Editors Picks
08 May 2025
MOUNTIES EXTENDS PARTNERSHIP WITH RAIDERS
WESTERN Sydney based Mounties Group has anounced the extension of its partnership with the Canberra Raiders for another two years to support and grow women’s rugby league pathways.
The renewed partnership strengthens the alignment between the Raiders NRLW program and Mounties’ Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership team, providing a vital development platform for emerging female athletes.
Since the new partnership began ahead of the Raiders’ inaugural NRLW season in 2023, it has given players the opportunity to gain valuable game time, recover from injury, and build their skills in one of the country’s most competitive women’s leagues.
Mounties Group has a long-standing relationship with the Raiders, dating back to their NSW Cup partnership from 2012 to 2020. Now, with the spotlight on the women’s game, Mounties Group is proud to be able to play a role in shaping the future of female rugby league.
02 May 2025
LIVERPOOL COUNCIL ANNOUNCES RESTRUCTURE
LIVERPOOl City Council has announced a proposed organisational restructure, reducing the number of directorates and re-allocating section teams.
Mayor Ned Mannoun said the draft restructure is in a consultation period and Council is seeking submissions on the organisational change.
“Liverpool Council will be listening to the opinions of residents and stakeholders as we work together to create a better Liverpool,” he said.
“We are determined that residents have the best services Council can provide: things like getting the grass cut, the rubbish collected and the roads repaired. It’s also about making the functions of Council clear and efficient.”
CEO Jason Breton said the draft restructure is also designed to meet budget directives.
“I want to make it clear the restructure does not diminish frontline resources. In fact, they will be increased and the proposed structure has a stronger emphasis on operational capabilities,” he said.
In a presentation to staff, Mr Breton said the organisation has five key requirements to support service delivery and drive an exciting and innovative organisational transformation.
“We must deliver the core services (the basics) better. This involves increasing resources to the front line and rationalising the executive layer,” he said.
Under the restructure, the number of directorates has been reduced from six to four, and there is a new management stream under the direct control of the CEO.
A 28-day consultation period starts today in accordance with the Local Government Award. At the end of May, the proposed structure will be reviewed and, if implemented, take effect from June 11.
27 April 2025
CARAVAN GROUP WELCOMES GROWTH
THE Caravan Industry Association of Australia has welcomed the Coalition’s $1B commitment to the revitalised Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program and urges the Albanese Government to match it. The investment is vital for regional infrastructure, supporting the caravan and camping sector’s 16 million trips annually and its $11B contribution to the economy. Improved roads will boost safety, tourism, and regional growth, strengthening Australia's domestic travel and manufacturing sectors.
27 April 2025
FLEXIBILITY THE KEY TO RETURN TO WORK
RETURNING to work can be challenging for parents, especially single parents and those living with disability or caring for a child with disability. Research shows flexible hours, part-time work, and childcare assistance are key to workforce participation. atWork Australia supports over 8,500 parents, helping more than 2,600 find jobs over the past year through training and tailored employment support. Success stories like Kong and Jack highlight the importance of flexibility, upskilling, and ongoing assistance in achieving sustainable employment.
27 April 2025
HEMP PUSHED AS MAINSTREAM CROP
THE NSW Government has released a draft Hemp Industry Development Plan for public comment, aiming to establish hemp as a mainstream, sustainable crop. The plan sets out a vision supported by four strategic objectives to guide industry growth and collaboration. Developed by the NSW Hemp Industry Taskforce, it identifies key opportunities to strengthen the sector. Public feedback is open until 19 May 2025 via the Have Your Say website.
27 April 2025
NEW HOMES BUILD AT LOWEST LEVELS
IN 2024, just 168,050 new homes began construction in Australia, the lowest level in over a decade, according to HIA Chief Economist Tim Reardon. He warned that the loss of skilled workers to other sectors threatens future building capacity. Australia must build over 250,000 homes annually to meet housing targets. Reardon urged immediate government action to reduce taxes and fees, alongside long-term reforms in land supply, infrastructure, planning, and taxation.
27 April 2025
AMBULANCE RAMPING HAS DOUBLED
AMBULANCE ramping in Australia has doubled in five years, with hospitals overwhelmed and patients suffering tragic delays, according to the AMA's latest report. AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen warned that under-resourcing, a lack of beds, and exit block are major issues, urging urgent action and a new National Health Reform Agreement. She called for more transparency in data reporting, highlighting the growing human and financial costs of the crisis.
