2011 Media Archive
Day-to-Day Support for Mental Illness - 20 December 2011
More than $971,000 will be provided by the Federal Government to Newcastle PRA (Psychiatric Rehabilitation Australia) to deliver structured personal and social support to more people living with a mental illness in the community.
Boosting Trades Training Centres - 16 December 2011
Local Federal Members Sharon Grierson, Greg Combet, Joel Fitzgibbon and Jill Hall said that the funding is the latest instalment in the Australian Government’s $2.5 billion program to help schools build and upgrade trade training facilities.
Nurse Practitioners Benefit Seniors - 15 December 2011
Sharon Grierson MP, Member for Newcastle, and Greg Combet AM MP, Member for Charlton, announced that funding of $1,787,825 was being provided for local projects that will see Nurse Practitioners deliver quality health care to older Australians in the Region.
Improved train movements on track - 7 December 2011
Sharon Grierson MP has welcomed today's historic agreement between the Federal and State governments that will see greatly improved movements between Sydney and Newcastle.
CREATE Your Future - 6 December 2011
The CREATE Foundation’s new Newcastle office was opened today, to support up to 400 young people transitioning from out of home care in the Hunter Region over the next two years.
Caring for our Country - 15 November 2011
Sharon Grierson MP today announced the Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority for Kooragang Volunteers will receive a Community Action Grant of $18,210 as part of the 2011-12 Caring for our Country initiative.
Community service workers closer to equal pay - 10 November 2011
Hunter MPs Sharon Grierson, Jill Hall, Greg Combet and Joel Fitzgibbon have today welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement that it will provide $2 billion to deliver an historic pay rise to workers in the social and community sector.
Community Volunteer Awards - 9 November 2011
Marking the 10th anniversary of the United Nations International Year of Volunteers, the Newcastle Community Volunteer Awards 2011 ceremony will also feature the presentation of ten special National Volunteer Awards in recognition of the outstanding contributions made by local volunteers.
Recognition for our region's Sports Stars - 4 November 2011
Member for Newcastle Sharon Grierson today congratulated 73 individuals and teams for their outstanding contributions to sport in Newcastle.
Super boost and business tax breaks - 2 November 2011
Hunter Labor MPs have welcomed the introduction of the Minerals Resource Rent Tax (MRRT) to parliament. The MRRT will deliver a fairer share from the mining boom to more than 170,000 workers in the Hunter, boosting employer superannuation contributions from 9% to 12%, and delivering the $6,500 instant asset tax write-off to over 48,000 local small businesses.
$9.9m for university research through ARC - 2 November 2011
Researchers at the University of Newcastle have received funding of $9,961,381 through the Australian Research Council to fund 33 innovative research projects.
Headspace Newcastle - 24 October 2011
Young people in Newcastle and the Hunter are set to get appropriate, local access to mental health care and related drug and alcohol services with the Federal Labor Government announcing a new Headspace site in Newcastle to help young people cope with mental health issues.
$80m for Air Warfare Destroyers - 18 October 2011
Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare and Member for Newcastle Sharon Grierson today announced more work and more jobs for the Hunter on the new Air Warfare Destroyers Project.
Health and Medical Research Funding - 17 October 2011
Member for Newcastle, Sharon Grierson, has welcomed today’s announcement of the single largest investment in grants for health and medical research in Australian history, delivering almost $12.7 million for research at the University of Newcastle.
Student Services and Amenities Fee - 12 October 2011
Legislation introducing a services and amenities fee has passed through parliament today, paving the way for democratically elected student representatives to begin rebuilding declining infrastructure and rejuvenate student services, particularly in regional universities like Newcastle.
Support for Newcastle's Veteran Community - 30 September 2011
Newcastle's No. 77 Squadron Association will receive $3,000 in Australian Government funding through the Saluting Their Service program to assist in the publication of their pictorial history, Swift to Destroy.
Thank You to Newcastle's Overseas Volunteers - 27 September 2011
Sharon Grierson has thanked Novocastrian volunteers for their invaluable contrabutions abroad. The volunteers have been presented with certificates of appreciation on behalf of the Australian Government.
Funding for Volunteer Community - 26 September 2011
Over $85,500 in grants have been announced across twenty-six Newcastle not-for-profit organisations through the Federal Government's 2011 Volunteer Grants. The grants of up to $5000 aim to help organisations purchase much-needed equipment, help with volunteers' fuel costs, and cover the cost of training courses and background checks.
Boost for pensioners in Newcastle - 20 September 2011
From today, single people receiving the maximum rate of age, disability and carer pensions, as well as Veterans' income support recipients, will receive an extra $19.50 a fortnight. Pensioner couples combined on the maximum rate will receive an extra $29.60 a fortnight.
Arts and Research Funding for Newcastle's Future - 7 September 2011
The Gillard Government continues its commitment to Newcastle's future, delivering $7million in funding for the Newcastle Art Gallery and $698,000 for the Hunter Valley Research Foundation.
Case Coordination connect Newcastle CBD to best local help - 5 September 2011
Centrelink customers who face significant disadvantage or complex challenges, such as homelessness, long-term unemployment, literacy difficulties or other employment barriers will receive more coordinated help under a new Gillard Government program that commences in Newcastle today.
Stockton Residents Deserve Full Inquiry - 17 August 2011
Stockton residents deserve urgent answers about the extent and severity of last week's Orica chemical leak, Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Grierson MP told Parliament last night.
Shining a Light on Newcastle Tourism - 26 July 2011
The Federal Labor Government will brighten up Newcastle's tourism future with today's announcement of a $100,000 grant to Newcastle Council's City Evolution project.
Newcastle Leads the Way in Solar Research - 22 July 2011
The University of Newcastle and Hunter TAFE's role in a new $66.5 million solar research grant announced today reinforces Newcatle's status as a national leader in clean energy, Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Grierson MP said today.
$125,412 Extra Funding for Newcastle Home and Community Care Services - 22 July 2011
More frail, older people and younger people with a disability in Newcastle will be able to remain in their own homes and communities as a result of new funding for home and community care services.
Newcastle Set to Reap New Opportunities From Carbon Price Package - 11 July 2011
Newcastle is set to reap new opportunities from the Federal Labor Government's carbon price package, Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Grierson MP said today.
Strong Support for Jobs and Households in the Hunter - 11 July 2011
Jobs and households in the Hunter Region will benefit from significant levels of support under the Gillard Government's plan for a clean energy future.
Improved Health Services in the Hunter Region Start Tomorrow - 30 June 2011
The Gillard Government continues to deliver on health, with video consultations, after hours GP advice and a new Medicare Local to expand health services for patients in the Hunter from tomorrow.
Good News for Hunter Manufacturing - 23 June 2011
New anti-dumping measures announced by the Federal Labor Government are good news for manufacturing in the Hunter Region, Federal Member for Charlton Greg Combet and Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Grierson MP said today.
Australia's Largest Solar Research Hub Opens for Business - 18 June 2011
Australia will be at the forefront of global solar thermal research with the launch of a new facility by Prime Minister Gillard in Newcastle today.
Hunter Patients to Benefit from New Medicare Local - 6 June 2011
Hunter patients will be among the first to benefit from the new Medicare Locals annouced today.
21 Hunter Students Win Defence Scholarships - 6 June 2011
Twenty-one Hunter Region students were today presented lucrative Defence technical scholarships by Ms Sharon Grierson MP, Federal Member for Newcastle.
Local Liberals Mislead in Carbon Jobs Claim - 1 June 2011
For the second time this week, local Liberal MPs have attempted to mislead voters about the impact of a carbon price on jobs in the Hunter Region, Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Grierson MP said today.
More Opportunities for Newcastle in Major Defence Contract - 26 May 2011
Sharon Grierson MP, Federal Member for Newcastle, said today there would be more opportunities for Fogacs in the $8 billion Air Warfare Destroyer project.
Urgent Action on Newcastle Settlement Services Welcomed - 23 May 2011
Sharon Grierson MP, Federal Member for Newcastle, welcomed urgent action announced today by Minister for Immigration & Citizenship, the Hon Chris Bowen MP, on refugee settlement services in Newcastle.
$2.9 Million Disability Leadership Program Awarded to Newcastle TAFE - 17 May 2011
Sharon Grierson MP, Federal Member for Newcastle, congratulated Newcastle TAFE for being selected to deliver a $2.9 million Federal Labor Government program – Leaders for Tomorrow - to develop the leadership skills of people with disability.
Federal Budget Keeps Newcastle on Track for Jobs and Growth - 10 May 2011
Sharon Grierson, Federal Member for Newcastle, said that tonight's 2011 Federal Budget will keep Newcastle on track for jobs and economic growth.
Newcastle Job-Seekers, Apprentices and Families Benefit from Budget - 10 May 2011
Sharon Grierson, Federal Member for Newcastle, said that tonight's 2011 Federal Budget will provide a helping hand to thousands of job-seekers, apprentices and families in Newcastle.
Federal Budget Wins for Health Services in Newcastle - 10 May 2011
Sharon Grierson, Federal Member for Newcastle, said that tonight's 2011 Federal Budget contains a number of wins for health services in Newcastle.
Problem Drinking Study Demonstrates Importance of Newcastle Crime Prevention Projects - 5 May 2011
Sharon Grierson, Federal Member for Newcastle, said that a study released yesterday into problem drinking demonstrates the importance of recent Federal Government funding for crime prevention projects in Newcastle.
Investing in Education - 2 May 2011
The Federal Member for Newcastle, Ms Sharon Grierson MP, today opened new facilities at the Newcastle Campus of TAFE NSW - Hunter Institute that will improve vocational education and training for students in the Newcastle region.
Pricing Carbon for Future Success - 23 April 2011
Last week while debating impacts of a carbon price, Paul Howes of the Australian Workers Union told listeners to come to Newcastle to see the impact of the closure of a steel plant on workers and jobs.
Once Were Battlers - 16 April 2011
I read Joanne McCarthy’s Review piece (Herald 11/4/11) with interest – not just for its implications for Labor politicians but also its reflection on the way Novocastrians made two major decisions.
2011 Sharon Grierson Scholarships Announced - 6 April 2011
Federal Member for Newcastle, Sharon Grierson MP, was today pleased to announce the two recipients of the annual Sharon Grierson Education Scholarship.
ANZAC Day care packages for our troops overseas – 5 April 2011
Sharon Grierson MP, Federal Member for Newcastle, has encouraged the Newcastle community to support Australian troops serving overseas by sending them care packages this ANZAC Day.
Newcastle Community to Celebrate Official Opening of Empire Park – 1 April 2011
The Newcastle community is invited to celebrate the official opening of the new-look Empire Park tomorrow.
More Jobs at Forgacs to Build New Air Warfare Destroyers – 1 April 2011
Sharon Grierson, Federal Member for Newcastle, today welcomed news that local shipbuilder Forgacs would employ up to 70 additional workers to do more work on the Navy’s new Air Warfare Destroyers.
Hunter Institute of Mental Health Receives $1.1 million in Federal Funding for Children’s Mental Health Initiative - 29 March 2011
Sharon Grierson, Federal Member for Newcastle, today congratulated the Hunter Institute of Mental Health for successfully securing $1.1 million in Federal Government Funding for the Institute’s Response Ability Vocational Education and Training Resources: Children’s Services initiative.
Local Liberals Endorse National Broadband Network - 10 March 2011
Sharon Grierson, Federal Member for Newcastle, has welcomed the endorsement of the National Broadband Network (NBN) by Liberal candidate for the NSW seat of Newcastle, Tim Owen.
Federal Labor Recognises WWII POWs - 9 March 2011
The Federal Labor Government has announced that twenty servicemen who were killed while escaping from Japanese forces during World War II will be posthumously awarded the Commendation for Gallantry.
Sharon Grierson Education Scholarships Open - 21 February 2011
Federal Member for Newcastle, Sharon Grierson MP, has today invited nominations for the 2011 Sharon Grierson Education Scholarships.
Newcastle Company Wins Contract to Support the Navy - 15 February 2011
Newcastle based company Innovasys has won a $4.8 million Defence contract to provide support services to test and repair vital circuit cards on Royal Australian Navy frigates.
Preparing Our Kids for Jobs of the Future - 11 February 2011
Minister for Defence Material, Jason Clare, and I today launched Phase 2 of the Manufacturing Success Through Education (ME) Program at the BAE Systems Williamtown facility.
Labor Takes Newcastle One Step Closer to High Speed Rail - 1 February 2011
I warmly welcome today’s announcement by Federal Minister for Infrastructure & Transport, the Hon. Anthony Albanese MP, that work on a feasibility study into a high speed rail network for the east coast has commenced.