Category: NSW News

Secret tours will be held across the Sydney CBD this weekend with $10,000 worth of vouchers up for grabs for the first people to solve the riddles and unlock the clues.
The Secret City Trails Sydney website is part of the City Revitalisation Innovation Challenge, supported by Transport for NSW, to encourage people back into the CBD.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the Sydney CBD was the economic engine room of the State and this exciting initiative would help people rediscover everything it has to offer and give it a much-needed jump-start.
“The pandemic has seen working patterns shift and we have to look at new and innovative ways to entice people back to into the city,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Nothing beats a day out in Sydney and this new and creative project will help more people rediscover the hidden gems of our city to support businesses and jobs in the CBD.”
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said the challenge is about giving people exciting new reasons to head into the city.
“We are seeing more people returning to the CBD and we want that trend to continue. These unique experiences give people that extra reason to venture out of their suburb and into the CBD to explore all this wonderful city has to offer,” Mr Constance said.
“We are proud to provide more than $400, 000 in funding to encourage business to innovate new ways to help revitalise the city as we continue a strong economic recovery through COVID.”
The Secret City Trails Sydney will see participants discover the city through self-guided walks and by solving riddles to unlock curious stories about local landmarks. The first 2,000 people to complete a trail will receive $5 to spend at the final destination, on a coffee, ice cream or as a discount off the total bill.
The CBD will also play host to an outdoor art gallery called, ‘I Came to See’, a joint initiative with City of Sydney featuring work from Australian artists.
The Director of the Council’s city life program, Emma Rigney, said art plays an important role in Sydney’s cultural life.
“A thriving arts scene is a critical element of our vision for Sydney as a liveable, sustainable and dynamic global city, and is an aspect of our city that we are keen to promote to both Sydneysiders and visitors,” Ms Rigney said.
Explore Sydney’s Secret City Trails at: https://secretcitytrails.com/sydney.
The ‘I Came to See’ Outdoor Art Gallery will be in the Sydney CBD on:
Saturday 1 May – Friday 7 May at Martin Place
Saturday 8 May – Tuesday 18 May at Customs House Square
Wednesday 19 May – Sunday 30 May at Exchange Place, Barangaroo

Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee today announced TAFE NSW has signed a partnership with the Australian Institute of Sport to encourage more elite athletes to pursue vocational education and training pathways.
Under the memorandum of understanding, athletes will be given personalised support to balance their sporting commitments and vocational training.
The number of athletes seeking professional career advice through the AIS Career Practitioner Referral Network more than doubled in 2020 with around 20 per cent of these athletes going on to enrol at TAFE or university to support their post-sport career aspirations.
Mr Lee said TAFE NSW will join the Elite Athlete Education Network, firming its reputation as a world-class vocational education and training provider.
“This partnership cements TAFE NSW as a provider of choice for elite athletes who want flexibility and personalised support to gain employment skills while they compete at the elite level,” Mr Lee said.
“We’re proud to be partnering with the Australian Institute of Sport to help deliver the skilled workforce Australia needs now and into the future.”
Elite athletes enrolled at TAFE NSW will receive a nominated point of contact to provide advice and guidance on academic planning, course management and timetabling.
Australian Institute of Sport CEO Peter Conde said the agreement will support elite athletes who may have missed the opportunity to obtain formal skills.
“This is great news for elite athletes who can take advantage of the wide range of courses and flexible study options offered by TAFE NSW,” Mr Conde said.
“Education and training enable Australian athletes to learn, thrive and contribute to the community during their time in high-performance sport and life afterwards.”

The NSW Government will develop a new safety net for political staff following a review of policies ordered by Premier Gladys Berejiklian.
Former Sex Discrimination Commissioner Professor Pru Goward has delivered her report to the Premier.
Ms Berejiklian said she welcomed the findings of the Goward Review into Policies and Procedures in Ministerial Offices regarding bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct and will be accepting the recommendations made.
“I would like to thank Pru Goward for this comprehensive and forthright report,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“It’s very important to me that we stress test everything that exists in and around NSW Ministerial Offices to make sure that we have in place good policies and culture.
“I am keen to adopt all the recommendations and there will be an opportunity for consultation in the next phase of this process. If we’re serious about making change, we have to do it properly and this will involve engagement with NSW Parliament and any survivors.
“I want to have a clear conscience that I’ve done everything I can to make sure that our workplace is supportive, respectful, and fair and that staff are always comfortable in coming forward in a safe setting.”
The review found shortcomings currently exist within the system, and 13 recommendations have been made including:

• The establishment of an independent process for those unwilling to have their complaint handled within a Ministerial Office;
• The establishment of clear and transparent processes to be followed where complaints are made, including where the complaint may constitute criminal conduct;
• Development of a best practice Respectful Workplace Policy, including investigative and reporting procedures to address bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct in Ministerial Offices to enhance the safety and security of staff;
• An increased focus on training for staff and Chiefs regarding their obligations;
• An anonymous survey to be conducted of all Ministers and their staff to establish a baseline for the subsequent impact of the new policies and procedures.
• That the independent structure report regularly to the Premier on emerging trends and proposals to improve the respectful workplace policy.

Full report can be found here: www.dpc.nsw.gov.au/gowardreview

New rules introduced this week for NSW public school principals will mean they must spend all of their record education funding on the students it is intended for.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said the move is being supported by additional training and tools to simplify school budgeting so that every dollar allocated is being invested in the current cohort of students.
“We know there are some principals who need more support to effectively spend the funding they are receiving on the students it is intended for,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Our schools are required to plan and spend each year’s budget allocation within that calendar year using new tools and a simplified budgeting system.
The school funding model is student focused, schools receive amounts depending on their student cohort.
“Public schools in NSW are better funded than at any point in history. It is imperative that this money is actually spent on the current student cohort. Gonski funding is there to lift student outcomes – it’s not there to be saved for a rainy day,” Ms Mitchell said.
“The NSW Government’s commitment to record funding in schools has always been student focused. Every dollar allocated must be spent on providing the support and services to the students it was intended for, within that year.”
The Carry Forward Policy was developed in consultation with school stakeholders over a 12-month period and is part of a renewed focus on school success to ensure the necessary supports are in place to drive student outcomes.
The policy will apply to the annual State and Federal budget allocations but does not affect funds from local school and community sources.
“We have fought hard to achieve a needs based, sector blind funding model and we must ensure the necessary system-wide tools are in place to deliver this investment to support the current student cohort.”
In 2021, NSW public schools will receive $10.1 billion to invest in students. Currently $1.49 billion remains unspent from previous years. The changes introduced through this policy will no longer allow schools to rollover funding year to year.
“Principals will no longer be able to rollover funds across years, and measures will be put in place to provide additional support to invest the funding in current students. This may take the form of guidance on teaching practice and learning programs, or extra staff and resources in areas of need,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Introducing this policy also provides our schools with clarity to spend the balances that they have accumulated from past budgets. Schools will be supported to spend these balances evenly over the next four years in alignment with school Strategic Improvement Plans.
“Under the new School Success Model introduced this year, a range of individual targets have been set for schools to meet.
“Schools that have ‘underspends’ who are not meeting targets will receive instruction on how to spend their unspent funding to lift their results.”

The New South Wales visitor economy will get a boost through two new industry support and marketing programs.
Applications are open for the $5.5 million Business Events Industry Support package and $1 million Tourism Industry Marketing Support package through the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency Destination NSW and Sydney’s business events bidding specialists BESydney.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said these targeted programs would support the businesses and communities hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We’re helping the event owners, businesses, local tourism organisations, regional councils and industry groups that need it most by stimulating activity now and creating a pipeline of events and visitors into the future.
“The business events industry is a powerhouse of the NSW visitor economy because it attracts high yield visitors who stay multiple nights, and these events engage many industry partners from accommodation and catering to staging, AV and other event delivery services.
“The Tourism Industry Marketing Support package offers dollar-for-dollar support to communities that are ready to drive demand that translates to bookings and confidence, for businesses,” Mr Ayres said.
The programs are part of the NSW Government’s Tourism Support Package and include:

• $4 million Kickstart 2021 Sydney Business Events Fund (administered by BESydney in conjunction with Destination NSW): Up to $45,000 for one-day events and up to $90,000 for two-day events in Greater Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong, matched dollar-for-dollar by event organisers
• $1.5 million for Regional Conferencing to include an additional round of the Regional Business Event Development Fund: Up to $15,000 for events with up to 150 delegates, and up to $30,000 for events with more than 150 delegates
• $1 million Tourism Industry Marketing Support package – grants program:  Destination NSW will match dollar-for-dollar between $10,000 and $50,000 for operators to deliver marketing activities to promote visitor experiences, attractions, tours and accommodation

“The NSW Government is committed to supporting businesses engaged in the visitor economy, so they have confidence and hope for the future,” Mr Ayres said.
Both marketing programs include digital, social media, print and video media placements, and are supported by publicity and partnership activity to amplify the message and convert interest to bookings.
To apply for the Business Events Industry Support package grants and for more information including eligibility criteria and the LGAs relevant to each fund, visit www.meetinsydney.com.au for the Greater Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong program and www.meetinnsw.com.au for business events elsewhere in regional NSW.
To apply for the Tourism Industry Marketing Support package and for more information including eligibility criteria, visit www.destinationnsw.com.au/news-and-media/tourism-recovery.
Campaign assets are available to download: www.media.destinationnsw.com.au
To apply for the Tourism Industry Marketing Support package and for more information including eligibility criteria, visit www.destinationnsw.com.au/news-and-media/tourism-recovery.

The NSW Government has announced it will support 3,000 training places for women in trades to help boost female representation in construction, manufacturing, engineering, transport and logistics.
The fee-free Built For Women training program will target women aged 16 to 24, female jobseekers, women at risk of unemployment and women in receipt of Commonwealth benefits.
Women currently represent 8.9 per cent of all current learners in trades and just 2.1 per cent of all learners studying a trade in the building and construction industry.
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said the program would help boost numbers of women working on building sites.
“The Built For Women program is about attracting women to rewarding careers in trades industries that are experiencing skills shortages,” Mr Lee said.
“There has never been a better time to reskill or up-skill and take advantage of the employment opportunities arising from the NSW Government’s record $107 billion infrastructure investment, which is creating hundreds of jobs.”
“Growing housing developments, new road and infrastructure upgrades as well as the new Western Sydney airport are creating skills demands in manufacturing, engineering and transport and logistics, providing an opportunity for women to increase their skills and participation in the industry.”
There are 154 full-qualifications and 408 part-qualifications available in construction under JobTrainer.
Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said the Built For Women program would help close the gender gap present in the trades industry.
“The NSW Government is committed to increasing the number of women working in non-traditional trades,” Mrs Taylor said.
“Whether you’re a female school leaver looking to pursue a career as an engineer or a woman looking to retrain as a construction worker – now is the perfect time to train and get started in the industry.”
For more information visit education.nsw.gov.au/skills-nsw/built-for-women or call 13 28 11.

The two major pipelines that provide 90 per cent of Sydney’s drinking water will be better protected from development under proposed new planning laws.
The planning guideline is designed to be a comprehensive resource for developers and councils to ensure new developments consider the impacts on the the Upper Canal and the Warragamba Pipelines in Western Sydney.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said there are currently no specific planning provisions protecting these pipelines from urban development and its associated environmental impacts.
“We’re proposing changes to planning rules that would require any new proposed development around the canal and pipelines to consider them as part of the planning and assessment process,” Mr Stokes said.
“This will ensure development is done carefully, enabling the pipelines to continue to supply safe and reliable drinking water as Western Sydney grows.”
Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said the main risk to the Upper Canal pipeline is the threat of water being contaminated from pollutants arising from nearby developments.
“There is also a risk of developers relying on existing drainage systems to service stormwater runoff from developments upstream of the Canal Corridor,” Ms Pavey said.
“The Warragamba pipelines are most at risk from storm or flood water which can undermine the infrastructure that support the pipelines. This risk is increased by development increasing runoff and the risk of erosion.”
Community feedback is encouraged and to view the proposed changes and make a submission visit www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/draftplans/exhibition/isepp-water-supply

High streets throughout NSW will be revitalised with more than $15 million in grants to boost local business, support jobs and create better public spaces for the community.
The NSW Government’s Your High Street program will provide 19 councils with up to $1 million to help them deliver projects that will permanently transform streetscapes into more liveable, accessible and vibrant public spaces.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the program builds on the success of the Streets as Shared Spaces program, which piloted street transformation in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The pandemic has helped shift our perception of streets as more than just places to walk or drive. One year on from the lockdown, Your High Street is the second phase of the program which cements the role of our streets as places for people to gather, socialise, dine and do business,” Mr Stokes said. .
“From Penrith to Parkes, councils throughout NSW have answered the call to create more welcoming and attractive main streets for their communities.
“Nineteen councils have been successful in securing funding to transform their high streets, with a total of $8.2 million going to 12 regional councils and $6.9 million awarded to councils in Greater Sydney.”
The regional councils to receive funding are Ballina, Gilgandra, Shoalhaven, Maitland, Parkes, Queanbeyan-Palerang, Griffith, Wagga Wagga, Hay, Tweed Shire, Moree Plains and Newcastle), and in Greater Sydney, Canada Bay, Canterbury-Bankstown, Randwick, Inner West, Parramatta, Hornsby and Penrith.
Projects receiving funding include:

• Lakemba’s Haldon Street will be transformed with wider footpaths, more seating, extra trees and artwork to create creating a safe, comfortable and attractive space;
• Parramatta’s Philips St will become a “smart” street by revitalising the area with condition-responsive lighting, street furniture with built-in USB ports, smart irrigation, public artwork and lighting;
• Lennox Village Vision will upgrade the streetscape of Lennox Head’s commercial centre by slowing traffic, widening footpaths, adding street lighting and seating which will provide places for people to gather while retaining the village atmosphere;
• Heart of Drummoyne builds upon the Streets as Shared Spaces funding to create new public spaces next to Victoria Road by closing Formosa Street and providing seating, more trees, public art and an outdoor dining space;
• The Mill on Miller St in Gilgandra will link the heart of the town with the natural beauty of the Castlereagh River and Windmill Walk by providing landscaping, a new stage area for events, improved lighting and public art.

All 19 projects are expected to be completed within 12 months. Your High Street follows the success of the $15 million Streets as Shared Spaces program launched in 2020.
The Your High Street grant program contributes to the delivery of the Premier’s Priority to increase the proportion of homes in urban areas within a 10-minute walk of quality green, open and public space by 10 per cent by 2023.
For more information visit: https://www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/premiers-priorities/great-public-spaces/streets/grants-for-councils

The new $31 million Queanbeyan Police Station has officially opened following a formal ceremony attended by Deputy Premier and Member for Monaro John Barilaro, Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott and Police Commissioner Mick Fuller APM.
Mr Barilaro said the impressive new police station is a substantial commitment into regional infrastructure and the Monaro Police District.
“The safety of our community is paramount and it is vital that our men and women in blue are equipped with the very best resources, equipment and a modern work-base so they can continue to protect our region now and into the future,” Mr Barilaro said.
“We all know what an incredible job the officers within the Monaro Police District do. This station will not only service the immediate region but will be the headquarters for the district, bolstering policing across the Monaro.”
Mr Elliott said Queanbeyan Police Station sets a new standard for regional policing and will provide a major boost to police resources in the district.
“The NSW Government continues to deliver on the election commitment to invest in a police station infrastructure program to support the vital work of our police men and women in all parts of the state,” Mr Elliott said.
“This state-of-the-art police station is the 33^rd police station to be built or upgraded by the NSW Government since 2011 and will ensure communities are well supported by our law enforcement agencies.”
The NSW Government has also committed to $583 million to deliver 1500 extra police over four years. As part of this investment, the Monaro Police District has received nine additional permanent police positions.
Commissioner Michael Fuller welcomed the new purpose-built police station.
“This is a major investment into the crime fighting capabilities in the Monaro Police District,” Commissioner Fuller said.
“Our new police facility is something that this town can be proud to call its own – it will protect all, both the community and the officers that serve it,” he said.
The facility houses general duties, specialist, tactical, crime prevention and investigative units, including highway patrol, taskforce and region enforcement squad officers.

Australian netball fans will once again have the chance to see the world’s best netballers in action on home soil, with the NSW Government today announcing the International Netball Federation Netball World Cup will return to Sydney in 2027.
Secured by the NSW Government, in partnership with Netball Australia, the 2027 Netball World Cup is expected to deliver an estimated $31 million boost to the NSW visitor economy.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said winning the hosting rights for this major sporting tournament brings NSW one step closer to fulfilling the NSW Government’s 2018 pledge to secure 10 World Cups in 10 years.
“The Netball World Cup 2027 is the ninth addition to the NSW Government’s 10 World Cups in 10 years initiative, which means we are well on track to not just deliver but to exceed this target,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The NSW Government’s COVID-19 response has enabled our State to put a strong bid forward for major events like this and I have no doubt there will be more to follow, delivering enormous economic and social benefits to our State for years to come.
“This is the fourth Women’s World Cup event secured for Sydney alongside the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020, FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2022 and the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.”
Minister for Investment, Jobs, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the chance to host the prestigious event was testament to an exemplary record of hosting international sporting events throughout NSW.
“Sydney set the benchmark with a record-breaking Netball World Cup in 2015 and I have no doubt we will put on an even bigger and better show when the event returns to our shores,” Mr Ayres said.
“This will be the third time the Netball World Cup has been held in Sydney and with Australia winning the previous two tournaments in 1991 and 2015, all of NSW will be hoping Australia can bring the trophy home for a third time in 2027.”
“Hosting major events like this is crucial in helping our tourism and events industry recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, creating jobs and leveraging the extensive expertise our State has in delivering major sporting events throughout NSW.”
Minister for Sport Geoff Lee said hosting the Netball World Cup will grow participation and inspire future generations of netballers.
“In 2015 the Australian Diamonds shined in front of packed home crowds in Sydney, breaking records on and off the court,” Mr Lee said.
“NSW boasts over 115,000 netballers across the State, which equates to 25% of the national pool.
“I am very confident the Netball World Cup 2027 will see current and future generations of NSW netballers aspiring to wear the green and gold.”
International Netball Federation President Liz Nicholl, CBE, said she was confident in Sydney delivering an excellent event, whilst also focusing on the development of the sport across Australia.
“As our sport continues to grow and evolve at an unprecedented rate around the globe, we look forward to working with the Organising Committee and Netball Australia on netball’s growth and development whilst delivering a thrilling world-class event that will no doubt inspire all and work towards creating a better world through netball,” Ms Nicholl said.
Netball Australia Chair Paolina Hunt said securing the 2027 World Cup was another critical step in the rapid development of the sport.
‘’We know that netball plays a key role in connecting and empowering young women and girls and an event such as this is a North star for young athletes who can now dream of working to represent the Diamonds in front of huge home crowds,” Ms Hunt said.
A key element of Australia’s bid was a post-tournament legacy that will deliver lasting benefits for women and girls both within netball and the broader community.
Following today’s announcement, a Local Organising Committee will be established with further details about the tournament to be advised once finalised.
For more information on the 2027 Netball World Cup, go to netball.com.au.