Category: NSW News

Two women have been charged after further breaches of the Public Health Act were detected at a café in the Southern Highlands today.
About 11.45am (Saturday 3 July 2021), officers attached to The Hume Police District attended a food store on Bowral Street, Bowral, to ensure compliance with the current Public Health Orders.
Police observed 20 people at the store – including two female employees serving customers – allegedly not wearing face masks while inside the premises.
Police requested staff and customers, not consuming food or drink, to put a face mask on.
The employees expressed they had no intention of complying and the two women, aged 62 and 43, were arrested and taken to Southern Highlands Police Station.
Both women were charged with not wear fitted face covering in retail/business premises and will face court at a later date.
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.

MASS VACCINATION ROLLOUT BOOST

• The NSW Government will establish two new mass vaccination centres, plus a large clinic in the heart of the city in preparation for a larger supply of Pfizer vaccines, boosting the NSW contribution to the Federal Government’s vaccine rollout.
• The new sites add to the NSW Health 100 vaccination clinics and outreach locations across the state.
• The NSW Health vaccination sites complement the GP Network, which has and will continue to deliver the majority of COVID-19 vaccines across NSW.
• Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the NSW Government is ready and willing to support getting vaccine doses out as quickly and as safely as possible.
• One of the new mass vaccination centres will be established in South West Sydney at an old Coles building in Macquarie Fields, the other will be in the Illawarra in a former David Jones building on Crown Street in Wollongong – together they will deliver tens of thousands of additional jabs each

NSW PHARMACIES TO JOIN VACCINE ROLLOUT

• Twenty-two pharmacies across regional and rural NSW will begin administering the AstraZeneca jab as part of a pilot program, in another boost to the vaccine rollout.
• The first pharmacies to administer the COVID-19 vaccine in NSW will be available from mid-July for people 60 and over and are located where access to a GP or vaccine clinic is more limited due to geography.
• It is expected additional pharmacies will join the COVID-19 vaccination program in the future. This also paves the way for pharmacies to further assist NSW in supporting the Commonwealth Government’s rollout of COVID-19 vaccines.

MAJOR NEW COVID-19 SUPPORT PACKAGE TO HELP TENS OF THOUSANDS OF BUSINESSES ACROSS NSW

• The NSW Government announced a major new grants package and changes to the Dine & Discover program to help tens of thousands of small businesses and people across NSW impacted by the current COVID-19 restrictions.
• The package includes grants of between $5,000 and $10,000 for small businesses, payroll tax deferrals for all employers, an extension of the Dine & Discover program to 31 August and the ability for people to use Dine & Discover vouchers for takeaway delivered directly to their home by the venue itself.
• More information on the small business support grants and changes to the Dine & Discover program is available shortly on the Service NSW website.

COVID CHECK-IN MANDATE EXPANDED

• Use of the Service NSW QR code will be mandatory at all workplaces and retail businesses from Monday 12 July.
• Minister for Digital and Customer Service Victor Dominello said expanding the mandate would give NSW Health contact tracers real-time access to QR code data from a greater number of venues including supermarkets, retail stores, gyms and offices.
• 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 visitors without a digital device, other check-in forms must be available.

DO NOT TRAVEL WITHOUT A VALID EXCUSE DURING LOCKDOWN

• Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott is reminding the community that police officers will be out in full force enforcing the Public Health Orders to ensure citizens, including our most vulnerable, are protected against the evolving Delta variant of COVID-19.
• Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19 related direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers (http://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au).
• The latest Public Health Orders and related information can be accessed here.

OVERSEAS AGRICULTURAL WORKERS HOTEL QUARANTINE SUBSIDY EXTENDED

• The NSW Government will extend a subsidy for half the quarantine costs of overseas agricultural workers into the 2021/22 financial year, Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall announced.
• Mr Marshall said workers entering the country under the Pacific Labour Scheme (PLS) or Seasonal Worker Program (SWP) were eligible for a 50 per cent subsidy of the cost of quarantine.
• Mandatory hotel quarantine remains a critical part of the state’s COVID defence and all international arrivals are required to enter hotel quarantine in accordance with the Public Health Orders.
• All seasonal workers approved to quarantine in NSW are eligible for the subsidy, provided the majority of their work is undertaken in NSW.

A man has been charged with assaulting police after breaches of the Public Health Act were detected in the Southern Highlands yesterday.
About 12.15pm (Thursday 1 July 2021), officers attached to The Hume Police District attended a food store on Bowral Street, Bowral, following reports that staff and customers were not complying with Public Health Orders.
Police observed employees and customers not wearing a face mask while inside the premises and spoke with the manager, a 62-year-old woman.
She stated she had no intentions of complying with the current orders and was arrested after refusing to provide police her details.
A female customer, aged 61, entered the store not wearing a face mask. Police requested the woman put a mask on or leave the store, but she refused.
The employee intervened, demanding police leave and both women were arrested.
As officers escorted the women outside to a police vehicle, they were confronted by a man who yelled at officers before pulling down the face mask of a sergeant.
The 63-year-old man was also arrested and all three were taken to Southern Highlands Police Station.
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 was given conditional bail to appear at Moss Vale Local Court on Tuesday 3 August 2021.
The two women were later released with the younger woman issued a $200 PIN for not wear fitted face covering when in indoor area of retail/business premises.
Further charges and infringements are expected with inquiries continuing into additional Public Health Order breaches.
In separate incidents, two barbers have each been issued a $1000 PIN after continuing to operate in breach of the Public Health Order.
About 4pm, officers from South Sydney Police Area Command attended a barber shop on Maloney Street, Eastlakes, and spoke with the barber, a 38-year-old man.
About 6.30pm, officers from Campsie Police Area Command attended a barber shop on Beamish Street, Campsie, and spoke with the barber, a 30-year-old man, who was in the process of cutting a customer’s hair.
The stores were operating in breach of the Public Order Health Order, with customers receiving hair cuts at the time.
Both men were issued a $1000 PIN for fail to comply with noticed direction (other than a
face covering breach) – individual. A customer at the Campsie store was also issued a $200 PIN for not wear fitted face covering when in indoor area of retail/business premises.
Further, a man and woman – both aged 19 – from Sydney have each been issued a $1000 PIN after they were refused entry to a zoo in Dubbo yesterday. Staff immediately notified police after they established the couple had travelled from Sydney and visited a number of regional locations since Sunday 20 June.
Police attended the zoo and escorted them to a COVID-19 testing facility, before they were instructed to immediately return to Sydney and isolate.
In total, 75 PINs were issued yesterday and of those 46 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.

The Berejiklian Government will establish two new mass vaccination centres, plus a large clinic in the heart of the city in preparation for a larger supply of Pfizer vaccines, boosting the NSW contribution to the Federal Government’s vaccine rollout.
The new sites add to the NSW Health 100 vaccination clinics and outreach locations across the state.
The NSW Health vaccination sites complement the GP Network, which has and will continue to deliver the majority of COVID-19 vaccines across NSW.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the NSW Government is ready and willing to support getting vaccine doses out as quickly and as safely as possible.
“In NSW we have a sense of urgency about getting jabs in arms, because once the vast majority of our population is vaccinated, we can start a conversation about reaching a ‘covid-normal’ state,” Ms Berejiklian said.
One of the new mass vaccination centres will be established in South West Sydney at an old Coles building in Macquarie Fields, the other will be in the Illawarra in a former David Jones building on Crown Street in Wollongong – together they will deliver tens of thousands of additional jabs each week.
They are in addition to the state’s nation-leading hub at Sydney Olympic Park, plus a second mass vaccination centre in the Hunter Region, due to open within weeks.
In addition, a Sydney City vaccination hub site has been secured close to light and heavy rail lines that will serve city workers and residents through extended opening hours.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the rapid development of sites is a credit to the hard work of local staff in health districts across the state.
“NSW is increasing access to vaccination in ever expanding numbers of local communities, with hundreds of NSW Health staff expected to be on site at the opened clinics,” Mr Hazzard said.
Each NSW Health mass vaccination centre will follow ATAGI advice and administer AstraZeneca to people 60 years and over, as well as Pfizer to people 40 years and over (in addition to those in categories directed by the Federal Government as priorities).

Twenty-two pharmacies across regional and rural NSW will begin administering the AstraZeneca jab as part of a pilot program, in another boost to the vaccine rollout.
The first pharmacies to administer the COVID-19 vaccine in NSW will be available from mid-July for people 60 and over and are located where access to a GP or vaccine clinic is more limited due to geography.
They are located in regional towns, including Gulgong, Narromine, Walcha, Dungog, Dunedoo and Merriwa.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said community pharmacists already have an important role in Australia’s vaccination program, administering vaccines including the yearly flu jab.
“We know that some of these communities have limited local access to general practitioner services and having these pharmacies involved will assist with the phased rollout of the AstraZeneca vaccine to these communities,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“This is a vital step to help ensure as many people in NSW as possible receive their COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said there is currently significant demand for vaccination bookings across NSW and this new pathway will make it easier for people right across the state to get their jab.
“I want to reassure the community that everyone in NSW who wants to be vaccinated, will be vaccinated as soon as possible when it’s their turn,” Mr Hazzard said.
Community pharmacies will need to meet certain standards in order to administer COVID-19 vaccines. These include:

• Must not supply or administer the vaccine to a person who is under the age of 60, or a patient with a contraindication or precaution to vaccination;
• Written consent from a patient;
• Mandatory training for vaccinators;
• Recording of each vaccination; and
• Conduct vaccinations under approved practice standards.

It is expected additional pharmacies will join the COVID-19 vaccination program in the future. This also paves the way for pharmacies to further assist NSW in supporting the Commonwealth Government’s rollout of COVID-19 vaccines.
Participating pharmacies

1. Pharmasave Baradine Pharmacy, 24 Wellington Street, Baradine
2. Bellingen Pharmacy, 70 Hyde Street, Bellingen
3. Capital Chemist Braidwood, 128 Wallace Street, Braidwood
4. Coraki Pharmacy, 55 Queen Elizabeth Drive, Coraki
5. Denman Pharmacy, 32 Ogilvie Street, Denman
6. Dorrigo Plateau Pharmacy, 67 Hickory Street, Dorrigo
7. Dunedoo Pharmacy, 86 Bolaro Street, Dunedoo
8. Williams Valley Pharmacy, 182 Dowling Street, Dungog
9.  Finley Pharmacy, 122-124 Murray Street, Finley
10. Gilgandra Pharmacy, 49 Miller Street, Gilgandra
11. Gulgong Dispensary, 119 Mayne Street, Gulgong
12. Guyra Pharmacy, 106 Bradley Street, Guyra
13. Soul Pattinson Chemist Kyogle, 111 Summerland Way, Kyogle
14. Marulan Pharmacy, 50-52 George Street, Marulan
15. Merriwa Pharmacy, 106 Bettington Street, Merriwa
16. Narromine Pharmacy, 53 Dandaloo Street, Narromine
17. Old Bar Pharmacy, 1/48 Old Bar road, Old Bar
18. Uralla Pharmacy, 72-74 Bridge Street, Uralla
19. The Urunga Pharmacy, 10 Bowra Sreet, Uranga
20. Kings Pharmacy, 10N Derby Street, Walcha
21. Wallerawang Pharmacy, 60A Main Street, Wallerawang
22. Wentworth Pharmacy, 15 Sandwych Street, Wentworth

Macquarie Park is set to be transformed into a world-class innovation district, creating tens of thousands of jobs and more than 7,500 new homes, with a new 20-year strategy now on public exhibition.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said it was an exciting day for one of Sydney’s leading employment centres.
“Our discussions with the local community and businesses have shaped this proposal to create a world-class precinct that will become an economic and employment powerhouse in Sydney,” Mr Stokes said.
“We’ve worked closely with the Greater Sydney Commission (GSC) and City of Ryde Council to deliver a dynamic vision for the future of Macquarie Park through to 2041 and beyond.”
The Macquarie Park Place Strategy plans for:

• 20,000 new jobs;
• Seven new neighbourhoods, delivered in stages, with up to 7,650 homes;
• More than 14 hectares of new parks, squares, plazas, cycleways, linear parks and 2.7 hectares of enhanced open space;
• Enhanced connection to Lane Cove National Park and increased tree canopy across the precinct.

The three Sydney Metro stations delivered in 2019 at Macquarie University, Macquarie Park and North Ryde have laid the foundations for growth in the early stages of the precinct’s construction.

Member for Ryde Victor Dominello said a strong pipeline of local infrastructure, including roads, schools, public transport, open spaces and sporting facilities, would underpin the strategy.
“Macquarie Park will be transformed into a modern hub that will be the backbone of the local economy for decades to come,” Mr Dominello said.
“The infrastructure being built across the Ryde electorate will support the continued growth of Macquarie Park as a health, education and technology jobs precinct.”
The GSC’s North District Commissioner Dr Deborah Dearing said the plans, developed under the State Infrastructure Services Assessment (SISA), are an important milestone.
“The SISA will ensure there’s a proper analysis of the infrastructure needs for Macquarie Park, alongside a place strategy and plan for growth,” Dr Dearing said.
The Macquarie Park Place Strategy is on exhibition until 10 August 2021.  For more information, visit www.planning.nsw.gov.au/macquariepark

Use of the Service NSW QR code will be mandatory at all workplaces and retail businesses from Monday 12 July.
Minister for Digital and Customer Service Victor Dominello said expanding the mandate would give NSW Health contact tracers real-time access to QR code data from a greater number of venues including supermarkets, retail stores, gyms and offices.
“This is about keeping customers and staff safe and getting all businesses open again as soon as possible,” Mr Dominello said.
“We know the Delta variant of COVID-19 moves quickly and we must do everything we can to get it under control.
“While many retail businesses, including large supermarkets and hardware chains, have voluntarily adopted the Service NSW QR code, this measure will ensure check-in rates are high across the board and contact tracers have access to reliable records.”
From 12 July, these businesses will need to display the Service NSW QR code and take reasonable steps to ensure people entering their premises check-in using the Service NSW QR codes or digital sign-in sheet:

• Retail businesses and supermarkets
• Individual shops within shopping centres
• Shopping centres will also be asked to display QR codes at entry points where practicable
• Gyms
• Offices, including call centres
• Manufacturing and warehousing
• Universities and TAFE
• Schools including teachers and visitors (such as parents and contractors) but excluding students.

Businesses such as hospitality and hairdressers that were already using the Service NSW QR code will also need to ensure staff and visitors such as maintenance workers and delivery drivers check-in, when they resume services after the lockdown period.
Hospitality businesses will now need to extend the use of the Service NSW COVID-Safe check-in to all customers including takeaway orders.
Businesses that fail to comply with the new health order requirements may be subject to fines and in case of flagrant breaches, temporary closure orders.
“There is no excuse not to check-in everywhere you can – businesses and customers all have a part to play to keep NSW safe,” Mr Dominello said.
“In the same way customers routinely check into cafes, restaurants and bars, we need them to adopt the same approach when visiting a supermarket, retail store and workplace.
“Inspectors have been asked to monitor the situation alongside the NSW Police.”
The Service NSW COVID-Safe check-in is easy for customers to use from within the Service NSW app.
There are more than 5.2 million active users of the Service NSW app.
The data captured by the Service NSW COVID-Safe check-in is only used for the purposes of contact tracing by NSW Health. It is deleted after 28 days.
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 visitors without a digital device, other check-in forms must be available.

Two women are among 59 people issued with PINs for breaching a public health order yesterday, after being caught more than 200km from their homes, allegedly without a reasonable excuse.
Just after 2pm yesterday (Tuesday 29 June 2021), police stopped a vehicle on Torrens Avenue, the Entrance, as it displayed Queensland registration plates.
A subsequent check of the woman’s driver’s licence revealed she lived in the Shellharbour area. When police asked her why she was in the area, she confirmed she was aware of the public health order but was on holiday.
The woman was arrested and taken to Wyong Police Station where she was issued a $1000 Penalty Infringement Notice for not comply with noticed direction re section 7/8/9 – COVID-19 and charged with an outstanding arrest warrant.
She was refused bail to appear before Wyong Local Court today (Wednesday 30 June 2021).
About 12pm yesterday, officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District spoke to a 26-year-old woman in the carpark of a hotel on Tomaree Street, Nelson Bay.
Police established the woman resided in Sydney’s CBD and that she was in the area to visit a friend.
She was subsequently issued a $1000 PIN and was directed to immediately return to Sydney.
State Emergency Operations Controller, Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys, said now is not the time for people in locked down areas to be travelling around the state.
“Can I be clear about this, if you’re from any area covered under the public health order, we don’t want to see you away from your home without a valid reason,” Deputy Commissioner Worboys said.
“Going on holiday is not a valid reason.
“Police are also concerned at the number of PINs we have issued for people not wearing masks on public transport. People need to know we will be out and about ensuring this is complied with.”
“It is imperative that everyone continues to follow the Public Health Orders and does not become complacent.”
In total, 59 PINs were issued yesterday and of those 43 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.
 

Construction has started on Australia’s largest combined BMX and mountain biking  hub in Western Sydney Parklands, which will host national competitions and become a major sporting hub in Western Sydney.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the $13.5 million, 86-hectare  Wylde BMX and Mountain Bike Facility was being delivered by the NSW Government and Liverpool City Council and led by the new Greater Sydney Parklands agency.
“Mountain bikers and BMX riders will soon be enjoying the biggest pump track in the Southern Hemisphere, which has a looped sequence of rollers and swoopy turns designed to maximise momentum,” Mr Stokes said.
“Western Sydney Parklands is fast-becoming Sydney’s most-loved cycling and biking hub with it’s incredible 60km network of tracks and trails.
“And with this stunning facility as an addition, I have no doubt it will attract people from all over Sydney and the whole of Australia.”
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said the new Wylde facility will be an improvement on the original facility, which attracts more than 30,000 visitors annually.
“When plans for the M12 were drawn up it created an opportunity to build a bigger and better Wylde facility and a new adventure precinct within the parklands,” Mr Constance said.
“Drivers will be getting better road connections to Western Sydney Airport and park users will be getting the best community bike facility in the country.”
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the sporting hub would further enhance leisure and lifestyle options for residents of and visitors to Western Sydney.
“This facility is a welcome addition to the mix of sporting and outdoor activities in Western Sydney and yet another example of our region getting it’s fair share of investment upgrades to important community facilities,” Mr Ayres said.
Liverpool City Council Mayor Wendy Waller said it would become a unique destination in the heart of southwest Sydney.
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Greater Sydney Parklands on this wonderful new community asset, which will allow the return of BMX racing to Liverpool following the closure of the Powell Park track in 2016,” Ms Waller said.
The new Wylde BMX and Mountain Bike Facility is expected to be open by December 2021. The first five new mountain bike trails will be open to ride from Saturday 3 July, weather permitting.
For more information, visit www.westernsydneyparklands.com.au

More domestic violence victim-survivors will benefit from enhanced frontline support thanks to a funding boost for 45 service providers across the state.
The NSW and Federal Governments today announced the recipients of the COVID-19 Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Infrastructure Grant Program, allocating service providers a share in $8.6 million to help more victim-survivors access critical help.
Attorney General and Minister for Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence Mark Speakman said the investment would fund 50 projects including upgrades at women’s shelters and new crisis accommodation with enhanced security.
“Our dedicated frontline services and their workers have been facing even greater challenges as a result of COVID-19,” Mr Speakman said.
“This funding will allow those providers to renovate kitchens and bathrooms, repair plumbing and roofing damage, improve counselling areas, and most importantly to offer more women a safe space and life-saving assistance when fleeing domestic violence.”
Federal Minister for Families and Social Services Anne Ruston said the additional funding from the Commonwealth through its COVID-19 domestic violence response package meant many service providers would be able to undergo refurbishments including to become accessible for people with a disability.
“Other grant recipients will install audio-visual equipment allowing survivors to give evidence from a secure environment, which is crucial in regional and remote settings,” Senator Ruston said.
Delia Donovan, CEO of Domestic Violence NSW, said the funding will help vulnerable people across the state who can face extra barriers when escaping unsafe homes.
“I support this funding, and the tireless work of these 45 providers who are making a big difference to families in crisis,” Ms Donovan said.
“This program is going to help improve so many frontline services across a range of works like building or purchasing more accommodation, replacing playground equipment for kids, security-related works, upgrading counselling rooms, and enhancing amenities to support vulnerable women and children.”
Today’s announcement follows a $90 million budget boost to support women and children impacted by domestic violence announced as part of the NSW Budget this month.
For confidential advice, support and referrals, contact: 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), The NSW Domestic Violence Line (1800 65 64 63) or Men’s Referral Service (1300 766 491).