Editors Picks
18 April 2024
EXTRA POLICE TO MAINTAIN COMMUNITY COHESION
THE NSW Government welcomes the immediate action from the NSW Police Force to stand up Strike Force Dribs and direct extra police resources to Western Sydney following Monday night’s violence in Wakeley.
Strike Force Dribs is tasked with increasing the police presence in the area to reassure the community and keep them safe.
More than 70 additional police officers across general duties and specialist commands are on the streets, conducting high-visibility patrols to maintain community safety. Those patrols began last night.
In addition, 32 investigators are working under Strike Force Dribs to investigate the public order incident outside the Church that night, during which projectiles were thrown at police, officers were injured, police vehicles were damaged and property stolen.
These investigators are collating evidence including mobile phone and CCTV vision with the aim of identifying, arresting, charging and bringing those responsible before the courts.
Any witnesses and anyone with mobile phone vision who has not yet spoken to police, should call police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said: “Everyone has the right to go about their daily lives and practice their faith free from violence or intimidation.
“These extra boots on the ground will help provide calm and safety at a time when it’s needed most.
“Over the past four days, we’ve seen the best of the best from the NSW Police Force. These officers run towards danger and put their lives on the line to protect the community. I’ve never been prouder.”
12 April 2024
HILLS SHIRE DECLARED A NATURAL DISASTER ZONE
THE Hills Shire has been declared a natural disaster area in the wake of the recent rain and floods that impacted most of NSW from Thursday, 4 April, to Saturday, 6 April.
The announcement activates an automatic release of Federal and State funding for The Hills Shire Council to use on cleanup and essential infrastructure repairs, including roads and community facilities.
Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Peter Gangemi thanked the Australian and NSW Governments for their support as the clean-up and repairs begin, particularly in the Shire’s rural north.
“Flood waters are now receding, roads are re-opening, and we are beginning to see the impacts these floods and heavy rain have caused,” Mayor Gangemi said.
“McClymonts Road in Maraylya is one of our worst-hit roads, with some of it washed away by flood waters. Approximately 60-80 tonnes of silt and fallen trees must be removed before we can reconstruct this road.
“Potholes are beginning to appear across our entire road network. The weather has also delayed road upgrades, including the one at Terry Road in Box Hill.
“We are experiencing a certain level of battle fatigue, and this State and Federal Government support is the helping hand our community needs.
“I look forward to moving towards our path to recovery, which unfortunately marks the fifth instance we’ve had to undertake flood cleanup and repairs within just a few years.”
Residents can also access a range of funding and support programs to help them recover and rebuild, including:
1. Primary producers and small businesses can access concessional loans up to $130,000, as well as transport subsidies up to $15,000.
2. Sporting and recreation clubs can access concessional loans up to $12,000 and grants up to $2000.
3. Not-for-profit organisations can access concessional loans up to $25,000 and freight subsidies for primary producers.
To apply for a concessional loan or primary producer grant, contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593 or visit www.raa.nsw.gov.au.
In addition, residents can apply for Disaster Relief Grants to support their recovery and return to a basic living standard. For further information on how to access funding and support, visit the Australian Government’s National Recovery and Resilience Agency: https://recovery.gov.au/NSWflood.
For support with personal hardship, emergency accommodation and distress assistance, contact Service NSW on 13 77 88.
A Recovery Centre will be open at Windsor Function Centre, in Windsor, until Saturday 13 April.
09 April 2024
EXPERTS RECOMMEND USING MOUTHGUARDS
AS the 2024 rugby and football seasons approach, parents and athletes are urged to prioritize oral health. Shockingly, only 36% of Australians wear mouthguards during contact sports, increasing the risk of severe injuries like fractured teeth and broken jaws. Dr Cathryn Madden emphasizes the importance of custom-fitted mouthguards from dentists to ensure proper protection, comfort, and prevention of injuries. Bupa Health Insurance members can access no-gap mouthguards at participating clinics, promoting safer sports participation.
09 April 2024
HALF ADMIT EMOTIONAL BAGGAGE
NEW research by eharmony highlights the impact of past relationships on future love lives. Almost half of respondents admit to carrying emotional baggage, with anger issues and addiction cited as the most troublesome. Despite this, many aim to learn from past mistakes to improve future relationships. However, there's a paradox: while individuals acknowledge their own baggage, they may judge potential partners harshly for theirs, revealing complexities in navigating emotional baggage in relationships.
09 April 2024
SURGERY WAITLUIST DROPS 85%
SINCE March 2023, NSW's planned surgery waitlist has dropped by 85%, thanks to the Surgical Care Governance Taskforce and dedicated health staff. Over 12,000 fewer people await overdue procedures, with 83.6% of surgeries performed on time. Measures like expanding same-day surgery eligibility and boosting healthcare workforce help alleviate pressure on hospitals. Premier Chris Minns commends progress but acknowledges ongoing efforts to ensure prompt healthcare delivery.
Featured
04 April 2024
SES WEATHER FLOOD NOTIFICATION
Warning to Hawkesbury-Nepean residents
ELIZABETH FRIAS
THE NSW State Emergency Service has warned a major flooding is possible ahead of the Bureau of Meteorology’s heavy rainfall forecast this Friday through to the weekend.
02 April 2024
$4.3M TO TAFE MT DRUITT CAMPUS
TAFE NSW Mt Druitt will receive a funding boost, with the NSW Government investing $4.3M to upgrade campus infrastructure and improve digital connectivity.
This investment is part of a $300M state-wide program delivering upgraded facilities and equipment to more than 120 TAFE NSW campuses across the state this financial year.
TAFE NSW Mount Druitt will receive:
• Accessibility upgrades, including new lifts;
• Upgrades to campus facilities, including fire systems, roofing repairs, and air conditioning; and
• New digital devices for teachers and students.
The funding is part of the NSW Government’s record $2.131B investment in TAFE NSW through the 2023-24 state budget.
Edmond Atalla, Member for Mount Druitt said: “TAFE NSW plays a vital role in supporting the local economy by equipping students with the industry-aligned skills that employers need.
“When students learn their craft or trade using industry-standard equipment, and high-quality digital technology, they are much more likely to graduate with the kind of job-ready skills that employers are looking for.
“This investment ensures our local TAFE NSW campus is equipped to meet the educational and employment needs of the local community.”
