regional Arts Touring Program, which also includes a 171% uplift for the small to medium arts sector competitive open rounds and capacity building for arts companies to tour in regional NSW. This will enable many of the State’s most vibrant orchestras, ensembles, theatre productions, contemporary musicians, and gallery collections to reach every corner of NSW,” Mr Harwin said.

“Following extensive industry consultation, we will now offer two rounds of Regional Arts Touring funding each year, a new multi-year round, and we have removed barriers to applying to help more arts companies tour their programs and projects across regional NSW.”

Executive Director Arts on Tour Antonia Seymour said the focus on capacity building will enable the sector to plan, reach new audiences and activate new venues.

“This announcement is a game-changer for touring in NSW. The additional investment and multi-pronged funding strategy will bring stability and confidence to the sector and more diverse, high-quality arts experiences to regional audiences, Ms Seymour said”

The increase in funding to the Create NSW Regional Arts Touring Program is part of the NSW Government’s Arts and Cultural Funding Program (ACFP) commitment of $271 million from 2021-2025.

Applications for Round 1 of Regional Arts Touring project funding are now open.

Visit the Create NSW website for more information and to apply.

NSW set to halve emissions by 2030

NSW is set to attract more than $37 billion in investment while slashing emissions by 50 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030, under updated projections and objectives released as part of the Net Zero: Stage 1 Implementation Update.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the state’s new objective of halving emissions by 2030 – up from 35 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030 – shows that NSW is serious about setting itself up for the future while helping the world decarbonise.

“Our Net Zero Plan is expected to attract more than $37 billion in private sector investment into NSW, support more than 9,000 jobs, save households about $130 on their electricity bills and help NSW become Australia’s first trillion-dollar state by 2030,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“This is about putting the policies in place to give industry and investors certainty, not only to protect our planet but to future-proof our prosperity and way of life.” 

Deputy Premier John Barilaro said regional communities will reap the rewards of the new industries set to emerge over the coming decades.

“Whether it is in modern manufacturing, minerals or agriculture, regional NSW is home to the skills, infrastructure and resources needed as the demand for low emissions technologies like batteries and hydrogen grows,” Mr Barilaro said.

“The entire State will benefit from the economic and employment opportunities in low carbon technologies, and we will continue to take action in a way that delivers more jobs and more investment for people in the city and in the bush.”

Energy and Environment Minister Matt Kean said NSW was one of the first jurisdictions to commit to net zero emissions by 2050 and we are now on track to double our economy and halve our emissions by 2030.

“We can be a renewable energy super power and as global demand for low carbon products and investments grows, the fortunes of the state are increasingly tied to the fortunes of our planet,” Mr Kean said.

“In NSW, we also aren’t just setting targets. As a result of our policies, the state’s emissions are projected to fall by 47-52% on 2005 levels by 2030 under independently peer reviewed modelling.”

The Net Zero Plan: Stage 1 Implementation Update sets out the NSW Government’s action on climate change, including the State’s nation-leading EV strategy, Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap, the $750 million Net Zero Industry and Innovation Program and the NSW Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy.  

The Implementation Update also outlines the Government’s commitment to disclose the state’s climate related financial risks and opportunities for the first time in NSW, consistent with the Taskforce for Climate Related Financial Disclosures framework.  

For more information visit: www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/climate-change/net-zero-plan

Roadmap to recovery reveals path forward for all NSW

NSW has a clear path to follow out of the pandemic and lockdowns, with the roadmap for easing restrictions at the 80 per cent double dose target revealing a brighter future for the community.

From the Monday after NSW hits the 80 per cent (aged 16 and over) double dose vaccination target, eased restrictions will allow those who are fully vaccinated to have up to 10 people visit their home, participate in community sport, and access hospitality venues (where drinking while standing up will be allowed indoors). All premises will operate at 1 person per 4sqm indoors, and 1 person per 2sqm outdoors.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the 80 per cent roadmap will also remove the limit of fully vaccinated guests for weddings and funerals, and remove customer caps for personal services such as hairdressers.

“I know people are counting down the minutes until we reach 70 per cent double dose and the freedoms that will provide, and today we are providing further certainty by announcing the 80 per cent roadmap and future settings,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“Vaccination remains our ticket to freedom so we need to work even harder to get jabs in arms, to help stop the spread, minimise outbreaks and ensure people are protected when we open up.”

Given updated health advice, adjustments have been made to the 70 per cent roadmap. Regional travel will now not be allowed until 80 per cent (fully vaccinated only), and a booking cap has been introduced for hospitality venues of 20 people per booking.

Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the NSW Government is considering changes to incoming international arrival caps, so more people can return home for Christmas.

“The NSW Government’s 70 per cent roadmap lifts fully vaccinated people out of lockdown and when we reach 80 per cent, restrictions will ease even further,” Mr Barilaro said.

“The key continues to be vaccination rates, so please do not hesitate and book in for your free COVID-19 vaccine today so we can reach these targets as soon as possible.

“I must also clarify that travel between Greater Sydney and regional NSW will only be permitted when the state reaches 80 per cent double dose. This change is necessary to give some regional areas the time they need to increase local vaccination rates.”

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the milestone marked a shift in gear for the State’s economic recovery.

“There’s a real sense of optimism returning to our community as our vaccination rates keep climbing and that’s giving businesses the confidence they need to reopen and for people to start returning to work and getting their lives back on track,” Mr Perrottet said.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard thanked the people of NSW for their sacrifices.

“Our health workers continue to rely on people to make smart choices, to keep a safe distance, not go to work when they are feeling unwell and to get tested when they show the slightest of symptoms.

“It’s that dedication which allows us to ease some of the restrictions again and to begin the process of opening up the state,” Mr Hazzard said.

The roadmap may be fine-tuned by NSW Health as we monitor the COVID-19 situation over the coming weeks.

From 1 December further changes will be introduced including all venues moving to the 2sqm rule, masks will not be required indoors at offices, indoor pools and nightclubs can reopen, and unvaccinated people will have greater freedoms.

If you are not booked in for a COVID-19 vaccine, please book an appointment as soon possible.

Regional Telecommunications Review - Submissions close in one week!

The Region Telecommunications Review is held every three years and assists the Australian Government to understand telecommunications in regional Australia and develop policy and programs in response. The Committee is due to report back to government by the end of the year.

Submissions to the Regional Telecommunications Review close in just one week, with residents in rural, regional, remote communities across Australia encouraged have their say today.

Interested parties can still provide a written submission by uploading a response to the consultation page at www.rtirc.gov.au (preferred), email to secretariat@rtirc.gov.au, or via post.

The Issues Paper and details on how to make a submission can be found at www.rtirc.gov.au.

$484 million Minor Capital Works program for schools

More than 250 schools across NSW will receive upgrades, including improvements to playgrounds, science facilities and canteens, providing hundreds of jobs for local businesses. 

The $484 million Minor Capital Works program will upgrade and renew school facilities and security, as well as improve accessibility for students with additional needs. 

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said more than half the schools to benefit are in regional and rural NSW. 

“This government is investing record amounts into our schools to ensure that every child, no matter where they live, has access to excellent schools and education facilities,” Mr Barilaro said.    

“This investment will also provide a welcome boost for regional economies, by creating jobs and providing work for local tradespeople at a time when it is needed most.” 

Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said the program will be a boost for businesses as NSW exits lockdown, with $76 million going directly to local businesses. 

“The NSW Government is investing record amounts into our schools, and as we begin our journey back to normal life schools will be central to our recovery. I’m thrilled this investment is a boost for both students and businesses,” Ms Mitchell said. 

“These school improvement projects can have an incredible impact on the look and feel of our schools and through this government’s investment in programs such as this as well as Cooler Classrooms, LED Lighting Upgrade, Regional and Metro Renewal and Roof Replacement, schools right across NSW are experiencing the benefits.” 

The Department of Education has more than 2,200 NSW public schools and delivery of these projects ensures that schools across the state have access to modern facilities to support learning outcomes.  

Projects funded as part of the Minor Capital Works Program include an admin and staff upgrade at Dee Why Public School, a toilet upgrade at Millfield Public School, a science lab upgrade at Deniliquin High School and an integration project of access works at Heathcote High School.  

The NSW Government is investing $7.9 billion over the next four years, continuing its program to deliver 215 new and upgraded schools to support communities across NSW. This is the largest investment in public education infrastructure in the history of NSW. 

Planning changes delivered to prohibit gas exploration in 16 LGAs

The NSW Government has given effect to its Future of Gas Statement, with historic amendments to the State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP), helping deliver a 77 per cent reduction of areas available for gas exploration in NSW.

Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for Resources John Barilaro said the changes reflect the NSW Government’s commitment to support sustainable gas exploration in the state and provide certainty to industry and communities.

Mr Barilaro said gas exploration and production is now prohibited in 16 Local Government Areas across the Central West, Orana, New England North West and Hunter regions, with the exception of areas that could support the long-term future of the Narrabri Gas Project.

"Today’s changes to the SEPP are a doubling down on the promise we made in July with the Future of Gas Statement – we are delivering on our promise of a balanced approach to gas in NSW,” Mr Barilaro said.

“The remaining active Petroleum Exploration Licences (PELs) will ensure the viability of the Narrabri Gas Project, which is a crucial project for regional economies and vital for manufacturers and heavy energy users while keeping power prices down.

“Not only will the project supply about half of our domestic gas, it will also create 1,350 jobs during construction and 200 ongoing local jobs, and generate up to $3 billion in direct revenue for the NSW and Commonwealth governments through royalties and taxes.

“When we formed government in 2011, almost half of NSW was the subject of a gas exploration title or application. Today’s changes provide certainty to industry and communities, cutting that to just 1.5 per cent of the State.”

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 »