Editors Picks
30 October 2024
BURNOUT RATES A WORRY IN THIS SECTOR
PALLIATIVE Care Australia’s national workforce survey reveals rising burnout, with 44% of palliative care and 41% of aged care workers experiencing it frequently. Only 47% are satisfied with their mental health, and 46% with their physical health. However, 85% are keen on further training. CEO Camilla Rowland emphasizes the need for ongoing support to manage the emotional demands of end-of-life care. More insights will be released, with self-care resources available on PCA’s website.
30 October 2024
DEMENTIA A LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH
NEW ABS data reveals dementia is poised to become Australia’s leading cause of death, accounting for 9.1% of deaths in 2023, just behind ischaemic heart disease. Dementia remains the top cause of death for women and is now the leading cause in NSW, SA, and the ACT. With 421,000 Australians living with dementia, numbers are expected to double by 2054. Dementia Australia urges public health efforts to prevent cases and improve support for those affected.
30 October 2024
SCHEME ALLOWS FOR EASIER MEDIATION
A NEW Lawyer Mediator Accreditation Scheme (LMA Scheme) will help people resolve disputes outside of court by allowing them to select legally qualified mediators. Law Society of NSW President Brett McGrath emphasised that lawyer mediators offer unique analytical skills and subject matter expertise. The scheme sets rigorous training standards and requires ongoing professional development. It aims to provide a dignified, cost-effective alternative to court litigation, ensuring mediators adhere to strict ethical obligations.
30 October 2024
SPENDING MORE ON CHRISTMAS CHEER
THE opening of suburban pop-up Christmas stores for 2024 is reviving the tradition of holiday decorating. Despite rising living costs, Christmas Warehouse's Retail Manager, Naomi Ramirez, anticipates families will spend a bit more on festive cheer. With stable prices amid inflation, the stores offer a wide selection of Christmas trees and decorations. Ramirez predicts trends like Grinch themes and pink decor will be popular this year. Families are encouraged to visit early for the best selection.
30 October 2024
BLUE MOUNTAINS WOMAN WINS BIG
A BLUE Mountains woman has declared she’s ready to weather any storm after discovering she bagged $200,000 in a recent Lucky Lotteries Mega Jackpot draw.
The resident scored the 1st Prize in Lucky Lotteries Mega Jackpot draw 1689, drawn on October 18, 2024 and pocketed $200,000. The winning woman shared she had been bracing for a storm when the unexpected winning call swept in, instantly brightening her day.
“Oh my god. Oh my god. That’s beautiful! That’s wonderful!” she cheered.
“I can help my family! We can have a better Christmas this year. Oh, I’m going to cry. You know, things are tough at the moment and a lot of people in my family could do with some help.
“Thank you very much! This is so thrilling. We’ve been expecting a big storm, so I’ve been preparing for that. I’m going to have a lovely day now, storm or no storm!
“Now my mind is wandering. I’m still thinking about Christmas. I can get the family extra presents, and we can enjoy a lovely lunch with all the nice sweets.
“I think I will buy them some Lucky Lotteries tickets and spread the luck. Thank you so much. This has made my day.”
Her winning entry of six random numbers was purchased from Katoomba Newsagency, Shop 1 101, Katoomba Street, Katoomba.
Katoomba Newsagency owner Simar Singh said he and the team were overjoyed to sell a 1st Prize winning entry.
“It’s incredible news. We’re absolutely delighted to be a part of someone’s win!” he said.
18 October 2024
ICAC BRINGS OUTEACH PROGRAM TO WESTERN SYDNEY
THE NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) will conduct a series of educational and information events over the next two weeks as part of an outreach program that will return to Western Sydney for the first time in 16 years.
A highlight of the visit will be a discussion with ICAC Chief Commissioner the Hon John Hatzistergos AM and Commissioner the Hon Helen Murrell SC, who will address approximately 118 guests, mostly public officials, at a special forum in Parramatta on Thursday morning October 24, 2024.
Chief Commissioner Hatzistergos said outreach programs are an important way for the Commission to connect with NSW public officials and communities.
“Western Sydney is a fast-growing region. It is not only home to an increasing number of residents, and a vibrant social and cultural area, but is also the location of several State Government agencies and local councils,” Chief Commissioner Hatzistergos said.
“The Commission is keen to share information with public officials and others in Western Sydney about the work and functions of the ICAC and the role – and in some cases obligations – that they have in helping to raise awareness and report suspected corrupt conduct.”
Workshops scheduled for this visit include corruption prevention for managers, which focuses on developing an understanding of the nature of corruption, how and why it occurs, and what managers can do to prevent it; corruption prevention in procurement and contract management, which aims to assist managers and staff responsible for procurement to identify where systems weaknesses and corruption opportunities may lie; and corruption prevention in the NSW planning system, which will assist officers involved in assessing property development and rezoning applications and related certification to identify and manage the corruption risks associated with these activities.
There will also be a fact finder workshop, to assist public officials with little or no investigative experience who may be required to conduct an internal fact-finding investigation, and a workshop for electorate office staff located in the area. A session for returning and newly-elected councillors will also be conducted as part of the visit.
This ICAC program has been in place since 2001 and mainly comprises about two visits per year throughout rural and regional NSW. The last visit to Western Sydney was based in Rooty Hill in 2008.
Featured
05 October 2024
BUSHFIRE SEASON MENTAL HEALTH CONCERNS
CEO urges people to seek support
WENTWORTH Healthcare, the provider of the Nepean Blue Mountains Primary Health Network, is encouraging the community to prepare their mental wellbeing, as well as their homes, for the upcoming bushfire season.
