New rules will be introduced across NSW requiring gyms and fitness centres to register their COVID Safety Plan, and have a dedicated hygiene marshall on duty at all times.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said these extra measures are necessary to stop the spread of the virus and take effect from 12.01am on Saturday 1 August.
“We cannot afford to take any risks or allow complacency to creep in. Businesses must take all reasonable steps to reduce the risk of COVID transmission or risk facing a fine or closure,” Mr Dominello said.
“Gyms play a crucial role in the promotion of health and fitness across our community but they are not immune from this challenge. Without proper COVID safeguards, they may present a transmission risk and that is why we need operators to put their customers first by registering their COVID Safety Plan.
“Whether it’s maintaining social distancing, cleaning equipment after use or making hand sanitiser available for customers, these dedicated COVID Safe Hygiene Marshalls will play a pivotal role in keeping gyms safe and compliant.”
NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said this is a critical time in our response to COVID-19.
“Members of the community and business have important roles to play. Gyms support people maintain their health and wellbeing. I ask that patrons cooperate with Hygiene Marshalls to keep people safe,” Dr Chant said.
For the latest information visit www.nsw.gov.au
Second man in court over alleged string of graffiti across Sydney, Central Coast and Hunter regions
A man will appear in court today charged following investigations into several acts of vandalism at train stations across Sydney, Central Coast and Hunter region transport networks.
In December 2019, officers from the Police Transport Command commenced an investigation, following reports railway infrastructure and trains had been vandalised with graffiti across the Sydney area and the Central Coast transport network.
Investigators charged a 35-year-old Newtown man earlier this month and he remains before the courts.
Following further inquiries, investigators executed a search warrant at a home in Blue Haven about 10am yesterday (Tuesday 28 July 2020).
During the search, investigators located sketch pads, spray paint, a mobile phone, three cannabis plants in a hydroponic setup and 16g of dried cannabis. These items were seized to undergo forensic examination.
A short time later, a 19-year-old man was arrested at the property and taken to Wyong Police Station.
He was charged with 21 offences, including:
- seven counts of malicious damage,
- cultivate prohibited plant,
- possess prohibited drug,
- five counts of face blackened/disguised with intent to commit indictable offence, and
- seven counts of enter/remain on running lines.
Police will allege in court that the man vandalised trains and infrastructure at railway stations in Kingsgrove, Maitland, Campbelltown, Hamilton, Lidcombe, Telarah and Gosford.
It will also be alleged the man then uploaded these acts of vandalism to social media.
The man was refused bail and is due to appear in Wyong Local Court today (Wednesday 29 July 2020).
Investigations are continuing.
Woman charged and business fined over Public Health Orders breaches
A woman has been charged and a business was fined over separate alleged breaches of the state’s Public Health Orders in the past 24 hours.
Officers from Liverpool City Police Area Command were called to Liverpool Hospital just after 7am yesterday (Tuesday 28 July 2020), following reports a woman had assaulted a nurse and security staff.
On arrival, police were told the woman had refused to leave despite having been discharged and allegedly abused nursing staff and security using offensive language as they attempted to get her to leave.
It’s further alleged that as security escorted her from the building, the woman spat on the face of one of the guards and threatened him, bit another guard on the hand, and kicked at them and a nurse.
The 45-year-old woman was arrested and taken to Liverpool Police Station, where she was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, three counts of common assault, behave in offensive manner in/near public place/school, remain on prescribed premises without lawful excuse, stalk/intimidate intend fear physical harm.
She was also charged with not comply noticed direction re spitting/coughing-COVID-19.
The Ambarvale woman has been refused bail to appear at Liverpool Local Court today (Wednesday 29 July 2020).
In an unrelated incident, officers from St George Police Area Command attended a bakery on Railway Parade, Kogarah, about 11.40am yesterday, as part of a proactive compliance operation.
Police approached the owner to discuss the business’ COVID-Safe plan and it was quickly established the store was not complying with requirements – which included not having a patron register while there was a customer eating in the store at the time.
Following further inquiries, officers advised the 34-year-old male owner that he would receive a $5000 Penalty Infringement Notice for business not complying with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 – COVID-19.
Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any ministerial direction or behaviour which may impact on the health and safety of the community.
Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.
Newcastle Weather Update
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has forecast large and powerful surf conditions hazardous to coastal activities today and tomorrow.
The BOM predicts three-and-a-half metre waves will arrive from the east to south-east today and continue through Tuesday. Waves will become smaller throughout Wednesday.
City of Newcastle has undertaken a range of maintenance, protection and repair works at Stockton since the last east coast low two weeks ago, and staff will be monitoring the situation over the coming days.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said staff and contractors have been working around the clock and are doing everything they can to help protect the beach and coastal assets in Stockton.
“City of Newcastle has had two sand hopper trucks, multiple excavators, cranes and other machinery operating in Stockton since last week’s weather event carrying out a range of maintenance and repair works.
“We have undertaken significant sandbagging works reinforcing existing sandbags and replacing those that were compromised. One location that experienced significant erosion during the last east coast low was at the end of Griffiths Street and we have replaced a number of sandbags in that location.
“We have also moved brick rubble that was previously washed onto the beach back closer to the bank and used some of it to reinforce one of the structures at the northern end of the Surf Life Saving Club.”
City of Newcastle asks the community to please stay clear of coastal areas including Stockton Beach during this period and follow warnings and directional signage where appropriate. All beach accessways remain closed and traffic control will be in place at various locations when needed.
To stay up to date on the weather warnings, please follow the Bureau of Meteorology www.bom.gov.au, and for emergencies, the State Emergency Services at www.ses.nsw.gov.au or phone 13 25 00.
REVIEW OF PENALTIES FOR ATTACKS ON POLICE AND EMERGENCY WORKERS
There can be few more disgraceful acts than deliberate violence committed against our NSW Police Force officers, correctional and youth justice officers, emergency services workers and health workers as they bravely serve our community.
That’s why I’ve asked the NSW Sentencing Council to review the sentencing for offences involving assaults on these workers.
My terms of reference to the Council today ask it to consider sentencing options to deter and reduce this type of offending.
The review will take into account recent trends in assaults upon these workers, who keep our community safe, protecting our lives, property and health.
This work will complement a Parliamentary Inquiry announced by Minister for Police and Emergency Services, the Hon David Elliott MP, which is examining matters including the motivation driving these attacks on members of the NSW Police Force.
The Sentencing Council is led by former Royal Commission Chair and NSW Judge of Appeal, the Hon Peter McClellan AM QC, and includes representatives from the NSW Police Force, victims of crimes and the community.
NSW is fortunate to have experts of this calibre to conduct this important review and provide the Government with recommendations on appropriate sentencing reforms.
The Sentencing Council is accepting public submissions to this review. I encourage any person or group interested in these issues to find out how to provide a submission here: http://www.sentencingcouncil.justice.nsw.gov.au/
Sixth teen charged over fast food restaurant fire – Cessnock
A sixth teenager has now been charged over allegedly lighting a fire at a Cessnock fast food restaurant.
About 3.30am on Sunday (19 July 2020), emergency services were called to a fast food restaurant on Allandale Road, Cessnock, after reports of a fire within the external playground area.
Crews from Fire and Rescue NSW attended and extinguished the fire a short time later.
Officers from Hunter Valley Police District commenced an investigation into the cause of the blaze.
Five teenagers – three boys and two girls – have been charged over the incident. They remain before the courts.
Following further inquiries, police attended a home on Mayfield Street, Cessnock, and arrested a 15-year-old girl about 10am today (Monday 27 July 2020).
She was taken to Cessnock Police Station and charged with damage property by fire and was granted conditional bail to appear at a children’s court on Monday 11 August 2020.
Six arrested during unauthorised public assembly – Sydney CBD
Six people have been arrested during an unauthorised public assembly in Sydney’s CBD today.
At the weekend, the NSW Supreme Court prohibited the public assembly planned for Sydney today due to health and safety concerns associated with COVID-19.
Following an unsuccessful appeal application yesterday (Monday 27 July 2020), the protest remained unauthorised. Despite this, police received information a number of people still planned to attend.
A high-visibility police operation was launched in response to the unauthorised protest today (Tuesday 28 July 2020), to ensure the safety of the community.
General duties officers from Sydney City Police Area Command and across the Central Metropolitan Region were assisted by specialist police from the Public Order and Riot Squad, Police Transport Command, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, and the Mounted and Dog Units.
During the operation, three men, aged 40, 37 and 22, and two women aged 50 and 23, were arrested at the Domain and each issued with a $1000 Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN) for breaching public health orders, before being issued move-on directions.
A third woman, aged 25, was arrested and issued a Criminal Infringement Notice for offensive language.
The NSW Police Force is reminding the community that a number of ministerial directions remain in place covering returned overseas travellers, diagnosed persons, mass gatherings and movement, spitting and coughing, residential aged care facilities, border control measures and compliance requirements for NSW businesses, funerals, places of worship, weddings and corporate events.
Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.
No offence detected in reported child approach at Raymond Terrace
Earlier this week, officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District commenced inquiries following a reported child approach at the weekend (Saturday 25 July 2020).
Following extensive inquiries, police have determined that no offence has occurred.
No further investigation will be conducted.
Police would like to thank the public for their assistance.
Latest breaches of Public Health Act across state
A Kiama couple are among six people to have legal action taken against them in the last 24 hours for breaches of the Public Health Act across the state.
On Sunday 12 July 2020, a 36-year-old man and 37-year-old woman returned to NSW from Victoria with their two children.
The man and woman, who were granted Category A permits from Service NSW, travelled through the Hume Highway checkpoint at Albury and were made aware of the requirements to self-isolate for 14 days at their residential address.
Police conducted compliance checks at the Kiama address on Tuesday 14 July, Wednesday 15 July and Tuesday 21 July 2020, and provided information about self-isolation requirements on each occasion.
It’s alleged the couple, who were required to remain at their residential address with their two children until Sunday 26 July 2020, left the home on several occasions between Monday 20 and Wednesday 22 July 2020.
The matter was reported to police and an investigation commenced by officers from Lake Illawarra Police District.
Following inquiries, about 11.15am today (Tuesday 28 July 2020), the man was issued a Future Court Attendance Notice for failing to comply with noticed direction in relation to section 7/8/9 – COVID-19.
He is due to appear in Port Kembla Local Court on Wednesday 23 September 2020.
The 37-year-old woman was issued with a $1000 PIN for failing to comply with noticed direction in relation to section 7/8/9 – COVID-19.
Meanwhile, police have also charged a woman and issued three further COVID-19 related Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs).
- About 4pm yesterday (Monday 27 July 2020), officers from Liverpool City Police Area Command attended a unit on Campbell Street, Liverpool, following reports a 41-year-old woman had travelled from Byron Bay to Liverpool in contravention of a self-isolation direction on Sunday (26 July 2020). The woman was taken to hospital for testing and issued a Court Attendance Notice for fail to comply requirement public order – COVID-19. She is due to appear at Liverpool Local Court on Wednesday 30 September 2020.
- About 11am (Monday 27 July 2020), officers from Riverina Police District attended a home on Ceduna Street, Ashmont, to arrest a 37-year-old man for an unrelated matter. While in custody, subsequent inquiries revealed that the man had recently returned from Victoria and failed to self-isolate. He was issued a $1000 PIN and taken to hospital for testing.
- About 12.45pm (Monday 27 July 2020), officers from Barrier Police District stopped a car at the Victorian border, on the Murray Valley Highway, Euston. The driver, a 39-year-old woman, and passenger, a 44-year-old man, did not have a permit. They were both issued $1000 PINs and returned to Victoria.
Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.
Six Illawarra venues fined for breaching Public Health Orders, licensing regulations
Police have taken legal action against six Illawarra venues for alleged breaches of Public Health Orders and licensing regulations.
About 3.50pm on Saturday 25 July 2020, officers attached to Wollongong Police District attended a venue on the Princes Highway in Figtree as part of a high-visibility licensing operation.
Inside the venue, police observed a large number of patrons standing together and drinking in groups.
It’s alleged the venue manager did not properly enforce the COVID-19 safety plan for the venue. The venue was issued a $5000 PIN earlier today (Monday 27 July 2020).
On Saturday 25 July 2020, officers from Lake Illawarra Police District conducted a licensing compliance operation throughout Gerringong, Shellharbour and Dapto.
A venue on Addison Street, Shellharbour was issued a penalty notice for failing to comply with direction in relation to Section 7/8/9 – Corporation. The venue was also issued a $1,100 fine for operating as a bar and not a restaurant.
A venue on Burra Place, Shellharbour, and a venue on Fern Street, Gerringong, were also issued penalties for failing to comply with direction in relation to Section 7/8/9 – Corporation.
The alleged breaches included being overcrowded, not enforcing physical distancing, not having COVID safety marshals present, and breaching individual COVID Safety plans.
A venue on Rowlins Road, Gerringong received an official warning for failing to comply with direction under Public Health Act and was issued a $1000 fine for breaching licencing conditions under the Liquor Act.
Licensing police also assisted in the early closure of the licensed premise at Dapto. Two arrests were made in the process for offensive conduct and failing to comply with a reasonable direction. The venue has since received a $5000 fine for failing to comply with direction in relation to Section 7/8/9 – Corporation.
Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.