Editors Picks
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
25 November 2024
HELPING A LOVES ONE'S ALCOHOL/DRUG ABUSE
AN Alcohol and Drug Foundation survey revealed that 64% of Australians worried about a loved one’s alcohol or drug use feel unsure about how to provide support. Nearly 60% struggle to initiate conversations, and 45% don’t know where to seek help for their loved ones. Barriers include stigma, embarrassment, and lack of privacy. CEO Dr. Erin Lalor stressed the importance of early intervention, reducing stigma, and improving access to support tools like Path2Help and the National Alcohol and Drug Hotline. If a person is concerned about their own, or a family or friend’s alcohol or other drug use, they can call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015 or Family Drug Support Australia on 1300 368 186. People can also visit www.adf.org.au for a range of help and support resources
18 November 2024
BEER BATTLE FINDS PEACE THANKS TO LOCAL MP
AFTER years of demand for full-strength beer to be served at the footy, fans will soon have even more to cheer for when attending events at Accor and CommBank stadiums in Western Sydney.
Currently, fans attending these venues in Western Sydney can only buy mid-strength beer, while fans at the Sydney Cricket Ground and Allianz Stadium in Moore Park and the grandstand seating areas at Wollongong’s WIN Stadium can buy full strength beer.
Events longer than three hours including cricket matches tend to have different arrangements.
NSW Member for Riverstone, Warren Kirby recently launched a campaign to change this, calling out how unfair this “East versus West” divide is.
Following Mr Kirby's campaign, Venues NSW will soon offer full-strength beer as part of a new six-month trial across the three stadiums for the start of the 2025 NRL season.
The trial will be in place for match days of three hours or less, with full-strength beer to be available in general public areas.
This trial will provide fans with better variety with full-strength, mid-strength, light and zero alcohol options available during this six-month trial.
The success of the trial will be determined following consultation with NSW Police, liquor authorities, sport and entertainment partners and feedback from fans.
NSW Police will continue to work closely with the venues during this trial period to ensure the responsible service of alcohol (RSA) and RSA marshals will continue to be stationed at all outlets that serve alcohol in the Venues NSW network.
Patrons are also reminded that if you’re looking to drink alcohol you must not drive. Attendees of major events are encouraged to make appropriate travel arrangements, to always have a Plan B and to make the most of public transport included with all event tickets.
“This brew-haha is not about the strength of beer, it’s about fairness - people living in Western Sydney should be treated with the same respect as those in the Eastern suburbs," Mr Kirby said.
“It’s past time commonsense prevailed and people in Sydney’s West are treated the same as those the East.”
