Editors Picks
16 September 2023
DATA IMPROVED FOR SOCIAL HOUSING
THE NSW Government is enhancing transparency in the social housing waiting list by providing more current data. Previously, data on the waiting list was only published annually, rendering it outdated. Now, both the general and priority waiting list data will be updated monthly, offering stakeholders and applicants a more accurate understanding of housing needs. Quarterly updates on median waiting times will also be available, a significant improvement from the previous annual updates. This initiative aligns with broader NSW Government efforts to reform the social and affordable housing sector and combat homelessness and housing insecurity.
16 September 2023
SCHOOL PRINCIPALS STRUGGLE WITH STRESS
AUSTRALIAN schools are grappling with a crisis in principal recruitment and retention due to stress, burnout, and increased workloads. Monash University's Faculty of Education is conducting a three-year study, funded by the Australian Research Council, to understand how these challenges affect principals in public schools. The study will create a publicly accessible website to showcase anonymous stories from principals, shedding light on the emotional intensity of their work. Researchers aim to improve leadership preparation by addressing the emotionally draining aspects of the job, ultimately reducing turnover, enhancing teacher retention, improving student outcomes, and fostering social cohesion.
16 September 2023
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.
16 September 2023
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.
16 September 2023
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.
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
