Snippets

NSW Government Steps Up Covid-19 Support For Vulnerable Communities

The NSW Government will provide free Rapid Antigen Tests to vulnerable communities and expand its existing program to include those accessing tests through the Federal Government’s Concessional Access Program, which is due to finish at the end of the month. Premier Dominic Perrottet said the NSW Government is committed to making sure no one is left behind and ensuring vulnerable communities have the support they need through winter.

The NSW Government has already made millions of Rapid Antigen Tests available to vulnerable communities, including multicultural communities, people with disability and their carers, homelessness services, social housing tenants, and children and young people in out-of-home care.

Minister for Families and Communities and Minister for Disability Services Natasha Maclaren-Jones said the decision to expand the program to include those currently eligible under the soon to end Federal scheme, is about keeping people safe.

If you are at a higher risk of severe illness, plan ahead. Speak to your doctor now about antiviral or other early treatment for COVID-19, so you understand your options if you test positive. If you are not at higher risk of severe illness, do a rapid antigen test unless you have arrived from overseas and have COVID-19 symptoms or your doctor tells you to have a PCR test.

Tests will be available through 210 neighbourhood and community centres located across the state. For more information and to find neighbourhood and community centres providing Rapid Antigen Tests, visit www.dcj.nsw.gov.au/rapid-tests

Letter to the Editor

Foot & mouth Disease. Very worrying Times The Prime Minister is refusing to ban travel from Bali. If we thought the previous Prime Minister made a few mistakes, this one is doing the same. He could be remembered for wiping of the livestock industry in Australia. He seems more interested in preserving Australians spending money in Bali than the devastating effect that Foot & Mouth could cause to the livestock industry. The threat of a ban being introduced might wakeup the authorities in Bali to do something. Immediate steeps needs to be taken to have all passengers at least walk through some sort of disinfecting mat and even the handing out new foot wear. Even better why aren’t passengers being checked prior to boarding planes in Bali? Is tourism more important than protecting our borders from the catastrophic disaster that will wipe out meat industry in Australia for years to come? We might think the cost of meat is high now. Wait until meat has to be importuned. The price will be far greater. Positive action need to happen now, not tomorrow or next week or until F &M is found in Australia. It’s too late then. Personally I only have a small number of livestock but the reality of having to destroy these animals would be devastating. Roy. Cowra

Applications For Creative Capital Funding Program Now Open

The NSW Government is seeking applications for cultural infrastructure projects that will benefit audiences and improve access to arts and cultural facilities across NSW.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said that local councils, not-for-profit organisations and Local Aboriginal Land Councils, should take advantage of the targeted cultural infrastructure funding and apply with ideas that will benefit the local community.

Minister for the Arts Ben Franklin said the Minor Works and Equipment Projects Round Two grants, delivered through the Creative Capital program, demonstrate the NSW Government’s commitment to invest in projects that reinforce the State’s position as the leading arts and culture hub in Australia.

Applications close on 12 midday, Monday 8 August 2022, download a copy of the guidelines at www.create.nsw.gov.au.

Bali Travellers Encouraged To BeBali Travellers Encouraged To Be Wary Of Bringing Back FMD

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has called for travellers coming back from overseas to play their part in keeping the highly contagious Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) out of Australia. Ms Cooke said FMD has never been closer to Australia – with the disease now spreading through Bali and other parts of Indonesia – and it’s critical for everyone to play their part in protecting our biosecurity.

“If you are returning from FMD infected parts of the world, the messaging is clear: do the right thing, declare where you’ve been, make sure clothes and shoes are clean and free from soil and manure and steer clear from anywhere there might be livestock for seven days upon your return.”

FMD affects all cloven-hoofed animals including cattle, sheep, goats, deer and pigs. It can be carried by live animals as well as in residual soil left on shoes, clothing and equipment.

For more information on Foot and Mouth Disease, visit: https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/animals-and-livestock/beef-cattle/health-and-disease/viral-diseases/fmd