The NSW government is currently trialing the state’s first fully automated vehicle at Newington Armory, through a collaboration between the Smart Innovation Centre and industry partners.

We want to test this technology outside of the Greater Sydney area so that our regional communities can be part of our future planning when it comes to driver-less vehicles.

Country people account for only one third of the state’s population but tragically two thirds of all fatalities in NSW occur in country areas, and currently 94 per cent of road accidents result from human error. Automated vehicles can remove the human element of driving, but there remain many issues with their use.

It’s important to make sure regional communities get the opportunity to experience and realise the benefits automated vehicles will bring beyond the city limits. We want to hear from the leaders in technology, industry innovators, local councils, universities and community transport operators to explore this exciting area of technology.

For more information on the trial see: transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/programs/smart-innovation-centre

Teaching Scholarships

Scholarships will be on offer in 2018 to fund the university degrees of 60 new teachers as part of a NSW government initiative to attract the best teachers to the bush.

Students awarded the scholarship must maintain a credit average throughout their university studies.

The new scholarships are available to new and enrolled students, and include a stipend of $7500 per year to assist students with their studies. A $6000 sign on bonus is also provided when they start their new job to help with the cost of relocation.

Teachers are an integral part of our local schools and it is important to ensure we continue to have outstanding teachers.

The scholarship is one of several changes in the NSW government’s $140 million Rural and Remote schools package.

For more information, see: teach.nsw.edu.au/find-teaching-jobs/choose-rural