Category: NSW News

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.

Netball NSW is delighted to announce the appointment of Chris Lamb to the organisation’s Board of Directors.
An experienced executive with a strong background in Human Resources, Lamb currently serves as Deputy Commissioner of the NSW Public Service Commission, the largest employer in Australia. He joins the Board in a casual vacancy Director position until the 2022 Annual General Meeting following the retirement of Carol Murphy.
For the past two decades Lamb has held senior HR roles in a diverse range of sectors including banking and financial services, property, construction and retail.
Among his many accomplishments Lamb has previously served as Global Head of Organisational Development and Chief People & Culture Officer, Australia, for the Lendlease Corporation where he worked for 12 years leading a successful seven-year partnership with the NSW women’s cricket team, The Breakers.
Prior to that he worked as a Senior HR Executive at American Express during which time was Vice President of HR for the company’s UK, Ireland and Eastern Europe operations.
Lamb has also held numerous non-executive roles and is passionate to promote diversity and inclusion in all areas. For nine years (2010-19) he was a non-executive director of Diversity Council Australia, including five years as the Chair of the People and Culture subcommittee.
For the last two years he has been on the Advisory Board of the UNSW Australian Human Rights Institute and obtained a post-graduate qualification in Aboriginal Studies to improve his own knowledge and increase his ability to advocate for reconciliation.
Lamb’s wife and two now adult daughters have kept him close to the Saturday netball courts at Hills District Netball Association for many years and he has been an avid supporter and regular attendee of the elite game for the past 30 years.
Netball NSW President Louise Sullivan welcomed him to the organisation.
“On behalf of Netball NSW I congratulate Chris on his appointment and we look forward to working closely with him,” she said.
“Chris is an expert in the field of Human Resources and Culture and brings a wealth of knowledge in this area.
“Our people, both at Netball NSW and across the state-wide netball community, are our greatest asset so having extra expertise in this field is vital as we continue to navigate our way through this period of uncertainty as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and following that for our game to prosper.”
Lamb said he was excited to be joining a sport which was a leader in both the grassroots and elite spaces.
“I have been delighted to watch the growth of elite netball in recent years and am excited to have the opportunity to contribute my skills to ensure this, and the grassroots game, continue to thrive,” he said.
“Throughout my career I have developed talent management and succession strategies, increased diversity and inclusion and designed and delivered leadership programs.
“Netball, like every other sport, is constantly looking to evolve and move with the pace of an ever-changing society and I look forward to working with Netball NSW to help build an even stronger footprint and sustainable future for the game.”

Police across Greater Sydney are working to ensure compliance following the extension of public health orders announced by NSW Health today.
State Emergency Operations Controller, Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys, said with the extension, now is not the time for people, particularly across south-west Sydney, to become complacent.
“Additional officers will be deployed across areas of concern that have been identified, including Fairfield, Liverpool and Bankstown, to ensure the public is complying with the current orders”, Deputy Commissioner Worboys said.
Complaints from members of the public have led to numerous $1000 Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) being issued each day.
About 1.30pm yesterday (Tuesday 6 July 2021), officers from Liverpool City Police Area Command attended a barber shop on Flowerdale Road, Liverpool, after receiving information from the community that the business was still trading in breach of current health orders.
Police spoke with the owner, a 59-year-old man and a 22-year-old customer at the store receiving a haircut.
Both men were issued a $1000 PIN for fail to comply with noticed direction – individual.
In total, 75 PINs were issued yesterday and of those 37 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 NSW Government, together with the NSW Police Force, has announced a $1 million reward for information into the 1979 Luna Park fire, as Homicide Squad detectives continue to review the circumstances surrounding the fatal blaze.
About 10.15pm on Saturday 9 June 1979, emergency services were called to Luna Park at Milsons Point, following reports of a fire inside the Ghost Train ride.
Six boys and a man were killed in the blaze.
In September that year, a Coronial Inquest found the cause of the blaze could not be determined.
Over the years, investigators from across the NSW Police Force have investigated all information received in relation to the fire.
On April 2021, a formal request was submitted to the NSW Police Force State Crime Command by the State Coroner to conduct a review into all evidence concerning the cause and origin of the fire and the circumstances surrounding the seven deaths.
Detectives from the Homicide Squad’s Unsolved Homicide Team established Strike Force Sedgeman and a formal review commenced.
To assist with their inquiries, NSW Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott has announced a $1 million reward for fresh and significant information into the incident.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said he is confident any fresh and material information will assist detectives with their review of the case.
“Despite the passage of time, this horrific incident remains embedded in the psyche of Sydney-siders. I am appealing to those who may know something but have not previously been inclined to assist.
“You now have a million reasons to come forward. This is a very unique reward, it does not require a charge or conviction of any person, it relates to information about the Ghost Train fire.
“As soon as I met with some of the survivors earlier this year, and heard their devastating stories, I knew there was more that could be done. I stand with the family, friends, survivors and the broader community in searching for answers, and this reward should encourage anyone with fresh information to speak up,” Mr Elliott said.
NSW Police Force Commissioner, Michael Fuller APM, said police have recently demonstrated a strong record of criminal investigations and arrests for offences committed decades ago.
“I want to assure the family and friends of those who lost their lives in this tragic event, and the broader community, that if our investigators can identify a way to pursue a criminal investigation then it will happen,” Commissioner Fuller said.
“It is very important to acknowledge that any major investigation conducted in 1979 would be deficient in many respects if viewed through the lens of modern investigative and forensic practices employed by NSW Police Force in 2021.
“Our Homicide Squad investigators are exceptionally diligent and will review all aspects of the case including allegations of corruption or malpractice.
“Strike Force Sedgeman detectives will also consider any new and compelling evidence which will allow them to progress inquiries with the State Coroner and Law Enforcement Conduct Commission,” Commissioner Fuller said.
Homicide Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty, said the review will examine all available evidence obtained over the past four decades.
“Detectives attached to Strike Force Sedgeman have commenced a review of the 1979 Luna Park fire, which will take some time to complete,” Det Supt Doherty said.
“There is a significant quantity of materials that will be re-examined including documentation, video recordings, witness statements and forensic evidence.
“We know that the families who lost loved ones during this tragic fire have suffered immensely over the years, not knowing how and why their lives were cut short.
“Rest assured that if the NSW Police Force uncovers evidence to progress a criminal investigation into this historic event, then we will,” Det Supt Doherty said.
Anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Sedgeman detectives is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.