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NSW Maritime, Marine Rescue NSW, NSW Police Marine Area Command, and Surf Life Saving NSW have joined forces on NSW waterways, calling on the public to put safety first this boating season, which begins this Labour Day long weekend.

With a hot summer predicted, the state’s water rescue agencies are on high alert for a busy boating season ahead.

The start of the boating season aligns with National Safe Boating Week, a week long initiative with a focus on lifejacket wear, care and servicing. All boaters are encouraged to always wear a lifejacket, make sure everybody on board is wearing one, and remember it can only save your life if you’re wearing it.

Over the last five years, there have been 13 boating-related fatalities on Hunter waterways, with nine of those found to not be wearing a lifejacket.

Statewide, there were 61 coastal drownings along the state’s coastline last financial year, with life savers undertaking 4,489 surf rescues.

Leading into the season launch NSW Maritime kicked off the school holidays with Operation Get On Board, a two-day statewide safety and education blitz to help boaters prepare for the months ahead on the water.

NSW Maritime has conducted 33,265 vessel safety checks in the Hunter over the past five years.

While the majority of boaters have been doing the right thing, the top 3 offences in the Hunter over the last five years have been:

• License offences or unregistered vessels – 1478
• Lifejacket non-compliance – 1239
• Improper or no safety equipment on board – 969

All boaters are encouraged to Log On with Marine Rescue NSW before spending a day on the water.

Logging On provides peace of mind for boaters and their families, knowing that dedicated volunteers will keep watch for their safe return. It is quick and easy to Log On via the free Marine Rescue NSW app or VHF Channel 16. It only takes a minute to protect a lifetime.

For more on boating safety visit, https://www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/waterways-safety-and-rules/lifejackets-and-safety-equipment/equipment-checklist

Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said:

“New South Wales is the best place in the world to get out on the water, but popular waterways are busy waterways and we have to work hard to remind every skipper and their passengers safe.

“Lots of boats will have been sitting idle over winter, so give them a proper once over and check all your safety gear is on board before you set out on the water.

“Last summer, Boating Safety Officers carried out around 35,000 vessel safety checks across the state and lifejacket non-compliance was the number one offence, accounting for 30 per cent.

“Sadly, there have been six boating related fatalities this financial year, and five of whom were not wearing a lifejacket.

“A lifejacket can only save you if you’re wearing it. So if you step into a boat, pop on a lifejacket. It’ll keep you safe.”

Police Minister Yasmin Catley said:

“Police will be patrolling all the state’s waterways including dams and rivers and will not tolerate any dangerous and anti-social behaviour this boating season.

“Officers will be conducting drug and alcohol testing as well as compliance checks – so make sure that your vessel is in good working order, know your vessel’s capabilities and don’t go beyond its limits.

“We want everyone to get home safely, so we remind skippers that they are responsible for the safety of everyone on board their vessel – it is vital that everyone has a fitted lifejacket, as it could save a life.”

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“As the weather warms up and people flock back to our waterways, it’s important that boat users check they have enough life jackets on board and make sure their vessels are seaworthy.

“Our Marine Rescue NSW volunteers dedicate their time to keeping water users safe, and communities need to do their bit by logging on and off with Marine Rescue NSW so volunteers know they are on the water.”

As summer approaches, local government, sporting and community organisations have come together to host a free Multicultural Water Safety Day at Wollongong City Beach next Friday.

In the 12 months to 30 June 2024, 61 people drowned at beaches, coastal waterways and the ocean according to Surf Life Saving NSW data.

The Multicultural Water Safety Day aims to empower multicultural communities in the Illawarra with the skills and confidence to safely enjoy local waters.

The initiative is a collaboration between the NSW Office of Sport, Illawarra Multicultural Services, Multicultural Communities Council Illawarra, Surf Life Saving NSW, Royal Life Saving, University of Wollongong, and other local stakeholders designed to educate multicultural communities on vital water safety skills and knowledge, particularly the beach, inland water and rock fishing safety.

As well as interactive educational sessions including a live rip dye and resuscitation demonstrations, there will be hands-on practical activities and the opportunity to engage with facilitators and local organisations.

The event will be held at Wollongong City Beach from 10am on Friday, 11 October. 

Minster for the Illawarra and the South Coast, Ryan Park, said:

“The Illawarra and South Coast is home to some of the best beaches in the State and the NSW Government is committed to making sure that all members of our community can enjoy them safely.

“With a focus on inclusivity and community engagement, this initiative aims to make a lasting impact on the water safety in the region.”

“We hope that this event is the first step in instilling a lifelong understanding and appreciation of water safety among our multicultural communities.”

Minister for Sport, Steve Kamper, said:

“Swimming and being on or near the water is a key part of the Australian lifestyle, but too many people, particularly those from multicultural backgrounds, continue to lose their lives to drowning.”

“The NSW Government wants to ensure that people participating in water activities or just enjoying a swim at the beach have the skills and knowledge to do so safely.”

Member for Wollongong, Paul Scully, said:

“Wollongong is a diverse community and events such as these allow us to provide targeted resources to our multicultural residents, particularly those who may not have grown up around the water.

“Many newer residents and visiting students have little or no experience in the surf, it’s important they gave a good understand of water safety. 

“I encourage as many members of our community as possible to come down, participate and learn potentially life-saving lessons.”

Projects Coordinator for Illawarra Multicultural Services, Amro Zoabe said:

“Working with multicultural communities, IMS understands the importance of having vital information available in language. By having our multilingual community workers provide language support for this event, we ensure everyone has equitable access.

“We are lucky to be living on Dharawal land on waters. This event helps make sure our multicultural communities, access these waters safely.”

NRL fans will be able to enjoy footy fever together for longer after this weekend’s grand final with pubs, clubs and bars to stay open later, thanks to the NSW Government’s special event extended trading.

Fans of the Penrith Panthers and Melbourne Storm will be able to celebrate or commiserate until midnight on Sunday 6 October, at all eligible licensed premises which show a live broadcast of the season finale.

Special event extended trading hours are made available under the Liquor Act 2007 for events that are of “regional, state or national significance.”

The initiative is designed to supports the state’s venues and encourages a vibrant nightlife for residents and visitors.

The additional opening hours apply only to drinks sold on premises, not takeaway alcohol sales or the operation of gaming machines.

Any individual trading restrictions or special conditions that apply to a venue’s liquor licence also remain in place for these events.

The full list of special events and more information on extended trading can be found at Special Event Extended Trading – Liquor & Gaming NSW.

For more information on the NSW Government’s Vibrancy reforms, please visit Vibrancy Reforms.

Patrons should check with their local venue for specific opening hours on Sunday.

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:

“Grand final fever will grip our state this long weekend and the NSW Government’s Vibrancy Reforms are in place to cater for fans wanting to make the most of it on Sunday night.

“In 2023, we expanded the special event extended trading incentive to apply to small bars, general bars and live music and performance venues, as well as pubs and clubs, so people could head out and celebrate events like the NRL Grand Final.

“We want people to be able to enjoy the post-game celebrations but also stay safe.

“Eligible venues must ensure they continue to adhere to Responsible Service of Alcohol requirements and have appropriate measures in place to ensure the safety of their patrons.”

Fans of the Central Coast Mariners FC will continue to enjoy A-League games with less sports betting advertising thanks to a new Reclaim the Game partnership with GambleAware.

Under the new partnership, the Club will turn down sports betting sponsorships and eliminate sports betting advertising at their home games across both the men’s and women’s A-League teams.

The Mariners will also work to educate fans, players and staff about the risks and harms which can arise from gambling.

Reclaim the Game launched in 2020 and has grown to include 19 teams across six codes in NSW. It has reached millions of sports fans, both on TV and in stadiums.

The Mariners, who continue to grow in popularity, particularly off their back-to-back men’s A-League titles over the past two seasons, are the first Central Coast sporting club to sign on for this awareness initiative.

The Central Coast has a high rate of gambling participation and Reclaim the Game will remind fans that they can enjoy watching their team without spending their hard-earned money on betting.

A recent survey conducted by Reclaim the Game suggests that Mariners’ fans are on board with the new partnership. In the survey, 85% of fans agreed that there is too much gambling advertising.

As well as the new Mariners’ partnership, GambleAware has extended its partnerships with the Western Sydney Wanderers, and Cricket NSW which includes Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder.

For more information on Reclaim the Game visit: www.gambleaware.nsw.gov.au/resources-and-education/awareness-campaigns/reclaim-the-game.

The Minns Labor Government has a strong track record on reducing gambling harm since coming into office, including:

• Committing $100 million to harm minimisation – investing in research, treatment, services and reform
• Establishing an Independent Panel of experts overseeing a cashless gaming trial
• Banning all external gambling signage in venues and introducing Responsible Gambling Officers for venues with more than 20 machines
• Forbidding political donations from clubs with electronic gaming machines.

For free and confidential gambling support 24/7 call GambleAware on 1800 858 858.

Minister for Gaming and Racing and Minister for the Central Coast David Harris said:

“Sports betting advertising and sponsorship is just about everywhere. We see it across most codes and many fans don’t know sport without it.

“The NSW Government, through Reclaim the Game, is partnering with sporting clubs to take a stand and challenge the impact that sports betting advertising has on fans.

“All our partners are committed to eliminating sports betting advertising at their home games, and to take action in educating their fans, players and staff about the potential harms of sports betting.

“It’s no secret I’m a big fan of the mighty Mariners, so I am absolutely delighted by this new partnership, which will have a positive impact on the Central Coast.”

Mariners CEO Alyssar Narey said:

“We are proud to partner with the NSW Government’s Reclaim the Game initiative.

“This collaboration underscores our commitment to promoting a healthy and positive environment in sports, where our players and fans can thrive without the influence of gambling.

“Together, we can create a stronger community and ensure that the joy of the game remains at the forefront.” 

About Reclaim the Game:

Reclaim the Game was launched in 2020. 19 teams from six codes are partners in the program:

Rugby League:
1. Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
2. South Sydney Rabbitohs

Basketball:
3. Illawarra Hawks
4. Sydney Kings
5. Sydney Flames

Football (Soccer):
6. Western Sydney Wanderers (A-League men’s)
7. Western Sydney Wanderers (A-League women’s)

8. Central Coast Mariners (A-League men’s)

9. Central Coast Mariners (A-League women’s)

Cricket:
10. Sydney Sixers (BBL)
11. Sydney Sixers (WBBL)
12. Sydney Thunder (BBL)
13. Sydney Thunder (WBBL)
14. NSW Blues
15. NSW Breakers

Australian Football League (AFL):
16. Sydney Swans (AFL)
17. Sydney Swans (AFLW)

Netball:
18. NSW Swifts
19. GIANTS Netball

Thousands of children can help their families ‘Beat the Bite’ with the statewide distribution of books that help teach the importance of mosquito bite prevention.

‘Jack & Angie – Beat the Bite’ is an entertaining story about two youngsters who love playing in and exploring the great outdoors while staying safe from mosquito bites.

More than 77,000 books have been printed and are being delivered to schools, early childhood and education centres and local councils across NSW, with 430 public and independent schools, 103 early childhood and education centres, 66 councils already having opted in to receive books. Other services such as Aboriginal health and immunisation services, scouts and guides across NSW have also ordered books.

The statewide distribution is an expansion of a popular Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) initiative which saw more than 43,000 books distributed across Murrumbidgee, Southern and Western NSW.

Mosquitoes can transmit diseases that are spread to humans through mosquito bites. In NSW they can carry viruses such as Japanese encephalitis (JE), Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE), Ross River, and Barmah Forest virus.

These viruses may cause symptoms ranging from tiredness, rash, headache, and sore and swollen joints to rare but severe symptoms of seizures and loss of consciousness.

Protective measures to avoid bites, include:

• Wear light, loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts, long pants and covered footwear and socks
• Avoid being outdoors at dawn and dusk
• Apply repellent to all areas of exposed skin, especially those that contain DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus which are the most effective against mosquitoes
• Reapply repellent regularly, particularly after swimming. Always apply sunscreen first and then apply repellent
• Use insecticide sprays, vapour dispensing units and mosquito coils to repel mosquitos. Mosquito coils should only be used outside.

A vaccine is available to protect against Japanese encephalitis virus, which is available for free to those at greatest risk of exposure. For more information on eligibility visit https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/jevaccine

Services interested in receiving ‘Jack & Angie – Beat the Bite’ can contact the Surveillance and Risk Unit, Environmental Health Branch at HSSG-EHBSurveillance@health.nsw.gov.au

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“This is a fun and informative way of helping youngsters understand the risk mosquitoes pose and ways to protect themselves and their families.

“The best way to avoid infection by mosquito borne diseases is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, and this creative children’s book explains to children and their families four simple steps to take to stay bite free; spray up, cover up, screen up and clean up.

“Through this story, we hope children can encourage their families, peers, and even the community to take simple actions to protect themselves from mosquito-borne diseases.”

MLHD Senior Environment Officer and Author, Tony Burns:

“I am really excited that Jack and Angie are going to be helping spread the message about mosquito bite prevention to a much wider audience.

“We know mosquitoes can transmit a range of diseases, so we want to make sure as many people as possible get this important message. We’re keen to see youngsters get the message early, so they can develop good habits around taking precautions against mosquito bites.”

The Palestinian Action Group has withdrawn their Form 1 for a public assembly on Sunday 6 October 2024 and submitted a new Form 1 following negotiations with the NSWPF that focused on public safety concerns.

The location and route of the protest has now changed, and protest organisers have agreed that no flags, portraits or symbols connected to a prohibited terrorist organisation will be displayed.

The NSWPF has not opposed the new Form 1 and will work with organisers to conduct a high visibility policing operation on Sunday to ensure the safety of the community. Police will not hesitate to take appropriate action against anyone who commits a criminal offence.

The Palestinian Action Group has also withdrawn their Form 1 for a public assembly on Monday 7 October 2024 and has not proposed a new Form 1, making that public assembly unauthorised if it goes ahead.

As a result of these negotiations the Supreme Court dismissed the NSWPF’s application by consent and noted the above agreement. No order on costs was made.