Editors Picks
01 May 2022
FREE OPAL CARDS TO HELP UKRAINIAN REFUGEES
UKRANIANS seeking refuge in NSW after fleeing their war-torn homeland will be offered free Opal cards with credit by the NSW Government to help them rebuild their lives.
Minister for Transport and Veterans David Elliott said the NSW Government initiative would provide 250 Opal cards, worth more than $50,000, to families as a sign of the solidarity that the people of this State have with the people of Ukraine.
“Australia stands with Ukraine in its fight for its territorial sovereignty, and its right to peace and democracy. This State has a proud history of supporting our new migrants and refugees from around the world, and we have welcomed more than 2,500 Ukrainians seeking refuge with open arms.”
“To leave a life behind to seek safety and shelter in a new country can be very difficult, and providing these Opal cards is a small gesture to help them travel to important meetings and appointments such as medicals, community support groups, and religious services,” Mr Elliott said.
Minister for Multiculturalism Mark Coure said this is another way the NSW Government is alleviating the stress, uncertainty, and anxiety Ukrainians may be feeling as they escape the abhorrent violence occurring in their country.
The President of the Ukrainian Council of NSW, Mr Dan Wolody thanked the Government for its support and said that this initiative gave refugees an important kick start when trying to establish a new life in a new country.
“Having mobility and being able to afford to travel while integrating into your new surroundings is vitally important when seeking employment and further education opportunities,” Mr Wolody said.
The 250 Opal cards, include 136 for adults and 114 for children, each with a $200 credit. The Ukrainian Council of NSW will coordinate the distribution of the cards to the appropriate members of the Ukrainian community.
01 May 2022
NORA AND MAX MAKE THEIR MOVE
NORA and Maxwell surged up the baby name popularity charts in 2021 in a rollercoaster year marked by vaccines, variants and lockdowns.
29 April 2022
KATOOMBA COURTHOUSE MAKEOVER IS COMPLETE
THE million dollar makeover of Katoomba Courthouse which involved the restoration of its historic 124-year old sandstone façade has been completed.
Attorney General Mark Speakman said the $1.07M project modernised the courthouse while preserving its past.
“After the installation of new AVL in the courthouse last year, work is now complete on rebuilding one chimney, stabilising other chimneys and gables, roof plumbing, and timber and stone repairs,” Mr Speakman said.
“Katoomba is now fit for the future, while the restoration of its exterior pays homage to its 124-year history.”
The works follow the resumption in 2020 of District Court sittings at Katoomba Courthouse after a two-decade hiatus.
“As a result, the court has become busier and these works ensure it is in its best shape to deal with the number of matters being heard,” Mr Speakman said.
“One of the NSW Government’s key aims is to increase efficiency and reduce the time people have to wait for justice.”
The conservation worktook place in conjunction with the Public Works Advisory. It was funded under the NSW Government’s $100M Sustaining Critical Infrastructure Program which is boosting access to justice at courthouses across the state with new audio-visual link equipment, courtrooms and other facilities.
Katoomba Courthouse was designed by Government Architect Walter Liberty Vernon. The foundation stone was laid in 1895 by the Lieutenant Governor, Sir Frederick Darley, with construction completed in 1897.
Featured
16 April 2022
COVID TRANSMISSION: LATEST RESEARCH
What you can DO to minimise the risks
PROFESSOR RAINA MACINTYRE
PROFESSOR RAINA MACINTYRE
AS COVID-19 cases increase across the country, many people are asking what they can do to keep their families and friends safe.
Featured
15 April 2022
ERADICATING A NATIONAL PROPERTY SCOURGE
Real estate agents fined for underquoting
DALLAS SHERRINGHAM
WE’VE all fallen for the scourge of real estate marketing, the dreaded price ‘underquoting’.
WE’VE all fallen for the scourge of real estate marketing, the dreaded price ‘underquoting’.
12 April 2022
HAVE YOUR SAY PENRITH STADIUM REDEVELOPMENT
THE NSW Government is calling on the local community to have its say on what the new Penrith Stadium will look and feel like, with fans able to provide feedback through a new digital survey.
Minister for Tourism and Sport Stuart Ayres said the NSW Government will redevelop Penrith Stadium as part of its commitment to improve sport and visitor economy infrastructure.
“The feedback from the local community is extremely important to us,” Mr Ayres said.
“Our vision is for the facility to be a major event venue to support the growing population in Western Sydney and cater to sports, entertainment and tourism.”
“With a new international airport and metro rail line on the way in the Western Parkland City, now is exactly the right time to be investing in visitor economy assets in centres like Penrith.
Minister Ayres said through the Have Your Say digital survey, the NSW Government wants the local community to think about other stadiums not just in Australia but around the world and discuss the features they might like to see at Penrith.
“We’d like to understand what you consider is a world class stadium experience, what stadium facilities are important to you and what you would like us to consider in redeveloping the wider stadium precinct in Penrith,” Mr Ayres said.
“It might be ideas about technology and LED signage, external lighting, conference rooms, anything you feel will enhance the new stadium experience for events and a precinct fit for business and community activity.”
The community can have their say by visiting: https://swipengage.com/#/NSWGovernment_PenrithStadium_HYS
12 April 2022
A NEW WAY OF TRAINING FOR WESTERN SYDNEY
WESTERN Sydney manufacturing workers will be able to respond quickly to industry training needs as part of the NSW Government’s $37.4M New Education Training Model (NETM).
Western Sydney University and GE Additive have teamed up to deliver job–specific short courses at the MakerSpace facility at the Kingswood campus.
Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade and Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the “first micro-credential” course will launch this month, providing students with the skills necessary to secure newly-created jobs.
“This sends the message that Western Sydney is an optimal place to train the workers of tomorrow in the most industry relevant way. We’re working with GE Additive to provide the skills necessary for their metal additive design and 3D printing business,” Mr Ayres said.
“The New Education and Training Model (NETM) delivered through the Western Parkland City Authority helps us build the pool of talent in Western Sydney, it’s a win for industry and workers making it possible to upskill in a meaningful way in as few as 40 hours.”
“There are huge opportunities for people in Western Sydney to take up high-skilled, high-paid jobs and under this new model, businesses can propose the design of a micro-credential and work directly with the education sector.”
Chair of Western Parkland City Authority Jennifer Westacott said the courses will feed the pipeline of skilled workers for a range of cutting-edge industries such as advanced manufacturing, aerospace, defence and pharmaceuticals manufacturing.
Vice-Chancellor, Western Sydney University Professor Barney Glover AO said the collaboration symbolized an engaged approach to relevant education.
“Western Sydney University is passionate about supporting new learning opportunities and helping to drive innovation across Western Sydney in an effort to bring economic and social transformation to the region.”
Training will be completely funded by the NSW Government during the pilot stage with up to 3000 students participating in 100 micro-credentials.
Training will be completely funded by the NSW Government during the pilot stage with up to 3000 students participating in 100 micro-credentials.
