Category: NSW News

More than 146,000 people across NSW are now benefiting from services and supports under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) three years on from the full implementation of the world-leading reform.
Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Alister Henskens said NSW was the first state to sign up to the NDIS, leading the nation in early trial sites and then the full rollout. The NSW Government will contribute $3.6 billion to the NDIS this year.
“Since trials of the NDIS started in the Hunter in 2013, approximately $30 billion in reasonable and necessary supports has been committed for people with disability in NSW,” Mr Henskens said.
“The NDIS gives hope and greater independence through choice over the supports people with disability receive so they can live happy and healthy lives, with opportunities for social and economic participation.
“The voices of people with a disability, their families and carers are very important to be heard with respect to the NDIS.  NSW will continue to advocate on their behalf to our Commonwealth, State and Territory counterparts as we work to improve the sustainability of this important social reform.”
Of the 146,000 participants accessing the NDIS, 80,000 people are receiving supports for the first time in their lives.
More than 68,000 participants in NSW are children and young people and of them, 22,000 are zero to six-year-olds who were not born when the NDIS trials commenced.
“In additional to delivering tremendous social outcomes for people with disability, the NDIS is also strengthening our economy, driving jobs and growth for organisations across our state,” Mr Henskens said.
“There are currently more than 4,000 service providers operating in the disability sector, many of them achieving exponential growth as a result of the NDIS.”
For more information about the NDIS, visit www.ndis.gov.au.

Ten NSW manufacturers have received a share in $5 million of NSW Government funding to produce personal protective equipment (PPE) to support domestic and international markets through COVID-19 and boost local jobs.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the grants of up to $500,000 each have enabled the production of face masks, gloves, disinfectant and medical-grade handwash and soap.
“When COVID-19 first hit last year, we realised how important it was for Australia to reduce its dependence on PPE imports and to shore up local manufacturing for our future needs,” Mr Barilaro said.
“The demand for PPE remains high both here and internationally and the NSW Government is pleased to support our local businesses to pivot from their traditional practices and produce the materials desperately needed for export.
“NSW’s management of COVID-19 has provided an opportunity for innovative home-grown businesses to not only support Australian citizens with PPE, but to export these critical products to our international neighbours.
“These grants are supporting companies across NSW, including five regional businesses, to create new jobs, boost local economies and strengthen our manufacturing export capability in the longer-term.”
Envirus is a new joint venture enabled by the funding between Newcastle-based industrial PPE manufacturer Maddison Safety and wetsuit manufacturer Sharkskin International.
The funding has supported the businesses to purchase additional machinery and equipment to increase their capacity to retool and produce P2 face masks, with Sharkskin focusing on the business to customer market and Maddison Safety the business to business market.
Tim Maddison, Managing Director, Maddison Safety and Shane Holiday, Managing Director, Sharkskin International said that this is a great initiative for Australian manufacturing.
“The grant has supplemented the investment we made during the height of COVID in 2020, helping us to purchase new machinery and secure more staff and training to keep up with demand,” Mr Maddison said.
“While COVID-19 has impacted domestic business in our traditional markets Sharkskin International’s Domestic Manufacturing of PPE grant will help the business to scale-up production and further pursue international markets,” added Mr Holiday.

Driver journeys through Bankstown have improved after the Stacey Street and Fairford Road upgrade opened to traffic.
Minister for Roads Andrew Constance said the extra lane in each direction and extended right-hand turns would improve journey times along this important corridor and also have benefits for the surrounding streets.
“This work was funded by the NSW Government’s $300 million Gateway to the South Pinch Point Program, which is focused on work that eases congestion and improves journey reliability on Sydney’s key western corridors,” Mr Constance said.
“Drivers will notice a more efficient journey through this part of Bankstown, as well as on the streets connecting to these key arterial roads.
“With construction works now complete, people should drive to the standard speed limit and follow the directions of traffic signs.”
Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the upgrades would help streamline traffic, bust congestion and assist drivers when having to cross traffic.
“It’s great for traffic flow because this upgrade has provided an additional lane in each direction between Macauley Avenue and Stanley Street. It has also seen an extended right-hand turn bay from Stacey Street southbound into Stanley Street and an additional right-hand turn bay from Stacey Street southbound into Macauley Avenue.
“A new bus lane will further assist traffic turning right from Macauley Avenue on to Fairford Road,” Mr Ayres said.
A new signalised pedestrian crossing has been installed at Salvia Avenue while the existing pedestrian crossing at the intersection of Stacey Street and Macauley Avenue has been relocated from the southern to the northern side of the intersection.
Transport for NSW has thanked nearby residents, Canterbury Bankstown Council and the entire community for their goodwill, patience and support over the life of this project.

Households and small businesses impacted by the mouse plague across regional NSW can now claim rebates as part of the NSW Government’s $150 million Mouse Control Program by visiting the Service NSW website.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said eligible households can claim up to $500 and small businesses up to $1,000 to help meet the cost of mouse baits, traps and cleaning materials bought after 1 February 2021.
“These rodents haven’t just impacted farmers and crops, they have also been a scourge on homes and businesses right across the regions,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Fighting this plague has come at a financial cost and this rebate is putting money back in the pockets of hard-working families and business owners.
“Claiming rebates is simple but you can only claim once, so I encourage residents and small business owners who have spent close to the maximum amount available to visit the Service NSW website today.”
Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall said primary producers who lived where theyworked could claim a single rebate of up to $1,000 to help meet the cost of protecting their premises.
“Farmers know how to protect their crops and are well prepared to meet a potential mouse surge as we draw closer to the spring harvest and this rebate will help them to also safeguard their homes,” Mr Marshall said.
“By the end of the month, primary producers will also be able to claim a 50 per cent rebate on purchases of zinc phosphide based bait, to a maximum of $10,000, through the Rural Assistance Authority.”
Eligible customers can make a claim for the household or small business rebate via the Service NSW website, where they can upload receipts for mouse bait, trap and cleaning purchases dating back to 1 February 2021.
Customers wanting to claim the rebate by calling the Service NSW hotline should expect longer than usual call waiting times, due to the current COVID-19 situation. For further details about the mouse rebate program, including eligibility and the claims process, go to www.nsw.gov.au/mice.

The next round of the NSW Government’s Infrastructure Grants program opens today, with community organisations impacted by COVID-19 encouraged to apply for funding.
The NSW Government offers grants to communities across NSW to support the building, renovation and fit-out of local community infrastructure. Each year $12.5 million is available for projects across arts and culture, sport and recreation infrastructure and projects that assist communities with essential infrastructure and disaster readiness.
Minister for Digital and Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello >said the impacts of COVID-19 are still being widely felt and support for community organisations will remain a priority for this latest round.
“Community organisations play an invaluable role in promoting social inclusion, participation and boosting local economies,” Mr Dominello said.
“Community infrastructure is now a standalone category and it can be used for spaces like halls and meeting rooms, community transport, and infrastructure that supports youth, disability, mental health, homelessness, and domestic violence services.
“During the pandemic, some communities have struggled to maintain sports, cultural and other social activities. Now is an opportunity for local organisations to apply for funding that enables them to strengthen and grow.”
Infrastructure Grants are made possible through the NSW Government’s Clubgrants Category 3 Fund, which reinvests a contribution from the state’s registered clubs gaming machine profits back into community projects.
To be eligible for funding, applications must meet eligibility conditions including, the project location, the applicant and project benefit, purpose and development status. There is also a requirement for local government applicants to match funding.
Infrastructure Grants can be used toward the costs of construction, alteration, renovation, completion and fit-out of buildings and community infrastructure in the following categories:

• Arts & Culture: $50,000 to $200,000 available per project
• Community Infrastructure: $10,000 to $200,000 available per project
• Disaster Readiness: $10,000 to $200,000 available per project
• Sport & Recreation: $50,000 to $300,000 available per project

Since 2015, the NSW Government has funded more than 441 community projects worth $73 million under the Infrastructure Grants program.

The last of the NSW Government’s 41 Waratah Series 2 trains has entered service, on the 10^th anniversary of the original Waratah series hitting the tracks.
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said the new trains will help support future patronage growth across the network, and will be more comfortable and reliable for passengers.
“We based the design of our Waratah Series 2 trains on the original Waratahs which meant we could get the new trains on the network in record time,” Mr Constance said.
“The introduction of the Waratah Series 2 fleet also led to the retirement of the S-Sets after almost 50 years in service, which means 100 per cent of the Sydney Trains fleet is now air conditioned.”
“The new Waratah also feature high definition customer information screens, internal and external CCTV, priority seating, wheelchair spaces and hearing aid loops.”
Sydney Trains Chief Executive Matt Longland said the initial order of 24 trains Waratah Series 2 trains was placed in late 2016, before the size of the fleet was increased to 41 in February 2019.
“The time between the delivery of the first and the last of the additional 17 Waratah Series 2 trains was just 302 days,” Mr Longland said.
“This Waratah fleet is the workhorse of our network and has not only proven to be the most reliable double deck train in Australia but is clearly a favourite with our customers.
“We want to thank those behind the scenes at the Auburn Maintenance Centre, who have played a huge part in this successful rollout, as well as the ongoing maintenance and training of our crew.”

A 14th person has been issued with a $1000 fine after further investigations into a gathering at a home in Shellharbour at the weekend.
Officers from Lake Illawarra Police District attended the home about 9.40pm Saturday (3 July 2021), responding to reports of visitors at the location. One woman and 12 men, aged between 21 and 30, were issued with Penalty infringement Notices (PINs) for breaching stay at home directions.
Following inquiries, another 30-year-old man was identified today (Monday 5 July 2021), as being at the home; he has now been issued with a $1000 PIN for breaching a stay at home direction.
Police are concerned the community doesn’t become complacent about complying with Public Health Act guidelines, as residents of Greater Sydney, Wollongong and the Central Coast enter their second week under a stay at home direction.
Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys said he wanted to thank the overwhelming majority of people who are complying with the PHO directions.
“I’d like to thank everyone who is doing the right thing and complying with the directions; these people are aware of the risks and are demonstrating they care for their community and are making the job of police easier,” he said.
With 125 PINs issued in the past 24 hours across the designated area, police are finding many of the fines are being issued to groups of people gathering in breach of the current Public Health Order.
Complaints from members of the public have led to 10 men being issued with PINs of $1000 each after they were found gathered in a home in Fairfield Heights at the weekend.
About 11.45pm on Saturday 3 July 2021, officers from Fairfield City Police Area Command were called to a unit at The Boulevarde, Fairfield Heights, where police found 10 men – who were not residents – inside.
They have each been issued a $1000 PIN for fail to comply with PHO and given a direction by police to return to their homes immediately.
Complaints from the public have also resulted in two men again being arrested at a fruit store in Mascot about 6.30pm yesterday (Sunday 4 July 2021). Officers from South Sydney Police Area Command charged the owner with ‘not wear fitted face covering in retail business’ and ‘not ensure hospitality worker wear fitted face mask.’ The employee was charged with ‘not wear fitted face covering in retail business.’ Both men were granted conditional bail and will appear at Downing Centre Local Court on Monday 19 July 2021
Officers from Raymond Terrace Highway Patrol stopped a sedan on Adelaide Street at Raymond Terrace about 6.40pm yesterday, and spoke with the occupants. The men, aged 24 and 26 from Liverpool, were issued a $1000 PIN for breaching the stay at home direction, and failing to wear a face covering. The driver was also issued a number of penalty notices for defects to his vehicle. Both men were given a direction by police to return to their homes immediately.
On Day 10 of the stay at home direction, the Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott reminds the community to abide by the health orders.
“It is disappointing to see so many people ignoring the rules and putting the health of our community at risk,” Mr Elliott said.
“We must not get complacent with the health orders and must continue to work to stop the spread of this virus.”
In total, 125 PINs were issued yesterday and of those 45 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.

An unregistered car parked in a ‘no stopping’ zone in a Central West town has led police to issue $1000 fines to three Sydney people who breached Public Health Orders overnight.
Officers from Orana Mid-Western Police District noticed an unregistered car parked in a no parking zone outside a hotel on Bolaro Street at Dunedoo, 90km north-east of Dubbo, about 8.50pm (Saturday 3 July 2021).
They identified the driver and discovered he was one of three people who’d travelled from Sydney that day and were booked to spend the night in the town. A 44-year-old man from Haberfield, a 51-year-old man from Fairfield West and a 38-year-old woman from Burwood have now been issued $1000 PINs for not comply with noticed direction 7/8/9 Covid-19. They have also been issued traffic infringement notices for driving an unregistered vehicle and being parked in a ‘no stopping’ zone.
Four people were yesterday each issued with $1000 PINs after being stopped by Chifley Highway Patrol at Little Hartley, about 150km west of their home in Maroubra. Officers stopped the group – two women aged 23 and 25, and two men aged 25 – on the Great Western Highway about 9am (Saturday 3 July 2021). All four were directed to return to Sydney.
The owner of a Mascot fruit shop and an employee of the same shop were also issued with PINs for breaching the PHO overnight. Officers from South Sydney Police Area Command attended a fruit shop on King Street, Mascot, about 6.30pm, after receiving complaints from the public the business was not using QR sign-in protocols and staff were not wearing masks.
Police spoke with the owner, a 57-year-old man, and an employee, a 26-year-old man, neither of whom were wearing masks. The older man was issued a penalty notice for not comply with noticed direction 7/8/9 Covid 19, while the younger man was issued a penalty notice for not wear fitted face covering in retail/business premises. They have been fined $1000 and $200 respectively.
Staff from a store in Bowral have also been charged with further breaches of the Public Health Act after officers attached to The Hume PD conducted a compliance check yesterday, and found 20 people inside allegedly not wearing face masks. Police requested those not consuming food or drink to put a face mask on; however, will allege the female staff, aged 62 and 43, refused. They were arrested and taken to Southern Highlands Police Station where they were charged with not wear fitted face covering in retail/business premises. They’ve been bailed to appear in Moss Vale Local Court on Tuesday 17 August 2021.
In total, 86 PINs were issued yesterday and of those 55 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.

Thirteen people will be issued PINs after breaching the Public Health Act at Shellharbour yesterday.
About 9.40pm (Saturday 3 July 2021), officers from Lake Illawarra Police District attended a Shellharbour home, following reports of visitors at the home.
Police spoke to the residents, a 30-year-old man and a 29-year-old woman.
Four men – aged 21, 30, and two aged 24 – were also spoken to and it was determined they were not residents. They were all given directions to leave and return to their homes.
Following inquiries, police have since spoken to a further seven men – aged 26, 28, two aged 30 and three aged 25 – who had also attended the home.
The 11 visitors were unable to provide a valid reason for being away from home and they along with the two homeowners will be receiving $1000 PINS for breaching the Public Health Order.
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.

A man charged with assaulting police after breaches of the Public Health Act were detected in the Southern Highlands earlier this week, has had more charges laid.
A 63-year-old man and two women, aged 62 and 43, were arrested on Thursday (1 July 2021), after complaints were made that staff at a Bowral cafe were not wearing masks.
All were taken to Southern Highlands Police Station where the man was charged with assault officer in execution of duty, resist officer in execution of duty, and incite to resist/hinder police officer in execution duty; he’s due to appear in Moss Vale Local Court on Tuesday 3 August 2021.
Following further inquiries, the 63-year-old man was yesterday (Friday 2 July 2021), charged with not comply with the no spitting/coughing direction. He was also served with a $200 PIN for not wear fitted face covering when in indoor area of retail/business premises.
The 62-year-old woman has been charged with hinder police in the execution of duty (two counts), and fail to provide name and address. She was also issued a Future Court Appearance Notice (FCAN) not wear fitted face covering when in indoor area of retail/business premises.
In addition, a 43-year-old woman was issued a FCAN for not wear face mask covering in retail/business premises, and fail to provide name and address. Both women are due to appear at Moss Vale Local Court on Tuesday 17 August 2021.
About 4.30pm yesterday, three men – two aged 21 and one aged 23 – from Merrylands and Auburn, attended Jenolan Caves and attempted to purchase tickets for a tour. Staff requested the group to leave on establishing they were from Sydney and police were notified. A short time later, police stopped their vehicle and when asked why they had travelled there, allegedly said they were bored. They were each issued with $1000 PINs and directed to return to Sydney.
On Wednesday (30 June 2021), police attended a café on Snowy Valley Way, Jindabyne, after numerous Crime Stoppers reports in relation to breaches of COVID-19 health orders. The owners – a 32-year-old woman and 33-year-old man – were arrested and charged for not wear fitted face covering in retail business. They were given conditional bail; however, officers attended the café again yesterday (Friday 2 July 2021), and again found no face coverings being worn by members of the public, no QR code and no sign-in sheet. The owners have been issued $1000 PINs for PHO breaches.
They were also issued a Future Court Attendance Notice for breach of bail conditions and are due to appear at Cooma Local Court on Thursday 5 August 2021. Police applied to the Department of Health seeking a Closure Order on the premises. A “show cause” notice was issued yesterday to the owners as to why the café should not be closed.
Seven people – five men and two women – have each been issued with a $1000 PIN for breaching PHO, for being out of home without reasonable excuse, after officers from Tuggerah Lakes Police District were alerted to a group of people gathered in an industrial estate yesterday.
Police investigating a reported breach of the PHO at a hair salon at Rockdale, have fined the business $5000 and two customers $1000 each. Following information provided, officers from St George PAC went to the business on the Princes Highway about 5.10pm yesterday (Friday 2 July 2021), and found a customer having her hair coloured, with a second customer arriving while police were there. All have been issued with PINS.
Following further inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the travel of an organised group who were detected at a Dubbo zoo earlier this week (Monday 28 June 2021), all 128 travellers have received a caution under the Public Health Act. The investigation is now finalised.
In total, 78 PINs were issued yesterday and of those 48 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.