Editors Picks
02 December 2024
PENRITH BEACH WILL REOPEN FOR SUMMER SWIMMING
THE NSW Labor Government has confirmed, on Saturday December 7, Penrith Beach will be reopen for summer, providing access to a swimming spot for locals and visitors to cool down, relax and swim.
More than 215,000 people visited Penrith Beach from December 19 2023 to Anzac Day 2024, and this summer’s swim season promises to be bigger and better with upgraded accessible facilities for beachgoers.
The NSW Government invested $2.5M to fund amenities and staffing for a second year, to make sure locals and visitors can soak up stunning views of the Blue Mountains while enjoying a dip at this unique Western Sydney swimming spot.
Beachgoers travelling to Penrith Beach will not need to book parking with more than 300 parking spaces available this year.
Penrith Beach operating hours will be from 10am to 7pm, commencing Saturday, December 7 and will be open every day including Christmas through to Sunday, April 27 2025.
Water safety remains the top priority this summer with trained lifeguards from Surf Life Saving Australia on duty to patrol the beach and offer first aid services to visitors. The Royal Life Saving Society will also patrol the beach and lead community education and learn-to-swim opportunities.
In addition to reopening as a swim spot there will be further activations at the site over the course of the summer.
For more information, including hours of operation and available programs, www.nsw.gov.au/visiting-and-exploring-nsw/penrith-beach
30 November 2024
UNCLAIMED MONEY: ARE YOU ON THE REGISTER?
The NSW Government’s unclaimed money system has been updated and streamlined, making it easier for people to claim their share of $638M currently in the fund.
The unclaimed money register holds overpayments, refunds, dividends, uncashed cheques, NSW Public Sector superannuation and other money owed to individuals who can’t be tracked down.
Revenue NSW has launched a new system to help reduce the barriers required to make a claim.
By allowing for streamlined ID checks through a Service NSW account, a new system to easily upload any required documentation, and a new feature which tracks application status, it’s hoped that even more money can be returned.
In 2023-24, more than $22.3M was returned to individuals, a 59% increase on 2022-23, and the highest on record. Since 1 July 2014, more than $161M has been returned.
Revenue NSW also undertakes extensive work to proactively identify individuals who may have unclaimed money. In 2023-24, it sent 12,407 letters alerting them to possible claims and assisting them with the process.
Updates to the unclaimed money system also include a new portal to enable enterprises to provide better quality data to Revenue NSW. This will streamline the process for claimants to find any money owed to them.
So far this financial year, $63.1M has been sent to Revenue NSW, bringing the unclaimed money fund to a total of $638 million. This includes $268M claimable by residents of NSW. The average amount available to claim is $370.
In metropolitan Sydney, residents of the City and the Inner South have the most to claim with $46.6M (an average amount of $541), followed by North Sydney and Hornsby $29.5M (an average amount of $389).
In regional NSW, residents of Newcastle and Lake Macquarie have $8.2M to claim (an average amount of $329), while residents of the Illawarra can claim $6.5M (an average amount of $276).
It’s free to search the unclaimed money register, and Revenue NSW does not charge any commission on successful claims. Once the necessary documentation has been provided and confirmed by Revenue NSW, funds are sent to the individual within 28 days.
For more information on unclaimed money and to search the new register, people can visit the Revenue NSW: Click here
30 November 2024
WSU SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE FLEEING CONFLICT
WESTERN Sydney University is taking steps to expand humanitarian efforts to support Palestinian, Lebanese, Ukrainian and other people fleeing conflict and seeking refuge in Australia.
The University will provide financial support through additional scholarships, increasing the number of full scholarships funded through dedicated campaigns to ensure education is accessible to those who need it most.
Vice-Chancellor Professor George Williams said education has the power to transform lives.
“Through tailored pathways, financial assistance, and holistic support, we’re here to guide people towards achieving their academic and personal goals,” said Professor Williams.
“Western Sydney University provides a safe and inclusive environment where individuals can build a brighter future.”
Welfare Officers at the university will work with prospective students to develop personalised education plans and provide tailored support for unique circumstances.
From English language programs to courses that prepare students for higher education, the university provides practical tools and resources to help students transition to university life and Australian society.
The university’s support extends beyond educational needs, offering referrals for visa assistance, employment and accommodation support, and settlement resources.
“It’s more than just education, it’s about getting to know people and their circumstances while discussing available opportunities to set them up for success,” said Professor Williams.
25 November 2024
HILLS PRECINCTS REDUCED BUT MAYOR UNIMPRESSED
THE people of Sydney’s north-west have spoken, with the NSW Government significantly scaling down their proposal for the Bella Vista and Kellyville Transport Oriented Development (TOD) precincts.
The Bella Vista and Kellyville Precincts already have capacity for 22,576 dwellings and the originally exhibited plans identified a further 20,700 additional homes beyond this. In the finalised plans, this has been reduced to an additional 4,600 homes.
However it wasn’t all good news for Sydney’s north-west, with Mayor of The Hills Shire Dr Michelle Byrne warning that the NSW Government’s updated proposal was half-baked, did nothing to address longstanding infrastructure concerns and that the exhibition period should be re-opened so residents could have their say.
“While I’m glad the NSW Government’s absurd original proposal has been scaled down, we need to know why all housing growth on the Blacktown side has disappeared and the additional growth has actually doubled on the Hills side,” Mayor Byrne said.
25 November 2024
SCHOOLS GROUP TARGETS SCHOOL BULLYING
THE NSW Schools Advisory Council will convene in December to develop a statewide approach to bullying, supported by the NSW Government's advocacy for national action. Representing over 3,120 schools, the council aims to ensure safe school environments by addressing bullying's root causes and standardising responses. Initiatives include banning mobile phones, recruiting counsellors, revising curricula on respectful relationships, and launching anti-cyberbullying resources, underscoring the commitment to improved student wellbeing
25 November 2024
WHY INFECTIONS MAY HIT DARK AGES LEVELS
WORLD Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week highlights the urgent threat of drug-resistant infections, which could return healthcare to the "dark ages." AMA President Dr. Danielle McMullen warns of life-threatening, untreatable infections and predicts AMR may cause 50 million deaths annually by 2050. She stresses careful antibiotic prescribing, research investment, and global coordination, urging Australia to lead efforts against AMR through its Australian Centre for Disease Control and a unified national strategy.
25 November 2024
WORKFORCE STREET NEEDS ATTENTION SAYS AMA
THE Australian Medical Association (AMA) emphasises the need for an adequately resourced workforce to reduce suicide rates in Australia. AMA President Dr. Danielle McMullen highlights critical shortages in psychiatrists, psychologists, and other mental health professionals, particularly in rural areas. The AMA urges government investment in the psychiatry workforce, multi-disciplinary teams, and mental health services. Improved data collection and coordination are also essential for effective suicide prevention and policy development
