Category: NSW News

People in mandatory isolation will have access to around the clock wellbeing and mental health support and there will be increased access to services for parents, young people and multicultural communities who are struggling during the lockdown.
As part of a joint Commonwealth and NSW Government package worth $17.35 million, NSW will provide $5.1m for a range of mental health services across NSW.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said our top priority is keeping people safe during the pandemic, and not just from the current COVID-19 outbreak.
“We know this will be a very difficult period for many, the additional funding will provide more mental health support particularly for young people and families.”
Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said the COVID-19 investment will enable providers to immediately increase their support during this period.
“Looking after your mental wellbeing is vital during this time and with thousands of people and families in isolation, access to services 24 hours 7 days a week is hugely important,” Mrs Taylor said
“We know this can be a stressful time for families, parents and children, and these new and existing services available now 24 hours 7 days a week, means there is an avenue for people to reach out for advice or help.”
The joint package includes:

• $7 million for headspace outreach support to parents and young people across greater Sydney – jointly funded by NSW and the Commonwealth Government;
• $3 million for Sonder to provide anyone subject to a mandatory 14-day isolation order with 24/7 health and wellbeing support, with an emphasis on early intervention, for the entire duration of their isolation period – jointly funded by NSW and the Commonwealth Government;
• $3 million to support Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities, with a focus on communities in South West and Western Sydney. The funding will go to Beyond Blue and the Primary Health Networks (PHNs) to ensure multicultural communities have access to services and appropriate language translation services;
• $2 million for Primary Health networks across Sydney to increase their mental health services across all areas;
• $1.5 million for Lifeline to boost crisis counselling services;
• $150,000 for Gidget Foundation to provide counselling services for parents suffering from perinatal depression and anxiety.
• Free access for 8,000 new parents to the Tresillian SleepWell baby app, through a funding injection of $100,000.

• Kids Helpline will also be able to extend online wellbeing sessions to secondary schools with a funding boost of $300,000 and the Butterfly Foundation will also receive $300,000 to provide additional support for young people with or at risk of an eating disorder and their carers.
  “In the past year we have seen a rise in self harm, we want to make sure the feeling of isolation doesn’t add to this, so this funding ensures the services can cope with increased demand for mental health support.”

Customers and businesses are reminded that from today the use of the NSW Government’s COVID-Safe Check-In will be mandatory at most workplaces and retail businesses in the State.
Minister for Digital and Customer Service Victor Dominello said check-in information from these additional venues is critical to support the work of NSW Health contact tracing teams in the fight against the highly contagious Delta variant of COVID-19.
“This is a proportionate and critical step in bringing the pandemic under control and getting the community out of lockdown. We need to think of checking in as a reflex action when visiting venues,” Mr Dominello said.
“These measures will enable us to identify exposure sites with greater precision and speed and ensure contact tracers have instant access to reliable customer records to help keep the community safe.
“The Service NSW app is easy to use, safe and fast. It only takes seconds to scan the QR code and for businesses to check the green tick.”
The expanded check-in rules will also apply to staff and visitors such as maintenance workers, cleaners, and delivery drivers.
Hospitality businesses will also need to extend the use of the COVID-Safe Check-In to all customers including for takeaway orders.
Businesses that fail to comply with the new Public Health Order requirements may be subject to fines and in case of repeated breaches, temporary closure orders.
“While most businesses and customers do the right thing, anything less than gold standard is not good enough. We have a shared responsibility to keep the community safe,” Mr Dominello said.
“We will not tolerate businesses and customers who refuse to comply with the mandate. Inspectors have been asked to monitor the situation alongside the NSW Police.
“Customers are ready for this. There are more than 5.7 million active users of the Service NSW app, which is the overwhelming majority of the adult population.”
The information captured by the COVID-Safe Check-In can only be accessed by NSW Health for the purpose of contact tracing. It is deleted after 28 days.
More information regarding the expanded COVID-Safe Check In mandate including affected businesses and industries can be found on nsw.gov.au.
Businesses who need to register for the NSW Government QR code can find the application form and more information at https://www.nsw.gov.au/register-your-business-as-covid-safe
For those without a digital device, businesses must provide a tablet or other device to assist customers complete the online check in form.

Drivers are being reminded to slow down and take extra care with school zones back in force across New South Wales from today.
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said while most students in Greater Sydney are learning from home this week, schools remain open for those who need to attend and school zones are still enforced from the first day of term.
“The 40 kilometre an hour school zones are now in force and we need everyone to be vigilant as schools will remain open for students and families who need it,” Mr Constance said.
“Drivers will need to slow down and stick to the reduced speed limit. It’s also important to remember when you see those flashing lights on the back of a bus, slow down and keep an eye out for children.”
Executive Director of the Centre for Road Safety Bernard Carlon said while school zones are one of the safest places on the road network, there have been two school zone crashes over the past two years, resulting in the deaths of two children.
“Students in regional NSW are back in the classroom this week and its important drivers remember the zones are in place at all schools across the state from this morning, even if there is a pupil free day,” Mr Carlon said.
“Every NSW school has at least one set of flashing lights to help keep children safe around schools but we still need everyone to pay extra attention when driving in these zones.”
Higher fines and demerit points also apply to certain driving and parking offences committed within school zones.
The Government is also investing $18.5 million to provide 300 new School Crossing Supervisors, 275 of which are already on the ground offering more protection for children and improved visibility of crossings for drivers.

More than a thousand schools now have access to extra equipment to assist online learning for the start of Term 3.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said a major operation has been undertaken so that thousands of devices and supplies are available for schools across the state.
“We have acquired an additional 12,000 devices and are currently distributing thousands of them to the schools that need them,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Last term, we surveyed schools to make sure they were still prepared for learning from home. This proactive approach allowed us to identify and rapidly plug any gaps in technology access, devices, and support in our schools.
“I’m confident in our schools’ ability to continue managing the pandemic, and in our teachers’ commitment to putting the education of their students first.”
The Department of Education has secured an additional 7000 laptops and 5000 dongles. This is in addition to the more than 13,000 devices and 8,000 dongles provided to support learning from home in 2020.
“We are working with vendors to secure even more equipment, should it be required,” Ms Mitchell said.
More hygiene and safety supplies are also being sent to schools across NSW so they can operate in a COVID-Safe way throughout the Term.
“All schools are receiving top-up supplies for Term 3, including packs of masks, hand sanitiser and surface wipes,” Ms Mitchell said.
“The health of students and staff during the pandemic has always been our priority, and parents should feel confident their child’s school is well equipped to keep them as safe as possible.”
Deliveries are underway and all schools will receive a starter pack by today.
In total, these include approximately:

• Masks –  440,000
• Hand sanitiser – 250,000 bottles
• Wipes – 320,000 wipes
• Gloves – 320,000 wipes
• Hand Soap – 130,000 bottles

An additional 9.3 million masks will be sent to schools across the state by the end of next week.

Police have issued more than 100 Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) for breaches of the Public Health Act in 24 hours, including 30 related to three separate gatherings.
About 3.30pm yesterday (Saturday 10 July 2021), officers from Inner West Police Area Command received information that a group had gathered at a premises on Marrickville Road, Marrickville.
Police attended and found 15 men sitting around a table playing cards in a smoke-filled room.
The men – aged between 56 and 89 – were all issued $1000 PINs for fail to comply with noticed direction 7/8/9 COVID-19 and directed to return home.
Just after 11pm, officers from Cumberland Police Area Command attended an underground carpark on Arthur Street, Merrylands West, following a noise complaint.
On arrival, police could hear music and voices coming from behind a closed garage door. When the occupants opened the door, it revealed five men in their 20s, playing PlayStation.
The men, who were from various suburbs across Sydney, were directed to return home immediately and will be issued with $1000 PINs.
In a third incident, Auburn Police attended a unit on Olympic Boulevarde at Sydney Olympic Park, about 12.30am today (Sunday 11 July 2021), after reports of a party.
Police located ten people, aged between 18 and 20, hiding throughout the unit and established they were celebrating an 18^th birthday stating they were unaware of the current public health orders.
After advising partygoers they’d all receive $1000 PINs, police shut the party down and sent them home.
State Emergency Operations Controller, Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys, said people are still making a conscious decision to not stay at home and not comply with the Public Health Orders.
“These examples highlight incredibly selfish and irresponsible behaviour, which we cannot and will not tolerate,” Deputy Commissioner Worboys said.
“We have said all along police will be firm but fair, but we are now in the position where we need to be more firm than fair.
“Police will continue to be visible right across the state and we simply ask people to work with us and do the right thing.”
In total, 106 PINs were issued yesterday, with 43 of those $200 infringements for failing to wear a fitted face covering.
A further 16 people were charged with failing to comply with Public Health Orders. All of those charges were associated with other criminal offences.
Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

High-visibility police operations are continuing across NSW to ensure compliance with current restrictions under the Public Health Act.
State Emergency Operations Controller, Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys, said the geography of the police operation would expand in line with the spread of cases across Sydney.
“By the accounts of police on the ground yesterday, there were high levels of compliance across Sydney’s south-west, which is promising for reducing the risk of contracting COVID in those areas,” Deputy Commissioner Worboys said.
“As we have seen an increase of cases in other areas, including Sutherland and Hurstville, we will be allocating resources to ensure compliance in those areas and surrounds.”
Further to the deployment across Sydney’s south-west, additional proactive operations were conducted across the Greater Sydney area.
Part of police operations in Sydney CBD includes conducting guest compliance checks at hotels and last night, six guests at a hotel on Kent Street were found to be in breach of the current public health orders. Checks revealed one woman – aged 26 – was wanted on an outstanding warrant and charged to appear in court today (Saturday 10 July 2021).
“Disappointingly, we did see some concerning incidents of people flouting the rules – including a gathering at a home at Randwick and a birthday party at The Entrance.
“This type of behaviour is nothing short of disrespectful – we’ve already seen how easily the virus spread following the unlawful party at Waterloo.”
About 1.20pm yesterday (Friday 9 July 2021), officers from Eastern Beaches Police Area Command attended a home on Arthur Street, Randwick, after being told of a potential gathering.
Police spoke with two men outside the property, one of whom said he was delivering a package, but did not have a package.
A total of eight men – aged between 31 and 50 – were located around the home, including one man hiding behind a shower curtain in the bathroom.
Inquiries revealed three men were residents, while the other five resided in Sydney’s south west. As all were breaching current Public Health Orders, all eight were issued $1000 Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs), with the five non-residents sent home.
About 9.40pm yesterday, officers from Tuggerah Lakes Police District responded to reports of a house party on Norberta Avenue, The Entrance.
On arrival, police spoke with six people – aged between 17 and 22 – who were drinking and celebrating an 18^th birthday, which was in breach of the Public Health Orders.
The 17-year-old girl was issued a warning under the Young Offenders Act, while the other five people were issued $1000 PINs.
In total, 167 PINs were issued yesterday, with 76 of those $200 infringements for failing to wear a fitted face covering.
A further ten people were charged with failing to comply with Public Health Orders. All of those charges were associated with other criminal offences.
Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Treasurer Dominic Perrottet today welcomed a package of measures announced by the Australian Banking Association (ABA) to support small businesses and homeowners affected by COVID-19 lockdowns.
The ABA package is aimed at helping eligible customers significantly impacted by restrictions, and includes up to three-month repayment deferrals for small businesses, refunds of merchant terminal fees for up to three months and loan deferrals on a month-by-month basis for eligible homeowners and small business customers.
“This is a vital step by the banking industry and a strong show of support for businesses and homeowners during a particularly tough period,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“It will help give peace of mind to many and shows that the banks are willing to work with people who are doing it tough and help find solutions.”
The ABA represents Australia’s largest financial institutions and it estimates the package may cover to up 98 percent of small businesses across the country.
“The banking industry recognises that keeping businesses in business, people in jobs and in their own homes is vital to the economy and our future,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Government, business and the community must all work together and the banks have acted quickly and shown leadership and a strong commitment to help.”
Mr Perrottet said the NSW Government continued to work with the broader business community to identify areas that most needed help, and would continue to build on the COVID-19 support package, which is worth up to $1.4 billion, announced last week.
The Government’s package includes support grants of between $5000 and $10,000 for eligible businesses impacted by the recent restrictions. Applications will open later in July. More information on eligibility criteria is available here.
More information on the ABA’s package of measures – which is subject to re-authorisation by the ACCC – is available here.

Given the growing number of infectious cases in the community and unlinked cases of community transmission, COVID-19 restrictions will be tightened across Greater Sydney including the Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Wollongong and Shellharbour.
From 5pm today (Friday, 9 July) the following additional restrictions will be in place:

• Outdoor public gatherings limited to two people (excluding members of the same household);
• People must stay in their Local Government Area or within 10kms of home for exercise and outdoor recreation, with no carpooling between non-household members;
• Browsing in shops is prohibited, plus only one person per household, per day may leave the home for shopping;
• Funerals limited to ten people in total (this will take effect from Sunday, 11 July).

The four reasons to leave your home remain in place:

• Shopping for food or other essential goods and services (one person only);
• Medical care or compassionate needs (only one visitor can enter another residence to fulfil carers’ responsibilities or provide care or assistance, or for compassionate reasons);
• Exercise with no more than 2 (unless members of the same household);
• Essential work, or education, where you cannot work or study from home.

Restrictions in regional NSW will remain unchanged.
These tightened restrictions are based on health advice from the Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant.
They are necessary due to the increasing number of unlinked cases in the community.
We understand this is a difficult time for the community and businesses. We thank them for their understanding and patience.
High testing numbers are key to finding unrecognised chains of transmission in the community, so please continue to come forward for a COVID-19 test, even if you have the mildest of symptoms.
For the latest information visit www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19

Based on Health advice, the first week of Term 3 for schools in NSW will either be under a learning from home model or with strict COVID restrictions.
Beyond the first week of Term 3 strict COVID safe restrictions will be in place.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said she understood it was a challenging time for students, staff and parents, but she has complete confidence that schools are prepared to manage the restrictions.
“For the first week of Term 3 we will have different settings in schools impacted by the stay-at-home orders to those that are not,” Ms Mitchell said.
For schools inside areas impacted by the stay-at-home orders (Greater Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Wollongong and Shellharbour):

• For the first four days of Term 3 students will be learning from home.
• This will stay in place until Friday 16 July.
• Schools will remain open for students and families who need it.
• Masks will be required for all staff in all school settings, and students from Year 7 upwards.

For schools outside areas impacted by the stay-at-home orders (Regional NSW):

• For the first week of Term 3 students will be back at school for face to face learning.
• Schools will restrict non-essential visitors at school sites, including parents.
• Adjustments will be made to some activities, such as choir and band.
• Masks will be recommended for all staff in all school settings, and students from Year 7 upwards.

“All students across NSW will return to face to face learning from Monday 19 July,” Ms Mitchell said.
Schools across areas impacted by stay-at-home orders are ready to operate learning from home for their students.
“All schools recently completed a readiness assessment to prepare for any potential return to learning from home,” Ms Mitchell said.
“I’m confident our schools are prepared for learning from home for the first four days of Term 3, using combinations of digital and printed learning packs similar to those used last year.”
The HSC continues as planned, with the HSC oral language, performance and practical exams scheduled to go ahead in Term 3 and written exams in Term 4.
“To our HSC students I say please stay calm, focus on your studies and look after each other.
“NESA has arrangements in place to ensure no student is disadvantaged if they have been unable to work on HSC major projects during the holiday period, or they are affected by extended stay-at-home orders.”
More information is available at: https://education.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/advice-for-families

Police across the state are continuing to conduct compliance operations targeting metropolitan residents travelling to regional NSW in contravention of Public Health Orders.
State Emergency Operations Controller, Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys, said now is not the time to move out of Greater Sydney.
“We want to make it clear that police in Greater Sydney and our regional locations are sharing information and will continue to patrol transport hubs to check that people are complying with the stay-at-home direction,” Deputy Commissioner Worboys said.
Of note, about 10pm yesterday (Wednesday 7 July 2021), officers from Orana Mid-Western Police District spoke to a 38-year-old man on Denison Street, Mudgee, following reports from a member of the public he was acting suspiciously.
Inquiries revealed the man, from Kingswood, had travelled from Penrith Railway Station to Lithgow Railway Station, before boarding a bus to Mudgee earlier the same day to meet a person he had met on social media.
He was subsequently issued a $1000 Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN) for travel from Metropolitan Sydney area to NSW outside area.
In a separate incident, police are appealing for information after reports a 51-year-old man was spat on by an unknown man at a hardware store on the corner of Pennant Hills Road and Phyllis Avenue, Thornleigh, just before 7am yesterday.
Officers from Kuring-Gai Police Area Command have been told the man was waiting to be served when he spoke to another man, who was not wearing a mask.
Staff intervened and as the man was leaving the store, he spat on the other man.
Investigations are continuing.
In total, 56 PINs were issued yesterday and of those 26 were $200 infringements for failing to wear a fitted face covering.
Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any ministerial direction or behaviour which may impact on the health and safety of the community.
Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.