Community Newsletter

There is no doubt that we are in a very challenging time right now as Greater Sydney is in lockdown until August 28. I know how hard this is on our local businesses, people who have been stood down during this lockdown and families who are having to home school their children.

The latest numbers in NSW are not encouraging today, so I would urge you to continue staying home, get tested if you develop any symptoms and get vaccinated if you are able to. Please follow the NSW Health guidelines that are regularly updated HERE.

BUSINESS SUPPORT

Commonwealth and State Governments have announced more support for business and individuals in lockdown.
 
On Wednesday the PM and the Premier announced further support measures to help NSW through the extended lockdown.
 
For individuals, the new package includes:

• An increase in the rate for the COVID Disaster Payments from $600/wk to $750/wk for those who lost more than 20hrs of work and from $300 to $375/wk for those who lost under 20hrs work
• For those already on Youth Allowance or JobSeeker, if you have lost more than 8hrs of work you will get a top up of $200/wk on top of your existing payment. Note I will be raising the need for additional support for those who haven’t lost any hours of work given the lack of opportunity to find work at present.
• You can find out more information and apply on the Services Australia website

 
For businesses, the JobSaver package is expanded to include businesses with up to $250million in turnover and the maximum weekly grant increases from $10,000 to $100,000.
 
You can now apply for the NSW COVID Business support grant here and the micro business grant is now open for applications as well.

An overview of these support packages and others including support for tourism operators and tax relief measures available to businesses and individuals is here

CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE SUPPORTING BUSINESSES

Thank you to the Mosman Chamber of Commerce for hosting an online forum for businesses in Mosman, Cremorne and Neutral Bay this week.

It is so important for all levels of Government to work together to assist local businesses during these difficult times. Businesses are really struggling and whilst additional support has been announced, some sectors need assurances that support will continue post lockdown as they have lost many months of bookings.

Next week, I will be joining the Manly Business Chamber forum to hear from businesses in the Manly area.

To read my requests to the Federal Government on behalf of Warringah, on further measures and supports needed at this time CLICK HERE.

This week I also spoke to local epidemiologist Professor Mary-Louise McLaws on ‘Zooming in with Zali’ about the vaccination rollout, lockdown measures and a pathway forward. I would like to urge all of you to speak to your GP and get vaccinated.

Vaccination remains our only protection against serious illness and death from COVID and ongoing lockdowns. To watch the full discussion CLICK HERE.

 

OLYMPICS CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to the Australian Olympic team and particularly to our local champions for such fantastic performances, especially Rowena Meredith from Mosman, who won bronze in the Women’s Quad Scull in rowing!

We are so proud of you.
 

SILVER LININGS DURING LOCKDOWN

I asked my team how they are finding the silver linings during lockdown. We would love to hear if you have something to add to the list.

This includes:

• Swimming in Cabbage Tree Bay and admiring the Port Jackson Sharks
• Playing table tennis with the family (it’s reported the parents are winning so far)
• Making honey
• Baking lemon lemon drizzle cake, lemon brownies, lemon curd with an abundance of lemons
• Watching the whales make their way up the coast
• Catching up with friends via Zoom 
• Walking around the bush tracks from Balmoral Oval to Taronga Zoo
• Watching the sunrise
• Surfing 
• Reading
• And finally, watching the Olympics!

COMING UP: CALLING YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS AND VISIONARIES

Both the Northern Beaches and Mosman Councils have initiatives for young people currently open:

Northern Beaches Council - Spark Tank

Spark Tank is similar to the TV show Shark Tank. In this event young people will present their ideas in front of an expert panel to win financial backing and professional business assistance. 

Spark Tank contestants are segmented in two age brackets, roughly one for 8-16 year olds and one for 17-23 year olds. For more information go HERE

Mosman Council - Postcards from the Future 

Mosman’s younger residents are being invited to have their say on how Mosman should look in 2032 in 'Postcards from the Future', a project just for Mosman primary and high school students with a range of prizes up for grabs. Read more HERE