Category: NSW News

Residents in south west Sydney are set to benefit from a $7 million upgrade to Revesby Police Station by the NSW Government. 

The police station, which has been in operation since 1953, will receive a new façade and further internal upgrades, as part of a record $434 million investment to construct new and improve existing police stations, buildings and training facilities across the State.

NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Police Paul Toole said the revamp to Revesby Police Station comes after calls from local police and the community.

“We have listened to those requests and delivered funding to provide a modern, state-of-the-art police station to meet the needs of south-west Sydney now and into the future,” Mr Toole said.

“The upgrades will allow the station to accommodate the growing number of officers in the Bankstown Police Area Command for years to come.

“As Minister for Police, I am committed to providing all of our 22,000 workforce with the very best resources and facilities to help them keep our community safe.”

Member for East Hills Wendy Lindsay said the upgrade to Revesby Police Station will be welcomed by the community.

“I have been advocating for this upgrade since I was elected in 2019 and I am so pleased that the Liberal State Government is investing in our community. Our police officers work hard every day to keep our community safe and I’m glad this upgrade will contribute to the station’s efficiency and security,” Mrs Lindsay said.

South West Metropolitan Region Commander Assistant Commissioner Stuart Smith said the purpose-driven upgrades would support the future needs of the policing resources for the area.

“All of our local officers – whether they are general duties officers patrolling our streets, or specialist officers working behind the scenes to solve crimes – work hard to keep our families and communities safe, and it is vital we provide the state-of-the-art facilities they need to do these important jobs,” Assistant Commissioner Smith said.

“The upgraded Revesby Police Station will provide a more welcoming and efficient space for the local community and our officers, including the most up-to-date technology, and secure and safe facilities to accommodate vulnerable victims of crime.”

Planning for external works has begun and early work is expected to commence next year.

The NSW Government has unveiled the next steps in the State’s digital future with the goal of becoming the most customer-centric government by 2030 at the Digital.NSW showcase.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said no matter where someone lives or where they are at in their life journey, there was a digital innovation to make their life easier be it how they live, work or raise a family in NSW.

“From empowering customers to have more control of how they share personal information in a safe and secure way through the NSW Digital ID program, to never losing or misplacing your birth certificate with the nation-leading Digital Birth Certificate, NSW is delivering digital initiatives for all walks of life,” Mr Dominello said.

“NSW Digital ID and verified credentials will mark the begging of a new epoch for trusted digital service delivery that will reframe NSW and the nation for the future. It is akin to stepping out the current swamp and onto the land.

“The catalyst for every product is how we can improve the lives of the more than eight million people of NSW and we are striving to empower all residents with digital solutions which are relevant to their personal circumstances, no matter how diverse their backgrounds, skills or interests.

“But for those who prefer the human touch, we are also continuing to add to the 114 Service NSW Centres so no one is left behind as we strive to become the most customer-centric government in the world by 2030.”

Speaking at the 2022 Digital.NSW Showcase, Mr Dominello said the NSW Government was at the forefront of ensuring services were accessible to all and were designed with the customer at the heart.

“We are building on products already delivered, such as the ServiceNSW App which has had 5.5 million active users in the past 90 days, the Digital Drivers Licence which has 74 per cent adoption, the Dine & Discover NSW voucher program which contributed almost $1 billion to the NSW economy, and the money saving FuelCheck and Park’nPay apps to deliver world-leading digital products,” Mr Dominello said.

“We also recently established Accessibility NSW to understand how clusters and agencies can foster truly inclusive digital environments because we know accessibility looks different to everyone and factors like age, disability, linguistic diversity and digital literacy level all have an impact.”

Innovations include:

• Delivering the nation-leading NSW Digital ID program to make it easier to prove who you are anywhere, anytime, while reducing the oversharing of information
• Launching Australia’s first Digital Birth Certificate in 2023 which will be safer, more secure and more accessible to customers than ever before
• Providing seamless, digital solutions across Life Journeys from birth and the first 2000 days of a child’s life through Brighter Beginnings to preparing for the end of life with the End of Life Planner
• Digital Licensing program giving customers and businesses back more than 540,000 hours by saving time in application processing and helping NSW tradies get on with the job with the full suite of digital trade licences now available in the Service NSW app
• Leading the development for government services in the Metaverse and how it can support customers
• Enhancing the State’s Pet Registry to enable people to keep track of critical information like change of address and vet details.

“As we continue on our digital journey we are listening to our customers about what innovations they want to see next, with 100 online Have Your Say consultations now complete, and many more on the way,” Mr Dominello said.

For more information visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/customer-service

NSW Small Business Month will wrap up today with more than 500 events held in November to support and celebrate small businesses across the State.
 
In all, 274 official collaboration partners have taken part in hosting events and 137 grants made to assist event organisers.
 
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government, Small Business and Fair Trading Victor Dominello said today’s schedule of more than 40 events will conclude the month-long festival.
 
“NSW Small Business Month has shown the strength of community support for the 800,000 small businesses across the state and the optimism and resilience of business owners and operators, especially over the last two years with drought, fires and floods,” Mr Dominello said.
 
“They have brought to life the theme of this Small Business Month, ‘Connect for Success’, with their energy, enthusiasm, expertise and sense of community.”
 
NSW Small Business Commissioner Chris Lamont said many events provided small businesses with opportunities to network and share information with other small businesses.
 
“Running your own small business can be isolating, yet they employ almost half of the workforce and represent 98 per cent of all business in NSW,” Mr Lamont said. 
 
“Small Business Month connects small business owners and operators with others like them so they can share their challenges and successes.”
 
Mr Dominello said the NSW Government thanked all businesses and organisations, large and small, for their participation in Small Business Month and their continued support of small businesses in NSW.
 
“We look forward to an even bigger event in 2023 which will again celebrate the achievements of our small businesses and assist them in their growth and development.”
 
For more information, visit smallbusinessmonth.nsw.gov.au

The NSW Government has granted 40 community led projects that raise awareness about domestic violence a share of $80,000 as part of its ongoing commitment to addressing the issue.
 
Minister for Women’s Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence Natalie Ward said the provision of the grants coincided with the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based violence campaign.
 
“This is all about empowering people to join the call to end violence against women and children, and I’m so impressed by the people driving that work in communities around New South Wales,” Mrs Ward said.
 
“From workshops on the state’s new consent laws, to a forum on the support services available to victims, these locally led initiatives have immeasurable impact.
 
“The NSW Government remains committed to funding important programs that protect the vulnerable and put an end to gender based violence.”
 
The types of projects funded under the grants program include promotional activities and events relating to the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based violence campaign (25 November to 10 December), Human Rights Day (10 December) and International Women’s Day (8 March).
 
Other funded projects include educational and awareness raising resources, events, social media campaigns, arts and theatre projects, community forums and fair days, education workshops, printed signage, booklets, flyers and posters.

Truck drivers will now face tougher penalties for entering Sydney tunnels in an overheight truck, to minimise disruptions to our busy road network and keep commuters moving.
 
There have been 40 overheight trucks detected in the Sydney Harbour Tunnel alone in 2022, almost double the number in 2021.
 
Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said the NSW Government was increasing the penalties following a recent spike in the number of incidents of overheight trucks wreaking havoc on our roads.
 
“The vast majority of truck drivers do the right thing, but for those who refuse to obey multiple warning signs and drive overheight vehicles into our tunnels, this should serve as a strong message that this has to stop,” Mrs Ward said.
 
“On multiple occasions in the last two weeks, hardworking commuters have been left inconvenienced and frustrated, particularly those using the Sydney Harbour Tunnel, and I won’t allow that to continue.
 
“The fine for overheight trucks will now increase from $3740 to $5,500, which is the maximum penalty that can be applied for a road rule offence.
 
“We are also doubling the suspension period for a driver licence to up to six months and increasing the demerit points from six to 12.
 
“Our Government is committed to keeping Sydneysiders moving and ensuring they spend less time in traffic and more time with family and friends, and doing the things they love.”
 
Minister for Regional Roads and Transport Sam Farraway said truck drivers had an obligation to check their vehicles and their loads.
 
“The many truck drivers who obey the rules rely on our roads to put food on the table, which is why we need to do everything we can to protect their livelihoods,” Mr Farraway said. 
 
“I would encourage all drivers to plan their trips to ensure they don’t break the rules and to pay attention to the signage which gives them ample warning.”
 
“We will work with industry to ensure the rules are clear and drivers are educated about their responsibilities.”

Community sporting clubs and organisations can now apply for life-saving defibrillators as part of the NSW Government’s Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program.
 
Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said the NSW Government has committed $2 million over four years to the program, ensuring more sporting clubs and councils are equipped to respond to life-threating emergencies.
 
“Whether you’re at your local sailing club or playing footy with your mates, when someone has a cardiac arrest, time is crucial – they can happen to anyone, anytime, or anywhere so it’s vital that a defibrillator is readily accessible,” Mr Henskens said.
 
“Through this funding, the NSW Liberals and National Government is ensuring our sport clubs and venues are safe environments for everyone, both on and off the field.”
 
Since 2017, more than 2,000 devices have been installed at sports facilities across the State.
 
Co-deputy Director of the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute Professor Jamie Vandenberg said people who play sport may think they are healthy but sudden cardiac arrest does not discriminate.
 
“Sudden cardiac arrest is a devastating disease which takes the lives of nine out of ten people who suffer an arrest outside of hospital. It’s vital we install as many life-saving defibrillators as possible across NSW and beyond and that people know how to use them,” Professor Vandenberg said.
 
“I encourage sporting clubs to apply for these generous grants that will help prevent the trauma, and the heartache, that cardiac arrest causes families.”
 
The Local Sports Defibrillator Program is available to sport and recreation clubs, associations and organisations as well as councils and service clubs. Up to $3,000 is available per device with organisations able to apply for up to three devices.
 
Applications are open and close Friday 10 February 2023. For more information, visit www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants/local-sport-defibrillator-grant-program.

Netball NSW is excited to announce the athletes that have been selected in the 17U & 19U teams which will represent the State at the 2023 National Netball Championships in Darwin in April.  

First contested in 1985, the annual tournament provides emerging talent from across the country the opportunity to represent their respective State or Territory and compete for national honours.

The Nationals are an important step in Netball Australia’s pathway, with many Australian Diamonds having previously represented their State or Territory in the event.

Mardi Aplin – General Manager of Performance & Pathways at Netball NSW – said this is an exciting and talented group of athletes

“Congratulations to all selected athletes, we know you will represent NSW with Waratah pride,” she said. 

“Head Coach of the 17U side, Amber Cross, and the 19U team coach, Jen Wright, cannot wait to start the campaign this weekend when all players and staff will come together for the first State Team Camp.

“Because of so much talent trialling, the selection process was very hard but that is a great problem to have because it highlights the competition for places. 

“We wish everyone selected the best as they start preparation for the National Netball Championships and Go NSW!”

In 2023 NSW will be looking to go back-to-back having claimed the Gold Medal in both the 17U and 19U Nationals in Tasmania this year. 

2023 NSW 19U Team

• Aimee Landrigan (Camden & District)
• Amelia Kirgan (Bankstown City)
• Ana Kailahi (Blacktown City) 
• Bella Lieberman (Manly Warringah)
• Eloise Egan (Manly Warringah)
• Eugenie Little (Manly Warringah)
• Frederika Schneideman (Randwick)
• Grace Whyte (Tumut)
• Mia Baggett (Bathurst) 
• Monika ‘Otai (St George District)
• Millicent Tonkin (Newcastle)
• Samantha Bondietti (Manly Warringah)

2023 NSW 17U Team

• Allegra Mcdonald (Randwick)
• Ellie Hart (Campbelltown District)
• Evie Economou (Sutherland Shire)
• Hope White (Newcastle)
• Isabella Degei (Baulkham Hills Shire)
• Kelis Ogle (Liverpool City) 
• Nevaeh Matenga (Liverpool City) 
• Nicola Barge (Sutherland Shire)
• Olivia Harris (Penrith District)
• Sara Kent (St George District)
• Skye Thompson (Sutherland Shire)
• Yasmeen Janschek (Randwick)

Millions of Sydney and NSW rail commuters will now be able to catch a train without being unfairly hit by union disruption, following an agreement between the NSW Government and the Combined Rail Unions.
 
For too long school kids, people going to work and small businesses have had their lives and businesses turned upside down by industrial action by the rail unions.
 
Today we have put the people of Sydney first.
 
We have now agreed to a Fair Work Commission process which will result in a vote by the Combined Rail Unions and an ongoing arbitration process on a small number of outstanding items.
 
While these Fair Work Commission processes are underway, the Combined Rail Unions have agreed not to undertake any industrial action.

Vaucluse sports clubs and organisations are encouraged to apply for new life-saving devices through the Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program.

Liberal candidate for Vaucluse, Kellie Sloane, welcomed the Perrottet Government program providing $2 million over four years to local sporting organisations and councils, so they can get equipped with defibrillators to respond to life-threating emergencies.

“We’re told by medical experts that the first eight minutes after a cardiac arrest are critical to a person’s survival, so early access to CPR and a defibrillator is essential in case of such an emergency,” said Ms Sloane. “With the Perrottet Government covering the full cost of up to three devices, I’m calling on all local clubs to apply to this potentially life-saving program.”

“With ten clubs across this electorate already participating, from the Bondi Bowling Club to Maccabi Hakoah Club, I think many more should also apply.

“Double Bay Sailing Club was awarded a grant for a defibrillator, which has been placed on response boats, so that when the club holds competitions it is accessible if there is ever an incident on water. I think it’s great how the club is looking after the safety of its members.”

Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said that since 2017 more than 2,000 devices have been installed at sports facilities across the State.

“Whether you’re at your local sailing club or playing footy with your mates, when someone has a cardiac arrest, time is crucial – they can happen to anyone, anytime, or anywhere so it’s vital
that a defibrillator is readily accessible,” Mr Henskens said.

“Through this funding, the NSW Liberals and National Government is ensuring our sport clubs and venues are safe environments for everyone, both on and off the field.”

The Local Sports Defibrillator Program is available to sport and recreation clubs, associations and organisations as well as councils and service clubs. Up to $3,000 is available per device with organisations able to apply for up to three devices.

Applications are open and close Friday, 10 February 2023. For more information on the Program, visit www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants.

The Perrottet Government is investing $774,000 in upgrading dentistry facilities and teaching equipment at TAFE NSW Randwick that will help train the next generation of dental technicians as part of a for students and staff.

Liberal candidates for Coogee and Vaucluse, Dr Kylie von Muenster and Kellie Sloane, welcomed this investment in the local TAFE and future health professionals.

“Dental and prosthetic technicians need to get a good handle on the tools of their future trade, and the Government’s investment in upgrading TAFE NSW Randwick gives our students an edge as they embark on their promising dental careers,” said Dr von Muenster.

“As someone who spent many years undertaking training to deliver allied health services, I know that my education really benefited from access to great equipment and facilities.”

“This funding for industry-leading equipment, such as new laboratory chairs, articulators, and micro-motors will support the delivery of in-demand training for dental technicians in Randwick, as students gain hands-on skills in denture making and the construction of mouthguards and orthodontic appliances.”

“The Perrottet Government has invested $3 million in TAFE NSW Randwick since 2019, to boost the quality of education for a variety of courses” said Ms Sloane. “The campus had recently received two Connected Learning Points to support virtual learning and new cameras, making our local TAFE the place to be for aspiring future cinematographers.”

“This funding clearly demonstrates the Perrottet Government’s commitment to giving this community great fit-for-purpose learning spaces they need to build their skills and get future jobs.”

Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said the NSW Government is leading the nation in supporting people to get the skills they need for the jobs they want, which is helping grow the economy, securing a brighter future for the people of NSW.

“TAFE NSW trains 44 per cent of government funded TAFE students in Australia. It is the nation’s largest and best training provider, and we have invested record funding in TAFE NSW to ensure it continues to deliver a pipeline of skilled and job-ready workers,” Mr Henskens said.

“Our record skills budget is delivering more fee-free training which is helping people find indemand jobs and contributing to NSW’s low unemployment rate.”

For more information about courses available at TAFE NSW Randwick, visit www.tafensw.edu.au.