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Tuesday, August 31, 2021

Spring Clean Your Community & Win $500 every Week - Snap send Solve

 

Snap Send Solve - Home | Facebook

Editor's Notes: You'd be surprised how this mobile phone application can take pictures of what needs to be addressed or fixed in the community, to make our community a better place. I definitely recommend this application to be used as I have used it in two Local Governments within New South Wales.


Report local issues for your chance to win $500 each week in September

It’s SNAPtember! Get involved and spring clean your local community for a chance to WIN!

Week 1 is all about dumped rubbish. Any reports of dumped rubbish made from today until 8 September will put you in the running to win $500

Each week is another chance to win:

Week 1 (1-8 Sep): Dumped Rubbish

Week 2 (9-15 Sep): Graffiti

Week 3 (16-22 Sep): Overgrown Vegetation

Week 4 (23 - 30 Sep): Abandoned Shopping Trolleys

Happy Snapping! 

Every time you report the issue of the week, you’ll go in the running to win $500. One winner will be selected each week. Terms and conditions apply.

Let's ensure our neighbourhoods are sparkling as we head into the warmer months.


Click here for their website

IPART has released its Issues Paper for the review of Fire and Rescue NSW’s fees and charges - NSW IPART

 

IPART is reviewing Fire and Rescue NSW’s user charges for services such as false alarm call-outs to automatic fire alarm systems, hazmat incidents and statutory fire safety inspections.

We are seeking feedback on our proposed approach to this review, including which services should be subject to user charges and a pricing methodology to recover the costs of those services.

Click here for the Review for Fire & Rescue Fees & Charges

Click here for the Information Paper

Click here for the previous post


Song Request Time - Upbeat Songs With John @ Bay & Basin 92.7FM

This is your opportunity to request songs for the next pre-recorded show on 6th September 2021. This show will be a special 'Fathers Day' Show starting from 6 pm - 8 pm. So, if you would like to place a song request: a song request for yourself or someone to like or love, you may do so by adding a comment on this post. We ask you to provide the details of the song: artist and title of the song by Wednesday 4 pm EST. Happy Sring for you all in the meantime!

This week's Facebook friend that is asked to provide a song request is Michael Lezaja!

Thursday, August 26, 2021

Keep Kids Writing - Sydney Story Factory

 

Last newsletter we told you about our plans to roll out digital learning opportunities, and here we are as promised, with a host of options.

Whether you're a teacher, parent, student, principal or supporter - we've got options to support creative writing in young people.

All our options are flexible, designed to support teachers and students in a range of circumstances and keep kids engaged and writing.

If you're a teacher in an eligible school and would like to talk about how our resources can support you - please get in touch with us today at info@storyfactory.org.au

Onwards,

Story Factory
 
Whether online or in person, we're there to support young people tell their stories. Image by Jim A. Baker.

Online Workshops - After-School & Weekends

Story Factory has moved our popular after-school and weekend writing workshops online for Term 3. We have workshops running Sunday – Thursday inclusive for both primary and high-school aged students, with some spaces still available. 

READ MORE

For Teachers Leading Class Online

These online workshops are designed for teachers leading class groups. We have one-off and short series (3 weeks) programs run on Zoom, for groups of students. These workshops are for students who have no choice but to go to school right now, or for students logging on from home. We have workshops ready for Stages 2-5.

READ MORE

Multi-Platform Resources for Teachers

These short recorded writing prompts are for teachers to use in their assigned online learning platform, or to schedule for students to engage with in their own time.

READ MORE

Printable Resources for Parents and Teachers

 

We’ve compiled activities to help you and your children to unleash their imagination and create their own stories.

READ MORE

For Eligible Students Writing at Home

A writing program designed for students aged 7-17 from under-resourced communities to submit their writing, receive feedback from expert writing tutors and be published on our website – a first taste of a professional writing experience. All students whose work is published will receive a small honorarium in recognition of their work. Opportunities are limited.

READ MORE

A Wing and a Prayer


Well, if this isn't the most beautiful, funniest, most surprising and delightful read of the year - then call us a Dodo and watch us migrate. This compilation of student writing about birds from the students at Punchbowl Public School, Blaxcell Street Public School, Dawson Public School and Plumpton Public School is all the sweeter for being the last publication from learning in-person this year.

Support these young writers and order your copy today!
BUY YOURS NOW

But Wait, There's More...

  • The pandemic has changed the way we live our daily lives, so the Fairfield City Heritage Team is inviting residents and workers in Fairfield City to share images of how their daily lives have changed during COVID-19 for a digital collection. This will help future generations understand the impact of the pandemic and how people adapted. For more information or to share your story visit here.

     

COVID -19 - Country Mayor's Association of New South Wales - Media Release












Wednesday, August 25, 2021

COVID-19 Update - Raul Arregui

 Here is the link to today's report (PDF attached too):


Summary:
- data up to 24th August but incomplete (only 444 of the 921 cases reported)
the number of cases under investigation is extremely high (2376 total from last 4 days, 85 more than 2 days ago)
1 LGAs with new cases in the last 3 days: Mosman
vaccination rates are the ONLY positive news on the way the outbreak is going for NSW 

It is as if the NSW government has stopped trying to contain the spread, and only focus on the vaccine rates. The message from the Premier today was "don't focus on the case numbers, they go up and down" ... that is a LIE ... the numbers do not go "up and down", they go UP AND UP for NSW. At the current trend, we could have 25x the volume of cases by the time we reach 80% full vaccination (mid Nov). That could mean more than 16,000 people in hospital beds; needing more than 2,825 ICU beds; and with more than 1,900 more deaths. I think we need the NSW government to contain the spread, while continuing vaccinations. If you agree with me please write to your local state representatives and ask them to push for that in the NSW Parliament (I've done it already, twice).


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ADDITIONAL INFO:



Tuesday, August 24, 2021

Council Prioritises Clean-up Efforts Following East Coast Low Storm - Shoalhaven City Council - Media Release

 

Shoalhaven City Council Media Release

25 August 2021


Shoalhaven City Council would like to reassure the community that clean-up works are a priority following the impact of yesterday’s east coast low across the Shoalhaven region.

Council staff will focus on clearing trees and debris on roads over the next couple of days so that they can be opened as soon as possible.

Shoalhaven City Council Mayor Amanda Findley said the impact of the east coast low storm has been significant and predicted a long clean-up ahead for those who have been impacted.

“The storm has impacted many towns right across the Shoalhaven. I wish to thank the community for their patience and understanding as Council staff start the massive task of assessing damage and triaging information received from the emergency services and the public”, Clr Findley said.

“We appreciate that this can be a frustrating time for the community. Council staff are working as quickly as possible to reinstate access for individuals to their homes and properties and are busy clearing fallen trees”, Clr Findley said.  

“In particular I would like to recognise the tireless work of Council and SES staff, many who worked late into the night in pretty awful conditions”, Clr Findley said.

Council wishes to remind motorists to adhere to closed road signage to allow Council staff to complete urgent clean-up work across the Shoalhaven.    

To keep up to date with road closures caused by the storm or to report a problem, please visit Council’s Website.


Fallen Tree


Friday, August 20, 2021

COVID-19 Update - Raul Arregui

 Here is the link for today's report (PDF attached):


One important item to highlight today is that there are 2 cases in the Shoalhaven LGA, reported on 17th and 18th Aug. Both cases are overseas acquired, not locally acquired. Possibly people returning from abroad with the virus. We are still doing well in the Shoalhaven !!!



One important item to highlight today is that there are 2 cases in the Shoalhaven LGA, reported on 17th and 18th Aug. Both cases are overseas acquired, not locally acquired. Possibly people returning from abroad with the virus. We are still doing well in the Shoalhaven !!!

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Attachments area

Thursday, August 19, 2021

Shoalhaven’s 2021 Threatened Species School Competition Open

 

Shoalhaven City Council Media Release

20 08 2021

Shoalhaven City Council would like to announce the 2021 Threatened Species school art competition.  

To mark Threatened Species Week, Council is asking local schools to submit student’s artwork marking this year’s theme, Revival. Revival is inspired by the recovery of the bushland after the recent 2019 – 2020 bushfires. 

Students have been asked to create artwork of native species of plants and animals that are currently threatened with extinction. 

Shoalhaven City Council Mayor Amanda Findley is excited to see the annual competition once again getting underway. 

“We are asking local students to create an artwork to raise awareness surrounding the 147 native species of plants and animals in the Shoalhaven that are currently threatened with extinction.” Clr Findley said.  

“All of the artworks submitted will be displayed in the Nowra Administration Foyer during Threatened Species Week, with the winners being announced on Tuesday 7 September.” Clr Findley said.  

Threatened Species Week aims to encourage greater community support and hands-on involvement in the prevention of further losses of Australia's unique natural heritage. It also encourages students to research threatened species that reside in the Shoalhaven to increase awareness. 

Students can submit their artwork through their local school by Tuesday 31 August 2021. Winners will be announced by Council on Tuesday 7 September 2021.   

Find out more about Shoalhaven’s threatened flora and fauna on Council’s website: 

https://www.shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au/For-Residents/Our-Environment/Native-Animals-Plants.  

Click here for the previous link

 

The Bob Proudfoot Pavilion Is Now On Public Exhibition - Shoalhaven City Council - Media Release

 

Shoalhaven City Council Media Release

19 08 2021

Artist impression of the proposed design of the Bob Proudfoot Pavillion in Sanctuary Point



Shoalhaven City Council is inviting the community to provide feedback on the concept design of The Bob Proudfoot Pavilion. The design is currently on public exhibition and will be available for feedback until Friday 8 September 2021.  

The proposed Bob Proudfoot Pavilion is planned to be built at Francis Ryan Reserve, Sanctuary Point, providing the community with modern facilities.  

Shoalhaven City Council Mayor Amanda Findley stated that the new Pavilion further demonstrates Council’s commitment to sporting fields within the Shoalhaven. 

“The new Bob Proudfoot Pavilion will be a fantastic addition to the Sanctuary Point community.” Clr Findley said.  

“The Pavilion will include multiple change rooms, a kiosk, storage space for sporting clubs, dedicated referee change rooms, public amenities and a communications box.” Clr Findley said.  

“This Pavilion will provide the community with state-of-the-art facilities, allowing all sport users to enjoy a safe and modern space when preparing for a match.” Clr Findley said.  

The designs on exhibition also include elements which will be expanded on at a later stage, including a proposed new sports field layout, and an improvement to carparking and access, which will be completed along with the new Sanctuary Point District Library project. 

Submissions on the Concept Design of The Bob Proudfoot Pavilion can be lodged in writing during the public exhibition period online on Council’s Get Involved page.

Submissions can also be submitted by post; The Chief Executive Officer, Shoalhaven City Council, PO Box 42, Nowra NSW 2541 or in person.  

All submissions must be received in writing by 5pm Friday 8 September 2021. 

20 Online Lockdown Courses To Do at TAFE NSW

 Study at TAFE NSW | Good Universities Guide


Click here for the Link

Sunday, August 15, 2021

BE Patient NSW- There Is Light At The End Of The Tunnel - COVID-19 - Raul Arregui

 I thought I would share some good news today. There is light at the end of the tunnel !! 


Uruguay had a tough battle with COVID. For a small nation with only about 3.5m people, they had more than 380k cases of covid and more than 6k deaths. If we compare it with NSW, we have about 2.2x their population (8.1m) so if we had the same level of COVID cases we would have almost 840k cases and about 13k deaths ... we only have 13k cases and 104 deaths. Also, the rate of cases to deaths for Uruguay is 16 deaths every 1000 cases; however, for NSW it is only 8 deaths per 1000 cases. Uruguay has a very good health care system, but the large volume of cases might have exceeded their health system capacity causing the high death toll there. So, we are handling COVID-19 "delta" very well in NSW considering all this.

Now the light at the end of the tunnel, Uruguay has vaccinated 75.5% of their population, almost 70% fully vaccinated. See the graphs showing vaccination/cases/deaths below for the same period (mid-March to now). You will be able to see how as the population was getting fully vaccinated, cases and deaths reduced until almost disappearing. That is what's going to happen in NSW too when we reach the same levels of vaccination, around mid-November. Just a couple of months and we'll be there. 
See graphs below:

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Update to Council Services and Facilities in Response to NSW Health 'Stay at Home' Orders

 

Shoalhaven City Council Media Release

15 August 2021

In line with the latest announcement by NSW Health 'stay at home’ orders in regional NSW, Shoalhaven City Council has closed multiple venues and facilities to the public effective from 5.00pm Saturday 14 August 2021.  

The following Council venues and facilities are closed to the public: 

  • Administration Buildings in Nowra and Ulladulla  
  • Indoor recreation centres  
  • Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre  
  • Holiday Haven Caravan Parks  
  • Showgrounds and campgrounds  
  • Public Swimming pools excluding Sea pools at Ulladulla and Huskisson which will remain open.  
  • Waste Transfer Stations (Ulladulla, Huskisson and West Nowra facilities remain open)  
  • Libraries, Galleries and other Community buildings   
  • Animal Shelters   
  • Community Centres, Public Halls and Buildings  

Council staff are continuing to provide all essential works and maintenance during this period, including waste collection, sewerage and water treatment operations and Family Day Care.   

These essential works are permitted under the NSW Public Health Orders, and all staff are adhering to COVID Safe requirements. A full list of the current impacts on Council services and facilities is available on Council’s website.   

Shoalhaven City Council Mayor Amanda Findley said that during these uncertain times both customer service and the safety of the public remain the highest priority.  

“Whilst a number of Council facilities have closed in response to the NSW Health ‘stay-at-home' public health order, the community can continue to do business with us by phone on 1300 293 111 or online. Our friendly staff will be available to assist with enquiries and processing payments”, Clr Findley stated.  

“For anyone in the community who is experiencing financial hardship and is worried about not being able to pay their rates, please contact Council as soon as possible”, Clr Findley said.  

“Change and uncertainty can cause significant stress within our homes, families and community. During these difficult times it is vital we support one another. If you, or someone you know is experiencing distress please seek help by calling Lifeline 13 11 14, Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 or NSW Mental Health Line 1800 011 511.  

“I want to also thank our community for their patience as we navigate this challenging time together and encourage you to follow NSW Health for up-to-date information on the latest restrictions”, Clr Findley said. 

The current Public Health Order restrictions to combat the COVID-19 Delta variant outbreak are in place across regional NSW until 12:01am Sunday 22 August 2021. Full details available at NSW Public Health Orders. 


Click here for the previous post     

Saturday, August 14, 2021

Is the Delta Strain of COVID 19 - COVID 20? We are not in 'Lockdown' - We are in Homesafe Period' etc

Here is information from ABC News (USA) where it explains COVID-19 has dozens of variants and some come and go Click here . It explains the following:

In these stressful new living times, we have to be told how to live our lives.  Are these rules fair? Well, we will look at the 2 sides of the coin.

  • The delta variant is more contagious than earlier strains of COVID
  • It could cause more serious illness in unvaccinated persons, but scientists don't know for sure.
  • Delta is now the dominant variant in the US and around the globe.
  • COVID vaccines still work against the delta variant.
Reading this article I don't why we don't call it COVID-20, as it started in In December 2020 in India. Funny thing here was we 

Here we had less than a hundred cricketers screaming to come home from India when they volunteered themselves to play in India's IPL Click here. It came to a point where they were being the Prime Minister, Scott Morrison to let them in the country. Did they say 'Thank you' to the PM, when they arrived? Who knows.

My understanding is that the Delta Strain was brought into the country with passengers that came with the Australian Cricketers or just before that period. Although the Australian Prime Minister has been ridiculed Click here for not bringing these players back into Australia quick enough, we have to understand it was the individual choices of the Australian Cricketers that made them decide to travel to India to play in the IPL.

The Delta variant was called Indian variant before and changed name to the Delta variant of COVID-19 Click here for details. That sounds interesting why wasn't the original COVID-19 called Chinese COVID-19 where it originated from?  Most probably that it is was named scientifically not to aim fingers to blame.

One thing that I don't understand is the press and governments providing negative names for situations. For example:

    Covid-19 etiquette: Dos and don'ts to follow during the coronavirus  pandemic | The Star

  •  'Lockdown - really means being 'COVID-19 Homesafe', 
  • 'Covid-19 Check In' to 'COVID-19  Contract Trace Results' 
  •  'Restrictions' to 'Staying safer and well-being guidelines', 
  • 'Covid-19' Test' to ' COVID-19 - Checkup'
  • 'Social Distancing'  to 'Area of Personal Socialising
  • 'QR Code' to ' 'Public Records Code'
  • ' Contract Tracing' to 'Investigating Incident History'
    happy house clipart - Clip Art Library

    HOMESAFE
  • 'Outbreak Cases' to ' Number of people affected'
  • 'Currently Hospitalised' to 'Currently in recovery process'
  • 'Active Cases' to 'Alive Cases'
  • 'Locally acquired' to 'Within the region, area, State or Country'
  • 'Vaccinated' to 'immunised'

Anyway, there are many things to think about while we are in a 'COVID-19 Housesafe' period.  Let's start changing the negative words that governments and medical professions call items during this time and change them to more positive words. 

Oh, before I forget, if anyone asks you 'Have you been to any 'hotspots' answer with, ' I've been to all the cold spots' (That's if you have been to no hot spots). It's amazing the reaction That I have got saying that, of recent.

Rermembering lives lost to suicide - Wesley LifeForce Suicide Memorial Service

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