Category: NSW News

Strike Force Trawler detectives have charged a woman following an investigation into alleged online child exploitation offences in Sydney’s west.
In August this year, detectives from the Child Abuse and Sex Crime Squad’s Child Exploitation Internet Unit (CEIU) began engaging online with a woman from the state’s south.
Police will allege in court that the woman believed she was speaking with the mother of a 9-year-old girl and engaged in sexually explicit conversations about acts she wished to perform on the child, and planned to meet the mother and child for sexual activity.
It is further alleged she believed she was speaking with a 14-year-old girl and engaged in sexually explicit conversations about acts she wished to perform on the child on a separate occasion.
Following extensive investigations, strike force detectives arrested the 48-year-old woman at Liverpool Railway Station just before 10am on Tuesday (19 October 2021).
She was taken to Liverpool Police Station and charged with two counts of use carriage service-groom person procure under 16 years, use carriage service transmit/publish/promote child abuse, and use carriage service-procure child under16 years for sexual activity.
The woman was refused bail and appeared at Liverpool Local Court the same day, where she was formally refused bail to reappear at Parramatta Local Court on Friday 10 December 2021.
Strike Force Trawler is an ongoing investigation by the CEIU into the sexual abuse and exploitation of children facilitated through the internet and related telecommunications devices.
Regular covert online investigations are conducted by the CEIU; and police in NSW work closely with their law-enforcement colleagues interstate and overseas.
The Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad is comprised of detectives who are specially trained to investigate matters against children and adults, including sexual assault, serious physical abuse, and extreme cases of neglect.
Anyone with concerns about suspected child abuse or exploitation should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence. People should not report crime information via our Facebook and Twitter pages.

More than $530 million will be invested in reviving events across the state and getting tourism back on track as part of the NSW Government’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan.
The tourism and events recovery package includes:

• $250 million for the expanded Stay & Rediscover scheme providing a $50 voucher to all NSW adults to redeem at accommodation premises across NSW;
• $150 million to support the recovery of major event activity across the state including $50 million for a Regional Events Package to support major events, festivals, agricultural shows and community events across the regions.
• $60 million for an Aviation Attraction Fund to incentivise international airlines to re-commence flights to Sydney;
• $6 million to bring business events back to the city;
• $50 million for the CBDs Revitalisation Program to support events and activations in CBDs across Greater Sydney and surrounds; and
• An Event Saver Fund to provide immediate support to organisers if events are cancelled or disrupted by any public health orders during the 2021-22 summer.
• $25 million for the Festival Relaunch package – to stabilise established commercial and not-for-profit festivals, big and small, so they can program with confidence into 2022/23.
• $10 million for a Recovery Marketing Campaign including an extension of the successful roadtrips campaign launched in 2020

Premier Dominic Perrottet said this package would bring back tourists and supercharge the businesses and attractions that contribute $38 billion to our economy, making the state one of the world’s most popular destinations.
“Millions of people around the world dream of visiting Sydney and our regional areas. This package not only ensures they can, but that they’ll experience the very best of what we have to offer,” Mr Perrottet said.
“It’s also great news for people right across our state, reviving events and businesses and bringing our major drawcards back to life.  Importantly, more than 300,000 people rely on our tourism industry and our aim is to reclaim our position as one of the world’s favourite destinations.”
Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said the much needed investment will help revive shuttered businesses and bring tourism providers back to their vibrant best.
“This was a one in one hundred year event which severely damaged our tourism industry,  operators barely hung in there as they lost bookings, customers and staff, now as we rebuild we can do so with confidence,” Mr Ayres said.
“For our visitor economy to reach its full potential we need event owners to dream big, airlines to fly in and for locals and visitors to embrace our world class venues and hospitality with enthusiasm once again.”
Treasurer Matt Kean said getting tourism back on track and reviving the visitor economy is key to our economic recovery.
“We know NSW is the best place to live, work, learn and play, but this is about bringing visitors back, boosting business and serving up the best of what NSW has to offer to the world,” Mr Kean said.
“We want to support citizens to get out and explore their own backyard, give our events sector the confidence to get back to business and send the signal to the airline industry that NSW is and always will be Australia’s gateway to the world.”
24-Hour Economy Commissioner Michael Rodrigues said the lights of our cities have been dimmed for too long.
“Whether you are heading back to the office, in town for a show or a game, or meeting some friends for an alfresco drink, we want to make going into city centres a magical experience”.
The tourism recovery package is a key part of the NSW Government’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Strategy.

Sydney’s Tech Central precinct is on track to become a global technology hub with the approval of anchor-tenant Atlassian’s new headquarters and more land rezoned ready for the arrival of new technology players.
Minister for Jobs and Investment Stuart Ayres said Atlassian had received planning approval to build its 40-storey headquarters on the YHA site and the Government had rezoned the Parcel Post building.
“With Atlassian HQ set for construction and the Western Gateway sub-precinct rezoned, the planning controls are now in place to transform this tired transport hub into something to rival Silicon Valley,” Mr Ayres said.
“Tech Central will be home to 25,000 jobs over 24 hectares once fully developed. Atlassian’s headquarters alone will accommodate 5,000 operational jobs in the world’s tallest hybrid timber tower.”
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the approvals were a significant milestone in what would be the largest government-led urban renewal in the State.
“The revamp of Central Station and delivery of Tech Central will create a commercial core in the City’s south that would include a public domain with new open space, shops and cafes all on top of the rail corridor.
“This project is a vote of confidence in the Sydney CBD and brings new employment space close to Central Station, providing easy access to jobs, homes and services.”
The $546 million Atlassian tower is scheduled to begin in the first half of 2022, with completion expected by 2026.
A competitive design competition is underway for the Parcel Post building and Henry Deane Plaza, which is scheduled to be finalised later this year. Detailed development applications are expected to follow. For more information, visit: https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/Plans-for-your-area/State-Significant-Precincts/Central-Sydney-Precinct

More than 50 tender opportunities for architects, engineers, project managers and builders are available as the NSW Government begins the next stage of its historic school building program.
The 44 new and upgraded school projects represent a $3.3 billion investment in NSW public schools and will create more than 16,000 jobs – helping businesses and people across the state begin to recover from the recent COVID-19 outbreak.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the NSW Government is focused on the economic recovery of the state and also giving kids the best start in life.
“NSW is learning to live with COVID, and today’s announcement provides further certainty to businesses and school communities,” Mr Perrottet said.
“COVID restrictions put a pause on a number of school construction projects, but these are back, and now we are calling on businesses to tender for the next stage of the school building program.
“For our kids to be the best and brightest they need the bricks and mortar to support them and we’re delivering that in spades.”
Minister Mitchell said the $3.3 billion investment would create thousands of jobs helping turbocharge the State’s pandemic recovery while delivering better schools for students.
“This building blitz will help drive our economic recovery by supporting jobs in communities throughout NSW providing a much-needed boost to businesses, families giving our economic rebound a valuable springboard,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Our record investment in school infrastructure will see thousands of tradies with tools in hand building new and improved schools giving our kids the best chance to achieve their academic potential.
“This package of works continues the government’s investment in school building with 50 new and upgraded schools delivered in 2020 and a further 18 already delivered in 2021.”
The 44 new and upgraded school projects are in addition to the 85 schools currently being delivered.
The NSW Government is investing $7.9 billion over the next four years, continuing its program to deliver 215 new and upgraded schools to support communities across NSW. This is the largest investment in public education infrastructure in the history of NSW.

Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 12 students across Greater Sydney return to the classroom today, with more than 148,000 students leading the first stage of the 800,000 public school students returning over the next week.
To help students catch up on any learning loss experienced due to COVID-19 lockdowns and learning from home, the NSW Government has announced the extension of the COVID Intensive Learning Support Program into next year.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said following the positive reception and uptake of the 2021 program, the NSW Government was committing an additional $383 million to continue to support students next year.
“We know our students are resilient but there’s no doubt that 2021 has been a tough year, with many students learning from home for twice as long as last year,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Early insights from the ongoing evaluation of the program show that students are bouncing back thanks to the intensive tutoring delivered through the program, and we are committed to helping them do so again next year.”
Treasurer Matt Kean said the tutoring program, which has been delivered by educators in partnership with classroom teachers, had exceeded its employment goal.
“This program has employed more than 7,500 educators to date in government schools alone, providing employment opportunities right across the State,” Mr Kean said.
“Building on this success, the extension of the program will not only provide extra support for students to ensure their learning remains on track but also additional employment opportunities for our fantastic teachers and educators.”
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said the COVID Intensive Learning Support Program was first introduced in Term 1 this year to help students, who had fallen behind after last year’s disruptions, improve their core knowledge and skills.
“This program is based on research which demonstrates that small-group tuition is highly effective at getting students back on track,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Principals and teachers I have spoken with over the last few months have been unanimous in their support for the program in meeting their individual school and student needs.”
“Our additional investment for 2022 will continue the focus on literacy and numeracy and enable us to strengthen the provision of online tuition, ensuring greater accessibility to meet student need.”
The Department of Education will work with schools and key stakeholder groups during Term 4 to refine the program to ensure the greatest benefit is delivered for students who need it most.
More information will be provided by the Department to schools during Term 4.

The NSW Government is investing $21 million to expand the Aboriginal mental health and suicide prevention workforce as part of $131 million mental health recovery package.
Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said the lockdown has exacerbated underlying mental health conditions and added to people’s distress levels, especially among groups known to be at greater risk of suicide.
“As we return to doing the things we love with the people we love, we want to make sure that no-one is left behind,” Mrs Taylor said.
“We know that mental health issues and thoughts of suicide can emerge in the weeks, months and years after a trauma, so our focus over the next two years is connecting people with the most appropriate services and support as early as possible.”
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Don Harwin said the four-year investment will allow for the recruitment of 18 FTE Aboriginal Care Navigators and 18 FTE Aboriginal Peer Workers across NSW.
“Culture plays a crucial role in our resilience and mental wellbeing, especially for First Australians who have a powerful connection to our beautiful land and their ancestors,” Mr Harwin said.
“If culture is understood, respected and valued throughout the mental health journey, it can speed up the recovery and keep people safe from acting on thoughts of suicide.”
The funding will allow every Local Health District and Specialty Network to employ Aboriginal Care Navigators and Aboriginal Peer Workers.
Aboriginal Mental Health Care Navigators will be responsible for supporting Aboriginal people and their families to connect with the most appropriate service within and outside the local health district. They would also provide ongoing support and contact with these individuals and families.
Aboriginal Mental Health Peer Workers will be embedded within public mental health services and responsible for providing culturally sensitive support, particularly in emergency settings. They would also link them to other supports, such as suicide prevention services, drug and alcohol services, and Aboriginal community services.
The $131 million package builds on the $2.6 billion 2021-2022 NSW mental health budget – the largest mental health investment in the state’s history

The NSW Government is investing in sporting clubs and multicultural communities to provide support for people whose mental health has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The $130 million investment over four years will fund initiatives to offer mental health resources to local sporting groups, training opportunities for community members and a multilingual mental health line.
“The pandemic’s impact on people’s mental health throughout our state has been significant,” Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said.
“It’s important we establish valuable touchpoints for mental health support out in the community.”
Mrs Taylor joined with Minister for Sport and Multiculturalism Natalie Ward to announce a $3 million commitment over one year to the Mental Health Sporting Fund, providing tailored mental health programs to local sporting groups.
The first funding round of this type was announced in early 2020, with 24 local sporting bodies receiving grants.
“We have now more than doubled the contribution from the last funding round, so many more sporting groups can take part in this important initiative,” Mrs Taylor said.
Mrs Ward said sporting clubs are vital to our community and a great way to deliver critical mental health resources.
“Like nothing else, sport brings local communities together,” Mrs Ward said.
“Our local sporting groups give us a unique opportunity to have important mental health messages delivered directly to the community in a way that is informal and accessible.”
The Mental Health Recovery Package also includes an investment of $3.2 million over four years to establish a multilingual Mental Health Line, the first of its kind in NSW.
The line will open in November and will be available in more than 30 languages, staffed by senior clinicians.
“When it comes to mental health, accessibility is a key issue associated with people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds attempting to access support,” Mrs Taylor said.
“This brand new line, a first in NSW, will remove those cultural and linguistic barriers.”
These initiatives form part of the record $130 million investment over four years for COVID-19 mental health support, building on the $2.6 billion announced for mental health in the 2021-2022 Budget – the largest mental health investment in the State’s history.

Child protection caseworkers will receive more frequent and easily accessible mental health services as part of the NSW Government’s $130 million mental health recovery package.
Minister for Mental Health, Regional Youth and Women Bronnie Taylor said child protection caseworkers have been working around the clock to keep kids safe during the pandemic, often under challenging circumstances.
“Child protection caseworkers are exposed to some of the most difficult and tragic situations imaginable and this funding will enable them to access specialist support when they need it,” Mrs Taylor said.
“We recognise that as we navigate the State’s economic recovery from the pandemic, we must also prioritise mental wellbeing, and child protection caseworkers are a cohort that our Government is committed to supporting.”
The NSW Government expanded its Employee Assistance Program to all funded NGOs working in the social services sector throughout the recent lockdown.
The $3 million expansion of caseworker wellbeing checks will build on that support, providing thousands of child protection staff across the State with more frequent and easily accessible services.
Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Alister Henskens said the expansion of caseworker wellbeing checks is in line with objectives of the recently established Child Wellbeing Taskforce.
“We’re working hard to prevent vulnerable children slipping through the cracks, and our frontline child protection caseworkers are critical to that,” Mr Henskens said.
“Our Child Wellbeing Taskforce is looking at ways we can improve services and support for vulnerable kids, but also exploring ways to better equip the frontline with the support they need to deliver quality and important services.”
Work is underway to roll out the expanded services by next month.

Thousands more women and children escaping domestic abuse will be supported with housing and specialist services following a landmark investment by the NSW Government.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the Government would invest an additional $484.3 million – the single biggest investment in tackling domestic and family violence (DFV) in the State’s history.
“Everyone has the right to live a life free from violence and abuse, a right that is far too often callously eroded by those who perpetrate domestic violence,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Today’s commitment will help to reduce the often devastating impacts of domestic abuse by providing timely access to safe, affordable and appropriate supports and housing assistance so that women and children who bravely escape violence can begin to recover and thrive.”
The funding package includes:

• $426.6 million over four years to expand Core and Cluster to deliver and operate around 75 extra women’s refuges that support women and children escaping DFV. Under the Core and Cluster model, self-contained accommodation is located next to a ‘core’, which provides access to services including counselling, legal assistance, education, and employment support. The sites contain meeting rooms, audio-visual equipment for court appearances, communal kitchens, and playgrounds.
• $52.5 million over four years towards the Community Housing Innovation Fund (CHIF) partnership with the community housing sector, to provide approximately 200 sustainable, social and affordable housing dwellings for women experiencing DFV.
• $5.2 million over four years, for a trial in two districts to provide dedicated supports for accompanied children and young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, with a focus on children and young people impacted by DFV.

NSW Police respond to more than 140,000 DFV incidents annually and, tragically, on average, one woman is killed every nine days in Australia by a current or former partner.
Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said DFV is the leading cause of homelessness for women and children, illustrating the high demand for these critical services.
“In 2019-20, almost 40 per cent of the people who accessed specialist homelessness services in NSW, across our cities, regional and rural communities, had experienced domestic abuse,” Mrs Taylor said.
“One of the most important things we can do in government is to ensure that when a victim-survivor makes the courageous decision to leave a violent home – a time when she actually faces the greatest risk – that there’s a secure, supportive environment waiting to help her.”
Treasurer Matt Kean said today’s investment demonstrates the Government’s commitment to support everyone across our diverse communities, especially the most vulnerable.
“This historic investment will support women and children impacted by domestic violence for generations to come by almost doubling the number of women’s refuges across the state – it will not only change lives, it will save lives – and there’s no greater legacy than that,” Mr Kean said.
Attorney General and Minister for Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence Mark Speakman said children are often referred to as the ‘silent victims’ of DFV, a term that in reality has acted as a loud, rallying call for the Government’s investment in more housing and more specialist supports for young people.
“In 2019-20, specialist homelessness services supported more than 8,200 children in families experiencing domestic violence. Our trial will help us support 3,200 additional children and young people with trauma informed care and educational supports,” Mr Speakman said.
Chair of Domestic Violence NSW Annabelle Daniel welcomed the Government’s major investment, and acknowledged all the frontline workers and victim-survivors who have been advocating for greater availability of these crucial services.
“We are pleased to see this new funding announcement recognising the urgent need for refuge supports in rural, regional and remote areas and across NSW. Specialist domestic and family violence services are a lifeline for women and children fleeing abuse, and do the work of many agencies combined. We know the numbers of people in need being turned away are continuously increasing due to lack of space. When we raise awareness about domestic and family violence, women raise their hands for help,” Ms Daniel said.
A mother of two young children, Theresa*, was supported by ‘The Orchard’ Core and Cluster accommodation in Orange after she was subjected to severe physical abuse, including strangulation, perpetrated by her partner that forced them to flee the family home.
Theresa* said she was able to stay close to her support network while continuing her children’s schooling and her employment, and was later able to obtain a private rental and help through Victims Services for furniture and appliances for her new home.
“This support gave me the courage and trust that there was a way out of my situation with a plan that would keep me and my children safe. I have officially escaped domestic violence for good, and can now see the warning signs to be able to stop it instead of putting up with it. I have achieved independence and I am now able to do things without being shut down with intimidation and abuse like I was before,” Theresa* said.
For confidential advice, support and referrals, contact: 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), The NSW Domestic Violence Line (1800 65 64 63), NSW Rape Crisis (1800 424 017) or Men’s Referral Service (1300 766 491). In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000).
*Name changed to protect her identity.

In a watershed moment for the sport in this state, Netball NSW is delighted to announce the launch of a new range of apparel designed to provide a more inclusive and welcoming environment for people of all ages, gender identity and cultural backgrounds.
The uniforms, launched in conjunction with apparel partner Valour Sport’s ONE TEAM initiative, are the culmination of a body of work undertaken by the organisation after Netball Australia’s State of the Game Review.
The Review, which was chaired by Australian Diamonds and Swifts legend Liz Ellis AM, highlighted that a lack of flexibility regarding uniforms was proving to be a barrier to many in the community taking up, or continuing their involvement in, netball.
Netball NSW’s long-term hope is that all Clubs and Associations will adopt a mix-and-match approach to netball uniforms to ensure grassroots participants feel comfortable when taking the court for their local teams.
Alongside the traditional netball dress, the new apparel incorporates a range of singlets, t-shirts, long-sleeve tops, shorts and compression wear to provide the netball community with a range of on-court options.
Netball NSW CEO Tain Drinkwater said a flexible approach to uniforms was vital to ensure the game’s continued growth and broadening its appeal.
“Netball NSW believes that all participants should, as far as possible, be supported in wearing a uniform that allows them to participate in netball in the manner in which they feel most comfortable, Drinkwater said.
“Contrary to popular belief, the rules of netball do not indicate that a registered playing uniform must be a dress. The rules indicate that it must be the registered playing uniform. This uniform is defined by Clubs and approved by Associations. This means our grassroots community has the chance to ensure uniforms are inclusive for everyone.
“The key aim of this is to make sure we advance our position as a sport for people not just of all cultural backgrounds and gender identities, but all shapes and sizes too. It is clear that rigidity when it comes to Clubs only allowing dresses is holding back our participation numbers.
“We are encouraging all affiliated Clubs and Associations to embrace adaptability and flexibility around uniforms in order to encourage continued participation and enjoyment in our sport. From today, they have the tools to do just that, backed by new Inclusive Uniform Guidelines prepared by Netball NSW.
“In many ways this is a watershed moment. Netball has been the leader in so many areas, but not when it comes to widening its appeal beyond traditional bases. It is time to change that.”
Matthew Knight, Managing Director of Valour Sport, said his team was delighted to take part in the ground-breaking initiative for netball in NSW.
“This is a wonderful example of how commercial partners can work together to provide better outcomes for both sport and individuals,” Knight said.
“On the back of the State of the Game Review we believe Valour Sport can be the ‘creative thinker’ mentioned in the report by delivering a uniform concept that allows Associations, Clubs and participants to choose garments which cater for comfort, cost and both cultural and personal sensitivities.
“To know that we are having an impact in encouraging participation in sport is truly rewarding.”