News and Reviews

Sprucing Up Your Garden For Christmas

Published

2 weeks ago

28 November 2024

Liam

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Sprucing Up Your Garden For Christmas

By Liam Jennings

As the holiday season approaches, and it turns to the 1st of December, gardens everywhere are beginning to sparkle with festive cheer. This year, why not turn your outdoor space into a Christmas wonderland? With a little creativity, your garden can become the perfect backdrop for seasonal celebrations, family gatherings, or simply a cozy retreat to soak in the festive spirit.

Embrace Natural Decorations

One of the joys of decorating a garden for Christmas is the opportunity to use nature itself. Native trees and shrubs can be transformed into holiday centrepieces with a few simple additions. Wrap fairy lights around branches, hang baubles from limbs, or drape garlands for an enchanting look.

Potted plants, too, can be dressed for the season. Tie ribbons around pots or use small ornaments to decorate leafy greens. You might even create a “living Christmas tree” by adorning a large potted plant with festive trimmings.

For those who love crafting, consider making your own decorations using natural materials. Pinecones, dried flowers, and twigs can be sprayed with metallic paint, dusted with glitter, or left in their rustic form for a more organic look. String these items together to create unique garlands or hang them individually from garden structures.

Lighting Up the Night

Christmas lights are a staple of festive decorating, and they truly shine when used outdoors. Solar-powered string lights are an energy-efficient option that works perfectly in gardens. Wrap them around trees, fences, or pergolas to create a soft, glowing ambiance.

For a more dramatic effect, consider adding pathway lights or lanterns. These can guide guests through your garden while adding a touch of magic to the setting. LED projectors are another popular choice, casting seasonal patterns like snowflakes or stars across walls, fences, or even the ground.

If you’re feeling adventurous, light-up garden sculptures such as reindeer, stars, or Santa sleighs can take your garden’s festive charm to the next level. These statement pieces are a surefire way to captivate visitors.

A christmas garden with heaps of christmas lights

Photo by Broadsheet

Festive Garden Tablescapes

For those planning outdoor Christmas gatherings, a beautifully decorated garden table is a must. Start with a festive tablecloth or runner, and layer it with greenery such as eucalyptus, holly, or ivy. Candles or LED tea lights in glass holders add a warm, inviting glow.

Incorporate ornaments, small figurines, or themed tableware to tie everything together. Miniature Christmas trees or floral arrangements can serve as elegant centrepieces. If space allows, set up a hot chocolate or mulled wine station nearby, complete with festive mugs and toppings.

Incorporate Seasonal Plants

Certain plants are synonymous with Christmas and can add an extra layer of festive cheer to your garden. Poinsettias, with their vibrant red and green leaves, are a classic choice and can be placed in pots around the garden. Other options include holly, mistletoe, or even seasonal herbs like rosemary and thyme, which can double as fresh ingredients for holiday meals.

For a Southern Hemisphere twist, use plants that thrive in warm climates but evoke a Christmas feel. Think of bright red bottlebrush flowers, festive grevilleas, or even a potted palm decorated with lights and ornaments. These unique touches can create a memorable and seasonally appropriate look.

DIY Christmas Garden Projects

Get the whole family involved in decorating with fun DIY projects. Create homemade wreaths using branches, leaves, and berries from your garden. These can be hung on gates, fences, or garden doors.

Another idea is to set up a “Christmas tree” using a ladder. Place it in your garden and decorate it with lights, garlands, and ornaments. This creative take on a traditional tree is easy to assemble and can be customised to suit your style.

For those with kids, setting up a “Santa’s workshop” area in the garden can be a delightful activity. Use garden tools and a few decorations to create a festive play space where children can imagine themselves as Santa’s helpers.

Welcoming Wildlife to Your Festive Garden

Christmas is a time of giving, and what better way to share the spirit than by creating a welcoming space for wildlife? Decorate bird feeders with edible ornaments like seed balls or fruit garlands. These not only look festive but also provide food for feathered visitors.

Butterflies and bees can be drawn to flowering plants, so consider adding blooms to your garden that will thrive during the season. For nocturnal wildlife, leave small water dishes or create sheltered spaces where they can safely rest.

Bringing It All Together

As you transform your garden into a festive paradise, don’t forget the joy it can bring to others. Invite friends and family to admire your handiwork or use the space for a Christmas picnic under the stars. With a little imagination and effort, your garden can become the heart of your holiday celebrations.

So, grab your lights, ornaments, and greenery, and start planning your garden Christmas decorations today. Whether you go all-out with dazzling displays or keep it simple with understated charm, your festive garden is sure to be a highlight of the season.

For more local news, click here.

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News and Reviews

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

Published

1 day ago

12 December 2024

Liam

International Day of People with Disability

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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.

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News and Reviews

Lisa Richards Appointed Local Connector for Northern Rivers’ Welcome Experience

Published

1 day ago

12 December 2024

Liam

Lisa Richards Welcome Experience Lismore Breaking News

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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.

For more local news, click here.

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News and Reviews

Game-Changing Upgrade for Australia’s Largest Firefighting Helicopter

Published

2 days ago

11 December 2024

Liam

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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.

For more local news, click here.

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