Category: NSW News

Grassroots organisations can now apply for the latest tranche of a record $43.2 million funding package to support vulnerable people and multicultural communities across NSW.
Minister for Multiculturalism Natalie Ward said community-led grassroots initiatives will be able to share in $3.6 million to provide immediate and essential services. These include food and school products, services to help those experiencing domestic and family violence and seniors facing social isolation, wellbeing checks and community activities such as youth groups.
“The NSW Government has responded urgently to support those in need during the pandemic. This is the second round of funding for vulnerable people and multicultural communities delivered through our Empowering and Supporting Local Communities program,” Mrs Ward said.
The first round of the program has been finalised and will deliver more than $3.4 million to 194 grassroots community organisations across the state.
“This latest round builds on the initial funding and will support communities big and small across our metropolitan, rural and regional areas with grants of up to $30,000,” Mrs Ward said.
“As we continue racing towards our vaccination targets and look to easing restrictions, we want to make sure no one is left behind.”
Attorney General and Minister for Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence Mark Speakman said communities across NSW have stepped up like never before to support and care for each other, and to stay connected during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“These grants will help ensure critical support for some of our most vulnerable, including women and children impacted by domestic and family violence and other hardships during the pandemic, thanks to the many dedicated frontline services working across the state,” Mr Speakman said.
Eligible not for profit non-Government organisations must be currently located in, or service communities in NSW.
As part of the $43.2 million package, almost $18 million worth of grants have supported communities in the 12 LGAs of concern, including grants for local councils, non-Government and grassroots community organisations, and a program engaging the innovation sector.
Applications close at 11am on Monday, 11 October. For more information, visit: https://multicultural.nsw.gov.au/grants/.

Consumer savings are at the heart of a world-first energy efficiency scheme, that will provide households and businesses in NSW with discounts if they buy or install equipment that uses less energy during peak times.
Energy Minister Matt Kean said the Peak Demand Reduction Scheme is expected to save consumers $1.2 billion on their energy bills between 2022 and 2040.
“By reducing peak demand we can supply power to everyone who needs it, when they need it, at a lower cost,” Mr Kean said.
“We are also investing $25 million in the scheme to support the development of emerging technologies and software that allow households and businesses to use power when it is cheap and abundant.”
The scheme, due to commence in time for the 2022-23 summer, will provide discounts to consumers who install more efficient appliances that operate more during off-peak periods when electricity is cheap, like smart pool pumps or household batteries.
Energy retailers and large energy users then buy peak reduction credits from the local businesses that install the appliances to meet their energy savings targets.
“There are so many easy ways to reduce our peak consumption without impacting our way of life,” Mr Kean said.
“If all the backyard pool pumps and filters across NSW were used outside of peak periods, we could save up to 450 MW – that’s more than the capacity of a generating unit at the Liddell Power Station.”
More fuel switching activities will also be added to the existing Energy Savings Scheme. This will include incentives for households to switch to solar and heat-pump hot water systems, and for businesses to replace gas, diesel or grid supplied electricity with renewable energy technologies like a biogas boiler.
For more detail on the scheme and the Energy Security Safeguard position paper, visit: https://energy.nsw.gov.au/government-and-regulation/energy-savings-scheme

The NSW Government has today launched the draft Greater Sydney Water Strategy, an unprecedented 20-year roadmap to providing a safe, secure and sustainable water supply for Sydney, the Illawarra and the Blue Mountains.
Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said the Strategy, now on public exhibition, will guide water management to 2040 to support economic growth, meet the needs of the growing population and prepare for our changing climate.
“A secure water supply is vital and this plan ensures we are able to support economic growth as we recover from the pandemic and set the foundations for the future,” Mrs Pavey said.
“We need to plan now for how our growing city and region will use water wisely as Sydney’s population is set to grow to 7.1 million by 2041.
“During the most recent drought, our dam levels depleted faster than we’ve experienced since records began – at a rate of 20 per cent per year.
“Thankfully our dams are now full, but we need to act decisively to secure sustainable water for the long-term – by exploring options for new water sources not dependent on rainfall, by conserving more, and by doing more with less.”
Options for consultation in the draft Strategy include:

• Improving water recycling, leakage management and water efficiency programs, which could result in water savings of up to 49 gigalitres a year by 2040.
• Extending a water savings program, which has been piloted in over 1000 households and delivered around 20 per cent reduction in water use per household and almost $190 in savings per year for household water bills.
• Consideration of running the Sydney Desalination Plant full-time to add an extra 20 gigalitres of water per year.
• Expanding or building new desalination plants to be less dependent on rainfall.
• Investigating innovations in recycled water to improve sustainability.
• Making greater use of stormwater and recycled water to cool and green the city and support recreational activities.

The draft Strategy also proposes improvements to the decision making process for water restrictions to better reflect prevailing conditions and forecasting.
“Instead of having inflexible trigger points, decision makers will use a new holistic approach to consider things like rainfall events, inflows to dams and dam depletion rates, water demand and weather forecasts,” Mrs Pavey said.
“The draft Greater Sydney Water Strategy is a critical part of the NSW Government’s plan to grow the NSW economy and I encourage the community and industry to have their say.”
The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment will hold public webinars and information sessions during September and October.
The draft Greater Sydney Water Strategy will be on display until November 8, 2021. To read the Strategy and provide feedback visit www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/greater-sydney-water-strategy.

Overseas and interstate STEM teachers will be the target of a new campaign to boost teacher numbers in NSW public schools.
The NSW Government will spend $13.5 million on a program to bring more than 500 qualified STEM teachers from other countries and states into NSW classrooms.
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said the plan to recruit ‘standout’ international and interstate teachers is part of a broader strategy to boost and sustain a high quality teaching workforce.
“There are more than 91,000 teachers employed in NSW public schools, and we are opening the door to even more expert teachers looking to teach in our great system,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Our education system is amongst the largest in the world, and I am confident that by opening the door to more high-quality teachers from other jurisdictions, we will also become amongst the highest performing in the world.”
This initiative builds upon the NSW Government’s recently announced new employment-based pathways into teaching, and will further increase our supply of great teachers. It is also aligned with the Productivity Commission’s White Paper recommendation to leverage the status of NSW and entice great teachers to work here so we can continue to improve our education system.
“NSW is an incredible place to live and work – attracting the best teachers from around the world will help turbocharge our recovery from the pandemic by ensuring our students have access to more high quality teachers,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Our state boasts the biggest education system in the southern hemisphere and we should be using that position to attract the best teachers from around the country and the world to help our students get ahead.”
The overseas focus will be on countries whose teachers have high potential to succeed in the NSW public school system, such as Canada and the UK.
Under the initiative, 460 teachers will be recruited between 2022-23, and 100 in 2023-24.
Working alongside other agencies, including the Commonwealth Government, the Department of Education will help successful recruits with relocation and other support including Australian border control measures, quarantine and visa requirements.
This initiative forms part of the NSW Government’s new Teacher Supply Strategy, due for release soon.

The NSW Government is investing $1 million to fund training for industry experts who want to pursue a rewarding career change as a TAFE NSW teacher.
The investment will allow 200 industry professionals across the State to upskill with guaranteed employment at TAFE NSW.
This is in addition to $3.1 million from the NSW Government to fund 525 scholarships across the state since 2019.
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said the scholarships will give those that have years of experience in their field the opportunity to grow the industries they love by training the next generation.
“TAFE NSW teachers are highly experienced in their industries, and the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment is the formal qualification which enables them to train the next generation,” Mr Lee said.
“With the scholarship covering the fees, this will ensure the best and brightest in high-demand industries like engineering, plumbing, carpentry, electrotechnology, nursing, early childhood education and aged care consider a career as a TAFE NSW teacher, without needing to weigh up the cost.
“What sets TAFE NSW teachers apart is that they not only pass on their knowledge and expertise, but they have professional networks which are a vital connection to jobs for students.”
“Teachers play an incredibly significant role in the lives of students. That’s why we’re investing in the best of industry to work at TAFE NSW and help us shape the future workforce.
“This is a real commitment and real investment in TAFE as our comprehensive public training provider.”
Applications are open for world-class educators, innovative industry experts and motivated administration staff to join TAFE’s dynamic organisation. Positions include  full-time, part-time and casual basis, spanning over 130 locations across NSW and online.
For more information on the Training and Assessment Scholarships, visit:  www.tafensw.edu.au/jobs

NSW has a clear path to follow out of the pandemic and lockdowns, with the roadmap for easing restrictions at the 80 per cent double dose target revealing a brighter future for the community.
From the Monday after NSW hits the 80 per cent (aged 16 and over) double dose vaccination target, eased restrictions will allow those who are fully vaccinated to have up to 10 people visit their home, participate in community sport, and access hospitality venues (where drinking while standing up will be allowed indoors). All premises will operate at 1 person per 4sqm indoors, and 1 person per 2sqm outdoors.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the 80 per cent roadmap will also remove the limit of fully vaccinated guests for weddings and funerals, and remove customer caps for personal services such as hairdressers.
“I know people are counting down the minutes until we reach 70 per cent double dose and the freedoms that will provide, and today we are providing further certainty by announcing the 80 per cent roadmap and future settings,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Vaccination remains our ticket to freedom so we need to work even harder to get jabs in arms, to help stop the spread, minimise outbreaks and ensure people are protected when we open up.”
Given updated health advice, adjustments have been made to the 70 per cent roadmap. Regional travel will now not be allowed until 80 per cent (fully vaccinated only), and a booking cap has been introduced for hospitality venues of 20 people per booking.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the NSW Government is considering changes to incoming international arrival caps, so more people can return home for Christmas.
“The NSW Government’s 70 per cent roadmap lifts fully vaccinated people out of lockdown and when we reach 80 per cent, restrictions will ease even further,” Mr Barilaro said.
“The key continues to be vaccination rates, so please do not hesitate and book in for your free COVID-19 vaccine today so we can reach these targets as soon as possible.
“I must also clarify that travel between Greater Sydney and regional NSW will only be permitted when the state reaches 80 per cent double dose. This change is necessary to give some regional areas the time they need to increase local vaccination rates.”
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the milestone marked a shift in gear for the State’s economic recovery.
“There’s a real sense of optimism returning to our community as our vaccination rates keep climbing and that’s giving businesses the confidence they need to reopen and for people to start returning to work and getting their lives back on track,” Mr Perrottet said.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard thanked the people of NSW for their sacrifices.
“Our health workers continue to rely on people to make smart choices, to keep a safe distance, not go to work when they are feeling unwell and to get tested when they show the slightest of symptoms.
“It’s that dedication which allows us to ease some of the restrictions again and to begin the process of opening up the state,” Mr Hazzard said.
The roadmap may be fine-tuned by NSW Health as we monitor the COVID-19 situation over the coming weeks.
From 1 December further changes will be introduced including all venues moving to the 2sqm rule, masks will not be required indoors at offices, indoor pools and nightclubs can reopen, and unvaccinated people will have greater freedoms.
If you are not booked in for a COVID-19 vaccine, please book an appointment as soon possible. For the latest information visit nsw.gov.au/covid-19

Teachers and students at schools across regional NSW will benefit from a complete overhaul of how the government attracts and retains teachers in the bush.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the NSW Government commissioned the Review of Rural and Remote Incentives in NSW Public Schools, which focused on improving the benefits for regional teachers by ensuring they are fair and flexible.
“We are already investing record amounts in school infrastructure and technology in regional parts of the State, so it’s time our incentives program is upgraded to attract top quality teachers to the bush,” Mr Barilaro said.
“At the heart of these investments are our regional kids who deserve the best teachers and best education no matter where they live.”
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said she commissioned the review in response to conversations and feedback from teachers working in regional, rural and remote areas.
“The government is accepting all recommendations put forward by the review, and we will immediately begin implementing reforms to attract and retain teachers in regional NSW,” Ms Mitchell said.
“We have the most generous incentive system in Australia, however over time it has grown in complexity. This is the first time we have inspected all aspects of the system to make it fair and flexible, allowing teachers to create a package that works best for them and their circumstances.
“We will create a smarter transfer point system and an easier-to-understand benefits package for teachers, ranging from additional salary, better professional development opportunities, rent assistance and family support.”
The NSW Government has committed $15 million to action initiatives immediately in response to the Incentives Review, including:

• Increasing the value of targeted recruitment bonuses from $10,000 to up to $20,000, making schools located in the hardest-to-staff parts of the State more attractive for prospective employees;
• Giving more employees the opportunity to experience regional NSW by doubling the number of teach.Rural scholarships to 120 per year, and expanding the investment in the Rural Experience Program to fund up to 50 places from 2022;
• Expanding eligibility so temporary teachers can receive incentives like the Rural Teacher Incentive, Retention Bonus, and Experienced Teacher Bonus, enabling a greater number of employees to be attracted to the regions; and,
• Working alongside the Teacher Housing Authority NSW to upgrade, repair and build new accommodation for teachers in areas of high demand.

Principals, teachers, key education stakeholders and experts will be consulted with and help co-design longer-term initiatives, including:

• The revamping and simplification of the transfer point system to reduce inequity, better communication on what is available for teachers in the regions, and allowing employees to work on a bespoke package which suits their individual circumstances;
• The creation of a more holistic approach to regional relocation which focuses on ‘families’ rather than just individuals; and,
• The establishment of a centralised team to oversee regional staffing.

“Regional NSW is an incredibly attractive place to live and work. I want to see more people experience teaching in Regional NSW and I want to remove barriers for anyone wanting a teaching career in the bush,” Ms Mitchell said.
The review recommendations support the initiatives included in the Teacher Supply Strategy due for release later this year.
The full report can be downloaded here: https://education.nsw.gov.au/about-us/strategies-and-reports/review-of-rural-remote-incentives-report

A woman has been charged after allegedly breaching the Public Health Order by travelling on a train from Sydney to the state’s Mid North Coast earlier this month.
On Thursday 9 September 2021, officers from Mid North Coast Police District received reports that a 22-year-old woman had failed to isolate after a positive COVID-19 test and was travelling by train from Strathfield to Coffs Harbour with her three children.
About 10.40pm, police stopped the train at Kempsey and removed the woman and her children from the train.
They were taken by NSW Ambulance paramedics to a special health hotel at Port Macquarie to quarantine.
Following further inquiries, the 17 passengers and six crew on board the train at the time were also taken to the quarantine hotel, under the care of NSW Health.
Other passengers who alighted the train at stations throughout the journey, were also contacted by NSW Health.
The police officers involved were managed in line with requirements in the Public Health Orders.
Following further investigations, the woman was issued a court attendance notice (CAN) for fail to comply with self-isolation direction, upon her release from hotel quarantine about 10.10am yesterday (Saturday 25 September 2021).
The woman is due to appear at Port Macquarie Local Court on Wednesday 10 November 2021.

Raptor Squad have charged four men for allegedly breaching the state’s Public Health Orders, including one man who was stopped by police in Western Sydney twice in just three hours.
Officers from the Raptor Squad were conducting proactive patrols targeting known associates of organised crime networks when they observed a man leaning in the passenger window of a Volkswagen SUV talking with another man – neither of whom were wearing masks – on Woodstock Street, Guildford, about 1pm on Thursday (23 September 2021).
As police approached, the man moved away from the SUV and attempted to walk onto a nearby property.
Officers stopped and spoke with both men – aged 28 and 46 – and it was established that neither had a reasonable excuse for leaving their home.
Both men were arrested and taken to Granville Police Station.
The 28-year-old Guildford man was charged with not comply with noticed direction re s7/8/9 – COVID-19 and fail to comply with carry face covering directive.
The 46-year-old Westmead man was charged with not comply with noticed direction re s7/8/9 – COVID-19.
They are due to appear at Fairfield Local Court on Tuesday 26 October 2021.
About 8pm that night, Raptor Squad officers were conducting proactive patrols in Fairmount Street, Merrylands, when they observed two men in a Toyota Corolla suddenly leave as police approached.
Officers stopped the car and spoke with both men – aged 30 and 19 – and it was established that neither had a reasonable excuse for leaving their home or travelling in the same vehicle.
During a subsequent search of the men and the vehicle, police located prescription drugs.
The 30-year-old passenger was arrested and taken to taken to Granville Police Station, where he was charged possess prescribed restricted substance, breach of bail and not comply with noticed direction re s7/8/9 – COVID-19.
The man was refused bail and appeared at Fairfield Local Court yesterday (Friday 24 September 2021).
Meanwhile, the driver was issued with two traffic infringements for minor car defects and inquiries into further Public Health Order breaches are ongoing.
About 11pm (Thursday 23 September 2021), officers from Cumberland Police Area Command stopped a black Toyota Corolla on Clyde Street, Granville, for the purpose of a random breath test.
Further inquiries revealed the 19-year-old driver had been directed by Raptor Squad officers to return to his residence from Merrylands just three hours prior.
The man was arrested and taken to Parramatta Police Station, where he was charged with not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 – COVID-19.
He was granted conditional bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court on Wednesday 6 October 2021.
Strike Force Raptor was established in 2009, before becoming a standalone squad in 2021. Raptor Squad conducts proactive investigations and intelligence-based, high-impact policing operations to prevent and disrupt conflicts, and dismantle any network engaged in serious organised criminal activity.
Anyone with information, including relevant photos and videos, that may assist the Raptor Squad can report it directly to investigators via their online reporting page: https://www1.police.nsw.gov.au/Default.aspx?id=49 or call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Information provided to investigators will be treated in the strictest of confidence.

The Berejiklian Government is putting out the call for local tradies to install smart LED lights in NSW public schools, improving the quality of classrooms and cutting power bills.
The $157.8 million LED Lighting Upgrade Program was launched last year as a stimulus response to the COVID-19 pandemic and is targeted at replacing old inefficient lights in NSW public schools with smart LED lights. Now in its third tranche, the program will see more than 800 schools upgraded across the state.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW, Industry and Trade John Barilaro said this is an exciting opportunity for local tradies right across NSW.
“As a former chippy I appreciate the ongoing impacts of this virus on local businesses, and the NSW Government is committed to supporting jobs and providing opportunities for tradies throughout the State,” Mr Barilaro Said.
“Under this program, All LED lights will be manufactured here in NSW and installed by NSW tradies and this commitment by the NSW Government has the added benefit of improving facilities at our schools, ensuring our students get the best possible start in life.”
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said that improved lighting will have a positive impact on students’ education.
“A high quality classroom and learning environment has a positive impact on students and that is why this government is investing record amounts on improving our classrooms, libraries, halls and administration areas,” Ms Mitchell said.
“The smart LED lights mimic natural light which can help students’ education by improving their attentiveness and comprehension.
“This  program is a great way for schools to reduce their power and maintenance bills, while also providing work for local tradies.
Local tradies will be able to tender for lighting upgrade opportunities via the Local Trades Scheme, an online platform where small businesses can engage directly with the Department of Education to bid for work at public schools in their local communities.
Already hundreds of tender opportunities have been published via the Local Trades Scheme with more to come in the following weeks.
The LED Lighting Upgrade Program will bring savings on electricity bills and also improve the sustainability of schools and take steps towards the NSW Government’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
The NSW Government is investing $7.9 billion over the next four years, continuing its program to deliver 215 new and upgraded schools to support communities across NSW. This is the largest investment in public education infrastructure in the history of NSW.