Category: NSW News

Restrictions in NSW schools will be eased to allow parents back on to school grounds, dancing activities to proceed and singing groups to recommence in a COVID-safe way, the NSW Government announced today.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell announced the following restrictions will be eased on Monday, 8 March 2021:

• Parents and caretakers are able to enter school grounds but should continue to follow COVID-safe practices, including physical distancing.
• Parents and caretakers can attend school sporting events. School sporting should align with requirements for community sporting competitions and training activities in NSW.
• There are no recommended limits on singing groups in schools, including for in-class educational activities such as group repetition, chanting, recitation, or singing activities. Five metres is recommended between a group of performing singers and the audience, where practicable.
• Dancing activities, including dance classes, balls, formals and social events, can proceed, but organisers should select venues with adequate floor space to comply with any venue restrictions.
• Gathering of parents and community members for school events, such as P&C meetings, can continue in a COVID-safe way.

Ms Mitchell thanked NSW school communities for their patience and innovative thinking during the pandemic.
“We are grateful to parents, teachers and principals who have worked tirelessly to keep school communities safe during the pandemic and ensure students continue to receive a high-quality education,” Ms Mitchell said.
“I am pleased parents are now allowed to return to school grounds, watch school sports and be involved again in school activities.
“Schools will continue to operate in a COVID-safe way with less restrictions in place. Hand sanitiser and enhanced cleaning will remain in place in all schools.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard thanked school communities for following the health advice.
“NSW started its vaccine rollout and we have been able to ease restrictions, including in schools, which is a terrific achievement,” Mr Hazzard said.
“However, the pandemic is not over yet. We still need principals, teachers, parents and students to continue to follow the health advice while at the same time enabling parents to support their children’s studies.”
Teachers, students or parents who have COVID-19 symptoms should not attend school until a negative test has been received.
Detailed guidance for schools has been updated to reflect these changes and principals are pleased to welcome parents and carers back to school.
Schools will continue to have COVID-19 Safety Plans and record keeping procedures in place. Visitors to NSW public schools must still use of the Service NSW QR Code system at the school’s reception.

Sports can apply for up to $650,000 in grants to assist women’s sport following the opening of the NSW Government’s Her Sport Her Way Grant Program.
The Her Sport Her Way Grant Program provides more than $2.5 million over four years to State Sporting Organisations and State Sporting Organisations for People with Disability to help increase participation, promote leadership and encourage inclusivity.
Minister for Sport Geoff Lee said the NSW Government is committed to improving the participation of women in sport as players and leaders.
“With International Women’s Day next week it is the perfect time for sports to consider innovative ways to get more women and girls involved in sport, both on and off the field,” Mr Lee said.
Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said the program will be a great way to bring communities together and promote leadership.
“We’re committed to building a safer, stronger NSW, and this means enabling women by increasing opportunities to participate and making sure every woman and girl can enjoy their sport to the fullest and feel at ease before and after they hit the field.”
The Her Sport Her Way Grants Program is part of the NSW Government’s strategy to deliver positive change for women’s sport in NSW.
Grants of $10,000 – $50,000 are available with Sports able to seek grants for multiple projects across various locations.
In 2019, 23 sporting organisations shared $635,000 in grants for 27 projects, including triathlon, water polo and wheelchair sports.
Triathlon NSW delivered a series of women-only triathlons across eleven locations with a focus on 12-25 year old females who had never participated in the sport before under the theme ‘finish lines, not finish times’.
“The Her Sport Her Way Grant Program enabled 11 of our clubs across NSW to run very successful and beginner-friendly multisport events for women of all ages,” Triathlon NSW lead staff on the ‘Her Sport Her Way’ program, Alana Leabeater said.
“We received wonderful feedback from first-time triathletes who thrived in the welcoming and supportive atmosphere at these events, and who are looking forward to continuing their triathlon journey with their local club this season.”
Water Polo NSW used its grant to deliver the ‘Girls Making Waves’ program which introduces girls to basic water polo skills and team building in a fun environment.
“Girls Making Waves provides girls in regional and metro NSW with the opportunity to try water polo, splash around in inflatable tubes and quite simply have fun,” Vice President Water Polo NSW Suzanne Ramke said.
Wheelchair Sports NSW created the Roll Model series to increase the visibility of female role models in disability sport which included the How I Roll anthem featuring ARIA nominated vocalist Casey Donovan.
“Our Her Sport Her Way Grant allowed us to reach girls and women with disabilities through the passion point of music. The ‘How I Roll’ campaign will have a lasting legacy for female participation in wheelchair sport,” CEO of Wheelchair Sports NSW/ACT Mick Garnett said.
The Her Sport Her Way Grants Program is open until 12 April 2021. For further information visit:www.sport.nsw.gov.au/clubs/grants/her-sport-her-way

With the NSW economy on a path to recovery, the NSW Government has announced new plans to help the residential tenancy market transition back to pre COVID-19 conditions.
In April 2020, the NSW Government introduced temporary measures to support landlords and tenants adversely impacted by the pandemic, stabilise the housing market and limit unnecessary social movement.
Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation, Kevin Anderson, said the NSW Government will now make changes to these measures to allow the rental market to adjust to new circumstances and the current economic climate.
“NSW responded quickly to the challenges of COVID-19, providing support and assistance to tenants and landlords across the state. The measures we introduced kept a roof over people’s heads during an incredibly uncertain time,” Mr Anderson said.
In February 2021, Fair Trading reported an 85 per cent drop in requests for assistance and complaints relating to COVID-19 rent negotiations, compared to June last year.
“With the economy rebounding and the unemployment rate stabilising, the time is right to transition back to normal tenancy laws,” Mr Anderson said.
“That’s why I will introduce legislation in the next fortnight to start a six-month transition from 27 March, when the eviction moratorium and requirement for tenants and landlords to renegotiate rental payments will expire.
“We want to ensure tenants with COVID-induced rental arrears are protected from being evicted at the end of the month. So for six months from 27 March, tenants and landlords will be assisted to enter a repayment plan for any COVID-induced arrears and tenants can only be evicted if they fail to meet the terms of that plan.
“Our number one priority has always been to keep people safe and in accommodation, and introducing a transition process instead of bringing this support to an abrupt halt is by far the most fair way to ensure this happens.”
These protections are especially important in regional NSW, where rental markets are tightening and alternative housing isn’t always readily available.
“We are creating a stronger and safer regional NSW and these protections will go a long way to ensuring tenants aren’t left in the lurch due to things outside of their control,” Mr Anderson said.
From 27 March;

• Current COVID-19 residential tenancy measures will be repealed;
• The NSW Government will introduce amendments to legislation to prevent tenants from being automatically evicted due to COVID-19 induced rental arrears;
• Landlords and tenants will be supported to draw up rental repayment plans that enable landlords to recoup COVID-induced arrears, while keeping tenants in their properties; and
• OVID-19 impacted tenants will be protected from being blacklisted on tenancy databases for arrears.

To find out more about the transitional residential tenancy measures, visit Fair Trading.

The State Government’s Service NSW app has been downloaded more than four million times, approximately 75 per cent of NSW’s adult population.
The app has been used by patrons across the State for more than 117 million COVID Safe check-ins.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the technology has been a game changer for businesses and customers during the pandemic, while keeping the community safe.
“I want to thank the people of NSW for downloading the Service NSW app more than four million times, accounting for around half the State’s population, which continues to keep our community safe from COVID-19,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We are using technology to enhance the user experience and prioritise public safety, and these figures show that citizens have embraced our digital solutions.
“The app has not only provided an easy solution for businesses and customers for checking in, it importantly assists NSW Health and the contact tracing team in the event of an outbreak.”
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said more than 80,000 businesses are actively using the check-in feature, with 94 per cent giving it the thumbs up.
“We want the customer to be at the centre of everything we do, which is why we are constantly bolstering the app in response to feedback,” Mr Dominello said.
“We have recently updated the app to enable customers to save the details of their dependents and soon the check-out will be easier for customers, with a new reminder notification around the corner.
“You can also use the app to download a Digital Driver Licence, renew registrations and find out the latest COVID advice.”
Further information on Service NSW is available at www.service.nsw.gov.au

The NSW Liberal Party Executive has unanimously adopted a new Code of Conduct that will govern the behaviour of members, and will help create a positive environment for Members and volunteers.
For some time, the NSW Liberal Party has been developing a new Code of Conduct that reflects our commitment to high standards of behaviour.
The NSW Liberal Party President, the Hon Philip Ruddock AO, said that a lot of work had gone into the development of the new Code.
“This Code compliments the work done at a national level by former State and Federal President, Chris McDiven AO, and former Federal Director, Brian Loughnane AO, by implementing a robust framework governing behaviour and a complaints resolution process to ensure that behaviour that falls short of the standards set out in the Code is dealt with appropriately.”
“There is no doubt that harassment and assault are completely unacceptable in any circumstances. Everyone is entitled to feel safe and no-one should have to be subjected to inappropriate behaviour of any kind,” said Mr Ruddock.
“The new Code reflects a common sense approach in the way members should interact. It is a direct result of detailed input and contribution of many – the State Director, Chris Stone, and his team, the Party’s Audit & Governance Committee, the State Executive, and the Code of Conduct sub-committee,” said Female Vice-President and Chair of the Code of Conduct sub-committee, Mary-Lou Jarvis.
As part of the reforms, the Party will be establishing an autonomous Conduct Review Committee to ensure that complaints can be dealt with promptly and confidentially, while providing procedural fairness for all involved.

Construction of the new Metro railway line, which will service Greater Western Sydney and the new Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport, is one step closer.
The NSW Government has shortlisted three consortia to deliver the mega project’s tunnelling works. They are:

• Bouygues Construction Australia Pty Ltd
• John Holland Gamuda Joint Venture
• Acciona Construction Australia Pty Ltd

Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said the successful tunnel builder will deliver 10 kilometres of twin Metro railway tunnels and the associated excavations of station boxes.
“The station box and tunnelling contract is expected to be awarded by the end of this year, with the first of four mega tunnel boring machines expected to be in the ground by the middle of 2023,” Mr Constance said.
“The Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport project will support 14,000 jobs, including 250 apprentices, and will inject billions into the NSW and national economies.”
The Australian and NSW governments are jointly delivering the 23km Metro railway and six stations between St Marys and the Western Sydney Aerotropolis, including two stations at the airport.

A major milestone has been reached in the construction of Sydney Metro under Australia’s busiest railway station.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance today visited Central Station where excavation has reached the bottom of the new Sydney Metro station box which is 27 metres below ground level.
“This has been an extraordinary engineering and construction achievement, delivering new Metro in the heart of our busiest railway station, while train services continued right around us,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The NSW Government has supported jobs through the COVID-19 crisis, with work fast tracked at Central over the past year due to reduced customer numbers within the station precinct.
“Right now, around 5,000 people are working on Sydney Metro and about 50,000 will have worked on the City & Southwest project by the time services start in 2024.”
Mr Constance said the two underground Metro platforms at Central are being built differently to other Sydney Metro stations.
“We’re building this brand new Metro station at Central from the top down rather than bottom up, to deliver the platforms as quickly as possible while minimising the impact to commuters,” Mr Constance said.
“The two tunnel boring machines did not stop at Central but kept tunnelling through, which meant the final stage of excavating the station box was to smash through the twin tunnel sections from above using 14 excavators.
“More than 280,000 tonnes of crushed rock has been removed from the station box, enough to fill about 46 Olympic swimming pools.”
The 460-tonne steel structure of the new landmark Northern Concourse roof is also complete, with more than 500 louvres currently being installed on the eastern, northern and western ends of the roof, which was made in Kurri Kurri.
Excavation of the 19 metre-wide Central Walk underground link has reached about 75 per cent, and is on track to open in stages from next year. Central Walk will connect light rail customers with suburban trains, Metro trains, buses and regional services.
The work at Central Station is being delivered as part of the Sydney Metro City & Southwest project, which will see Metro rail services extend from Chatswood, through the city and beyond to Bankstown in 2024.

Five major vaccination hubs and 99 regional satellite sites will open progressively across NSW starting from Monday, 15 March, as the COVID-19 vaccination rollout stretches across the State.
These vaccination hubs and satellite sites will initially focus on frontline healthcare and border workers, and will eventually be followed by a wider rollout of the vaccine to the general public through the GP network.
The five major hubs and their linked satellite sites will open progressively from 15 March through to April and will be located at:

• Newcastle Hospital
• Wollongong Hospital
• Wagga Wagga Base Hospital
• Coffs Harbour Hospital
• Dubbo Hospital

The vaccine will be dispatched from the hubs to the satellite sites.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said it has been great to see the enormous enthusiasm from those receiving and giving the jabs.
“NSW is on track to achieve its goal of more than 35,000 vaccinations in the first three weeks with thousands of frontline workers already receiving their first doses thanks to excellent work of our NSW Health staff in the three initial hubs,” Ms Berejiklian said.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said it’s fantastic the rollout of the vaccine will be expanded into regional NSW, now including major hubs in Coffs Harbour, Dubbo and Wagga Wagga.
“Regional NSW has endured a myriad of impacts from COVID-19 and with the vaccine now on its way, we will have the confidence and assurance we need to live fully and remain open for business,” Mr Barilaro said.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said rolling out vaccinations to frontline staff in the regions is the next step to ensuring they are protected against COVID-19.
“Wollongong and Newcastle are particularly significant because we have frontline staff meeting overseas freighters arriving at ports and those staff obviously are at higher risk than others,” Mr Hazzard said.
Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said the expansion is a major boost for the state’s frontline healthcare workers, especially those in regional NSW.
“An important aspect of the continued rollout is ensuring everyone at risk of COVID-19 has access to vaccination as close to their homes as possible,” Dr Chant said.

The NSW Government has allocated a further $20 million for showground upgrades across the State to improve community infrastructure, support jobs and stimulate local economies in response to the pandemic.
Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said this further funding injection brings the total to $55 million worth of investment in showgrounds as part of the COVID-19 stimulus program.
“This investment will improve the safety and quality of showground infrastructure while stimulating local economies by providing work for a host of local tradies and materials suppliers,” Mrs Pavey said.
“Showgrounds are incredibly valuable community infrastructure, whether it’s for events and shows or use as emergency centres during crisis events. This investment in Crown land ensures showgrounds can continue to serve communities throughout the State for many years to come, building a stronger and safer regional NSW.”
To date, improvement work has included the rebuilding of grandstands and pavilions, upgrades of kitchen and amenities blocks, lighting and electrical systems, water and sewerage networks and roads and fencing.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the further funding will boost jobs and contribute to local communities adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The NSW Government previously provided $35 million across the State to support 623 upgrade projects at 187 showgrounds, which has so far supported over 1,490 jobs, providing work for tradespeople, suppliers and fabricators”, Mr Stokes said.
“Now with the allocation of this further $20 million we will see another 172 upgrade projects at 73 showgrounds to support more improvements and jobs.
“Showgrounds are multi-use facilities at the heart of our communities and this continued funding comes at a critical time when COVID-19 has been disrupting annual shows and other activities that showgrounds rely on for their income.”

The NSW Police Force has welcomed 194 new police officers in the first graduation ceremony of 2021.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott joined NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller APM at an attestation ceremony at the NSW Police Academy in Goulburn today.
Mr Elliott congratulated the incoming officers and welcomed the return to a full ceremony after last year’s events were disrupted by COVID-19 restrictions.
“Over the course of last year, we have seen first-hand the crucial role our police officers play in protecting the community and we owe them a debt of gratitude for their efforts,” Mr Elliott said.
“I am pleased to personally welcome the latest recruits in Goulburn and offer my assurance that they have the full support of the NSW Government as they commence their law enforcement careers today. Their commitment and dedication to serve and protect the community will not go unnoticed.”
“These officers will join a NSW Police Force that has been strengthened by investment from the NSW Government, including the delivery of 1500 additional officers over four years and the commitment to a $60 million upgrade to Goulburn Police Academy.”
NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller APM said the latest intake of probationary constables will hit the ground running.
“I welcome Class 345, and their families and friends who have been able to join us here today,” Commissioner Fuller said.
“I know from experience that this is a very significant moment in every officer’s career. As our newest police officers start at their new commands on Monday, they can be assured that this is the start of a memorable and rewarding career in law enforcement.”
Class 345 includes 139 men and 55 women. Some recruits entered the NSW Police Academy straight from school or university, while others left established professional careers and trades such as teachers, ambulance officers and a jockey.