Editors Picks
15 December 2023
NSW BANS ENGINEERED STONE
NSW will prohibit the use, supply and manufacture of engineered stone from July 1, 2024.
NSW joined most other states and territories in agreeing to ban the dangerous product by the middle of next year.
The decision was made after careful consideration of the Safe Work Australia Decision Regulatory Impact Statement which found there was no safe level of silica in engineered stone.
Rates of silicosis and silica related diseases in Australian workers have risen substantially in recent years, with a disproportionate number of diagnoses among engineered stone workers.
SafeWork NSW will continue its work ensuring compliance with work health and safety requirements including site visits and issuing penalties to any operator who is non-compliant.
Early this year, NSW passed tough new laws to double penalties on any employer illegally exposing their workers to silica dust.
The WHS Ministers also agreed today to task Safe Work Australia with further work to strengthen regulations.
Ministers will meet again in March 2024 to finalise the details of the implementation of the ban on the use of engineered stone, including the regulation of legacy products and transitional arrangements for contracts entered before today.
Featured
10 December 2023
KIDSWEST DONATES FOR CHRISTMAS
Supporting hospital children in need
THE youngest and smallest patients at Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals (BMDH) will benefit from medical supplies and equipment thanks to the generous donation from local children’s charity KidsWest.
Featured
29 November 2023
OPEN DAY FOR WOMEN IN TRADES
Cumberland empowering women in new careers
CUMBERLAND Council is encouraging women to Trade Up to a Better Future – at the Try a Trade Discovery Day.
CUMBERLAND Council is encouraging women to Trade Up to a Better Future – at the Try a Trade Discovery Day.
18 November 2023
MACCAS MINCHINBURY CELEBRATES REOPENING
MCDONALDS Australia has completed a $3.6M renovation on its Minchinbury restaurant as part of its national commitment to open 100 new restaurants and remodel half of its existing restaurants by the end of 2025. McDonald’s Minchinbury includes a brand-new exterior, dining room, dedicated partner delivery room and PlayPlace, as well as a newly positioned front counter and McCafé to enhance the customer experience and operational efficiencies. It is also fully equipped with LED lighting and solar panels, and features wheel stops containing recycled materials in the car park. McDonald’s Minchinbury will celebrate the reopening on McHappy Day on Saturday, 18 November, with balloon twisting and face painting from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Batman and his Batmobile from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, activities and crafts corner, fire brigade and police car, and giveaways and raffle prizes.
15 November 2023
237 NEW CITIZENS WELCOMED TO THE HILLS SHIRE
237 people took the final step in their journey to becoming Australian citizens at a ceremony at The Hills Shire Council recently. The ceremony was held on Australian Citizenship Day, making the day even more special for the Hills Shire’s newest citizens. First established in 2001, Australian Citizenship Day allows all Australians to consider the meaning of Australian citizenship and their responsibilities and privileges as citizens. Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Peter Gangemi reflected on the day’s significance. “It was particularly special to welcome The Hills Shire’s newest citizens, who have come from all corners of the world on this meaningful day, which unites all Australians,” Mayor Gangemi said. The newest Australian citizens in The Hills came from 36 countries throughout the world including India, China, Iran, Pakistan, South Africa, Egypt and the United Kingdom.
Featured
09 November 2023
TELSTRA UPGRADES PAY PHONES
Backup for communities affected by disaster
TELSTRA has announced it will upgrade local services and provide new equipment to help disaster-affected communities, in preparation for bushfire season.
TELSTRA has announced it will upgrade local services and provide new equipment to help disaster-affected communities, in preparation for bushfire season.
Featured
30 October 2023
HAWKESBURY-NEPEAN FLOOD UPGRADES
Evacuation routes funded over 10 years
THE NSW Government is investing $200 million over the next two years to develop and deliver major evacuation routes in the flood-prone Hawkesbury-Nepean.
