Category: NSW News

War memorials across NSW can now undertake further conservation work, with applications opening for the NSW Government’s Community War Memorials Fund.
Minister for Veterans Geoff Lee said applicants can apply for funding to support the repair, protection and conservation of war memorials across the state.
“Thousands of people pay their respects each year at their local war memorial and it’s important we protect these significant monuments,” Mr Lee said.
“Grants of up to $10,000 are available and can cover projects like conservation assessments, honour roll repair, cleaning, and repairs to war memorial halls.”
Organisations including memorial trusts, veteran groups and local councils can apply.
“We need to maintain our NSW memorials for future generations, whether it’s trees lining a reflection drive or an honour roll in the main street,” Mr Lee said.
“Big, small, living or manmade – all war memorials are an important way our communities can honour the service of former defence personnel and their families.”
Previous recipients include Hornsby Shire Council, which was awarded $10,000 for restorative work on the Beecroft War Memorial. Established in 1928, it lists the names of Beecroft servicemen, including a local solider who has no known grave.
St George’s Anglican Church in Parkes also received funding of $2,700 to repair and clean a memorial window displaying various representations of Australian Defence personnel.
Originally gifted by the Parkes Sub-branch of the Returned Sailors, Soldiers and Airman’s Imperial League of Australia, the Window is dedicated to all from the Parkes district who gave their lives during the First World War, the Second World War and the Korean War.
Community War Memorials Fund applications close on 26 July 2021. For more information or to apply, visit: www.veterans.nsw.gov.au/heritage/community-war-memorials-fund

Thousands of public schools are being revamped and upgraded across the State as part of the NSW Government’s $450 million COVID-19 Recovery Plan to deliver school projects.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet and Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell today visited Carlingford High School to announce which schools will benefit from the first round of the $157.8 million LED Lighting Project, part of the COVID-19 Recovery Plan.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the program was part of a $450 million package of works that will deliver better classrooms and school facilities for students while also supporting more than 3,500 jobs right across NSW.
“We are investing record amounts in education and these important upgrades will deliver modern facilities for schools with energy efficient lights in classrooms, libraries, halls and administration areas that will have great outcomes for our schools,” Mr Perrottet said.
“The LED lighting program will also benefit the environment with schools saving on energy costs every year and importantly as we continue to recover from the pandemic will help stimulate local economies, supporting hundreds of jobs in towns throughout the State.”
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said over the next two years LED lighting will be installed in up to 1,000 NSW public schools reducing energy costs for schools and improving the indoor learning environment for students, with almost 300 schools confirmed for delivery today.
“Schools are at the heart of our communities and this package of works is delivering improvements to the learning facilities for students whilst providing jobs for local trades,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Wherever possible, we’re engaging local contractors and suppliers to ensure that the positive impact of this stimulus is felt through the regions building a safer and stronger NSW.”
“This program is part of the NSW Government’s school focused COVID stimulus, delivering benefits for the economy, environment and students.”
Last year the NSW Government announced an education infrastructure package as part of the NSW Government’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan to deliver high-quality school infrastructure across the state while also support jobs. The package included:

• $240 million Regional and Metropolitan Renewal Programs
• $60 million Regional Roof Replacement Program
• $157.8 million LED Lighting Upgrade Program.

The Regional and Metropolitan Renewal Programs is delivering school improvement projects including playgrounds, COLAs, science labs and canteens. The programs are co-funded with school communities and more than 1,300 projects have already been announced representing an injection of $286 million right across NSW so far.
The Regional Roof Replacement Program includes funding to repair and replace roofs at up to 700 high priority regional schools.
The NSW Government is investing $7 billion over the next four years, continuing its program 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.

The NSW Police Force has welcomed 204 new officers including 17 veterans from the Australian Defence Force after they were sworn in as probationary constables in Goulburn today.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian joined Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott and Acting Police Commissioner David Hudson APM at the attestation ceremony before the new officers join Police Area Commands and Police Districts across the state.
Mr Elliott congratulated the recruits and made special mention of the veterans who have joined the NSW Police Force ahead of ANZAC Day.
“It is incredible to see 17 veterans joining the NSW Police Force in Class 346, and a further 15 currently undertaking their police training at the academy.”
“The Police family is dedicated to supporting each other and it is wonderful to know that it is the choice of so many who leave military service, to continue serving their communities with the men and women in blue. This is a true reflection of the Anzac spirit.”
“I wish all of the Class 346 recruits the very best as they start their careers, you will be an important and valued part of keeping our State safe.”
Acting Police Commissioner David Hudson APM welcomed the latest intake of probationary constables.
“Our newest probationary constables join the Force at a critical time, as we move beyond the trials of 2020,” Acting Police Commissioner Hudson said.
“As an organisation, we are constantly forced to face new and emerging challenges and that is why a career in policing in so rewarding.
“I welcome the latest graduating recruits of Class 346, they will provide a valuable addition to our policing capabilities across the state.”
Class 346, including 149 men and 55 women, has completed eight months of foundational training and will report to their stations on Monday 26 April 2021.

204 NEW OFFICERS WELCOMED TO THE NSW POLICE FORCE

• The NSW Police Force has welcomed 204 new officers including 17 veterans from the Australian Defence Force after they were sworn in as probationary constables in Goulburn.
• Premier Gladys Berejiklian joined Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott and Acting Police Commissioner David Hudson APM at the attestation ceremony before the new officers join Police Area Commands and Police Districts across the state.
• Class 346, including 149 men and 55 women, has completed eight months of foundational training and will report to their stations on Monday 26 April 2021.

SYDNEY CBD SUMMIT TURBOCHARGES RECOVERY

• The NSW Government is investing an additional $20 million into the CBD Revitalisation strategy to help stimulate Sydney’s CBD economy and boost jobs.
• NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet announced the funding following a second Sydney CBD Summit of business, community, government and industry leaders held at the Museum of Contemporary Art.
• The new funding brings the total CBD revitalisation investment to more than $40 million, including $5 million from the City of Sydney.

LIGHTS ON FOR THOUSANDS OF SCHOOL PROJECTS

• Thousands of public schools are being revamped and upgraded across the State as part of the NSW Government’s $450 million COVID-19 Recovery Plan to deliver school projects.
• Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the program was part of a $450 million package of works that will deliver better classrooms and school facilities for students while also supporting more than 3,500 jobs right across NSW.

FREE HOSPITALITY TRAINING AT NSW CLUBS

• The NSW Government has announced jobseekers across the state will have access to free hospitality training to address growing skills shortages in the regional hospitality industry.
• A partnership between the NSW Government and Clubs NSW will be piloted in clubs across the Upper Hunter, giving unemployed locals an opportunity to reskill for a job in a club.

NSW GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES $3 MILLION MULTI-TRADES WORKSHOP FOR SCONE

• The NSW Government announced a major expansion of the TAFE NSW training facilities in Scone, with a $3 million multi-trades workshop and mobile training storage facility to be constructed at the Scone Connected Learning Centre.
• Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the $3 million multi-trade workshop will complement the existing $6.5 million Connected Learning Centre (CLC) to deliver hands-on training in a range of areas critical to the economy.

WORLD-CLASS EQUINE TRAINING ACADEMY IN SCONE

• The NSW Government announced the Upper Hunter will cement itself as the equine capital of the nation with the former TAFE site at 2 Flemington Drive to become a world-class equine training centre delivered by Racing NSW.
• Deputy Premier John Barilaro said Racing NSW will develop a state-of-the-art equine industry training academy that will significantly expand its current use as an educational facility.

HUNTER DEFENCE INDUSTRY IS GROWING STRONGER

• The NSW Government has reiterated its support for the Hunter region’s thriving defence industry, as the Hunter Defence Conference kicks off, bringing together prime contractors, businesses, defence researchers and training institutions to drive collaboration for the future of the industry.
• The Hunter Defence Conference 2021 shines a spotlight on defence industry skilling and workforce readiness, defence capability development, supply chain and contract opportunities for small and medium enterprises and driving collaboration across the breadth of the defence industry.

SPRINGWOOD TOWN CENTRE REJUVENATION COMPLETE

• The Springwood Town Centre rejuvenation is now complete, providing locals and visitors alike with safer pedestrian crossings, new guttering, plants and seating.
• Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said the town’s rejuvenation was funded under the transformative Western Sydney City Deal

Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad detectives have extradited a man from The Netherlands on outstanding warrants for child sexual and indecent assault offences alleged to have occurred more than 30 years ago.
In December 2010, officers from the State Crime Command’s Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad received a referral outlining allegations of historic child sex offences between 1981 and 1983.
An investigation was commenced under Strike Force Boyd, and following extensive inquiries, a warrant was issued for the arrest of a man – then aged 60 – in September 2016.
On Wednesday 13 December 2017, an Interpol Red Notice was subsequently issued seeking the man’s immediate arrest.
As part of ongoing investigations, detectives issued a global appeal for information on Monday 9 December 2019, to locate the man who was believed to have been living in the United Kingdom or Europe.
The man subsequently attended a police station at Rotterdam, The Netherlands, where he was arrested by Dutch Police pursuant to the Interpol Red Notice on Wednesday 11 December 2019.
The man was held in Dutch custody as detectives worked with Commonwealth partner agencies to seek his extradition to Australia.
Last Saturday (17 April 2021), Strike Force Boyd detectives travelled to The Hague in The Netherlands.
On Thursday (22 April 2021), the man – now aged 65 – was surrendered into NSW Police Force custody at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam, to be escorted back to New South Wales.
Their flight arrived at Sydney International Airport about 7.15pm yesterday (Friday 23 April 2021), and the man was taken to Surry Hills Police Station.
He was subsequently charged with outstanding warrants for numerous child sexual and indecent assault offences that allegedly occurred across Sydney between 1981 and 1987.
The man was refused bail to appear at Parramatta Bail Court via AVL today (Saturday 24 April 2021).
Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Stacey Maloney, said detectives have worked tirelessly to ensure justice is served for the victims in these matters.
“This result could not have been achieved without the assistance and support of our interstate and international partner agencies – particularly the Dutch Police, Australian Federal Police and Attorney-General’s Department,” Det Supt Maloney said.
“This has been a complex and exhaustive investigation for police, who have spent nearly 10 years investigating these matters and a further 16 months navigating the extradition process and the subsequent challenges imposed on worldwide travel due to COVID-19.
“It is a testament to the strength, bravery, and patience of the victims, together with the determination and dedication of police, that charges have now been laid in relation to these alleged crimes.
“The four detectives who travelled to The Netherlands have returned safely and have now commenced their 14-day isolation in hotel quarantine and will undergo all necessary COVID-19 health checks before returning to work,” Det Supt Maloney said.
Investigations by Strike Force Boyd are continuing.

The NSW Government has reiterated its support for the Hunter region’s thriving defence industry, as the Hunter Defence Conference kicks off, bringing together prime contractors, businesses, defence researchers and training institutions to drive collaboration for the future of the industry.
The Hunter Defence Conference 2021 shines a spotlight on defence industry skilling and workforce readiness, defence capability development, supply chain and contract opportunities for small and medium enterprises and driving collaboration across the breadth of the defence industry.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said NSW had more skilled people than any other state to meet the requirements of the defence industry over the next decade.
“This is no more apparent than in the Hunter region, where collaboration between defence Prime contractors such as Lockheed Martin Australia, BAE Systems Australia and Boeing Defence Australia, along with local companies and education providers is driving a pipeline of the defence industry workforce of the future”.
“The defence sector contributes $944 million to the Hunter region and the NSW economy and the NSW Government is committed to seeing significant growth to support more local jobs.
“Investment NSW is now open for business to attract investment and propel job creation by growing industries like defence. With a concierge for businesses and investors to navigate options to partner with the NSW government, we are excited to be able to drive more jobs for NSW, commercialise ideas, and connect our businesses to global markets.”
The Hunter-based Nupress Group has been supplying precision manufactured components in the Aerospace and Defence sectors for over ten years, including the Joint Strike Fighter global supply chain where Nupress Group supplies parts for the engine.
Nupress Group CEO Craig McWilliam said Nupress has been part of the Hunter manufacturing sector since 1971.
“We undertook our transition into the defence sector and were motivated to elevate the supply chain as part of our journey. The Hunter is full of very smart and efficient businesses and we are excited to be part of this region’s defence industry opportunities,” Mr McWilliam said.
“We understand that no one can do it alone in the defence industry. We’ve always tried to elevate and support our supply chain in the same way that the large defence companies have supported us.”
The NSW Government, through Investment NSW, is focussed on growing the entirety of defence industry across NSW and that will enhance our contribution to National security interests.
“I can’t wait to see the future expansion that comes – we are all striving for jobs and innovation which is exactly what our defence industry is all about,” Mr Ayres said.
Further details about Defence NSW are available at www.defence.nsw.gov.au.

The NSW Government today announced the Upper Hunter will cement itself as the equine capital of the nation with the former TAFE site at 2 Flemington Drive to become a world-class equine training centre delivered by Racing NSW.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said Racing NSW will develop a state-of-the-art equine industry training academy that will significantly expand its current use as an educational facility.
“The development of this equine training centre will see the Upper Hunter community have access to the very best of what the thoroughbred racing industry has to offer,” Mr Barilaro said.
“The thoroughbred racing industry generates a $3.6 billion economic benefit to NSW and sustains 27,600 full time equivalent jobs across the state so this is a major boost for local employment now, and for generations to come.
“The Upper Hunter will have the best of both worlds, with a world-class equine training centre in Scone and state-of-the-art learning facilities including the Connected Learning Centre in Scone and the Muswellbrook TAFE.”
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said Racing NSW’s investment in the Flemington Drive site will elevate equine training to a world-class standard.
“The community and local industry will benefit from specialised equine courses delivered by Racing NSW for local jobs such as stablehands, trainers, trackwork riders and jockeys,” Mr Lee said.
“It is the NSW Government’s priority to deliver the training industry demands and who better to lead the charge than the nation’s leading thoroughbred racing body.”
Racing NSW Chief Executive Peter V’landys said Racing NSW will offer extensive courses for the thoroughbred racing industry and other trades.
“We’re committed to working with TAFE NSW and the local community to ensure the training needs of the local community are being met for all trades,” Mr V’landys said.
TAFE NSW will lease back parts of the site for up to three years at nil cost and has committed to the continued delivery of equine training in the Scone community beyond 2024, as required.

The NSW Government is investing an additional $20 million into the CBD Revitalisation strategy to help stimulate Sydney’s CBD economy and boost jobs.
NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet announced the funding following a second Sydney CBD Summit of business, community, government and industry leaders held today at the Museum of Contemporary Art.
“We need to continue to drive growth in Australia’s global city as we emerge from the pandemic, and today a diverse mix of people came together in Australia’s global city to help make this happen,” Mr Perrottet said.
“The Government will allocate an additional $20 million which will be used to help our city grow. We want more people back in the city, whether that’s working or shopping or coming in for entertainment and dining.”
The new funding brings the total CBD revitalisation investment to more than $40 million, including $5 million from the City of Sydney.
Minister for Small Business Damien Tudehope said the first Sydney CBD Summit supported initiatives such as increased public transport, flexible outdoor dining arrangements, and programs to attract people into the CBD.
“Since the first Summit, we’ve gone on to launch Dine & Discover, as well as new Sydney CBD accommodation vouchers which will be available later this year and we’ll consider other opportunities as they arise,” Mr  Tudehope said.
“However, commercial occupancy rates in Sydney remain around 50 per cent due to continuing flexible working, well down from the pre-pandemic rate of about 90 per cent.
“When people return to the office, they support small businesses and local jobs by buying lunch, shopping in store rather than online, and going out to visit cultural institutions as they stay open after dark.”
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the September summit saw changes to how spaces were used in the city, such as enabling businesses to operate with more outdoor seating and dining areas, and flexibility remained key to the city’s revival.
“We need to accept that the CBD post-pandemic will look and operate differently than it did before COVID-19 hit us and that’s why it’s important we have events like today’s summit to hear a range of perspectives on emerging issues,” Mr Stokes said.
“Sydney is our global city and we’ve got to do what we can to propel its growth and ensure we’re maximising business and cultural opportunities into the future.”
Minister for Tourism and Jobs Stuart Ayres said the CBD remained impacted by the halt on international travel, which supported businesses and jobs.
“International travellers to Sydney contributed more than $1 billion to the economy over the summer of 2020 and the city is still grappling with that loss, despite improvements on the domestic tourism front,” Mr Ayres said.
“The CBD needs to mature from being a place we go to work into a 24-hour destination with a diverse range of experiences.”
City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said she welcomed the CBD Summit to help unlock further potential and build upon learnings from revitalisation programs like Sunset Piazza, Culture Up Late and Al Fresco dining.
“Last September’s summit led to initiatives that put us on the path of recovery, by making outdoor dining easier, supporting live entertainment and creating our fabulous Summer Piazza at Cathedral Square,” the Lord Mayor said.
“We have helped breathe life back into the city centre and it is vital we continue our support of businesses and jobs through creative programs.”

The NSW Government has today announced jobseekers across the state will have access to free hospitality training to address growing skills shortages in the regional hospitality industry.
A partnership between the NSW Government and Clubs NSW will be piloted in clubs across the Upper Hunter, giving unemployed locals an opportunity to reskill for a job in a club.
NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro said COVID-19 had intensified an already-acute skills shortage for jobs, with local unemployment and a lack of overseas workers such as chefs, bar attendants and kitchenhands.
“The NSW Government is committed to working with the hospitality industry to get local people back in work and plug these skills gaps by providing hands-on experience in clubs across the state,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Right here in the Upper Hunter, Singleton Diggers, Muswellbrook RSL, Singleton Bowlo and Scone RSL will be among the first in the state to take advantage of the free training and equip locals with specialised skills delivered by TAFE NSW.
“Following the pilot in the Upper Hunter, the program will be rolled out to regional areas across the state, making it easier for jobseekers to find jobs in the future, keeping money in the local economy.”
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said the partnership with Clubs NSW will not only help train locals but match them to hospitality jobs.
“This customised training employment program will deliver much-needed skills relief for clubs and regional economies, ensuring local jobs are filled by local workers,” Mr Lee said.
“Clubs play an important role in regional communities so it’s fitting they will also become a training ground for registered training organisations to deliver industry-relevant, hands-on skills and mentoring right here in their local club or at their local TAFE NSW.”
Clubs NSW Chief Executive Josh Landis said Clubs NSW welcomed the partnership with the NSW Government to create jobs in regional areas.
“Registered clubs employ more than 43,000 people across the state and are often the largest employer in regional communities, providing an opportunity for country residents to live and work in the towns they grew up in,” Mr Landis said.
The fee-free training will be funded by the NSW Government’s Smart and Skilled program with a pilot expected to begin from July.
For more information, visit www.training.nsw.gov.au/programs_services/funded_other/clubsnsw/index.html

The NSW Government has today launched a bold program to set aside a portion of coal mining royalties to ensure coal mining communities have a strong future for decades to come.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro announced the new fund in Breeza today and said the new Royalties for Rejuvenation fund will see $25 million set aside each year to ensure coal mining communities have the support they need to develop other industries in the long-term.
“Make no mistake, coal mining has a strong future in this state, but to ensure stability for the long haul we are setting aside funds so those coal mining communities, which produce such a valuable resource for our state, can plan what their future looks like,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Today we are announcing a future fund, for future generations and future jobs, to ensure long-term prosperity in regional NSW.
“The NSW Government’s Future of Coal Strategy is a roadmap for the coal industry in NSW, but we understand that mines have a lifespan, and we need to ensure coal mining communities keep quality high-paying jobs in their towns for the next generation and the generation after that.”
NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the NSW Government recognises that the coal mining industry is the economic backbone of this state and in turn coal mining communities need certainty for their future.
“Hundreds of millions of dollars will be invested in these communities over coming years to ensure jobs and investment in our vital regional areas,” Mr Perrottet said.
“We want to ensure mining towns continue to have highly skilled well-paid jobs in growth industries that will lock in their economic security long into the future, so young people have the opportunity to remain in the town where they grew up.”
This initiative follows the NSW Government’s introduction of the highly successful Resources for Regions program in 2012 which has seen $345 million invested in local mining communities.