General Interest Archives - Page 89 of 311

$1 Billion To Build Better Bush Roads And Rail

February 17, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Pictured at the billion dollar announcement from L-R Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway, Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole and NSW premier Dominic Perrottet.

A re-elected Liberal and Nationals Government will invest $1 billion in the regions to upgrade the roads communities use every day, fast-track freight and rebuild transport infrastructure after disaster.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the landmark commitment would improve the resilience of the road and rail network right across NSW, benefitting the regions.

“We’ve heard loud and clear that there’s more to do which is why we’ll inject an extra $400 million into the Fixing Local Roads program so we can help councils turbocharge their efforts on road maintenance.

“We’ll also invest a further $600 million in the road and rail network through a new Fast Tracking Freight program and a Build Back Better program.

“As anyone in the bush knows, we can’t keep replacing these roads and rail lines and expecting something different the next time a disaster rolls through – we have to put in the money now to keep our State moving forward.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said on the back of the COVID-19 pandemic and recent floods, forward thinking was needed to strengthen the state’s supply chain.

“Betterment isn’t a last minute thought bubble or cash splash. This has been a 12-month journey since I signed the firstco funded betterment pilot in the country torebuild infrastructure in the northern NSWpost floods,” Mr Farraway said.

Student Wellbeing Programs Get Tick Of Approval

February 17, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Students at New South Wales public schools are set to benefit from a new range of evidence-based wellbeing programs that have been reviewed and quality assured.

Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said the new quality assured student wellbeing catalogue now available to schools was part of the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s ongoing work to provide greater mental health and wellbeing support for young people.

“The Liberal and Nationals are building an education system in which students thrive. Supporting students’ wellbeing is essential to supporting them in their academic achievement,” Ms Mitchell said.

“Sourcing appropriate and high-quality programs is not always easy for schools, taking time and often requiring specialist knowledge. This catalogue takes out the guesswork and administrative burden, giving school leaders more confidence in their decisions around what external providers they use to support students.”

Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said we are yet to see the full impact of COVID-19 on the mental health and wellbeing on children.

“By continuing to prioritise and invest in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of our students, we help build and strengthen their resilience and ability to adapt and cope with challenging situations,” Mrs Taylor said.

Life Saving Defibs For Local Sporting Clubs

February 17, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Fantastic news for grassroots sport which will be safer for players, spectators and volunteers as part of a $500,000 push to install life-saving defibrillators at community facilities across NSW.

Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said 191 devices will be installed thanks to the latest round of the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program.

“With more than 8,500 people experiencing out-of-hospital cardiac arrest each year in NSW, this program provides sports with early access to a defibrillator in the worst case scenario,” Mr Henskens said.

“Since the Liberal and Nationals Government introduced this program in 2017, more than 2,000 defibrillators have been installed at sports facilities across NSW.”

The grants cover the full cost of equipment under the program with several sporting organisations receiving multiple devices.

Professor Jamie Vandenberg, Co-deputy Director of the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, said nine out of every 10 people who suffer a cardiac arrest outside of hospital don’t survive.

“We want to change that statistic so it’s vital that we get as many defibrillators installed across NSW,” Mr Vandenberg said.

More information about the program is available at www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants/

$240,000 To Balance The Scales For Wheelchair Sports In Parkes

February 17, 2023 by Roxane Manley

NSW Nationals Upper House MP Sam Farraway said, “It is a fundamental right of all Australians to have access to play sport, and no-one should need to travel more than 60 minutes to do so.”

NSW Nationals Upper House MP Sam Farraway was recently joined by the NSW Nationals Candidate for Orange Tony Mileto to announce that the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government are providing $242,000 in funding to establish a Wheelchair Multi-Sport Hub for both Orange and Parkes.

“This project will address that issue by establishing a hub in Orange and Parkes, where the community can not only store sports wheelchairs but also come together to enjoy the physical, social, and mental health benefits of sport.”

CEO of Wheelchair Sports NSW ACT Inc Mick Garnett thanked the NSW Government for their support and said that the project would make a real difference to locals.

“A wheelchair multi-sport hub in Orange and Parkes will provide a much-needed resource for people with disabilities in the region, and we are looking forward to working with the community to promote accessibility and inclusion through sport.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said “It’s the little things that make a big difference to the way we all work, live, play and do business, and the NSW Liberals and Nationals in Government are delivering the projects that make a difference to everyday life right across regional NSW, from Byron Bay to Bega to Broken Hill.”

For more information, visit: nsw.gov.au/sccf

Wheelchair Sports NSW ACT Inc. is a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting the physical, social, and mental health benefits of sport for people with disabilities in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, the organisation aims to promote accessibility and inclusion in the community.

Beyond Blue Welcomes New Closing The Gap National Plan And Funding

February 17, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Beyond blue

Beyond Blue welcomes the Australian Government’s second Closing the Gap Implementation Plan, which injects $424 million into initiatives aimed at improving life outcomes for First Nations Peoples.

The plan, released on the 15th anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations, invests in measures that many non-Indigenous people take for granted, such as access to safe drinking water, food security, housing and family violence support and education.

Beyond Blue CEO Georgie Harman said progress had been appallingly slow in closing the gap over the past 16 years, since the campaign began. “It’s unacceptable that today, in 2023, there remains a significant gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous rates of suicide, incarceration and child removal,” Ms Harman said.

“It’s time for Australia to learn from previous policy failures and work together with First Nations Peoples to address these shocking realities.”

“Beyond Blue is a proud member of the Close the Gap Campaign Alliance and is committed to walking together in friendship with First Nations communities and organisations to promote healing, unity and improved social and emotional wellbeing.

“The upcoming referendum on the Voice to Parliament is an important step in accepting the invitation extended to all of us in the Uluru Statement from the Heart,” Ms Harman said.

13YARN is a crisis support line for First Nations Peoples. Call 13 92 76 or go to 13yarn.org.au

Housing Pods Hit The Ground In Eugowra

February 17, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Flood-impacted residents across the Cabonne Shire can now apply for modular homes, with the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government expanding its temporary accommodation program following last year’s successful caravan rollout.

Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said modular homes are now being installed. “These pods will complement the 110 caravans we already have in place, giving residents more options and more support while they continue their recovery journey.”

“It’s important people remain as close as possible to their own home and connected with their community while they undertake the difficult clean-up and rebuilding process, that’s what the modular homes will allow,” said Steph.

Flood-impacted residents in the Cabonne Shire can apply for the Pods on Private Property Program by visiting their local Recovery Assistance Point, calling Service NSW on 13 77 88 or sending an email to: housingtaskforce@resilience.nsw.gov.au.

Caravans are continuing to be provided through a partnership between the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government and accommodation provider Camplify. Flood-impacted residents who have previously received a caravan and are eligible for a modular home will be able to transition.

More information at: www.nsw.gov.au/floods/recovery/temporary-housing.

NSW Sports High Schools Going For Gold With New Partnership

February 10, 2023 by Roxane Manley

New South Wales has scored an Australian-first with the State’s seven Sports High Schools officially becoming ‘Australian Olympic Pathway Schools’ from today.

“Our seven Sports High Schools in NSW are the only secondary schools in Australia to have this prestigious recognition.

The seven Sports High Schools in NSW receiving this recognition are Endeavour Sports High School, The Hills Sports High School, Hunter Sports High School, Illawarra Sports High School, Matraville Sports High School, Narrabeen Sports High School and Westfields Sports High School.

“Sporting heroes are made in our public schools and particularly our amazing sport high schools, so it is incredibly exciting to recognise their role in Australian sporting excellence by acknowledging them as ‘Australian Olympic Pathway Schools’.”

Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is supporting the State’s seven sports high schools in their endeavour to develop future Australian Olympians.

“The students at our sports high schools today will be our heroes standing on the podium at the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, and this partnership will strengthen their opportunity for international success,” Mr Henskens said.

Today’s announcement builds on the signing of an MOU between the sports high schools and the NSW Institute of Sport, which strengthened the pathway for talented athletes with a specific focus on Olympic sports.

“We have seen Olympic Training Centres recognised around Australia and overseas, but never at the school level.

“The AOC is also thrilled by the extension of the Olympics Unleashed program. Our Olympic athletes can deliver these sessions across the state, including regional areas and Indigenous communities. We will reach 1,800 schools across the three years.”

Backing Sporting Equality For Women And Girls

February 10, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Women and girls across NSW will have access to more inclusive sporting facilities, thanks to the NSW Government’s $25 million Female Friendly Sport Facilities and Lighting Upgrades Program.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said 94 community sport facilities are set to be transformed, delivering female-friendly change rooms, amenities and lighting upgrades, which is one of the biggest barriers that prevent women and girls from playing sport.

“The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government recognises the critical role local sport infrastructure plays in keeping our communities healthy and active,” Mr Perrottet said.

“Community sport is where it all begins, and by investing in our local communities to help boost female participation, we will ensure any young girl or woman who wants to shoot a hoop, score a try or kick a goal, can do so in a supportive environment.”

Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said we know that when women and girls feel comfortable, they are more likely to stick with their chosen sport.

“Some of the biggest barriers faced by women and girls are the lack of female change rooms and amenities,” Mrs Taylor said. More information about the program is available online.

Forbes Magpies To Host Last Ever Annual Stubby Collits Memorial Match

February 10, 2023 by Roxane Manley

A meeting of the minds took place recently to organise the Boys To The Bush v CanAssist charity footbal match. Pictured clockwise from back left are Nathan Corliss Program Coordinator Boys to the Bush, Tim West Boys to the Bush Forbes Manager, Mathew Jack President Forbes Magpies and John Schrader President Forbes Can Assist.

The Forbes Magpies will be hosting the Annual Stubby Collits Memorial Match for the final time and we are putting a call out for the entire community to come along.

After ten years Cathy, Stubby’s mother, has decided that this year will be the conclusion of this tradition between Forbes Magpies and Bathurst St Pats. Stubby played for both clubs, and was a much loved and well respected player at both clubs.

Teams from CanAssist and Boys To The Bush will be playing a charity game beforehand as a lead up. All of the jumpers will be auctioned after the game. Gate takings, raffles and proceeds from this auction will be donated to Can Assist and Boys to the Bush. It is expected to draw big crows and be a highlight of the day.

First grade teams from Magpies and St Pat’s will then go head to head in the last ever Stubby Collits Memorial Match.

Organisers are grateful to the generous sponsors and the Forbes Magpies for hosting the event. Everyone is welcome to stay after the games for a BBQ at Spooners Oval.

NSW Government Supporting Growth In Aboriginal Businesses

February 10, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Aboriginal businesses in NSW received $92 million in direct Government contracts in 2019-20. This soared to almost $480 million in 2021-22.

Treasurer Matt Kean welcomed the increased volume of contracts with Aboriginal businesses as proof of the collaborative approach taken by the Government with Aboriginal community leaders. “We have consistently heard the important role procurement plays in empowering Aboriginal businesses and communities and I am pleased that our Government continues to increase these opportunities.”

Minister for Finance Damien Tudehope said the policy’s success reflected the expertise and quality of the products and services provided by Aboriginal businesses in NSW. “The Aboriginal Procurement Policy had a target of 200 contracts worth a total of $136.7 million for the 2021-22 financial year. We can report there have been 694 contracts worth $479.6 million,” Mr Tudehope said.

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Ben Franklin said a series of Meet the Buyer events have been held in local areas to connect regional Aboriginal businesses with government agencies, major suppliers and head contractors.

Aboriginal businesses and communities are able to provide feedback on the Aboriginal Procurement Policy through the Have Your Say consultation until 28 February at www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/aboriginal-procurement.

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