Category: NSW News

The New South Wales Coach and Support teams for the 2020 National Netball Championships in Hobart have been finalised.
The Nationals are a chance for the brightest young talent in Australian netball to represent their state or territory. They are also a crucial pathway opportunity, and a chance to get national exposure and catch the eye of Netball Australia selectors.
NSW 19/U head coach Jennifer Wright (Eastwood-Ryde) will be assisted in her role by former National League player Alison Tucker-Munro (Randwick), with Virginia Welsh (Manly Warringah) on board as an apprentice coach and Di Bills (Eastwood Ryde) fulfilling the role of team manager.
In the 17/U setup, head coach Amber Cross (Wyong District) will be assisted by Kath Tetley (Baulkham-Hills Shire), with Kirstie Fuller (Gunnedah) working as an apprentice coach, and Jenny Gage-Traill (Northern Suburbs) named team manager.
Netball NSW State Pathways Manager Margaret Hamley said she was delighted to have both coaching teams in place for a big year ahead.
“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate everyone appointed in what is a proud moment for all concerned,” she said.
“These coaches have come along the Netball NSW pathway and both Jennifer and Amber are excited to have very good teams behind them.
“This year NSW brought back silver in both the 17s and 19s competitions and in 2020 we’ll be looking to take that final step and bring gold back to the state.”
The Nationals will be held from the 18-23 April at the Hobart Netball and Sports Centre with the winners of both the 17/U and 19/U Divisions crowned in Gold Medal matches on on the last day of play.
NSW 19/U State Team
Head Coach: Jennifer Wright (Eastwood-Ryde)
Assistant Coach: Alison Tucker-Munro (Randwick)
Apprentice Coach: Virginia Welsh (Manly- Warringah)
Manager: Di Bills (Eastwood-Ryde)
NSW 19/U State Team
Head Coach: Amber Cross (Wyong District)
Assistant Coach: Kath Tetley (Baulkham-Hills Shire)
Apprentice Coach: Kirstie Fuller (Gunnedah)
Manager: Jenny Gage-Traill (Northern Suburbs)

Up to 3,000 low income households in five areas will be offered a free rooftop solar system and installation worth $4,000 in a NSW Government funded trial that will also shave more than $300 a year off their energy bills.
Energy Minister Matt Kean said the NSW Government has committed $15 million to reduce the impact of high energy prices, particularly for vulnerable low-income households.
“We are committed to reducing emissions and acting on climate change, while also ensuring affordable and reliable energy for the people of NSW,” Mr Kean said.
“For low income households the cost of buying and installing a rooftop solar system can be prohibitive, so we’ve set up this trial so more of these homeowners can unlock the savings benefit offered by rooftop solar generation.
“In addition to potential bill savings, the addition of up to 3,000 more rooftop solar systems will add more than 8 megawatts of renewable capacity to help support a clean, affordable and reliable electricity grid.”
The Solar for Low Income Households Trial is available in five regions – Central Coast, North Coast, South Coast, Sydney-South and the Illawarra-Shoalhaven – providing eligible households with a 3 kilowatt rooftop solar system.
Eligible applicants must meet the criteria which includes having their own home in a selected region, having a valid Pensioner Concession Card or a Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card, and opting out of the Low Income Household Rebate for 10 years.
“Through the Solar for Low Income Households Trial we will unlock the environmental and economic benefits of clean energy for more homes in NSW.”
Three installers are responsible for supplying and installing the solar systems across the five regions: North Coast – SAE Group; Central Coast, Sydney-South and Illawarra-Shoalhaven – Origin Energy; and South Coast – SolarHub.
More information and advice on how to apply can be found at https://energysaver.nsw.gov.au/solar-low-income-households.

The NSW school curriculum is set for its first major shakeup in over a generation, with a renewed focus on maths, English and science, following the release of the interim curriculum review today.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian welcomed the interim curriculum review and said the report’s emphasis on fundamentals aligns with the Government’s commitment to equip young people with the tools they need to thrive in life after school.
“The NSW Government strongly supports a back to basics approach,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Students need to have strong foundations in maths, English and science to be prepared for the jobs of the future and for attaining lifelong skills.”
Education Minister Sarah Mitchell said the draft curriculum review has indicated ‘significant change’ is required to the NSW curriculum.
“This is the first review of the curriculum to be done in 30 years. It’s a great opportunity for us to reflect on the future of education in NSW and make changes to meet the needs of today’s society,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Students need to be equipped with strong literacy and numeracy foundations to succeed in the 21^st Century. We want a curriculum that leaves no student behind while stimulating students who are advancing faster than others.”
In 2018, the NSW Government commissioned Professor Geoff Masters to review the entire school curriculum from Kindergarten to Year 12.
Parents, teachers, students and the public can have a say on the Interim Curriculum Review via the NSW Curriculum Review website. Consultation closes on 13 December 2019.
The interim report’s key review areas are:

• Reducing the amount of content in the curriculum so students have time to build in depth subject knowledge and develop the skills needed to apply knowledge in the real world;
• Flexible progression that uses levels of attainment to organise syllabuses so students are recognised and challenged according to where they are on the continuum of learning.

Netballers from across the state descended on Tamworth over the weekend for the hosting of the 2019 BING LEE Masters State Titles and Netball NSW Social Masters.
After a competition review by Netball NSW last year, it was recommended that the Masters State Titles and Social Masters be played across the same weekend and location.
Unlike the bigger Senior and Junior State Titles, the smaller size of these competitions provide the opportunity for Regional Associations to host them. In 2019 Tamworth Netball Association from the Northern Inland Region, which boasts great indoor and outdoor facilities, was chosen.
Over the course of Saturday and Sunday over 400 players from 43 teams hit the courts, with just under 7,000 goals scored.
Netball NSW Competitions Manager Claire Dale said the weekend was a huge success and thanked the local community for its contribution.
“This is the first year we’ve run these events together and it took a huge amount of work by a lot of people, not least the wonderful netball community of Tamworth,” she said.
“What we love about the State Masters and Social Masters is that there are games for everyone. Some people want to play for competition, others just want a bit of fun and this caters for both.
“I would like to congratulate all the players, team managers, coaches, staff and volunteers who came from all over NSW to make the weekend very enjoyable for all.
“Tamworth did an amazing job as hosts and it is really special that we get to bring competitions such as these to regional areas.”
Netball NSW would like to thank BING LEE, naming rights partners of the Masters State Titles, for their continued support of netball at all levels.
2019 Winners & Runners Up – Masters State Titles
Over 35s
Winners: Hastings Valley
Runners Up: Gosford
Best & Fairest Player: Kathleen Taminiau (Glen Innes)
Best Fairest Team: Gunnedah
Over 40s
Winners: Wyong District
Runners Up: Glen Innes
Best & Fairest Player: Debbie Elton (Wyong)
Best & Fairest Team: Wyong District & Glen Innes (joint award)
2019 Winners & Runners Up – Social Masters
Over 35s Social
Gold: Lemon Grove Gurus
Silver: Magic Mixture
Bronze: #HereIfYouNeed
Best & Fairest Player: Kim Elliott (Lemon Grove Gurus)
Best Fairest Team: Westport Warriors
Over 40s Social
Gold: Hills Angels
Silver: Hastings 40s
Bronze: Wauchope Warriors
Best & Fairest Player: Linda Gallen (Coonamble Cougars)
Best & Fairest Team: Mussy Unicorns
Over 35s Competitive
Gold: Wollongong Old Beaches
Silver: Dependz
Bronze: LMFAO
Best & Fairest Player: Kelly Pucillo (Wollongong Old Beaches)
Best Fairest Team: Gunnedah
Over 40s Competitive
Gold: Hot Shots
Silver: Miss Match
Bronze: Gunnedah
Best & Fairest Player: Corrina Johnson (Hot Shots)
Best & Fairest Team: Hot Shots

Four million dollars in funding is available for councils to create inclusive playgrounds for their local communities thanks to the NSW Government.
Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said the funding, which councils match dollar for dollar, comes from the Government’s Everyone Can Play program.
“This government-led initiative is the first award-winning program in Australia dedicated to creating inclusive playgrounds where everyone can play, no matter their age or ability,” Mr Stokes said.
“There are more than 1.3 million people living with a disability in NSW and with an ageing population that is increasingly involved in the daily care of their grandchildren, and it’s important that we create spaces where everyone can play and relax.
“That’s why we’re helping local government to create more safe, accessible and well-designed places for friends and families to play, to exercise and to connect with each other.
“The program is proving to be incredibly popular with mums and dads, grandparents and carers, councils and the community, and most importantly, the kids.”
Wagga Wagga resident Leila Bright and mother of five-year-old Mia and three-year-old Andie said inclusive playspaces allow her eldest daughter a chance to be a kid.
“Other playgrounds are difficult for Mia to get around in with her prosthetic leg but inclusive playspaces like Livvi’s Place mean Mia can make new friends, improve her motor skills and build her confidence,” Ms Bright said.
“With the right design, it’s a place she can be on the same level as all of the other kids.”
This is program is helping the NSW Government deliver on its committment to ensure everyone lives near high quality open spaces.
Councils have until Wednesday, 11 December 2019 to apply for funding.

Sydney has won the rights to host WorldPride 2023, the marquee international LGBTQI pride event.
Minister for Arts Don Harwin said he was incredibly proud that Sydney was selected as the host city, the first destination in the Southern Hemisphere to win.
“I am absolutely delighted that Sydney has been chosen to host this incredible event, which coincides with the 45^th anniversary of the first Mardi Gras Parade and the 50^th Anniversary of the first Australian Gay Pride Week,” Mr Harwin said.
“This event will attract thousands of international visitors and put Sydney on the world map as a truly inclusive and united global city.”
“I would like to extend my thanks and congratulations to the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras team for presenting the winning bid.”
Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said WorldPride 2023 in Sydney will be an experience like no other.
“I am so excited Sydney will host WorldPride 2023, which according to Deloitte research is expected to attract one million visitors to our Harbour City and has the capacity to generate an economic footprint in excess of $664 million,” Mr Ayres said.
“Sydney is a truly cosmopolitan city with an amazing harbour, delicious food and beverage, world-class transport and a proud history of celebrating diversity. This global event undoubtedly belongs in Australia’s global city!”
Sydney was selected as the winner by members of InterPride, the international association of pride organisations, at the AGM in Athens overnight.
The inaugural WorldPride was held in Rome in 2000. Cities which have hosted WorldPride since 2000 include Jerusalem, London, Toronto and Madrid.
The NSW Government supported the bid with $192,000 in funding.

Construction will soon begin on the Western Sydney Metro, with seven station locations confirmed today – a project that will slash travel times between Parramatta and the Sydney CBD down to around 20 minutes.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said construction work will begin next year, commencing at the Bays Precinct, to prepare the site for major tunnelling works.
“The Western Sydney Metro will fundamentally change how we get around our city for generations to come, connecting Greater Parramatta and the Sydney CBD with fast, safe and reliable metro rail,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We’ve successfully delivered the North West Metro Line early and $1 billion under budget, the next line from Chatswood to Sydnenham and Bankstown is on track to open in 2024, and now the next Metro project is underway.”
The first works in the Bays Precinct will include site surveys, investigations and early works such as road relocation.
The locations of seven proposed Metro stations have been confirmed at Westmead, Parramatta, Sydney Olympic Park, North Strathfield, Burwood North, Five Dock and the Bays Precinct.
The NSW Government will also fast-track work to investigate the feasibility of building a Metro station in Pyrmont, while also assessing a potential station at Rydalmere. Further work is also underway to determine the location of the new Metro station in the Sydney CBD.
The project team has today started informing affected property owners and tenants. The preference is always to reach a commercial agreement, with compulsory acquisition a last resort.
Minister for Transport Andrew Constance said the project team has been talking to communities along the alignment since 2016. Details of the exact station locations are now available on the Sydney Metro website.
“Western Sydney Metro will more than double the existing rail capacity between Greater Parramatta and the Sydney CBD and slash travel times between Parramatta and the Sydney CBD to around 20 minutes,” Mr Constance said.
With the T1 Western Line and the T9 Northern Line expected to reach capacity within the next decade, the NSW Government’s commitment to fund this project ensures that tomorrow’s Sydney has the infrastructure it needs to keep moving.
“In addition to becoming the easiest and fastest way to travel between these two cities, the project is also anticipated to create approximately 10,000 direct and 70,000 indirect jobs,” Mr Constance said.
At Parramatta, the new Metro station will serve the commercial core of the Parramatta CBD to the north of the existing train station.
Sydney Olympic Park, which is visited by more than 10 million people each year, will also get a second railway station within walking distance of ANZ Stadium in the heart of the growing town centre, reinforcing its status as Australia’s premier events, sporting and entertainment precinct.
The NSW Government has today also announced that it is kicking off a global search for suppliers capable of building more than 50 kilometres of new Metro railway tunnels connecting the two centres – the longest railway tunnels ever built in Australia, in what is expected to be the biggest tunnelling contract awarded in Australian history.
The community will have the opportunity to provide further feedback as part of the statutory planning assessment process, which will be administered by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment.
Suppliers wishing to express their interest in the procurement of the tunnelling contract for Western Sydney Metro will be able to register their interest on the eTendering website from tomorrow.
Further detail on station locations: www.sydneymetro.info/west

Drivers in parts of Sydney can now pay for parking and top up using their phones, with the launch of the NSW Government’s Park’nPay app.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello was joined by Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance today at The Rocks to announce the new technology, which goes live today in The Rocks, Liverpool Council and parts of Darling Harbour and Pyrmont.
“This app is a game changer for drivers, eliminating the need to search for loose coins and walking to the nearest meter to pay for parking,” Mr Dominello said.
“The technology is hassle free and makes life easier for drivers by putting more power in their hands.”
Mr Constance said the app will help drivers avoid parking fines because they will be notified when their meter is running low or their park is about to turn into a no stopping zone.
“Park’nPay will reduce the stress and pressures of getting a ticket from parking inspectors as you can check your meter in real-time,” Mr Constance said.
“When a meter is about to expire, users simply top up their account through the app so they don’t have to stop what they are doing to rush back to their car.”
The app is free and available on iPhone and Android phones. Drivers simply download the Park’nPay app, create an account with their licence plate and payment details. Users have the option of paying with Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Parking inspectors will check to see if a meter has been paid by searching licence plate details using an app on their phone. Parking meters will continue to accept coins and credit cards.
Drivers have a 10 minute grace period for not getting fined after paying for at least one hour of parking.
The Government will work with local Councils over the coming months to come on board. For more information visit www.parknpay.nsw.gov.au

The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government is providing more annual funding to schools, with $1.25 billion going to more than 2000 public schools across the State next year – a $60 million increase on 2019.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced the funding today, which is provided on top of a school’s base allocation, and can be used for more teachers, literacy and numeracy programs, and teacher training.
“We are unashamedly for lifting standards in our schools and this additional funding is making a real difference in the outcomes of students at the local level,” Ms Berejiklian said
“Schools will consult with the local community to develop a plan for the funding to cater for the specific academic and wellbeing needs of their individual students.”
The funding method, known as the Resource Allocation Model (RAM), recognises the needs of schools across NSW differ and takes into account the socio-economic profile of students, Aboriginal student numbers, disability and English language proficiency.
Education Minister Sarah Mitchell said the funding reports are being delivered earlier than in previous years to allow schools to better plan how the funds will be used, improving outcomes for the over 800,000 NSW public school students.
“We have listened to feedback from Principals – and are releasing the School Budget Allocation Reports ahead of schedule. This will allow schools more time to plan their funding allocations for 2020 – helping them make smarter decisions focused on student outcomes,” Ms Mitchell said.
“We know that Government has an obligation to current and future generations to fund access to a quality education for every child according to a transparent and consistent assessment of their educational needs. That is what the RAM is all about.”
“As part of the 2020 RAM allocations, schools will see the benefit of $433 million to support students through the equity loading for socio-economic background and $201 million through the per capita loading.”
The NSW Government is working towards creating Australia’s best education system and providing students with world-class education no matter where they live.

Drivers in parts of Sydney can now pay for parking and top up using their phones, with the launch of the NSW Government’s Park’nPay app.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello was joined by Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance today at The Rocks to announce the new technology, which goes live today in The Rocks, Liverpool Council and parts of Darling Harbour and Pyrmont.
“This app is a game changer for drivers, eliminating the need to search for loose coins and walking to the nearest meter to pay for parking,” Mr Dominello said.
“The technology is hassle free and makes life easier for drivers by putting more power in their hands.”
Mr Constance said the app will help drivers avoid parking fines because they will be notified when their meter is running low or their park is about to turn into a no stopping zone.
“Park’nPay will reduce the stress and pressures of getting a ticket from parking inspectors as you can check your meter in real-time,” Mr Constance said.
“When a meter is about to expire, users simply top up their account through the app so they don’t have to stop what they are doing to rush back to their car.”
The app is free and available on iPhone and Android phones. Drivers simply download the Park’nPay app, create an account with their licence plate and payment details. Users have the option of paying with Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Parking inspectors will check to see if a meter has been paid by searching licence plate details using an app on their phone. Parking meters will continue to accept coins and credit cards.
Drivers have a 10 minute grace period for not getting fined after paying for at least one hour of parking.
The Government will work with local Councils over the coming months to come on board. For more information visit www.parknpay.nsw.gov.au