Health services union (east) - I spent two years fighting to get Monday afternoons off to pick up my kids from school - HSU were useless; Got nothing and got nowhere with them. They couldn’t even answer the phone when I rang. Their method of communication is back in the last century. Don’t respond to emails. Don’t call back for days, weeks or months and you have to pick up the call when they ring. Then they ask you what’s going on with your case when you can finally talk to them and you have to remind them on where they were up to with it (which is nowhere). One time I tried to make a phone appointment time with my union rep. She didn’t answer the phone at the appointed time so I kept calling, thinking she would come back into her office at some point. She finally answered and was annoyed because she said she was meeting with her boss at that time. How obtuse is that? Make an appointment, don’t bother rescheduling, then get annoyed with the person you’re supposed to be meeting with. My kids grew up so I didn’t need to pick them up anymore. Thanks HSU!

Ahoy hoy NSW peeps.

My missus just failed her rego check on the car because the number plates were "too faded". Rego is due tomorrow.

She's already ordered the replacements but they definitely won't arrive by tomorrow.

Anyone know how long they usually take?

I've been living overseas and I forgot to renew the registration for over 6 months. I have read online to know that I will need to complete a blue slip check, get a physical copy of my CTP insurance, etc. I understand I am supposed to hand in my number plates to Services NSW.

I will be in town in a week to sort it out but if I go to Services NSW after completing the blue slip and CTP insurance are they still going to replace my number plates and I will have to wait for new ones? If so, will they have temporary plates I can use for the time being?

As per the heading I am looking at a few rural towns for a nice family sized home normal block in either Forbes, Parkes, Mudgee, Orange, Bathurst or Dubbo. Intent is to purchase now, rent it out for a while and move there once children have finished school in 5-10 years. From my research each town has its own pros and cons and are all reasonably affordable. Could I please ask for any tips, tricks, insights, good/bad etc from anyone who may have any recommendations on places which are better or worse, have more crime. Thank you in advance for any help

In NSW health there is the policy is there is no cigarette smoking or vaping on NSW health grounds, except where there are smoking-designated areas. NSW health staff still smoke on hospital grounds, in non-designated areas, for their own reasons.

https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/858003/Assistance_Animals_Procedures_December_2011.pdf

definitely worth a read. especially #6.

Hi there, just wanted to ask a question for a mate. Today we were travelling and we approached a traffic light it was green then went yellow he went through on yellow and as we were coming out it turned red last second. His question is will he be fined by the red light camera for going through on yellow and then turned red or will he be all good? Cheers

The lease says we have to apply two coats of paint at the end.

Is that reasonable? This is an office

Does anyone know any alt brands in NSW??? or even online ones that I could buy scene, grunge, goth, like any type of alt at all (other than Dangerfield) because I honestly can't find any and everywhere I look they like hot topic and spencers like SORRY IM NOT AMERICAN?????

Stunning Island off the coast of NSW, unsure how to get there as tours don’t start until November and I want to go this week! Any affordable suggestions or ideas?

Hi all, recently my position with a state government dept was made redundant. Happy days really, the role was a waste of time. However they are making me participate in the Workforce Mobility Program first up to 8 weeks before I can accept the redundancy. The program aims to place you elsewhere in state government at the same pay grade. Obviously the goal is to reduce redundancy payouts.

They emailed me October 3 advising my WMP time started October 4, which would finish at 8 weeks on November 29 after which I can access my redundancy payout if I’m not successfully placed.

I’ve been actively seeking work externally to start after this November date. The WMP people didn’t contact me at all, not once after the program started back on October 4…until yesterday when they emailed me to say “your WMP 8 weeks started officially last Thursday October 24, you will be in the program until December 18”.

Has anyone been in the WMP before? Given they emailed me with a start date before, are they allowed to amend it? Where do you get free legal advice on this sort of stuff?

I’ve recently moved from Canberra to rural NSW and am taking my driver’s test in an area with unfamiliar traffic lights (no designated right turn arrow). So far, I’ve been with an instructor when driving through these and still haven’t quite grasped the rules of turning right at the lights. This may be a stupid question, but how do I turn right during the green light if there is constantly oncoming traffic?

Hello Has the ‘refund’ kicked in yet for the changes they made to indexation on HECS loans?

The ATO and Education govt website has all this information about it, estimator calculator etc but from what I can tell we are still waiting for it to pass legislation or something (see ABC website). Just seems so dumb to see Albo making a big song and dance about it on his instagram but I can’t see a cent coming back to me so far.

I paid off all of my HECS just after the 7.1% was applied and according to the estimator I’m due back $1.5k but nothing comes up on my ATO log in for loan account or in my tax return.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-07-22/hecs-refund-tax-return-new-indexation-rate-/104061824?utm_medium=social&utm_content=sf273986337&utm_campaign=abc_news&utm_source=m.facebook.com&sf273986337=1&fbclid=IwY2xjawGMRa5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHe6DGhw0LZTDA7s7We7qAn2aI29vjlApbPOvxa8wRIwV1O8e5WgOnE3FlA_aem_xJGbGWWxF0f9SvkpvAJDlA

Hello everyone. I know this is a dumb question but I really need some information so I'll ask it anyway. How many hours of driving lessons do I need to complete in order to get my P's. For my background, I'm 33 years old, new driver and never drove a car before. Thanks to all who'll answer!

PBS/RPBS Safety Net prescription record form and application for a Safety Net card form (PB240)

Hello, I was complaining about the cost of some medication I got and my friend said that they spend a lot of medication and had now reached the threshold. Later I googled and I found out the Govt reduces the cost of meds if you use this form: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/pb240

PBS/RPBS Safety Net prescription record form and application for a Safety Net card form (PB240)

It’s a bit hard to work out but if work full time no concession cards etc, am eligible? In the past year I have defs spent over $2000 on meds.

If I am eligible, I have never heard of this before and if I had known I would have signed up earlier. It says if I want a refund from over spending I need to go back and have the pharmacist print off a receipt and sign it for all the meds I’ve paid for in the past over the threshold (I go to many different pharmacies so do they still keep my info on record??)

Also the ‘record’ form itself is pretty dumb and time consuming. Not to mention easily lost/misplaced and then all the info is gone. Surely by now there would be an easy digital system to track how much you have spent (since we have e-scripts now too).

Anyway thanks in advance for any info!

Hi, I have my p2s and have recently discovered that my license has been suspended due to some fines.

I am just wondering if there is anyway I can rectify this or have my license unsuspended, as I need my license for work and what not.

Any advice would be appreciated!

I have been almost "attacked" twice by 3 different large dogs in parks around Western Sydney this month.

They were 1 cm close to my face while I was running, barking and about to eat me alive, on 3 different occasions (all different dog owners). The dogs were massive, and off leash and this seems like a reoccuring episode that is going to happen again very soon.

How can I defend my self if I truly get attacked and dragged on the floor from such large dogs while I'm running at the park?

- Knives are illegal to carry in Australia (I read that small pocket knifes can be carried in public places?)

- Pepper sprays are illegal to buy or carry

What can I do to avoid being attacked by a dog while running at the park... other than not running at the park...?

My car info is totally wrong on my NSW rego, and I need to fix it. It’s registered as diesel, but it’s actually petrol… no idea how the previous owners were driving it like that (and yeah, I should’ve checked too). Can I get stuff like the engine info checked at myPlates, or do I need to go to a service center for my car brand? Anyone been through this before? Any tips?

Show your support for our NSW nurses and midwives.

https://www.nswnma.asn.au/campaigns/ratios4nsw/value-us-public-health-campaign-community-action/

Why you need to get involved? The NSW public health system is buckling under pressure.

Our nurses and midwives are the lowest paid in Australia, and we’re failing to attract the next generation of recruits.

The state government must fix nurse and midwife pay to ensure the future of public healthcare in NSW before it’s too late.

Fill out the above form to send a strong message to the state government: nurses and midwives must be valued. Help us, help you.

Why is this campaign important?

Lowest paid in the country: Entry level NSW nurses and midwives are the lowest paid in the country, making it challenging to attract and retain new talent.

Haemorrhaging staff to border states: Nurses and midwives are leaving NSW for better wages and conditions in QLD & VIC, where pay is between 10% to 22% higher. This exodus is leaving our hospitals understaffed and putting patient care at risk.

Stagnant wages: In real terms, NSW public sector nurses’ and midwives’ wages are sitting at 2008 levels.

Gender pay disparity: This predominately female workforce is paid significantly lower than other male dominated industries in NSW.

Lack of work life balance: Nurses and midwives in NSW are not guaranteed two consecutive days off in a row, making it difficult to achieve a healthy work-life balance and contributing to burnout and exhaustion.

Insufficient sick leave: Nurses and midwives are at high risk of illness but only receive 10 days of sick leave, which is inadequate for protecting themselves and vulnerable patients.

Your support in calling on the NSW Government to value nurses and midwives is much needed and greatly appreciated.

So basically, I want a custom number plate but want to keep the original plate number. Like I currently have the standard black on white slim ones, but if I want to change that would it have a yearly fee?

Hey guys i recently went to a servicensw centre for my L's driving test and didnt have necessary registeration so they gave me a small note with a certain number (pretty sure it was to give back to them whrn i want to reschedule) but i have unfortunately lost it, I have already paid the 55 dollars from the first time and im afraid next time i go in they'll force me to pay another $55 rather than just using the original 55 because i have lost the note, please.could someone help me with this.

Hey, Adelaidian here coming up for a few days camping in BH in a week's time.

Wondering how the town is holding up after the storm and rolling power outages?

Are EFTPOS and servos online?

Edit: just for clarity, we have no necessity to use power. Our camping set up is self contained well enough and tbh we would happily support the community in their shops, pubs and events. The only concern would be no access to fuel or getting a heads up if we should bring cash from ADL if there's no EFTPOS.

Hey everyone! I’m trying to decide between One Playground, Virgin Active, and Fitness First (Platinum) for my gym membership, and I’d love some advice. I’m in the east of Sydney and go to the gym about 5 times a week.

I really enjoy group classes, especially Reformer Pilates and yoga, so I’m looking for a gym with solid options in that department. I’m a uni student, so I’d prefer something on the cheaper side, but I’m also open to spending more on Virgin Active if the classes are really worth it.

I’ve heard mixed reviews about Fitness First, and I’ve also heard it’s hard to book Reformer classes at One Playground since they’re always full. Any feedback or experiences with these gyms would be super helpful! Thanks in advance! 😊

Hi guys,

I’m trying to claim toll rebate with my account in service nsw website and they require me to verify 2 forms of ID.

Australian drivers licence is verified

As I do not have Australian Pr or citizenship I can’t use other documents option so that only leaves me with overseas passport.

I am entering the details and it says I don’t have valid visa, contact immigration.

My visa is till March-2025. I tried contacting servicensw support and they mentioned that I have to contact Linkt(my toll account provider). Linkt said that its service nsw issue not theirs.

They have been playing ping pong with me since last 2 days. Can anyone help with this?

Thanks.

Hi! I’m currently finishing school in NSW, Australia, and have gotten quite a few offers for multiple universities and I was wondering if I could get some people’s opinions on them. I want to go down a media/screen production creative kind of route and would love to hear from people at the following universities or (even better) doing or have done the exact courses I’m looking at. I want to know what life is like at these unis and whether people feel like it was worth it. Your opinions are much appreciated, thank you!

List of offers:

• SAE: bachelor of Film
• Macquarie University: Bachelor of Media and Communication
• University of Wollongong: Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Communication, Bachelor of Creative Arts/ Bachelor of Communications and Media
• Western Sydney University: Bachelor of Screen Media (Arts and Production)
• University of Technology Sydney: Bachelor of Communication (Media Arts and Production)
• University of Notre Dame: Bachelor of Arts

Again, thank you!