Category: NSW News

Students with disability are benefitting from more than $89 million invested by the NSW Government in three new schools for specific purposes in Sydney’s South West.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell and Member for Camden Peter Sidgreaves today visited the new Yandelora School and toured the construction site of Passfield Park School.
Yandelora School is a $21.8 million dollar purpose built school providing specialised educational setting for students with moderate to severe disabilities.
Ms Mitchell said the three schools are catering to a growing community and their specific needs.
“The facilities at these schools are specialised and world-class. They will change lives,” Ms Mitchell said.
“I have seen firsthand the difference a purpose built SSP can make. It helps teachers deliver quality education and helps students gain independence both at school and for their future endeavours.
“The NSW Government is investing in facilities like we see at Yandelora School to ensure every child in NSW has the opportunity to flourish at school, no matter their circumstances.”
Member for Camden Peter Sidgreaves was pleased to visit the local schools.
“I am proud that the NSW Government has delivered this school for our community, and it’s great to have the Minister officially open it,” Mr Sidgeaves said.
Ms Mitchell and Mr Sidgreaves also visited the construction site of the new Passfield Park School.
The mutli-million dollar investment will deliver 16 new permanent learning spaces within four hubs, a library, play areas, sensory gardens, landscaping and an indoor sports facility including a hydrotherapy pool.
The relocation of Mainsbridge School to purpose built facilities was also completed, with doors opening to students on Day 1 Term 2 this year.
“These three new schools are part of the NSW Government’s historic school building program,” Ms Mitchell said.
The NSW Government is investing $7 billion in four years to deliver more than 200 new and upgraded schools to support communities across NSW. This is the largest investment in public education infrastructure in the history of NSW

Vivid Sydney 2021 will invigorate the Harbour City this August, with an innovative floating light walk, widespread celebration of Aboriginal culture and themes of resilience and diversity throughout.
Sydneysiders and visitors are invited to join the celebration of creativity, innovation and technology as one COVID-safe community from 6 to 28 August.
The 2021 program features more than 50 dazzling light installations and 3D projection artworks, over 50 eclectic music events and 90+ thought-provoking ideas talks and workshops across Barangaroo, Sydney CBD, Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, Luna Park and The Rocks.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said there was a special kind of enthusiasm surrounding this year’s Vivid Sydney 2021 festival.
“Vivid is a terrific way to show how resilient Sydney has been after the challenges faced by the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a festival like no other and will deliver a wonderful celebration of our city this August,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The full program is packed with creative and exciting displays using state of the art technology. I’m certain this year’s Vivid will be the best ever.”
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said Vivid Sydney 2021 was an open invitation for locals, visitors and businesses to uncover the magic of the Harbour City once again.
“Now more than ever, Vivid Sydney will be a beacon of creative endeavour and vibrancy for our city, a global celebration and an event pioneered by the NSW Government that delivers significant social and economic benefit for NSW.
“In its 12th edition, the Vivid Light Walk will centre around Circular Quay, Barangaroo and Darling Harbour – including our first-ever floating Light Walk in Cockle Bay – giving visitors three spectacular locations to explore over several nights in a COVID-safe way.
“The installations and projections have been produced by 129 light artists from 19 countries and many will offer an immersive and interactive experience through voice and motion controls.
“We are putting community safety first, working with NSW Health to ensure everyone is safe so we can all enjoy our Vivid Sydney experience and encourage our visitors to do the same by following the health advice,” Mr Ayres said.
The highly anticipated Lighting of the Sails of the Sydney Opera House is a digital rendition of an iconic Aboriginal painting, Yarrkalpa – Hunting Ground, created by the Martu Artists of the Pilbara region, transformed by Sydney’s Curiious Studio.
Vivid Music events will take over some of Sydney’s most-loved venues including rock band King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard headlining the Carriageworks program, singer-songwriter Mia Rodriguez performing at Luna Park and R&B sensation Ngaiire taking over Parliament House.
Vivid LIVE at Sydney Opera House features more acts and dates than ever before including Australian exclusives from Sampa the Great and performances by Golden Features & Hermitude.
Meanwhile, Vivid Ideas will celebrate the mavericks and misfits of the world, sparking conversation and debate across the program of events including the highly anticipated Game Changers at Sydney Town Hall featuring acclaimed actor and model Jameela Jamil streaming from the US to explore body positivity and the language of inclusivity; actor and comedian Magda Szubanski exploring resilience and the role of nature and the arts in healing; Australian hip hop pioneer Briggs; and comedian, rock musician and You Tube star Nat’s What I Reckon talking about music, mental health and self-expression.
The Vivid Sydney Local Business Program opens today for applications, providing CBD businesses with free assets to dress city shopfronts with the Vivid Sydney spirit. Local retailers and businesses are also invited to promote exclusive experiences and offers during the festival. Applications close on 21 June.
“Vivid Sydney is an event that fills the city with energy and excitement, and in 2021, that connection and celebration is all the more important for us all, from visitors to businesses, locals to fans following from afar,” Mr Ayres said.
“We are calling on people to come to Sydney, stay a night or more, explore the program of Vivid Sydney events, support local businesses and wander through the Harbour City at its absolute best and brightest.
“It’s wonderful to have industry and Government working together for the benefit of the NSW visitor economy – this event would not be possible without the support of our creative industries, event owners and commercial partners.”
In 2021, the official Vivid Sydney charity partner is The Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation (ALNF), a national charity dedicated to raising language, literacy and numeracy standards in Australia.
Vivid Sydney is an accessible and inclusive event owned, managed and produced by the NSW Government through Destination NSW.
For information about the event and to see the full program, go to vividsydney.com.
NEW media assets are available for download at: www.vividsydney.com/news-room
COVID-SAFE MEASURES ACROSS THE VIVID LIGHT WALK INCLUDE:

• Over 50 Service NSW check-in QR codes that can be scanned from a distance (up to 20m)
• Some sections of the Light Walk will be managed through one-way pedestrian flow to keep pedestrians moving
• COVID marshals throughout the Light Walk to assist visitors
• Hand sanitation stations throughout the Light Walk
• Touchless digital information kiosks
• Immersive and interactive installations through no-touch controls such as voice and movement
• Visitors are asked to observe instructions given by marshals and volunteers, and pay attention to the variable message signs when visiting the Light Walk
• Please follow the health advice in terms of physical distancing, practicing good hygiene, and staying home if feeling unwell.

Sexual consent laws will be strengthened and simplified under NSW Government reforms designed to protect victim-survivors and educate the community.
Attorney General Mark Speakman acknowledged the growing calls across the community for reforms to respond more effectively to the scourge of sexual violence in this country.
“No law can ever erase the trauma of sexual assault, but we can send the message that survivors’ calls for reform have been heard,” Mr Speakman said.
The key reforms include stipulating that:

1. a person does not consent to sexual activity unless they said or did something to communicate consent, and
2. an accused person’s belief in consent will not be reasonable in the circumstances unless they said or did something to ascertain consent.

The reforms respond to recommendations made in NSW Law Reform Commission (LRC) Report 148. In May 2018, Mr Speakman asked the LRC to review consent laws. The LRC’s final report was published in November 2020, following significant community engagement with this issue.
The LRC received 110 preliminary submissions, 36 submissions in response to its Consultation Paper, and 51 submissions in response to its draft proposals. Almost 3900 people accessed its online survey.
The Government is supporting, or supporting in principle, all 44 of the LRC’s recommendations, except to go further by clarifying that an accused person’s belief in consent will not be reasonable in the circumstances unless they said or did something to ascertain consent.
“This means we will have an affirmative model of consent, which will address issues that have arisen in sexual offence trials about whether an accused’s belief that consent existed was actually reasonable,” Mr Speakman said.
“No one should assume someone is saying ‘yes’ just because they don’t say ‘no’ or don’t resist physically. Steps should be taken to make sure all parties are consenting.
“I particularly thank survivor Saxon Mullins for her extraordinary bravery in sharing her story and tireless advocacy for victim-survivors, which have contributed to this historic reform.”
Survivor Advocate and Director from Rape & Sexual Assault Research & Advocacy, Saxon Mullins, welcomed the proposed reforms, which she described as a huge leap forward for consent laws in NSW.
“After so many years fighting for this, it’s almost hard to believe we’ll actually have affirmative consent laws in NSW,” Ms Mullins said.
“I know there’s so much more to do in this space, but this is a huge win for survivors, and I’m so grateful for all the survivors and academics who’ve paved the way for this to happen.
“I thank the Attorney General for going the extra step to ensure affirmative consent will be law in NSW.”
NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller said police are committed to preventing sexual assaults and supporting victims who come forward.
“As police, our primary role is to support victims who courageously come forward to police to report sexual assault and any reform that improves confidence in the judicial process is supported,” Commissioner Fuller said.
“I have already stated publicly that I have real concerns about low prosecution rates for sexual assault matters, and a clear definition of consent is integral to improving better outcomes for victims.
“I support the Government’s reforms to consent laws, which will provide certainty to victims and police as we embark upon prosecutions of these degrading and violent crimes.”

Amongst other changes, the reforms also introduce five new jury directions available for judges to give at trial to address common misconceptions about consent.

“These directions will support complainants by ensuring their evidence will be assessed fairly and impartially, and that juries will be able to better understand the experiences of sexual assault survivors,” Mr Speakman said.
“I thank the Law Reform Commission and lead Commissioner, the Honourable Acting Justice Carolyn Simpson AO, for a thorough and thoughtful report.”
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said that schools and parents play significant roles in changing societal attitudes and will be important partners in supporting these reforms.
“All school sectors have committed to tackling the issue of consent through a Statement of Intent, promising increased engagement with students, staff, police and parents on the challenges of sexual assault and consent for young people,” Ms Mitchell said.
“The Government will improve the resources available for teachers and students, updating both the curriculum and the resources used to support students’ understanding, to reflect the changes brought about by these legal reforms.
“We will also work with parents and carers to develop specific resources so that families are part of the solution as we continue towards a culture where sexual violence is never acceptable.”
Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said while anyone can be a victim of sexual violence, statistics show that women and girls are far more likely than men and boys to experience sexual offences.
“Women and girls are more likely to experience sexual violence and this is particularly the case for women with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, women from culturally and linguistically diverse communities and those in regional NSW,” Mrs Taylor said.
“Today marks a turning point for our State. We have a chance to address the systemic issue of sexual violence and improve access to justice for all victim-survivors across NSW.”
The NSW Government today also committed to fund a research project designed to improve our understanding of victim experiences with the criminal justice process, and a targeted education program for judges, legal practitioners and police.
Another public education campaign is also under development to commence later this year, which will build on the success of the Government’s #makenodoubt campaigns.
A Bill to give effect to the reforms will be introduced to NSW Parliament later this year.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, support is available from those who are trained to help: call NSW Rape Crisis on 1800 424 017 or  1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732.

New South Wales remains the home of live music with 162 live music venues in Sydney and NSW receiving an injection of funds through the NSW Government’s $24 million Live Music Support Package.
The program will help assist 85 Sydney venues and 77 regional NSW venues that have been significantly impacted by COVID-19 related restrictions over the past year to survive through the pandemic.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the benefits of this initiative would be far-reaching.
“Live music is the beating heart of our state and this is the largest investment into grassroots live music in the history of NSW with 162 venues to receive crucial funds that will allow them to keep the doors open and get back to work putting on gigs.
“The NSW Government has been listening to the industry and our community, and the incredible support for and interest in this program proves that it has hit the mark for these venues.
“We know that there is a whole network of businesses and professionals that are involved in staging live music shows, and many of these venues are pillars of the 24-hour economy and critical infrastructure that allows a whole range of events and activities to take place.
“By keeping the lights on and the amps tuned, we’re creating social and economic benefit for the whole of NSW, and it’s amazing to see venues from Bega to Ballina receiving funding,” Mr Ayres said.
Applications were assessed by an industry and NSW Government inter-agency panel and funding allocated based on the size of individual venues, and whether the venue operates exclusively for live music or whether live music forms a significant part of the venue operations.
Recipients can utilise funding for operational costs including but not limited to employing musicians and support crew.  8o
“This will see us clear our debts completely and survive the next 12 months of recovery without the extreme stress and pressure of low turnover from restricted capacities and ongoing COVID-19 scares. Not only that, but it will help us to support the whole industry from artists, staff, promoters and music workers by putting on more events, upgrading equipment and facilities and creating an even better experience for our community,” Ms Dombroski said.
“Venues are the stepping stone for so many artists in their careers, we are so incredibly thankful for everyone who rallied behind NSW live music venues and that we have had our voices heard by NSW Government. Thank you for listening to us, thank you for your support and for not stopping until the best possible outcome was reached for the survival of live music in our state.”
The Live Music Support Package is part of the NSW Government’s $51.5 million Tourism Support Package, providing funding to sectors engaged in the NSW visitor economy that have been hit hardest by the pandemic. The fund is administered by Destination NSW in partnership with Create NSW and the Office of the 24-hour Economy Commissioner.
For more information, go to www.nsw.gov.au/living-nsw/tourism-support-package.

The mass vaccination centre at Sydney Olympic Park has today started to administer the AstraZeneca vaccine, providing a major boost to the vaccine rollout in NSW as the state surges past a million people protected.
The mass vaccination centre joins the other 26 NSW Health hubs that are giving the AstraZeneca vaccine to over 50s, including 17 in regional and rural NSW.
There are also more than 100 outreach locations that NSW Health vaccination clinics visit, primarily in rural and regional communities, to ensure people in these locations have access to a COVID-19 vaccination.
To date around 1,100 people are already booked in to receive the AstraZeneca jab at Sydney Olympic Park this week, complementing the thousands set to receive it from GPs or one of the many NSW Health sites that administer AstraZeneca.
Last week NSW GPs delivered more than 85,000 AstraZeneca jabs.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said more than 1 million COVID-19 vaccines have now been administered across the state, including 345,393 by NSW Health and 745,379 by GPs and related providers.
“It is important anyone over 50 contact their GP in the first instance for their COVID-19 vaccine,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“It is critical to vaccinate our citizens as quickly and as safely as possible.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said we cannot be complacent when it comes to getting the vaccine.
“We have seen the resurgence of this deadly virus in countries like Taiwan, Singapore and South Korea which, like us, appeared to have suppressed community spread,” Mr Hazzard said.
“Complacency can kill. If and when an outbreak occurs in NSW, the rush to get vaccinated will be great, so as soon as you are eligible we urge you to get vaccinated.”
To book a vaccine and for more information go to: nsw.gov.au/

The design and construction contract has been awarded for the M6 Stage 1, which will connect President Avenue at Kogarah with the WestConnex M8 at Arncliffe via four kilometre twin tunnels.
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said Transport for NSW awarded the $2.52 billion contract to CIMIC Group’s CPB Contractors and UGL, in a joint venture with Ghella, which was one of three finalists for the tender.
“The M6 Stage 1 project will create more than 5,000 jobs, with construction expected to start in early 2022,” Mr Constance said.
“We are returning local roads to the local community, by allowing drivers to bypass up to 23 sets of traffic lights on the Princes Highway and reducing traffic on General Holmes Drive by 10,000 vehicles every day.”
“The M6 Stage 1 is expected to see a 40 per cent reduction in trucks on the Princes Highway north of President Avenue, which will be great news for the local community and local commuters.”
Member for Miranda Eleni Petinos said: “We’ll deliver a new intersection at President Avenue and an upgrade of the busy President Avenue and Princes Highway intersection to improve capacity and network integration.”
Member for Oatley Mark Coure said: “Work is already underway on a $28 million investment in local recreational facilities. Around 200 jobs have been created through these upgrades which are creating great local spots for our local communities.”
Member for Cronulla Mark Speakman said: “The NSW Government is continuing to look to the future of the M6, with investigation and planning work well under way on a future Stage 2.”
Member for Heathcote Lee Evans said: “The M6 Stage 1 will expand as Sydney’s south and the Illawarra grow into the future. It will start with two lanes in each direction but will be built for three.”
Expected travel time savings (when used with other motorway connections):

• Kogarah to ANZAC Bridge – up to 15 minutes.
• Miranda to Macquarie Park – up to 15 minutes.
• Kogarah to south Sydney – up to 13 minutes.
• Taren Point to Mascot – up to 12 minutes.
• Kogarah to Sydney CBD – up to 8 minutes.

Around five kilometres of shared cycling and pedestrian pathways, connecting Bestic Street at Brighton Le Sands to O’Connell Street at Kogarah (including a new bridge over President Avenue) are also part of the project.
The M6 Stage 1 is expected to open to traffic in 2025.
Background:
Previously known as the F6 Extension, there’s been a reservation for this motorway corridor since 1951. When first planned, land was reserved for an above-ground motorway. The new M6 Stage 1 will be mainly underground along its four kilometre route.
Consultation on this design of the project has been happening since 2017, and after the M6 Stage 1 was formally announced in 2018, the Environmental Impact Statement was placed on exhibition between November and December that year. Planning approval was secured in December 2019.
Requests for tenders to build the motorway were made in May 2020 with work starting on the community recreational facilities in August 2020.
Community facilities:
The NSW Government has invested $28 million into open space around the future M6 Stage 1 motorway for the local community.
At Brighton Memorial Playing Fields, the improvements include:

• An upgraded full size synthetic field and a new mid-sized grass field.
• A new play area, memorial, lawn area, amenities building and lighting.
• Increased car parking capacity.

The improvements also include a new pedestrian bridge over Muddy Creek, upgrades to West Botany Street Bridge and a relocated car park with increased capacity at West Botany Street.

The NSW Government is accelerating the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine with 25 Pfizer sites across the state now taking bookings for people aged 40 to 49. 17 of these are in rural and regional NSW.
These sites are spread across both Greater Sydney and rural and regional NSW ensuring as many people as possible have access to the vaccine.
Around 23,500 people aged between 40 and 49 have already been invited to book a vaccine at a NSW Health clinic, with 12,000 people already booked for the Pfizer jab.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said it was great to see such a positive response from the public to register for the vaccine.
“I want to thank the more than 120,000 people aged 40 to 49 who have already registered their interest to receive the Pfizer jab. We are working hard to ensure you receive the vaccine as soon as possible,” Ms Berejiklian said.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said NSW Health has worked hard to expand its Pfizer footprint across NSW.
“We’re making it easier for people right across NSW to access COVID vaccines as quickly as possible,” Mr Hazzard said.
“The more people vaccinated sooner in our state the stronger our defence against this extremely dangerous virus.”
People aged 40-49 can register for the Pfizer vaccine here: nsw.gov.au/. People will be contacted when a booking is available.

Students in NSW schools are benefitting from the NSW Government’s history-making $337 million COVID catch up program.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell confirmed today that 5417 tutors have been employed in NSW public schools, with almost 99 per cent of schools already offering tutoring support to their students.
“We know COVID-19 had an impact on education during the 2020 school year. Our tutoring program is helping students catch up after those disruptions,” Ms Mitchell said.
“The tailored model is important. Schools told us they needed the flexibility to deliver this program in a way that helps their students best.”
“Helping students bridge the gaps in their education caused by COVID is part of this government’s efforts to build a safer and stronger NSW.”
The additional support is tailored by schools using both the data from last year’s Check-in Assessments and the knowledge of classroom teachers.
“We are also helping schools in regional and remote areas with access to expert educators to help them create tutoring programs for their community,” Ms Mitchell said.
“The program has had fantastic take-up by our country schools, and more than 3200 of the tutors who are delivering the program are in regional, rural and remote schools.
“This means no matter where a school is in NSW or how many students they have, they can provide a tutoring program which works for their students.”
Registrations are still open to educators interested in taking part at https://education.nsw.gov.au/teaching-and-learning/curriculum/covid-learning-support-program
Existing Department of Education staff should register interest through ClassCover.

Parents of more than 200,000 newborns across NSW have benefited from a Baby Bundle of essential items given to them on the birth of their child over the last two years.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Member for Holsworthy Melanie Gibbons and Member for East Hills Wendy Lindsay announced the milestone while visiting Liverpool Hospital’s Maternity Unit today.
Ms Berejiklian said the Baby Bubble is valued at more than $300 and is filled with baby products and information to support the health, development and well-being of babies in NSW.
“Every baby born in NSW is eligible to receive a Baby Bundle, with more than 200,000 handed out since the initiative began in January 2019,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The Baby Bundle not only helps reduce some of the initial costs of having a baby, it also provides useful items to support new parents give their child the best start in life.”
Ms Gibbons said this program supports new additions to a family and makes sure parents are receiving important information and supplies during what can be a happy but confusing time.
“My kids are a little older now but I know how much I would have benefited from a baby bundle and I am sure all the new parents will feel the same,” Ms Gibbons said.
Mrs Lindsay said that all children are precious and a baby brings a new dimension to families.
“The baby bundle is full of helpful goodies for your new bundle of joy and to help families celebrate their new addition,” Mrs Lindsay said.
The Baby Bundle includes a number of items including a sleeping bag, play and change mats, muslin wrap, bath thermometer and a first aid kit, along with a selection of NSW Health printed resources that complement the Blue Book.
Parents receive the Baby Bundle before being discharged from hospital, or, after registering their child with NSW Births, Deaths and Marriages.
The Baby Bundle is part of the NSW Government’s $157 million parenting package, including more midwives and family health nurses, investment in testing and treatments for children’s diseases, and practical and emotional support to parents.
For more information about the Baby Bundle go to: Baby Bundle – Maternal and newborn (nsw.gov.au)

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet has announced the 2021-22 NSW Budget will be handed down on Tuesday, 22 June 2021.
The Budget will return to its traditional timing of mid-June after last year’s Budget was deferred until November due to COVID-19.
Mr Perrottet said he was looking forward to delivering the 2021-22 NSW Budget in five weeks, and foreshadowed a positive outlook for the state’s economy.
“Twelve months ago we were taking the first tentative steps out of lockdown and at the same time facing forecasts by the Commonwealth of unemployment as high as 15 per cent and predictions of economic Armageddon,” Mr Perrottet said.
“The NSW Government responded with an unparalleled package of measures including tax relief worth billions, grants of up to $10,000 to assist small businesses and a focus on continued infrastructure investment and jobs creation.
“We approached the pandemic with a dual focus, keeping people safe and the economy and NSW borders open, and things are looking much brighter now.”
Unemployment in NSW is currently at 5.4 per cent, down from a high of 7.2 last year as more than 270,000 thousand people returned to work.
At the same time consumer confidence is at the highest level in 10 years while the recent NAB business survey recorded its highest business confidence reading ever in NSW.
Mr Perrottet said the Government had committed $29 billion towards health, economic and social support measures since the pandemic began and would continue to invest in supporting people and creating jobs through its $107 billion infrastructure program.
“Every step of the way we have worked with business and the community through events such as our business summits and constant consultation,” Mr Perrottet said.