Editors Picks
Featured
20 August 2023
PLATYPUS FOUND IN SYDNEY'S NORTHWEST
Rare sightings in Hawkesbury Nepean
ELIZABETH FRIAS
WHILE Australia’s rare mammal platypus population has been on a decline, Western Sydney University ecology researchers have found evidence they multiply in waterways in the northwest.
30 July 2023
CALL OUT FOR RED CROSS VOLUNTEERS
AS disasters increase in Australia, the demand for Australian Red Cross emergency services is rising. NSW requires more of the 1,200 volunteers who play a vital role in supporting communities during crises. Volunteers assist locally and nationally, providing aid in evacuation, recovery centres, and disaster preparedness activities. Australian Red Cross offers internationally and nationally developed training in various areas. With over 3,400 emergency services volunteers nationwide, joining as a volunteer means becoming part of a long-standing movement aiding communities since 1914. Interested individuals can find more information at www.redcross.org.au/volunteer
30 July 2023
FALSE CLIMATE CHANGE CLAIMS
THE Climate Council urges Australian Parliament to address false climate claims from fossil fuel giants. In a recent submission, they expose 10 corporations with questionable climate plans. The Council insists on action to cut emissions drastically, highlighting how supposed net-zero targets are contradicted by fossil fuel expansion. They call for a ban on misleading 'carbon neutral' claims, requiring genuine emission reduction efforts, and prioritizing total life cycle emission reduction. Parliament must crack down on greenwashing to ensure real climate action.
30 July 2023
ROADMAP FOR GAMING REFORM
NSW Government has formed an independent panel for gaming reform roadmap, combating gambling harm and money laundering. Chaired by Michael Foggo, the panel includes experts from law enforcement, academics, and industry. It will oversee a cashless gaming trial and suggest reforms. Privacy protection will be prioritized, with input from Cyber Security NSW and NSW Police. Recommendations for cashless gaming in hotels and clubs will be provided, along with an implementation roadmap by November 2024. Additionally, a ClubGRANTS Scheme review will be conducted. Previous reforms include banning gaming room signage and reducing poker machine entitlements and cash input limits. Political donations from clubs with pokies are also banned.
30 July 2023
MAYORS MAKE COMM GAMES BID
HAWKESBURY Mayor Sarah McMahon has backed an unusual bid to host the Commonwealth Games in Western Sydney, despite lacking any support from the council or the NSW state government. The announcement, boldly shared on the Hawkesbury City Council’s official mayor’s Facebook site, occurred without any democratic vote or agreement from the council. Mayor McMahon’s blatant disregard for due process has left ratepayers stunned. “If Dan Andrews can’t do it – then Western Sydney surely can! And to start making the case, today Ned Mannoun – Mayor of Liverpool and I joined forces to say that the 2026 Commonwealth Games belong in our backyard,” Cr Mahon wrote, encouraging readers to tune onto commercial television nightly news last night, to see her in action. “With the new Western Sydney International Airport on the way, billions of dollars in roads and rail rolling out and with a very capable Sydney Olympic Park in Homebush, CommBank Stadium in Parramatta and Penrith Regatta Centre already built for example, we have the necessities to make it happen!”
30 July 2023
HAWKESBURY GAZETTE CLOSES AFTER 135 YEARS
ONE of Australia's oldest regional newspapers, the Hawkesbury Gazette, is the latest victim of the ongoing collapse of regional mastheads across the country and has ceased publication after 135 years. It is understood that the decision was made at least a month ago by the publications owner Australian Community Media who bought the publications from Fairfax Media (now Nine Entertainment). The Gazette started publication as the Windsor and Richmond Gazette in 1888 by John Charles Lucas Fitzpatrick and continued until 1982, when the name was changed to the Hawkesbury Gazette.
25 July 2023
CYBER SECURITY SOLUTIONS FOR SMES
BLACHAWK Alert, founded by Adam Cameron and Marc Degli, is gaining recognition in Australia for its enterprise-grade cybersecurity solutions and commitment to empowering SMEs.
