News in brief

News in brief
Image: Newtown Markets / Photo: My Love Affair with Newtown/Facebook

Push to save Newtown Markets

Almost 2000 signatures have been collected in a bid to save Newtown Markets, which Marrickville Municipal Council has decided must close. A DA committee meeting on August 13 decided the markets were an inappropriate use of Newtown Square and had begun to compete with retailers on King St and Enmore Rd. Councillor Sylvie Ellsmore, a supporter of the markets, said this week: “In addition to the 900 email signatures the councillors have received on email … more than 1000 signatures were received in five hours on Saturday.” Despite Council’s ruling, the markets went ahead as usual on Saturday. Ms Ellsmore said the councillors who voted against the renewal of the market’s DA were participating in an attempt to gentrify Newtown.

Casual, cyber racism targeted

Australia’s new Race Discrimination Commissioner, Dr Tim Soutphommasane, has announced plans to target casual and online racism. Dr Soutphommasane, who commenced in the role this week, said: “We’ve come a long way on race relations. But we can still do better. And the challenge is no longer confined to fighting old-fashioned bigotry.” Dr Soutphommasane said casual racism was occurring “online, on public transport, on sporting fields, and in the boardroom”. He said online resources at itstopswithme.humanrights.gov.au provided “practical steps we can all take to combat racism”.

Big boost for stroke care

The Federal Government has announced a $50 million boost to stroke care and support, funded through the excise on tobacco. The move was welcomed by the National Stroke Foundation as an important step in tackling Australia’s second biggest killer. “There are around 420,000 Australians living with the impact of stroke. When you add families and carers to this, the size of the stroke affected community is measured in millions,” said National Stroke Foundation CEO Dr Erin Lalor. “As a community, we know it is time for urgent change so that fewer people experience unnecessary suffering from stroke. This funding is … an important step towards that change.”

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