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Record investment in school infrastructure continued in 2021

The most significant investment in public education infrastructure in the history of NSW has continued throughout 2021, with more than $770 million worth of new and upgraded school facilities delivered for students across the state.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said that despite the COVID-19 lockdowns and construction pauses, eight new and 13 upgraded schools had been delivered this year.
“This investment has delivered close to 500 new classrooms, 55 specialist learning spaces, 13 halls, 12 libraries and 9 COLAs for over 14,000 students and supported more than 3,800 jobs across NSW,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Our school building pipeline is a historic $15 billion – more than any other government has spent building and upgrading schools. In real terms this means thousands of students across the state are benefitting from hundreds of new and upgraded schools.”
The completed projects include six new schools in growing parts of Western Sydney, including Barramurra Public School in Catherine Field and Galungara Public School in Schofields and two new regional schools including Estella Public School in Wagga Wagga.
In 2021, the $121 million upgrade of Armidale Secondary College has been completed and upgrades at Braidwood Central School, Murrumbidgee Regional High School and Ashtonfield Public School. Upgrades across Metropolitan Sydney include Parramatta West Public School and Kingswood High School.
Ms Mitchell congratulated everyone involved in delivering these projects for the benefit of NSW students.
“Communities throughout NSW are growing, and these new facilities are part of the government’s commitment to supporting families throughout the state,” Ms Mitchell said.
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.
Schools delivered in 2021:

 

Barramurra Public School (new)
Estella Public School (new)
Galungara Public School (new)
Tirriwirri School (new)
Mainsbridge School (new)
Picton High School (new)
Northbourne Public School (new)
Denham Court Public School (new)
Braidwood Central School (upgraded)
Ajuga School (upgraded)
Campbell House School (upgraded)
Glenfield Park School (upgraded)
Armidale Secondary College (upgraded)
Kent Road Public School (upgraded)
Penshurst Public School (upgraded)
Parramatta West Public School (upgraded)
St Ives High School (upgraded)
Murrumbidgee Regional High School (upgraded)
Ashtonfield Public School (upgraded)
Brooke Avenue Public School (upgraded)
Kingswood High School (upgraded)

NSW moves to next stage of reopening as booster program ramps up

The NSW Government is urging people to book in for their COVID-19 booster shot with restrictions easing today as part of the reopening roadmap.
The new settings that come into effect today include:

  • Density limits will cease and masks will only be required on public transport and planes, at airports, and for indoors front-of-house hospitality staff who are not fully vaccinated. Masks are strongly recommended in settings where you cannot social distance;
  • QR check-ins will only be required at high-risk venues including hospitals, aged and disability care facilities, gyms, places of worship, funerals or memorial services, business premises for personal services (e.g. hairdressers, salons and spas), pubs, small bars, registered clubs, nightclubs, and for indoor music festivals with more than 1,000 people;
  • Proof of vaccination only required for indoor music festivals with more than 1,000 people and cruises with more than 100 passengers;
  • Businesses can still require proof of vaccination at their own discretion;
  • COVID safety plans will be optional for businesses and will be supported by SafeWork NSW.

More than 93 per cent of people aged 16 and over have been fully vaccinated as NSW continues its responsible and measured approach to reopening.
To maintain increased levels of immunity across the population the Commonwealth Government and NSW Government are continuing to roll out a booster vaccination program. Boosters are currently available for people aged 18 years and older who received their second dose at least five months ago.
Booster eligibility will increase steadily in 2022, with around 40 per cent of the NSW population to be eligible at the end of January, 64 per cent in February, 87 per cent in March, and 91 per cent by April 2022.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said with the removal of additional restrictions it was vital people booked in for their booster shot so we can continue to reopen safely.
“As we reopen in a measured and safe way people need to keep rolling up their sleeves to get their first and second jabs and their booster shots,” Mr Perrottet said.
“We have some of the highest vaccination rates in the world but there will continue to be challenges thrown at us and everyone must follow the rules to help combat new variants and keep people out of hospital.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the NSW Government was sticking to the roadmap to give people certainty ahead of summer.
“Our Government will always take COVID seriously to ensure our regions remain open and safe,” Mr Toole said.
“With vaccination rates so high and visitors eager to get out and about, we urge people to follow the health advice to ensure they can hit the road enjoy the best regional NSW has to offer as safely as possible.”
Minister for Jobs, Investment and Tourism Stuart Ayres said with restrictions being relaxed businesses would continue to welcome people back safely.
“It has been a tough two years for business but we are learning to live and work in a COVID-safe way and it’s important we follow the rules for everyone’s safety,” Mr Ayres said.
“Cafes, restaurants, retail, tourism will be able to welcome more people back as we head into summer but it is vital people go out and get the boosters to keep themselves and others safe and businesses open.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard encouraged everyone to book in for their booster as soon as they are eligible.
“Check your eligibility, get online, make the booking and you will be doing your bit to keep you, your family and the community safe,” Mr Hazzard said.
For more on the roadmap changes for December 15 visit: www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/easing-covid-19-restrictions/opening-in-dec.
Increased penalties for non-compliance with the isolation, testing and quarantine requirements remain, with individuals facing fines up to $5,000 and $10,000 for corporations.
Fully vaccinated close contacts will only have to isolate until they receive a negative PCR result. However, household close contacts and close contacts in any other settings identified by NSW Health will still be required to isolate for seven days and comply with PCR testing requirements.
The Commonwealth Government recently announced the vaccination program has been extended to all children aged 5 to 11 years from 10 January 2022 following updated advice from Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI).

Australia's First Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice Offers Great Comfort To Families

Major works are due to begin next week on the $19.5 million Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice, marking a significant milestone for the unique facility.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard and Member for Manly James Griffin MP visited the site to inspect progress ahead of the first major concrete pour.
“This incredible project is Australia’s first dedicated hospice caring for young people with life-limiting illness and will provide support to families from all over NSW,” Mr Hazzard said.
“The facility will give young people and their families a tranquil, supportive environment at the most difficult of times by providing respite care, counselling, symptom management and end-of-life care.”
Member for Manly James Griffin said the Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice will work closely with dedicated children’s hospice, Bear Cottage, to assist families to continue to care for young people as they become adults.
“Each year, about a quarter of admissions to Bear Cottage are over the age of 16 and there has been no appropriate place for them to move to,” Mr Griffin said.
“No matter where someone is from in NSW, this beautiful state-of-the-art facility in Manly will be a welcoming place for young adults who are diagnosed with life-limiting conditions.”
More than $6.5 million has been raised for this project through generous community donations, which has been boosted by an $8 million investment from the NSW Government and $5 million from the Commonwealth Government.
Health Infrastructure is working closely with the Northern Sydney Local Health District and expert clinicians to deliver the hospice, which will be located at the former Manly Hospital site on the North Head headland.
Construction is due for completion late next year.
For further information and to support the Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice, visit www.nslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/Manly.

Missing teen from Maitland located safe and well

A teenage boy missing from the Hunter has been located safe and well.
The 16-year-old was last seen leaving his home in East Maitland yesterday (Tuesday 14 December 2021).
When the boy did not return home, officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were alerted and began an investigation.
Following inquiries and multiple calls from members of the public to Crime Stoppers, about 9.45pm today (Wednesday 15 December 2021), the boy was located safe and well at Broadmeadow Railway Station.
Police would like to thank the public and media for their assistance.

Three charged with almost 250 drug offences in Lake Macquarie – Strike Force Coifs

Two men and a woman have been charged with almost 250 drug-related offences following extensive investigations into the alleged supply of prohibited drugs in the Lake Macquarie region.
In September this year, Strike Force Coifs was established by Lake Macquarie Police District detectives to investigate the ongoing supply of prohibited drugs in the Windale area.
Following investigations, about 10.20am yesterday (Wednesday 15 December 2021), search warrants were executed by officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District at two homes on Willandra Crescent and Lachlan Street, Windale.
A number of items were located during the search warrants, including methamphetamine, cash and
electronic stun devices. All items have been seized for forensic examination.
Two men and a woman were arrested and taken to Belmont Police Station.
A 59-year-old man and a 48-year-old woman were each charged with 49 offences including supply prohibited drug large commercial quantity, ongoing supply of prohibited drug and deal with the proceeds of crime.
A 63-year-old man was charged with 156 offences including supply prohibited drug large commercial quantity, ongoing supply of prohibited drug, possess or use a prohibited weapon, and deal with the proceeds of crime.
All three were refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court today (Thursday 16 December 2021).
Investigations under Strike Force Coifs continue.

Fourth charged as investigations continue into Newcastle fatal shooting

Homicide Squad detectives have charged a fourth person as investigations continue into the fatal shooting of a man at Newcastle earlier this year.
About 12.45pm on Thursday 22 July 2021, emergency services were called to a unit at Darby Street, Cooks Hill, following reports of shots fired.
Upon arrival, police located a 40-year-old man inside the unit with a gunshot wound to the chest.
Despite the efforts of emergency services, he died at the scene.
The man has been formally identified as Wesley ‘Wes’ Prentice from Rutherford.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District commenced inquiries, before detectives from the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad took carriage of the investigation under Strike Force Hibbard.
So far during the investigation, strike force detectives have charged three people – two men and a woman – over their alleged roles in the incident. They remain before the courts.
Following further investigations, police stopped and arrested a 35-year-old woman at Maude Street, Belmont, about 9.15am yesterday (Tuesday 14 December 2021).
She was taken to Belmont Police Station and charged with accessory after the fact to murder.
The Charlestown woman was refused bail and is due to appear at Belmont Local Court via AVL today (Wednesday 15 December 2021).
Inquiries under Strike Force Hibbard are continuing.

mRNA vaccines to be made in Australia

A new sovereign vaccine manufacturing facility will be built in Australia to produce respiratory mRNA vaccines for potential future pandemics and seasonal health issues as part of a new in principle agreement between the Australian Government, Victorian Government and global mRNA company Moderna.
The sovereign on-shore facility will be built in Victoria as part of a long term strategic partnership, secured by the Morrison Government, to increase preparedness for possible future pandemics, including priority access to vaccines, research and development, clinical trials and global supply chain access.
The in principle deal will mean in a pandemic 100 million mRNA vaccines could be produced in Australia each year, starting in 2024 pending regulatory and planning approval, with priority access to both pandemic and non-pandemic respiratory mRNA vaccines, including potential seasonal flu vaccines.
mRNA technology is part of the next generation in advanced health care, it has already helped save hundreds of thousands, if not millions of lives worldwide from COVID-19.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said mRNA technology would play an important and growing role in response to future health issues and securing a sovereign on-shore mRNA technology was critical.
“This investment will continue to secure Australia’s future economic prosperity while protecting lives by providing access to world-leading mRNA vaccines made on Australian soil,” the Prime Minister said.
“The new mRNA manufacturing facility in Victoria will produce respiratory vaccines for potential future pandemics and seasonal health issues such as the common flu, protecting lives and livelihoods.”
“Medical manufacturing is at the heart of our Modern Manufacturing Initiative, creating jobs and securing Australia’s economic recovery, with more than a million Australians back working in manufacturing, the highest level since Labor let it fall in 2009.”
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt said that ATAGI’s recent recommendation on Moderna’s booster dose was a further testament to their advancements in mRNA.
“Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine is now available through all channels and just this past Sunday, following expert advice from ATAGI, I was proud to be one of the first in the nation to receive it as a booster dose,” Minister Hunt said.
“Ensuring Moderna has a manufacturing presence here will deliver Australia priority access to products manufactured here in Australia, by Australians, for Australians, using the most cutting edge vaccination science available in the world today.”
“This is another key pillar in Australia’s long term medical manufacturing future, and we are looking forward to finalising the agreements with Moderna as soon as possible.”
Once operational, Moderna will help meet Australia’s ongoing needs for COVID-19 vaccines, and for other respiratory mRNA vaccines as they are developed and approved by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
Minister for Finance Simon Birmingham said the arrival of onshore mRNA manufacturing would allow Australia to continue to play a role as a world leader in medical research.
“Moderna will become a vital part of Australia’s mRNA research and development landscape, bringing investment and opportunities for the entire research sector,” Minister Birmingham said.
“This investment will mean world-leading clinical trials, a strong local workforce and creating opportunities through supply chain activities, helping to drive Australia’s economy forward.”
“This is a further endorsement of Australia’s capacity to be a world-leader in the fields of health and medical research.”
Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said the Government is ensuring Australia maximises the long-term value of any investment in mRNA.
“These discussions to develop a local advanced manufacturing capability build on our $1.5 billion Modern Manufacturing Strategy and the opportunities in the Medical Products National Manufacturing Priority road map, helping to chart the course to bring new jobs to the local biotech sector,” Minister Taylor said.
“Our approach is all about ensuring we can have access to, and are able to develop, the next generation of medicines for Australians, and to make sure that Australia’s biopharmaceutical sector and community is at the forefront of that”.
In order to promote the development of an mRNA sector in Australia, the Australian Government will also invest up to $25 million from 2022-23 in the 2021 mRNA Clinical Trials Enabling Infrastructure Grant Opportunity.
This funding will directly support Australian medical research and medical innovation projects that leverage and enhance emerging technologies, platforms, equipment and infrastructure to conduct clinical trials of mRNA-based vaccines and therapeutics.
This grant opportunity forms part of the Government’s Coronavirus Research Response, which is funded through the $20 billion Medical Research Future Fund.

Australia's First Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice Offers Great Comfort To Families

Major works are due to begin next week on the $19.5 million Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice, marking a significant milestone for the unique facility.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard and Member for Manly James Griffin MP visited the site to inspect progress ahead of the first major concrete pour.
“This incredible project is Australia’s first dedicated hospice caring for young people with life-limiting illness and will provide support to families from all over NSW,” Mr Hazzard said.
“The facility will give young people and their families a tranquil, supportive environment at the most difficult of times by providing respite care, counselling, symptom management and end-of-life care.”
Member for Manly James Griffin said the Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice will work closely with dedicated children’s hospice, Bear Cottage, to assist families to continue to care for young people as they become adults.
“Each year, about a quarter of admissions to Bear Cottage are over the age of 16 and there has been no appropriate place for them to move to,” Mr Griffin said.
“No matter where someone is from in NSW, this beautiful state-of-the-art facility in Manly will be a welcoming place for young adults who are diagnosed with life-limiting conditions.”
More than $6.5 million has been raised for this project through generous community donations, which has been boosted by an $8 million investment from the NSW Government and $5 million from the Commonwealth Government.
Health Infrastructure is working closely with the Northern Sydney Local Health District and expert clinicians to deliver the hospice, which will be located at the former Manly Hospital site on the North Head headland.
Construction is due for completion late next year.
For further information and to support the Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice, visit www.nslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/Manly.

New Temora hospital in rural health boost

Local residents will benefit from an $80 million investment in Temora Hospital under the NSW Government’s $500 million health boost for rural and regional NSW.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole, Minister for Health Brad Hazzard and Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Health and Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke today announced the investment, which will greatly improve access to health services for Riverina locals.
Mr Toole said this record spend on health infrastructure built on the enhanced health services and initiatives rolling out to help ensure regional communities like Temora have access to the quality of care they deserve.
“This will be one of the biggest ever infrastructure projects in the town’s history – an investment that will be a game changer in the delivery of health services for locals,” Mr Toole said.
“We will never stop looking for opportunities to invest in regional and rural healthcare, and while the existing Temora hospital has served the needs of locals for generations, it’s now time for a new modern, well-equipped hospital.”
Mr Hazzard said experts from the Local Health District will work with staff to develop a Clinical Services Plan for the new hospital. Ongoing engagement with the community will ensure that the right services are provided.
“This $500 million boost in regional and rural health infrastructure is a huge win for local communities across NSW,” Mr Hazzard said.
“It will create thousands of local construction jobs, deliver modern facilities closer to home and make regional communities an appealing place to live, work and invest.”
Ms Cooke said this investment would ensure Temora has a hospital that would serve the region for years to come.
“I want our patients and their families and friends to have a fantastic local hospital that will not only deliver the best health outcomes, but also attract clinicians to work here in what would be a big win for the whole community,” Ms Cooke said.
“The new Temora Hospital will continue to provide Emergency Department services, as well as modern inpatient accommodation with beds available for rehabilitation, palliative care and maternity patients.
“A state-of-the-art delivery suite and enhanced community health services, including hospital avoidance services, radiology and pathology, will make this hospital a game changer for locals.”
Health Infrastructure will oversee and manage the $80 million redevelopment of the new Temora Hospital following input from the local community and hospital staff.

Free tourism training on offer ahead of bumper holiday season

As state and national borders reopen, the NSW Government is helping the tourism sector address critical skills shortages with thousands of free training places on offer ahead of a bumper holiday season.
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee today announced more than 2,700 fee-free training places initially available across 35 short courses at TAFE NSW and other registered training providers with scope to increase with demand. This includes training in specialist outdoor recreation and accommodation and customer services for businesses large and small.
Mr Lee said the training is available now to attract more workers to tourism businesses at a vital time in the sector’s recovery, as well as open the door to a new career for thousands of people.
“People from around the country are lining up to book holidays all over our great state and the NSW Government wants to help support those businesses attract enthusiastic and skilled staff,” Mr Lee said.
“Industry estimates around 600,000 staff across the country left the sector during the pandemic, which is why training opportunities like these free courses are so valuable, filling labour gaps and giving jobseekers the opportunity of a bright future in tourism.”
Minister for Jobs, Investment Tourism and Western Sydney and Minister for Trade and Industry Stuart Ayres said access to skilled workers is one of the greatest challenges facing tourism and hospitality businesses in NSW right now.
“Our tourism operators, event owners and local tourism organisations are the backbone of this industry and they need more skilled staff to rebuild. Offering fee-free training means we can support both businesses and workers, which will help grow NSW’s visitor economy,” Mr Ayres said.
A recent Tourism and Transport Forum Australia survey of more than 500 businesses reveals a third of tourism businesses who took had to let staff go during COVID-19, compared to less than ten percent in other sectors.
Tourism Accommodation Australia CEO Michael Johnson said the tourism, hospitality and accommodation sector was crying out for more skilled staff.
“This initiative is a great way to give school leavers and employees displaced over the last 18 months the skills they need to join our great industry,” Mr Johnson said.
Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF) Chief Executive Margy Osmond said the free training would help to provide valuable entry opportunities for people keen to join the vibrant NSW tourism sector.
“Tourism & Transport Forum Australia is fully behind the NSW Government’s efforts to rebuild skills capacity and address gaps across the state’s tourism labour market,” Ms Osmond said.
“As the NSW visitor economy recovers, the tourism industry that can take its employees all around the state from the coast to the far west, as well as much further afield and it can also reward them with pathways to senior leadership roles over time.”
Free courses available under the program include:

  • Outdoor Leadership (Basic Water Rescues, Snorkel, Lead Snorkeling, Paddle and Lead Stand Up Board on Inland Flatwater)
  • Tourism Product Design and Promotion
  • Hospitality (Interact with Customers, Safe Work Practices and Visitor Information, Housekeeping, Responsible Service of Alcohol, Social/Cultural Sensitivity)
  • Outdoor Recreation (Vertical Rescues, Abseil, Establish Ropes and Lead Single Pitch Abseiling on Natural Surfaces)
  • Bicycle Servicing
  • Swimming and Water Safety Teacher
  • Infection control

Today’s announcement complements the nearly 250,000 free training places being funded under the joint State and Federal JobTrainer program, and adds to the NSW Government investment in free training recently announced for the Retail and Hospitality sectors.
To explore other fee-free courses available to study, visit: https://bit.ly/32n97Vf