News and Reviews

PILOT PLAN TO RETURN INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Published

3 years ago

24 September 2021

JeffG

Federal Government’s COVID-19 Disaster Payments

PILOT PLAN TO RETURN INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

A pilot plan that will see the phased return of fully vaccinated international students to NSW has been given the green light by the Commonwealth Government, with the first flight touching down by the end of this year.

Accommodation provider Scape has been confirmed to house the returning students for a 14-day quarantine in Redfern, at a building retrofitted to accommodate up to 650 students to COVIDSafe standards approved by NSW Health and NSW Police.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional New South Wales, Industry and Trade John Barilaro said the staggered return of students was stage one of a pilot that would slowly expand and evolve, as vaccination rates continue to rise in NSW and internationally.

“The international education sector sustains thousands of jobs across NSW, and I’m proud that NSW is leading the way with the return of international students to our shores,” Mr Barilaro said.

“The safety of the people of NSW is paramount and we are taking no risks. All participating students will be required to be fully vaccinated with a TGA-recognised COVID-19 vaccine, and strict quarantine protocols will be in place.

“Importantly, this plan will not come at the expense of any Australian citizen or resident wishing to return home.”

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the program was vital to the State’s economic recovery, creating jobs and restoring growth.

“International education plays an important role in connecting NSW to the world,” Mr Perrottet said. “As we implement a range of efforts to reboot our economy, rebuilding the sector – which was worth $14.6 billion to NSW in 2019 – is a key part of our efforts.”

Education partners including Australian Catholic University, Macquarie University, The University of Newcastle, The University of Sydney, UNSW, UTS, University of Wollongong and Western Sydney University, plus independent providers the International College of Management Sydney, Kaplan, Navitas, RedHill and Study Group, have signed up to the industry-funded pilot plan.

Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said NSW was the top destination in Australia for international students.

“More than 57,000 students are currently overseas, with many desperate to return, resume their studies, part-time jobs, connect with friends and continue their journey in our world-leading institutions,” Mr Ayres said.

The first phase of the pilot plan is anticipated to bring back 500 international students to NSW on chartered flights, paid for by the students, by the end of the year.

Scape CEO Anouk Darling said the company was proud to be involved in the pilot.

“Our Scape team are proud to partner with the NSW Government and our world class education sector, here in NSW, to welcome our returning international students into our most advanced and COVID-safe student accommodation facility at Scape Redfern,” Ms Darling said.

The announcement was welcomed by the higher education sector with Professor Barney Glover AO, Governor of the NSW Vice-Chancellors’ Committee thanking the NSW Government.

“After over 18 months of planning, we are delighted that both the Australian and NSW Government are supportive of a pilot plan for an incremental reopening of our borders to our international students,” Mr Glover said.

Council of International Students Australia President, Belle Lim, welcomed the detailed planning and collaborative approach.

“We all want international students back on campus, enjoying the unique learning, work and life experience that only studying in Australia can deliver. We support the cautious approach and look forward to growing the number of students returning to NSW over time,” Ms Lim said.

CEO of Independent Higher Education Australia Simon Finn said the private higher education sector welcomes the pilot’s launch and commends the NSW Government’s unwavering focus on community safety, international student welfare and rebuilding the state economy.

“By working with the Independent Higher Education Australia (IHEA) on this pilot from the beginning, the NSW Government has demonstrated its commitment to supporting both the private and public education sector,” Mr Finn said.

Participating education providers will contact students to progress an expression of interest for the pilot plan.

Vision of international students can be found here.

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News and Reviews

Dive into the Latest Northern Rivers Times Edition

Published

3 days ago

23 April 2024

JeffG

Dive into the Latest Northern Rivers Times Edition

Catch up with the heart of Northern Rivers through in-depth articles and community highlights in our newest issue. Northern Rivers community news.

The Northern Rivers Times is thrilled to announce that our latest edition is available. Find your copy at local newsagents, Woolworths supermarkets, Ampol, and EG service stations, as well as various general and rural stores throughout the region.
This week’s issue is rich with content that touches every corner of local life, from environmental initiatives to exciting community events. Here’s a preview of the engaging stories and reports you can expect:
• Charity in Action: TV Star Lucinda Lights Up Byron Coastal Charity Walk
• Honouring Heroes: Comprehensive Guide to Anzac Day Services Across the Region
• Political Landscape: Ballina Greens Reveal Slate for 2024 Local Elections
• Infrastructure Updates: Progress on Ballina Bridges Duplication Enhances Flood Resilience
• Environmental Concerns: Latest Fish Kill Signals Ongoing River Health Issues
• Green Initiatives: Wollongbar TAFE’s Horticultural Insights
• Community Support: Lifeline’s New Warehouse and Store Opening in Goonellabah
• Environmental Advocacy: Byron Shire’s ‘The Drain is for Rain’ Campaign
• Cultural Celebrations: Casino Beef Week’s Breakfast with the Butchers
• Development News: Casino’s $14 Million Equestrian Centre Unveiled
• Conservation Efforts: Clarence Property Commences Approved Ecological Works
• Safety Measures: New SMS Alert System for Tyalgum Road amidst Ongoing Repairs
• Heroic Rescues: Man Rescued by Marine Volunteers after Brunswick Bar Incident
• Social Issues: Spotlight on Youth Homelessness
Beyond these features, our edition includes a wide range of sections designed to cater to diverse interests within our community, from cooking and gardening to real estate and senior activities. Enjoy puzzles, a detailed TV guide, travel features, and much more.
We are dedicated to keeping you informed and entertained with well-rounded coverage that celebrates and supports our vibrant Northern Rivers community. Pick up your copy of the Northern Rivers Times and stay connected with the stories that matter to you.

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News and Reviews

New development planned for Woolgoolga Retirement Village

Published

1 week ago

17 April 2024

Liam

New development planned for Woolgoolga Retirement Village

Woolgoolga and District Retirement Village Ltd are taking steps to add a collection of modern retirement residences and amenities to their village in High Street. They are in the early phase of planning a new development to be called Callisto Coastal Retirement.

Sasha Andrews, Chief Executive Officer of Woolgoolga and District Retirement Village Ltd is excited about the plans. “We are very proud to be adding Callisto Coastal Retirement to our community.” Ms Andrews said. “We are part of a great community in a fantastic location and aim to set the benchmark for premium retirement living in Woolgoolga.”

At this early stage, they are keen to get input from the local community of future residents to help create the perfect coastal retirement. A Feedback Forum is being offered to eligible potential residents aged 55+, providing an opportunity to learn more, convey their thoughts, ideas and insights around design and services, features, amenities and priorities.

The new development has the support of the Board of Directors of the not-for-profit, community owned organisation. Chairperson, Ian Wade said “Woolgoolga and District Retirement Village has played an important role in the community for many years and we want to ensure that it continues to meet the needs of our seniors for years to come. We have a great opportunity to provide quality retirement living, built with future residents in mind.”

A community Feedback Forum is planned for Tuesday 7 May. For details and to register to attend, go to the website here. For more on the Woolgoolga Retirement Village, visit here.

For more Coffs Harbour news, click here.

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Lismore News

Memory Run Walk Jog – My Way Lismore

Published

1 week ago

17 April 2024

JeffG

Memory Run Walk Jog – My Way Lismore

Albert Park Baseball Grounds

Keen Street Lismore
8am Sunday 19th May 2024

Join a fun community activity to fundraise and raise dementia awareness. Last year, more than 10,000 people walked, jogged and ran in cities and towns across Australia for people impacted by dementia. Dementia awareness

Lismore events include a 10km run, a 5km jog/walk or a 1km walk so that the day is inclusive of all levels of physical ability.

There will be information stalls providing details of supports, local resources and services to help those impacted by dementia, as well as food and drinks.

Form a team from your workplace, local club, friends or family (dress up to make it fun!) and enter the 1km walk, 5km jog/walk or a 10km run. Get lots of sponsors!

To register a team or take part as an individual go to:
www.memorywalk.com.au/event/lismore-myway

Dementia awareness

Currently, dementia is the leading cause of death in women and overall, it is the second leading cause of death for all Australians. In 2024, it is estimated that more than 1.6 million people in Australia are involved in the care of someone living with dementia.

Dr Jones says ‘The ageing population in the Northern Rivers is growing at an exponential rate. Our region is one of the highest ageing communities in NSW and this comes with increasing rates of those impacted by dementia in our community. I’m quite keen to see that we adopt more preventable approaches against dementia in our region’. Dementia awareness

Dr Jones says ‘There are many things we can do to prevent dementia or delay your risk of developing dementia. Adopting healthy lifestyle habits, in particular regular exercise can make a significant difference’.

“We encourage the whole community to come together, not only to raise money for
Dementia Australia, but also to exercise together and to fight this disease” says Dr Jones.

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