Category: NSW News

From Alstoneville in the state’s north and Howlong in the south, to Dareton and Gol Gol in the far west, more than 50 NSW communities have received funding to commemorate veterans across the state.
 
Minister for Transport and Veterans Affairs David Elliott announced more than $56,000 will be provided to a range of  projects that commemorate and educate NSW communities about the service and sacrifices of current and former military servicemen and servicewomen.
 
“The Anzac Community Grants Program provides funding to some great projects and initiatives that recognise Australia’s war service history, educate a new generation and support the wellbeing of the NSW veteran community,” Mr Elliott said.
 
“It is wonderful to be visiting Milperra Public School today, and providing $1,000 in funding to contribute to the creation of a mural remembering the Anzacs in the school’s Centenary Garden.”
 
Member for East Hills Wendy Lindsay welcomed the investment for her community.
 
“I would like to acknowledge the students and staff at Milperra Public School for their vision to create a mural that remembers the Anzacs, which will allow future generations and new students to learn of this history,” she said.
 
“We are thankful for the sacrifices made by current serving members and our service men and women from over a century of service. This art will be a reflection of their dedication and the commitment my community has, to supporting our veterans.”
 
Projects that support activities benefiting the NSW veteran community have also received funding.
 
For the full list of 2021 ACGP recipients and more information about the program visit www.veterans.nsw.gov.au/acgp2021.

A funding boost totalling nearly $20 million over four years is being delivered by the NSW Government to help more victim-survivors of domestic violence stay in their homes.
 
Minister for Women’s Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence Natalie Ward said the commitment will mean the Staying Home Leaving Violence program will be expanded from 33 existing locations to reach 70 locations across the state, focussing on areas with high demand.
 
“In trying to escape a violent situation, women and children who have suffered at the hands of domestic violence often find themselves having to leave the family home and move away from their crucial network of family and friends,” Mrs Ward said.
 
“The Staying Home Leaving Violence program turns that around, allowing women and children to stay safely and heal in their own home, while the perpetrator is removed.
 
“We are expanding this important program and this funding will now be going to 28 service providers, who do incredible work to help victim-survivors, to expand their geographical reach to support more women.”
 
The NSW Government has committed $4.95 million to the program’s expansion each year for four years, totalling $19.8 million. This forms part of a $32.5 million announcement in the 2021-22 NSW Budget.
 
The Staying Home Leaving Violence Program works in cooperation with NSW Police to remove the perpetrator from the family home and support victim-survivors to remain safely in the home. Services available include improving home security, help in managing finances, support for children and helping with complicated legal processes.
 
Details on a further expansion of the program are expected to be finalised in coming months.
 

Rural Fire Service Commissioner Robert Rogers is yet to require COVID-19 vaccinations for volunteers, despite a mandate for salaried RFS officers and all other NSW volunteers.

The Public Service Association said members who are employed by RFS as well workers with firefighting duties in National Parks and Wildlife Services and the State Forest Corporation have consistently raised concerns about the vaccination status of RFS volunteers.

“RFS is the only remaining emergency service that hasn’t mandated vaccinations for its volunteers – there is no reason for this other than an apparent lack of leadership from RFS Commissioner Rob Rogers,” said PSA assistant secretary Troy Wright. “The majority of those who give their time to RFS, either paid or voluntarily, want to see their colleagues vaccinated – RFS needs to stop dragging the chain on this.

“Vollies and members are saying they don’t necessarily want to jump in a truck or chopper with someone who has chosen not to get vaccinated. In an emergency there is no time to quickly swab your nose for rapid test – the only practical solution is a vaccine mandate for everyone in the emergency services.”

The union has been seeking an urgent meeting with Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Stephanie Cooke for the past two weeks.

“RFS volunteers do vital work and vaccine mandates are in effect across the rest of NSW’s volunteer sector – so why is RFS Commissioner Rogers dragging the chain on this? Why does Minister Cooke keep letting him kick the can down the road?”

The union said while NSW had escaped serious bushfires so far this season it was still possible. RFS volunteers also join search and rescue efforts, respond to traffic accidents, and support other emergency efforts.

“Do we really want to risk turning a natural disaster into a super spreading event? If the Commissioner is concerned about losing volunteers he needs to stop hiding under the covers and front up so we can all work on promoting vaccination.”

The NSW Government is calling on sporting organisations to step up and serve some ace ideas for delivering mental health and wellbeing activities as part of a $2.8 million Mental Health Sports program.
 
Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said clubs can apply for grants of up to $150,000 from now until 6 March 2022 for activities that provide mental health, resilience and wellbeing benefits to individuals and groups across the State.
 
“As part of our COVID-19 mental health recovery package, we’re looking to our sporting clubs to inspire people to make their mental health and wellbeing a top priority in 2022,” Mrs Taylor said.
 
“These grants are intended to take conversations about mental health out of the clinic and into the clubhouse. We want people talking about how they’re going emotionally and mentally in a setting they are comfortable with.
 
“As well as being a fun recreational activity, exercise in almost any form can act as a stress reliever. Being active can boost your feel-good endorphins, distract from daily worries and is a great way to meet new friends or catch up with old ones, making it a fantastic remedy for maintaining a healthy mind and lifestyle.”
 
All NSW-based sports bodies are encouraged to apply, with the aim of ensuring a spread of funding and projects across the State. Grants will be available to clubs supporting both general populations and the following priority populations:

• Aboriginal people
• Culturally and linguistically diverse people
• LGBTIQ+ people
• People with coexisting mental health, alcohol or other drug issues.

 
Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres said the program builds on the success of the $1.1 million Mental Health Sport Fund in 2019-20.
 
“After a very tough two years we want to see people kicking goals both on and off the field and these sporting grants are a great way to do just that,” Mr Ayres said.
 
“Sporting clubs and associations are at the heart of local communities, helping to forge strong community ties and a strong sense of place. It makes sense they’re our partners in getting the mental health of NSW back on track.”
 
The $2.8 million NSW Mental Health Sports Fund is part of the $130 million COVID-19 mental health recovery package announced in October 2021.
 
To start your application, please visit: https://bit.ly/34HgU1f

The NSW Government will deliver Sydney Metro’s Hunter Street development in a first-of-its-kind model, which is set to revitalise a critical area to Sydney’s CBD.
 
The Government today launched an industry registration process to deliver the new Hunter Street Station and the jobs, economic and tourism precinct around this new Sydney CBD metro station.
 
The new Hunter Street Station will be located in the heart Sydney’s business district and become a transport hub with connections to George Street, light rail, train services at Wynyard, Sydney Metro West and the Sydney Metro City and Southwest station at Martin Place.
 
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the Government is calling on the private sector to be involved in bringing this new precinct to life, inviting businesses to be a part of shaping the future of this part of the CBD.
 
“Sydney Metro Stations will change the way people live and commute, bringing people home faster and bringing prosperity to local businesses,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
“There’s an opportunity in Hunter Street to integrate transport with a new city precinct, weaving it into the fabric of the city. It’s part of our long-term vision to revitalise the CBD and bring Sydney roaring back to life after the challenges of the pandemic.
 
“Transport, foot traffic, the right mix of businesses and public spaces are what makes cities flourish, by having a vision for how we integrate these elements we’ll help shape the Sydney of the future.”
 
The new station is expected to have the busiest city-bound platform across the entire Sydney rail network in the morning peak, taking pressure off Wynyard and Town Hall.
 
Minister for Transport and Veterans David Elliott said the Government is eager to work with industry partners on this once in a century infrastructure investment, which will link new communities to rail services, slash travel times across the network and support employment growth.
 
“Hunter Street Station will revitalise Sydney’s northern CBD and become a gateway to jobs, business and tourism and a catalyst for economic recovery,” Mr Elliott said.
 
“This station will be one of the jewels in the crown of the city-shaping Sydney Metro West project – that’s why it’s so important economic, community and place-making outcomes will be put at the forefront of the new station’s design and delivery.”
 
“It will take customers around 20 minutes to get from Parramatta to Hunter Street on this new rail infrastructure project and they’ll be getting off the train to an integrated, world-class transport hub that will transform this part of the CBD.”
 
Sydney Metro Chief Executive Peter Regan said the Hunter Street Precinct Development Partner Model will ensure the best precinct and value for money outcomes given the project’s significant interest.
 
“Bidders for Hunter Street Station will have to show how they will improve the local area and create a precinct and a sense of place, not just a station,” Mr Regan said.
 
Sydney Metro is calling for the ideas and input of key industry players to help create a world-class transport hub, including the underground station, the buildings and the spaces above it.

Fourteen organisations delivering critical free legal services will share in a Commonwealth funding boost of $52 million over four years to support vulnerable communities across NSW.
 
Attorney General Mark Speakman said the investment would assist legal services to support groups including domestic and family violence victim-survivors, people with mental health issues and workers who have experienced sexual harassment and discrimination.
 
“This funding will help ensure people who are doing it tough have access to legal support when they need it,” Mr Speakman said.
 
“The dedicated lawyers and staff or our legal assistance sector provide an invaluable contribution by delivering much needed help to disadvantaged communities where many people are feeling the impact of COVID-19.”
The organisations were selected following a rigourous panel assessment. Successful applicants are:

• Western NSW Community Legal Centre;
• Employment Rights Legal Service;
• Kingsford Legal Centre;
• Women’s Legal Service NSW;
• Central Coast Community Legal Centre;
• Australian Centre for Disability Law;
• Hume Riverina Community Legal Service;
• Redfern Legal Centre;
• Mid North Coast Legal Centre;
• Wirringa Baiya Aboriginal Women’s Legal Centre;
• Northern Rivers Community Legal Centre;
• Financial Rights Legal Centre;
• Legal Aid NSW; and
• Aboriginal Legal Service NSW/ACT.

 
This $52 million investment is in addition to the total of $43 million already allocated to Legal Aid NSW and Western NSW Community Legal Centre as part of the extra $95 million funding under the National Legal Assistance Partnership Agreement 2020-25 (NLAP).

Eighty new graduate nurses and midwives have joined the ranks of the Southern NSW Local Health District in recent weeks as the NSW Government continues to invest record amounts to support frontline health staff.
 
Minister for Health Brad Hazzard was in Moruya today to welcome the nurses joining the health system at a pivotal time in the state’s history.
 
“These graduates join us at an incredibly challenging time. We thank them, and all of our nurses, for their contributions to support the health system and the people of NSW,” Mr Hazzard said.
 
Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said the influx of graduate nurses in Southern NSW will be a huge asset to district.
 
“These fantastic new graduate nurses and midwives will soon be working on the frontline in our emergency departments, maternity wards and community teams, making a huge difference in the region,” Mrs Taylor said.
 
“As someone who got my start in a regional hospital, I know the skills and experience they gain will set them up for success into their future nursing career.
 
“There is nothing more rewarding than being a nurse. The privilege of patients and families allowing you into their lives when at their most vulnerable is a true honour.
 
“I am so pleased for these 80 new graduates, and I know they will be proudly supported by their regional communities throughout the journey of their career.” 
 
Throughout their first year, graduates are provided with opportunities in a variety of clinical settings to ensure they gain a range of experience and consolidate skills and knowledge developed whilst at university.
 
The NSW Government is investing a record $2.8 billion to boost the health workorce and recruit an additional 8,300 frontline health staff over four years.
 
Between 2012 and 2021, the nursing workforce and midwifery workforce in NSW increased by 9,599 full-time equivalent (FTE) staff, or 23 per cent, to 51,794 FTE.
 
Other recent local health announcements have included:

• $20 million funding for a HealthOne for Batemans Bay.
• $45 million for modern, sustainable accommodation for health workers close to health facilities across regional NSW.
•  An additional $60 million (total $260 million) to ensure that all services and facilities that are needed to be delivered at Eurobodalla Regional Hospital, are delivered.

 
“With a recurrent budget of $27.1 billion in 2021-22, a more than 75 per cent increase on Labor’s last budget, the NSW Liberals and Nationals are continuing to invest in local health services to ensure this community gets its fair share,” Mr Hazzard said.
 
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.

The largest escalators in the Southern Hemisphere have been installed at Central as part of Sydney Metro’s $955 million transformation of Australia’s busiest railway station.
 
Work on the new Sydney Metro Central Station is well advanced, with excavation of the underground cavern and installation of the new metro platforms complete.
 
Premier Dominic Perrottet and Minister for Transport and Minister for Veterans David Elliott inspected the new landmark underground pedestrian link, Central Walk, a 19-metre wide by 80-metre-long concourse underneath platforms 16 to 23.
 
“This city-shaping work is an extraordinary engineering and construction accomplishment. We’re delivering this Metro rail station below the surface at Central, while existing train services continue above,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
“The upgrade to Central Station will create more than 5,500 jobs over the four years of construction, and represents the biggest improvement to the station in decades.”
 
Minister Elliott said the Northern Concourse canopy has now been installed and is now part of the Central landscape, providing an extra 540 square metres of open space.
 
“The roof over this transformed pedestrian thoroughfare, made in the Hunter Valley, sits 16 metres above ground and weighs 330 tonnes,” he said.
 
“While construction continues on Metro with the Sydney Metro City & Southwest project services on track to start in 2024, the first stage of Central Walk is being prepared to open this year.
 
”When complete, this underground link will make it easier for customers to connect with train, bus light rail and metro services.”
 
Central Walk and the new escalators from Platforms 12 to 23, as well as the lifts to Platforms 12-23 will also be open in late 2022, with the new Metro platforms to become operational once Sydney Metro City & Southwest services begin in 2024.

NSW is leading the way in the digital skills revolution, with a new 12-week program being rolled out across advanced manufacturing businesses to help people upgrade their digital skills, future-proof companies and boost economic development.
 
Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology, and Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said the program will draw on industry expertise and will help workers and businesses remain competitive in a rapidly-evolving digital world.
 
“The COVID-19 pandemic has seen a rapid increase in the adoption of emerging technologies and there is a growing need to improve digital readiness to ensure that NSW remains an attractive place for businesses to invest,” Mr Henskens said.
 
“Automation and big data analytics are transforming the manufacturing industry and we need to ensure NSW is best placed to take advantage of this.”
 
The Driving Digital Skills Pilot Program will focus on helping existing workers build on their expertise through digital skills, and engage new workers to develop their digital skills with an industry focus.
 
The program will be delivered through a series of online workshops and industry and research collaboration events, in partnership with leading industry and training experts, including Skills Lab, Innovative Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre, University of Technology Sydney, HR Culture and Sydney Motorsport Park.
 
Mr Henskens said the program will help workers develop skills in project life cycle management processes, computer-aided manufacturing, coaching and mentoring.
 
“All levels within companies are involved in the transformation, from the leadership team to factory floor staff. We want to support new and existing workers as innovative and emerging technologies alter the way we work,” Mr Henskens said.
 
Feedback from the pilot program will help inform the design of wider workplace-based digital skills training programs to help new, displaced and mid-career workers gain digital skills.
 
More information about the program is available online.  

The NSW Government has today welcomed news the Federal Government is set to re-open international borders to fully vaccinated travellers from 21 February providing a massive boost for NSW tourism, investment and trade.
 
Almost two years after the nation’s borders were closed to the world, the NSW visitor economy is set to boom, with late summer and early autumn considered by many international travellers to be the optimal season to experience the unique outdoor and cultural lifestyle of Sydney and NSW. 
 
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said this would provide further momentum to the NSW Government’s recovery roadmap and the return of foreign investment.
 
“The NSW Government has led the progressive return of international students and through Investment NSW is underway with a range of initiatives aimed at welcoming more international businesses to the state,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade, Minister for Tourism and Sport and Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said this was a massive leap for NSW tourism and international investment opportunities.
 
“Tourism and hospitality operators will welcome the opening of international borders after two incredibly difficult years. This means more jobs, stronger businesses and a faster economic recovery across NSW,” Mr Ayres said.
 
“The world is moving quickly and this is another critical step towards NSW getting back to normal and us living with the virus.”
 
All foreign visitors to Australia will have to provide proof that they have received the full course of an approved COVID-19 vaccine.
 
Unvaccinated travellers would still need to apply for a travel exemption to come to Australia and undergo hotel quarantine if they were granted permission to enter the country. NSW Government caps on quarantine for unvaccinated travellers will continue to apply.