Monthly Archives: September 2020

Local sports clubs and associations are set to receive a funding boost to assist with ongoing participation in sport and active recreation in the Goulburn electorate, with applications now open for the Local Sport Grant Program.

Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman said applicants can access funding for a range of projects including sport access initiatives and facility upgrades, with up to $50,000 available for projects in every electorate across NSW.

“At a time when the sector is navigating through the impacts of COVID-19, the Local Sport Grant Program will provide a significant boost to the people of the Goulburn electorate with grants ranging from $500 to $15,000 for successful projects,” Mrs Tuckerman said.

“I encourage local clubs and associations to review the guidelines and submit their applications in the coming weeks.”

Acting Minister for Sport Geoff Lee said $4.65 million is available through the Local Sport Grant Program across NSW and is crucial in supporting the NSW Government’s commitment to enhance the quality of life in local communities.

“We know that sport is the lifeblood in local communities and their volunteers work hard to provide opportunities for their residents to get active and experience some normality during this pandemic,” Mr Lee said.

“By improving access and the quality of sport and recreational facilities and programs we can improve the health, social and economic wellbeing of the community.”

Applications are now open and close at 5:00pm Wednesday, 7 October 2020.

More info at: https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/sectordevelopment/grants/localsport

People in the Goulburn electorate are being reminded that there are a number of free, confidential and easy to access mental health supports available in person, on the phone and online around the clock.

Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman said that mental health programs and services are available both for young people and the wider community, and encouraged anyone needing assistance to reach out now.

The NSW Government has prepared three useful fact sheets that provide links to mental health services, support and resources around the state. These fact sheets are available below.

If you, or someone you know, is thinking about suicide or experiencing a personal crisis or distress, please seek help immediately by calling 000 or one of these services:

• Lifeline 13 11 14
• Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800
• Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
• NSW Mental Health Line 1800 011 511

Member for Wollondilly Nathaniel Smith and Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman have welcomed the Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock’s decision to issue a Performance Improvement Order (PIO) for Wingecarribee Shire Council.

“This PIO is a wakeup call for Council – for too long Councillors have put their own interests before the interests of the community they serve,” Mr Smith said.

“In the midst of COVID-19 and the recovery from the bushfires earlier this year, our region deserves much better from their local council.

“It’s my hope that this PIO will focus Council’s attention on delivering the priorities and needs of the region at this difficult time.”

Mrs Tuckerman said the Minister’s decision to issue a PIO was the right decision in helping address the dysfunction within Council’s leadership.

“My office has been inundated with correspondence about the poor performance of Council,” Mrs Tuckerman said.

“Rebuilding the relationship between Council and ratepayers will take time, however I believe the issuing of a PIO is the first step in once again creating that trust.”

Under the terms of the PIO:
• All councillors must undergo training in their role as elected representatives as well as work, health and safety, bullying, the code of conduct and meeting procedures;
• The Mayor must undergo additional training in the effective chairing of meetings to better deal with acts of disorder;
• All councillors must participate in a structured mediation process;
• Workplace trainer/educator and psychologist Norm Turkington has been appointed as a temporary adviser to the council to conduct the mediation process to address hostility and acrimony among councillors; and
• State and local government veteran Ian Reynolds has been appointed as a temporary adviser to provide advice and assistance to the Mayor to ensure the orderly conduct of council meetings. Mr Reynolds has previously served as Central Coast Council administrator and Blacktown City Council general manager

Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman and Member for Wollondilly Nathaniel Smith have today called on the Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock to urgently issue a performance improvement order for Wingecarribee Shire Council.   “In light of the Minister issuing a notice of intention to issue a PIO, I have heard from countless residents across the Shire who have expressed grave concerns about the dysfunction within Council,” Mr Smith said.   “The local community is entitled to expect the highest standards of leadership and conduct from its elected representatives, especially in these challenging times with the impacts of COVID-19 and bushfires.”   Mrs Tuckerman said the personal animosity and bullying between individuals is permeating through the organisation and is impacting, not just morale, but actual performance of the Council.   “Our region and our communities expect and deserve much better from their local council,” Mrs Tuckerman said.   “That’s why we’re calling on the Minister to urgently issue a performance improvement order.”   A PIO seeks to address performance issues, the long-term division and conflict among councillors and the associated reputational and work, health and safety risks.    Mrs Tuckerman said “we must immediately begin the process to ensure the Wingecarribee Council are meeting the expectation their communities demand, that’s why we want the Minister to proceed with the order immediately”.   The notice of intent to issue PIO was issued to Council on 19 August, with Council responding to the notice of intent on 25 August 2020.   The Members are hosting an online petition available here: https://forms.gle/7xZ5LhWpJfL4ssgU7 and encourage all residents to make sure their voices are heard.