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The Perrottet Government has today committed to 103,000 additional free training places as part of a $100 million economic recovery package to turbocharge skills training and future-proof the workforce.
The recovery package contains new funding to extend the successful JobTrainer program,  hundreds of fully-funded school-based apprenticeships and traineeships for Aboriginal students and funding for new ICT traineeships in the public sector.
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said the $100 million investment would support a pipeline of skilled workers and spearhead the State’s recovery by providing businesses with a highly- trained workforce.
“By investing in a skills-led recovery, the NSW Government is not only futureproofing jobs but ensuring people have the right skills to plug current shortages as the economy emerges from the pandemic,” Mr Perrottet said.
“NSW is leading the nation in free skills training in the joint Federal and State JobTrainer program with more than 136,000 people in NSW taking up a course since it was introduced last October.”
NSW Treasurer Matt Kean said the investment, part of the Government’s COVID-19 economic recovery package, will benefit critical industries including construction, health and IT to help NSW bounce back better.
“This is a significant investment to help the people of NSW get back to work, upskill or enter the workforce for the first time, particularly in critical industries like construction, IT, health and hospitality,” Mr Kean said.
“These critical industries are vital to our economic growth and prosperity and the NSW Government will continue to invest in training initiatives to get more people into jobs.”
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said apprenticeships and traineeships were critical to supporting the careers of tomorrow.
“The NSW Government has always been committed to making training accessible to everyone, and this $100 million recovery package continues this Government’s unprecedented investment in skills training,” Mr Lee said.
The package includes additional Elsa Dixon Aboriginal Employment Grants and new ICT Traineeships, which will develop and support Aboriginal students and budding IT professionals across the State through the creation of training and employment opportunities in public sector agencies.

For the latest COVID-19 advice & information please visit www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19
NSW FLYING TOWARDS 80 PER CENT DOUBLE DOSE TARGET

• The State’s rapid rate of second dose vaccinations means that next Monday, 18 October is firming as the day that the Reopening NSW Roadmap’s 80 per cent settings will come into effect for those who are fully vaccinated.
• Community sport will resume, more friends and family will be reunited, and there will no longer be a cap on guests at weddings and funerals. Masks will also no longer be required in offices, and drinking while standing and dancing will be permitted indoors and outdoors at hospitality venues.
• From 1 November, bookings for hospitality venues will no longer be capped.
• Also from 1 November, the NSW Government will remove quarantine requirements and caps for overseas arrivals who the Commonwealth Government recognises as fully vaccinated with a TGA-approved vaccine, helping Australians stranded abroad get home before the end of the year.
• Travel between Greater Sydney (including the Blue Mountains, Wollongong, Shellharbour and the Central Coast) and Regional NSW will also be permitted from 1 November, to allow people in the regions more time to receive their second vaccine.
• To support regional businesses likely to be impacted by this change the NSW Government will defer the second taper of the JobSaver program until October 31. Eligible regional businesses will receive 30 per cent of weekly payroll, before tapering payments to the scheduled 15 per cent from November 1.
• If you are not booked in for a COVID-19 vaccine, please book an appointment as soon possible.

REGIONAL RECOVERY PACKAGE TO KICKSTART ECONOMY AND CREATE NEW JOBS

• The NSW Government has unveiled a $200 million recovery package for regional NSW that will create new jobs and support events, shows and festivals to boost tourism and help young people reclaim the best years of their lives.
• The Regional Recovery Package includes a $50 million Regional Events Package, $30 million Regional Job Creation Fund and $40 million for priority infrastructure projects across Regional NSW. Further announcements will be made with respect to the remaining $80 million.
• The $200 million Regional package builds upon the NSW Government’s record investment in regional NSW through the $2 billion Regional Growth Fund and the $4.2 billion Snowy Hydro Legacy Fund and 30 per cent of the Restart NSW Fund.

DOUBLING DOWN ON DINE & DISCOVER

• Customers will have more reasons to celebrate catching up with friends and family this summer with two additional Dine & Discover vouchers up for grabs for NSW residents.
• The expanded program will support residents across the State and encourage economic activity as part of the government’s economic recovery strategy.
• To date, almost 4.8 million people have taken advantage of the voucher program since its launch in March, giving businesses a $430 million boost.
• NSW residents aged 18 years and over who are yet to apply will be able to do so until the program ends and will receive all six $25 vouchers.
• Participating businesses do not need to reapply. Those who want to join the program are encouraged to register, download the scanner app and get ready to redeem.
• More information will be made available in the coming weeks on the nsw.gov.au website.

INTEGRATED VACCINATION CERTIFICATE OPENS TO ALL ON SERVICE NSW APP

• Residents across NSW will be able to integrate the COVID-19 digital vaccination certificate into their Service NSW app, with the program now rolling out State-wide.
• As the vaccine data sits in the Federal Australian Immunisation Register to integrate the COVID-19 digital certificate into the Service NSW app you will need to:
  • Ensure your Federal MyGov account is linked to Medicare
  • Download the Express Plus Medicare app and sign in with your MyGov account details
  • Select ‘Proof of vaccinations’ and then ‘View history’
  • Select ‘Share with check in app’ and then ‘Service NSW’
• The Service NSW app will include a number of security measures to help compliance officers and businesses with checking and validating a customer’s vaccination status, including a NSW Waratah logo hologram and rotating QR codes, similar to the Digital Driver Licence.
• For more information, please visit nsw.gov.au or call 13 77 88.

NSW HYDROGEN STRATEGY TO DRIVE INVESTMENT, CREATE JOBS AND POWER PROSPERITY

• NSW is set to attract more than $80 billion of investment, drive deep decarbonisation and establish itself as an energy and economic superpower with the launch of the NSW Hydrogen Strategy.
• The Strategy will provide up to $3 billion in incentives, set the State up as a global hydrogen leader and increase the size of the NSW economy by more than $600 million by 2030.
• In addition to delivering an already committed $70 million to develop the State’s hydrogen hubs in the Illawarra and the Hunter, the strategy includes:
  1. Exemptions for green hydrogen production from government charges;
  2. A 90% exemption from electricity network charges for green hydrogen producers who connect to parts of the network with spare capacity;
  3. Incentives for green hydrogen production; and
  4. A hydrogen refuelling station network to be rolled out across the State.

NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR TEACHING PROFESSION

• The NSW Government is implementing a raft of new initiatives to improve how it recruits, trains, and places high quality teachers where they are most needed.
• The $125 million NSW Teacher Supply Strategy will enable the NSW Government to create new opportunities and pathways to attract great people to one of the most rewarding professions.
• The strategy consists of three main pillars:
  • Grow overall supply of teachers
  • Encourage more teachers to upskill
  • Provide targeted support in areas of need
• The strategy will immediately invest $14 million in an overseas and interstate recruitment drive, $15 million in a mid-career transition program and $44 million in a variety of scholarships.
• More than 3,400 teachers have already been recruited as part of the NSW Government’s 2019 commitment to add 4,600 teachers to the workforce. The Teacher Supply Strategy will add another approximately 3,700 teachers to the public education system in NSW.

LOCAL SPORT SCORES $4.6 MILLION FUNDING BOOST

• Initiatives which focus on increasing participation in sport through events, development programs and facilities are the focus of the latest round of the NSW Government’s Local Sport Grant Program.
• More than $4.6 million is available to local sporting clubs to make their ideas to boost participation a reality, as COVID restrictions ease.
• The NSW Government funded more than 930 projects across the State through the last round of the Local Sport Grant Program.
• Successful clubs can receive funding of up to $20,000, with up to $50,000 available for each electorate throughout NSW. Applications close on Friday, 19 November.
• For more information visit: www.sport.nsw.gov.au/local-sport-grant-program.

PUBLIC SERVANTS TO HIT THE PADDOCKS FOR HARVEST

• More than 4,500 staff from the Department of Regional NSW, including Local Land Services and the NSW Department of Primary Industries, will be able to access five days’ special leave to assist farmers for an expected bumper harvest season in 2021.
• The unprecedented move is another example of the good work this government is doing to help farmers source the workforce they need for another record harvest.
• The NSW Government has implemented a range of measures to overcome the agriculture workforce shortage, including subsidies for quarantine costs of 2,500 overseas agricultural workers, the Ag Workers’ Code and the ‘Help Harvest NSW’ website to connect agriculture employers with out of work Australians.

CLOSING THE GAP FOR ABORIGINAL PEOPLE IN CUSTODY

• Reducing the number of Aboriginal people in prison and improving the health and safety of people in custody are the focus of a renewed commitment by the NSW Government.
• The Government response recognises that systemic changes and increased accountability are required to close the gap, including:
  • Releasing the NSW Implementation Plan, setting out the first roadmap for closing the gap;
  • Commencing a Thematic Review of Aboriginal Deaths in Custody to review and improve processes related to deaths in custody in Corrective Services NSW;
  • Boosting funding and support for the Coronial Jurisdiction, including a new full-time coroner;
  • Expanding court services and programs, including the NSW Drug Court;
  • Investments to remove hanging points in correctional facilities;
  • Reviewing health services in correctional facilities, and improving support for mental health and people with disabilities; and
  • Improving support for people leaving custody.

KEEPING SENIORS CONNECTED AS COVID RESTRICTIONS LIFT

• Seniors facing social isolation are the focus of a fast-tracked $600,000 funding boost by the NSW Government, as COVID restrictions ease.
• Round Two of the Reducing Social Isolation for Seniors Grant Program will fund community groups to provide activities which keep older people active and engaged.
• Grants of up to $60,000 will go towards new and existing programs that promote seniors’ social inclusion. Projects must have a COVID-safe plan and run until December 2022.
• Social inclusion is a key priority of the Ageing Well in NSW: Seniors Strategy 2021-2031.
• Applications for the Reducing Social Isolation for Seniors Grant Program close on Monday, 15 November.

Parramatta’s renowned ‘Eat Street’ is now open following the completion of major light rail construction along the dining strip.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the removal of construction fencing was even more significant as NSW opens back up after months of restrictions.
“We know how much the local community loves the Eat Street dining strip and it’s incredibly exciting to have it open as we head into the first weekend since restrictions were eased,” Mr Perrottet said.
“We know it’s been a tough time for local businesses and I want to thank them for their support and patience. It’s great to see all of the hard work has now paid off, with a modern and sophisticated dining strip open for business in the heart of Parramatta.”
More than 350 people worked on the Parramatta Light Rail project each day and night on Eat Street, which involved installing 717 metres of dual-track, using 86 tonnes of steel, 891 cubic metres of concrete, relocating 300 utilities, and hand-fitting 300,000 cobblestone pavers between the tracks as well as 34,000 footpath pavers.
Minister for Transport and Roads Rob Stokes said this was a great opportunity for locals and visitors to familiarise themselves with the rejuvenated area before trams start rolling in 2023.
“By giving the community access to the pedestrianised boulevard, we hope to better educate the community on how to use the area safely,” Mr Stokes said.
“With more people out and about enjoying Eat Street, the dining precinct is sure to become Western Sydney’s most vibrant food and entertainment hotspot.”
Major construction on Eat Street commenced in June 2020, with the construction approach designed to minimise impacts and support businesses as much as possible.
Member for Parramatta Geoff Lee said the combination of innovative technology and active engagement with businesses and stakeholders have been the cornerstone to delivering this achievement.
“This included using state-of-the-art 3D technology. We identified and relocated 300 utilities in the CBD prior to major construction. We also used a micro-tunneling boring machine to construct drainage underground to minimise noise, dust and vibration above the ground,” Mr Lee said.
“We formed a Business Reference Group to give businesses and stakeholders a ‘voice’ on key decisions, and we continue to offer businesses free support services, including one-on-one advisory services and local campaigns to encourage footfall.”
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Steven Issa said people will be amazed when they see how much Eat Street has transformed during lockdown.
“Eat Street is Western Sydney’s premier dining strip, and these businesses are the lifeblood of our community, so it’s fantastic to see them welcoming back customers as the City opens up and Parramatta Light Rail edges closer to completion. I encourage everyone to come down and experience the revitalised Eat Street.”
‘Eat Street Uncovered’, a TfNSW activation, will be rolled out over the coming months to celebrate the completion of major works on the dining strip, in a COVID safe way.
Stage 1 of the Parramatta Light Rail will connect Westmead to Carlingford via the Parramatta CBD and Camellia, and is expected to commence services in 2023.

The NSW Government today unveiled a $200 million recovery package for regional NSW that will create new jobs and support events, shows and festivals to boost tourism and help young people reclaim the best years of their lives.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the Regional Recovery Package includes a $50 million Regional Events Package, $30 million Regional Job Creation Fund and $40 million for priority infrastructure projects across Regional NSW.
“This package will deliver long term support and certainty for businesses as the state reopens, tourism rebounds and investors eye new opportunities in the bush,” Mr Toole said.
”The package includes $25 million to help regional councils stage events such as festivals that help drive tourism and allow locals to reconnect.
“Immediate financial support will also be provided for country shows to be held in 2021-2022. Country shows have been disrupted by drought, bushfire, floods and COVID-19 and the $5 million we are announcing today will help agricultural show societies come back bigger and better than ever, in the lead up to the 2022 Royal Easter Show.
“There’s no better way for Sydneysiders to experience the tastes, sights and sounds of the bush and support rural communities than to get along to a country show.
“I am also proud to confirm a second round of the successful Regional Job Creation Fund and the Regional Events Acceleration Fund in 2022. I am looking forward to announcing successful projects from the first round of these projects in the coming weeks which will help businesses create more jobs and give tourists even more reasons to visit the bush.
“This package has laid the foundations for a strong recovery for regional NSW and I look forward to making further funding announcements in the coming weeks that will ensure the regions bounce back better than ever.”
Treasurer Matt Kean said the $200 million of new funding is a key part of the NSW Government’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Strategy.
“We know businesses in the bush have done it tough through the pandemic,” Mr Kean said.
“We want to arm our regional communities with the economic stimulus they need not only to recover, but to bounce back bigger and better than before.
“This package will not only provide a boost to business but deliver better services, new projects and more jobs for regional communities across the state.”
The $200 million Regional package builds upon the NSW Government’s record investment in regional NSW through the $2 billion Regional Growth Fund and the $4.2 billion Snowy Hydro Legacy Fund and 30 per cent of the Restart NSW Fund.
$200 million Regional Recovery Package includes:

• $30 million for the Regional Job Creation Fund Round Two (to be open for applications in early 2022)
• $50 million Regional Events Package, including;
  • $20 million Regional Events Acceleration Fund Round Two (to be open for applications in early 2022)
  • $5 million Country Shows support package
  • $25 million Reconnecting Regional NSW: Community Events Package
• $40 million for priority infrastructure projects across Regional NSW.

Further announcements will be made with respect to the remaining $80 million.

The State’s rapid rate of second dose vaccinations means that next Monday, 18 October is firming as the day that the Reopening NSW Roadmap’s 80 per cent settings will come into effect for those who are fully vaccinated.
Community sport will resume, more friends and family will be reunited, and there will no longer be a cap on guests at weddings and funerals. Masks will also no longer be required in offices, and drinking while standing and dancing will be permitted indoors and outdoors at hospitality venues.
From 1 November bookings for hospitality venues will no longer be capped.
Also from 1 November, the NSW Government will remove quarantine requirements and caps for overseas arrivals who the Commonwealth Government recognises as fully vaccinated with a TGA-approved vaccine, helping Australians stranded abroad get home before the end of the year. Further advice about testing requirements for arrivals will be provided in the coming days.
Fully vaccinated travellers already in quarantine will also complete their quarantine requirements on November 1, even if it is less than 14-days.
Overseas arrivals who are not fully vaccinated will be capped at 210 people per week, and will be required to undergo mandatory 14-days hotel quarantine.
Travel between Greater Sydney (including the Blue Mountains, Wollongong, Shellharbour and the Central Coast) and Regional NSW will also be permitted from 1 November, to allow people in the regions more time to receive their second vaccine.
To support regional businesses likely to be impacted by this change the NSW Government will defer the second taper of the JobSaver program until October 31. Eligible regional businesses will receive 30 per cent of weekly payroll, before tapering payments to the scheduled 15 per cent from November 1.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the easing of restrictions and return of overseas travellers would help reunite families and be a significant boost for the economy.
“We have reached this vaccination milestone quicker than anyone thought we could, and that is a testament to the hard work of people across the State turning out to get vaccinated,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Welcoming back fully vaccinated travellers will not only mean families and friends can be home in time for Christmas, it will also give our economy a major boost.”
Deputy Premier Paul Toole said the tough decision had been made to delay travel between Regional NSW and Greater Sydney, with the NSW Government extending the JobSaver program for regional businesses. By 1 November, it’s expected more than 77 per cent of regional LGAs will be fully vaccinated.
“Everyone has done a brilliant job of getting vaccinated and rates are rising fast; however we have looked at the health modelling and listened to feedback from regional communities who want more time to get their double dose vaccination rates up as high as possible before they welcome back visitors,” Mr Toole said.
“We know businesses in regional NSW were getting ready to welcome people back, but it’s important we get this right so that we can have greater confidence the vaccines will do their job – and that when we re-open travel to the regions, they can remain open and that businesses have continued support in the meantime. We thank people for their patience.”
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres welcomed the 80 per cent reopening and recognised it as an important step on the road to recovery.
“We are opening up locally and we are opening up to the world. Now is a time for people to come together in safe way whether it be returning home from overseas or enjoying your favourite local venue,” Mr Ayres said.
All premises continue to operate at one person per 4sqm indoors and one person per 2sqm outdoors.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the NSW community had done an extraordinary job to reach the 80 per cent double dose vaccination target and was leading Australia out of the pandemic.
“The people of NSW have pulled together to achieve this fantastic outcome and bring us closer to life as we knew it before the pandemic, but we’re not there yet,” Mr Hazzard said.
“We can’t forget that COVID is still circulating amongst us in NSW and we need to keep getting vaccinated to push the double dose rates even higher. We want to get as close to 100 per cent double vaccination as possible to keep everyone safe.”
NSW residents will still need to comply with COVID-Safe check-ins and provide proof of vaccination to staff in most settings.
More restrictions will be relaxed on 1 December, as previously announced in the Reopening NSW Roadmap.
To find out how to download a copy of your vaccination certificate visit Services Australia website.
If you are not booked in for a COVID-19 vaccine, please book an appointment as soon possible.
For the latest information and to view the 80 per cent Roadmap and lifting of restrictions, visit nsw.gov.au

Sydney’s nightlife is making a triumphant return at The Rocks with four new dining and drink spots to open this summer.
Bringing a combined investment of $6 million, Hickson House Distilling Co, The Keel, Chateau Tanunda and Frank Mac’s are setting the pace for a strong recovery in the historic waterside precinct.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the four bars are the first of many new retailers set to call The Rocks home, with the precinct undergoing a resurgence, attracting some of the best names in the food and beverage scene.
“It’s fitting that one of Sydney’s most stunning precincts is now home to even more top tier venues, opening in time for Christmas and our emergence out of lockdown,” Mr Stokes said.
“With the extension of relaxed outdoor dining restrictions, Dine and Discover vouchers, and the reactivated CBD dining vouchers, there are so many reasons for Sydneysiders – and tourists – to rediscover our city as we emerge from lockdown.”
The arrival of these four venues follows significant precinct activation over the last twelve months, including alfresco dining, outdoor yoga, live music, a laneway cinema and food and beverage events with retailers including St Patrick’s Day and Lunar New Year.
Chief Executive of Placemaking NSW Anita Mitchell said the time was right to reactivate one of the city’s most spectacular assets.
“Customer research from the last COVID recovery shows a third of Sydneysiders would choose The Rocks as their preferred place to socialise with friends and family – so come and fall back in love with this amazing part of Sydney,” Ms Mitchell said.
“The Rocks offers something for everyone – whether you’re looking for a long lunch with harbour views or a night out in one of its hidden laneways – and it’s easily accessible by public transport and is just a short walk from Circular Quay.”
To see more about what’s happening at The Rocks, visit: www.therocks.com

Residents across NSW will be able to integrate the COVID-19 digital vaccination certificate into their Service NSW app from today with the program now rolling out State-wide.
Minister for Digital and Customer Service Victor Dominello said with restrictions to further ease as the state approaches 80 per cent double vaccination, the integration of the vaccine certificate with the app will make things easier for the people of NSW.
“This is an extra digital service to make life easier for the businesses and customers of NSW as we open back up. NSW is the first jurisdiction in Australia to roll out an integrated QR code solution for displaying vaccination status State wide,” Mr Dominello said.
“When someone visits a venue, they’ll be able to show their green check-in tick and vaccination status simultaneously, saving staff and customers time.
“While integrating the COVID-19 digital certificate on to the Service NSW app will be optional, it will be the by far the easiest and quickest way to prove you’re fully vaccinated.”
The State-wide roll out follows a successful regional pilot with clubs, aged-care facilities and taxis in Port Macquarie, Tamworth, Wagga Wagga and Lismore, as well as internal government participants.
As the vaccine data sits in the Federal Australian Immunisation Register to integrate the COVID-19 digital certificate into the Service NSW app you will need to:

• Ensure your Federal MyGov account is linked to Medicare
• Download the Express Plus Medicare app and sign in with your MyGov account details
• Select ‘Proof of vaccinations’ and then ‘View history’
• Select ‘Share with check in app’ and then ‘Service NSW’

“I would like to thank the Federal Government, in particular Minister Stuart Robert, for his support and collaboration in making this happen and sharing the data at the end of last month,” Mr Dominello said.
“I also want to thank the businesses and individuals who participated in the various industry-based trials this week in Port Macquarie, Lismore, Tamworth and Wagga and Wagga. Your feedback has been invaluable in getting us to this point ahead of schedule.
“Integrating the vaccine certificate also helps future proof our State’s digital infrastructure in the event that proof of vaccination is ever required again or if it’s still needed in certain settings like international travel.”
There were already three ways to demonstrate the vaccine certificate. Customers can use the Express Plus Medicare app or the digital wallet on their phone. Customers without a smartphone can print a vaccination certificate from their Medicare account or contact Services Australia for a paper certificate in order to prove their vaccination status.
John Green, Director of Liquor and Policing at the Australian Hotels Association NSW, said venue operators were reporting the vaccination status combined with the QR check-in made it easier to check and validate.
“The convenience of having a customer’s vaccination status presented alongside their check-in will allow for a seamless entry and take pressure off venue staff,” Mr Green said. “It certainly makes the process quicker.”
The Service NSW app will include a number of security measures to help compliance officers and businesses with checking and validating a customer’s vaccination status, including a NSW Waratah logo hologram and rotating QR codes, similar to the Digital Driver Licence.
For more information, please visit nsw.gov.au or call 13 77 88.