Saturday, 16 September 2023 10:54
SLEEPOUT SUPPORTS THOSE IN NEED
LOCAL communities in NSW participated in the 2023 NSW Vinnies Community Sleepout recently. The event aims to raise funds and awareness in support of St Vincent de Paul Society's services. Over 60 participants in Western Sydney braved the winter night, hear from local Society members, and support four Vinnies Support Centres in Harris Park, Blacktown, Emerton, and Penrith, aiding those at risk of homelessness. The Society has experienced increased assistance requests over the past year, driven by housing costs and rising living expenses. Donations for the event can be made at www.vinnies.org.au/communitysleepout.
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Saturday, 16 September 2023 10:52
NSW AMBOS REACH GENDER PARITY
NSW Ambulance has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first emergency service in NSW to reach gender parity within its workforce, with women now constituting over 50% of its personnel. This development is seen as a crucial step in ensuring that the workforce reflects the population it serves, promoting workplace gender diversity and fostering an inclusive environment. NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce praised the milestone, highlighting the benefits of gender diversity in healthcare. NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dominic Morgan expressed gratitude to the women who contributed to this achievement, emphasizing the importance of skills and experience in employment rather than gender.
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Saturday, 16 September 2023 10:50
4,500 NEW HOMES AT CASTLE HILL
CASTLE Hill’s Showground Station precinct is now capable of accommodating an extra 4,500 potential new homes following an amendment to The Hills Local Environment Plan (LEP).
The precinct previously had a cap of 5,000 dwellings imposed when it was rezoned in 2017 due to a lack of supporting infrastructure.
Planned transport and other upgrades are in place or progressing, with Sydney Metro now in full operation and upgrades around the station, including road improvements, now complete.
The Department of Planning and Environment will continue to work with School Infrastructure NSW to plan for schools in the area, and to address any additional demand expected in the Showground precinct because of the lifting of the cap.
Development applications and approvals are approaching the 5,000 limit – however, now that the cap is removed, the area could welcome 9,500 new homes.
The introduction of the Government’s reformed infrastructure contributions scheme on 1 October 2023 provides a framework for growth to contribute towards further infrastructure demand and will allow funding for any additional infrastructure as required.
Removing the dwelling limit provides certainty for industry to continue investment in the precinct and removes uncertainty impacting current $115-120M contract negotiations by Sydney Metro and Landcom with a development partner.
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