Category: NSW News

The Sydney Startup Hub is celebrating NSW Women’s Week with three events this week and a new Tech Ready Women program to help increase the number of female founder startups.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said it’s great to see the Sydney Startup Hub, which this week celebrates its third anniversary, encouraging female entrepreneurship.
“It’s well documented that female entrepreneurs are under-represented in the startup ecosystem, with female founders being represented in about 22 per cent of Australia’s startups,” Mr Ayres said.
“We want NSW to continue to lead the way in innovation and by providing training for female founders, we will be boosting the opportunities open to them on their entrepreneurship journey, creating jobs and investment in NSW.”
Following today’s third anniversary celebration, three events will take place at the Sydney Startup Hub this week:

• A Supercharging Support for Female Founders fireside chat – with Christie Whitehill, Founder of Tech Ready Women, and Jared Kendler, Executive Director Entrepreneurship & Innovation Ecosystems at NSW Treasury – Wednesday, 10 March at 12.30pm.
• Looking Forward: Female Entrepreneurship in 2021 – a panel discussion with four female entrepreneurs – CEO and founder of Vitae Shelley Laslett, CEO  and founder Birth Beat Edwina Sharrock, co-founder of Huddle Childcare Millie Zinner and CEO and co-founder of Like Family Jenna Leo, Wednesday, 10 March at 5.30pm.
• Sydney Startup Hub Female Founder Showcase – hear from eight talented female founders located at the hub, followed by demos and networking, at Fishburners on Thursday, 11 March at 5.30pm.

The Hub’s new eight-week Tech Ready Women program is designed to support employment opportunities for women in new and emerging technologies.
With two cohorts, starting in April and June, the pre-accelerator program will provide 100 women with practical, startup, leadership, and technology skills, support from mentors and access to startup networks to develop their idea.
The program will be free for 50 participants from disadvantaged backgrounds and partly subsidised for the remainder.
Mr Ayres said the Sydney Startup Hub continues to create valuable opportunities for NSW startups to develop and network.
“Since the Sydney Startup Hub was established in early 2018, there’s been $300 million in combined investment raised by startups within the four anchor tenants and more than 1,000 jobs generated by startups within the Hub,” Mr Ayres said.
“The Hub has hosted close to 100,000 visitors to the communal and events spaces and held 770 events.”
Humanico co-founder Fiona Vale, who is speaking at the Female Founder Showcase, said it’s full steam ahead for her startup after they recently received a NSW Government grant.
“2020 was a foundational year for Humanico and making the decision to move to Stone & Chalk within the Sydney Startup Hub in July changed our trajectory coming out of lock down,” MRS Vale said.
“We’re currently closing out our first round of investment and it includes a key investor from within the Stone & Chalk community that we would not have otherwise met if we hadn’t moved here.”
For more information about the Sydney Startup Hub events go to sydneystartuphub.eventbrite.com
For more on the Tech Ready Women program go to techreadywomen.academy/femalefoundersprogram

The $68.7 million Bowral & District Hospital Stage 1 redevelopment featuring a new emergency department and state-of-the-art operating theatres has marked a new era in the hospital’s 130-year history.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard and Member for Wollondilly Nathaniel Smith officially opened the new Clinical Services Building, which has had more than 3,800 emergency presentations, 120 babies born and over 530 surgeries since opening in December.
“The new hospital building is a wonderful asset to the people of the Southern Highlands, which is rightly getting its share of the NSW Government’s record $10.7 billion infrastructure boom,” Mr Hazzard said.
“The Stage 1 redevelopment has also delivered new, purpose-built adult and paediatric inpatient wards with their own ensuites, new rehabilitation spaces with a gymnasium, a dedicated geriatric ward and a new maternity unit and birthing suites.”
Member for Wollondilly Nathaniel Smith said the building has beautiful views of the Southern Highlands and its design ensures rooms have plenty of natural light.
“The hospital will continue to grow with the community, providing safe and high-quality care and supporting the economy as a leading employer in the region,” Mr Smith said.
“I congratulate everyone involved in delivering the outstanding clinical services building, including the planners, clinicians, designers and builders, and look forward to the future expansion under Stage 2.’’
In March 2019, the NSW Government announced an additional $55 million for Stage 2 of the redevelopment, with planning for a second building starting soon.
The NSW Government is investing over $1.5 billion into four redevelopments across South Western Sydney Local Health District, with a further $1.3 billion commitment to commence building a new Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital within this term.
Projects include: Liverpool Hospital ($790 million), Campbelltown Hospital ($632 million) and Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital Emergency Department ($25 million), transforming the provision of healthcare across south western Sydney communities.

The NSW Government will aggressively target international and local businesses through a new body – Investment NSW – designed to attract billions of dollars into the state and drive the economy to recovery.
Investment NSW will take advantage of NSW’s successful handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and our position as a safe place to do business.
The new body reflects the Government’s central focus on jobs, skills and investment, which forms part of the NSW Government’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said as NSW moves toward the next stage of the COVID-19 recovery, Investment NSW presents a timely opportunity for businesses both internationally and domestically.
“NSW has done a fantastic job keeping the economy alive while also focusing on the health and safety of our citizens, which means our economy now presents a great opportunity for investors as we continue to rebound from this pandemic,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Investment NSW will be a ‘one-stop-shop’ for the private sector, allowing NSW to target new jobs and lure Australian and global investment, as well as tourists, to our State.”
It will also incorporate a new section, R&D NSW, following the launch of the NSW R&D Action Plan in January to boost the future pipeline of ideas and companies.
This will allow the Government to work strategically and in a coordinated way on attracting investment to the State and in creating new jobs.
“The new initiative will become an important arm for the NSW economy, focusing on growing both jobs and investment in the state,” Ms Berejiklian said.
Investment NSW will partner with key areas of the NSW Government to ensure the best possible investment outcomes for NSW.

The NSW Government has approved a landmark building above the future Pitt Street Sydney Metro station in another milestone for Australia’s largest public transport project.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the 39-storey Pitt Street North commercial office tower will be integrated with the station to creating a connected hub of offices, shops and world-class public transport.
“This approval means up to 620 construction jobs and 4,000 operational jobs once the building is complete which is great news for NSW as we continue to recover from the pandemic,” Mr Stokes said.
“The Pitt Street North development will provide nearly 55,000 square metres of commercial and retail space, creating new places for office workers, commuters, visitors and CBD residents.
“As life starts to return to normal, we want to create new and exciting places to draw people back into the CBD whilst boosting the economy at the same time.”
Minister for Transport Andrew Constance said the construction of Metro stations in Sydney provides opportunities to create new hubs and precincts.
“The Sydney Metro City and South-west mega project is not only changing the city below ground, it’s transforming the city skyline,” Mr Constance said.
“We will soon have 31 stations and 66 kilometres of new metro rail moving people all the way from Rouse The NSW Government has approved a landmark building above the future Pitt Street Sydney Metro station in another milestone for Australia’s largest public transport project.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the 39-storey Pitt Street North commercial office tower will be integrated with the station to creating a connected hub of offices, shops and world-class public transport.
“This approval means up to 620 construction jobs and 4,000 operational jobs once the building is complete which is great news for NSW as we continue to recover from the pandemic,” Mr Stokes said.
“The Pitt Street North development will provide nearly 55,000 square metres of commercial and retail space, creating new places for office workers, commuters, visitors and CBD residents.
“As life starts to return to normal, we want to create new and exciting places to draw people back into the CBD whilst boosting the economy at the same time.”
Minister for Transport Andrew Constance said the construction of Metro stations in Sydney provides opportunities to create new hubs and precincts.
“The Sydney Metro City and South-west mega project is not only changing the city below ground, it’s transforming the city skyline,” Mr Constance said.
“We will soon have 31 stations and 66 kilometres of new metro rail moving people all the way from Rouse Hill to Bankstown, via Sydney CBD. At the same time it’s unlocking the city’s potential on the global scale and opening up new opportunities.” to Bankstown, via Sydney CBD. At the same time it’s unlocking the city’s potential on the global scale and opening up new opportunities.”

NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant has been named NSW Premier’s Woman of the Year, the highest honour in the NSW Women of the Year Awards held in Sydney today.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian congratulated Dr Chant on the accolade after winning her category, NSW Woman of Excellence Award.
“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr Chant has been a familiar face, offering vital health information for our State in addition to years of service to the health sector,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Dr Chant is a role model, especially for women, and has absolutely excelled in her chosen field to affect lasting change.”
Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor congratulated Dr Chant on the incredible job she has done protecting the State throughout the pandemic.
“Dr Kerry Chant is an inspiration for all women, her leadership and dedication to her job ensured NSW was kept safe. Her work has been applauded around the world,” Mrs Taylor said.
Minister Taylor said The NSW Women of the Year Awards are a highlight of Women’s week and congratulated all winners in 2021.
“These incredible women come from all walks of life but the one thing they have in common is that they are inspiring achievers for their communities,” Mrs Taylor said.
2021 Women of the Year Award winners are:

• NSW Premier’s Woman of the Year Award – Dr Kerry Chant
• Woman of Excellence Award – Dr Kerry Chant
• Regional Woman of the Year Award – Grace Brennan
• Cancer Institute NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year Award – June Riemer
• Aware Super NSW Community Hero of the Year Award – Jean Vickery
• Harvey Norman NSW Young Woman of the Year Award – Dr Samantha Wade
• The One To Watch Award – Molly Croft

For more information or biographies for winners and finalists, please visit women.nsw.gov.au

The NSW Government will aggressively target international and local businesses through a new body – Investment NSW – designed to attract billions of dollars into the state and drive the economy to recovery.
Investment NSW will take advantage of NSW’s successful handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and our position as a safe place to do business.
The new body reflects the Government’s central focus on jobs, skills and investment, which forms part of the NSW Government’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said as NSW moves toward the next stage of the COVID-19 recovery, Investment NSW presents a timely opportunity for businesses both internationally and domestically.
“NSW has done a fantastic job keeping the economy alive while also focusing on the health and safety of our citizens, which means our economy now presents a great opportunity for investors as we continue to rebound from this pandemic,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Investment NSW will be a ‘one-stop-shop’ for the private sector, allowing NSW to target new jobs and lure Australian and global investment, as well as tourists, to our State.”
It will also incorporate a new section, R&D NSW, following the launch of the NSW R&D Action Plan in January to boost the future pipeline of ideas and companies.
This will allow the Government to work strategically and in a coordinated way on attracting investment to the State and in creating new jobs.
“The new initiative will become an important arm for the NSW economy, focusing on growing both jobs and investment in the state,” Ms Berejiklian said.
Investment NSW will partner with key areas of the NSW Government to ensure the best possible investment outcomes for NSW.

NSW is set to become a world leader in low emission industries thanks to an unparalleled $750 million NSW Government program.
Energy Minister Matt Kean said the Net Zero Industry and Innovation Program is about co-investing with industry to reduce our carbon emissions and develop low emissions technologies for the future.
“NSW was one of the first jurisdictions in the world to set a net zero objective, but we must get there in a way that grows the economy, makes our businesses and industry more competitive and puts us ahead of the pack in the low carbon global economy,” Mr Kean said.
“This $750 million program will support the development of new clean technologies, create world-leading centres of research and development and help existing industries future-proof their operations.”
Funding will focus on three key areas:

• $380 million to support existing industries to re-tool with low emissions alternatives and future proof their businesses;
• $175 million to set up low carbon industries such as green hydrogen to create the jobs of the future; and,
• $195 million to research and develop new clean technologies so we decarbonise in ways that grow the economy.

“Almost 30 per cent of our State’s carbon emissions are created by our top 55 industrial facilities, which are critical contributors to the NSW economy,” Mr Kean said.
“Supporting their move to cleaner equipment, technology and processes will significantly reduce emissions, while helping to protect jobs and maintain a resilient economy.
“Our landmark Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap will give NSW some of the cheapest, cleanest most reliable energy in the world.
“This program will build on that to help create the jobs of the future and drive a clean industrial revolution.”
The program is a cornerstone element of the NSW Government’s Net Zero Plan Stage 1: 2020-2030 and leverages existing NSW Government initiatives including Renewable Energy Zones, and Special Activation Precincts.
Expressions of interest for the program will open in April, with businesses and industry encouraged to jump online and register. For more information visit www.energysaver.com.au/netzeroindustry

Financial independence, more opportunities for rural and regional women and entrepreneurship are among the topics promoting gender equality during NSW Women’s Week, under the theme #ChooseToChallenge.
Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor urged people in NSW to embrace the week’s educational opportunities and recognition of the achievements of women and girls.
“When the status of women is advanced, everyone benefits because healthy, actively involved and heard women boost prosperity and innovation in NSW,” Mrs Taylor said.
“Women deserve to be celebrated for the outstanding contributions they make across our state in social, economic, cultural and political spheres.”
“There are still barriers women face, so we need to use this time to develop practical steps, foster resilience and spearhead change.”
Events during NSW Women’s Week include an intergenerational forum tackling work-family balance, an entrepreneurship panel on championing change and a networking event for rural and regional women.
The $100,000 Women’s Week Grants also enable 27 organisations to host programs – many regionally – including a cultural craft group, university tax clinic and mountain bike club.
“We want to empower women to make their own decisions, to move forward with confidence and know they can proactively create the future they want. Knowledge is power.”
The week starts with International Women’s Day on 8 March and the NSW Women of the Year Awards are announced on 10 March and for the first time includes two new categories.
‘The One to Watch Award’ recognises an outstanding girl aged 7 to 17, while the ‘NSW Woman of Excellence Award’ will go to a role model excelling in her field.
The NSW Government is committed to supporting women’s economic opportunity and advancement; health and wellbeing; and participation and empowerment.
For more information, visit https://www.women.nsw.gov.au/news-and-events/nsw-womens-week

Detectives have charged a man over an alleged fraud relating to bushfire support recovery grants.
In April 2020, Strike Force Roche was established by several police districts within the Northern Region to investigate alleged fraudulent claims for bushfire disaster relief and small business grants through government agencies.
Following extensive inquiries, a 31-year-old man was issued a Court Attendance Notice at Kempsey Police Station about 10am today (Saturday 6 March 2021), for two counts of dishonestly obtain financial advantage by deception.
Police will allege in court that the man fraudulently obtained two NSW Government grants, receiving a total of $20,000 in April 2020.
The North Haven man was granted conditional bail to appear at Port Macquarie Local Court on Wednesday 21 April 2021.
Investigations under Strike Force Roche continue.

The NSW Government will undertake major reforms to the infrastructure contributions system, unlocking up to $12 billion in productivity benefits through changes to how public facilities and services are funded through the planning system.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet and Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes today announced the Government had accepted the NSW Productivity Commission’s 29 recommendations for legislative, policy and operational reform of infrastructure charges.
“These important reforms will ensure communities across the State will have the services and facilities they need and is an example of the type of microeconomic reform that will boost productivity and make NSW an even more attractive place to live and invest,” Mr Perrottet said.
“These changes will help drive our economic recovery from the pandemic by providing local jobs on smaller-scale infrastructure projects by encouraging investment in new housing supply and in the end will create better connected communities.”
The NSW Government will publish its blueprint to implement the recommendations and how it will be delivered in the next 18 months.
“This is the biggest shake-up of the system in three decades and could deliver billions of dollars of benefits over the next 20 years through better services, savings for business and better public spaces,” Mr Stokes said.
“Solving the uncertainty of infrastructure contributions was one of four pillars of our Planning Reform Action Plan. That’s why we’re adopting the Productivity Commission’s recommendations in full to build a more timely, transparent and certain planning system.
“New and growing communities need new roads, parks, schools and hospitals, and it is imperative industry and communities have a clear understanding of how these services get delivered.
Alongside changes to the local government rate peg methodology, we’re getting the settings right for local communities to proactively plan for growth. Digital tools will also help create certainty for investors, communities and local government.
The NSW Government will introduce amendments to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 to the Parliament in coming months to facilitate the recommendations.
The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment will establish consultation groups to work with local government, industry and the community on the implementation process.
For more information visit www.planning.nsw.gov.au/infrastructure-contributions-reform.