Editors Picks
30 June 2022
FREE FLU SHOTS FOR ALL EXTENDED TO 17 JULY
FREE flu shots for NSW residents will be extended until 17 July amid concerns vaccination rates are still not where they should be.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the latest data shows only one in four children aged under five has had a flu shot, while the figures are even lower for kids aged five to 15.
“It’s really worrying that just over 18 per cent of children and teenagers have had a flu jab and for kids aged six months to five years, the figure is 25 per cent,” Mr Hazzard said.
“These numbers are particularly concerning given in the last month, four times as many kids have been admitted to Sydney’s two children’s hospitals with flu than with COVID.”
Mr Hazzard urged families to use the school holidays to book in for a free flu shot.
“It only takes a few minutes to get a flu jab but that time could mean the difference between you or one of your loved ones ending up in ICU so please, book in today,” Mr Hazzard said.
The uptake of the influenza vaccine in adults is equally worrying, with less than 40 per cent of 50 to 65 year olds and only 64 per cent of those aged over 65 having a flu jab.
NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant urged more people to come forward for their influenza vaccination to prevent unnecessary hospitalisations.
“More than 1,000 people presented to our EDs with flu-like illness last week and almost 165 were so unwell they were admitted, including very young children,” Dr Chant said.
“Please take advantage of the offer of the free vaccination to protect yourself against the flu this winter. There is plenty of supply and appointments available at GPs and pharmacies.”
The low uptake in Sydney’s west and south-west continues to be of concern, so too in parts of far northern NSW and the State’s central west.
Featured
24 June 2022
4 SUPER EFFECTIVE THINGS YOU CAN DO
To get the fitness results you need
ADAM SIMPSON
WHATEVER your goals are the key is consistency, exercise and eat well more days than you don’t and I guarantee you the results will come.
21 June 2022
ANTI-CORRUPTION INSPECTORS CONFIRMED
NSW Attorney General Mark Speakman has announced the appointment of Gail Furness SC as the Inspector of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) and Bruce McClintock SC as the Inspector of the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC). Mr Speakman said the merit-based appointments will bring significant legal experience and knowledge to the roles. Both Ms Furness and Mr McClintock will commence five-year terms on July 1, 2022. The Inspector of the ICAC is an independent statutory role responsible for oversight of the ICAC, an independent body established to combat corruption and improve the integrity of the NSW public sector. The LECC detects, investigates and exposes serious misconduct within the NSW Police Force and the NSW Crime Commission, and independently monitors and reviews those agencies’ investigation of complaints about the conduct of their officers.
13 June 2022
FORKLIFT SAFETY BLITZ IMPOSED
SAFEWORK NSW has started a Forklift Safety Blitz until the end of July.
Following recent tragic fatalities, 30 SafeWork NSW safety inspectors will proactively visit workplaces across the State to conduct forklift compliance safety checks and provide educational material.
NSW Minister for Fair Trading Eleni Petinos said that safety was one of her key priorities and that is why SafeWork is stepping up their compliance and education efforts.
“From today until the end of July, SafeWork NSW inspectors will visit upwards of 600 workplaces to conduct compliance safety checks and provide the necessary support,” Ms Petinos said.
“Our message today is clear – think about safety before you operate a forklift, check the area is clear of pedestrians, the load is secure and you have enough room to use the forklift safely.
“Inspectors will also be issuing fines for safety breaches if businesses and drivers are caught doing the wrong thing but will also be building strong working relationships to embed a culture of forklift safety.”
The Forklift Safety Project has been running since June 2021 with efforts stepped up since March this year.
For further information on forklift safety, including a fact sheet, visit: www.safework.nsw.gov.au/hazards-a-z/forklifts
07 June 2022
TRUCKLOADS OF FLOOD DEBRIS REMOVED
HIGH tech eyes in the sky and people on the ground getting their hands dirty after the NSW Floods have seen the clean-up work to remove storm and flood debris from the Hawkesbury River produce extraordinary results.
07 June 2022
CATCH PUBLIC TRANSPORT TO CHEER ON BLUES
ABOUT 80,000 NRL fans are expected at Sydney Olympic Park to watch defending champions the NSW Blues take on the Queensland Maroons in the opening State of Origin match at Accor Stadium on Wednesday, June 8.
Featured
05 June 2022
COMMENT: WHAT (Western Sydney) WOMEN WANT
Will this new government do better?
AMANDA ROSE
A NEW prime minister has been swept into power on the promise to do politics better, but what will Anthony Albanese deliver to the women of western Sydney?
