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‘LET’S DO THIS’ CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED TO ENCOURAGE NSW TO GET VACCINATED
The NSW Government has launched the next phase of its statewide COVID-19 advertising campaign aimed at encouraging people across NSW to get vaccinated.
Minister for Digital and Customer Service Victor Dominello said the ‘Let’s Do This’ campaign was designed to encourage people to get their COVID-19 vaccinations so residents can get back to doing the things they love.
“NSW has done it tough over the last 18 months but we can’t lose sight of what we’re all aiming for, which is to open the state back up again,” Mr Dominello said.
“This ad hopes to capture what we’re working towards and the importance vaccinations play in that recovery.
“Vaccinations don’t just protect ourselves, our family, our friends and our community – they will get us back doing the things we love to do.
“Anyone that is yet to make a booking for their first vaccination can get online and book an appointment.”
The campaign includes metropolitan and regional television and newspapers, as well as radio, digital, social media and out of home advertising across NSW with material translated into 19 languages and adapted for Aboriginal media channels.
A campaign toolkit has been developed for NSW businesses to promote the initiative. Social media tiles, videos and campaign messaging is available to download here.
COVID-19 vaccines are free for everyone in Australia regardless of Medicare or visa status and are available to book at more than 2,000 locations in NSW including GPs, pharmacies, and NSW Health vaccination clinics.
For information and bookings go to: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/health-and-wellbeing/covid-19-vaccination-nsw
A map documenting NSW resident vaccination statewide by home postcode and LGA is available on NSW.gov.au. The page documents the latest case numbers, vaccination totals and statistics on coronavirus disease in NSW.
COVID-19 ECONOMIC SUPPORT MEASURES EXTENDED
The NSW Government has announced an additional $3.9 billion in funding, including $1.5 billion from the Commonwealth, as part of its COVID-19 economic support package providing ongoing assistance to businesses and individuals affected by current lockdown restrictions across the State.
This additional funding will extend the successful JobSaver program and Micro-business Grant and continue rent relief incentives.
Additional relief for businesses will also be provided with further reductions in payroll tax as well as allowing eligible businesses to defer their payroll tax payments, due from July 2021 through to December 2021, until 14 January 2022 with 12-month interest free repayment plans to be available.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said this further $3.9 billion in ongoing support would be vital to help keep businesses in business and people in jobs.
“We are giving businesses, employees and families across the State certainty they can access the financial help needed to get them through,” Mr Perrottet said.
“We know business and communities are doing it tough and this ongoing support will not only help get them through the depths of the pandemic but will also provide them with a springboard to bounce back once restrictions ease.
“We will continue to stand by businesses and individuals and provide the support needed. We will also be there on the other side as we emerge from lockdown and head towards recovery.”
The NSW Government has now committed $7.7 billion in COVID-19 support measures, with a further $3.4 billion from the Commonwealth, bringing the total assistance for businesses and individuals to more than $11 billion.
The NSW Government’s additional $3.9 billion funding commitment will provide:
Extension of JobSaver from 28 August
- Eligible businesses with a turnover between $75,000 to $250 million that continue to experience a minimum 30 per cent decline in turnover due to the Public Health Order will be eligible for payments of up to 40 per cent of their pre-COVID weekly NSW payroll
- Eligible businesses in the hospitality, tourism and recreation sectors with a turnover of more than $250 million and up to $1 billion that continue to experience the requisite decline in turnover due to the Public Health Order will be eligible to receive payments of 40 per cent of their pre-COVID weekly NSW payroll, up to $500,000 per week
- Eligible Not-for-Profit (NFP) organisations in the social support and animal welfare sectors with a turnover between $75,000 and $250 million that show a minimum 15 per cent decline in turnover will be eligible for payments of up to 40 per cent of their pre-COVID weekly NSW payroll. Eligible NFPs will be able to apply from later in September to access backdated payments.
Extension of the COVID-19 Micro-business Grant from 28 August
Eligible businesses with a turnover of more than $30,000 and less than $75,000 that continue to experience a minimum 30 per cent decline in turnover due to the Public Health Order will be eligible for a fortnightly payment of $1,500.
Extension of payroll tax deferrals and waivers
- Businesses eligible for a 2021 COVID-19 Business Grant or JobSaver with payrolls $10 million or less will be eligible for a 50 per cent reduction (waiver) in their 2021-22 payroll tax, up from 25 per cent
- All businesses will also be able to further defer payroll tax payments due from July 2021 through to December 2021. The payments will now not be due until 14 January 2022, and 12-month interest free repayment plans will become available.
Extension of support for commercial, retail, and residential landlords
- Eligible commercial and retail landlords that provide rental waivers to COVID-19 impacted tenants and have not claimed land tax relief, will be eligible for a monthly grant of up to $3,000
- Eligible residential landlords can choose between applying for land tax relief or a further payment of $1,500, taking total assistance to a maximum of $4,500 per tenancy if they agree to reduce the rent for COVID-19 impacted tenants by at least $4,500.
Minister for Digital and Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the Government would continue to prioritise the fast payment of funds to businesses.
“We’ve put on close to 500 assessors in recent weeks and refined the application process. As a result, the number of applications older than 14 days is less than one per cent,” Mr Dominello said.
“We’re continuing to tailor our financial assistance to meet the needs across NSW and working around the clock to process applications and get money into accounts as quickly as possible. To date, we’ve approved more than 300,000 business grant and seen $3.3 billion out the door.”
A new hardship panel will also assess businesses that do not qualify for COVID-19 grants, on a case-by-case basis.
For more information on the 2021 COVID-19 Support Package visit NSW.gov.au.
Support for individuals impacted by the current COVID-19 restrictions and stay-at-home orders is also available through Services Australia. For more information visit: www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/covid19.
Meanwhile, the COVID-19 Aboriginal Community Response Program opened this week providing quick response grants of up to $10,000 for Aboriginal community organisations and groups to meet the immediate health and wellbeing needs of Aboriginal people across the state.
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Don Harwin said the grants would help to provide Aboriginal communities with targeted COVID-19 information and assistance from trusted services.
“These quick response grants will help communities access local, culturally appropriate services so they are informed and supported to take actions like staying at home to reduce community transmission,” he said.
Applications for the COVID-19 Aboriginal Community Response Program are now open via Aboriginal Affairs.
SYDNEY STARS IN ABBA’S GLOBAL MUSIC RELEASE
Iconic music sensation ABBA has showcased Sydney as part of a global activation to announce the release of the band’s first new music in 38 years.
Launching the first singles off the new album, Voyage, striking avatars of ABBA stars Agnetha, Bjorn, Benny and Anni-Frid illuminated the pylons of the Sydney Harbour Bridge overnight in tandem celebration with nine other cities around the world.
Sydney joined Berlin, Cape Town, London, New York, Reykjavik, Rio, Stockholm and Tokyo in commemorating the much-anticipated album, with vision of ABBA-fied icons from each city featured in a livestream on ABBA’s official YouTube channel.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney, Stuart Ayres described the Sydney Harbour Bridge tribute as fitting recognition of ABBA as one of the world’s most enduring bands.
“Sydney is the only city in Australia to be included in the event with other great cities around the world, positioning us as Australia’s only truly global city and heart of the creative industries,” Mr Ayres said.
“Vision of the Sydney Harbour Bridge was beamed around the world to a massive audience, reminding our friends overseas to keep Sydney and NSW top-of-mind as a must-visit destination for when international borders re-open".
Sydney has held a special place in ABBA’s hearts since they visited in 1977 on their first and only tour of Australia.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled for Sydney to be part of our global album launch. Sydney has always been a special city to us and we have wonderful memories of the time we spent performing in Australia,” ABBA said.
ABBA opened their 1977 tour with a performance at the former Sydney Showground, Moore Park to an audience of 20,000. They also visited Narrabeen on the Northern Beaches, met local wildlife at Taronga Zoo and cruised the Hawkesbury River.
The Voyage Sydney activation was supported by the NSW Government through Destination NSW. Footage from the launch is available online.
Photo credit: Will Hartl
CLIA OUTLINES FOUR-PHASE PATHWAY FOR CRUISING’S REVIVAL IN AUSTRALIA
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has outlined a four-phase pathway for a careful resumption of cruising in Australia, designed to align with government plans to revive tourism and reopen borders as the country transitions its COVID-19 response.
The cruise pathway has been developed in response to the four-phase National Plan agreed to by government, which sets out key stages of reopening and the national vaccination targets that trigger them.
CLIA Managing Director Australasia Joel Katz said that aligning the industry’s pathway with the government’s national plan would help provide certainty for the more than 18,000 Australians whose jobs rely on cruising.
“This is about having plans agreed in advance so that we’re ready as conditions improve with the rising vaccination rate,” Mr Katz said.
“Almost one million people have successfully sailed in countries where cruising has already resumed, including in the US, Europe and parts of Asia.
“Cruising involves long lead-times ahead of operations, so we need a plan in place now so we can work towards reviving an industry worth more than $5 billion a year to communities around Australia.”
Key goals in the cruise industry pathway are set against each of the four phases in the National Plan and include:
- Current Phase (Vaccinate, prepare and pilot) – Agreement between governments and the cruise industry on a framework for cruising’s resumption
- Vaccination Transition Phase (approx 70% of adult population vaccinated) – Resume limited domestic-only cruises within an Australian bubble
- Consolidation Phase (≥80% of adult population vaccinated) – Achieve more extensive domestic sailings and begin carefully controlled trans-Tasman itineraries and other regional “bubble” sailings
- Post Vaccination Phase – Resume carefully controlled international itineraries from Australian ports with ongoing health protocols in place.
Read the full plan at CLIA online and view an infographic outlining each phase.
NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR 2022 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS
The search is on for the most outstanding and influential women in NSW, with nominations open for the 2022 NSW Women of the Year Awards.
Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said the annual awards played an important role in recognising inspirational women from diverse backgrounds across NSW.
“These awards are all about celebrating women who are standing up and standing out in their communities and setting a wonderful example for everyone," Mrs Taylor said.
“There are so many women from all walks of life who are spearheading positive change and inspiring others to do the same right across the state.
“The 2021 Women of the Year Awards attracted a record 373 nominations and yet we know we are really only scratching the surface.”
Categories include the Woman of Excellence, Aboriginal Woman of the Year, Aware Super NSW Community Hero of the Year, Young Woman of the Year and Regional Woman of the Year.
The One to Watch, which recognises girls aged seven to 17 who supported others through acts of courage, strength, determination or kindness is in its second year.
“The One to Watch is our way of giving a huge shout out to rising young stars who are showing strength and resilience, shining the way for others,” Mrs Taylor said.
NSW Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant, was named 2021 NSW Woman of Excellence and 2021 NSW Woman of the Year. She highlighted the continuing dedication of her peers during the pandemic.
“I am inspired by the female colleagues I work alongside every day as part of our COVID-19 response. I am surrounded by incredible intelligence, commitment, skill, compassion and determination,” Dr Chant said.
“I encourage all women to believe in themselves and their capacity to contribute.”
Nominations close on Friday 17 September and can be submitted via the Families and Communities website.
LOCK IN THE PERFECT LOCKDOWN GIFT ON THE NSW GOVERNMENT’S BUY REGIONAL WEBSITE
With stay-at-home orders currently in place across NSW, shoppers are encouraged to jump online and support regional businesses without leaving their home by checking out the myriad gifts available on the NSW Government’s Buy Regional website.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said online gift shopping was a great way to support regional businesses during the lockdown, particularly with Father’s Day just around the corner.
“We know that businesses in the bush are doing it tougher than ever with the ongoing COVID-19 situation across the state, so now is the perfect time to support our country communities by buying direct from the producers online,” Mr Barilaro said.
“During this lockdown I’ve taken the opportunity to try out new recipes and I encourage others to do the same. What better way to indulge your taste buds than with a condiment gift pack from The Other Chef, or a carefully curated beer and snack package from the Riverina Hamper Co.
“It’s no secret that Buy Regional has an impressive array of farm-fresh meat, hand-distilled spirits and unique fashion and homeware design pieces, with more than 500,000 online shoppers visiting the website since its launch in 2019.”
Mr Barilaro said Buy Regional was a win-win for Sydneysiders who could score a special present for their dad or a father figure this Father’s Day while supporting regional businesses at the same time.
“Buy Regional continues to go from strength to strength and provides critical economic stimulus to hundreds of businesses who have battled through drought, bushfires, floods and the continuing impacts of COVID-19,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Many rural towns are seeing good harvests after much needed rains across the state over the last year, but in the face of the pandemic they still need your support, and there’s no better way to help regional businesses than by giving them your business.”
To register your regional business or to lock in the perfect lockdown gift, head to www.nsw.gov.au/buyregional.
ACKNOWLEDGING THE IMPORTANCE OF COUNTRY IN A NEW HARBOUR WALK
Yananurala is the new name for a walk that will share Aboriginal perspectives of place through artworks and installations along the Sydney Harbour foreshore.
The 9km curated walk along Sydney Harbour will take visitors on a unique journey on Gadigal Country from Pirrama (Pyrmont) to Woolloomooloo.
Devised by Wiradjuri curator Emily McDaniel (pictured), Yananurala will include audio and text-based installations that highlight the historical and cultural significance of places along the harbour foreshore.
The walk will also interpret new and old Aboriginal stories and perspectives through public artworks at Pirrama (Pyrmont), Barangaroo, Ta-ra (Dawes Point), Warrane (Circular Quay) and Woolloomooloo.
“The walk is an Acknowledgement of Country in its truest, most ancient form,” Ms McDaniel said.
“As you walk the shoreline, interact with public art and stories, hear whispers of language and place your feet in the water, you are introducing yourself to this Country so that it will remember you. This is about you seeing what we see, feeling what we feel and hearing what we hear.”
Major public artworks will interpret the intersection between Country, water and astronomy and honour Aboriginal people’s relationship with them, highlight the site where Patyegarang gifted the Sydney Aboriginal language to William Dawes and recognise the resilience and enduring presence of Aboriginal communities.
The name Yananurala is from the Gadigal language and translates to Walking on Country. Combining two Gadigal words, yana (walk) and nura (Country), the la adds an instruction: ‘So, you go walk Country!’
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said: “The City is committed to re-balancing the work of previous Australian governments, at all levels, by developing ways to make the world’s oldest continuing culture a visible and tangible presence in our City.
“Our plans for a 9km walk along the harbour foreshore will help further recognise Aboriginal spirituality and enduring presence, cultural heritage and contemporary expression in a prominent and creative way.”
Yananurala is part of the City of Sydney’s Eora Journey program, curated by Hetti Perkins, to recognise the heritage and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the public domain. It is delivered by the City’s public art program, City Art.
NSW GOVERNMENT LEADS THE WAY WITH LEADERSHIP BOOM IN REGIONAL NSW
Up to 900 senior leadership roles within the NSW Government will be based across regional NSW to ensure critical decisions which affect the bush are made by people who live and work in the communities they serve.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said the NSW Government had committed to maintaining and growing the size of the public sector workforce in regional NSW, committing to targets for senior leadership roles to be based in regional NSW by 2025.
“Earlier this year I committed to increasing the number of regionally based roles in the public sector, and today I am proud to announce all NSW Government departments are on board and will place key jobs in the bush,” Mr Barilaro said.
“The Public Service in NSW should reflect NSW, and that means having leaders spread across the State – not just in Parramatta and the Sydney CBD.
“This means decisions about classroom resources will be informed by people whose children are enrolled in local schools, it means decisions about hospital upgrades will be informed by people whose family and friends rely on those facilities.
“Locating these senior positions in the bush will provide locals with the opportunity to directly shape their future and make a difference, without having to relocate themselves to Sydney to take up a senior position.
“Larger pay packets in regional areas also mean more money spent in regional communities and that helps local business owners pay their staff, it creates growth for local goods and services and brings more money and opportunities to the bush.
“Regional NSW is the engine room of the state’s economy, home to one-third of the state’s population and deserving of fair representation at the highest levels of Government.”
The Department of Regional NSW was formed in 2020 to better support regional communities, businesses and farmers and provide them with a louder voice within Government.
The NSW Government's Regionalisation Strategy aims to increase the number of leadership positions on the ground in regional areas, promote local decision making and deliver more senior job opportunities for regional employees.
ARCHIBALD PRIZE 2021 ANZ PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD WINNER ANNOUNCED
Two-time Archibald Prize finalist Julia Ciccarone has been awarded the 2021 ANZ People’s Choice award for her self-portrait The sea within, painted at home during the 2020 Melbourne lockdown in response to ‘radical changes affecting culture and nature’.
Based in Alphington, Victoria, the artist painted herself lying barefoot, with wet hair and clutching paint brushes in her hand, wrapped in a blanket from her childhood, and resting her head on a suitcase her father brought to Australia from Italy when he migrated in the 1950s.
Ciccarone said she was humbled and astounded to have received this year’s ANZ People’s Choice award.
“When I painted this work, life was intense and overwhelming. It’s hard to believe that we are still experiencing times of great uncertainty, more than a year on. I believe we share in a collective trauma. But the ocean – which features large in my life and art – is my healing place,” Ms Ciccarone said.
“Water is a universal symbol of the unconscious mind. Whenever I dive into the ocean, I am diving into my own subconscious, awake and aware.
“It brings me great joy to know that so many people connected with my work.”
Art Gallery of NSW director Michael Brand said Ciccarone’s moving portrait was the favourite among visitors to the Archibald Prize exhibition and the 360-degree immersive virtual visit in the 100th year of the renowned prize.
“Always a highlight of the Archibald Prize, the ANZ People’s Choice award is an opportunity for our visitors to cast their vote and tell us which work speaks to them the most,” Mr Brand.
“Julia Ciccarone is an accomplished painter whose highly detailed work immediately struck a chord with audiences. Her depiction of vulnerability in a time of uncertainty continues to resonate as we once again navigate life in lockdown and seek both solace and shared connections through art.”
Due to the extension of the Greater Sydney lockdown until 30 September, the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes 2021 exhibition will not reopen in Sydney. All Archibald Prize 2021 finalists can be viewed on the Art Gallery website and the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes 2021 exhibition can be experienced via the 360-degree immersive virtual visit as part of the Archie at Home suite of digital content.
$10 MILLION UPGRADE FOR PENRITH’S TENCH RESERVE
New pathways, riverside seating and an amphitheatre for concerts and festivals are part of a $10 million upgrade to a waterfront reserve in Penrith. Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the work in Tench Reserve, located on the Nepean River, could now begin. “One of my goals as Minister for Public Spaces is to create a city within a park, and this means we need a Green – and Blue – Grid to link our parks together. The upgrade to Tench Reserve is the type of project needed to realise this goal. As part of the wonderful Parks for People program, it’s a park for people, by people,” Mr Stokes said. Member for Penrith and Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said: “The upgrade to this 14-hectare park will connect the Nepean River to Nepean Parklands with new pathways, seating, an improved wharf and an amphitheatre to support major events such as the annual Real Festival.” Construction is expected to start later this year and be completed at the end of 2022.
MISSING EASTERN SUBURBS CYCLING LINK ON THE WAY
Cyclists will soon be able to ride safely from Sydney’s east to the CBD, with work now underway on new pathways through Queens Park. Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the new bike and pedestrian paths along Darley Road would form a critical link in the active transport network. “This project will be welcome news to the many people who visit Centennial Parklands or cycle from the east to the CBD as their journey will no longer be along a goat track on the edge of the park," Mr Stokes said. The works are the result of collaboration between Transport for NSW, Greater Sydney Parklands, and Randwick and Waverley councils. Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said: “This is a fantastic active transport link that will make the journey between the eastern suburbs and the CBD much safer, and will also attract new cyclists.” Project details can be found on the Centennial Parklands website.
COMMENCEMENT OF BUSHFIRE DANGER PERIOD FOR COASTAL NSW
The Bushfire Danger Period for Coastal NSW commenced this week including 21 Local Government Areas (LGAs). This brings the total number of LGAs currently experiencing heightened bush fire risk to 27 across NSW. Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said: “We remind the communities entering their Bushfire Danger Period that they now have additional responsibilities and must obtain the required approvals before lighting any fires and ensure they have adequate firefighting resources on hand." LGAs that entered Bushfire Danger Period this week were: Muswellbrook, Singleton, Mid-Coast, Port Macqurie-Hastings, Clarence Valley, Ballina, Byron, Tweed, Nambucca, Kempsey, Bellingen, Coffs Harbour, Lismore, Richmond Valley, Kyogle, Gunnedah, Liverpool Plains, Upper Hunter, Bega Valley, Eurobodalla and Shoalhaven. Remaining areas of NSW are scheduled to commence their Bushfire Danger Period on 1 October 2021.
NATIONAL FLAG DAY TODAY
Australian National Flag Day today, Friday 3 September, is an opportunity for individuals, community organisations, local authorities, businesses and schools to celebrate with pride the anniversary of the Australian National Flag. Australian National Flag Day, proclaimed in 1996 as a national day, celebrates the first time the flag was flown on 3 September 1901. On that day Prime Minister Edmund Barton announced the winners of a competition to design a flag for Australia. At that time the flag was known as the Commonwealth blue ensign; later, the flag became known as the Australian National Flag. All Australians are encouraged to fly or display the Australian National Flag to celebrate Australian National Flag Day today.
NSW CALLS FOR EAST COAST AGRICULTURE LABOUR TASK FORCE TO BE ESTABLISHED
As NSW and Australian agricultural sectors grapple with critical labour shortages, ahead of a predicted record harvest season, Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall has called for an overhaul of the country’s approach to seasonal work. Mr Marshall declared his intent to work closely with the Queensland, Victorian and Tasmanian Governments to establish an East Coast Agriculture Labour Task Force. “The NSW Government is committed to stronger primary industries, a sector which is key to the food security of Australia and beyond, but the issues impacting labour availability need to be tackled now," Mr Marshall said. The Task Force would identify opportunities to provide flexibility in the Commonwealth Pacific Mobility Programs to access workers and their movements within and across jurisdictions among other objectives. For more information, visit the Department of Primary Industries.
REBUILDING FIRE-DAMAGED FAUNA HOMES
World-first technology is being used to rebuild natural habitats destroyed by bushfires, creating more than 800 new hollows that will provide displaced animals with a space to nest and roost for an accumulated 56,000 years. The 2019/20 bushfires destroyed 5.5 million hectares of tree hollows that possums, gliders, micro-bats and birds use for breeding, shelter and protection. The NSW Government has invested $165,000 to carve tree hollows using ‘Hollowhog’, a new tool that has minimal impact on the health and integrity of the tree, and is faster and less invasive than the alternative chainsaw method. The Hollowhog is an invention by Transport for NSW Environment Officer and conservation biologist Matt Stephens.
