16 News

A new child protection taskforce will work to prevent vulnerable children slipping through the cracks, by better coordinating services and support throughout the lockdown and beyond.
Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Alister Henskens said the Child Wellbeing Taskforce would bring together NSW Government agencies and non-government sector leaders, to develop a plan for the transition out of lockdown.
“When it comes to protecting children, everybody has a role to play, and this Taskforce will ensure a coordinated effort to improve services and support for those most vulnerable,” Mr Henskens said.
“We’ve worked hard throughout the lockdown to ensure continuity of services and support for at-risk children, but we also recognise that this difficult time may have adversely affected some children and young people.
“The Taskforce will develop a plan for the road ahead that focuses on the wellbeing of children and young people as we transition out of lockdown.”
The Child Wellbeing Taskforce will include representatives from the Department of Communities and Justice, Department of Education and sector peak organisations.
The initial focus will be promoting awareness of child abuse and neglect to all frontline workers, improving access to digital devices and internet for at-risk families and enhancing support for young people exiting out-of-home care.
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said teachers play an important role in the child protection system.
“As frontline workers, it’s important teachers know what to look out for and how to respond when they see something that is not right,” Ms Mitchell said.
“The NSW Government is taking a holistic approach to supporting children during this difficult time, mental health and wellbeing support is also front and centre for students.
“The new Taskforce will help a range of front-line staff, including teachers, identify those at-risk and connect them to support.”
Association of Children’s Welfare Agencies (ACWA) CEO Steve Kinmond said ACWA was pleased to support the NSW Government’s establishment of the taskforce.
“We have no doubt that only a strong partnership between government agencies and the non-government sector will deliver the best outcomes for vulnerable children and families,” Mr Kinmond said.
“In order to enhance the educational opportunities for vulnerable children, we need educators, community service agencies and other key stakeholders, to work in lockstep with each other, in providing all children the with best education possible, both during COVID and beyond.”
The Child Wellbeing Taskforce will meet for the first time next week.

Projects which shine a light on the important service of our veterans will be boosted by the Anzac Community Grants Program, which is now open for applications.
Minister for Veterans Natalie Ward said the program’s opening coincides with History Week, and would promote awareness of our veterans’ vital contribution.
“We’re looking to support projects which enrich communities and heighten understanding of our veterans’ efforts both past and present,” Mrs Ward said.
“Around 1,200 veterans transition into NSW communities from the Defence Force every year and we remain committed to supporting them after service.
“This is an opportunity to get projects off the ground, at a grassroots level across many communities.”
Applications are open to individuals and not-for-profit organisations, including local government authorities, ex-service organisations, non-Government organisations and educational institutions.
Grants cover four categories: local community historical research and education; preservation or display of war memorabilia; public commemorative events, arts and culture; and support to members of the NSW veteran community.
Last year more than 40 projects were selected, including a replica battlefield trench, a digital image gallery of 600 photos, and woodwork to preserve a living memorial.
The North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club received a grant to assist veterans in becoming qualified lifesavers through the Bronze Medallion course.
“This encourages veterans to socialise and engage with their local communities, while recognising their defence force skills,” Club Life Member and Trustee Mark Cotter said.
Grants of up to $2,000 per organisation are available and applications close on Remembrance Day, 11 November 2021. For more information: veterans.nsw.gov.au/commemoration/anzac-community-grants-program.

Starting today school, early childhood, TAFE NSW, Vocational Education and Training (VET) and university staff can access the Qudos vaccination hub in Homebush for Astra Zeneca vaccinations.
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Education Sarah Mitchell said tens of thousands of vaccinations have been reserved exclusively for education staff, with vaccinations one of the best lines of defence against the virus.
“The Qudos hub is complimented by 35 walk-in clinics in western NSW, and countless more clinics, GPs and pharmacies across regional NSW who are taking bookings,” Ms Mitchell said.
“As we prepare for a staged return to school from 25 October, and holding HSC exams from 9 November, vaccinating all staff is essential to increase safety and minimise disruption.
“I’m pleased to see that large numbers of the teaching workforce have already come forward to be vaccinated. Vaccinating staff, along with stringent school restrictions including mask wearing, will help make schools as safe as possible when students return.”
From 8 November 2021, all NSW school and preschool staff will be required to have received two doses of COVID-19 vaccine.
“The Qudos hub and walk-in hubs across NSW provide an opportunity for any staff member 18 years and above to quickly start or finish their vaccination journey,” Ms Mitchell said.
“With more supply entering the system I am hopeful we can create even more opportunities for staff and students to be vaccinated.”
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said the safety of the state’s students, apprentices and trainees, as well as teachers and support staff is at the heart of the education vaccination blitz.
“We know that skills training will play an important role in helping our industries and economy re-open and recover from COVID-19, which is why the NSW Government is prioritising vaccinations for those working in this sector,” Mr Lee said.
“By getting vaccinated, you are ensuring apprentices can get back to learning the tools of their trade, students can get back into classrooms and teachers can get back to teaching face-to-face as soon as possible.”
The Department of Education will continue to work with NSW Health to prioritise vaccinations for all staff across NSW, as well as HSC students over the coming weeks.
For more information about the COVID-19 Vaccination Program in NSW please go to nsw.gov.au/covid-19
BOOKING DETAILS
Qudos Bank Arena Vaccination Centre, Sydney Olympic Park
7am – 9pm, from Monday 6 September – Sunday 12 September
Bookings available here or via HealthDirect: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/
Parking is free in P1, Sydney Olympic Park
Walk-in locations and booking details for education staff in regional areas are available at the following link:
https://wnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/covid-19-information/covid-19-vaccination

The NSW Government is appealing for drivers in regional NSW to take extra care this Rural Road Safety Month, as a confronting new video is released, showing the tragic impacts of a horror crash near Dubbo.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said he hoped the video would remind everyone to take road safety seriously – and that the decisions people make behind the wheel can have fatal consequences.
“The video shows the aftermath of a seven vehicle crash at road works on the Newell Highway, north of Dubbo in January 2018, where two young people – 21-year-old Reagan Skinner and 19 year old Hannah Ferguson, tragically lost their lives,” Mr Toole said.
“It also includes interviews with workers who witnessed the crash and a NSW Police Officer who was one of the first responders. Their stories drive home how one moment can change the lives of so many in an instant.”
So far this year, 184 people have died on NSW roads – 127 of those on country roads.
“This is why the NSW Government is investing $640 million over four years as part of the Saving Lives on Country Roads Initiative, to upgrade roads throughout regional NSW,” Mr Toole said.
“So far we’ve delivered 183 projects in 2020/21 and work is currently underway on 132 new and continuing road safety infrastructure projects right across the state, including $47.6 million on the New England Highway between Willow Tree and Uralla and $37.5 million on the Olympic Highway.
“This includes safety measures such as installing wide centre lines, life-saving flexible barriers, rumble strips and other safety devices to help prevent run-off-road and head-on crashes on country roads.
“Although COVID-19 means we are seeing fewer people on the roads, now is not the time to be complacent. It’s my hope that this video will remind all road users to think about how their driving behaviour can help keep everyone on the road safe.
“Before you get behind the wheel, stop and think about what you can do to make sure you arrive at your destination safely – slow down, make sure you’re well rested and never drive if affected by drugs or alcohol.”
Rural Road Safety Month is an initiative of the Australian Road Safety Foundation. More information can be found at: https://arsf.com.au/rrsw-home/

A Super Sunday vaccination blitz has been organised for this Sunday for all police, fire and emergency services personnel who live or work in LGAs of concern.
Eligible workers can log in and book a priority Pfizer vaccination appointment for tomorrow (Sunday 5 September 2021).
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said police and emergency workers have been in the frontline of the COVID battle for more than 20 months and eligible workers need to come forward.
“While there has been a very high take-up of vaccination by workers in these services, there are still some in the LGAs of concern who need to be vaccinated and I’d strongly urge anyone eligible to log on and book your place for Super Sunday,” Mr Elliott said.
“This is your opportunity to get your vaccination and ensure you, your family, your work colleagues and your clients are protected.”
Only police, fire, and emergency service workers who live or work in the LGAs of concern are eligible. Tomorrow’s Super Sunday is also open to healthcare, hospital and aged-care workers. Workers from all agencies must be 16 years or above.
Emergency services workers and volunteers from organisations including the NSW Rural Fire Service, NSW SES, Fire and Rescue NSW, Marine Rescue NSW, Surf Life Saving NSW, and VRA Rescue NSW are encouraged to come forward for vaccination.
The LGAs are: Bayside, Blacktown, Burwood, Camden, Campbelltown, Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland, Fairfield, Georges River, Liverpool, Parramatta, Penrith, Strathfield, Randwick suburb (2031).
Proof of occupation (ID card or letter from employer) is required at the appointment to demonstrate eligibility.
Participating vaccination hubs are located at Sydney Olympic Park, Bankstown, Macquarie Fields, and Prairiewood; booking links can be found on the webpage: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/health-and-wellbeing/covid-19-vaccination-nsw/emergency-services-super-sunday

The NSW Police Force has been bolstered by the addition of 250 new officers this year, representing the third allocation of the NSW Government’s commitment to invest in 1,500 new police over four years.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said 115 of the police positions will join commands in regional and metropolitan areas, while other positions will be allocated to specialist commands.
“The Raptor Squad will benefit from 20 additional officers to target organised crime, while the Criminal Groups Squad and Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad will both benefit from 10 extra positions,” Mr Elliott said.
“These new officers are part of a $583 million investment by the NSW Government, to add 1500 additional police over four years.”
“The additional positions will make a real difference to the NSW Police Force and give them a greater ability to keep our State safe, especially during a time when police have been relied on so heavily,” Mr Elliott said.
NSW Police Force Commissioner Mick Fuller APM said the additional police positions put the organisation in a solid position to adapt and respond to new and emerging crime issues.
“A modern police force must be resilient, adaptable and responsive. We have clearly demonstrated that capability over the past 20 months as we responded to the threat of COVID-19,” Commissioner Fuller said.
“Despite stay-at-home orders and other gathering limitations, criminal enterprise has not ceased. These additional resources will be the boost we need to respond to whatever threats we may face in the future.”
Field Operations Commands set to receive extra positions for 2021-22 are:

• Northern Region – 18 (including one Child Protection Register officer and three positions for the Region Enforcement Squad)
• Southern Region – 18 (including four Child Protection Register officers and two officers for the Region Enforcement Squad)
• Western Region – 13 (including four Child Protection Register officers and two officers for the Region DV High Risk Offender Team)
• Central Metropolitan Region – 14 (comprising nine Child Protection Register officers and five officers for the Region DV High Risk Offender Team)
• North West Metropolitan Region – 36 (10 Child Protection Register officers and three officers for the Region Operations Support Group)
• South West Metropolitan Region – 16 (including four Child Protection Register officers and six officers for the Region Enforcement Squad)

Additional positions allocated to Police Area Commands and Police Districts include,

• Barrier PD (four additional positions),
• Camden PAC (seven additional positions)
• Coffs/Clarence PD (three additional positions)
• Lake Macquarie PD (two additional positions)
• Quakers Hill PAC (seven additional positions)
• South Coast PD (six additional positions), and
• The Hills PAC (nine additional positions).

The remaining allocations will be distributed to other specialist commands across the Force. Allocations are determined based on resource requirements and how best to prevent, disrupt and respond to emerging crime issues.