Have your say on Wagga Wagga's cultural, creative and economic future!

PROJECT A: New regional entertainment and conferencing venue (Photo Credit: Wagga Wagga's Cultural, Creative and Economic Future | Have Your Say Wagga Wagga (nsw.gov.au) )

PROJECT B: Expansion of the Civic Theatre project (Photo Credit: Wagga Wagga's Cultural, Creative and Economic Future | Have Your Say Wagga Wagga (nsw.gov.au) )

What public venue do you want in Wagga Wagga for events, shows and conferences to make our city an even better place to live?

That is the question Wagga Wagga City Council is asking the community to answer through its Cultural Precinct Engagement survey, launched in the city today (Wednesday 22 November 2023).

Our city is growing, and we have two big ideas that will create opportunities in entertainment, conferencing and cultural life as we move toward our future.

There are two potential projects that would provide increased access to arts, entertainment, conference, and cultural experiences while generating jobs and providing significant economic benefits to the community.

PROJECT A: A new regional scale entertainment centre that supports larger entertainment opportunities as well as conventions and conferences with configurable space options and incorporates a First Nations cultural centre, located at Riverside.

PROJECT B: An expansion of the Civic Theatre at the Wollundry Lagoon that adds two new venue spaces to support more performances, theatre, live music concerts and workshops.

The aim of the engagement process is to find out which of these concepts is seen as the highest priority by local residents. Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Dallas Tout said it is an important decision for the future direction of culture and entertainment in the city.

“We've listened to past engagement and now we need our community’s help to determine what cultural infrastructure will meet the future needs and potential for our city,” Cr Tout said. “We really want to see the community get involved in this process and let us know which concept they want us to pursue first. Both opportunities being put forward are relevant to our growing population which is forecast to reach 80,000 in the next 20 years.”

“As one of the leading regional centres in NSW, Wagga Wagga needs facilities which provide both lifestyle and economic benefits for the community at a regional scale.”

Cultural, business conferencing and entertainment venue – Est. $102.5 million

In June 2023, Council obtained NSW Government funding to develop a business case for a major entertainment and conferencing centre incorporating a First Nation’s cultural centre within the Riverside Stage 3 precinct.

The project would create a regionally significant venue on the current Cross Street carpark site adjacent to the river, that would attract and host concerts, business conferences, trade shows and exhibitions and provide a premier space for gala dinners and award nights.

In addition, the precinct would include a First Nations Place Keeping Facility and Cultural Centre to allow the stories of Aboriginal people to be told through high quality exhibitions, education and public engagement activities.

The Riverside Precinct would be a place of celebration, storytelling, teaching, learning, reflection and will complete the final stage of our Riverside Masterplan.

Expansion of the Civic Theatre – Est. $55.6 million

A draft masterplan has been created to explore expanding the theatre by adding two more performance and event spaces to the current 491 fixed-seat theatre, one with 328 seats and the other with 119 seats, including an option to open up to the adjoining park to cater to a larger audience.

All of this would increase the capacity of the theatre on any one night, boosting night-time economy in a bustling performing arts centre.

General Manager Peter Thompson said our community has been the biggest advocate for these projects through past community engagement.

“They would both be great additions to our city and surrounding region, generating jobs and stimulating the economy for decades to come,” Mr Thompson said.

“However, as it is highly unlikely we would be able to get external funding to pursue both projects at the same time we are seeking to understand the community's priority at this point in time.

“By giving us your feedback on the two options, it will help to direct Council’s efforts in seeking this crucial funding support.

“I encourage our residents and businesses to get involved in this consultation; now is the time to have your say on how you would like to see the heart of our city grow and transform into the future.”

“Our staff will be heading out to locations and events over the next 28 days to chat with you and answer your questions face-to-face, so keep an eye on our socials to find out where and when our ‘pop-up’ information stall and drop-ins will be in your area.”

Read more about the two proposals, see some artists’ impressions, and complete the survey at www.haveyoursay.wagga.nsw.gov.au

Have Your Say | Energy Policy Framework

Your feedback is needed to help develop a sustainable renewable energy industry in NSW. Renewable energy is critical to meeting our state’s target of net zero emissions by 2050 and ensuring a secure, affordable electricity supply.

The energy policy framework is on public exhibition until Monday 18 December 2023. You can view all the documents that make up the framework and have your say via the NSW Planning Portal. Your feedback will help ensure renewable energy development meets the needs of NSW and its communities.

A  community meeting, to discuss the energy policy framework,  will be held  at the Griffith Leagues Club (Southside) on Monday  4 December 2023 at 11.30AM - 1.30PM

If you are unable to attend the in-person session, then register for the online information  session, to be held on Wednesday 6 December 2023 from 1.30-2.30PM

Regional organisations come together to celebrate National AgDay 2023

National Agriculture Day is held on the third Friday of November each year, giving us all a chance to celebrate an industry that’s part of our lives every single day.

For the past 6 years, RDA Riverina has hosted an AgDay event in collaboration with Charles Sturt University, AgriPark and AgriFutures Australia.

This year’s event was a BBQ lunch held on the Charles Sturt University Wagga Wagga Campus.

This year we heard from a variety of speakers including: the Honourable Michael McCormack MP (Federal Member for Riverina); Harriet Mellish (General Manager, Global Innovation Networks, AgriFutures Australia); Rachel Whiting (CEO and Director of Regional Development, RDA Riverina); Nick Morgan (Operations & Partnership Manager, Southern NSW Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub); and Samantha Beresford (Strategic Advisor, Government Relations & Regional Engagement, Charles Sturt University).

Rachel Whiting, CEO and Director of Regional Development, RDA Riverina

The Honourable Michael McCormack MP, Federal Member for Riverina

Dr Shawn McGrath, Charles Sturt University Lecturer

The highlight of the lunch was a presentation by Charles Sturt University Lecturer, Dr Shawn McGrath, who is leading a major project for successfully managing mixed farming systems through drought.

We look forward to continuing this initiative in 2024.

L - R: The Hon. Michael McCormack MP, Dianna Somerville (Chair RDA Riverina), Rachel Whiting (CEO and Director of Regional Development RDA Riverina), Dr Shawn McGrath (Lecturer Charles Sturt University), Harriet Mellish (General Manager Global Innovation Networks AgriFutures Australia), and Samantha Beresford (Strategic Advisor Government Relations & Regional Engagement Charles Sturt University).

L - R: Rebbecca Huggett (Assistant Communications RDA Riverina), Ray Willis (Board Director RDA Riverina), Sara Johnston (Communications Coordinator RDA Riverina), Melanie Renkin (Research Officer RDA Riverina), Rachel Whiting (CEO and Director of Regional Development RDA Riverina), Dianna Somerville (Chair RDA Riverina), Amanda Capello (Operations Manager RDA Riverina), Jayadev Ajayakumar (Riverina Backbone Coordinator, RDA Riverina).

Innovative Models of Care (IMOC) Program Grant

The Innovative Models of Care (IMOC) program aims to attract and keep health professionals in Australia’s regional, rural and remote communities.

IMOC also encourages:

• health professionals working to their full scope of practice

• multidisciplinary team-based models of care

• different employment models for healthcare professionals

• sharing of healthcare resources between small, connected communities.

The program will trail new multidisciplinary primary care models to identify more effective ways to delivery primary health care to people living outside major centres.

These models will also help to address distance and access issues, plus workforce shortages to delivery better health outcomes.

• Closing date: 2:00PM (AEDT) Tuesday 5 December 2023

• Learn: definitions of rural or remote communities using the Modified Monash Model

• Apply: GrantConnect.

• Help: grant.ATM@health.gov.au / 02 6289 5600

Top pickings for National AgDay

Media Release from the NSW Minister for Agriculture

MEDIA RELEASE | 17 November 2023

This National AgDay, the NSW Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty has thanked the farmers and fishers of NSW for the commitment and resilience they have shown over the past 12 months and congratulated them on their achievements.

In delivering world-renowned food and fibre to consumers, last year NSW primary industries recorded the second highest gross value of production (GVP) on record, with a value of $21.2 billion during the 2022-2023 financial year.

In the same period, NSW primary industries’ exports increased 15% to a new record high of $13.1 billion.

The minister paid tribute to NSW producers first-hand during a visit to a cherry orchard in the state’s Central West, where she was able to sample some of the early-season fruit and learn more about the initiatives underway to continue to drive industry growth.

One such example is a new national communications and extension program for the cherry industry, which will see best practice information on biosecurity, resource availability, sustainable production, labour and climate change shared through grower-led trials, demonstrations, orchard walks, newsletters, training events and the soon-to-be-launched Cherry Picked podcast.

NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) will lead the program in partnership with Hort Innovation, drawing on expertise from Cherry Growers Australia, Fruit Growers Tasmania, South Australian Research and Development Institute and the Victorian Cherry Association.

With the theme for this year’s National AgDay being 'Grow you good thing', this new communications and extension program will be the cherry on top of a promising season for growers.

Further information on the economic value of NSW primary industries can be found at the DPI's Performance Data and Insights websitelaunch.

Further information on the new cherry communications and extension program is available on the Hort Innovation websitelaunch.

New laws to restore trust and integrity in building

Joint Media Release from the NSW Premier, NSW Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading and the NSW Minister for Building

MEDIA RELEASE | 19 November 2023

The NSW Government is today announcing a major increase in the powers and resources of the NSW Building Commission to deliver quality homes for people in NSW, cracking down on poor practices in the building sector and boosting enforcement powers.

While the NSW Government is committed to tackling the NSW housing supply crisis after over a decade of inaction, the government will not allow quantity of homes to come at the expense of quality.

Laws set to pass parliament next week will mean that for the first time since the Building Commissioner was appointed, he will have the power to enter any apartment or free-standing home in NSW.

The Commissioner will also have the power to uncover defects before completion of buildings and compel builders to get them fixed.

Building Commission NSW will also receive a $24 million boost, allowing it to scale up to ensure quality buildings are being delivered in NSW.

Supercharging the regulator’s powers will ensure that as the state meets the urgent need for more homes, buyers can be confident about the quality of the home they’re buying.

The new laws also make critical changes to improve compliance and enforcement systems across the industry, including:

• New measures to prevent and penalise intentional phoenixing activities in the construction industry by cancelling or refusing licenses

• Introducing new responsibilities across the building products supply chain of, ensuring that all products used in buildings are safe, compliant, and suitable for their intended use.

The changes come as the NSW Government continues its crackdown on dishonest or fraudulent elements in the building sector, with the licenses of four building certifiers cancelled this year:

• On 4 July 2023, Fair Trading found that Mr Glenn Levick engaged in unsatisfactory professional conduct and contravened a law with respect to fraud or dishonesty.

• On 30 August 2023, Fair Trading found that Mr Orlando Da Silva engaged in unsatisfactory professional conduct, contravened the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act and engaged in conduct that fell short of expected standards.

• On 14 September 2023, Fair Trading found that Mr Paul Gearin engaged in unsatisfactory professional conduct, contravened the certification legislation and engaged in conduct that fell short of expected standards.

• On 6 October 2023, Fair Trading found that Mr Joseph Hallal engaged in unsatisfactory professional conduct, contravened the certification legislation and engaged in conduct that fell short of expected standards.

The additional powers and resources are further supported by the NSW Government’s commitment this week to develop a pattern book of endorsed housing designs for low-rise and mid-rise (up to six storeys) buildings that will also enhance continuity of quality standards across new developments.

$250 million Drought Ready and Resilient Fund

Joint Media Release from the NSW Premier and the NSW Minister for Agriculture

MEDIA RELEASE | 20 November 2023

The Minns Labor government is investing in the readiness and resilience of the state’s agriculture industry, with the creation of a $250 million Drought Ready and Resilient Fund (DRRF).

This fund will allow eligible primary producers to apply for low interest loans of up to $250,000 to fund a broad range of operational products, activities and services to prepare and respond to the impacts of drought.

According to research by the NSW Rural Assistance Authority, these loans, which can be paid off over 5 or 10 years, are estimated to save farmers on average $40,000 over a 5-year loan, when compared to other similar loans.

Importantly, for the first time the DRRF will allow farmers to access loans for other core activities like the purchasing of fodder and transport of livestock to protect their welfare, not just capital investments.

It ensures the NSW Government is working with the sector to provide an innovative and proactive response as parts of the state enter into drought conditions.

For those in regions not yet experiencing drier conditions, the DRRF also incentivises participation in the vital planning and preparedness phase of drought management and climate variability mitigation, improving response and recovery outcomes for farming businesses.

Unlike previous funds which are designed to support capital investment, DRRF can be used for essential items such as:

• purchasing fodder

• feeding equipment

• stock transportation costs

• veterinary and professional nutrition and welfare advice

• fencing for rotational grazing

• exclusion and cluster fencing

• construction of containment feeding pens

• stock shade structures

• planting of trees

• stock and domestic water (including its transportation).

The Minns Labor government is committed to supporting rural and region Australia in times of drought.

It’s why this fund comes in conjunction with the refocusing of the $120 million Farm Innovation Fund, to the Drought Infrastructure Fund, offering loans of up to $1 million, at a low interest rate of 2.5%.

The Drought Infrastructure Fund is designed to promote capital investment in on-farm infrastructure that assists farmers in transitioning their farms to become more resilient, productive and sustainable.

By establishing these 2 types of funds the government is opening up options and flexibility for farmers, depending on their needs and circumstances, and ensuring the viability of agricultural operations – livestock, cropping or horticulture – across NSW.

Applications are welcome now for the Drought Infrastructure Fund, and for the Drought Ready and Resilient Fund applications are open from 1 December 2023. Information at the Rural Assistance Authoritylaunch website.

Honouring lives lost: World Day of Remembrance for traffic victims

Media Release from Senator the Hon Carol Brown, Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport

MEDIA RELEASE | 19 November 2023

Each Australian killed on our roads is a tragic event sending shockwaves through our communities.

Today marks World Day of Remembrance for Traffic Victims, serving as a reminder of the human toll exacted by traffic incidents, and highlighting the impact on families and communities. As we reflect, the importance lies in awareness about road safety, and renewing our collective commitment to making sure every road user gets home safely.

Over the course of the twelve months (October ’22 – October ’23), there were 1,247 fatalities on Australian roads. Australian communities have suffered immensely this year, with countless families and communities facing the unthinkable.

The National Road Safety Action Plan 2023-25 prioritises the implementation of measurable actions with clear responsibilities and timelines, emphasising the alignment and connection between the National Road Safety Strategy and Action Plan.

The National Road Safety Action Plan 2023-25 forms part of our Government’s steadfast commitment to Vision Zero. Road safety is a shared responsibility, and I am confident that together we can reach our target of Vision Zero, that is zero deaths and serious injuries on our roads by 2050.

After a year of horrific trauma on our roads, I ask all Australians to take a moment today to reflect on the profound impact of road trauma on individuals, communities, and our nation.

Significant boost for road safety

Joint Media Release from the Hon Catherine King MP, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; The Hon Kristy McBain MP, Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories; Senator the Hon Carol Brown, Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport; and Senator the Hon Anthony Chisholm, Assistant Minister for Regional Development

MEDIA RELEASE | 19 November 2023

The Albanese Government is strengthening its commitment to road safety with significant increases in funding and changes to programs to reduce the administrative burden on local councils.

Roads to Recovery funding will rise gradually from $500 million to $1 billion per year, and Black Spot funding will increase from the current annual commitment of $110 million to $150 million per year.

This additional investment in the Commonwealth’s two cornerstone local roads investment programs will lead to safer and more productive roads across Australia.

We are also committed to delivering the funding local councils need to improve road safety and in a way that reduces the burden on them, allowing more money to be spent on projects and less on administration.

We will merge the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program (HVSPP) and the Bridges Renewal Program (BRP) into a new Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program.

The amount of funding for the new program will also gradually increase such that $200 million will be available per year, up from the current $150 million total annual investment in the HVSPP and the BRP.

The changes have been recommended by the Independent Strategic Review of the Infrastructure Investment Program and the increases in funding will be phased in over the forward estimates to avoid putting pressure on inflation, supply costs and the construction labour market.

We will be working with local government stakeholders in the lead-up to the Budget to ensure that changes to the programs respond to their feedback and funding gets spent where it is needed more quickly.

The Government recognises that local governments require more funding to manage the rising costs and increased pressure on transport infrastructure due to climate change and extreme weather events.

These changes will also help ensure funding is stable, predictable and fair into the future.

The Albanese Government is committed to investing more money in the projects and programs that deliver real benefits to Australians across the country.

Regional Refugee Settlement: Learning from the Past, Preparing for the Future.

Regional Refugee Settlement: Learning from the Past, Preparing for the Future, features 16 key recommendations about the settlement of humanitarian migrants in regional Australia,

Released in August 2023, this report guides the development of progressive policies for regional refugee settlement in Australia. Addressing the preparation and resourcing of communities, meeting the needs of humanitarian migrants, and fostering a collective future for enhanced social, cultural, and economic opportunities in regional settlement.  

Choiceless: The plight of parents in accessing regional, rural and remote early learning and care

The ParentHood is an independent not-for-profit advocacy organization who are working to make Australia the number-one place in the world to be a parent. The ParentHood believe that when parents and caregivers are supported their children will thrive.

Their latest report – Choiceless: the plight of parents in accessing regional, rural and remote early learning and care focuses on the struggle that faces many parents in regional, rural, and remote areas, and that is the inability to access childcare in order to return to the workforce.

The ParentHood are urging all levels of government to address their reports findings   and are advocating for equitable access to early childhood education and care (ECEC) for all families.

If you have your own story to share, regarding the struggles you have faced in accessing ECEC for you r children, the ParentHood are currently collecting stories on regional, rural, and remote early learning access.  

Nation-building infrastructure for a better Australia

Media Release from the Hon Catherine King MP, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government

MEDIA RELEASE | 16 November 2023

The Albanese Government is committed to delivering the infrastructure Australia needs, creating jobs and growing the economy while not increasing pressure on inflation.

The independent strategic review found that the Infrastructure Investment Program inherited from the former Coalition Government was undeliverable.

Following consultation with the States and Territories, we now have a forward plan of projects that are properly planned and targeted to unlock significant economic, social and environmental objectives.

Over the next ten years more than 400 individual ongoing projects are expected be completed or substantially developed, including:

• North South Corridor - Torrens to Darlington

• Logan - Gold Coast Faster Rail

• M1 Pacific Motorway Extension to Raymond Terrace

• METRONET

• Tanami Road in Central Australia

• New Bridgewater Bridge

Through this investment we can grow the economy, improve productivity and take pressure off inflation.

The independent review found while local government programs are a critical funding mechanism for local roads and infrastructure, they are administratively burdensome and lack sufficient funding or certainty. The Commonwealth Government’s response to these recommendations will be announced in coming days.

The Government has also acted on the review recommendations to improve efficiency and flexibility in project deliverability on nationally significant road and rail corridors.

Many projects located along strategic national freight routes are now grouped into corridors. This approach will allow State and Territories to more flexibly manage project delivery schedules according to their priorities.

The Albanese Government has guaranteed $27 billion for a range of strategic freight and road safety corridor upgrades in regional Australia, including the Newell, Princes and Bruce Highways. We will work in partnership with States and Territories to deliver these corridors in a way that maximises the benefit of our shared investment.

As part of responding to the findings of the review, the Government has made necessary decisions to no longer provide funding at this time to some projects.

This includes projects that were not realistically going to be delivered with the funding available, have made little to no progress over a significant amount of time, and projects that do not align with Commonwealth or state and territory priorities.

We also know that there continue to be significant cost pressures in the system and we will work collaboratively and proactively with the states and territories to manage these.

Our Infrastructure Policy Statement defines the Commonwealth’s role, objectives and expectations for our significant investment in land transport projects.

From now on the Australian Government’s investment in infrastructure will focus on productivity, sustainability, and liveability.

This is the long-term reform for the benefit of the nation that is the hallmark of a Labor Government.

The Albanese Government will continue to work with all levels of Government to make it easier to get around our cities and suburbs and unlock the potential of our towns and regions.

We will also deliver infrastructure that makes driving on our roads safer and that sees more people on more trains.

The Albanese Government is committed to delivering infrastructure that builds Australia.

The review report's executive summary, the Final Report of the Independent Review of the National Partnership Agreement on Land Transport Infrastructure Projects and a summary of changes to projects funded under the Infrastructure Investment Program are available at Publications | Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts.

Knowledge is the key to driving safer consumer choices for used cars

Joint Media Release from Senator the Hon Carol Brown, Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport; Professor Stuart Newstead Professor and Director; and Jerome Carslake, Program Director.

MEDIA RELEASE | 15 November 2023

The Australian Government is partnering with the Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC) to deliver the Used Car Safety Ratings program.

Through this program, the Government has committed $250,000 to MUARC to deliver the Used Car Safety Ratings stream over the next five years.

This funding will continue the vital work done in developing the annual updates to the Used Car Safety Rating. Through the annual update, the program aims to influence used car buyers to choose the safest vehicle available and thereby increase the safety of all road users.

The Used Car Safety Ratings program collects and analyses the most up to date crash and vehicle fleet profile data.

The data sourced for the Used Car Safety Ratings report is determined through the independent analysis of the latest real-world crash statistics. In 2023, the ratings have been expanded to focus on not only how a vehicle protects the driver, but also its impact on other road users in a crash and its crash avoidance technology. Each of these components is rated out of five, with a new Overall Safety star rating showing the combined results. 

Used Car Safety Ratings are determined through research analysis of millions of vehicles involved in police-reported crashes across Australia and New Zealand.

Importantly, demographic factors, such as who was driving at the time of the crash and the crash circumstances are considered, with ratings adjusted based on several factors such as: driver gender, crash location, driver age, crash year, number of vehicles involved, and the speed limit at the crash location.

The annual reports include a ‘SAFER PICK’ marking on vehicles which provide good protection for the driver, are less likely to result in serious injuries to other drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists and have a lower risk of being involved in a crash (including reversing crashes).

The Car Safety Rating Program, backed by a Government commitment of $16.5 million over five years from 2023-24 to 2027-28, supports the priority area of safe vehicles under the National Road Safety Strategy and Action Plan. 

The 2023 Used Car Safety Rating Report can be viewed here: USED CAR SAFETY RATINGS 2023

Telstra Payphones to connect more Australians to national support services

More data, better payphones, less stress: how we’re supporting you this disaster season (telstra.com.au)

Joint Media Release from the Hon Michelle Rowland MP, Minister for Communications and The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Assistant Minister for Social Services, Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence

MEDIA RELEASE | 16 November 2023

The Albanese Labor Government is working with Telstra to boost awareness of national support available to people in need, with information on six major services to be displayed in artwork on Telstra payphones across Australia.
 
Approximately 15,000 payphones Australia-wide will feature stickers promoting phone numbers and services provided by the helplines, giving people a quick and easy way to connect with support when they need it.
 
Six national support services have been chosen to be featured, collectively serving the needs of a diverse range of people:

• 1800RESPECT

• Lifeline

• 13YARN 

• Kids Helpline

• MensLine Australia

• National Debt Helpline

Minister for Communications, Michelle Rowland, and Assistant Minister for Social Services and for the Prevention of Family Violence, Justine Elliot, today announced the collaboration with Telstra to spread awareness of the free support services available nationwide.
 
Minister Rowland said that payphones continued to play an important role in bringing Australians together.
 
“The Albanese Government welcomes this important community initiative between Telstra and these six national organisations working tirelessly to help those in need.
 
“These critical services provide free support for anyone facing mental health challenges, experiencing domestic, family or sexual violence, or in need financial advice and support.
 
“More than 23 million free calls were made through a Telstra payphone during the last reporting period. If this initiative helps raise awareness of and connects even just a small number of those callers to these services, that’s a positive outcome”.
 
Assistant Minister Elliot said the initiative will be a lifeline for many people affected by domestic, family, and sexual violence, mental health challenges, or financial difficulty.
 
“Having the details of these support services will remind those in need that help is only a phone call away,” Assistant Minister Elliot said.
 
“It’s critical that people affected by domestic, family, and sexual violence be aware that there are services like 1800RESPECT that they can call 24/7 when they need support.”
 
“We want everyone to know that if you are experiencing personal or financial distress, or are affected by domestic, family, or sexual violence, you can reach out to these services for free and immediate support, advice, or referrals.”
 
Telstra Health spokesperson and Head of 1800RESPECT Colleen Birchley emphasised the importance of free payphones as an essential component of our social infrastructure.
 
“Telstra payphones provide valuable support to some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged in our community and 1800RESPECT and five other national support services are proud to work alongside Telstra to ensure callers are provided with clear information about the types of support they can access any time of day,” Ms Birchley said.
 
The rollout of the artworks kicked off in capital cities this week, with the majority of sites to be rolled out by the first half of 2024.
 
In the past year, Telstra reported a 30 per cent increase compared to the previous year in calls to Lifeline.
 
If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au
 
MensLine Australia Services are available if you are concerned about your wellbeing, relationships, and behaviour on 1300 789 978 or by visiting www.mensline.org.au
 
Feeling worried or no good? No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn. Speak to a 13YARN Crisis Supporter, call 13 92 76. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The Welcome Experience expanded to boost health and education outcomes in regions

Media Release from the Department of Regional NSW

MEDIA RELEASE | 15 November 2023

General practitioners, aged care nurses and childcare workers moving to regional NSW will be welcomed and provided with help to enrol kids in local schools, identify jobs for family members and even identify a removalist as part of an expanded NSW Government program.

 The Welcome Experience program, which currently provides a personal concierge service to public sector health and education workers including nurses, teachers, police, fire-fighters, paramedics and social workers, will now be expanded to include non-government health and education employees including GPs, aged care staff, childcare workers and Aboriginal Medical Services staff.

 Department of Regional NSW Director Essential Worker Attraction Program Josie Howard said we rely on our essential workers to look after us every day, from police officers to childcare workers, and through this program, we are helping to look after them when they relocate and settle into a new community.

“Since the program rolled out earlier this year, we have recruited local connectors in eight pilot locations, and they are already providing support to workers and their families as they make their move to their new regional NSW home,” Ms Howard said.

“Now we are expanding the program and offering this personalised service to workers in other professions, including dentists and allied health professionals, to ensure locals have ready access to these vital services.”

As part of The Welcome Experience Pilot, workers and their families across eight locations in Broken Hill, Walgett, Griffith, Coffs Harbour, Muswellbrook, Goulburn, Corowa and Bega are assigned a Local Connector who will support them with everything they need to move into regional communities, settle in and become one of the locals.

Muswellbrook Shire Council Local Connector Katrina Kiely said the Welcome Experience is giving essential workers invaluable support to help them move to regional NSW.

“I made the move from Sydney to the Hunter Valley myself, so I have a clear understanding of how challenging it can be to move to a new region and make new connections,” Ms Kiely said.

“It can be really hard to put yourself out there while you are finding your feet in a new job in a new place, but I am there to talk to them, show them around, broker introductions and offer personalised local insight to help them feel supported and more at home in their new community.”

The service is part of the NSW Government’s commitment to reducing essential worker shortages in regional NSW so that locals have fair and equitable access to vital services, and the program is scheduled for a broader roll out in additional locations in 2024.

Anyone considering a move to regional NSW is encouraged to reach out to The Welcome Experience program and discuss what support is on offer.

To find out more about The Welcome Experience, visit www.nsw.gov.au/regional-nsw/welcome-experience

Government extends free home broadband for school kids to 2025

Media Release from the Hon Michelle Rowland MP, Minister for Communications

MEDIA RELEASE | 14 November 2023

The Albanese Government is extending its new program providing free home broadband to school kids without internet at home to the end of 2025, delivering $4.3 million to NBN Co to further support educational outcomes and households struggling with cost of living pressures.
 
Launched in February this year, the School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI) is providing up to 30,000 eligible families with school-aged children to free broadband for a year over the National Broadband Network (NBN).
 
The additional funding takes the total Federal Government investment in the program with NBN Co to $8.8 million, and means eligible families will instead remain connected until 31 December 2025.
 
The funding extension also means families can continue to sign up to the program until 31 December 2024.
 
Just over 5,000 families have already been connected through the program, with around 42% of connected families living in regional communities.
 
Families can self-nominate via the recently launched National Referral Centre, or be referred by approved nominating organisations who work with vulnerable communities.
 
To be eligible, a family must:

• Have a child living at home and enrolled in an Australian school

• Be referred by a nominating organisation or self-nominate through the National Referral Centre

• Have no active home broadband service over the NBN network

• Live in a premises that can access a standard NBN service.

Families can contact the National Referral Centre on 1800 954 610 (Mon-Fri, 10am-6pm AEDT) or visit: www.anglicarevic.org.au/student-internet.

The Government is considering options to support participating families at the end of 2025, including asking the NBN Low-Income and Digital Inclusion Forum to examine discounted products.
 
To implement the SSBI extension, NBN Co will be working with nominating organisations, internet providers and other key stakeholders over the coming weeks.

For more information on the SSBI, visit: www.infrastructure.gov.au/SSBI

Setting our infrastructure priorities

Media Release from the Hon Catherine King MP, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government.

MEDIA RELEASE | 14 November 2023

The Albanese Government has released the Infrastructure Policy Statement to guide the Commonwealth’s funding of properly planned and targeted infrastructure to help unlock a range of significant economic, social and environmental objectives.

For too long under the Coalition, Commonwealth infrastructure spending focused on electoral rather than national benefit and in doing this it expanded the Infrastructure Investment Program from roughly 150 projects in 2012-13 to nearly 800 in 2022.

That needs to change.

The Policy Statement commits the Government to delivering nationally significant infrastructure.

This means projects will need to have at least two of the following characteristics:

• Australian Government contribution of at least $250 million; and/or

• alignment with Government priorities as articulated in the Infrastructure Policy Statement; and/or

• situated on or connected to the National Land Transport Network and/or other key freight routes; and/or

• supporting other emerging or broader national priorities – such as housing or critical minerals.

There are three priorities for our investment: productivity, liveability and sustainability.

It means cutting congestion, ensuring supply chains are resilient, building equity into the heart of where we live, improving prosperity, reducing our emissions and encouraging more sustainable ways to travel.

We are committed to working in partnership with the states and territories who are our primary infrastructure delivery partners.

We are reshaping how the Commonwealth funds projects, returning to a preference of 50:50 funding with the states and territories for future investments, so both levels of government carry an equal share of both the benefits and the risks.

This will mean the Commonwealth’s infrastructure spend – which is being maintained at $120 billion – can go further, maximising the benefits of the Commonwealth’s investment and ensuring shared accountability. It will help end the perverse incentives that saw the Federal Coalition throw money at projects that states did not want to build.

The Government may consider funding a greater share of projects in jurisdictions with less capacity to raise revenue on a case-by-case basis.

We also want to share the benefits of construction.  We will seek to encourage local employment and procurement, as well as increase the participation of women, First Nations communities and other marginalised groups in the delivery of these projects.

The Albanese Government will invest in the projects that only the Commonwealth can – those which shape our cities, our regions and our nation.

Together with the states and territories – and with clear priorities and proper planning – we will build a better future for all Australians.

The Infrastructure Policy Statement can be found here.

More EV chargers connecting regional NSW

Media Release from the NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads

MEDIA RELEASE | 10 November 2023

A program to deliver 25 more electric vehicle fast chargers in regional NSW is almost complete.

The $6 million program was funded with a $3 million contribution each from the NSW Government and the NRMA to help deliver greener and cleaner travel.

This will extend the NRMA’s existing chargers to more than 100 in around 70 locations in NSW, creating the most comprehensive regional charging network in the country.

The program involves the installation of dual chargers ranging from 50kW to 150kW in key regional NSW locations. Most of these locations will be within no more than 150 kilometres from another in the NRMA fast charger network.

The range provided depends on the charger and the electric vehicle but for example a 75kW charger can charge an EV battery to provide up to 90km of range in 15 minutes, 180km of range in 30 minutes or 360km of range in 1 hour.

The fast chargers further unlock the state with a focus on regional corridors including the Newell, Barrier, New England and Kamilaroi highways as well as completing the Castlereagh, Hume and Kings Highway connections.

The northwest of NSW is the latest area to be rolled out with chargers at Inverell, Narrabri, Moree and Dorrigo switched on in recent weeks and another one at Walcha due by the end of the month.

This program also includes chargers at Casino, Tenterfield, Coonamble, Nyngan, Cobar, Wilcannia, Broken Hill, Walgett, Brewarrina, Bourke, Gilgandra, Jerilderie, Temora, Armidale, Scone, Yass, Wagga Wagga, Wollongong and Braidwood.

Thanks to the efficiencies achieved in the co-funded program, there will be an additional 25th site in Moruya installed in 2024.

Find the location of all NRMA fast chargerslaunch

The Transport for NSW partnership with the NRMA to deliver more fast chargers in the regions follows last week’s announcement by the NSW Government of $10 million allocated under round two of the Destination Charging Program.

Around 3,000 EV chargers will be installed at tourist destinations under the program with applications now open.

Find out more about EV destination grantslaunch

Post-incident review following Optus outage

Media Release from the Hon Michelle Rowland MP, Minister for Communications

MEDIA RELEASE | Thursday 09 November 2023

The Federal Government will undertake a post-incident telecommunications review into the Optus outage that affected millions of Australians yesterday.

Connectivity is absolutely essential for Australian consumers and businesses, and the impacts of this outage were particularly concerning.

While we welcome that Optus services were restored over the course of the day, it is critical the Government conducts a process to identify lessons to be learned from yesterday’s outage.

I will task my Department with developing the terms of reference for a post-incident review. Further announcements around the terms of reference and next steps will be made in due course.

It is critical that industry and Governments take stock following large-scale outages, given no network is immune.

The Government hopes the review may also help support major telecommunications providers to improve post-outage processes.

Additionally, the regulator – the Australian Communications and Media Authority – has independently commenced an assessment to investigate Optus’ compliance with the rules requiring that emergency calls are successfully carried from mobile carriers to the Emergency Call Person (Telstra).

Entries for the 35th National Banksia Sustainability Awards now open!

Australia is a country of great innovative thinkers. A national that roles up its sleeves and gets things done. The 35th National Banksia Sustainability Awards wants to showcase these initiatives, individuals and organisations. Assist Banksia, by entering, and demonstrate how Australia can and will lead the way to making this a sustainable planet.

This year, the Banksia Foundation are celebrating excellence in 14 categories, highlighting the diversity of sustainability practices right across the country. Find the category award that suits best.

Download your chosen category’s corresponding entry kit, from the Banksia Foundation website by clicking the button below. The entry kit will guide you through the category criteria and application structure, as well as the entry and judging process.

Submit your entry by December 18th, 2023.