Saturday, 12 April 2025 12:06
ROUGH SLEEPING SURGES IN REGIONAL AREAS
ROUGH sleeping in Australia has surged 22% nationwide since 2020, with a 51% rise in NSW - especially in regional areas - due to a worsening housing crisis. More employed Australians are seeking help, and services are over-whelmed. Rising rents, limited social housing, and funding shortfalls are pushing more people into homelessness. Experts warn urgent action and in-vestment in prevention and housing solutions are needed to address what is now a national homelessness emergency.
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Saturday, 12 April 2025 12:05
FIRST RESPONDER MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
THE NSW Government has launched a new Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy for first responders, now including forestry, national parks, and transport workers alongside traditional emergency services. The strategy out-lines 15 priority actions to improve mental health support, with a focus on accessibility in regional areas. Measures include Psychological First Aid train-ing, clinical care referrals, and peer-support services. This proactive approach ensures all first responders receive tailored, trauma-informed support throughout their careers, promoting long-term wellbeing and workforce sustainability.
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Saturday, 12 April 2025 12:03
GOVT FUNDS WHEELCHAIR TAXI SHORTAGE
THE NSW Government has launched a $15M emergency funding package to address the critical shortage of wheelchair accessible taxis (WATs), which have declined by one-third since 2019. The package includes increased driver incentives, new grants for vehicle costs, and improved driver training. An in-terest-free loan scheme has also been expanded. This urgent response aims to restore access for people with disability, while a longer-term reform plan is being developed in consultation with the community to ensure sustainable transport services.
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