ADDITIONAL PUBLIC HOLIDAY
THURSDAY, 22 September has been declared a public holiday in NSW under section 5 of the Public Holidays Act 2010.
The day coincides with the National Memorial Service in Canberra to commemorate Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II’s remarkable life and dedication to service.
NSW Health has encouraged all local health districts to retain as much of their planned elective surgery as possible, subject to staff availability.
Shops and retailers can trade as they normally would on other public holidays such as Australia Day or New Year’s Day, however, for banks and other financial institutions it will be a “bank close day” under the Retail Trading Act 2008.
For employers and employees the provisions of the Fair Work Act 2009 that deal with working on public holidays will apply; www.fairwork.gov.au/employment-conditions/public-holidays
PIPELINE UPDATE
I encourage landholders and interested community members to participate in a series of community drop-in information sessions this week on the Hunter Gas Pipeline.
Santos acquired the project in August and is working to finalise the exact location of the pipeline and the permanent easement taking into consideration potential construction issues, landholder feedback and preferences, and environmental considerations.
Information sessions will be held: Monday 19 September, 2-6pm at Mercure Monte Pio;
Tuesday 8am-Noon at Charbonnier Motor Inn, Singleton and 2-6pm at Muswellbrook Workers Club.
Wednesday 21 September at Scone RSL Club 8am-Noon then Quirindi RSL 2-6pm.
To RSVP call 1300 427546 or email info@huntergaspipeline.com.au with your name, contact details and session you are interested in attending.
REPORT, DON’T PAY
The topic may be sensitive, however, the NSW Police Force does take sexual extortion seriously and encourages victims to report their experience.
Sexual extortion is a form of blackmail where someone threatens to share intimate personal images online unless demands for money, more intimate images or sexual favours are met.
NSW Police warns there are consequences because the recording or capture, distribution, as well as the threat to record or distribute, an intimate image is against the law in NSW.
Remember, it is not your fault, you are not alone and you have not done anything wrong - please call the Police Assistance Line on 131444 or attend your local police station.
LICENCE CHECK
Registered heavy vehicle operators can now better manage driver behaviour and improve road safety after being allowed to access their drivers demerit points balance.
Transport for NSW has worked closely with the heavy vehicle industry and listened to calls for a clearer system to help both operators and drivers carry out their work safely.
It is also timely to remind all road users that they have an important part to play in preventing crashes involving heavy vehicles, by giving heavy vehicles plenty of space, staying out of blind spots and exercising patient.
A driver must voluntarily consent to the release of personal information before an operator can access a drivers’ demerit points record.
For more about the Heavy Vehicle Operator Safety Information Program (HVOSIP) visit Transport for NSW; https://roads-waterways.transport.nsw.gov.au/business-industry/heavy-vehicles/schemes-programs/hvosip.html.
MOBILE SERVICE VISITS
The Service NSW Mobile Service Centre visits Quirindi early next week.
Quirindi train station car park is the location on Monday 26 September, 12-4pm, and Tuesday, 9-11am.
Clarence Town residents can expect a visit from the mobile service on Wednesday, 5 October, 10am-3pm.
The Service NSW team can provide support across a broad range of services
including NSW Fitness to Drive Medical Assessments and Mobility Parking Applications, processing RSA and RCG cards as well as application and renewal of Working with Children Checks.
Commonwealth Concession Card holder can get free RATs at Service NSW mobile service centres until 31 October.
For further information Service NSW mobile locations visit www.service.nsw.gov.au/msc, or call 13 77 88.
SENIORS DIARY NOTES
Seniors, save the date and get ready to celebrate with dates announced for the 2022 Christmas Concert and the 2023 Seniors Festival.
The NSW Seniors Christmas Concerts are scheduled for 13 December with the venue yet to be announced but you will also be able watch online.
The 2023 Premier's Gala Concerts and NSW Seniors Festival Expo are set for 2-3 February with hundreds of events across metropolitan and regional NSW to celebrate.
For event information, social media links and an e-newsletter head to: www.nsw.gov.au/seniors-festival
HERITAGE GRANTS
Applications are open for $5 million in funding support available through the 2023-2025 NSW Heritage Grants program.
The Heritage Grants are all about revitalising some of our most meaningful places in NSW, and preserving them for our future generations
The six categories include the new Activating State Heritage Grant, Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Grants, Caring for State Heritage Grants, Community Heritage Grants, Emergency Works Grants to help address emergency situations at state significant sites and the Local Government Heritage Grants program designed for NSW local councils.
For more information, including guidelines and applications, visit the Heritage NSW website: www.heritage.nsw.gov.au/grants/.
RURAL WOMEN’S AWARD
Applications are open until 19 October for the 2023 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award.
Now is the time to nominate an inspiring, rural warrior who is making a difference and creating a positive impact.
Erin Williams of Livestock Guardian Dogs of Australia, Aberdeen was one of five of rural NSW’s most innovative and inspiring women celebrated at Parliament House, Canberra earlier this month at a ceremony for the 2022 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award.
The NSW Government is committed to supporting women with the Rural Women’s Network now within Women NSW in the Department of Premier and Cabinet.
For more awards information visit: www.agrifutures.com.au.
PROGRAM EXPANDS
A program which will create more opportunities for Aboriginal people to benefit from education, training and employment in the NSW public service and local government agencies has been expanded.
The Elsa Dixon Aboriginal Employment Grants aims to provide more tangible and meaningful pathways for Aboriginal people.
The 2022-23 NSW Budget allocation allows the program to expand and support 250 school-based Apprentices and Trainees and more than 20 permanent, temporary or post-high school roles.
For more information about the grants and how to apply visit; https://education.nsw.gov.au/skills-nsw/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-peoples/elsa-dixon-aboriginal-employment-grant#How2
YOUTH SCHOLARSHIPS
The future goals of some of the state’s most vulnerable young people are a step closer to being achieved through the NSW Government’s Youth Development Scholarships program.
Eligible students from Years 10-12 or the TAFE equivalent can apply for the $1,000 scholarships.
To be eligible students must live in social housing or be on the housing register, receiving private rental subsidy from Department of Communities and Justice, or living in supported accommodation or out-of-home care.
For more information on how to apply, visit Youth Development Scholarships
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