Category: NSW News

Roadheaders have carved their way from the M4-M5 Link Tunnels into the M8 Motorway, connecting the two stages of the WestConnex project for the first time.
Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, Paul Fletcher said the major milestone was reached 41 metres underground at the St Peters Interchange.
“The Commonwealth and NSW have worked closely together on WestConnex and our joint financial commitments are delivering major benefits to Sydney motorists in reduced travel times, less congestion, and greater safety,” Mr Fletcher said.
New South Wales Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said this breakthrough is the first of six planned on the $3.2 billion project this year.
“The M4-M5 Link Tunnels are the missing link in Sydney’s motorway network. Once connected the twin 7.5 kilometre tunnels will create an underground western bypass of the CBD,” Mr Constance said.
“These tunnels will change the way people move around Sydney, providing a link between the M4, M8 and through to the M5 corridor as well as connections to future motorway projects including Sydney Gateway,  M6 Stage 1 and the Western Harbour Tunnel and Beaches Link via the Rozelle Interchange.
“Significant progress has been made underground with 17km excavated and tunnelling on track to be completed this year. These tunnels are so important because they will allow drivers to experience the full benefits of the 33 kilometre WestConnex network.”
Transport for NSW Acting Deputy Secretary Howard Collins said the project had provided a significant boost to the NSW economy and jobs during a challenging year marked by the Coronavirus pandemic.
“Of the more than 7,000 workers and sub-contractors involved in the project to date, more than a third are from Western Sydney, highlighting the jobs and opportunities this project is creating for local workers and businesses,” Mr Collins said.
“The project continues to be a major jobs driver with around 1,100 people currently working on the M4-M5 Link Tunnels and more than 400 contracts signed with NSW-based suppliers and companies.”
WestConnex CEO Andrew Head said the M4-M5 Link Tunnels currently have 28 roadheaders in operation.
“The M4-M5 Link is utilising the largest number of roadheaders on a single project anywhere in Australia, each progressing at around 25 metres per week,” Mr Head said.
“Around 25 per cent of the road pavement has now been laid and the mechanical and electrical fitout of the tunnels is also under way.”
When the M4-M5 Link Tunnels open in 2023, drivers using the New M4 Tunnels will have the option to stay underground at Haberfield and travel on up to four lanes through to the St Peters Interchange.
The M4-M5 Link Tunnels will further enhance the current travel time savings for drivers using WestConnex, allowing them to save up to 40 minutes on a trip between Parramatta and the Sydney airport.

An expansion of fee-free Summer Skills training courses is now available for school leavers with new online courses on offer, as part of the JobTrainer initiative.
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said the Summer Skills program, launched in November 2020, has expanded to include seven TAFE NSW online short courses targeting school leavers from last year.
“In designing the Summer Skills program, the NSW Government has ensured the training on offer is aligned to local industry needs,” he said.
“We need to provide the opportunities that help school leavers find their feet in these uncertain times. That’s why we’re delivering practical and fee-free training opportunities commencing this summer. Online learning is a terrific way to upskill at your own pace,”
Mr Lee said all the courses come from the $320 million committed to delivering 100,000 fee-free training places as part of the NSW Government’s contribution to the JobTrainer initiative.
“There are more than 100,000 fee-free training places available through TAFE NSW and approved providers for people across NSW to reskill, retrain and redeploy to growth areas in a post COVID-19 economy.
“I encourage anyone impacted by the pandemic to see what training options are available in 2021.”
Enrolments are open for Summer Skills training in:

• Cyber Concepts;
• Introduction to working in the health industry;
• Construction materials and Work Health and Safety;
• Mental health;
• Business administration skills;
• Introductory to business skills; and
• Digital security basics.

 
Full details on all available fee-free courses on offer and their eligibility as part of the NSW Summer Skills program is here, and more information on the JobTrainer initiative is here.

Students are beginning the 2021 school year in the upgraded Armidale Secondary College which opened today, the largest investment in education for regional NSW.
The $121 million upgrade means there are now 104 classrooms, including specialised spaces for science, industrial arts and hospitality, improved performing arts and sports facilities and connections between indoor and outdoor learning, as well as a new agricultural facility.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the school was an incredible asset for the entire community.
“Armidale Secondary College will serve this community for generations to come and shows the commitment this government has to education in the regions,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“I want to ensure every child in NSW has the opportunity to reach their full potential, no matter where they live or what their circumstances may be.”
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the school is now the jewel of regional education and is looking forward to more like it opening across the state.
“Opening Armidale Secondary College today gives us a glimpse of the future of education for kids living in the bush,” Mr Barilaro said.
“The school is the first of its kind, accommodating more than 1,500 students, it is fitted with the best in specialised facilities including a multipurpose hall which will be completed in early 2022.”
Education Minister Sarah Mitchell said she was committed to delivering the best schools and education for students learning and living in the bush.
“I am dedicated to making sure we get the best outcomes for our students – particularly our regional students,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Armidale Secondary College is a boost for the entire region. It will change lives and enhance the futures of thousands of students for years to come.”
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.

Dr Fiona Martin MP, Member for Reid, has secured the future of Sibbick Street Reserve in Russell Lea to ensure the park remains a local community greenspace for future generations.
“Whether it’s families enjoying the play equipment or residents making use of the basketball court, Sibbick Street Reserve is a hub of activity in Russell Lea,” Dr Martin said.
“From the beginning, I have worked alongside the community, the Commonwealth Government and local Council to make sure Sibbick Street Reserve will be a place that residents can enjoy into the future.”
In June 2019, the Commonwealth Department of Finance presented the City of Canada Bay Council with an opportunity to purchase Sibbick Street Reserve as the land’s long-term lease approached expiry in 2025.
The City of Canada Bay Council initially offered a nominal fee for the transfer of the land, which did not meet the requirements of the Commonwealth Property Disposal Policy.
“In the absence of a reasonable offer from the Council, the property disposal policy requires the Commonwealth to sell the property on the open market,” Dr Martin stated.
“Members of the community feared that the land would be sold off to developers once the lease expired, but I was never going to allow that.”
Dr Martin worked alongside Minister for Finance, Senator the Hon Simon Birmingham, to ensure Council took appropriate steps for the transfer of the land to take place.
“I’m pleased to share that the sale agreement stipulates that this land must remain a community greenspace and can never fall into the hands of developers,” Dr Martin stated.
“Sibbick Street Reserve will remain a community park under the stewardship of the local Council for generations to come.”

The Morrison Government is investing in innovative strategies to address the barriers preventing people with mental illness from finding and keeping a job.
Minister for Families and Social Services Anne Ruston said the Government has committed an additional $45.7 million to extend two programs dedicated to helping young people with mental health difficulties join the workforce.
The funding will be used to double the number of headspace sites running the evidence-based Individual Placement and Support Program to 50 and to support headspace National to continue the Digital Work and Study Service.
“A job is a game-changer and that is why the Government is so focussed on helping people to get into work,” Minister Ruston said.
“This program has never been more important given we have seen young people disproportionately affected by COVID-19 in terms of jobs losses, which we know can compound the mental health impact so many are feeling as a result of the pandemic.”
Member for Reid, Dr Fiona Martin MP, said the Individual Placement and Support Program will now be run at the Ashfield headspace thanks to the additional Government investment.
“The program is a tailored approach that can help improve job outcomes for young people experiencing mental health difficulties,” Dr Martin said.
Having practised as a psychologist prior to entering Parliament, Dr Martin is confident that evidence-based programs can affect real change.
“This is fantastic news for our local community because we know career assistance hand-in-hand with clinical support can make a profound difference in the lives of young people and ensure they can reach their full potential.”
Professor Patrick McGorry, executive director of Orygen which runs the program with headspace, welcomed the Government’s commitment to making a real lasting difference in the lives of people who face barriers to work.
“The onset of mental illness often occurs in young people which, by the age of 25, can significantly affect their ability to transition from study to work,” Professor McGorry said.
The expansion of the Individual Placement and Support Program will allow more than 6,000 youth under the age of 25 experiencing mental health difficulties across Australia to receive specialist vocational and employment support in tandem with clinical treatment to find and keep a job over the next four years.

The launch of a NSW Higher Education Strategy will drive strengthened and effective partnerships between government and the higher education sector that will be vital to supporting a strong COVID-19 recovery.
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said the five-year strategy will help the government to harness the power of the sector to meet emerging social, economic and environmental challenges.
“Recent challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic, bushfires and ongoing drought in parts of NSW, have highlighted the importance of strong partnerships between the NSW Government and the higher education sector,” Mr Lee said.
“The Strategy will build on the strong working relationship we already have with our world class higher education institutions and will guide the development of new and ongoing collaborations as the state recovers.
“Universities and other higher education institutions play a key role in our state, they educate our citizens, produce world class research and make a significant contribution to our economy.”
The Strategy is the result of extensive consultation across the higher education sector and NSW Government.
The Convener of the NSW Vice-Chancellors’ Committee Professor Barney Glover AO said that the new Strategy recognises the pivotal role of the sector to generate opportunities for the people of NSW.
“The university sector in NSW and the ACT is diverse, dynamic, impactful and accessible and is world class for research, teaching and student experience.
“The Strategy provides a clear vision for bold and innovative collaboration across a range of priority areas aimed at contributing to the economic and social productivity of NSW,” Professor Glover said.
“Universities look forward to working closely with the NSW Government on implementation of the Strategy over the next five years and I commend the NSW Government for its leadership and strong support of the sector.
The Strategy identifies five priority areas for greater alignment between the higher education sector and NSW’s priorities for social and economic development:

• Develop and broaden post-school options to foster lifelong learning;
• Ensure wider participation in quality higher education;
• Drive job growth, skills and innovation;
• Strengthen collaborations to bolster research outcomes; and
• Position NSW globally by reinvigorating and diversifying international education and engagement.

 
Implementation of the Strategy will be led by the NSW Department of Education in close consultation with the higher education sector and key stakeholders across government.
Please click here for more information.

Students in Dubbo will be the first to benefit from the record-breaking investment in regional digital education when they return to school this week.
The upgrade is the first rollout of the NSW Government’s $365.8 million Rural Access Gap investment, providing rural and regional schools access to the future of digital technology.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said she wants to see all students have access to the same educational facilities and opportunities no matter where they live.
“I want every student learning at our schools in regional NSW to enjoy the same opportunities as their metro peers,” Ms Mitchell said.
“This investment in technology will provide students and teachers learning in the regions with more opportunities than ever before.
“Students can access subjects previously only available in larger schools, and teachers have additional support and a broad library of professional development options.
“As someone who was educated in regional NSW, I know how important and life-changing creating these opportunities will be and how important improving regional education is for our communities.”
The package will support more than 1000 regional and rural schools across the state with the very best digital teaching and learning tools including new devices in the classroom for students, laptops for teachers and training for staff so that they can drive the best use out of this investment.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said this program would provide teachers with laptops, improve student device ratios and allow all regional schools to be upgraded with high-speed access.
“High-performance web-conference tools will allow our regional students and teachers to use a mix of telepresence and on-site teaching resources which will push them into endless development and curriculum possibilities,” Mr Dominello said.
Orana Heights Public School in Dubbo is one of the first schools to have their classrooms fitted with smart boards, five times faster internet access, laptops for all teaching staff  and additional student devices.
Local Member Dugald Saunders said he is excited to see 28 schools in the region equipped in the same way as Orana Heights public school.
“I am excited to see the delivery of the Rural Access Gap to our Dubbo students. We all know the importance of technology, and it’s really exciting to see our country students have access to it,” Mr Saunders said.
After being rolled out in Dubbo, the RAG will be provided to a further 81 schools in Term 2 this year, with the remaining schools upgraded by mid-2023.
The Program is estimated to generate around 5,000 jobs, including 1,786 regional jobs directly created by program spending.

For the first time in its 160-year history, NSW cricket has a home of its own.
Cricket NSW CEO Lee Germon was joined by Federal Member for Reid, Dr Fiona Martin MP, and State Member for Ku-ring-gai, Alister Henskens SC MP, to officially turn the sod for the $50 million NSW Cricket Centre at Wilson Park, Silverwater in Sydney Olympic Park.
Through the support and generosity of the NSW and Federal Governments, and funding contributions by Cricket Australia and Cricket NSW, construction for Stage 1 has commenced for the world-class training and administration headquarters.
The Centre has been made possible thanks to a $30 million contribution from the NSW Government and a $5 million contribution from the Federal Government.
Stage 1 construction includes a full-sized playing oval to International Cricket Council standard, about 50 outdoor turf practice nets, a 15-lane indoor cricket training facility and a high-performance gym and recovery facilities.
The Centre will be a dedicated year-round cricket training and administration facility that will cater for elite and developing male and female NSW players, as well as thousands of club and community cricketers.
Mr Germon thanked the NSW and Federal Governments for their strong support of cricket.
“This soon to be world-class facility will allow boys and girls to train alongside their NSW cricket heroes, inspiring the next generation of exciting young players,” Mr Germon said. “Thank you for your generosity and commitment to the future of our great game”.
Dr Martin said, “these new facilities will be used all year round and will support cricket at every level, from our local grassroots groups through to elite players. Importantly, the project will also create local jobs during construction that will help secure Australia’s economic comeback.”
Alister Henskens, NSW Parliamentary Friends of Cricket co-chair, said, “the Centre is an important community facility. By putting 35,000 community players with elite athletes, it will provide benefits for both groups. This facility will be great for our female athletes, who are the fastest growing group in cricket.”
The NSW Cricket Centre will be home to the NSW Blues and NSW Breakers squads and Sydney Thunder and Sydney Sixers BBL and WBBL squads as well as the headquarters for nearly 150 Cricket NSW staff. The Centre will also be utilised by more than 35,000 club and community cricketers annually.
Stage 1 completion is scheduled for mid-2022.

Restrictions will be eased across the Greater Sydney region following updated health advice from the Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant.
The following measures will be effective from 12.01am Friday, 29 January for the Greater Sydney region (including Wollongong, Central Coast and Blue Mountains):

• Visitors to households will be increased to 30 guests – including children.
• Outdoor gatherings will be increased to 50 people in total.
• Weddings and funerals will be capped at 300 people (fully seated) subject to the 1 person per 4sqm rule with no singing or dancing (except 20 nominated people in the wedding party can dance).
• All other venues including hospitality venues, places of worship and corporate event venues (fully seated with no singing or dancing) will be subject to the 1 person per 4sqm rule.
• Smaller hospitality venues will be allowed at least 25 people.
• Singing indoors including choirs or places of worship will be limited to five people.
• Masks will be recommended but no longer compulsory at retail shopping venues.
• Masks will remain compulsory for front-of-house hospitality staff, on public transport, in places of worship, hairdressers, beauticians and gaming rooms.
• Aged care facilities and other health settings such as hospitals will receive tailored advice from NSW Health specific to their locations in relation to requirements around mask wearing.

It is anticipated that all settings requiring the 4sqm rule will revert to the 1 person per 2sqm rule in two weeks’ time if current trends continue, subject to expert health advice.
Once the 1 person per 2sqm rule applies, it is anticipated fines will increase to reduce the risk of super spreading events.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian thanked the community for their patience and understanding over the past few weeks.
“The community has been outstanding in containing this outbreak. The sacrifice and efforts of everyone is why we can ease restrictions today,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We must remain vigilant – it is critical we are getting tested with the mildest of symptoms, follow the health advice and continue to be COVID-Safe right across the State.”
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said these eased restrictions will provide some relief for venues, businesses and communities state-wide.
“These changes will provide more certainty to plan events such as weddings and functions, and will give businesses more clarity around restrictions while still remaining COVID-Safe” Mr Barilaro said.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said even if you have tested negative before, it is critical you come forward again if you develop symptoms, no matter how mild.
“Anyone experiencing any cold or flu-like symptoms, even if they are mild, must isolate immediately, get tested and continue to isolate until a negative result is received,” Mr Hazzard.
Dr Kerry Chant said high testing rates are critical to NSW Health’s efforts to identify COVID-19 cases and prevent the virus from spreading.
“This is particularly important in areas where we’ve had recent cases, particularly western and south-west Sydney,” Dr Chant said.
For the latest information and COVID-19 testing sites please visit: www.nsw.gov.au/covid-1

Four Corrective Services NSW officers with a combined work history of 100 years were recognised today for their exceptional service in the Australia Day Honours.
Minister for Counter Terrorism and Corrections Anthony Roberts said the officers from Cessnock, Silverwater and Windsor earned the prestigious Australian Corrections Medal.
“We are honoured to have such esteemed individuals working for CSNSW and these officers should be very proud to be receiving this national recognition,” Mr Roberts said.
“The medal acknowledges these exemplary officers who have shown leadership and commitment to dedicating their working life to community safety and reducing reoffending.”
CSNSW Commissioner Peter Severin said the officers deserved the highest recognition for developing initiatives in correctional centres, which have helped staff and inmates.
“The medal holds special significance because staff are nominated by their peers, so they are true role models,” Mr Severin said.
“We come together today to acknowledge the wonderful efforts that Kieren, David, Vesna and Shaun bring to CSNSW and extend to them our deepest congratulations for shining a light on the positive work our staff do every day in managing offenders.”
The officers will be invested with their medals at NSW Government House later this year.
Kieren Shea ACM, Regional Support Manager Northern Region, Offender Services and Programs
Mr Shea commenced his service with CSNSW in 1985. He served in the correctional officer role in various centres, and in 2001 was appointed Manager of Offender Services, Programs and Employment at St Heliers Correctional Centre, in Muswellbrook.
At St Heliers he initiated work-release opportunities for minimum-security inmates, in the areas of local council, mining, building and abattoirs. His actions led to skills acquisition and future employment opportunities for many inmates.
In 2014, he was promoted to Regional Support Manager for the North Region where he is responsible for program and service delivery to inmates at nine correctional centres, and program delivery to offenders in 21 Community Corrections offices. He is also responsible for 111 staff.
As Regional Support Manager he supports the direct implementation and review of services and programs.
He was also influential in introducing the trial ‘Peer Support Program’ at St Heliers with CSNSW partner Red Cross.
His assistance to a diverse population of offenders with complex needs has contributed significantly to their rehabilitation and reducing reoffending.
“I am sincerely surprised and grateful to have been nominated,” Mr Shea said.
“Like most of my colleagues, we don’t do this role for the recognition, but because we truly believe that what we do on a daily basis contributes to the greater good.
“I have been fortunate to have worked with some amazing people throughout my career and could not have achieved what I have without the support of these colleagues and my team members.  To be recognised for my career and achievements is humbling.”
David Harrower ACM, Senior Correctional Officer, Cessnock Correctional Centre
Mr Harrower has served CSNSW for more than 30 years and is currently a Senior Correctional Officer at the Cessnock Correctional Centre.
During his career he initiated and introduced a range of programs to assist inmates with their education and rehabilitation, and provide a service to the community.  These programs included the Indigenous Weather Knowledge Program with the Bureau of Meteorology to conduct a detailed record from the Ngemba people, traditional owners of the land in the Brewarrina region.
While working at the Reception and Induction Centre at Long Bay, he was instrumental in having inmates participate in the South Sydney Touch Football Competition.
At Long Bay he introduced and facilitated the Young Offenders Program, which saw inmates mentoring young offenders in their transition to the main inmate population.
At Tomago Periodic Detention Centre in 1997, he introduced a range of programs to assist with inmate rehabilitation. Inmates maintained the grounds at St Peters Old Burial Ground at East Maitland, and others with appropriate building qualifications constructed a storage facility for the Caves Beach Surf Club.
He motivates inmates into employment roles within the Cessnock centre and actively promotes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, sport and education programs.
“When I was first told that I had been nominated I was embarrassed given that I have worked with so many amazing individuals over the years, who I believed would have been more deserving of this medal,” Mr Harrower said.
“They are now long retired but I wish the Australian Corrections Medal was around when they were working with me, as it really is such an honour to be receiving it.”
Vesna Mijatovic ACM, Senior Correctional Officer, Metropolitan Remand and Reception Centre, Silverwater
Ms Mijatovic joined CSNSW in 1997 at the Long Bay Complex.  She later transferred to the Metropolitan Remand and Reception Centre (MRRC) and became a senior correctional officer.  She acted as Assistant Superintendent at the centre for three years.
As the MRRC Movement Coordinator, she manages new arrivals at the centre, by identifying their immediate needs and assessing any risks.  She ensures offenders undergo the assessment process prior to being placed in the centre.  The role requires dedication and attention to detail to ensure offenders are managed safely and effectively.
Additionally, she performs the role of a supervisor in the accommodation units, where she manages the day-to-day needs of offenders and the continuing security of the units.
She also conducts inmate classification, case management interviews and assessments, identifying each individual’s requirements to progress through the system, including programs and work opportunities.
“The role is challenging and different every day but I’m just grateful to be able to do a job that I enjoy,” Ms Mijatovic said.
“As a female officer working in a male-dominated area, I hope to encourage younger females to try this career, which has been rewarding for me.
“It can be daunting when you first start particularly for young female officers but I’ve always wanted to share my advice and assist my colleagues when I can.”
Shaun Danby ACM, Corrective Services Industries Operations Manager, Francis Greenway Correctional Complex, Berkshire Park
Mr Danby began his career with the NSW Government at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney in 1996, then Juvenile Justice in 2001 and six years later joined CSNSW as an overseer.
He later worked as a senior project officer at the Francis Greenway Correctional Complex, Windsor, and business unit manager for Statewide Infrastructure Supply.
Since 2017 he has been the Corrective Services Industries Operations Manager, leading a team of trade-qualified overseers on construction, emergency and urgent building and maintenance works throughout CSNSW.
He maximises inmate participation on all projects, providing training, programs and real life work to inmates, which ultimately leads to assisting their rehabilitation.
He develops inmates through managing, coaching, instructing and encouraging them to improve their work skills, enhances their post-release employment prospects, and contributes productively to the community.
The program provides significant savings to the taxpayer and his hands on approach whilst mentoring and training inmates has been highly successful in achieving positive outcomes for CSNSW and inmates.
“I am surrounded by a great group of people and I believe that I owe my success to my team,” Mr Danby said.
“I feel like I am just doing my job so you can imagine my surprise to discover that my peers had nominated me. It’s an honour I don’t take lightly.”