Category: NSW News

Small, medium and regional businesses are reaping the benefits of the NSW Government’s Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) and Regional Procurement Policy, with the NSW Government spending more money with SMEs and regional businesses.
In the 12 months since the policy commenced on 1 February 2019, spend with regional suppliers increased by 19.6 per cent or $255 million, while spend with SMEs increased by 3.8 per cent or $337 million from the previous year.
Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said the SME and Regional Procurement Policy was helping family businesses and entrepreneurs to supply goods and services to the NSW Government, often for the first time.
“We introduced the policy to encourage NSW Government departments to keep SMEs and regional suppliers front of mind when making procurement decisions,” Mr Tudehope said.
“These businesses are the backbone of their communities and by giving them the opportunity to supply to Government we are helping support sectors hit hard by natural disasters, such as drought, bushfires, floods, as well as COVID-19 in the past year.”
Mr Tudehope said the NSW Government engages more than 52,000 SMEs and more than 24,000 regional businesses a year.
“That means local tradies and other suppliers are picking up Government work and keeping jobs in their local area,” Mr Tudehope said.
“If we support these businesses to grow, they will support jobs, families and communities as we move towards a post-pandemic NSW.”
The policy requires Government agencies to first consider buying goods and services from an SME or a regional business for all direct procurements up to $250,000. The Small Business Exemption allows Government agencies to buy directly from small businesses for any purchases up to $50,000 even if there is a mandated whole-of-government contract in place.
Vaccari’s Bakery in Griffith, which was started by brothers Glenn and Jason Vaccari and celebrated 25 years in business in July last year, is a regional business that supplies to the NSW Government.
“We have been selling our bakery products to our local schools for a number of years,” owner Erin Vaccari said.
“We have about 20 employees and it’s great that the NSW Government is able to support businesses such as ours in regional areas.”
For more information on the SME and Regional Procurement Policy, go tohttps://buy.nsw.gov.au/policy-library/policies/sme-and-regional-procurement-policy

The NSW Government has announced the Wollemi Pines, in the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, will be the first site in the State to be declared an Asset of Intergenerational Significance.
The declaration is a legally recognised mechanism to bolster existing measures that protect the species for future generations.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said  the historic declaration recognises the extraordinary global significance of the Wollemi Pines, with some of the adult trees estimated to be up to a thousand years old
“This declaration enables us to take existing protections up another notch, and set specific legislative requirements including a dedicated fire management strategy to secure the survival of the species for generations to come,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Prior to their discovery in 1994, Wollemi Pines were only known to us in fossil records with fossil evidence pointing to the species’ existence up to 90 million years ago.”
Just over 12 months ago, teams from the RFS and National Parks undertook an extensive operation to protect the Wollemis from extinction when the secret site came under threat from the devastating summer bushfires.
The declaration follows a $6 million investment by the NSW Government to embed ecological risk in the fire management framework and bolster bushfire protections for important ecological sites as part of the Government’s response to the NSW Bushfire Inquiry.
Environment Minister Matt Kean said the site is the first to be declared under new provisions in theNational Parks and Wildlife Act that will enhance conservation for the most precious and rare jewels in our national parks crown.
“The Wollemi Pines are often described as a living fossil, having been around when dinosaurs roamed the Earth,” Mr Kean said.
“Despite the incredible efforts by the NPWS and RFS teams last summer, several hundred juvenile trees in the protected site were impacted and are yet to resprout.
“That’s why we need to act now to put long-term protections in place that reduce the risk of fire exposure and allow the slow-growing juvenile trees to thrive.”
The declaration paves the way for special regulations to enhance the Wollemi Pines’ legal protection including requiring a dedicated fire management strategy, ecological monitoring, and ongoing conservation management.
Other places which will be considered for declaration as Assets of Intergenerational Significance include those containing the most important remaining populations of threatened species, as well as important cultural heritage sites.

Small business owners are encouraged to start the New Year with a series of online workshops to help them survive and thrive in 2021.
Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said the free workshops covered a range of topics to help businesses start the year with confidence.
“We know 2020 was challenging and many businesses had to pivot or make changes to their operation,” Mr Tudehope said.
“The NSW Government has support measures in place through Business Connect, including online workshops where you can learn about what it takes to run, adapt or grow your business.
“If you’ve got a business idea or want a side hustle, it’s a chance to stop dreaming and make an informed decision about becoming your own boss.
“January is a great time to attend one or more of these workshops, upskill and get the tips you need to make decisions about the year ahead.”
Mr Tudehope said the Business Connect program also continued to offer free advice to businesses affected by COVID-19, bushfires and drought.
“There are more than 120 Business Connect advisors across the state and they provide independent, tailored business advice, as well as multicultural and specialist support,” Mr Tudehope said.
“Business Connect received a $39.3 million boost in the NSW Budget, representing an investment in the futures of the small and medium businesses of NSW.
“Small businesses are the backbone of their communities and if we support them to stay in business, they will keep people in jobs.”
For information on Business Connect visit nsw.gov.au/businessconnect or call 1300 134 359. For information on the workshops and to book go to https://business-connect-register.industry.nsw.gov.au.
The upcoming Business Connect workshops include:

Topic	Date
Setting up an online business to avoid costly mistakes	January 18, 10am
Business foundations	January 19, 10am
Brand building for small business	January 20, 6.30pm
Start a business workshop	January 27, 12pm
Tools to help you reinvent your business – COVID and beyond	January 29, 10am
Develop your 2021 business strategy	February 11, 3pm

A woman has been charged after allegedly refusing to wear a mask in the Illawarra region.
About 2.50pm (Thursday 14 January 2021), officers from the Wollongong Police Transport Command were patrolling a train travelling between Thirroul and Helensburgh, when they observed a woman not wearing a mask.
It’s alleged the 47-year-old woman refused to answer questions or provide police with identification. She was issued a move-on direction at Helensburgh Train Station and provided with a mask by police.
It’s further alleged the woman returned to the train platform minutes later, and again refused to wear a mask or provide police with any form of identification.
The Earlwood woman was arrested and taken to Wollongong Police Station, where she was charged with fail to wear fitted face covering on public transport, interfere with comfort and safety of others, not state name and address to authorised officer, and fail to comply with request to leave restricted area.
She was granted bail to appear at Wollongong Local Court on Thursday 28 January 2021.
Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any ministerial direction or behaviour which may impact on the health and safety of the community.
Anyone with information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of COVID-19-related ministerial directions is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

Customers have heeded advice and embraced the NSW Government’s Service NSW Mobile app for checking in safely to venues, with more than 3 million app downloads already recorded.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello welcomed the milestone and urged more customers to download the app and reap the rewards.
“The app is the keys to the front door for customers wanting to enter businesses. It simple to use and will help keep the community safe and the economy open,” Mr Dominello said.
“Since 1 January hospitality businesses and hairdressers have been required to use the NSW Government’s Service NSW QR code for registering customers’ details. It is equally important for customers to do their part and download the app so the process is as seamless as possible.
“The app makes life easier for people – whether it’s downloading a Digital Driver Licence or renewing vehicle registration – the technology saves people time.
“It only takes a few minutes to download the app and seconds to scan the QR code. Do yourself a favour and download it now.”
100,000 businesses have registered customers with the Service NSW QR code, and there have been about 32 million COVID safe check-ins through the app, with 94 per cent of customers giving it the thumbs up.
Feedback received from contact tracers is that the Service NSW QR code is the most effective system in assisting NSW Health to protect the community.
It also prevents the use of fake names as a customer’s personal details are automatically captured via the Service NSW app when they scan their smartphone over the QR code.
Personal information obtained by businesses is held securely by the Government and only used by NSW Health in the event of an outbreak. It is destroyed after 28 days.

Police have issued a Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN) to an amusement park following a New Year’s Eve event that breached a Public Health Order on Sydney’s North Shore.
Earlier this month, officers from North Shore Police Area Command commenced an investigation after receiving mobile phone footage of a large crowd gathered at the Milsons Point venue in possible breach of a Public Health Order.
Following inquiries with the venue and a review of further footage, the company secretary of the amusement park was issued a $5000 PIN for not comply with noticed direction s7/8/9-COVID-19 – Corporation about 2pm today (Wednesday 13 January 2021).
Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any ministerial direction or behaviour which may impact on the health and safety of the community.
Anyone with information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of COVID-19-related ministerial directions is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

The first tracks have been laid on the City & Southwest Metro, marking an important milestone in the delivery of Australia’s biggest public transport infrastructure project.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said extending Sydney Metro from the north west into the city and Bankstown will forever change how we get around Sydney and will create vital jobs.
“Metro has already transformed the lives of people living in Sydney’s north west and now we are getting on with delivering it for the south west and the CBD,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The construction of this mega project couldn’t come at a more important time for our State. Metro forms a key part of the Government’s record $107 billion infrastructure pipeline, which will be a major jobs creator during our COVID-19 recovery.
“More than 5000 people are currently working across the City & Southwest Metro project and, by the time the project opens, around 50,000 people will have worked on it.”
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said Sydney will have 31 Metro railway stations and a 66 kilometre standalone Metro railway system in 2024.
“More than 4,000 tonnes of Australian rail steel has been used to create 31 kilometres of railway tracks for the twin 15.5 kilometre tunnels, which extend from Chatswood to Sydenham,” Mr Constance said.
“North West Metro has been a great success with more than 25 million customers already using the service, and this extension into the city and southwest will see a Metro train every two minutes in both directions under the CBD.
“The new Metro will be able to move more people across the Harbour in the busiest hour of the peak than the Harbour Bridge and Harbour Tunnel combined.”
Systems Connect, a joint venture between CPB Contractors and UGL, is designing and converting the excavated tunnels into a working railway, including distributing and laying the rail tracks along the tunnels.
The company is also expanding the Sydney Metro Trains Facility at Rouse Hill, building a new facility at Marrickville and installing the power systems for the Sydney Metro extension.
Metro trains will start running through the tunnels in 2024, extending from the North West Metro, into the city and beyond to Bankstown.
New stations will be delivered at Crows Nest, Victoria Cross, Barangaroo, Martin Place, Pitt Street and Waterloo, along with new underground platforms at Central Station.

Since the last review period, police have charged two people and issued 19 Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) for breaches of the Public Health Act.
About 7am on Friday (8 January 2021), officers attached to North/Central Police Transport Command were patrolling Central Railway Station when they stopped and spoke to a 55-year-old man who was not wearing a mask. The man told officers he believed COVID-19 was a hoax and refused to put on a mask or leave the location.
He was arrested and taken to Sydney City Police Station where he was charged with not wear fitted face covering public transport waiting area. The man was granted conditional bail to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday 3 February 2021.
About 5.30pm yesterday (Sunday 10 January 2021, officers from Campbelltown Police Transport Command PTC were patrolling Campbelltown Railway Station about spoke to the same man, aged 55, who was not wearing a mask, again claiming COVID-19 was a hoax.
He was arrested and charged with not wear fitted face covering in public transport/taxi and breach of bail. He was bail refused to appear at Campbelltown Local Court today (Monday 11 January 2020).
Further, details of the PINS issued include:
– About 1:45pm on Friday (8 January 2021), officers from the Police Transport Command were patrolling Campbelltown Railway Station when they saw two men, aged 28 and 65 not wearing masks. When officers requested the younger man put on a mask, he became argumentative and claimed the public health order was a human rights violation. When police directed the older man to wear a mask, the man became aggressive towards the officers and refused to comply. Both were issued a $200 PIN.
– About 7:15pm on Friday, officers from Fairfield City Police Area Command arrested a 16-year-old boy over an alleged assault at a Wetherill Park shopping centre on Tuesday (5 January 2021). Inquiries revealed, the teen was not wearing a mask at the time of the alleged offence and he was charged with affray and assault offences, as well as not comply with noticed direction re s7/8/9 – COVID-19
– About 8:50pm on Friday, officers from Police Transport Command observed a 63-year-old woman not wearing a mask at Epping Railway Station. When questioned, the woman became argumentative with police and refused to identify herself. The woman was arrested for the purposes of identification and was found to have had prior warnings for not wearing a mask. She was issued a $200 PIN.
– About 11am on Saturday (9 January 2020), officers from Northern Beaches Police Area Command were patrolling a shopping centre at Dee Why, when they were alerted that a man was not wearing a mask. Police spoke to the man about his obligation to wear a mask, but he refused. The 30-year-old man was issued a $200 PIN.
– About 3.30pm on Saturday, officers from Police Transport Command were patrolling Town Hall Railway Station when they stopped a 51-year-old man not wearing a mask. Police spoke to the man who refused to comply with the direction, he was issued a $200 PIN.
– About 9.15pm on Saturday, officers from Police Transport Command were patrolling Gosford Railway Station when they stopped and spoke to a 48-year-old man not wearing a mask. The man refused to put on a mask and attempted to run from police. He was stopped a short time later and issued a move on direction and a $200 PIN.
– About 2.45am yesterday (Sunday 10 January 2021), officers attached to Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command attended the rear of a property on Bondi Road at Bondi, and observed approximately 20 people on a balcony, with approximately 10 more inside. When they saw police, several attendees jumped over a fence and fled before their details could be obtained. Eleven were intercepted at the front door by officers and given $1000 PINs.
– About 4.30pm yesterday, officers from Police Transport Command were patrolling Parramatta Railway Station and saw a 46-year-old man who was not wearing a mask. When questioned, the man said he wasn’t going to wear a mask as it wouldn’t affect anyone. Further inquiries revealed he had been issued four prior warnings for not wearing a fitted face covering. He was issued a $200 PIN.
– Just before 5pm yesterday, officers from Central Police Transport Command were patrolling Kings Cross Railway Station when they spoke to a 38-year-old man, not wearing a mask. He was issued a warning before leaving and returning shortly after, wearing a mask. The man was seen on the platform not wearing the mask correctly fitted and was issued a $200 PIN.
– About 5.30pm yesterday, officers from Campbelltown Police Transport Command PTC were patrolling Campbelltown Railway Station and spoke to a teenager who was not wearing masks. The teen was issued a $200 PIN and an infringement for fare evasion.
– About 11pm yesterday, PTC officers were conducting patrols at Parramatta Railway Station when they approached an 18-year-old man, who was not wearing a mask. He refused to comply with police direction to obtain and wear a face covering in accordance with the legislation and was issued a $200 PIN.
Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any ministerial direction or behaviour which may impact on the health and safety of the community

A man has been charged after allegedly damaging property and refusing to comply with a Public Health Order at a fast-food outlet in Sydney’s north-west at the weekend.
About 8pm on Saturday (9 January 2021), Officers from Quakers Hill Police Area Command were called to a restaurant on Windsor Road, Kellyville Ridge, following reports a customer had become aggressive towards staff.
Police will allege in court that a man began to make an order at the counter when he was asked by staff to complete a COVID-safe check-in, in line with the current Public Health Orders.
The man refused and allegedly became aggressive and verbally abused staff, before he pushed a cash register and printer off the counter and left the restaurant. No injuries were reported.
An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident commenced and following inquiries, a 25-year-old man was arrested at Riverstone Police station about 4.15pm today (Monday 11 January 2021).
The St Marys man was charged with destroy or damage property, use offensive language in/near public place and not comply with noticed direction re s7/8/9 – COVID19.
He was granted conditional bail to appear before Blacktown Local Court on Monday 1 February 2021.

Since the last review period, police have taken legal action against 16 people, including the director of a Pyrmont function venue, for breaches of the Public Health Act.
The charges include:
– About 1am yesterday (Thursday 7 January 2021), officers attached to Police Transport Command (PTC) approached a 47-year-old man allegedly performing a sexual act on a train near Parramatta Railway Station. As police went to arrest the man, one officer was bitten on the arm. Police managed to restrain the man and he was taken to Westmead hospital for assessment. Following his release from hospital, the man was taken to Parramatta Police Station, where he was charged with carry out sexual act with another without consent, assault police in execution of duty causing actual bodily harm, resist police and not wear fitted face covering in public transport. The man was refused bail and will appear at Parramatta Local Court today (Friday 8 January 2021).
– Officers from South Coast Police District were contacted after a man allegedly assaulted and spat on a security guard at a shopping centre at Nowra about 11am. Police were told the man threatened the guard and told him he had COVID before he was escorted from the centre. The man was arrested about 2.45pm and charged with common assault and not comply noticed direction re spitting/coughing – COVID-19. He was refused bail to appear at Wollongong Local Court today.
– Officers from The Hills Police Area Command were patrolling a shopping centre at Castle Hill about 12.30pm, when they approached a man, who was not wearing a mask as he wandered around the food court. The 39-year-old man refused to speak with police and allegedly pushed past the officers before a struggle ensued. He was subsequently arrested and charged with not wear fitted face covering in retail/business and resist officer in the execution of duty. He was granted conditional bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court on Wednesday 27 January 2021.
– About 2.30pm, officers from Blacktown Police Area Command were called to a shopping centre at Blacktown, following reports a man and a woman had been detained by security for shoplifting. The man allegedly fled prior to police arriving. Police attended and were told the man had fled before arresting the woman, who was in possession of clothing alleged to have been stolen from a store. The man was arrested a short time later at a nearby bus terminal. The 26-year-old man and 26-year-old woman were both charged with goods in custody, stealing, breach of bail and not wear fitted face mask. They were refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court today.
– Just after 9.20pm, officers from Mt Druitt responded to reports of a stealing from a store at a Mt Druitt shopping centre. After being given information by security, police approached a man, who was not wearing a face mask, and attempted to speak with him. The man allegedly removed a number of items from his jacket, dumping them on the ground and fled on foot with a bicycle. Officers ran after the man, catching up with him a short time later, and a struggle ensued. It’s alleged the man kicked and punched the officers and when a security guard came to assist, the man allegedly slapped him a number of times. The 48-year-old man was subdued and arrested, before being charged with assault officer in execution of duty, resist officer in execution of duty, larceny, resist person aiding officer, common assault and not wear fitted face covering in retail/business premises. He has been refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court today.
Police issued Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) to nine people and one organisation. Details of the PINS issued include:
– Following an investigation by Sydney City Police regarding alleged breaches of the Public Health (COVID-19 Northern Beaches) Order 2020 at a wedding reception held at a licensed venue on Jones Bay Wharf on Sunday 27 December 2020, officers yesterday (Thursday 7 January 2021) issued a 28-year-old woman, who is a director of the venue, a $5000 PIN for not comply with noticed direction Section 7/8/9 of the Public Health Act. It brings the total number of infringements issued over the event to 22.
– About 11am, officers from Eastern Beaches Police Area Command were patrolling a shopping centre at Maroubra, when they were alerted that a man and a woman were not wearing masks, contrary to Public Health Order. Police spoke with the pair and reminded them of their obligations, however, they refused to comply with directions. They were each issued $200 PINs.
– About 2.10pm, officers from Nepean Police Area Command were patrolling St Marys Railway Station when they stopped a 52-year-old man not wearing a mask. Police spoke to the man and he was issued a $200 PIN.
– Officers attached to Fairfield City Police Area Command stopped and spoke to a 32-year-old man for not wearing a mask at Cabramatta Railway Station, about 1.50pm. The man refused to comply with directions and was issued a $200 PIN.
– As part of proactive patrols, officers from Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command stopped and spoke to a 39-year-old man, who was not wearing a correctly fitted mask at Bondi Junction Rail Interchange, about 3.30pm. The man refused to comply with orders to fit the mask across his mouth and was subsequently issued a $200 PIN.
– Just before 8.30am, officers from Police Transport Command (PTC) spoke to a 35-year-old man, who was not wearing a face mask and did not have a valid ticket. Checks revealed the man had been warned the day before about not wearing a mask. He was issued a $200 PIN and an infringement for fare evasion.
– About 4.10pm, officers from Inner West Police Area Command stopped and spoke to a 22-year-old Maroubra man who was not wearing a face mask at Newtown Railway Station. He was advised of his requirement under the Public Health Order and given a warning. Shortly after, the man made his way to the platform without a face mask. He was approached by police again and issued a $200 PIN.
– Officers from PTC were patrolling Campbelltown Railway Station about 3.20pm, when they spoke with a 41-year-old man, who was not wearing a mask. The man told police he didn’t own one and won’t wear one because it’s a joke. He was issued a $200 PIN and moved-on from the area.
– As part of proactive patrols of Katoomba, officers from Blue Mountains Police Area Command stopped and spoke to a 42-year-old man outside a home on Whinmoor Street. Checks revealed the man was from Newport – in the north-end of the Northern Beaches and had bail conditions not to be in Katoomba. He was subsequently charged with a breach of bail and will appear at Penrith Local Court today. He was also issued a $1000 PIN.
Police also issued more than 35 warnings across Greater Sydney to people not wearing masks yesterday.
Further, police were on hand at the Sydney Cricket Ground yesterday to monitor the behaviour of 8692 spectators on the opening day of the third Test between Australia and India. Venue staff and police were required to remind spectators of their obligations in relation to wearing a face mask, however, no infringements for COVID breaches were issued.
There were 11 people ejected by police; four young persons for bringing alcohol into the ground, one issued a criminal infringement notice for offensive language and bring alcohol into the ground; another man was fined for bringing alcohol into the ground, four intoxicated people were given banning orders for 12 months, and one man issued an infringement for failing to quit and re-enter licensed premises.
Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any ministerial direction or behaviour which may impact on the health and safety of the community.