Results of Relationships Australia Survey on 'Feeling Safe'

 

Relationships Australia is pleased to announce the release of our latest survey. We found that 1 in 5 people using the Relationships Australia website felt unsafe having a disagreement with the person they deemed most important to them.  According to our Relationship Indicators report, 1.7 million Australians don't feel safe disagreeing with the person they think of as the most important in their life. You can read the results from the survey here.  For more information on the survey, you can contact the Relationships Australia national office here.   Regards,  Relationships Australia national office Please let us know at any time if you would like to unsubscribe from this list.  Copyright © 2023 Relationships Australia Inc, All rights reserved. You joined this audience by signing up to the mailing list. Our mailing address is: Relationships Australia Inc Unit 2 67 Eyre St Kingston Canberra, Act 2600 Australia Add us to your address book unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences

Goods News: Ticketing Prices Remain in Regional Bus Fares Until 31st December 2025

A few commuters ask how much the fares are to catch local buses around the Bay & Basin area. I knew little about it. By asking bus drivers and bus operators, I understand that the maximum an Adult fare can pay is $10.00 daily.

Red Ticket is not a Red Coloured Ticket. It stands for Regional Excursion Ticket, it will not be a 'Red' coloured ticket.

I also have obtained information from NSW IPART on Regional fares:

Click here for the regulated NSW IPART Regional Fares - NSW IPART

 A Statement from Nowra Coaches, 'Passengers can pay for a single use fare or a daily fare and it depends on the number of sectors travelled and whether they have any type of concession as to the cost.  Daily fares range from $2.50 to $5.00 for concession holders or $5.00 to $10 for a full adult fare.  These prices cover all areas on the 101/102/104/106 services however if they were travelling over 36 sectors (longest journey) then this cost would increase.  The $2.50 Red fares are also available to eligible passengers and this is a daily fare.'

The Good News our regional public transport fares are set until 31st December 2025. The Shoalhaven Bus Network does not operate under the Sydney Opal Card system. so the recent NSW Government announcement, would only affect commuters from catching trains from Bomaderry. This would be the same for the Shjoal Bus Service 134 and other bus services within the Shoalhaven Bus Network.

further research, I have confirmed from NSW IPART Note: Sections are an average of 1.6km over the total length of a bus route, but may vary between 1.3 km and 1.9 km.

For example, a trip from Sanctuary Point to St Georges Basin (one way) would cost a pensioner $1.60 and to Basin View $2.10.

Regional Excursion Daily (RED) Ticket

The RED ticket is a $2.50 all-day multi-ride ticket for use on all Nowra Coaches Services for people who hold a valid:

• Pensioner Concession Card issued by Centrelink or Department of Veterans Affairs.
• NSW and interstate Seniors Card
• NSW War Widow/ers Card

Click here for the previous post

RU OK? A Conversation Can Change A Life

 A simple check with a 'mat' and/or friend or even family, is all it's needed., to see if someone needs help or feels sad. 

I really think that if we take that important time out to ask this simple question, it makes listening to people sound slightly important. Some people may decide to open up and ask for that important help. Leaving a conversation may change a life.

I remember the Sanctuary Point Shops were posted with RU OK, everywhere,  promoted by Firefly. The message is even when across other shops within the Basin. I remember on behalf of the Sanctuary Point Community Inc., the Barbeque we provided in front of Sanctuary Point IGA, last year.

So, celebrate RU OK, with a Yellow Shirt today and ask others 'RU OK?

Click here for the RU OK website

Please support Debbie's Fundraising 'Out Of The Shadows Walk'

The sad thing about the statistics of over 3,000 people taking away their own lives from our earth is that it will affect one of us around Australia, directly or indirectly. When it does, it hurts us and we tend to ask many questions seeking answers. The thing is the answers are all left with our loved ones who made this decision.

Through Lifeline's 'Out of The Shadows Walk', my wife Debbie's  Fundraising 9 KM walk to remember Nicholas is on! By supporting Debbie's fundraising walk, you are supporting more people in LIfeline to assist the 65,000 other people who are contemplating suicide.

Click here  & donate to Debbie's fundraising 'Out of The Shadows Walk'

Thank you

World Suicide Preevention Day - Suicide Prevention Australia

 

Some of us may be touched by the loss of a loved one through suicide. It is a sad feeling to have, yet may bring happy memories as we remember the good times shared with that person, in our life.

So, I am sharing the link to Suicide Prevention Australia, which may help us to remember our dearly loved ones, who have since passed away.

Click here for further details

Click here for the previous post

More Updates On Catching Buses Around The Bay & Basin Area

Since I published the post on improvements in public transport, interesting and robust conversations have been building up within our community. I have been communicating with two local groups in the Basin Area: The Champions-Sanctuary Point and St Georges Basin & SanctuaryPoint Community Pride Inc. 

I am seeking support from both community groups to work closely in obtaining positive improvements in different matters of Public Transport and ultimately come together to help us increase the patronage of buses within our area as soon as possible.

Some people do not catch buses as they feel there are few and far between services. Or they have just missed the bus and will be waiting for a long time for the next service. If you do not have a bus shelter, you will be standing for that long period of waiting time.

Small steps are being made to commence public Transport Advocacy within our area. These services could be reduced if we have little or non-patronage of our local bus services. The beaucrats will make decisions on an economical basis when bus contracts are reviewed.

My last post, 'How to check Real-time On all public Transport Services' had 266 page views. Imagine the impact if those 266 readers were regular commuters boarding buses daily.

So here are a few examples, of people I have spoken to within the Bay & Basin community, who now better understand our bus services and transport applications available to them:

• I spoke with a lady who indicated that the bus she catches to Nowra takes about 1 1/2 hours from our area. I explained that we are fortunate, we have both a 102 bus and the 102X service. She was delighted when I explained that the X represents 'Express Service', with limited stops. Its run time is approximately 55 minutes, versus the 102 bus service run time of  1 1/2 hours ( What I call the scenic bus service).
• Another lady mentioned to me that her son goes to the University of Wollongong and has had issues, missing buses and sometimes missing the train due to buses running late. Using  'Tripview' and the 'Anytrip' applications, his troubles had turned around as he could track when his actual bus services arrived and act accordingly.  His Mum uses 'Anytrip' so you can see where the bus is precisely, so she can pick up her son from the set-down bus stop and not have to wait around. The 'Anytrip' application enables both mother and son to see if the bus is running early, on time or late.
• I also spoke recently to a man & he said his mother would love to catch buses even just to go to Home Co Shopping and return home by bus. He noted his mother didn't know about the timetables or where to find this information. I showed him the 'Trip View' and 'Anytrip' applications. He thanked me as he could assist his mother in catching the 102 buses and gaining her independence.

Why is it Important for commuters and Community Members to have the right information about local services?

Knowledge is important and will empower more locals to use and trust our local services. Increased use will maintain our local service and include more services.

What are bus stop numbers, and why are they important?

1. Clear Identification: Bus stop numbers provide a clear and standardised way of identifying bus stops. Bus stop numbers help passengers, especially in areas with multiple stops along the same route, to accurately locate their desired stop and avoid confusion. Instead of relying solely on names or landmarks, passengers can use universally recognisable stop numbers as reference points.

2. Efficient Communication: Bus stop numbers facilitate efficient communication between passengers and Bus Operators. When seeking information, reporting issues, or requesting assistance, passengers can easily provide their location by referring to the stop number. This simplifies communication, reduces misunderstandings, and lets operators quickly understand the specific stop, leading to more effective responses and resolutions.

3. Enhanced Wayfinding: For newcomers, tourists, or individuals with visual impairments, bus stop numbers serve as necessary wayfinding aids. They can be used with maps, mobile applications, or other navigation applications to determine bus stop locations and accurately plan journeys. This ensures that passengers can reach their destinations more efficiently and with minimal confusion.

4. Integration with Technology: Bus stop numbers have become increasingly valuable in the digital age. Mobile applications, such as transit planning apps and real-time tracking services, utilise these numbers to provide accurate and up-to-date bus arrival times, service

updates, and alternative routes. Passengers can input the stop number into these apps to access relevant information, improving their overall travel experience and reducing waiting times.

5. Accessibility and Inclusivity: Bus stop numbers contribute to creating a more accessible and inclusive public transport system. Individuals with visual impairments can use stop numbers with assistive technologies like screen readers to navigate and access information about bus services. The standardised format of stop numbers ensures that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can easily identify and communicate their location when using

public transportation. Bus stop numbers are essential for efficient communication, wayfinding, integration with technology, and promoting accessibility in public transportation systems. They simplify locating and identifying bus stops, leading to smoother journeys, better coordination, and improved overall passenger experiences. You will note our bus stop numbers start with our postcode 2540. The postcode for your village.

Local Bus Stop Numbers:

Bus Stop Number 25401040  Anson St, before Kean St, Sanctuary Point

Bus Stop Number 25401303 Frederick & Edmund St, Sanctuary Point

Bus Stop Number 2540350 Island Point Rd @ St Georges Basin Rd, St Georges Basin

Bus Stop Number 25401149 John St Opposite Junee St, Basin View

Bus Stop Number 2540347 Paradise Beach Rd opposite Sanctuary Point Public School, 

Bus Stop Number 2540360 Prentice Avenu and MacDonald St, Old Erowal Bay

Bus Stop Number  2540119 Sanctuary Point Public School, Paradise Beach Rd, Sanctuary Point

Bus Stop Number 2540130 St Georges Basin Public School, Tallyan Rd, Basin View

Bus Stop Number 2540495 The Park Dr Opposite Stephens Rd, Sanctuary Point

What's next?

I will use my experience in lobbying for better services for public transport in the Bay & Basin area. I am working with local community groups, Sanctuary Point Community Pride Inc. Click here for details and Sanctuary Point & Champions-Sanctuary Point and St Georges Basin. Click here for details to bring awareness to our current bus system and advocate for improved support, including signage and bus numbers on bus stops and timetables.

Please note, Publicity Officer of  Sanctuary Point Community Pride Inc. and Advisor Champions-Sanctuary Point and St Georges Basin.

Click here for the previous post

Home Ownership, Help For Single Parents, Older Singles And First Home Owner Buyer Key Workers - Service NSW

 

Are you planning to buy your own home one day? Then you should know about Shared Equity Home Buyer Helper – the NSW Government initiative that makes it easier and much more affordable for eligible people to buy a home.   How does Shared Equity make it easier? With Shared Equity, the NSW Government lightens the load of a mortgage by contributing up to 40% of the purchase price of a new home and 30% towards an existing house. In exchange, the Government holds an equity share in the property – but the home is yours.   Are there other advantages? Yes. As well as allowing participants to pay a deposit of just 2%, Shared Equity means lower repayments on a smaller loan amount, and no need for expensive lender insurance. You won’t pay interest or rent on the Government’s equity share, either.   Who's eligible to apply? singles aged 50 and over single parents of a dependent child first home buyer key workers employed as: police officers paramedics, registered nurses and midwives teachers and early childhood educators. Single applicants must earn less than $93,200 and joint applicants have a combined income of less than $124,200. What other criteria are there? You’d need to have a deposit of at least 2% of the purchase price, plus the funds to cover related costs of buying a property such as solicitor/conveyancer fees, building inspections, etc. You need to be able to service a loan with the help of the NSW Government’s contribution. However, if you’re able to secure a loan without needing the NSW Government’s contribution, you won’t be eligible.   What else do I need to know? You can use Shared Equity to purchase a house, home and land package, townhouse, apartment or unit. The price threshold is $950,000 for homes in Sydney and major regional areas and $600,000 for homes in other regional areas. Once you’ve purchased the home, it must become your principal place of residence – that is, you must live in it yourself. Other ongoing criteria apply and your participation in the program is subject to eligibility reviews every 2-5 years. If you have capacity to do so, you’re welcome to make voluntary payments to increase the amount of equity you hold.   How do I apply? Visit nsw.gov.au/shared-equity to check your eligibility and find out how to apply through one of two approved lending partners – Bendigo Bank and Unity Bank.

service.nsw.gov.au

Click here for the previous post

Please Explain Series Continues - Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party

Look we have to see this from all sides of politics. There is always the funny side. It may demonstrate how one party has a view on politics - I just wish it catches onto the mainstream parties, all these episodes.

Uluru Statement

Climate Boiling

Housing Future Fund

Referendum

Woke Vision

Battle of the Ballots

The Aftermath

Censorship

Recession

Rental Crisis

The Zero-Sum Game

Jobseeker

The Teal Housewives

The Woke Mind Virus

Back to the future

The Future

Woke Cinema

A New Term

Economy in The Toilet

The Nationals

The Big Red Dragon

A new term 

The Voice

Click here for previous episodes

Busways Update

 

Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 September 2023, at Blacktown and Penrith Interchanges buses will depart from different stands to allow for the operation of rail replacement buses whilst trackwork is carried out on the on the main western line between Penrith and Central.

From Blacktown Interchange:

• Routes 730, 731, 732, 734, 735 from Stand M will depart from Stand K.
• Route 743 from Stand N will depart from Stand G.

From Penrith Interchange:

• Routes 673, 677, 678 from Stand D will depart from Stand C

Interchange Maps

Click here for Blacktown Bus Interchange

Click here for Penrith Bus Interchange

• Update 01/09/2023 15:15: to show later start and completion dates

Due to roadworks, route 746 services will be required to divert Monday 11 September until Saturday 9 October (weather permitting)

Missed stops

• Edmund St before Crown St (Stop ID: 2765341)
• Edmund St after Crown St (Stop ID: 2765342)

Nearest temporary stops

• Kids on Crown, Crown St
• Crown St opp Kids on Crown

​

Inbound: Via Crown St, (L) Northview St, (L) Cassie Ave, (R) Edmund St then standard path.

Outbound: Via Edmund St (L) Foxall St (R) Sheila St, (R) Crown St (L) Edmund St then standard path.

Diversion 

Customers can view map for diversion and missed stops

Click here for the previous post