Port Stephens news in brief: October 2

While data shows that boating occurs all year round, it is the improving temperatures at the beginning of October that lures Aussies back onto the water in greater numbers and frequency.

Maritime agencies across Australia, including the NSW Government, Boating Industry Association and volunteer marine rescue services, are encouraging boaters to think about safety this boating season.

"We want people to stop and think about what else could be done to improve their safety before and during every trip on a boat," Tara McCarthy, Transport for NSW's deputy secretary safety, environment and regulation, said. "To the boaties, fishos, sailors and paddlers out there, as well as those who are just along for the ride, we all have a responsibility to be smarter about safety on the water."

For seasoned boaters, this is the time to make sure your boat is serviced and ready to go, all the right gear is on board and that if you use a vehicle to tow your vessel, the trailer is in equally good condition. Check your boat licence and make sure your vessel rego and insurance is up to date.

Skippers should always ensure the weather and sea conditions are suitable, check that your boat and equipment are suitable and your safety gear is complete and in-date, tell someone where you are going and your estimated time of return.

"Our data shows that not wearing a lifejacket and not making considered judgements about weather conditions are some of the top reasons people get into trouble out on the water," Ms McCarthy said. "The solution is pretty simple - wearing a lifejacket at all times and checking weather forecasts both before and during trips out on the water could save your life."

Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Stacey Tannos said the service's volunteers were ready for what was likely to be one of the busiest boating summers yet on NSW waterways.

"With travel further afield unlikely because of COVID-19, we expect more people than ever to head for the coastline and enjoy a boating holiday here at home," he said. "Everyone planning to go boating this summer should take the time now to check their boat and safety gear, including their lifejackets and marine radio, are in good condition.

"We urge all boaters to Log On with Marine Rescue NSW when they're heading out. It's quick, simple and free. Tell us where you're going, how many people are on board and when you're expecting to return and our volunteers will keep watch.

"If something goes wrong and you haven't Logged Off as planned, our volunteers will start to search for you to bring you safely back to shore."

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With water restrictions now removed, Hunter Water is calling on the Port Stephens and wider Lower Hunter community to make smart water choices in their everyday lives to help save the "precious resource".

Smart Water Choices is a permanent water conservation measure that replaces Level 1 water restrictions, which were rolled back on Thursday, October 1.

"The severe drought may have eased in the Lower Hunter, but it's important that everyone keeps making smart water choices so that we don't return to our previous water use behaviours," Melinda Pavey, the NSW Minister for water, said.

"This is our new normal and we need to maintain these sensible water saving measures by only watering outdoors with a trigger nozzle hose before 10am and after 4pm and not hosing hard surfaces.

"The Lower Hunter community has shown its value for water. By working together we can preserve more water through summer to ensure we conserve this precious resource into the future."

Hunter Water's executive manager customer strategy and retail, Victor Prasad, said there are plenty of other simple choices members of the community can make to reduce their water consumption.

"Reducing your shower time is one of the easiest and most effective ways to save water in your home, with showers making up more than a third of our daily water usage. Every minute less is a bucket of water saved so we recommend showering for four minutes or the length of your favourite song," he said.

"Other simple choices such as waiting for a full load to use the dishwasher and washing machine, or fixing dripping taps and leaking toilets, can also add up to some big water savings. A few drips from a tap might not seem like much, but over the course of a few days or months, it's easy to see how precious those few drops are."

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Port Stephens not-for-profit and charity organisations seeking funding for projects are being encouraged to apply for a Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation grant.

Newly appointed Charitable Foundation chair, Jennifer Leslie, is urging all community-based not-for-profit organisations that have new or existing projects that address key areas of health, young people, and social disadvantage to apply for funding before applications close on October 22.

"Local communities are experiencing hardship and challenges as a result of COVID-19 and the Charitable Foundation is committed to our mission to help people who are disadvantaged, marginalised, or isolated and supporting social opportunity and development in our regional communities," she said.

"We're looking to fund projects that use innovative solutions, but also deliver a local approach to addressing important community issues, including those arising due to the social and economic effects of COVID-19. Our vision is to support projects that help to rewrite the future for people who are in need in our regional communities."

Twice a year the Charitable Foundation provides about $750,000 to fund projects and initiatives across regional NSW.

Groups are encouraged to review the guidance information and apply at charitablefoundation.com.au.

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Port Stephens Council is reminding the community and visitors to continue to follow the NSW public health orders and be COVID safe during the summer holidays.

"The community's safety is our top priority, we're asking you to continue to do the right thing and show extra care when in public spaces this summer," Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer said.

"Remember to stay 1.5 metres or a towel length apart from others, don't gather in groups of more than 20 and time your visit to beaches, parks or other public areas to avoid overcrowding at peak times.

"This isn't a summer like any we've had before so if our public spaces look busy, please come back another time to support our local shops which need your business. By working together we can help keep public spaces open and accessible while keeping our community safe."

The Australian Lifeguard Service and local Surf Life Saving Club season is now underway.

Lifeguards patrol Birubi and Fingal Bay beaches five days a week, 9am to 5pm, and One Mile Beach during those hours seven days a week. Volunteer surf lifesavers patrol Birubi and Fingal beaches between 9am and 5pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Port Stephens Lifeguard Supervisor Phil Rock is reminding beachgoers to follow beach rules and always swim at a patrolled location.

"While things might look a bit different this year, we are reminding the community that the usual beach rules apply," he said. "Swim between the red and yellow flags and follow the instructions of lifeguards, which includes following physical distancing and limiting your group size."

For more information about patrolled beaches and water safety in Port Stephens visit our website or download the Beachsafe app for current safety information.

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Ahead of what is expected to be its biggest Christmas ever, Australia Post is recruiting more than 4000 people across the country to help deliver record parcel volumes - the biggest hiring spree in the organisation's 210-year history.

Among the positions, 2900 Christmas casuals will be hired for transport and deliveries across the country.

Executive general manager people and culture, Sue Davies, said this year's Christmas casuals will bring a welcome boost to a workforce that has been working incredibly hard all year.

"A lot has been expected of our people this year and I'm so proud of the way our team has adapted and dealt with the challenges they've faced to keep delivering for Australia across our entire network," Ms Davies said.

"Our people have gone over and above to provide critical services for businesses and their customers and delivered for over 8.1 million households who have shopped online between March and August alone.

"This is a record-breaking recruitment drive for what we expect to be a Christmas unlike any we've had before in Australia Post's history. In a year that has been incredibly challenging and impacted people in many ways, we are delighted to be inviting people to join us this Christmas as we deliver across the country."

Last year, Australia Post received more than 23,000 applications for Christmas casual positions.

Earlier this year, more than 50,000 applications were made for the 1000 casuals hired in response to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

To see the full list of vacancies available at Australia Post visit auspost.com.au/jobs.

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The Port's small businesses will have the opportunity to workshop new ideas online, boost their digital skills and connect with other businesses in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic as part of the NSW Government's Small Business Month.

Running throughout October, Small Business Month provides an opportunity to support and celebrate the successes and challenges of small and medium sized businesses and the critical role they play in local communities.

Following a series of devastating bushfires and the effects of COVID-19, 2020 has been one of the toughest years for many NSW small businesses. With tourism as one of its key industries, many Port Stephens businesses have worn the impact of the global pandemic.

Throughout October, Port Stephens Council will deliver a range of online programs focusing on resilience.

"Port Stephens is home to over 4900 small businesses who have all been touched by the impacts of COVID-19 some way or another - our local business economy is vital to economic growth in our region and it's important we support their development and recovery during this time," Mayor Ryan Palmer said.

"We're offering a wide range of workshops and events focusing on the people behind our small businesses and helping them to bounce back quickly after setbacks, and adapt well to change and challenges."

Bookings are essential: portstephens.nsw.gov.au