? Regional News
- ACM Rural Events have announced the postponement of the AgQuip field days from 17-19 August in Gunnedah NSW due to increasing COVID-19 concerns.
- In the North West, NSW Police have selected school-based Aboriginal trainees to help improve relationships in the community and to provide job experience and TAFE qualifications to students.
- Dam levels in the region continue to rise after steady rainfall on the weekend and Chaffey Dam is currently 93% full, compared to just 15% a year ago. The Bureau of Meteorology says there is a high chance of above average rainfall for the rest of Winter and into Spring.
? Health News
- Given the ongoing number of infectious cases in the community, the lockdown in Greater Sydney has been extended until at least 11:59pm on Friday 30 July.
- Stricter rules now apply to Greater Sydney; including wearing a mask outdoors, no carpooling, certain retail store closures and construction paused. Non-urgent maintenance work including cleaning services and repair work on residential premises is only allowed if required to ensure the health, safety or security of the place of residence or the people who reside there. For the latest updates and full list of restrictions, see here – https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Pages/latest-updates.aspx
- Two men have been arrested in Tenterfield after travelling from the Central Coast and breaching travel restrictions. If you observe any breaches to public health orders, the NSW Police Force are encouraging reports to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
- The NSW Government have announced support packages for businesses and individuals. For grants, loans and financial assistance, see here – https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/campaign/covid-19-help-businesses/grants-loans-and-financial-assistance
? Business & Employment News
- 68 jobs will go as Real Pet Food Factory’s operations in Inverell will move to their Dubbo site in December.
- The Australian Worker’s Union (AWU) has taken its fight for fruit pickers to be guaranteed minimum wage to the Fair Work Commission. With some fruit pickers only being paid as little as $3 per hour and exploitation rife across every part of the country, there is definitely a need for this to be addressed. It is expected the Fair Work Commission will deliver its decision in the coming months. More information here – https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-07-14/push-for-minimum-wage-assurance-for-fruit-pickers/100291380
- Our region has seen more than 200 skilled migrants receive a nomination under the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (491) program this year. A big congratulations to these applicants. If you are interested in this program, more information can be found here – https://www.rdani.org.au/skilled-migration.php
- Business New England has newly elected Aileen McDonald OAM as president of the business chamber.
- UNE Smart Region Incubator is set to kick off business training and innovation workshops with business owners in Tamworth thanks to the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery program.
