Workplace Safety and Inclusion Highlighted on International Day of People with Disability

By Robert Heyward

The Minns Labor Government is urging employers across New South Wales to prioritise workplace safety and foster greater inclusion for people with disabilities and those recovering from serious injuries, in recognition of International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD).

This year’s theme, “Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future,” emphasises the importance of breaking down barriers, promoting inclusivity, and reinforcing workplace health and safety practices.

Paralympians Leading the Way

Paralympic champion and workplace safety advocate Scott Reardon is among those driving this message through the icare Paralympics Speakers Program. A gold medal sprinter and former world champion water skier, Reardon turned personal tragedy into a powerful story of resilience after losing his right leg in a farm accident at age 12.

Through the program, current and former Paralympians, many of whom sustained their disabilities through workplace injuries, visit businesses free of charge to share their stories and raise awareness about workplace health and safety.

“Paralympians like Scott Reardon are to be commended for helping build awareness around disability inclusion and workplace health and safety,” said Liesl Tesch, Parliamentary Secretary for Disability Inclusion and Paralympic gold medallist.

Government Leaders Call for Action

Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis called on businesses to use IDPwD as an opportunity to reaffirm their commitment to protecting workers from injury and ensuring inclusivity.

“All workers have the right to a safe workplace and to go home to their loved ones at the end of their workday. Let’s use this day to commit to practices that ensure safety and inclusivity for everyone.”

Minister for Disability Inclusion Kate Washington highlighted the transformative journeys of Paralympians while addressing the need for safer workplaces.

“While we celebrate the achievements of our Paralympians, we must acknowledge that workplace injuries are too often the start of their journey. It’s time for employers to lead by creating inclusive and safe environments where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.”

The Business Case for Prevention

Tony Wessling, icare Group Executive for Workers Compensation, emphasised the benefits of prevention programs like the Paralympics Speakers Program.

“Prevention not only keeps workers safe but also results in lower employer premium contributions and positions businesses as employers of choice.”

The program, run in partnership with Paralympics Australia, provides a platform for inspiring stories while equipping workplaces with tools to improve safety and inclusion.

Join the Movement

Employers are encouraged to access the icare Paralympics Speakers Program to inspire their teams and reinforce the importance of workplace health, safety, and inclusion.

For more information, visit the icare Paralympics Speakers Program website. Additional resources for International Day of People with Disability are available on the United Nations IDPwD website.

Let’s work together to create workplaces that are safe, inclusive, and empowering for all.

Lisa Richards Appointed Local Connector for Northern Rivers’ Welcome Experience

By Robert Heyward

RDA Northern Rivers has proudly welcomed Lisa Richards as the new Local Connector for The Welcome Experience – Northern Rivers, a free service designed to support essential workers and their families as they transition to life in regional NSW.

Supporting Essential Workers

The Welcome Experience assists essential workers with practical relocation needs, such as:

• Finding housing.
• Choosing childcare and schools.
• Exploring job opportunities for partners.
• Building social connections in their new community.

The service, part of the NSW Government’s $25.1 million Essential Worker Attraction Program, plays a vital role in strengthening regional workforces and communities by helping new residents settle in and feel supported.

Lisa Richards: A Wealth of Experience

Lisa Richards brings a diverse background to the role, including expertise in:

• Economic development.
• Local government.
• Tourism and business management.
• Marketing and small business ownership.

Lisa is also deeply committed to the local community, having served as secretary of the Tweed Coast Youth Service and contributed to youth initiatives.

“I am genuinely excited to take on the Local Connector role and look forward to working with relocating essential workers, their families, and employers,” Lisa said. “This opportunity allows me to build on relationships across sectors while ensuring our new essential workers feel welcome and supported.”

Key Support for Regional NSW

NSW Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty commended Lisa’s appointment and highlighted the impact of Local Connectors in 55 local government areas across the state:

“To build a resilient workforce in regional NSW, we must first help individuals and families put down roots and feel valued in their new communities. Local Connectors like Lisa are pivotal in making that happen.”

State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin welcomed Lisa to the role, noting its importance in filling a gap in regional workforce attraction:

“This initiative not only makes new essential workers feel welcome but also plays a role in attracting them to our region.”

Enhancing Community and Workforce Cohesion

RDA Northern Rivers leaders emphasised the importance of the Local Connector role.

Anthony Schreenan, Director of Regional Development, said “Maintaining essential workers is vital to community cohesion and sustainability. Lisa’s skills and connections will support newcomers in making the Northern Rivers their home.”

The Hon Don Page, Chair of RDA Northern Rivers, added “The Welcome Experience is an excellent program that addresses a key regional need. We are confident in Lisa’s ability to deliver exceptional service and make a real difference in retaining essential workers.”

About The Welcome Experience

The Welcome Experience supports employees from NSW Government agencies, including health, education, police, fire, and ambulance services, as well as non-government organizations in health, aged care, early childhood education, and disability services.

By addressing the challenges of relocation and fostering community connections, the program strengthens regional NSW’s workforce and sustainability.

To learn more about The Welcome Experience and the opportunities available in the Northern Rivers region, visit The Welcome Experience.

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Game-Changing Upgrade for Australia’s Largest Firefighting Helicopter

By Ian Rogers

The NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) has enhanced its firefighting capabilities with significant upgrades to Australia’s largest firefighting helicopter, the CH-47 Chinook. The upgrades, including an increased water-holding capacity and night-time operation capabilities, mark a milestone in the fight against bushfires.

Key Features of the Upgraded Chinook

• Increased Water Capacity:
  • Now holds 11,000 litres in an internal tank, surpassing its previous capacity with a 10,000-litre bucket.
  • The internal tank enables faster fill times and more effective water deployment, particularly in challenging environments.
• Night-Time Operations:
  • Enhanced safety for operations after dark, when fire intensity is typically lower.
  • Overcomes limitations of the previous bucket system, which was unsafe for night use and operations over densely populated areas.
• Precision Firefighting:
  • The Chinook now has the ability to directly attack fires with greater precision under favourable conditions, including at night.

A Strategic Asset for NSW

• One of the few Chinook helicopters globally used in firefighting, the aircraft joined the RFS fleet last year and operates out of RAAF Base Richmond.
• The Chinook is now the largest water-carrying helicopter in Australia, second only to the Boeing 737 Large Air Tanker ‘Marie Bashir’ in the RFS aerial fleet.

NSW’s Comprehensive Aerial Firefighting Fleet

The RFS operates the most extensive aerial firefighting fleet in Australia, which this season includes:

• The Boeing 737 Large Air Tanker ‘Marie Bashir’.
• Two Cessna Citations and one King Air fixed-wing aircraft.
• Six Bell 412 helicopters.
• More than 200 additional aircraft available through the National Aerial Firefighting Centre (NAFC) and other agreements.

Operational Readiness

The fleet operates from bases across the state, including Richmond, Dubbo, Coffs Harbour, and Cooma, providing swift responses to fire emergencies.

Comments from Key Officials

• Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib: “This new capability to safely conduct aerial waterbombing at night is a game-changer, allowing for faster turnarounds and greater capacity to protect people and properties.”
  “As the RFS prepares for the warmer months, communities should also do their part by ensuring their properties and emergency plans are ready.”
• RFS Commissioner, Rob Rogers: “The upgraded Chinook adds precision and robust capabilities, especially during favourable conditions at night. The RFS fleet is ready to respond swiftly to protect communities across NSW.”

Community Preparedness

As summer approaches, the NSW Government encourages all residents to:

• Check property readiness for fire risks.
• Develop and review bushfire emergency plans.

These upgrades to the Chinook helicopter exemplify NSW’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance firefighting efforts and safeguard communities.

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