It is part of a package of education measures and web-based information sessions for staff and employers.

The NSW government is rolling out a comprehensive education campaign as part of the reforms to provide retail workers with the choice to work on Boxing Day.

New laws provide strict safeguards to protect workers, with retailers who force staff to work on December 26 facing fines of up to $11,000 per employee.

Penalties of up to $22,000 will apply for landlords that force tenants to open on Boxing Day.

For further information visit industrialrelations.nsw.gov.au or call the Hotline on 13 16 28.

Help reduce food waste

Councils and food relief agencies can now apply for a share of $2 million in grants to help rescue surplus food before it is sent to landfill. 

Grants up to $200,000 are available over two years to support projects that raise awareness and improve education on food rescue.

We need to increase the volume of food donated and capture more good food before it is wasted. These grants will ultimately lead to less good quality food going in landfill, instead getting it to people in need.

Previous NSW government funding for vans, fridges and freezers has helped divert 6000 tonnes of surplus food from landfill annually.  

NSW EPA staff are available to help charities prepare applications, which are open until November 22. Visit epa.nsw.gov.au/working-together/grants/organics- infrastructure-fund

Community contacts

So I can continue to provide information about grants and funding opportunities to local organisations and sporting groups, I would really appreciate if organisational secretaries could contact my office with updated contact information. The Port Macquarie Electorate office phone number is 6584 0977.