Category: NSW News

Sydney’s city centre is set for a new playlist with 39 projects to benefit from more than $1 million in funding through the Play the City (Sydney) NSW Round Two Grants.
The funding is part of the CBD Revitalisation program to help reactivate the Sydney CBD by supporting individuals, venues and arts organisations to present live performances to help rebuild visitor numbers following the pandemic.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the program would play an important part in revitalising our city by encouraging people back to the city was critical to our COVID recovery.
“Getting the arts and entertainment industry back up and running will not only provide our economy with a much needed boost it will give Sydney its soul back,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Reviving this vital industry will help create jobs and get our city humming again ensuring we keep more businesses in business and people in jobs.”
Minister for the Arts Don Harwin said Play the City (Sydney) will bring the beat back to the centre of Sydney through live performance throughout 2021.
“Restoring Sydney city’s cultural life and supporting businesses hit hard by the pandemic is a priority for the NSW Government, and Play the City (Sydney) is one initiative in a range of measures that will support live performance and encourage audiences back to the CBD over the coming months,” Mr Harwin said.
“Through 39 projects, this funding will support over 900 artists and the broader live music and performance scene, including diverse and inclusive Australian music events spanning Sydney venues such as the Oxford Art Factory, Darling Square and TAFE NSW Eora, which will be activated by emerging contemporary musicians, Neo Pop performances, album launches, and of course live music.
“After a tough year for our arts and cultural sector and businesses in Sydney’s CBD, this inspiring initiative will boost jobs and activate spaces all across the city over the coming months.”
The Play the City (Sydney) funding program is supporting a program of activities, events and performances that activate the Sydney CBD, and provides an opportunity for audiences to experience artists presenting new work and live performance events.
A full list of recipients is available here. For further information on arts, screen and cultural funding, including targeted support opportunities, visit the Create NSW website at www.create.nsw.gov.au.

Up to 200,000 accommodation vouchers worth $100 each will be available to NSW residents as part of a new $51.5 million economic package designed to encourage people back into the Sydney CBD, re-ignite live music across the State, and support jobs in the accommodation, entertainment and tourism sectors.
The NSW Government’s latest COVID-19 response package will also include $24 million for eligible live music venues, a support package to help the business events industry in Sydney and regional NSW, and a funding boost for tourism marketing.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the new package recognised the Sydney CBD and workers in accommodation, live entertainment and tourism industries had been especially hard hit by COVID-19.
“With international, interstate and business travelers virtually non-existent for the past year, the CBD, and in particular the accommodation industry, has done it tough,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“This new program will be in addition to our other stimulus measures such as the Dine & Discover scheme, and will provide a boost to accommodation providers in what is a traditionally very quiet period.”
Mr Perrottet said the new funding would boost both the CBD economy and assist the accommodation, entertainment and tourism industries.
“Thousands of businesses in the Sydney CBD lost significant revenue with so many people working from home, when you add in almost no overseas or interstate travel, it’s been a tough 12 months for them,” Mr Perrottet said.
“This scheme will encourage people to explore more of what the Sydney CBD has to offer, and spend a little bit more on the way through, and support local jobs.”
Tourism Minister Stuart Ayres said supporting the live music and business events industry was vital as NSW continued its economic recovery.
“Everyone has missed live music, the industry is coming out of hibernation, and this package will ensure our much loved venues are there to host the gigs people want to see as they celebrate NSW emerging from the pandemic,” Mr Ayres said.
“There will also be support for business events and more money to market local tourism attractions as part of the Love NSW platform.
“Our success in containing COVID-19 means we can now focus on assisting these vital industries get back to business.”
The key components of the program are:

• $20 million for up to 200,000 x $100 CBD accommodation vouchers;
• $24 million to Destination NSW for a Live Music Support Package to be administered in partnership with Create NSW and the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner;
• $5.5 million for a Business Events Industry Support package to assist businesses in Greater Sydney and across NSW;
• $2 million for a Tourism Industry Marketing Support package through the Love NSW campaign.

The $100 accommodation vouchers will be allocated on a first in, first served basis, and is expected to commence in June during the quieter winter period.
Accommodation providers will need to register for the program and operate within the City of Sydney to participate.
More details on how businesses can register and how people can apply for the accommodation vouchers and their release date will be announced in coming weeks.
More information package will be made available at https://www.nsw.gov.au/living-nsw/tourism-support-package.

Democracy. Aristotle. The Olympics. The delicious dish of Souvlaki, but most importantly my Yia Yia and Papaou. What do all these things have in common?
They originated from Greece! It is important to acknowledge the role our heritage and personal history have in shaping our ways of leadership. My grandparents were outstanding examples of everyday, ordinary leaders—leaders who served their families and communities.
I mention them, for on this day we mark 200 years of Greek Independence.
Two centuries ago, Greece launched their campaign for independence from the Ottoman Empire. What followed was the flourishing of a proud country, spreading its culture throughout the world. Australia’s first group of Greek migrants came in the form of seven prisoners in the early 1800s. Through the gold rush years of the 1850s and then post world war two, thousands of Greek men and women immigrated to Australia.
Today there are nearly 400,000 people of Greek ancestry in Australia. Many of whom resident in my electorate of Reid! Burwood is home of the Saint Nectarios Greek Orthodox Parish. Established in 1970, it serves the spiritual, educational and social needs of the local Greek community.
Plato once said, courage is knowing what not to fear. The Greeks who have migrated to Australia put aside fear, showing immense courage leaving their homes in search of a better life.
Without the Greek community, Australian society wouldn’t be what it is today.

A number of COVID-19 restrictions across NSW will be eased as the State continues to move forward in a COVID-Safe way.
From 12.01am Monday, 29 March, the following will apply:

• No caps on weddings and funerals;
• No restrictions on singing including in places of worship;
• No restriction on dancing including at weddings and in pubs and nightclubs;
• No cap on visitors in the home (if there are more than 100 people there must be a COVID-19 Safety plan and electronic recording of visitor details);
• 200 people allowed for personal outdoor public gatherings;
• All venues to move to the one person per 2sqm rule (venues will be allowed at least 25 people before the 2sqm rule applies);
• 100 per cent seated capacity at entertainment venues including stadiums and theatres, and;
• Mask use including on public transport will move from ‘mandatory’ to ‘strongly recommended’.

 
Businesses and other organisations must continue to ensure they keep accurate records of all attendances, including through QR Codes, to enable fast contact tracing in the event of any community transmission.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the easing of restrictions is a significant step forward as NSW continues its COVID-19 recovery.
“With no community transmission and our quarantine and frontline workers now receiving their second vaccinations, the timing is right to further ease restrictions across the State,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“As we do this, it is important we don’t let our guard down and continue to check in at venues, keep our social distance and get tested if we have even the mildest of symptoms.”
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the further lifting of restrictions would help support businesses and jobs across the state.
“Today we take another big stride in the right direction, easing restrictions is important in helping businesses return to normal, it’s like a jab of confidence for the economy,” Mr Perrottet said.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the further easing of restrictions was possible due to the support and sacrifices of the people of NSW.
“The initial focus of our vaccination program on frontline quarantine, border and healthcare workers has also given us greater confidence as it reduces the risk of COVID being introduced into the community from an overseas source,” Mr Hazzard said.
Dr Chant said it is critical everyone continues to practise COVID-safe behaviours, including using QR codes, staying home if unwell and getting tested.
“I also urge everyone to get vaccinated as soon as they are eligible and able to do so. It will not only protect you, your family and loved ones, but will keep the whole community safe,” Dr Chant said.
For the latest information and COVID-19 testing sites please visit:
www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19

A slice of Western Sydney’s rich history will be sensitively restored and adapted to support jobs of the future with the plan to create a Startup Hub in the historic Parramatta North Heritage Core being approved.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the Sydney Central City Planning Panel’s approval of the Western Sydney Startup Hub proposal was a significant milestone for the project.
“We can activate part of this prized heritage precinct in a way that will not only respect and conserve its past but ensure its viable future as the heart of startup business and innovation in Western Sydney,” Mr Ayres said.
The approval will allow for three heritage buildings, which form part of the circa 1876 Hospital Spinal Range Building and circa 1892 Kitchen Block, to be adapted to create unique spaces for emerging entrepreneurs and local community use.
These spaces include 1,500sqm of affordable co-working space, a café, and a shared event space. Sensitive upgrades to the surrounding public area will also be undertaken.
“The Government is putting innovation at the centre of its COVID-19 Recovery Plan and the Western Sydney Startup Hub will have a key role in giving emerging businesses the opportunity to be involved in that recovery,” Mr Ayres said.
“We are giving them the space to turn their ideas into commercial realities that will lead to more investment and jobs in the region.
“We will employ best-practice conservation methods to sensitively reinstate the national heritage-listed buildings for their future use.”
Member for Parramatta Geoff Lee said this is going to be a transformational project for Parramatta.
“We cannot wait to start welcoming startups, scaleups, businesses and the local community to the Western Sydney Startup Hub by the end of this year. It will be a transformative place and puts the Central City on the startup and innovation ecosystem map.”
The project complements the broader Westmead Health and Innovation District, including the recently announced Innovation Quarter development, which will deliver over 1,000 jobs and 28,000sqm of health, research, education, and commercial space.

Teachers, parents and the broader community are being asked to help shape the new English and Maths syllabuses for Kindergarten to Year 2.
The release of the new curriculum for feedback is the first major milestone in the NSW Government’s ambitious curriculum reform, which will see a renewed focus on the core subjects of English, Maths and Science.
The new syllabus will start to rollout next year.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the new evidence-based curriculum would deliver on the government’s goals of decluttering and raising standards to equip students for the jobs of the future.
“The new curriculum prioritises the basics and will ensure students develop strong foundations in Maths and English,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Thank you to the 45 expert Kindergarten to Year 2 teachers who have already met with the NSW Education Standards Authority to review and provide feedback on the new curriculum content.
“The curriculum is more explicit in the direction of what Kindergarten to Year 2 students need to be taught and does not leave room for interpretation.
“We are now calling on all NSW teachers, parents and the broader community to provide their feedback on the draft Kindergarten to Year 2 curriculum.”
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said literacy and numeracy skills are critical to unlocking young people’s potential while at school, improving their academic outcomes and enhancing their life choices.
“The evidence speaks for itself, and we need all teachers following the evidence, teaching essential knowledge in evidence-based sequences,” Ms Mitchell said.
“We have prioritised essential content and provided clear examples to teachers to reduce ambiguity.
“Teachers are the drivers of student outcomes. By reducing the clutter and confusion for teachers, it allows them to focus on their students.
“Our approach to these reforms is evidence-driven and focused on student success. The feedback we have had from teachers so far is very positive and confirms we are moving in the right direction.”
Visit the NESA website to read the consultation materials and have your say: educationstandards.nsw.edu.au
Public consultation closes on 30 April 2021.

More operating theatres, patient rooms and world-class services, including two new Emergency Departments, are all part of Westmead Hospital’s new 14-storey clinical tower officially unveiled today.
Staff and services began relocating to the new hospital building in February, with both the adult and children’s Emergency Departments now open to the public.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the Central Acute Services Building is the centrepiece of the more than $1 billion Westmead Health Precinct.
“This new state-of-the-art health facility will serve Western Sydney’s health needs for generations to come, with world-class research and education capacity embedded on every floor,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The Westmead Health Precinct was fast-tracked under the NSW Government’s COVID-19 response and will include a range of integrated adult and children’s health services for the first time, including separate emergency departments.”
Mr Hazzard said the collaboration between Westmead Hospital, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead and the University of Sydney will mean patients receive cutting edge treatment and care.
“Westmead is a shining example of how to attract leading health staff and researchers to provide the very best healthcare to Western Sydney residents,” Mr Hazzard said.
Member for Parramatta, Geoff Lee, said: “Western Sydney is expected to have a population of about 1.3 million people by 2031 so this is great news for the local community.”
Member for Seven Hills Mark Taylor said: “The Westmead Hospital Upgrade is terrific for the local community. Further refurbishments are on track to be completed in 2022, delivering even more world-class healthcare facilities for Western Sydney residents.”
Key features of the new Central Acute Services Building include:

• Two new emergency departments — one for adults and one for children;
• 25 digital operating theatres;
• More than 300 patient rooms; and

• 1.5 floors for the University of Sydney to further integrate education, research and health services.

In March 2019, the NSW Government announced an additional $619 million for Stage 2 of The Children’s Hospital at Westmead. This includes a new Paediatric Services Building and car parking.

The NSW Government has issued a total of 34 Natural Disaster Declarations over the last 48 hours to ensure immediate support reaches communities across the State affected by the floods and storms.
Disaster declarations have been issued for the following Local Government Areas in collaboration with the Commonwealth: Armidale, Bellingen, Blue Mountains, Camden, Campbelltown, Canterbury Bankstown, Central Coast, Cessnock City, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour City, Cumberland, Dungog, Fairfield, Hawkesbury, Hornsby, Inner West, Kempsey, Ku-ring-gai, Lake Macquarie, Liverpool, Maitland City, Mid-Coast, Nambucca Valley, Newcastle City, Northern Beaches, Parramatta, Penrith, Port Macquarie-Hastings, Port Stephens, Sutherland, Tenterfield Blacktown, The Hills and Wollondilly.
The assistance now available is one of a series of funding packages that will be triggered by the Government as the impacts of the floods are assessed:

• help for eligible people whose homes or belongings have been damaged;

• support for affected local councils to help with the costs of cleaning up and restoring

damaged essential public assets;

• concessional interest rate loans for small businesses, primary producers and non-profit organisations;
• freight subsidies for primary producers, and
• grants to eligible non-profit organisations.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said although the disaster is still underway, the NSW Government is already looking ahead to the recovery and ongoing assistance.
NSW is experiencing the most significant storm and flood event that we have seen in decades, with widespread destruction affecting countless communities,” Mr Elliott said.
“We have worked quickly to declare disasters in 34 Local Government Areas. This assistance activates practical and immediate supports for communities, primary producers, small businesses, not-for-profits and councils.”
“We will stand side by side with our communities over coming weeks and months as we work through the significant recovery that lays ahead of us.”
For information call Disaster Customer Care Service on 13 77 88 or visit www.service.nsw.gov.au/

A new $1500 rebate scheme designed to help tens of thousands of small businesses pay for NSW and local government fees and charges, such as licences, council rates, and registration fees will open early next month.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the Small Business Fees and Charges Rebate, which was announced in November’s Budget, would provide support for eligible small businesses, sole traders and non-profit organisations.
“It’s important that we support businesses to recover from the impact of the COVID pandemic and encourage business growth by reducing the cost of running a business,” Mr Perrottet said.
“The NSW Government has committed close to $500 million for the new scheme, which shows our commitment to small businesses which are the life-blood of the NSW economy, supporting more than 1 million jobs.”
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said businesses would be able to access the scheme through Service NSW.
“In the same vein as other support programs delivered by Service NSW during the pandemic, we want to ensure the application and redemption process is as seamless and intuitive as possible,” Mr Dominello said.
“We want small businesses to be spending as much time as possible serving customers and the minimum possible time dealing with government bureaucracy.”
Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said a small pilot program would start this month before it rolled out state-wide.
“Many licence fee waivers are about to expire and I encourage small businesses below the new 2020-21 payroll tax threshold of $1.2 million to apply for this new rebate scheme,” Mr Tudehope said.
“This will help hundreds more businesses, along with entrepreneur and family businesses across the state, ensuring they have more money in their pockets as NSW continues its post-pandemic recovery.
“We want to make it easy to run a business and when we support small businesses, we support the recovery and jobs.”
Under the scheme, small businesses, sole traders and non-profit organisations can apply to be reimbursed up to $1500 for NSW and local government fees and charges that are related to the cost of doing business. These include:

• Food authority licences
• Liquor licences
• Tradesperson licences
• Event fees
• Council rates
• Business vehicle registration fees

The scheme cannot be used for fees and charges specifically excluded under policy guidelines, such as fines and penalties, and will only be available for those charges and fees that are due and paid after 1 March 2021.
It will be available via Service NSW in early April and will run until 30 June 2022. The scheme will allow eligible small businesses to draw down on a $1500 credit to offset the cost of eligible NSW and local government fees and charges. More information, including the program guidelines, are available at www.service.nsw.gov.au/small-business-fees-and-charges-rebate

The State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) at Homebush has been activated following severe wet weather and flooding throughout New South Wales.
The SEOC is a central hub, based at Rural Fire Service Headquarters, where experts can monitor the situation in real time and coordinate a whole of government response to flood relief efforts.
The SEOC will be in operation to support the State Emergency Services (SES) as they lead the emergency response to this significant weather event. The team will access live information, intelligence sharing, digital mapping, as well as public information and media broadcasting resources to quickly get critical information to the public.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services, David Elliott, reinforced the importance of flood-threatened communities working with emergency services and observing any directions they are given.
“We don’t want to see people going into flood-affected areas and then finding themselves in difficulty. It not only puts their own lives at risk but the lives of the emergency service workers and rescuers also,” Minister Elliott said.
“It’s about making smart decisions and following the advice of experts.
“That way, our responders can concentrate their efforts on helping people in most need during this extraordinary and significant weather event.”
State Emergency Operations Controller, NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys APM, has appealed to flood-affected communities to observe flood warnings and evacuation orders as police work closely with the SES and other emergency service agencies.
“This severe weather event is impacting communities across the state. The State Emergency Operations Centre will bring agency operations together under the one roof to manage the situation in real time,” Deputy Commissioner Worboys said.
“We will be relying on the timely advice of various experts at the Bureau of Meteorology and other agencies to make critical decisions to protect life and property, particularly to support our preparedness and planning as the weather event spreads across the west and south coast NSW.”
More information can be found:

• The Public Information and Inquiry Centre (PIIC) has been activated and can be contacted 1800 227 228 for the most up to date information.
• Members of the public seeking emergency assistance during a flood or storm should call the NSW State Emergency Service on 132 500 or visit their website www.ses.nsw.gov.au.
• For all other emergencies, the public are advised to contact Triple Zero (000).
• People are urged to register for Register.Find.Reunite – an online service designed to connect friends and family following a disaster. The public can register at www.redcross.org.au
• For the latest on road closures members of the community can visit the website www.livetraffic.com or contact their local councils.