Latest news with #DuncanEvans
Daily Record
3 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Record
NHS Lanarkshire signs Armed Forces Covenant
The signing ceremony took place at NHS Lanarkshire headquarters, with incoming Veterans' Champion Claire Ritchie putting pen to paper on behalf of the health board. NHS Lanarkshire has formally signed the Armed Forces Covenant, reinforcing its pledge to support members of the Armed Forces, veterans and their families. The signing ceremony took place at NHS Lanarkshire headquarters, with incoming Veterans' Champion Claire Ritchie putting pen to paper on behalf of the health board. The move reaffirms NHS Lanarkshire's ongoing commitment as a Gold Employer under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. The Covenant was co-signed by Wing Commander Derek Read RAF, supported by Duncan Evans, Defence Relationship Manager with the Ministry of Defence, and representatives from the Lowland Reserve Forces' and Cadets' Association (RFCA). Also in attendance were NHS Lanarkshire's Ally Boyle, Board Vice Chair; Craig Cunningham, outgoing Veterans Champion; and Chief Executive Louise Long. Speaking at the event, Louise said: 'NHS Lanarkshire is proud to support those who serve, those who have served, and their families. Signing the Covenant is not a symbolic gesture - it's a tangible commitment to ensuring our policies, practices and workplace culture continue to reflect our values of respect, fairness, and opportunity for all.' Duncan Evans welcomed the renewed commitment: 'This Covenant represents a clear promise from NHS Lanarkshire to ensure that those who serve or have served are treated with the dignity and support they deserve. We're pleased to see this commitment continued at such a high level.' The Covenant recognises the contribution made by the Armed Forces Community and aims to ensure they are not disadvantaged in accessing services such as healthcare, education, and employment. NHS Lanarkshire's support includes active recruitment of veterans, flexibility for reservists and ongoing training to raise awareness of veterans' needs across its services. The signing was made possible with support from the Lowland RFCA, which works to strengthen the relationship between Defence and civic organisations across Scotland. As NHS Lanarkshire reaffirmed its commitment to the Armed Forces Community the occasion marked both the retirement of Craig Cunningham as Veterans' Champion and the appointment of Claire Ritchie as his successor. The occasion brought together colleagues and partners to celebrate Craig's outstanding contribution in embedding a culture of inclusion and respect for veterans, while looking ahead with confidence as Claire takes forward the momentum he has built. Claire, who is also NHS Lanarkshire's Interim Director of Interface, added: 'This signing is a proud moment - but more importantly, it's a promise. 'A promise that we will continue to champion the needs of veterans and serving personnel, not only through policies, but through actions. 'I'm honoured to take on the role of Veterans' Champion and to build on the strong legacy Craig leaves behind. I look forward to working with colleagues and partners to ensure Lanarkshire remains a place where veterans feel respected, supported and valued.' Craig Cunningham, outgoing Veterans' Champion and also Head of Commissioning and Performance for South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership, said: 'Employing members of the Armed Forces community, whether veterans or reservists, has and continues to have a truly positive and beneficial impact on our efforts to provide exemplary care across all our services. 'In relation to the provision of health services, NHS Lanarkshire and the University HSCPs offer a dedicated pathway - Veterans First Point (V1P) - for veterans and their families living in Lanarkshire who require psychological support or wider social and welfare assistance. 'We also work with the Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS), who provide practical and emotional support for veterans navigating healthcare pathways, helping connect them with other vital services such as home supports or respite care. 'As I prepare to retire, I'm proud to have helped embed a culture of inclusion and respect for the Armed Forces community across NHS Lanarkshire. Signing the Covenant is a fitting way to sign off - and to hand the baton to Claire, who I know will take forward this work with energy, compassion and real purpose.' Ally Boyle MBE, Board Vice Chair of NHS Lanarkshire, said: 'Craig has made an outstanding contribution as Veterans' Champion, ensuring the voices and needs of the Armed Forces community are heard and acted upon. His work has left a legacy of genuine inclusion, practical support, and deep respect for those who have served. 'I have every confidence that Claire will carry this momentum forward, building on the strong foundations Craig has laid to ensure veterans and their families continue to receive the recognition, support, and opportunities they deserve.' * Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
The Australian
06-07-2025
- The Australian
Police officers hit pedestrian with vehicle in Kings Cross
Police officers responding to an incident in Sydney's CBD have struck a pedestrian en route in Kings Cross, sparking an internal investigation. The hit happened about 3.10am on Saturday morning after emergency services were called to reports of a brawl in the city. The police car was travelling along William St in Darlinghurst with lights and sirens, the police said on Sunday. 'Initial inquiries have led police to believe a pedestrian ran onto William Street at the same time and collided with the police vehicle,' the police said. A pedestrian was struck by a police vehicle early on Saturday morning in Darlinghurst. Picture: NewsWire / Monique Harmer 'Officers assisted the 35-year-old man at the scene before the arrival of paramedics.' Paramedics took the main to St Vincent's Hospital where he remains in a stable condition. 'The driver of the police vehicle – a constable attached to Kings Cross Police Area Command – was treated at the scene for shock,' the police said. 'Investigations into the circumstances of the crash are underway.' Duncan Evans Reporter Duncan Evans is a reporter for News Corp's NewsWire service, based in Adelaide. Before NewsWire, he worked as a resources and politics reporter for The Daily Mercury in Mackay, Queensland and as a reporter at CQ Today, an independent newspaper based in Rockhampton. He was raised in Emerald and Brisbane and studied English Literature and American Studies at the University of Sydney. He began his career in journalism working for the Jakarta Post in Indonesia for over two years as an editor, translator and writer. He is fluent in Indonesian. @Duncanevans01 Duncan Evans
Perth Now
30-05-2025
- Perth Now
‘Smoke-free': Big call on major tourist strip
A major thoroughfare running through one of South Australia's star beach suburbs could soon be a smoke-free zone. Port Adelaide and Enfield councillors voted unanimously this month for a report into making the western section Semaphore Rd, which connects Semaphore Beach and its famous jetty with a line of shops and restaurants, free of cigarettes and vapes. Semaphore councillor David Wilkins proposed the motion and told NewsWire this week a Semaphore local had asked the council to consider the ban. 'We actually had a local resident reach out to our mayor, who raised the concept of it,' he said. 'The resident is particularly passionate about it because she lost her father in 2020 to sinus cancer, which they have shared with us, was likely caused by passive smoking. 'As a result of that, she's asked whether we can put in smoke free areas, so we're protecting people in the community.' Semaphore lies in Adelaide's western district, bordering Port Adelaide to the east and West Lakes to the South. It's a popular tourist spot, with the foreshore clock tower, jetty and steam train rides that run from the beach to Fort Glanville and back all drawing in families from the city and interstate. Semaphore is a popular beachside suburb in Adelaide's west. Duncan Evans / NewsWire Credit: News Corp Australia The proposed smoke-free zone would cover the western section of Semaphore Rd. Google Maps Credit: News Corp Australia The retro Odean Star cinema also sits on Semaphore Rd alongside eateries like Zambrero and Yo-Chi. Mr Wilkins said a smoke ban would elevate the strip's attractiveness even further. 'We've got the beach, the cinema, it's very much a place we want to encourage people to come and visit,' he said. 'This proposal would really help create a welcoming environment to come and visit and support our local traders.' Staffers will now prepare a report and interview businesses on the thoroughfare to gauge their position, including the pubs that serve the strip. 'I think it will likely be supported because it's about encouraging people to come and visit,' Mr Wilkins said. Staff will also investigate whether the council has the legal authority to implement the proposed ban. Cancer Council SA senior manager for prevention Christine Morris praised the idea. Semaphore Rd hosts a range of popular eateries. Duncan Evans / NewsWire Credit: News Corp Australia 'It's fantastic to hear that local councils are taking a proactive approach to keeping South Australians safe from the harmful effects of smoking, by making more public spaces smoke-free,' she told NewsWire. 'South Australia is leading the nation in providing smoke-free spaces since new laws were introduced last year and we welcome continued action to protect community members from exposure to second-hand smoking, especially vulnerable people and children.' Semaphore already has some smoke-free zones. In 2021, Mr Wilkins organised a ban on smoking outside public buildings such as libraries and community centres. 'It just makes it such a more welcoming and inviting environment,' he said. The City of Port Adelaide Enfield council areas covers a vast portion of Adelaide's north, stretching from Klemzig in the east to Semaphore in the west and the Osborne naval shipyard in the north.
Perth Now
15-05-2025
- Business
- Perth Now
Surprise theme in new Qantas business lounge
From the curve and shape of the Flinders Ranges to the stark beauty of Kangaroo Island, iconic South Australian aesthetics dominate the new Qantas business class lounge at Adelaide Airport. Culinary legend Maggie Beer, speaking with NewsWire at the airport on Thursday, said the new lounge had 'raised the bar' and would present travellers with the best of South Australia. 'I love the vibrancy, the open space, the feeling of how grown up this place is, as Adelaide is,' she said. 'There is nowhere else like Adelaide and South Australia.' The new Qantas business class lounge at Adelaide Airport. Duncan Evans/ NewsWire Credit: NewsWire Kangaroo Island inspired the central bar space. Duncan Evans/ NewsWire Credit: NewsWire Chef Neil Perry crafted the menu at the lounge, with the city's iconic Central Market a key influence. Ms Beer's produce will also feature. Qantas Group chief executive Qantas International Cam Wallace said the lounge would offer business travellers a 'premium in-flight experience.' The new Qantas business class lounge at Adelaide Airport. Duncan Evans/ NewsWire Credit: NewsWire 'For the millions of customers that visit our lounges, we know just how important it is to have a premium pre-flight experience and we're so pleased to be bringing this to Adelaide today,' he said. 'The new lounge has been designed based off feedback and the features we know our customers' value the most.' The 1016 sqm lounge can accommodate 190 customers. It features locally sourced furniture, lighting and natural materials. More to come .
1News
04-05-2025
- Business
- 1News
Lake Tarawera locals push for lower sewerage costs
A Lake Tarawera residents' group says lowering sewerage scheme costs for homeowners at the lake is non-negotiable and unaffordability is "not a trivial matter". A member suggested homeowners not sign off on allowing connection works on their properties until they have funding certainty. Rotorua Lakes Council is considering three funding options for the Tarawera Sewerage Scheme in its Annual Plan consultation The scheme connects lake properties to Rotorua's reticulated sewerage, replacing septic tanks blamed for declining lake water quality. The most recent cost estimate is $32.2 million, up from $29 million late last year. The council has said protests and court action added expense. Under the 2024-34 Long-Term Plan, Tarawera ratepayers would need to fund $20.9m, but this has now jumped to $21.5m. The council would borrow the money and households would pay it back over time. Under the first funding option — the status quo — the lump-sum cost was $50,315 each, including GST. Paid over 25 years, it would be $3899 a year — including covering the cost of the council holding the debt. This could be split into two rates, one for the main pipeline and the other for connecting to the scheme, with the latter only charged to households that connect. About 446 existing properties and 104 more to be built in the future could be connected. These included public toilets, which the council would pay to connect. The figures reflected a $5286 discount if households agreed by June 1 to having installation work on their properties. So far, 65 properties have given approval for this. Households that missed the deadline would need to pay for the connection themselves. Any who refused to connect may have few options, with the council previously saying septic tanks alone would be non-compliant and upgrades to be compliant were unlikely to get consent with reticulation available nearby. The two other funding options reduced Tarawera households' costs by increasing rates paid by all other Rotorua ratepayers, through the Lakes Enhancement Rate. Option two added $2.80 a year to all ratepayers' bills for 25 years, raising $1m and reducing Tarawera households' contribution to $47,737. Option three raised $4m by increasing rates $11.20 per year, and reduced Tarawera payments to $40,001. At a community meeting on Easter Monday, the Lake Tarawera Sewerage Working Group recommended attendees support option three. Group member Duncan Evans told the meeting option three did not "go far enough". He said the group had told council staff many could not afford the scheme and proposed three non-negotiable conditions. These were to set the maximum cost for Tarawera ratepayers at $36,600; exclude all cost escalations from their bills; and ask Bay of Plenty Regional Council to increase its funding to $1.485m to match Rotorua Lakes Council's contribution. He advised attendees not to sign off on installation plans until they had certainty and a capped charge was agreed. Evans suggested that if the group's maximum was agreed, then homeowners would agree to sign plans within two weeks of that decision. In a statement to Local Democracy Reporting, group chairman Sir Henry van der Heyden said the council must negotiate with the Tarawera community before the rates are struck. "This is not a trivial matter. Many community members simply cannot afford to pay for the options council is proposing." Submissions on the Annual Plan are open until May 5. The council's infrastructure and assets group manager, Stavros Michael, encouraged people to make submissions for elected members to consider. "We continue to have discussions with Tarawera property owners and have continued to explore additional funding options to reduce the cost to ratepayers as much as possible." The council hosted a webinar on the scheme options last week. Council chief executive Andrew Moraes answered questions including what happened when someone could not afford the 25-year rate. "The council has a range of policies that address hardship for people who struggle to make rates payments." He encouraged people to reach out before making "significant life decisions" about their property. Moraes said the council intended to seek more funding from the regional council and suggested people write to it for the same. LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
