Category: NSW News

For the latest COVID-19 advice & information please visit www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19

COVID-19 ECONOMIC SUPPORT MEASURES EXTENDED

• The NSW Government has announced an additional $3.9 billion in funding, including $1.5 billion from the Commonwealth, as part of its COVID-19 economic support package providing ongoing assistance to businesses and individuals affected by current lockdown restrictions across the State.
• This additional funding will extend the successful JobSaver program and Micro-business Grant and continue rent relief incentives.
• Additional relief for businesses will also be provided with further reductions in payroll tax as well as allowing eligible businesses to defer their payroll tax payments, due from July 2021 through to December 2021, until the 14 January 2022 with 12-month interest free repayment plans to be available.
• The NSW Government has now committed $7.7 billion in COVID-19 support measures, with a further $3.4 billion from the Commonwealth, bringing the total assistance for businesses and individuals to more than $11 billion.

• For more information on the 2021 COVID-19 Support Package visit: www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/2021-covid-19-support-package.
• Support for individuals impacted by the current COVID-19 restrictions and stay-at-home orders is also available through Services Australia. For more information visit: www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/covid19.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE EXTENDED FOR TENANTS AND LANDLORDS

• The NSW Government has announced an increase to the Residential Tenancy Support Package to up to $4,500 per tenancy and an extension to the eviction moratorium until 11 November 2021, giving increased security to residential tenants impacted by COVID-19.
• The Residential Tenancy Support Package will now provide payments of up to $4,500 per tenancy as long as landlords reduce rent for their tenants by at least that much and have not claimed land tax relief. This is a further $1,500 increase and comes as part of our commitment to supporting people who have taken a hit due to COVID-19.
• Applications for the increased rebate will open shortly. Landlords who have already claimed the rebate can offer further rent reductions and apply for an additional rebate up to $4,500.
• Alternately, a landlord who has yet to apply for the rebate can do so in a single application. For more information on the package or to apply go to Residential tenancy support package | NSW Fair Trading.

MORE FREE TAFE COURSES ANNOUNCED

• The NSW Government has announced additional fee-free TAFE NSW lockdown learning courses after more than 10,000 NSW residents enrolled to study in less than a month.
• Recently added fee-free short courses include:

• Statement of Attainment in Start your Career in Hairdressing/Barbering
• Statement of Attainment in Start your Career in Beauty
• Statement of Attainment in Drones in Agriculture
• Statement of Attainment in Create and Design Spreadsheets
• Statement of Attainment in Food Safety Supervision

• For the full list of courses and to view the eligibility criteria, visit www.tafensw.edu.au/fee-free-short-courses or call 131 601.

TARGETED COVID-19 SUPPORT FOR ABORIGINAL COMMUNITIES

• Quick response grants of up to $10,000 are available for Aboriginal community organisations and groups to meet the immediate health and wellbeing needs of Aboriginal people across the state as part of Aboriginal Affairs NSW’s COVID-19 response strategy.
• Aboriginal communities are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19, and these grants will enable Aboriginal services to support people already impacted by COVID-19 as well as taking preventative steps such as encouraging vaccination.
• Applications for the COVID-19 Aboriginal Community Response Program are now open via www.aboriginalaffairs.nsw.gov.au/grants/covid-19-aboriginal-community-response-grants-program.

COMMENCEMENT OF BUSH FIRE DANGER PERIOD FOR COASTAL NSW

• This week saw the commencement of the Bush Fire Danger Period for Coastal NSW, including 21 Local Government Areas (LGAs). This brings the total number of LGAs currently experiencing heightened bush fire risk to 27 across NSW.
• LGAs entering their Bush Fire Danger Period this week are: Muswellbrook, Singleton, Mid-Coast, Port Macqurie-Hastings, Clarence Valley, Ballina, Byron, Tweed, Nambucca, Kempsey, Bellingen, Coffs Harbour, Lismore, Richmond Valley, Kyogle, Gunnedah, Liverpool Plains, Upper Hunter, Bega Valley, Eurobodalla and Shoalhaven.
• They join the LGAs who commenced their Bush Fire Danger Period on 1 August: Armidale, Walcha, Uralla, Glen Innes Severn, Inverell and Tenterfield.
• Remaining areas of NSW are scheduled to commence their Bush Fire Danger Period on 1 October 2021.
• As communities enter their Bush Fire Danger Period that they now have additional responsibilities, and must obtain the required approvals before lighting any fires and ensure they have adequate firefighting resources on hand.
• Those who fail to notify firefighters and neighbours face fines of up to $5500 and/or 12 months’ jail while escaped burns attract penalties of up to $110,000 and/or five years’ prison.

LOCK IN THE PERFECT LOCKDOWN GIFT ON THE NSW GOVERNMENT’S BUY REGIONAL WEBSITE 

• With stay-at-home orders currently in place across NSW, shoppers are encouraged to jump online and support regional businesses without leaving their home by checking out the myriad of gifts available on the NSW Government’s Buy Regional website.
• Buy Regional is a win-win for Sydney siders who can score a special present for their dad or a father figure this Father’s Day while supporting regional businesses at the same time.
• To register your regional business or to lock in the perfect lockdown gift, head to www.nsw.gov.au/buyregional.

OPERA HOUSE SAILS TO LIGHT UP IN VIRTUAL TRIBUTE TO OLYMPIANS AND PARALYMPIANS

• In recognition of the amazing efforts of our 486 Olympians and 179 Paralympians in Tokyo, the Sydney Opera House sails will light up with the faces of each Australian athlete this Sunday, with the projection livestreamed so everyone can pay tribute from home.
• Due to COVID-19 restrictions, it will not be possible to watch the event in person, people can only watch on the livestream from home.
• To watch the illumination, head to nsw.gov.au/Olympics at 6.30pm this Sunday, 5 September 2021.

SECOND ROUND OF $100 MILLION NSW SPORTS INFRASTRUCTURE FUND OPENS

• The State’s sports infrastructure boom is set for a further boost, with the opening of the latest round of a $100 million funding program by the NSW Government.
• The Fund will provide grants from $100,000 up to $1 million to eligible sport and recreation organisations and councils. Eligible projects include lighting, amenity buildings, clubrooms, change rooms and grandstands.
• Round 2 is the final round of the program and sporting organisations and councils are urged to apply. The grant application and assessment process will be overseen by an independent probity advisor. Applications are open and will close on 8 October 2021. For more details, see: www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants.

NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR 2022 NSW WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS

• The search is on for the most outstanding and influential women in NSW, with nominations now open for the 2022 NSW Women of the Year Awards.
• Categories include the Woman of Excellence, Aboriginal Woman of the Year, Aware Super NSW Community Hero of the Year, Young Woman of the Year and Regional Woman of the Year.
• The One to Watch, which recognises girls aged seven to 17 who supported others through acts of courage, strength, determination or kindness, is in its second year.
• Nominations close on Friday 17 September and can be submitted here: https://facs.smartygrants.com.au/WOTYA2022.

SLOW DOWN IN SCHOOL ZONES ACROSS NSW

• Drivers are reminded to slow down and take extra care in school zones across NSW, with schools remaining open for families who need it.
• At the end of July, the number of people caught speeding in school zones reached more than 150 per cent above the pre-lockdown average. While there has been some improvement, there are still far too many drivers doing the wrong thing now.
• To help keep children safe, the NSW Government has made sure every school has at least one set of flashing lights, with additional sets also installed outside many schools with multiple busy entrances.
• The NSW Government is also investing an extra $18.5 million to provide 300 new School Crossing Supervisors – with 275 already on the ground, including 65 in regional NSW – offering more protection for children and improved visibility of crossings for motorists.
• Higher fines and demerit points also apply to certain driving and parking offences committed within school zones.

The Berejiklian Government today announced an additional $3.9 billion in funding, including $1.5 billion from the Commonwealth, as part of its COVID-19 economic support package providing ongoing assistance to businesses and individuals affected by current lockdown restrictions across the State.
This additional funding will extend the successful JobSaver program and Micro-business Grant and continue rent relief incentives.
Additional relief for businesses will also be provided with further reductions in payroll tax as well as allowing eligible businesses to defer their payroll tax payments, due from July 2021 through to December 2021, until the 14 January 2022 with 12-month interest free repayment plans to be available.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said this further $3.9 billion in ongoing support would be vital to help keep businesses in business and people in jobs.
“We are giving businesses, employees and families across the State certainty they can access the financial help needed to get them through,” Mr Perrottet said.
“We know business and communities are doing it tough and this ongoing support will not only help get them through the depths of the pandemic but will also provide them with a springboard to bounce back once restrictions ease.
“We will continue to stand by businesses and individuals and provide the support needed. We will also be there on the other side as we emerge from lockdown and head towards recovery.”
The NSW Government has now committed $7.7 billion in COVID-19 support measures, with a further $3.4 billion from the Commonwealth, bringing the total assistance for businesses and individuals to more than $11 billion.
The NSW Government’s additional $3.9 billion funding commitment will provide:
Extension of JobSaver from 28 August

• Eligible businesses with a turnover between $75,000 to $250 million that continue to experience a minimum 30 per cent decline in turnover due to the Public Health Order will be eligible for payments of up to 40 per cent of their pre-COVID weekly NSW payroll;
• Eligible businesses in the hospitality, tourism and recreation sectors with a turnover of more than $250 million and up to $1 billion that continue to experience the requisite decline in turnover due to the Public Health Order will be eligible to receive payments of 40 per cent of their pre-COVID weekly NSW payroll, up to $500,000 per week;

• Eligible Not-for-Profit (NFP) organisations in the social support and animal welfare sectors with a turnover between $75,000 and $250 million that show a minimum 15 per cent decline in turnover will be eligible for payments of up to 40 per cent of their pre-COVID weekly NSW payroll. Eligible NFPs will be able to apply from later in September to access backdated payments.

Extension of the COVID-19 Micro-business Grant from 28 August

• Eligible businesses with a turnover of more than $30,000 and less than $75,000 that continue to experience a minimum 30 per cent decline in turnover due to the Public Health Order will be eligible for a fortnightly payment of $1,500.

Extension of payroll tax deferrals and waivers

• Businesses eligible for a 2021 COVID-19 Business Grant or JobSaver with payrolls $10 million or less will be eligible for a 50 per cent reduction (waiver) in their 2021-22 payroll tax, up from 25 per cent.

• All businesses will also be able to further defer payroll tax payments due from July 2021 through to December 2021. The payments will now not be due until 14 January 2022, and 12-month interest free repayment plans will become available.

Extension of support for commercial, retail, and residential landlords

• Eligible commercial and retail landlords that provide rental waivers to COVID[1]19 impacted tenants and have not claimed land tax relief, will be eligible for a monthly grant of up to $3,000; and

• Eligible residential landlords can choose between applying for land tax relief or a further payment of $1,500, taking total assistance to a maximum of $4,500 per tenancy if they agree to reduce the rent for COVID-19 impacted tenants by at least $4,500.

Minister for Digital and Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the Government will continue to prioritise the fast payment of funds to businesses.
“We’ve put on close to 500 assessors in recent weeks and refined the application process. As a result, the number of applications older than 14 days is less than one per cent,” Mr Dominello said.
“We’re continuing to tailor our financial assistance to meet the needs across NSW and working around the clock to process applications and get money into accounts as quickly as possible. To date, we’ve approved more than 300,000 business grant and seen $3.3 billion out the door.”
A new hardship panel will also assess businesses that do not qualify for COVID-19 grants, on a case-by-case basis.
Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said the extension of these measures would be a major boost for small businesses throughout NSW.
“Businesses are experiencing one of the toughest periods right now and as restrictions continue, we’ve heard loud and clear that businesses across the state need this ongoing support and more to get them through to the other side of this,” Mr Tudehope said.
“The extension of JobSaver and Microbusiness payments announced today combined with more payroll tax relief will give thousands of businesses the extra assistance they need as we move forward to focus on opening the doors and turning the lights on once restrictions ease.
“We simply cannot and will not turn away from small businesses in NSW – they need our support and the NSW Government is standing by them.”
For more information on the 2021 COVID-19 Support Package visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/2021-covid-19-support-package.
Support for individuals impacted by the current COVID-19 restrictions and stay-at-home orders is also available through Services Australia. For more information visit: www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/covid19.

The Berejiklian Government has announced an increase to the Residential Tenancy Support Package to up to $4,500 per tenancy and an extension to the eviction moratorium until 11 November 2021, giving increased security to residential tenants impacted by COVID-19.
Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation Kevin Anderson said the increased payment will incentivise landlords to offer rent reductions to tenants who are doing it tough and the extension of the eviction moratorium will provide welcome peace of mind.
“We know times are tough and the COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant financial hardship for many, which is why the NSW Government is continually assessing our support and providing assistance where it is needed,” Mr Anderson said.
“The Residential Tenancy Support Package will now provide payments of up to $4,500 per tenancy as long as landlords reduce rent for their tenants by at least that much and have not claimed land tax relief. This is a further $1,500 increase and comes as part of our commitment to supporting people who have taken a hit due to COVID-19.
“We have always encouraged landlords and tenants to work together to negotiate a rent reduction, and now the NSW Government is providing a rebate of up to $4,500 to make sure tenants and landlords are both protected.
“During times like this it is crucial that we all dig deep and do what we can to help each other out, so I am strongly encouraging landlords to work out a rent reduction for their tenants and then make the most of this rebate. The NSW Government is working around the clock to get applications approved and money is being processed in a very timely fashion.”
Mr Anderson said the extension to the eviction moratorium will give tenants who have experienced a downturn in their income due to COVID-19 one less thing to worry about while they are getting back on their feet.
“COVID-19 impacted residential tenants who are struggling with rent will continue to be protected from eviction due to rental debts until 11 November, which is an extra two months protection to the moratorium period previously established.” Mr Anderson said.
“Following the moratorium, for the period 12 November 2021 – 12 February 2022, transitional measures will apply and will limit when terminations can occur for rental debt accrued during the moratorium.”
If you have agreed a repayment plan, a landlord will only be able to terminate your tenancy for this debt if:

• you have failed to make 2 or consecutive repayments; and
• it is fair and reasonable in the circumstances.

If you have not been able to agree on a repayment plan, a landlord will be able to terminate your tenancy for this debt if:

• the landlord has tried, in good faith, to negotiate a repayment plan through Fair Trading, and
• it is fair and reasonable in the circumstances.

Landlords also have the option to apply for the COVID-19 land tax benefit instead of applying for the Residential Tenancy Support Payment, which is an offset of the land tax liability equal to the rent reduction granted.
Tenants and landlords are encouraged to enter into negotiations in good faith but if you are unable to resolve the issue privately, you can contact Fair Trading who will act as a mediator:
https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/lodge-tenancy-complaint-nsw-fair-trading
Applications for the increased rebate will open shortly. Landlords who have already claimed the rebate can offer further rent reductions and apply for an additional rebate up to $4,500.
Alternately a landlord who has yet to apply for the rebate can do so in a single application. For more information on the package or to apply go to Residential tenancy support package | NSW Fair Trading

Police have arrested more than 150 people and issued almost 600 Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) following unauthorised protest activity across NSW today.
Acting on information and intelligence, the NSW Police Force deployed more than 900 officers this morning (Tuesday 31 August 2021) to conduct high-visibility patrols of various sites expected to be targeted by unauthorised protests, including NSW Parliament House and local council chambers.
General Duties officers from across NSW were supported by the Public Order and Riot Squad, Operations Support Group, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Police Transport Command, the Dog and Mounted Unit, and other specialist units.
Police responded to 79 unauthorised protests, during which three officers received minor injuries following interactions with protestors at Lismore, Murwillumbah and Raymond Terrace.
In total, 153 people were arrested, many of whom were released after officers were able to establish their identity to issue a PIN.
Others were charged with a variety of offences including various breaches of the public health order, assault police, resist arrest, refusing to comply with police direction, and failing to move on.
A total of 573 PINS were issued, including not wear fitted masked covering in prescribed outdoor gathering ($500), not comply with noticed direction re s7/8/9 – COVID-19 ($1000), and unlawfully participate in outdoor public gathering – stay at home order ($3000).
Central Metropolitan Region:
Parliament House: 3 arrested and 5 PINs issued
Government House: 7 arrested and 6 PINs issued
Hurstville Council: 6 PINs issued
Rockdale Council: 3 arrested and 43 PINs issued
Waverley Council: 4 arrested and 14 PINs issued
Randwick: Up to 30 people dispersed on police arrival
Inner West Council-Petersham: 1 arrested and 8 PINs issued
Sutherland Shire Council: 4 arrested and 27 PINs issued
North West Metropolitan Region:
Hornsby Council: 3 arrested and 3 PINs issued
Ryde Council: 1 arrested and 5 PINs issued
Dee Why Council and Mona Vale Library: 3 arrested and 20 PINs issued
Katoomba Council: 10 PINs issued
Penrith Council and MP Office: 3 arrested and 43 PINs issued
Hawkesbury City Council: 8 PINs issued
Blacktown Council: 5 arrested and 20 PINs issued
Mosman Council: Up to 15 people dispersed on police arrival
The Hills Council: 6 arrested and 9 PINs issued
South West Metropolitan Region:
Pheasants Nest truck stop: 1 PIN issued
Fairfield City Council: 6 arrested
Cumberland Council: 1 arrested and 2 PINs issued
Bankstown Council: 1 arrested and 7 PINs issued
Camden Council: 1 arrested and 4 PINs issued
Picton Council: 1 arrested and 10 PINs issued
Campbelltown Council: 2 arrested and 2 PINs issued
Liverpool Council: 2 arrested and 4 PINs issued
Canada Bay Council: 2 arrested and 2 PINs issued
Strathfield Council: 3 arrested and 5 PINs issued
Roselands Shopping Centre: Up to 50 people dispersed on police arrival
Campsie: 1 arrested and 1 PIN issued
Northern Region:
Tweed Heads PD (Tweed Shire Council-Murwillumbah, Byron Bay Shire Council-Mullumbimby, MP Office-Tweed Heads, Sleepy Hollow Vehicle Rest Area): 3 arrested and 25 PINs issued
Richmond PD (Lismore Council, Kyogle Council, Ballina Council, MP Office-Ballina): 11 arrested and 24 PINs issued
Coffs-Clarence PD (Coffs Harbour City Council, Clarence Valley Council-Grafton, Bellingen Shire Council, Clarence Valley Council-MacLean): 19 arrested and 19 PINs issued
Mid North Coast PD (Hastings Shire Council, Nambucca Valley Council, Kempsey Shire Council): 2 arrested and 21 PINs issued
Manning-Great Lakes PD (Mid Coast Council Chambers-Taree): 5 arrested and 20 PINs issued
Hunter Valley PD (Scone Local Council, Singleton Local Council, Cessnock Local Council): 4 arrested and 6 PINs issued
Port Stephens-Hunter PD (Maitland Local Council, Port Stephens Local Council): 5 arrested and 12 PINs issued
Newcastle City PD (City of Newcastle Council): 1 arrested and 12 PINs issued
Lake Macquarie PD (Lake Macquarie City Council): 8 arrested and 11 PINs issued
Tuggerah Lakes PD (Central Coast City Council-Wyong): 4 arrested and 8 PINs issued
Brisbane Water PD (Central Coast City Council, Gosford): 2 arrested and 10 PINs issued
Southern Region:
Wollongong Council: 2 arrested and 2 PINs issued
Goulburn Council: 1 arrested and 5 PINs issued
Southern Highlands (Moss Vale) Council: 2 arrested and 6 PINs issued
Shellharbour Council: 1 arrested and 3 PINs issued
Cooma Post Office: Six people dispersed on police arrival
Albury Council: 1 arrested and 9 PINs issued
Berrigan Council: 1 arrested and 2 PINs issued
Bega: 5 PINs issued
Moruya: 1 arrested and 10 PINs issued
Nowra: Up to 40 people dispersed on police arrival
Ulladulla: 2 arrested and 2 PINs issued
Griffith Council: Up to 15 people dispersed on police arrival
Wagga Wagga Council: 2 arrested and 4 PINs issued
Snowy Mountains Council-Tumut: About 18 people dispersed on police arrival
Western Region:
Tamworth Council: 1 arrested and 9 PINs issued
Gunnedah Council: 9 PINs issued
Mudgee Council: 3arrested and 8 PINs issued
Bathurst Council: 20 PINs issued
Armidale Council: 4 PINs issued
Inverell Council: 1 arrested and 8 PINs issued
Glen Innes Council: 2 arrested and 11 PINs issued
Uralla: 1 arrested and 8 PINs issued
Orange Council: 4 arrested and 14 PINs issued
Inquiries into the incidents are continuing and further PINs are expected to be issued, including for failing to comply with self-isolation direction ($5000).

With stay-at-home orders currently in place across NSW, shoppers are encouraged to jump online and support regional businesses without leaving their home by checking out the myriad of gifts available on the NSW Government’s Buy Regional website.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said online gift shopping is a great way to support regional businesses during the lockdown, particularly with Father’s Day just around the corner.
“We know that businesses in the bush are doing it tougher than ever with the ongoing COVID-19 situation across the state, so now is the perfect time to support our country communities by buying direct from the producers online,” Mr Barilaro said.
“During this lockdown I’ve taken the opportunity to try out new recipes and I encourage others to do the same. What better way to indulge your taste buds than with a condiment gift pack from The Other Chef, or a carefully curated beer and snack package from the Riverina Hamper Co.
“It’s no secret that Buy Regional has an impressive array of farm-fresh meat, hand-distilled spirits and unique fashion and homeware design pieces, with more than 500,000 online shoppers visiting the website since its launch in 2019.”
Mr Barilaro said Buy Regional is a win-win for Sydney siders who can score a special present for their dad or a father figure this Father’s Day while supporting regional businesses at the same time.
“Buy Regional continues to go from strength to strength and provides critical economic stimulus to hundreds of businesses who have battled through drought, bushfires, floods and the continuing impacts of COVID-19,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Many rural towns are seeing good harvests after much needed rains across the state over the last year, but in the face of the pandemic they still need your support, and there’s no better way to help regional businesses than by giving them your business.”
To register your regional business or to lock in the perfect lockdown gift, head to www.nsw.gov.au/buyregional.

The NSW Government has announced additional fee-free TAFE NSW lockdown learning courses after more than 10,000 NSW residents enrolled to study in less than a month.
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said the strong interest in the TAFE NSW courses showed that the people of NSW are looking to the future.
“It’s great to see many NSW residents take up the opportunity to boost their employability and gain new skills through TAFE during the lockdown,” Mr Lee said.
“TAFE NSW is offering these courses via online learning or virtual classrooms, which means that students can learn at home and stay safe while upskilling and getting ready for when the economy opens back up.
“Recently added courses include using drones in agriculture, starting a career in hairdressing, barbering or beauty, designing spreadsheets, and food safety supervision.
“All courses link to further training pathways so that students can get a head-start now to a full qualification later.
“There are a variety of courses available to study from different industries. I encourage all NSW residents to take advantage of the high-quality and COVID-safe training available.”
Recently added fee-free short courses include:

• Statement of Attainment in Start your Career in Hairdressing/Barbering
• Statement of Attainment in Start your Career in Beauty
• Statement of Attainment in Drones in Agriculture
• Statement of Attainment in Create and Design Spreadsheets
• Statement of Attainment in Food Safety Supervision

For the full list of courses and to view the eligibility criteria, visit www.tafensw.edu.au/fee-free-short-courses or call 131 601.

Disaster assistance is now available in the northern NSW local government areas of Glen Innes, Severn, and Inverell following severe storms and flooding earlier this year.
Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Nationals Member for New England Barnaby Joyce said assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
“The severe winds and heavy rainfall resulting from these terrible storms caused widespread damage across the impacted councils,” Mr Joyce said.
“The Australian Government is standing with the people of New England who were sadly impacted by the severe flooding and storms in July.”
A range of practical assistance measures is now available to help individuals, primary producers, small businesses and charities get back on track.
The assistance available under the DRFA may include:
• Help for eligible people whose homes or belongings have been damaged (eligibility criteria applies)
• Support for affected local councils to help with the costs of cleaning up and restoring damaged essential public assets
• Concessional interest rate loans for small businesses, primary producers and non-profit organisations
• Freight subsidies for primary producers, and
• Grants to eligible non-profit organisations.
For information on personal hardship and distress assistance, contact Service NSW on 13 77 88. To apply for a concessional loan or grant, contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593 or visit www.raa.nsw.gov.au.
Further information on disaster assistance is available on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at www.disasterassist.gov.au and the NSW Government website via www.nsw.gov.au/resilience-nsw

The COVID-19 Aboriginal Community Response Program has opened today.
Quick response grants of up to $10,000 are available for Aboriginal community organisations and groups to meet the immediate health and wellbeing needs of Aboriginal people across the state as part of Aboriginal Affairs NSW’s COVID-19 response strategy.
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Don Harwin said the grants would help to provide Aboriginal communities with targeted COVID-19 information and assistance from trusted services.
“These quick response grants will help communities access local, culturally appropriate services so they are informed and supported to take actions like staying at home to reduce community transmission,” he said.
“Aboriginal communities are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19, and these grants will enable Aboriginal services to support people already impacted by COVID-19 as well as taking preventative steps such as encouraging vaccination.”
Applications for the COVID-19 Aboriginal Community Response Program are now open via www.aboriginalaffairs.nsw.gov.au/grants/covid-19-aboriginal-community-response-grants-program

The State’s sports infrastructure boom is set for a further boost, with the opening of the latest round of a $100 million funding program by the NSW Government.
Minister for Sport Natalie Ward said the funding would be available for new and upgraded sports facilities in Round 2 of the Greater Cities and Regional Sport Facility Fund.
“This fund is not just an important boost for local economies and jobs, but also promotes health and wellbeing for residents across NSW,” Mrs Ward said.
“By investing in new and existing sports infrastructure, we are helping more people experience the benefits of participating in sport and active recreation.
“The Fund is creating a sports infrastructure construction boom across the State as part of the NSW Government’s multi-billion dollar infrastructure pipeline.”
Providing facilities that meet community needs and expectations is a priority.
“We welcome inclusive projects that encourage the participation of women and girls and people with a disability,” Mrs Ward said.
The Fund will provide grants from $100,000 up to $1 million to eligible sport and recreation organisations and councils. Eligible projects include lighting, amenity buildings, clubrooms, change rooms and grandstands.
Round 1 of the program resulted in $54 million being awarded to 91 projects. They included $1 million to Snow Australia for community snow sport facilities at the National Snowsports Training Centre (NSTC) at Jindabyne, $1 million for a new skate park at Wyatt Action Sports Campus in Lidcombe and $937,500 for a new grandstand and amenities at Darling Street Oval, Newcastle.
Round 2 is the final round of the program and sporting organisations and councils are urged to apply. The grant application and assessment process will be overseen by an independent probity advisor. Applications open today and close on 8 October 2021. For more details, see: https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants

Five men have been issued $5000 Penalty Infringement Notices after allegedly breaching the Public Health Order in Sydney’s south-west yesterday.
About 11.30am on Monday (30 August 2021), officers were conducting proactive patrols on Optimism Street at Leppington, as part of ongoing COVID-19 compliance checks, when they observed five men sitting at a table on the footpath.
None of the men were wearing face masks.
Officers stopped and spoke to the men, who revealed they had tested positive to COVID-19 in rural NSW and had been ordered to self-isolate for 14 days after being escorted back to Sydney last Monday (23 August 2021).
Following inquiries, all five men – aged 23, 25, 26, 31 and 32 – were issued $5000 Penalty Infringement Notices (PIN) for not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 – COVID-19.
The men were escorted back to the premises to continue their mandatory isolation.