Parkes Phoenix Editor

Woman holding senior woman’s hand on bed

Thousands of families with loved ones who suffer from a life-limiting illness will receive more choice about the help they need from an additional 100 palliative care nurses at refurbished facilities.

Nationals Candidate for Orange, Kate Hazelton said that $45 million palliative care investment has been made possible by strong economic management.

“We are doing everything we can to ensure patients and their loved ones have access to the best quality palliative care at the best possible care facilities,” she said. The investment is on top of a $100 million package for palliative care that was announced as part of the 2017-18 Budget, which is already delivering more palliative care nurses and community-based palliative care services.

The additional 100 palliative care nurses will work in hospitals, palliative care facilities, and in communities and homes to ensure patients can access the care they need, in the setting they choose.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW, John Barilaro said 64 of the 100 palliative care nurses would be assigned to regional and rural NSW. Hospitals in the Western NSW local health district will be assigned six nurses.

The commitment also includes $10 million for improvements to existing palliative care facilities across the State.

Local expertise to boost freight efficiency and road safety, as well as flood preparation, are front and centre as the Australian Government’s Newell Highway Corridor Strategy gets under way, with PwC Australia selected to deliver the study.

Deputy Prime Minister, Nationals’ Leader and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Michael McCormack said the strategy will provide a comprehensive picture of the current performance and future challenges along the Newell Highway.

“The Federal Liberal and Nationals’ Government is investing $2 million to the Newell Highway Corridor Strategy, because we know this highway is the backbone of country NSW,” said Michael.

“A better Newell Highway will mean more competitive agricultural and mining sectors, thanks to a more reliable freight network through regional NSW. This will in turn support the growth of regional communities along the length of the Newell Highway,” he said.

Efficient outcomes in the movement of regional freight, as well as challenges such as road safety and flooding, and the relationship between the Newell Highway and Inland Rail will be key to its inquiries. The strategy will be able to be used to inform the investment decisions of both federal and state governments.

Michael said community, local government and industry involvement will be central to the strategy, ensuring the Government proceeds based on the best transport and economic data and a thorough understanding of communities and businesses’ needs and expectations.

“Many towns, farmers and small businesses throughout the Central West, Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area and Western NSW rely on the Newell to connect product from paddock to plate – that’s why we will work with communities along the Newell to ensure it continues to be at the heart of country NSW,” said Michael.

“Bland Shire Councillor, Tony Lord and Moree Plains Shire Mayor, Katrina Humphries – two experienced and respected local Councillors from either end of the Highway – will head the community consultation to encourage locals to get involved and have their say.

“A number of workshops will be held along the corridor at different locations so vital local knowledge can inform outcomes and recommendations of the strategy.”

The Australian Government is fully funding the Newell Highway Corridor Strategy. Further details about the Newell Highway Corridor Strategy, including its objectives, can be found at https://infrastructure.gov.au/roads/.

Abby Lee (aged 5) caught a 55cm cod in the Lachlan River recently with some assistance from mum and dad as this was a big fish for a little girl!

It has come to our attention that a number of employers are not keeping employee records correctly, and giving employees pay slips with all the correct information for each pay period.

By not complying with the strict letter of the law (Fair Work Act, 2009 and regulations) employers are opening themselves up to large fines which could ruin a business. Employee records kept by employers must:

• Be readily accessible to a Fair Work Inspector or the employee and be kept for at least seven years.

• Be in legible form of English.

• Not be altered unless for the purposes of correcting an error or indeed to be falsified.

• Contain rates of pay and broken down in gross and net amounts with any deductions, such as tax and super.

• Detail awards (including but not limited to penalty rates, loadings, etc.)

• Hours worked, whether casual or permanent or permanent part-time.

• Contain leave records. Payslips must be issued to each employee within one working day of the pay day, even if the employee is on leave, and maybe in electronic form or paper copy.

The payslip must include full details of the employer and date of payment, pay period, gross and net amount of pay (including hourly rate of pay if paid hourly), and details of loadings, bonus, allowances and deductions (including tax and Superannuation deductions).

Courts could fine employers up to $126,000 for individuals or $630,000 for corporations. If we at Matthews Williams can help you on any legal matter, feel free to call us.

Each year Forbes Shire Council builds on heritage awareness and education whilst shining a spotlight on the great work that is carried out in our community to promote our natural, built and cultural heritage.

This year is no exception with nominations now open for the 2019 Forbes Heritage Volunteer Award and the Forbes Medal.

Forbes Shire Council is asking everyone to nominate community members they think have displayed excellence in any facet of community service, development and promotion of our heritage.

“I welcome you all to nominate, a person or community group who you think has contributed to the Shire’s environmental heritage or to the understanding of that heritage,” said Mayor Phyllis Miller.

“We have a very rich and colourful past, let’s celebrate it. We want future generations to build on this legacy and continue to share it. Please also think about heritage projects in town and nominate them as well,” said Phyllis.

The Forbes Heritage Volunteer Award is for person/s or a community group who have demonstrated excellence in their field of expertise, by being an inspirational role model for the Forbes Shire’s community.

They will have demonstrated leadership, innovation and creativity in their endeavours to preserve our amazing heritage.

The Forbes Heritage Medal is awarded to a project such as the conservation of a building, place or object through maintenance, preservation, repair and reconstruction, by considering the historic townscape and rural setting in which the building sits.

The medal can also be awarded to an exhibition or presentation using any medium to contribute to the understanding of the Shire’s heritage.

Heritage Week is on the 6th May and continues to the 9th May.