Category: NSW News

The NSW Government has welcomed 214 new firefighters to its ranks at a graduation ceremony this morning at the Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Emergency Services Academy at Orchard Hills.
The recruits completed their training in all facets of the job, including fire, rescue, emergency first aid, hazardous material treatment and natural disaster response.
Minister for Emergency Services David Elliott joined FRNSW Commissioner Paul Baxter to congratulate the new permanent and on-call firefighters. They observed a live demonstration by the recruits of the types of incidents they could face as firefighters, including a mock service station fire, a structural blaze and a hazardous material emergency,
“These fresh-faced recruits join the ranks at a time when we face the likelihood of more natural disasters over summer as well as the ongoing pandemic, yet nonetheless are committed to work to protect our property and loved ones,” Mr Elliott said.
“They have joined FRNSW because they want to make a difference and now they’re learning the skills to make that positive impact.
Their recruitment represents the ongoing, record investment this Government has made to safeguard our communities from fire and disaster right across this State.”
Commissioner Baxter praised the recruits who come from diverse backgrounds but share one common goal – to protect the irreplaceable.
“These new firefighters appropriately represent the communities they protect,” Commissioner Baxter said.
“They come to us from cities and towns all over New South Wales and beyond with fortitude and determination and we equip them with the knowledge and skills to be prepared for anything, to protect the irreplaceable.”
The recruits have successfully completed almost 15 weeks of training in the Academy’s state-of-the-art learning environments which include a special urban search and rescue scene, an underground train tunnel, a mock service station, a five-storey training tower and a live fire facility.
The new recruits come from a range of backgrounds, including a former teacher, a former restaurant manager and an accomplished landscape architect.

• An emergency department
• an eight 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.

New South Wales is continuing to bounce back from one of the biggest economic shocks the State has faced in generations, with the Government’s targeted support measures and strong vaccination rates helping our economy successfully recover.
Treasurer Matt Kean today released the 2021-22 Half-Yearly Review, with the State’s economy showing signs of a strong rebound as we continue to reopen our economy in a safe and measured way.
Despite a revised deficit of $19.5 billion for 2021-22, the NSW Budget is still forecast to return to surplus by 2024-25, with the impact of the Delta outbreak largely contained to the current financial year.
Mr Kean said the increased deficit was driven by the significant health, social and economic measures the NSW Government introduced in response to the Delta outbreak, which kept people in jobs and businesses open across the State.
“Our support measures, combined with the resilience, creativity and determination of our people and businesses, meant the State’s economic contraction was smaller this year than it was in 2020, despite a greater level of restriction in place,” Mr Kean said.
“COVID-19 is unpredictable but we have demonstrated that we have the fiscal firepower to respond when needed. Our success so far in keeping people in jobs has shown that we can deal with the challenges that come our way over the coming weeks and months.
“As a result, we have seen strong rebounds in consumer confidence and business confidence, which are helping to drive a rebound in the State’s economy.
“Growth in jobs has resumed and vacancies are higher than pre-pandemic levels. Economic activity and employment are projected to rebound back above pre-Delta outbreak levels in the March quarter 2022.”
Mr Kean said the NSW Government has committed about $45 billion in health, social and economic measures since COVID-19 restrictions were first introduced in March 2020.
“$7 billion in JobSaver payments helped around 206,000 businesses get through the Delta outbreak, and maintained the vital link between employees and employers,” Mr Kean said.
“Our $2.8 billion Economic Recovery Strategy is continuing to support our people, our workers and our businesses, and our $5 billion commitment to WestInvest will help build vital infrastructure and facilities in south-western and western Sydney.
“Despite the pandemic, NSW is the only state in Australia with triple-A credit ratings, recently assigned by Fitch and reaffirmed by Moody’s.”
Mr Kean said the NSW Government will explore reform opportunities to support long-term economic growth, including improving women’s economic opportunities, developing the industries of the future, increasing home ownership, supporting the State in becoming a clean energy superpower, and continuing to improve our health and education systems.
“Because of the policies set out in this Half-Yearly Review and the huge efforts made by the people of NSW, we have the opportunity to build one of the strongest and most resilient economies anywhere in the world,” Mr Kean said.
“Our people are our most valuable assets, and we need to continue to invest in them and in the programs that help them flourish and realise their aspirations.
“COVID-19 has taught us that the biggest issues of our time can be the biggest opportunities for our State in the future. We intend to learn that lesson, and bounce back better and stronger in 2022.”
For more information, visit: www.budget.nsw.gov.au

The NSW Government is urging people to book in for their COVID-19 booster shot with restrictions easing today as part of the reopening roadmap.
The new settings that come into effect today include:

• Density limits will cease and masks will only be required on public transport and planes, at airports, and for indoors front-of-house hospitality staff who are not fully vaccinated. Masks are strongly recommended in settings where you cannot social distance;
• QR check-ins will only be required at high-risk venues including hospitals, aged and disability care facilities, gyms, places of worship, funerals or memorial services, business premises for personal services (e.g. hairdressers, salons and spas), pubs, small bars, registered clubs, nightclubs, and for indoor music festivals with more than 1,000 people;
• Proof of vaccination only required for indoor music festivals with more than 1,000 people and cruises with more than 100 passengers;
• Businesses can still require proof of vaccination at their own discretion;
• COVID safety plans will be optional for businesses and will be supported by SafeWork NSW.

More than 93 per cent of people aged 16 and over have been fully vaccinated as NSW continues its responsible and measured approach to reopening.
To maintain increased levels of immunity across the population the Commonwealth Government and NSW Government are continuing to roll out a booster vaccination program. Boosters are currently available for people aged 18 years and older who received their second dose at least five months ago.
Booster eligibility will increase steadily in 2022, with around 40 per cent of the NSW population to be eligible at the end of January, 64 per cent in February, 87 per cent in March, and 91 per cent by April 2022.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said with the removal of additional restrictions it was vital people booked in for their booster shot so we can continue to reopen safely.
“As we reopen in a measured and safe way people need to keep rolling up their sleeves to get their first and second jabs and their booster shots,” Mr Perrottet said.
“We have some of the highest vaccination rates in the world but there will continue to be challenges thrown at us and everyone must follow the rules to help combat new variants and keep people out of hospital.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the NSW Government was sticking to the roadmap to give people certainty ahead of summer.
“Our Government will always take COVID seriously to ensure our regions remain open and safe,” Mr Toole said.
“With vaccination rates so high and visitors eager to get out and about, we urge people to follow the health advice to ensure they can hit the road enjoy the best regional NSW has to offer as safely as possible.”
Minister for Jobs, Investment and Tourism Stuart Ayres said with restrictions being relaxed businesses would continue to welcome people back safely.
“It has been a tough two years for business but we are learning to live and work in a COVID-safe way and it’s important we follow the rules for everyone’s safety,” Mr Ayres said.
“Cafes, restaurants, retail, tourism will be able to welcome more people back as we head into summer but it is vital people go out and get the boosters to keep themselves and others safe and businesses open.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard encouraged everyone to book in for their booster as soon as they are eligible.
“Check your eligibility, get online, make the booking and you will be doing your bit to keep you, your family and the community safe,” Mr Hazzard said.
For more on the roadmap changes for December 15 visit: www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/easing-covid-19-restrictions/opening-in-dec.
Increased penalties for non-compliance with the isolation, testing and quarantine requirements remain, with individuals facing fines up to $5,000 and $10,000 for corporations.
Fully vaccinated close contacts will only have to isolate until they receive a negative PCR result. However, household close contacts and close contacts in any other settings identified by NSW Health will still be required to isolate for seven days and comply with PCR testing requirements.
The Commonwealth Government recently announced the vaccination program has been extended to all children aged 5 to 11 years from 10 January 2022 following updated advice from Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI).

Major works are due to begin next week on the $19.5 million Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice, marking a significant milestone for the unique facility.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard and Member for Manly James Griffin MP visited the site to inspect progress ahead of the first major concrete pour.
“This incredible project is Australia’s first dedicated hospice caring for young people with life-limiting illness and will provide support to families from all over NSW,” Mr Hazzard said.
“The facility will give young people and their families a tranquil, supportive environment at the most difficult of times by providing respite care, counselling, symptom management and end-of-life care.”
Member for Manly James Griffin said the Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice will work closely with dedicated children’s hospice, Bear Cottage, to assist families to continue to care for young people as they become adults.
“Each year, about a quarter of admissions to Bear Cottage are over the age of 16 and there has been no appropriate place for them to move to,” Mr Griffin said.
“No matter where someone is from in NSW, this beautiful state-of-the-art facility in Manly will be a welcoming place for young adults who are diagnosed with life-limiting conditions.”
More than $6.5 million has been raised for this project through generous community donations, which has been boosted by an $8 million investment from the NSW Government and $5 million from the Commonwealth Government.
Health Infrastructure is working closely with the Northern Sydney Local Health District and expert clinicians to deliver the hospice, which will be located at the former Manly Hospital site on the North Head headland.
Construction is due for completion late next year.
For further information and to support the Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice, visit www.nslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/Manly.

Major works are due to begin next week on the $19.5 million Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice, marking a significant milestone for the unique facility.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard and Member for Manly James Griffin MP visited the site to inspect progress ahead of the first major concrete pour.
“This incredible project is Australia’s first dedicated hospice caring for young people with life-limiting illness and will provide support to families from all over NSW,” Mr Hazzard said.
“The facility will give young people and their families a tranquil, supportive environment at the most difficult of times by providing respite care, counselling, symptom management and end-of-life care.”
Member for Manly James Griffin said the Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice will work closely with dedicated children’s hospice, Bear Cottage, to assist families to continue to care for young people as they become adults.
“Each year, about a quarter of admissions to Bear Cottage are over the age of 16 and there has been no appropriate place for them to move to,” Mr Griffin said.
“No matter where someone is from in NSW, this beautiful state-of-the-art facility in Manly will be a welcoming place for young adults who are diagnosed with life-limiting conditions.”
More than $6.5 million has been raised for this project through generous community donations, which has been boosted by an $8 million investment from the NSW Government and $5 million from the Commonwealth Government.
Health Infrastructure is working closely with the Northern Sydney Local Health District and expert clinicians to deliver the hospice, which will be located at the former Manly Hospital site on the North Head headland.
Construction is due for completion late next year.
For further information and to support the Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice, visit www.nslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/Manly.

Local residents will benefit from an $80 million investment in Temora Hospital under the NSW Government’s $500 million health boost for rural and regional NSW.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole, Minister for Health Brad Hazzard and Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Health and Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke today announced the investment, which will greatly improve access to health services for Riverina locals.
Mr Toole said this record spend on health infrastructure built on the enhanced health services and initiatives rolling out to help ensure regional communities like Temora have access to the quality of care they deserve.
“This will be one of the biggest ever infrastructure projects in the town’s history – an investment that will be a game changer in the delivery of health services for locals,” Mr Toole said.
“We will never stop looking for opportunities to invest in regional and rural healthcare, and while the existing Temora hospital has served the needs of locals for generations, it’s now time for a new modern, well-equipped hospital.”
Mr Hazzard said experts from the Local Health District will work with staff to develop a Clinical Services Plan for the new hospital. Ongoing engagement with the community will ensure that the right services are provided.
“This $500 million boost in regional and rural health infrastructure is a huge win for local communities across NSW,” Mr Hazzard said.
“It will create thousands of local construction jobs, deliver modern facilities closer to home and make regional communities an appealing place to live, work and invest.”
Ms Cooke said this investment would ensure Temora has a hospital that would serve the region for years to come.
“I want our patients and their families and friends to have a fantastic local hospital that will not only deliver the best health outcomes, but also attract clinicians to work here in what would be a big win for the whole community,” Ms Cooke said.
“The new Temora Hospital will continue to provide Emergency Department services, as well as modern inpatient accommodation with beds available for rehabilitation, palliative care and maternity patients.
“A state-of-the-art delivery suite and enhanced community health services, including hospital avoidance services, radiology and pathology, will make this hospital a game changer for locals.”
Health Infrastructure will oversee and manage the $80 million redevelopment of the new Temora Hospital following input from the local community and hospital staff.

As state and national borders reopen, the NSW Government is helping the tourism sector address critical skills shortages with thousands of free training places on offer ahead of a bumper holiday season.
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee today announced more than 2,700 fee-free training places initially available across 35 short courses at TAFE NSW and other registered training providers with scope to increase with demand. This includes training in specialist outdoor recreation and accommodation and customer services for businesses large and small.
Mr Lee said the training is available now to attract more workers to tourism businesses at a vital time in the sector’s recovery, as well as open the door to a new career for thousands of people.
“People from around the country are lining up to book holidays all over our great state and the NSW Government wants to help support those businesses attract enthusiastic and skilled staff,” Mr Lee said.
“Industry estimates around 600,000 staff across the country left the sector during the pandemic, which is why training opportunities like these free courses are so valuable, filling labour gaps and giving jobseekers the opportunity of a bright future in tourism.”
Minister for Jobs, Investment Tourism and Western Sydney and Minister for Trade and Industry Stuart Ayres said access to skilled workers is one of the greatest challenges facing tourism and hospitality businesses in NSW right now.
“Our tourism operators, event owners and local tourism organisations are the backbone of this industry and they need more skilled staff to rebuild. Offering fee-free training means we can support both businesses and workers, which will help grow NSW’s visitor economy,” Mr Ayres said.
A recent Tourism and Transport Forum Australia survey of more than 500 businesses reveals a third of tourism businesses who took had to let staff go during COVID-19, compared to less than ten percent in other sectors.
Tourism Accommodation Australia CEO Michael Johnson said the tourism, hospitality and accommodation sector was crying out for more skilled staff.
“This initiative is a great way to give school leavers and employees displaced over the last 18 months the skills they need to join our great industry,” Mr Johnson said.
Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF) Chief Executive Margy Osmond said the free training would help to provide valuable entry opportunities for people keen to join the vibrant NSW tourism sector.
“Tourism & Transport Forum Australia is fully behind the NSW Government’s efforts to rebuild skills capacity and address gaps across the state’s tourism labour market,” Ms Osmond said.
“As the NSW visitor economy recovers, the tourism industry that can take its employees all around the state from the coast to the far west, as well as much further afield and it can also reward them with pathways to senior leadership roles over time.”
Free courses available under the program include:

• Outdoor Leadership (Basic Water Rescues, Snorkel, Lead Snorkeling, Paddle and Lead Stand Up Board on Inland Flatwater)
• Tourism Product Design and Promotion
• Hospitality (Interact with Customers, Safe Work Practices and Visitor Information, Housekeeping, Responsible Service of Alcohol, Social/Cultural Sensitivity)
• Outdoor Recreation (Vertical Rescues, Abseil, Establish Ropes and Lead Single Pitch Abseiling on Natural Surfaces)
• Bicycle Servicing
• Swimming and Water Safety Teacher
• Infection control

Today’s announcement complements the nearly 250,000 free training places being funded under the joint State and Federal JobTrainer program, and adds to the NSW Government investment in free training recently announced for the Retail and Hospitality sectors.
To explore other fee-free courses available to study, visit: https://bit.ly/32n97Vf

More inclusive playspaces will be rolled out across the state, with $4 million to be shared between 29 councils in the fourth and final round of the NSW Government’s Everyone Can Play program.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the funding will support the delivery of 33 new or upgraded playspaces across NSW.
“All communities should have access to great public spaces, and the Everyone Can Play program is providing people of all ages and abilities with places to come together and have fun,” Mr Stokes said.
“Since 2018 we’ve invested $15 million into 108 new or improved playspaces in Greater Sydney and regional NSW. We’re thrilled to announce funding for another 33 projects, providing more and better public play facilities everyone can enjoy.
“This award-winning program asks three simple questions to inform best practice inclusive design – Can I get there? Can I play? Can I stay?”
Some of the 33 projects funded in the final round of the Everyone Can Play program include:

• Wollongong City Council: $200,000 for an inclusive playspace in Stuart Park;
• City of Canada Bay Council: $200,000 for an inclusive nature playspace in Queen Elizabeth Park;
• Goulburn Mulwaree Council: $200,000 for a new inclusive nature playspace in Marulan Village;
• Georges River Council: $200,000 for a new inclusive playspace in Oleander Reserve;
• Cumberland City Council: $75,000 for an upgrade to the Ruth Street Park playspace; and
• Upper Hunter Shire Council: $74,000 for an upgrade to the Amaroo Park playspace.

The Everyone Can Play program was established in 2018 as part of the NSW Government’s $290 million Open Spaces and Greener Sydney package. It supports the Government’s target of increasing public access to quality, walkable, green and open public space.
An additional $4 million is also up for grabs for councils across Greater Sydney as part of the NSW Government’s Metropolitan Greenspace Program.
Mr Stokes said the NSW Government will match councils dollar-for-dollar for new and improved parks, cycleways and greenspaces.
“Last year, we awarded almost $4 million to support 12 councils to deliver 13 projects and it’s now time for councils to nominate again for more projects.”
Applications for the Metropolitan Greenspace Program are open until 4 March 2022.
For further details, visit https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/metropolitan-greenspace-program
A full list of Everyone Can Play grant recipients is available at: www.planning.nsw.gov.au/EveryoneCanPlay