Monday, November 30, 2020
Sunday, November 29, 2020
IPART special review: How we regulate water businesses - NSW IPART
Today IPART released a paper responding to stakeholder submissions
IPART is reviewing how we regulate monopoly water businesses in NSW. This review provides an important opportunity for stakeholders to help shape the future performance of the water sector.
In this paper, we provide an update on the feedback we received from stakeholders on the Position Paper, which has helped to confirm our approach for this review.
In the New Year we will invite stakeholders to register to attend public workshops for this review.
Best Regards,
IPART Water Team
Click here for the IPART Update
Friday, November 27, 2020
Shoalhaven City Council Calls for Donations to the Annual Mayor's Giving Box this Christmas - Shoalhaven City Council - Media Release
28 November 2020
Shoalhaven City Council is encouraging residents to give to those in need by donating to the annual Mayor’s Giving Box this Christmas time.
The annual charity campaign is a partnership between Shoalhaven City Council and Stockland Nowra Shopping Centre with donated presents and funds distributed to local charities in the Shoalhaven.
This year the Mayor's Giving Box will support the following organisations Cullunghutti Aboriginal Child and Family Centre, Lyrebird Preschool, Clipper Road Children’s Centre and Salt Ministries.
Donations to the Mayor’s Giving Box can be made online on Council’s website or in-person until Sunday13 December 2020.
Unwrapped presents can be dropped off at the Mayor’s Giving Box, located between Lowes and Connor in the Stockland Nowra Shopping Centre.
Shoalhaven City Council Mayor, Amanda Findley said: “Today I'm delighted to launch the annual Mayor’s Giving Box. This year has been a particularly difficult year for some in our community and I am calling on residents who can help to donate”.
“Even a small contribution can help bring a little joy to a young child, family or an adult in need”, Clr Findley said.
“I am pleased that Stockland Nowra continues to partner with Council”, Clr Findley stated.
“I have chosen these local organisations as they support our most vulnerable within the Shoalhaven”, Clr Findley stated.
For more information on how to donate to the Mayor’s Giving Box or Mayoral Relief Fund visit Council’s website.
Image; Shoalhaven Mayor Amanda Findley (centre left) launches the Mayor's Giving Box at Stockland Nowra with charity representatives from left Sue McIntyre and Deb Unwin, ECTARC Clipper Road Children’s Centre, Peter Dover, Salt Ministries and Sharon O'Brien and Kayleen Lawrence, Lyrebird Preschool.
Thursday, November 26, 2020
Wednesday, November 25, 2020
In Your Neighbourhood - Shoalhaven City Council
One Year On
One year on, we would like to recognise the contribution, generosity and goodwill of those who came to the aid of Shoalhaven residents during the Currowan Bushfires.
Whilst it has been a challenging year, the Shoalhaven has shown it is a resilient community. We are all at different stages of recovery. Let's stay connected and committed to supporting one another.
If you need assistance, call our dedicated Bushfire Recovery Helpline on 4429 5888.
| |  Shoalhaven Community WellbeingWe are in the process of developing a Community Wellbeing Plan for the Shoalhaven. The Plan will guide Council and its partners in working to improve the wellbeing of our community over the next four years. An online survey is open to all Shoalhaven residents seeking ideas and initiatives to contribute to the plan. | |
| |  Last chance to nominateDo you know someone who has gone above and beyond in our community? Hurry, time is running out to submit a nomination for the 2021 Shoalhaven Australia Day Awards. Submit a nomination in one of five categories. Nominations close on Monday 30 November 2020. | |
| |  Entertainment Centre UpgradesThe upgrade of the region’s premier performing arts and conferencing venue include improvements to ensure building compliance, re-design of the Centre’s Encore Café & Bar to improve accessibility, and a new a loading dock shelter to increase accessibility of equipment to the venue, irrespective of weather. Upgrades to sound, lighting and audio-visual systems to enhance customer experience will also be included. The upgrade works will start from December 2020, with the Centre scheduled to reopen in May 2021. | |
| |  Shoalhaven Export Hub LaunchShoalhaven Export Hub was launched in Nowra last week after we were successful in receiving grant funding through the Australian Government’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Export Hubs Initiative. Mayor Amanda Findley was thrilled that the initiative will help Shoalhaven businesses to grow, export and increase local and regional jobs. The Hub works to break down the barriers for local business to break through into international markets and will work with businesses to build skills and know-how. | |
| |  Shoalhaven beaches safe for swimmingWith warmer months ahead, we are pleased to announce that Shoalhaven beaches are a great place to swim according to the latest State of the Beaches Report, published by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Environment. All 10 Shoalhaven beaches monitored by the testing program have excellent microbial water quality and have all been graded at the highest level as ‘Very Good’ or ‘Good’. | |
| |  Asbestos Awareness WeekRenovating at home? Check for asbestos before undertaking home improvements. Asbestos is a known carcinogen and asbestos materials are still commonly found in bathrooms, laundries, and kitchens as well as behind tiles and under flooring. If a home was built or renovated prior to 1990, there is a good chance it has some asbestos. For safe and responsible ways to handle and dispose of asbestos, see our website. | |
| |  Free Men's BBQCome along for a free BBQ and a chat for men at Mick Ryan Park in Milton at 11am this Saturday, 28 November. The Rising from the Ashes BBQ is a chance to get together and talk one year on, as our community continues to recover from last year's bushfires. RSVP to ftesta@orderofmalta.org.au | |
| |  Bendigo Bank Bushfire Recovery GrantsThe Bendigo Bank Community Bushfire Recovery Grants Program is open, and applications are invited from not-for-profit organisations to fund charitable projects that assist with community recovery in bushfire affected communities. NFP’s can apply for grants of up to $75000. | |
One month until Christmas!
This festive season choose gifts that your loved ones AND the environment will appreciate. Say Merry Christmas with something that will add to a lifetime of memories, rather than lasting a lifetime in landfill.
For sustainable Christmas gift ideas, visit our Reducing Waste page.
A Message of Hope and Resilience One Year On - Shoalhaven City Council - Media Release
26 November 2020
Today, Thursday 26 November, marks one year since the start of the Currowan Bushfires in the Shoalhaven.
Shoalhaven City Council’s Mayor, Amanda Findley said “One year on Shoalhaven City Council would like to recognise the contribution, generosity, and goodwill of those who came to the aid of Shoalhaven residents during the Currowan Bushfires”.
“There are countless residents, emergency support services, volunteer groups and community service providers, not for profits and government agencies who went above and beyond to protect our community.
Whilst it has been a challenging year the Shoalhaven has shown it is a resilient community.
And today’s message is one of hope. We have seen and continue to see extraordinary compassion and kindness shown to our community.
Let us remember to stay connected and committed to supporting one another.
For those that need assistance, we are here to help. I encourage Shoalhaven residents to access support and services by calling Council's dedicated bushfire recovery hotline on 02 4429 5888 or to visit our website for information and resources.
For those who are able to provide support, donations to the Mayoral Relief Fund are welcomed”, Clr Findley said.
The funds from the Mayoral Relief Fund have been provided to help support individuals, families and tradespeople who have been directly impacted and need it most.
Since funds have been directed to bushfire affected ratepayers and residents across the Shoalhaven in the past 8 months, over $308,000 has been given to those in need, with further funds of $114,000 to be distributed in the next few weeks.
In early March 2020, Council organised a series of Mobile Community hubs. More recently Council has supported a series of community resilience hub sessions, organised by Service NSW, to provide bushfire recovery information and support services.
Since starting in March and resuming in September, there have been over 24 sessions held across the region. These free events will continue in 2021 and are advertised on Council’s website.
More information on bushfire recovery support, including bushfire recovery support sessions, visit Council’s Get Involved page.
Image: Hand holding a yellow ribbon.
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
Upgrades to Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre Announced - Shoalhaven City Council - Media Release
25 November 2020
Shoalhaven City Council is undertaking upgrades to Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre to ensure it maintains its reputation as a state-of-the-art venue.
Plans for the upgrade of the region’s premier performing arts and conferencing venue include improvements to ensure building compliance, re-design of the Centre’s Encore Café & Bar to improve accessibility, and a new a loading dock shelter to increase accessibility of equipment to the venue, irrespective of weather.
There will also be upgrades to sound, lighting and audio-visual systems to enhance customer experience and maintain our status as the premier entertainment venue for shows and acts on the south coast.
The upgrade works will start from December 2020 with the Centre scheduled to reopen in May 2021.
Shoalhaven City Council Mayor Amanda Findley said “Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre is a valuable cultural asset to our region. Since opening in 2008 the venue has attracted world-class performances and has become essential to cultural and community life in the Shoalhaven”.
“The upgrade will ensure the Entertainment Centre maintains its reputation as a state-of-the-art facility for years to come”, Clr Findley stated.
“As COVID-19 restrictions, and border closures continue to curtail national and international touring and impact the viability of entertainment venues, Council considered this an opportune time to undertake the upgrades”, Clr Findley said.
This presented an opportune time for the 12-year-old building to undergo an upgrade.
Council has engaged local architecture firm Edmiston Jones to project manage the upgrades from their Nowra Office, with other contractors to be appointed as the project progresses.
Council expects there to be minimal impact on neighbours with noise/dust and additional worksite traffic.
The Centre’s Encore Café & Bar and meeting rooms will remain open until end of November 2020.
During the upgrade works, the Encore Café will operate a ‘pop up’ service, with al fresco dining options, from Council’s administration building foyer from Monday to Friday 8am-3pm. The café will observe Council’s seasonal shutdown from 24 December 24 2020– 4
There will be no interruption to the Nowra Visitor Information or Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre Box Office services as these will be relocated to the foyer in Council's administration building - just metres from the Entertainment Centre.
Community and customer service enquiries will continue to be managed by the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre team and Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre staff will be relocated to other Council sites during the works. Temporary signage will direct customers to the relocated services.
Some parking adjacent to the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre and the forecourt will be used to house a temporary worksite office and builders’ compound.
For more information on the upgrades visit Council’s website.
Image: Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre.
Monday, November 23, 2020
Watch out for online shopping scams this holiday season - 'ACCC 'Scamwatch'
Losses to online shopping scams have increased 42 per cent this year, and Scamwatch is warning Australians to be careful when buying gifts this holiday season.
Scamwatch has received over 12,000 reports of online shopping scams so far this year, with almost $7 million in reported losses.
“More people have been shopping online this year due to COVID-19 restrictions and scammers are now targeting people doing their Christmas shopping, including in the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales,” ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard said.
“Scammers create fake websites that look like genuine online stores, offering products at very low prices and victims will either receive a fake item or nothing at all.”
“They also post fake ads on classified websites, often claiming they are travelling and someone else will deliver the goods, but the item never arrives and the victim can no longer contact the seller.”
Losses on classified websites, such as Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree, have increased by 60 per cent this year, to $4.5 million.
Reports of online shopping scams involving consumer goods, such as shoes, phones, computers and toys, continue to be high. But the most common thing people were trying to buy when they were scammed was puppies and other pets.
People aged 24 and under reported the highest number of scams involving phones and computers.
“Watch out for popular products being sold at prices much lower than on other websites and sellers requesting payment through direct bank transfer or cryptocurrency,” Ms Rickard said.
“Take the time to consider who you are dealing with and don’t be pressured by special offers.”
“Do your research by checking independent reviews of online stores or the seller’s history on classified websites.”
Another scam to be aware of if you have made recent purchases online is fake parcel delivery notifications via text message or email.
“Australia Post will never ask you to click a link to enter your personal details, nor will they ask for credit card details or a fee to deliver your packages,” Ms Rickard said.
“If you have been the victim of a scam, contact your bank as soon as possible and contact the platform on which you were scammed to inform them of the circumstances.”
Most financial institutions offer a charge back service for credit cards and will dispute a credit transaction with the merchant if they still exist.
More information on scams is available on the Scamwatch website, including how to make a report and where to get help.
Shoalhaven Council Supports Asbestos Awareness Week - Shoalhaven City Council - Media Release
24 November 2020
Shoalhaven Council is encouraging home renovators to check for asbestos before undertaking home improvements.
Many Shoalhaven residents have used the extra time at home during the COVID-19 pandemic to maintain and improve local properties. Residents may not be aware that uncovering asbestos during renovations could be put someone’s health at risk.
Asbestos materials are still commonly found in bathrooms, laundries, and kitchens as well as behind tiles and under flooring. If a home was built or renovated prior to 1990, there is a good chance it has some asbestos.
Asbestos is a known carcinogen and inhaling asbestos fibres can cause a number of life-threatening diseases including pleural disease, asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer.
Mayor Amanda Findley is reminding Shoalhaven residents this Asbestos Awareness Week to make sure an asbestos check forms part of their DIY checklist before they start their home improvements
“Research shows that 1 in 5 DIYers have encountered asbestos, but only half sought any kind of professional help to deal with it,” said Clr Findley.
“Additionally, a third admitted to disposing of the asbestos improperly – including in their own household bin or in a neighbour’s bin,” she said.
“Just like plumbing and electrical work, asbestos removal – or jobs around the home that might uncover asbestos - are jobs best left to the experts,” said Clr Findley.
For information on safe and responsible ways to handle and dispose of asbestos, view Council’s website here.
To find out more visit the Australian Government website asbestossafety.gov.au.
Image: Asbestos can be found in roofing material.
The Skate Waltz - Andre Rieu & his Orchestra
More musical entertainment - Here you'll see how an orchestra can add amusement to a musical piece!
27th Upbeat Songs With John' at Bay & Basin 92.7 FM on 23rd November 2020 & If you missed it - listen to on the link Podcast:
Each week gets better and better. Well, that is the way I feel. Again, we had 7 song requests: Joanne, Cathy, Philippe, Edward (First child request on the show), Mustafa, Zena & Dianne from Western Sydney, An exciting impact show, which I know audiences enjoyed. We hope you all enjoyed them.
Tonight, was my 17th Live and 14th Solo 'Upbeat Songs With John' Radio Show at Bay & Basin 92.7FM.......from 6pm to 8pm first two hour show broadcasted to all of you
So, is with great pleasure that I have presented to you wonderful audience another great 'Upbeat' show.
Thank you to all listeners of 'Upbeat Songs With John's 27th Radio Show broadcasted on 23rd November 2020, at 6-8pm EST, at 92.7FM. If you missed it, you may listen to the podcast here (Part 1 & Part 2):
(Click onto tonight's Radio Show, listen to it, or you ay wish to listen to other previous shows click onto them )
We have audiences listening within the Bay & Basin, Sydney, Melbourne, Western Sydney, Queensland, France and the Philippines, internationally. If anyone is listening from anywhere else around the world. Please let us know!
Tonight I enjoyed playing various songs for you and almost the show went smoothly.
You may wish to listen to the next Show of 'Upbeat Songs With John' will be on 30th November 2020 at 92.7FM.
You may also wish to place song requests here or on 'Upbeat Songs With John at Bay Facebook Page at Bay & Basin 92.7FM'.
So, tune into your radio on 92.7FM or go this website link to listen online to the 30th Upbeat Songs With John broadcasted on 30th November 2020 :
Or you may download simple radio application on your phone and type in our radio station details and then click on it and off you go! No signed applications to complete.
And enjoy the Show!
You may also click on the above same page for 92.7FM radio schedule programs.
This week's Dedicated song was to Dominique, a great family member of mine in Normandy, France 'Dominique' was the song sung by the singing nun.
Sunday, November 22, 2020
Have your say on Community Wellbeing in the Shoalhaven - Shoalhaven City Council - Media Release
23 November 2020
Shoalhaven City Council is asking the community to have their say on ways to improve wellbeing in the Shoalhaven.
Council is in the process of developing a Community Wellbeing Plan for the Shoalhaven. The Shoalhaven City Council Community Wellbeing Plan will guide Council and its partners in working to improve the wellbeing of our community over the next four years (2020-2024).
An online survey is open to all Shoalhaven residents seeking ideas and initiatives to contribute to the plan.
Shoalhaven City Council’s Mayor, Amanda Findley said “Many factors affect the wellbeing of individuals and communities.
The quality of our wellbeing is created in our day to day lives. Where and how we live, work and play, the health of the environment, our income and education level, and our relationships with family and friends all have an impact on our overall wellbeing", Clr Findley said.
“The livability of a place, like the Shoalhaven, often means different things to different people depending on what their needs are. And what they feel is important to improving their quality of life.
“I encourage everyone, no matter your age, stage or where you live in the region to participate in Council's online survey. We need to hear from a range of voices within the Shoalhaven to make sure we get the broadest range of ideas”, Clr Findley stated.
Council has engaged external consultants to assist with community engagement and the development of the plan.
The plan will be developed following a review of relevant Federal, State and Local Government policy, analysis of local health and wellbeing data, engagement of the community and key stakeholders, and identifying health and wellbeing issues where Council can influence the outcomes.
The project is funded through a Federal Government grant under the Building Better Regions Fund. Council has matched these funds as a co-contribution.
A draft of the Plan will be presented to Council for their endorsement by mid-2021.
For more information, or to participate in the survey visit Council's Get Involved page.
Image: People on SUP boards.
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Rermembering lives lost to suicide - Wesley LifeForce Suicide Memorial Service
Steps forward aren’t always easy. But when we take the step to gather and remember loved ones lost to suicide, we each grow a little stron...
