Category: NSW News

The community of Batemans Bay will benefit from a new $20 million HealthOne facility as part of the NSW Government’s record investment of $500 million to ensure that more health services and infrastructure are delivered to rural and regional NSW.
Minister for Health, Brad Hazzard, said Batemans Bay HealthOne has been undergoing planning for the past six months, and will be a one-stop, unique model of integrated care for the community.
“The NSW Liberals and Nationals Government has consistently worked to deliver health upgrades to rural communities, so that people can access high quality health services in contemporary, purpose built facilities close to home,” Mr Hazzard said.
The model brings together Commonwealth-funded general practice and state-funded primary and community healthcare services, including dental, pharmacy and allied health professionals, to create a healthcare hub in one convenient location.
“While Commonwealth and State Governments have different areas of responsibility in delivering health services, the community just wants an effective, seamless system that works for them,” Mr Hazzard said.
“HealthOnes are particularly beneficial for people who have complex health needs, and are a proven successful model that bridges the gap between private providers and Commonwealth and State delivered health services.”
The new $20 million HealthOne at Batemans Bay complements the NSW Government’s $260 million investment in a new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital which will be built at Moruya.
Since coming into Government, the Liberals and Nationals have delivered more than 110 health capital projects across rural and regional NSW with more than 70 additional projects currently underway.

Liberal candidate for Bega, Dr Fiona Kotvojs, welcomed the Health Minister’s commitment to deliver a state-of-the art $260 million Eurobodalla Regional Hospital, which will help safeguard the healthcare needs of the local community.
Dr Kotvojs said the NSW Government had made a considerable investment in the region’s healthcare needs, including funding for the Hospital which will serve as a home for a larger, revitalised health workforce.
NSW Government’s funding for Southern NSW included:

• $20 million funding for a HealthOne for Bateman’s Bay
• $15 million for modern, sustainable accommodation for health workers close to health facilities, as part of a $45 million program for key health workers accommodation across the regions
• An additional $60 million (total $260 million) to ensure that all services and facilities that needed to be delivered at Eurobodalla Regional Hospital, are delivered.

“The Liberal and Nationals Government, in no small way due to the outstanding advocacy and representation by Andrew Constance, has already delivered level 4 health services at South Eastern Regional Hospital, and by 2025 our community will have the new $260 million Eurobodalla Regional Hospital welcoming patients from across Batemans Bay, Moruya and Narooma with its level 4 services,” said Dr Kotvojs.
Minister for Health Brad Hazzard said the Eurobodalla Regional Hospital will be a magnet for a bigger, revitalised health workforce.
“This is an amazing part of NSW and is an ideal home for medical, nursing and allied health professionals to have great careers while supporting the south coast community with their vital health care needs,” Mr Hazzard said.
“Work that is necessary for the Eurobodalla Regional Hospital to open with expanded services at Level 4 is already well underway.”
“When the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government was elected in, in 2011, after 16 years of Labor Government, there were no level 4 health services on the south coast. When Labor was in government, health services were closed. Now there are massive new hospitals that have been built, or are being built.
“That’s a great success for the south coast, being delivered by the Liberal and Nationals Government,” Mr Hazzard said.
*Levels assigned to hospitals describes the level of clinical services, not hospitals or health facilities as a whole. The new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital will include: an emergency department, an 8 bed Intensive Care Unit (ICU) /Close Observation Unit (COU), increased capacity for chemotherapy treatments, surgical and operating theatres, expanded medical imaging, including MRI and additional X-ray; ambulatory care for community outpatient services, paediatric and maternity services – including inpatient beds; flexible mental health beds associated with the medical inpatient unit and enhanced education and training facilities.
More information about how stakeholders and community members can get involved in the project is available at www.eurobodallahs.health.nsw.gov.au

The wait is over for 76,000 students who have today received their Higher School Certificate results.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said this is a momentous day for school leavers, who have achieved outstanding results on par with previous years.
“The Class of 2021 should feel so proud of what they have achieved today, succeeding despite the challenges of a global pandemic,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Everything our latest graduates have accomplished over the past two years will hold them in good stead for their next chapter, whether they are looking to go to university or start training or work.
This year, despite the challenges, results across the performance bands remained consistent with previous years, including the number of students who achieved in the highest bands.
1,476 students were recognised on the ‘All Round Achievers’ list, for results in the highest possible band across 10 units of study, while 786 students were featured on the Top Achievers list for earning one of the top places and a result in the highest band.
17,820 students received at least one band six to be recognised on the ‘Distinguished Achievers’ list.
“To see students come out of the HSC with the results they worked so hard for is fantastic. I also want to remind students that if you didn’t receive the results you wanted, there are still countless pathways available to help you achieve your goals,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Thank you to our incredible school staff and communities, including exam staff, families and friends, who supported our HSC students this year and helped to keep our schools and exams safe.
“In particular, thank you to our dedicated and resourceful teachers who kept HSC students learning, motivated and engaged throughout the lockdown period.
“I know these results are just as meaningful to those who supported our students as they are to the young people who have achieved them.
“Congratulations to the HSC Class of 2021 and all the best for your futures.”
Visit the NESA website to view the 2021 HSC Merit Lists.

Liberal candidate for Bega, Dr Fiona Kotvojs, welcomed the Perrottet Government announcement of additional rent relief for small businesses across the region.
The Government has extended its rent relief regulation until March 13, giving local small businesses an additional two months of rent relief to help deal with the COVID-19 challenges.
Dr Kotvojs said that many local businesses are going through tough times, and the Government assistance will help them keep going.
“It’s been really encouraging to see commercial owners and tenants working together through these challenges. I particularly want to recognise the way that the local business community have been working constructively together to overcome all of the challenges created by the pandemic and keep local jobs going.”
Treasurer Matt Kean said it was a difficult time for many businesses and this extension will provide much-needed support for small commercial and retail tenants to keep their doors open over the coming weeks and months.
“Small business is the engine room of our economy and we need to make sure we support impacted businesses through this latest Omicron wave,”
Mr Kean said. “With staff shortages and reduced foot traffic, many businesses are struggling at the moment but the ability to negotiate rent will give them a buffer so they can keep the lights on now and recover more quickly.”
Minister for Small Business Eleni Petinos said eligibility for rent relief would remain unchanged.
“We know that rent is one of the biggest fixed costs for small businesses and this measure will provide crucial support helping them get through the next couple of months,” Ms Petinos said.
Commercial and retail tenants will be eligible for the rent relief if they have an annual turnover of less than $5 million and continue to meet the eligibility criteria for JobSaver or the Micro-business Grant, had those programs continued.
Landlords of tenants that have received protections for any period under the Retail and Other Commercial Leases (COVID-19) Regulation 2022 are prohibited from evicting their tenants for certain breaches of the lease, without first attending mediation.
NSW landowners will also have more time now to apply for land tax relief, with applications extended until 28 February for eligible commercial and residential landowners.
Eligible landlords can access the Commercial Landlord Hardship Fund, which provides small commercial or retail landlords with a monthly grant up to the value of any rental relief provided, to a maximum of $3,000 per month per property.
Eligible landlords can access the Commercial Landlord Hardship Fund, which provides small commercial or retail landlords with a monthly grant up to the value of any rental relief provided, to a maximum of $3,000 per month per property.
To find out more about land tax relief: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/applycovid–19–land–tax–relief
To find out more about the Commercial Landlord Hardship Fund: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/commercial–landlord–hardship–fund–guidelines
For more on the rent relief extension, go to: https://www.smallbusiness.nsw.gov.au/gethelp/covid–19/commercial–leases–and–covid–19–faqs

Millions more people in NSW are now eligible for a COVID-19 booster vaccination after NSW Health brought forward the interval between doses by a month.
State-run vaccination clinics will begin offering COVID-19 booster vaccinations three months after people have received their second dose from Friday January 21.
The change from a four-month interval to three months means there are now an additional 3.55 million people in NSW who can book in for their third dose of vaccine.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said being triple vaccinated offers extra protection against the effects of the Omicron variant.
“The advice is clear – getting boosted means there’s less chance you’ll get the virus and, if you do, the effects are generally much milder,” Mr Perrottet said.
“That’s why we are offering more people the opportunity to get the booster sooner.
“I urge everyone who is eligible to get boosted to do so as soon as possible. This will help to protect our older population, as well as vulnerable members of the community.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said there are more than 40 state-run vaccination clinics spread throughout NSW as well as mobile outreach locations that these clinics visit.
“Along with public health safety measures including wearing masks indoors, working from home where practicable, not singing and dancing and minimising the size of gatherings in homes, the other big protection is getting a booster vaccination.  Being able to get that booster at 3 months after your second dose gives the opportunity to be much safer, much sooner,” Mr Hazzard said.
“In addition to the state facilities opening at three months for boosters, individuals can still attend with their GPs or pharmacies when the Federal Government authorises them to provide boosters at three months, in due course.”
NSW Health Deputy Secretary Patient Experience and System Performance Susan Pearce, who leads the NSW Health vaccination rollout, said the change to the vaccine schedule in NSW will help people maintain a high level of protection against the COVID-19 virus.
“As we face into the challenges brought of the Omicron variant, a booster dose will ensure people have increased immunity, and a lower risk of requiring hospital treatment,” Ms Pearce said.
NSW Health has delivered a total of 440,681 third/booster doses of COVID-19 vaccines in support of the Federal Government’s vaccine program.
NSW Health is contacting people who are registered in the NSW Health vaccination booking system with a reminder text message.
NSW Health clinics offer Pfizer or Moderna vaccines to people aged 18 years and over.
Eligible people can also receive a booster dose of a COVID-19 vaccine from their GP and participating community pharmacies.
A booster vaccination can be booked through the COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Finder.

Construction of the Western Harbour Tunnel will begin within months, after a $722 million contract was awarded to deliver the first stage of tunnelling.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the joint venture between John Holland and CPB will build about 1.7 kilometres of tunnels from Rozelle to Birchgrove.
“This is a critical milestone which will support hundreds of jobs and ensure significant benefits for drivers, including improved travel times and reduced congestion,” Mr Perrottet said.
“The tunnel will not only revolutionise how we get around Sydney but also take the pressure off other major roads including the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Harbour Tunnel, Anzac Bridge and Western Distributor.”
The Western Harbour Tunnel will link WestConnex at Rozelle with the Warringah Freeway at North Sydney via 6.5 kilometre tunnels under Sydney Harbour, with three lanes in each direction.
Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said the new tunnel is part of a major infrastructure boost to expand our motorways and serve our growing city.
“We all want to have the quickest and smoothest journey possible and this terrific project will slash travel times from one side of the harbour to the other,” Mrs Ward said.
“You’ll save up to 20 minutes in a journey from Sydney Olympic Park to North Sydney and up to 15 minutes from North Sydney to the airport at Mascot.”
It’s estimated the new tunnel will reduce traffic on the Western Distributor by 35 per cent, Harbour Tunnel by 20 per cent and Harbour Bridge by 17 per cent.
Member for North Shore Felicity Wilson said that early works, including geotechnical investigations into the detailed tunnel design, will start this month.
“Major construction will begin in the middle of this year and I know drivers can’t wait to reap the rewards of this much-needed additional harbour crossing,” Ms Wilson said.
John Holland and CPB are currently delivering the Rozelle interchange as part of WestConnex, with the new Western Harbour Tunnel contract ensuring a seamless continuation of tunnelling work already underway.

The GIANTS are excited to get their 2022 season off to a blistering start through an exciting new partnership with digital and physical activation community NETFIT Netball, which will see them taking netball to regional communities in NSW with an innovative new concept, partnered by Origin Energy.
NEON NETFIT is the brainchild of former GIANTS netballer and NETFIT founder Sarah Wall, with her former GIANTS teammate and NETFIT NSW Manager Taylah Davies leading these high-energy programs throughout the State.
The event will comprise a 90-minute glow in the dark netball focused workouts for 12+ year old attendees, while adopting a “festival” style approach to netball with participants receiving a training t-shirt, glow in the dark wristband, ticket to a GIANTS home-game and 6-month access to the NETFIT App plus on-site activities all for just $50.
GIANTS Netball Executive General Manager Tim Underwood is keen to continue to build on both the on-court and off-court success of the club in 2021 and is excited to continue that momentum with NETFIT through this off-court initiative.
“GIANTS Netball places a high-value on the role that our regional communities play in supporting both grassroots and elite netball and we’re excited to be able to take this concept to different parts of NSW.
“I see this [partnership] as being a perfect blend of visions as we roll these programs out with NETFIT and two former GIANTS players Sarah & Taylah.
“They were both there with us in our inaugural season and are two passionate GIANTS and netball people.”
The support of Origin Energy has been crucial in allowing this Regional Roadshow to enter so many local netball communities, as they continue to show their support for netball.
In addition to their naming rights partnership of the GIANTS Netball Regional Roadshow, Origin Energy continue to be a great friend of netball and community sport with their sponsorship of Netball Australia, the Origin Australian Diamonds as well as sponsoring seven of the eight Super Netball teams.
“Origin understands the important role that sport plays in local communities and we were excited at the prospect of supporting a project that saw this event enter regional areas, often starved of these kinds of opportunities,” said Brand Communication Manager at Origin Energy, Matt Hunt.
“Origin Energy is proud to support young Australian netballers from the very first time that they step onto the court, all the way through to representing the famous Origin Australian Diamonds.
“And I believe that this partnership fully demonstrates that commitment.”
Former elite netballers Sarah Wall and Taylah Davies are delighted to be able to get back out into the community following an interrupted 2021 through the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Local netball is the heartbeat of so many communities and as a country girl myself, I’m so excited that we can offer NEON NETFIT through the Regional Roadshow to so many young girls and boys who might not traditionally receive these opportunities in their towns,” said NETFIT Owner Sarah Wall.
NETFIT’s NSW Community Manager Davies added whether it be getting to Armidale, Tamworth, Narrandera or Orange, we’re so excited to be able to get on the road and spark up the court at night as we celebrate netball and the fantastic season that the GIANTS are working towards.
GIANTS Netball are excited to hit the road and light up NSW with 16 Regional Roadshows being rolled out in the upcoming months.

After a second COVID-interrupted year in 2021, Netball NSW has launched a fun new campaign to get participants excited ahead of their return to the netty court.
Entitled It’s Gotta Be Netball, the campaign focuses on the fun and friendship of being a part of the netball community, which remains one of the leaders in the grassroots sport across NSW and Australia.
The campaign aims to encourage the wider community to return to, or start playing the game we all love and to support Clubs and Associations across the state to drive registrations and engagement.
It came about following extensive brand strategy work undertaken throughout 2021, incorporating valuable feedback from the netball community.
Netball NSW CEO Tain Drinkwater acknowledged the past two years had been challenging, but said the gradual re-opening and mass vaccination of NSW gave great cause for optimism – and this campaign is the epitome of that:
“Netball competitions across the state have been hit hard by COVID impacts over the past two years but in 2022 we want to get everyone back on the court playing the game we love,” she said.
“I think this campaign illustrates the optimism we can now feel. Through bright and colourful imagery and photos, It’s Gotta Be Netball showcases and reminds everyone about the joy and friendship that being involved in netball offers kids, teens and adults.
“Netball is all about welcoming everyone to have fun, enjoy fitness and to belong to this wonderful tribe of likeminded people. I can’t wait to see our Clubs and Associations get behind this, and also look forward to seeing the new people it brings to the game.”
The state-wide campaign will be seen and heard across metro and regional areas on radio, outdoor signage, websites and social media.
The official campaign launched today, Monday, 17 January and will run for six weeks

Small businesses that are continuing to face challenges due to COVID-19 will benefit from an additional two months of rent relief, with the NSW Government extending its rent relief regulation until March 13.
Treasurer Matt Kean said it was a difficult time for many businesses and this extension will provide much-needed support for small commercial and retail tenants to keep their doors open over the coming weeks and months.
“Small business is the engine room of our economy and we need to make sure we support impacted businesses through this latest Omicron wave,” Mr Kean said.
“With staff shortages and reduced foot traffic, many businesses are struggling at the moment but the ability to negotiate rent will give them a buffer so they can keep the lights on now and recover more quickly.”
“We appreciate and acknowledge the constructive approach of commercial owners in working together with their tenants in these very challenging circumstances.”
Minister for Small Business Eleni Petinos said eligibility for rent relief would remain unchanged.
“We know that rent is one of the biggest fixed costs for small businesses and this measure will provide crucial support helping them get through the next couple of months,” Ms Petinos said.
Commercial and retail tenants will be eligible for the rent relief if they have an annual turnover of less than $5 million and continue to meet the eligibility criteria for JobSaver or the Micro-business Grant, had those programs continued.
Landlords of tenants that have received protections for any period under the Retail and Other Commercial Leases (COVID-19) Regulation 2022 are prohibited from evicting their tenants for certain breaches of the lease, without first attending mediation.
NSW landowners will also have more time now to apply for land tax relief, with applications extended until 28 February for eligible commercial and residential landowners.
Eligible landlords can access the Commercial Landlord Hardship Fund, which provides small commercial or retail landlords with a monthly grant up to the value of any rental relief provided, to a maximum of $3,000 per month per property.
To find out more about land tax relief:  https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-covid-19-land-tax-relief
To find out more about the Commercial Landlord Hardship Fund: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/commercial-landlord-hardship-fund-guidelines
For more on the rent relief extension, go to:
Commercial leases and COVID-19 FAQs | Small Business Commissioner (nsw.gov.au)

Organisers of major events and festivals that have been cancelled or significantly disrupted by COVID Public Health Orders will be supported by funding through the NSW Government’s Event Saver Fund.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the funding was a critical lifeline for major event organisers who have had to cancel, postpone or vary their events, providing them the financial security and certainty to plan and deliver their future events in NSW.
“Major events are a key economic driver that create thousands of jobs across the state. The Event Saver Fund will ensure that organisers aren’t left high and dry as we work through this latest phase of the pandemic and sends a strong signal that the Government is here to support business,” Mr Perrottet said.
Treasurer Matt Kean said the funding was recognition of the important impact major events have on driving tourism as well as on the broader NSW economy.
“Festivals and major events are huge drawcards and they have been significantly disrupted by the latest Omicron wave of COVID-19,” Mr Kean said.
“It is vital we provide them the support they need when their event is impacted by a Public Health Order. That is exactly what this funding commitment does.”
Minister for the Arts Ben Franklin said while the pandemic has had a devastating effect on artists’ ability to perform live, today’s announcement shows the Government’s strong commitment to the arts.
“Major events provide tremendous social benefits to the community, bringing us together to enjoy live performances,” Mr Franklin said.
“As we look to rebound from the effects of the past two years, this funding will help support local jobs and ensure major event organisers can plan with confidence to safely deliver their events in 2022/23.”
Major event organisers will, from today, be able to pay suppliers, staff and recover other costs where an event is cancelled or significantly disrupted as a result of public health orders imposed as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
For more information and to apply for funding, please visit www.create.nsw.gov.au.