Category: NSW News

Liberal candidate for Willoughby, Tim James, welcomed the 44 new medical interns coming to the Royal North Shore Hospital.
With a large cohort of new medical interns joining the NSW Health system this year, Mr James said the Royal North Shore hospital is getting interns at a critical time to boost the local health workforce.
“As the son of a Royal North Shore Nurse, I really appreciate the amazing job that our health workers do. We owe them all a great debt of gratitude – particularly for the way that they have been keeping our community safe during this pandemic.
Interns are medical graduates who have completed their medical degree and are required to complete a supervised year of practice in order to become independent practitioners.
“I believe that the interns have won a lottery as far as their placement goes, as they will be learning from some of the best doctors in the world at one of our state’s finest medical facilities,” Mr James said. “One of my key priorities, if elected, will be supporting and enhancing the Royal North Shore Hospital’s status as a teaching hospital.”
In the largest ever health workforce boost in the state, the NSW Government has invested a record $2.8 billion to recruit an additional 1,060 doctors, 5,000 nurses, 880 allied health staff and 1,360 hospital support staff over a four year period.
The new doctors who commenced orientation this week will be entering a training program with networked hospitals throughout the state, providing formal and on the job training.
They receive two-year contracts to rotate between metropolitan, regional and rural hospitals to ensure the diversity of their experience. They also join different units in each hospital, including surgery and emergency medicine.
More information on the recruitment of Junior Medical Officers can be found here:
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/jmo/Pages/default.aspx

More than 1,000 medical graduate interns have this week joined the ranks of the NSW Health system – a record number of new starters and the most of any state or territory in Australia.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said that a record number of 1,073 interns are joining the NSW Health team this year, an increase of 32 positions compared with the previous year.
“We owe a debt of gratitude to the intern class of 2022, many of whom have already worked either as Assistants in Medicine or student vaccinators as part of the COVID-19 workforce response,” Mr Perrottet said.
“We have invested record amounts in our health system throughout the pandemic and these new interns will play a significant role in bolstering the ranks of our health workers as we continue to deal with the challenges of COVID-19.”
Minister for Health Brad Hazzard extended a warm welcome to the new interns and thanked them for their readiness to join their dedicated fellow health workers during such a pivotal time in the State’s history.
“Our selfless health heroes have worked tirelessly to keep the people of NSW safe and well throughout the enormous challenges of this one-in-one-hundred year pandemic,” Mr Hazzard said.
“These new interns are starting their careers at a critical time in our battle against COVID-19 and will play a vital role in supporting existing health staff during our COVID-19 response.”
Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said that of the 1,073 positions, 162 belong to the Rural Preferential Recruitment scheme – an increase of 12 positions compared with the previous year.
“The innovative Rural Preferential Recruitment Scheme allows interns to undertake the majority of their training in our rural hospitals, encouraging Junior Medical Officers (JMOs) to continue working in rural and regional NSW once they complete their training,” Mrs Taylor said.
“I am so pleased that the intern class of 2022 also includes 24 JMOs recruited via the Aboriginal Medical Workforce Pathway.”
Interns are medical graduates who have completed their medical degree and are required to complete a supervised year of practice in order to become independent practitioners.
The new doctors who commenced orientation this week will be entering a training program with networked hospitals throughout the state, providing on the job training.
They receive two-year contracts to rotate between metropolitan, regional and rural hospitals to ensure the diversity of their experience. They also join different units in each hospital, including surgery and emergency medicine.
In the largest ever health workforce boost in the state, the NSW Government has invested a record $2.8 billion to recruit an additional 1,060 doctors, 5,000 nurses, 880 allied health staff and 1,360 hospital support staff over a four year period.
More information on the recruitment of JMOs can be found here: www.heti.nsw.gov.au/education-and-training/courses-and-programs/medical-graduate-recruitment

In line with today’s call from the Perrottet Government requesting JobSaver-style support from the Commonwealth, the Australian College of Nursing wants some of this funding to go urgently to nurses in NSW.  “Nurses are the largest registered health profession in the country, and there are over 73,000 nurses and midwives in NSW.  As the national voice for the nursing profession, we hear from our members day and night about how stressed and exhausted they are. Their mental health is dire and many are talking to me about their plans to leave the profession,” said Adjunct Professor Kylie Ward FACN, Chief Executive Officer of the ACN.  “Our NSW members have been talking to us about the proposed Greens proposal for Nurse Keeper which would see a payment for nurses and midwives for their work on COVID.  I’ve written to the NSW Premier today to confirm our support for that proposal. I want to see that payment for nurses go to them without being taxed. We are now talking about a gift which recognises what they’ve endured since early 2020, and as a means of retention. Of course, we ultimately would like to see every nurse in Australia receive this.   Nurses are the backbone of the COVID frontline.  They make up the majority of frontline healthcare workers. They’re covered in PPE on 12-hour back-to-back shifts without the ability to take a drink of water without having to remove the PPE every time.  Many are working double-shifts and experiencing physical and verbal abuse.  It’s time the Government recognised what the nurses have endured, and what we all now know is going to continue for the foreseeable future in this pandemic.  They need financial recognition, and that money should not be taxed. It should be a gift as real wage growth remains a focus of concern and necessity for the future of the profession. We would consider this a gesture of recognition and acknowledgement. It’s time the Government thanked nurses properly,” said Kylie.  The Australian College of Nursing is calling on the NSW Premier and Government to provide financial recognition to all nurses in hospitals, aged care, primary care and mental health across all communities in NSW towards ensuring nurses are willing to stay on the COVID frontline.

Detectives have charged a woman over the alleged sexual touching of a man at a facility in Sydney’s south-west earlier this month.
Last Thursday (20 January 2022), a 55-year-old man attended a police station and reported several incidents of alleged sexual touching by a woman known to him.
The matter was referred to officers attached to the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad’s Extended Supervision Order Investigation Team (ESOIT), who commenced an investigation.
Following inquiries, police arrested a 75-year-old woman at a facility in Campbelltown just before 10.30am today (Friday 28 January 2022).
The woman was taken to Campbelltown Police Station and charged with four counts of sexually touch another person without consent.
She was refused bail and is due to appear at Campbelltown Local Court later today.

Twenty emergency services personnel have been acknowledged for their commitment and dedication to protecting the people of NSW, as part of today’s 2022 Australia Day Honours awards.
The Australian Fire Service Medal was awarded to eight members of the NSW Rural Fire Service and three Fire and Rescue NSW firefighters.
The Emergency Services Medal was awarded to nine people from NSW State Emergency Service, NSW Volunteer Rescue Association, Surf Life Saving NSW and Marine Rescue NSW.
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Steph Cooke congratulated the recipients for inspiring the next generation of emergency service workers and for their exemplary service.
“Over the past year our emergency services personnel have again faced challenging times and have worked hard to protect communities right across our State during incredibly trying conditions,” Ms Cooke said.
“Today is a wonderful opportunity to recognise those who have gone above and beyond, often putting their lives on the line to save others. They have responded to floods, fires, drownings, the COVID-19 response and more recently, the threat of tsunami.
“On behalf of the people of NSW, I’d like to thank our emergency services personnel for their ongoing service, and reinforce the Government’s commitment to providing our frontline agencies with the resources they need to keep our communities safe.”
Australian Fire Service Medal:
•         David Ian Bosworth, NSW Rural Fire Service
•         Group Captain Donald (Stuart) Farleigh, NSW Rural Fire Service
•         Jane Hollier, NSW Rural Fire Service
•         Group Captain Jennifer Joy Lawther, NSW Rural Fire Service
•         Captain Brian Edwin McKenzie, NSW Rural Fire Service
•         Group Captain Jonathon Stuart McKenzie, NSW Rural Fire Service
•         Group Captain Christopher Ronald Nolan, NSW Rural Fire Service
•         Group Captain Christopher Helmut Petrikas, NSW Rural Fire Service
•         Superintendent Peter Jacobs, Fire and Rescue NSW
•         Senior Firefighter Tara Lal, Fire and Rescue NSW
•         Captain David O’Donnell, Fire and Rescue NSW
Emergency Services Medal:
•         Sonya Marks, NSW State Emergency Service
•         Wayne Rizzi, NSW State Emergency Service
•         Mark Spencer, NSW Volunteer Rescue Association
•         John Keough, Surf Life Saving NSW
•         Garry Meredith, Surf Life Saving NSW
•         Anthony Rettke, Surf Life Saving NSW
•         Richard Lissenden, Surf Life Saving NSW
•         Stewart Bailey, Surf Life Saving NSW
•         William Blakeman, Marine Rescue NSW

The exceptional service of five Corrective Services NSW officers at Parramatta, Windsor, Cessnock, Sydney and Goulburn has been acknowledged in this year’s Australia Day Honours List.
Minister for Corrections Geoff Lee congratulated officers Sara Wilcher, John Harrison, Derek Brindle, Cathy Petrovski and Evan Dougall who were awarded the Australian Corrections Medal for their distinguished service and dedication to corrections.
“These officers have shown outstanding leadership and professionalism ensuring our correctional facilities are safe, efficient and committed to improving outcomes for offenders,” Mr Lee said.
“They should be very proud recipients of this prestigious honour; I thank them for their service to NSW and hope their dedication continues to encourage and inspire their colleagues.”
Corrective Services NSW Commissioner Kevin Corcoran PSM said the five officers contribute to corrections in a variety of ways, from providing security and training to helping rehabilitate offenders in custody and the community.
“Sara, John, Derek, Cathy and Evan demonstrate the very best qualities in corrections staff – they’re motivated, inspiring and committed to improving both our workplaces and the rehabilitation prospects for offenders,” Mr Corcoran said.
“Congratulations on this achievement; you have all earned this prestigious medal and we’re very proud to have you working for us.”
Sara Wilcher AMC, who is a highly experienced Unit Leader at the Parramatta Community Corrections office said she is thankful for the opportunities she has had in her career.
“To be nominated for the Australian Corrections Medal is just mind blowing. I am privileged to work in a Department filled with talented, dedicated and generous people,” Ms Wilcher said.
John Harrison, who is the General Manager of the Security Operations Group, said he was humbled by the accolade and credits his success to the support of his family and colleagues.
“I’m honoured to join past recipients, most of whom have been colleagues, all of whom have made important contributions to CSNSW,” John said.
The Australian Corrections Medal for distinguished service and leadership was introduced in 2018 and is awarded in the Australia Day and Queen’s Birthday Honours lists. The five recipients will be invested with their medals at NSW Government House at a later date.
Recipient pictures and biographies available to download here.

Two extraordinary NSW candidates have taken out top honours in the Australian of The Year Awards, with Dr Daniel Nour, founder of Street Side Medics named the 2022 Young Australian of the Year and Shanna Whan, founder of Sober in the Country named 2022 Australia’s Local Hero at a ceremony in Canberra.
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet congratulated both NSW candidates, saying they had made the State of NSW immensely proud.
“These two remarkable NSW citizens have won the Awards due to their positive impact on society and making tangible differences to people’s lives, often tackling difficult issues to help others in need,” Mr Perrottet said.
“At the age of 26, Dr Nour’s mobile healthcare service has helped hundreds of vulnerable people, while Shanna has single-handedly created a life-changing campaign for rural Australia. They have demonstrated an outstanding spirit of service to our nation.
“The Australian of the Year Awards allow us to recognise and celebrate the achievements of remarkable Australians – making immense contributions to our society.
“I can’t think of better people to be bestowed the honour of Young Australian of the Year and Australian Local Hero. They embody the Australian spirit and despite life’s challenges, have led the way in founding these life-saving initiatives and improving the lives of others.”
Dr Nour identified a gap in healthcare for vulnerable people in NSW and as a result of his leadership, this not-for-profit GP-led mobile medical service for people experiencing homelessness has changed the lives of more than 300 patients. Its clinics treat many communicable and non-communicable illnesses and detect conditions that would otherwise go unnoticed.
Ms Whan, founder and CEO of Sober in the Country, is the Australian Local Hero. After almost losing her own life to alcohol addiction, Shanna established a one-woman grassroots campaign creating radical social impact and change around how people discuss and use alcohol in rural Australia. Shanna has dedicated her life since 2015 to saving lives, first as a volunteer to help others locally, and now as the founder of the national charity Sober in the Country.
“The resilience and determination of both Daniel and Shanna inspires us all and I wish them both all the best in the year ahead. I also extend my congratulations to all NSW finalists in this year’s awards for their efforts and contributions to making Australia a better place. Each of them has done our State proud,” Mr Perrottet said.

An additional $31 million is being invested by the NSW Government for the construction of three new co-located Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) and Fire Control Centres (FCC) at Moruya, Tumut and Hawkesbury.
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Steph Cooke said the RFS identified a number of existing FCCs as sub-standard and in need of an urgent upgrade, following recommendations in the NSW Bushfire Inquiry.
“The NSW Government is committed to ensuring our emergency services and local communities have the infrastructure and resources needed for future emergencies right across our State,” Ms Cooke said.
“We’re investing $15 million in a new hub at Moruya, and $8 million each in facilities at Tumut and Hawkesbury to ensure our emergency services have purpose-built infrastructure in place to respond to future major emergencies.
“As we have seen throughout the horrific 2019-20 bush fire season, recent floods and the COVID-19 pandemic, our emergency services personnel do a remarkable job responding to threats to the community’s safety and wellbeing.”
Moruya, Tumut and Hawkesbury were identified as the next priority projects by the RFS, after construction began on previously funded facilities at Armidale and Mudgee.
RFS Commissioner Rob Rogers welcomed the development of the three new facilities at Moruya, Tumut and Hawkesbury, which will drive efficiencies in the response to future emergencies.
“When a major disaster strikes, it is critical that all the relevant agencies can come together to coordinate their activities to protect and assist the community,” he said.
“Our existing Fire Control Centres at Moruya, Tumut and Hawkesbury are long past their use-by dates. The development of a new centre answers one of the vital priorities identified in the NSW Bushfire Inquiry.”
The NSW Government and RFS are in the process of finalising suitable locations for the Moruya and Hawkesbury facilities, and will update the community shortly. A location for the Tumut facility was announced in December 2021.

The NSW Government will extend current restrictions for another month as the State continues to take a measured response to managing COVID-19 with a focus on a safe return to school and restarting non-urgent elective surgery as soon as possible.
Current settings will continue from Thursday, 27 January 2022 until Sunday, 28 February 2022, including:

• Hospitality venues, including pubs, clubs, restaurants and cafes, and nightclubs must follow the one person per two square metre rule indoors;
• Masks are required in all indoor settings (except residences). Masks are strongly encouraged where you cannot maintain a safe distance from others;
• QR code check-ins are compulsory at certain premises, including hospitality venues and retail shops;
• Singing and dancing is not permitted in hospitality venues, entertainment facilities, nightclubs, indoor music festivals and indoor major recreation facilities (except for weddings, performers, instructors and students).

Premier Dominic Perrottet said rolling over these measures would continue to protect the community and our health system.
“We have always said we will respond to what is in front of us and tailor our approach as required and that is exactly what we are doing,” Mr Perrottet said.
“We are transitioning to living with COVID and we will need to continually update our approach to ensure we are keeping people safe and protecting our health system.
“It is vital people continue to come forward and get their booster shots to help keep themselves, their family and the community safe.”
As additional measures, people are encouraged to continue to work from home where possible and to reduce mingling when eating and drinking.
Minister for Health Brad Hazzard said there is plenty of availability and supply of boosters in the NSW Health vaccination clinics so those eligible for their booster shot should book as soon as possible.
“The gap between your second jab and your booster is now just three months, so don’t waste time – the sooner we all get our boosters the sooner we will overcome this Omicron wave,” Mr Hazzard said.
“The NSW community has put in an extraordinary effort to get the first two doses of the COVID vaccine, making us one of the most vaccinated populations worldwide. It’s now extremely important to back it in with your booster to lift your protection against the highly transmissible Omicron strain.”
People aged 18 years and older can receive their booster dose at three months after receiving their second dose of any of the COVID-19 vaccines. You can book your COVID-19 vaccine or your booster shot, via www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/vaccination/get-vaccinated.
More information is available at nsw.gov.au.

There was a double success for Netball NSW at the 2021 NSW Sports Awards last night with the organisation taking home two major awards from CommBank Stadium in Parramatta.
Nominated in five categories, Netball NSW took out the Event of the Year Award for the organisation’s celebration of Reconciliation Week, while the NSW Swifts were named the state’s Sports Team of the Year for 2021, the second time in three years they have won the honour.
Netball NSW was also nominated for Organisation of the Year, while Swifts coach Briony Akle was nominated for Coach of the Year with former EGM of Community & Pathways Darren Simpson up for Administrator of the Year.
Sport NSW has hosted the prestigious NSW Sports Awards program since its inception in 1994. The Sports Awards serve to celebrate outstanding achievements and excellence in NSW sport across various categories, including athletes, teams, coaches, officials, administrators, events and organisations on an annual basis.
Tokyo Olympic Games golden girls Jessica Fox and Cate Campbell were crowned joint 2021 Athletes of the Year winners and Tokyo Paralympic Games swimming gold medallist Matthew Levy was named 2021 Athlete of the Year with a Disability.
There was further success for swimming with Timothy Hodge named Young Athlete of the Year with a Disability while Tokyo Olympic diver Sam Fricker was announced Young Athlete of the Year and Rugby Union referee Amy Perrett was voted as Official of the Year.
Archer Elizabeth Hole was acknowledged as Masters Athlete of the Year for a second time, Wheelchair Sports CEO Mick Garnett was named Administrator of the Year, Basketball NSW was awarded Organisation of the Year and the NSW Gladiators Wheelchair Rugby team claimed the Team of the Year with a Disability title.
Netball NSW would like to extend special congratulations to the NSW Community Team who delivered a fantastic celebration of Reconciliation Week, alongside the NSW Swifts and GIANTS Netball, and recognise the Swifts for another proud State honour.