Category: NSW News

As parents begin planning for the year ahead, they can now access Creative Kids vouchers, providing them with $100 for every school-age child to help cover the cost of enrolment for creative and cultural learning activities.
Parents can use one voucher for every school-age child per year to help meet the cost of structured creative and cultural activities, such as music lessons, languages, coding, drama and theatre, photography and graphic design.
Minister for Finance, Services and Property Victor Dominello said the NSW Government’s Creative Kids program builds on the success of the Active Kids program, which is back this year, helping to reduce the cost of registration for sport and organised physical activity.
“The start of the school year is just around the corner and we are encouraging parents to get in early by jumping on the Service NSW website to register for their Creative Kids vouchers,” Mr Dominello said.
“Involvement in creative and cultural learning activities is critical to a child’s growth and development but the enrolment costs all add to the family budget and can be prohibitive.
“The NSW Government recognises that cost of living is a major issue for families and because of our strong budget position, we are proud to be providing this extra assistance for children to participate in these valuable creative and cultural programs.
“This program compliments the hugely popular Active Kids voucher and for a family with two children, Creative and Active Kids combined will save you $400 a year.”
There are still thousands of providers out there which could be eligible to be part of the Creative Kids program throughout 2019. The Government is calling on them to register with Service NSW so that parents can claim their vouchers with them.
Creative Kids is one of a raft of NSW Government initiatives helping to ease cost of living pressure for households. Others include cheaper Green Slips and refunds, free car registration for regular toll users and the FuelCheck app. Further information on how to register as a provider and the program is at www.service.nsw.gov.au/campaign/creative-kids

The NSW Government’s Active Kids program is now open for 2019 after an enormously successful first year, which saw families save more than $54 million in children’s sport, fitness and recreation activities.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said 540,000 of the $100 vouchers were redeemed in 2018 making sport more accessible for families and helping to reduce childhood obesity.
“We have made it a priority to reduce childhood overweight and obesity rates in NSW and now with Active Kids we have almost half of all school-enrolled kids enjoying the benefits of exercise,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“It is clear the first year of the program has been a huge success and I want to see even more families take advantage of the vouchers and enroll their children in sport in 2019.
“The Active Kids program is just one of the ways the NSW Government is easing cost of living pressures on families. We also have our $100 Creative Kids vouchers, cheaper Green Slips, free and half priced car rego for toll road users.”
Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres said parents can register for the Active Kids program again in 2019 by registering online to receive their $100 voucher to go towards membership expenses and fees.
“Active kids are happy and healthy kids and this program means that every child in the State has the opportunity to be fit and active,” Mr Ayres said.
Active Kids supports the Premier’s Priority to reduce overweight and obesity rates of children by five per cent over ten years.
There are 9600 approved Active Kids providers across NSW. For more information and a list of approved providers, visit: www.sport.nsw.gov.au/activekids

A man has been charged following an investigation into the alleged sexual assault of a woman in his care last year.
Police will allege that between Monday 1 October 2018 and Thursday 1 November 2018, a 38-year-old woman was sexually assaulted by a man while she was in his care.
The incident was reported to Mid North Coast Police District in November 2018 and an investigation commenced.
Following extensive inquiries, just after 7am today (Wednesday 9 January 2019), officers from Mid North Coast Police District executed a search warrant at a home on Hampton Court, Port Macquarie, where a number of electronic devices were seized.
Later that morning, a 62-year-old man attended Port Macquarie Police station where he was arrested.
He was charged with aggravated sexual assault – victim with cognitive impairment, carer have sexual intercourse – person cognitive impairment and aggravated indecent assault – victim has cognitive impairment.
The man was refused bail to appear in Port Macquarie Local Court today.

Netball NSW has welcomed today’s announcement by NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres that will see a major upgrade carried out on the Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre and a new roof installed on the Ken Rosewall Arena.
The project will create an all-weather high-performance environment for both tennis and netball, with an upgraded canopy roof structure to be placed over the Arena and Show Court 1.
It means Netball NSW’s two professional franchises, the NSW Swifts and GIANTS Netball, will have a new permanent home venue to play Suncorp Super Netball games at from 2020.
Netball NSW CEO Carolyn Campbell was delighted by the announcement and said that by providing access to a purpose-built facility, netball would continue to see strong growth.
“Netball is one of the top sports in NSW when it comes to participation, and is the market leader for women and young girls,” she said.
“Sydney requires a fit-for-purpose indoor venue to accommodate our professional franchises, the NSW Swifts and GIANTS Netball.
“I think today’s announcement is a wonderful development which will provide us with a much more cost-effective venue, with priority scheduling, that also
allows us to raise the number of people who will be able to see our game at the elite level live and up close.
“I would like to thank the Premier, the Minister for Sport, Tennis NSW, the Office of Sport and the Sydney Olympic Park Authority for their efforts and cooperation in helping make today’s announcement happen.”
Premier Berejiklian said upgrading the Centre would create another international level sporting facility in Sydney and continue to increase grassroots sport participation.
“This upgrade will provide better facilities for netball and tennis athletes, and provide opportunities for both sports to meet growing demand for more content,” she said.
“Netball and Tennis are market leaders in growth and participation and the NSW Government is committed to continuing to support these sports.”
Minister Ayres echoed these sentiments.
“Investing in renewing our sporting infrastructure allows NSW to attract a wide range of events, keeping Sydney the number one when it comes to events,” he said.
“NSW netball teams continue to dominate national competition while Tennis NSW athletes flourish both nationally and internationally. Both of these sports have proven they mean business and aspire to be our nation’s best.”
The project will be undertaken by Tennis NSW with funding and oversight from the state government, under an agreement that will ensure netball and other sports have access to the facility once the upgrade is complete.
Work on the Tennis Centre upgrade is expected to commence in early 2019 and the first stage will be complete in November 2019.
Major upgrades include the following:
• The construction of canopy roof structure over Ken Rosewall Arena and Show Court.
• Upgrades to player and media facilities.
• Additional lighting, seating and public amenities.
• A new sprung floor to allow for multi-sport use.

Police are pleased with the significant difference in the number of fatalities during Operation Safe Arrival, with 14 less deaths on NSW roads compared to 2017.
Operation Safe Arrival, the State’s Christmas/New Year road safety operation, started at 12.01am on Friday 21 December 2018, and will continue until 11.59pm on Tuesday 1 January 2019.
Double demerits are in place over the entire operation for all speeding, mobile phone, seatbelt and motorcycle-helmet offences.
Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy of the Traffic & Highway Patrol Command, said it’s important to reflect on the positives of this year’s operation.
“Although it’s disappointing to see a hit and run incident showing complete lack of care for other people’s wellbeing, I’m satisfied this operation is reflecting the strong approach we have taken with more police saturating the roads,” Assistant Commissioner Corboy said.
“As we near the end of the operation, I’m pleased there have been 14 less people killed on NSW roads during the operation so far.
“I encourage all road users to take extra care in the leadup to the new year, so they arrive safely to enjoy celebrations with family and friends,” Assistant Commissioner Corboy said.
Of note during day nine of Operation Safe Arrival:

• About 11pm (Saturday 29 December 2018), emergency services were called to Tudor Street, Campsie, after reports of a man injured following a hit and run crash. The 19-year-old man was crossing the street, when a grey Mazda 2 Hatchback turned onto Tudor Street from Canterbury Road travelling north, before striking the man. The car stopped briefly, before driving away in the same direction. The man was treated at the scene by paramedics, before being taken to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in a stable condition with arm and leg injuries. Officers from Campsie Police Area Command urge anyone with information about the incident to come forward.

Key statistics (Cumulative total – started on 21 December 2018):
Total infringements issued (not speeding): 15,536
Speed infringements: 9,202
Breath tests: 413,463
Drink-driving charges: 495
Lives lost: 6

NSW Police will be deployed as part of a highly-visible and mobile police operation to ensure the safety and security of the community ahead of Sydney’s 2018 New Year’s Eve celebration.
Operation New Year’s Eve 2018 will commence on Monday (31 December 2018), as significant crowds begin to converge on the Sydney Harbour foreshore and at events across the state for New Year’s festivities.
General duties officers from Police Area Commands across the state will be assisted by specialist units including Public Order & Riot Squad, Police Transport Command, Operations Support Group, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Licensing Police, Mounted Unit, Dog Unit, Marine Area Command and PolAir, throughout the operation.
Metropolitan Field Operations and Operation New Year’s Eve 2018 Commander, Acting Deputy Commissioner Mark Walton APM, said police will be focusing on public safety, alcohol-related crime and anti-social behaviour.
“We are prepared for significant crowds who are expected to make their way into the city and harbour foreshore areas this New Year’s Eve,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Walton said.
“Police will be out in force across the event footprint to ensure the movement of crowds to vantage points are managed safely.
“We want everyone to have a memorable night for the right reasons, so celebrate responsibly, drink in moderation and look after one another – you don’t want to start 2019 with a criminal record,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Walton said.
NSW Police have been working closely with City of Sydney, NSW Government agencies, landowners and other stakeholders in the lead up to the event, to ensure the festivities are safe and family-friendly.
Minister for Police Troy Grant said officers will be patrolling the crowds, out on the water, travelling on the trains and in the sky to ensure everyone rings in the New Year safely.
“We have some of the best police in the world and they’ll be out on the beat doing what they do best to make sure everyone enjoys the festivities in a safe and secure environment,” Mr Grant said.
“But police can’t be everywhere at once, and with big crowds expected in the CBD and surrounds, it’s really important that everyone plays their part in behaving responsibly and looking out for your mates.”
Extensive assessments have been conducted throughout the year and detailed plans will be implemented to ensure traffic, transport, crowd behaviour and security are expertly managed.
“Police want New Year’s Eve to be safe and fun for everyone, and one of the best ways to achieve this is to plan your night in advance,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Walton said.
“Key sites will have security checks upon entry and are closely monitored by police and event security to gauge when they are reaching capacity, and people will be directed away from the area to prevent overcrowding.
“The public should be reassured that police have a significant, robust and flexible operation in place to ensure the safety of revellers throughout the night,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Walton said.
Detailed vantage point information, alcohol-free zones and important hints and tips for the evening are available on the Sydney New Year’s Eve website: www.sydneynewyearseve.com.
The website also features important traffic and transport information to assist revellers in planning their trip to and from the city.
“There will be a number of major road closures and significant changes to traffic conditions in and around the CBD, so public transport is certainly your best bet,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Walton said.
“For those who insist on driving, please be patient, be aware of your surroundings as there will be a large number of pedestrians and never drink or drug drive,” he added.
Detailed public transport information is available on the Sydney New Year’s Eve website. Special event traffic information can also be found at: www.livetraffic.com.
With significant maritime traffic expected on Sydney Harbour, police and maritime authorities will be out in force to ensure operators of recreational and commercial vessels are complying with maritime laws.
“For those that choose to enjoy the celebrations from the water, stay alert and be always be aware of your surroundings and other boaters in the area,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Walton said.
“Before heading out on the water, check the vessel is in good working order, ensure all the required safety equipment is on board – most importantly, lifejackets.
“And remember, the alcohol limit is 0.05 – just like on land – and with officers conducting random breath tests on the water, it’s safer not to drink at all,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Walton said.
Visit www.rms.nsw.gov.au and follow the links to Maritime for details on exclusion zones and movement restriction times.

As New South Wales prepares for a wave of hot weather over the next week, police are urging residents and visitors to keep informed on the conditions and look after their health.
The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting temperatures in the 30s and increasing across the state from today (Thursday 27 December 2018) and peaking in the low-to-mid 40s on New Year’s Eve (Monday 31 December 2018). Visit www.bom.gov.au for updated weather forecasts and warnings.
With these conditions expected, police and emergency services are urging everyone in NSW to remember the four key messages to keep healthy in the heat:
1. Drink plenty of water (limit hot, sugary, or alcoholic beverages)
2. Keep cool (stay in the air conditioning, if possible)
3. Take care of others (visit or contact those at risk of heat-related illness)
4. Have a plan (know who to contact if you need assistance and seek medical advice if you feel unwell).
For more information on staying healthy in the heat, please visit NSW Health’s ‘Beat the Heat’ website: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/beattheheat.
Importantly, motorists are reminded it is never okay to leave children, the elderly, or pets unattended in a car – even with the air conditioning running. Not only is this dangerous, it can be deadly.
Livestock and pet owners are also being urged to ensure adequate clean water is always available and that shading is provided, where possible. Additionally, no animal should be left in confined, unventilated areas.
The RSPCA has a multitude of advice available online for reducing heat stress for animals: https://www.rspcansw.org.au/what-we-do/care-for-animals/pet-hazards/heat-stress.
While it is advised to avoid the sun during the hottest part of the day, large crowds are still expected at NSW beaches, rivers, lakes, and swimming pools.
Anyone swimming in unfamiliar waterways is urged to take extra care. Every year thousands of people require rescuing from the surf and many needlessly drown.
Surf Life Saving NSW urge people to swim at patrolled beaches and always between the flags. If in doubt about the conditions, ask a lifesaver/lifeguard for advice or just stay out of the water.
To help plan a day at the beach, Surf Life Saving Australia has an easy to use website: www.beachsafe.org.au and a free smart-phone app ‘beachsafe’ with the latest information about every Australian beach.
Police are also urging rock anglers to wear a life jacket and adhere to the safety advice available at: www.safefishing.com.au when venturing out onto the rocks.
Skippers are reminded they are responsible for the safety of all on board their vessel, and they should expect police or NSW Maritime to conduct safety compliance checks, as well as random breath tests.
Police will also focus on jet ski riders to ensure they’re enjoying the sport safely. Dangerous riding and anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated.
Members of the public should also be aware of the increased risk of bushfires on days with high temperature, especially when combined with windy conditions. Visit the Rural Fire Service website (www.rfs.nsw.gov.au) for bushfire preparedness advice and current conditions/warnings.
Finally, in the event of an emergency, call 000 (Triple Zero).

“Any road, anytime” is the message from NSW police as many residents begin their journey or return home after the Christmas break.
Operation Safe Arrival, the State’s Christmas/New Year road safety operation, started at 12.01am on Friday 21 December 2018, and will continue until 11.59pm on Tuesday1 January 2019.
Double demerits remain in place over the entire long-weekend for all speeding, mobile phone, seatbelt and motorcycle-helmet offences.
Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy of the Traffic & Highway Patrol Command, said the roads are are still busy with holiday traffic going to or from their destination. .
“I know a lot of people will be discussing what is the best road to take home right now. I can provide one bit of advice – regardless of whatever road you are on, we will be there,” Assistant Commissioner Corboy said.
“I am pleased there have been declines in the numbers of people detected speeding and drink-driving.
“At this point in Operation Safe Arrival there has been a decline in the number of people injured in crashes across the state.
“This means there will be fewer people starting the New Year having to face rehabilitation, time off work and the imposition on family life.”
Some examples of inappropriate driver behaviour detected during Day Six of Operation Safe Arrival include,
About 1.45am today (Thursday 27 December 2018), a male driver was detected travelling at 136km/h (lidar) in am 80km/h work zone on the M1 at Wahroonga. A roadside breath test returned a positive result. A subsequent breath analysis returned a reading of 0.196. The driver was Charged by way of field court attendance notice for the offences of ‘Drive the high concentration of alcohol’ and ‘Exceed speed limit – over 45km/h’. The man will appear at Hornsby Local Court at a future date
A man will face court today after a stolen van was stopped in Lansvale in south western Sydney A Toyota Hiace with incorrect registration plates was stopped on the Hume Highway by Fairfield Highway Patrol officers just before 2am today (Thursday 27 December 2018). Inquiries carried out at the scene found the Hiace had been stolen. A search of the Hiace located a push bike, television, tools, copper wire, lawn mower, leaf blower and suitcases of clothing. It will be alleged that some or all the property is suspected of being stolen. The 39-year-old male driver was charged with drive conveyance without consent, possess prohibited drug (x2), not carry drivers licence and breach of bail. Further charges regarding the property is anticipated. He is expected to appear in Parramatta Local Court today.
Key statistics (Cumulative total – started on 21 December 2018):
Total infringements issued (not speeding): 8825
Speed infringements: 5792
Breath tests: 262,669
Drink-driving charges: 306
Lives lost: 4

Delays on your Christmas road trip are inevitable, and police are encouraging drivers travelling to the state’s far north to factor extra time into Christmas road trip planning
Operation Safe Arrival, the Christmas/New Year road safety enforcement operation, starts at 12.01am tomorrow (Friday 21 December 2018) and concludes at 11.59pm on Tuesday 1 January 2019.
Double demerits will be in force throughout the period for speeding, seatbelt, mobile phone and motorcycle helmet offences.
During the 2017/2018 Operation Safe Arrival period, 10 lives were lost in crashes on northern NSW roads.
Far North Region Traffic Tactician, Inspector Peter McMenamin said police would focus on main and backroads leading to key coastal areas such as Grafton and Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Taree/Foster and the Gold Coast
“In particular I would like to encourage our overseas visitors to take some time and get to know our road rules and the laws surrounding drink driving,“ Insp McMenamin said
“What we want to do is combat the belief that you can have a few drinks in a small community and not be pulled over for a RBT.”
Insp McMenamin said delays on long journeys are inevitable and people should factor additional time into their planning process.
“When people were impatient they sometimes took risks in their vehicles that placed them, and their loved ones, more at risk of being in a crash.
Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey said it wasn’t worth taking the risk this holiday season.
“With Christmas and New Year just days away, there are plenty of people out on the roads enjoying celebrations and travelling to see friends and family,” Minister Pabey said.
“If you’re one of them, make sure you plan, get a good night’s sleep, drive to the conditions, stick to the speed limit and never ever risk driving if there’s a chance you could be affected by drugs or alcohol.
Motorists are also being reminded that from 17 September 2018 an extra demerit point was added to the penalty for illegally using a mobile phone while driving. This will add an additional two demerit points in double demerit periods resulting in a total of 10 demerit points for this offence.

This Christmas, it won’t be a question of which rural road in NSW police will be on, but when they will be on it.
Operation Safe Arrival, the Christmas/New Year road safety-enforcement operation, starts at 12.01am on Friday 21 December 2018 and concludes at 11.59pm on Tuesday 1 January 2019.
Double demerits will be in force throughout the period for speeding, seatbelt, mobile phone and motorcycle helmet offences.
As Friday is a designated school day, an additional demerit point on top of double demerits will also apply to all relevant school zone offences committed on that day.
During the 2017-2018 Operation Safe Arrival period, 31 lives were lost in 26 fatal crashes on NSW roads. Of the 31 lives lost, 19 were drivers, seven were passengers, two were motorcyclists and three were pedestrians.
About 42 per cent of fatal crashes during this time occurred between 11am and 5pm.
During operation Safe Arrival 2017-2018, police conducted 700,200 random breath tests and charged 1585 people with drink driving.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Command’s Assistant Commissioner, Michael Corboy, said back roads in rural areas will be a main target for police random breath testing.
“We will be travelling the same roads that you will this Christmas. Your trip is our trip.
“It will be those feeder roads that lead to our major arterial roads such as the Pacific, Newell and Princes highways,“ Assistant Commissioner Corboy said.
“Generally over Christmas we have looked at major ­thoroughfares getting in and out of Sydney, where a lot of crashes occur.
“This year it won’t be a question of which road will we be on, it will be a matter of when will we be on that stretch of road?”
Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Mrs Melinda Pavey said while November had the lowest road toll recorded on record (since 1936) it’s important not to become complacent.
“If you’re on the roads this holiday season, I encourage everyone to be their best self behind the wheel, whether you’re driving in the city or travelling in the country, so you can return home to loved ones,” Mrs Pavey said
Motorists are also being reminded that from 17 September 2018, an extra demerit point was added to the penalty for illegally using a mobile phone while driving. This will add an additional two demerit points in double demerit periods resulting in a total of 10 demerit points for this offence.