Category: NSW News

Given the growing number of infectious cases in the community and unlinked cases of community transmission, COVID-19 restrictions will be tightened across Greater Sydney including the Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Wollongong and Shellharbour.
From 5pm today (Friday, 9 July) the following additional restrictions will be in place:

• Outdoor public gatherings limited to two people (excluding members of the same household);
• People must stay in their Local Government Area or within 10kms of home for exercise and outdoor recreation, with no carpooling between non-household members;
• Browsing in shops is prohibited, plus only one person per household, per day may leave the home for shopping;
• Funerals limited to ten people in total (this will take effect from Sunday, 11 July).

The four reasons to leave your home remain in place:

• Shopping for food or other essential goods and services (one person only);
• Medical care or compassionate needs (only one visitor can enter another residence to fulfil carers’ responsibilities or provide care or assistance, or for compassionate reasons);
• Exercise with no more than 2 (unless members of the same household);
• Essential work, or education, where you cannot work or study from home.

Restrictions in regional NSW will remain unchanged.
These tightened restrictions are based on health advice from the Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant.
They are necessary due to the increasing number of unlinked cases in the community.
We understand this is a difficult time for the community and businesses. We thank them for their understanding and patience.
High testing numbers are key to finding unrecognised chains of transmission in the community, so please continue to come forward for a COVID-19 test, even if you have the mildest of symptoms.
For the latest information visit www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19

Based on Health advice, the first week of Term 3 for schools in NSW will either be under a learning from home model or with strict COVID restrictions.
Beyond the first week of Term 3 strict COVID safe restrictions will be in place.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said she understood it was a challenging time for students, staff and parents, but she has complete confidence that schools are prepared to manage the restrictions.
“For the first week of Term 3 we will have different settings in schools impacted by the stay-at-home orders to those that are not,” Ms Mitchell said.
For schools inside areas impacted by the stay-at-home orders (Greater Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Wollongong and Shellharbour):

• For the first four days of Term 3 students will be learning from home.
• This will stay in place until Friday 16 July.
• Schools will remain open for students and families who need it.
• Masks will be required for all staff in all school settings, and students from Year 7 upwards.

For schools outside areas impacted by the stay-at-home orders (Regional NSW):

• For the first week of Term 3 students will be back at school for face to face learning.
• Schools will restrict non-essential visitors at school sites, including parents.
• Adjustments will be made to some activities, such as choir and band.
• Masks will be recommended for all staff in all school settings, and students from Year 7 upwards.

“All students across NSW will return to face to face learning from Monday 19 July,” Ms Mitchell said.
Schools across areas impacted by stay-at-home orders are ready to operate learning from home for their students.
“All schools recently completed a readiness assessment to prepare for any potential return to learning from home,” Ms Mitchell said.
“I’m confident our schools are prepared for learning from home for the first four days of Term 3, using combinations of digital and printed learning packs similar to those used last year.”
The HSC continues as planned, with the HSC oral language, performance and practical exams scheduled to go ahead in Term 3 and written exams in Term 4.
“To our HSC students I say please stay calm, focus on your studies and look after each other.
“NESA has arrangements in place to ensure no student is disadvantaged if they have been unable to work on HSC major projects during the holiday period, or they are affected by extended stay-at-home orders.”
More information is available at: https://education.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/advice-for-families

Police across the state are continuing to conduct compliance operations targeting metropolitan residents travelling to regional NSW in contravention of Public Health Orders.
State Emergency Operations Controller, Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys, said now is not the time to move out of Greater Sydney.
“We want to make it clear that police in Greater Sydney and our regional locations are sharing information and will continue to patrol transport hubs to check that people are complying with the stay-at-home direction,” Deputy Commissioner Worboys said.
Of note, about 10pm yesterday (Wednesday 7 July 2021), officers from Orana Mid-Western Police District spoke to a 38-year-old man on Denison Street, Mudgee, following reports from a member of the public he was acting suspiciously.
Inquiries revealed the man, from Kingswood, had travelled from Penrith Railway Station to Lithgow Railway Station, before boarding a bus to Mudgee earlier the same day to meet a person he had met on social media.
He was subsequently issued a $1000 Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN) for travel from Metropolitan Sydney area to NSW outside area.
In a separate incident, police are appealing for information after reports a 51-year-old man was spat on by an unknown man at a hardware store on the corner of Pennant Hills Road and Phyllis Avenue, Thornleigh, just before 7am yesterday.
Officers from Kuring-Gai Police Area Command have been told the man was waiting to be served when he spoke to another man, who was not wearing a mask.
Staff intervened and as the man was leaving the store, he spat on the other man.
Investigations are continuing.
In total, 56 PINs were issued yesterday and of those 26 were $200 infringements for failing to wear a fitted face covering.
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 who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

Netball NSW is delighted to announce the appointment of Chris Lamb to the organisation’s Board of Directors.
An experienced executive with a strong background in Human Resources, Lamb currently serves as Deputy Commissioner of the NSW Public Service Commission, the largest employer in Australia. He joins the Board in a casual vacancy Director position until the 2022 Annual General Meeting following the retirement of Carol Murphy.
For the past two decades Lamb has held senior HR roles in a diverse range of sectors including banking and financial services, property, construction and retail.
Among his many accomplishments Lamb has previously served as Global Head of Organisational Development and Chief People & Culture Officer, Australia, for the Lendlease Corporation where he worked for 12 years leading a successful seven-year partnership with the NSW women’s cricket team, The Breakers.
Prior to that he worked as a Senior HR Executive at American Express during which time was Vice President of HR for the company’s UK, Ireland and Eastern Europe operations.
Lamb has also held numerous non-executive roles and is passionate to promote diversity and inclusion in all areas. For nine years (2010-19) he was a non-executive director of Diversity Council Australia, including five years as the Chair of the People and Culture subcommittee.
For the last two years he has been on the Advisory Board of the UNSW Australian Human Rights Institute and obtained a post-graduate qualification in Aboriginal Studies to improve his own knowledge and increase his ability to advocate for reconciliation.
Lamb’s wife and two now adult daughters have kept him close to the Saturday netball courts at Hills District Netball Association for many years and he has been an avid supporter and regular attendee of the elite game for the past 30 years.
Netball NSW President Louise Sullivan welcomed him to the organisation.
“On behalf of Netball NSW I congratulate Chris on his appointment and we look forward to working closely with him,” she said.
“Chris is an expert in the field of Human Resources and Culture and brings a wealth of knowledge in this area.
“Our people, both at Netball NSW and across the state-wide netball community, are our greatest asset so having extra expertise in this field is vital as we continue to navigate our way through this period of uncertainty as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and following that for our game to prosper.”
Lamb said he was excited to be joining a sport which was a leader in both the grassroots and elite spaces.
“I have been delighted to watch the growth of elite netball in recent years and am excited to have the opportunity to contribute my skills to ensure this, and the grassroots game, continue to thrive,” he said.
“Throughout my career I have developed talent management and succession strategies, increased diversity and inclusion and designed and delivered leadership programs.
“Netball, like every other sport, is constantly looking to evolve and move with the pace of an ever-changing society and I look forward to working with Netball NSW to help build an even stronger footprint and sustainable future for the game.”

Police across Greater Sydney are working to ensure compliance following the extension of public health orders announced by NSW Health today.
State Emergency Operations Controller, Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys, said with the extension, now is not the time for people, particularly across south-west Sydney, to become complacent.
“Additional officers will be deployed across areas of concern that have been identified, including Fairfield, Liverpool and Bankstown, to ensure the public is complying with the current orders”, Deputy Commissioner Worboys said.
Complaints from members of the public have led to numerous $1000 Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) being issued each day.
About 1.30pm yesterday (Tuesday 6 July 2021), officers from Liverpool City Police Area Command attended a barber shop on Flowerdale Road, Liverpool, after receiving information from the community that the business was still trading in breach of current health orders.
Police spoke with the owner, a 59-year-old man and a 22-year-old customer at the store receiving a haircut.
Both men were issued a $1000 PIN for fail to comply with noticed direction – individual.
In total, 75 PINs were issued yesterday and of those 37 were $200 infringements for failing to wear a fitted face covering.
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 who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

The NSW Government, together with the NSW Police Force, has announced a $1 million reward for information into the 1979 Luna Park fire, as Homicide Squad detectives continue to review the circumstances surrounding the fatal blaze.
About 10.15pm on Saturday 9 June 1979, emergency services were called to Luna Park at Milsons Point, following reports of a fire inside the Ghost Train ride.
Six boys and a man were killed in the blaze.
In September that year, a Coronial Inquest found the cause of the blaze could not be determined.
Over the years, investigators from across the NSW Police Force have investigated all information received in relation to the fire.
On April 2021, a formal request was submitted to the NSW Police Force State Crime Command by the State Coroner to conduct a review into all evidence concerning the cause and origin of the fire and the circumstances surrounding the seven deaths.
Detectives from the Homicide Squad’s Unsolved Homicide Team established Strike Force Sedgeman and a formal review commenced.
To assist with their inquiries, NSW Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott has announced a $1 million reward for fresh and significant information into the incident.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said he is confident any fresh and material information will assist detectives with their review of the case.
“Despite the passage of time, this horrific incident remains embedded in the psyche of Sydney-siders. I am appealing to those who may know something but have not previously been inclined to assist.
“You now have a million reasons to come forward. This is a very unique reward, it does not require a charge or conviction of any person, it relates to information about the Ghost Train fire.
“As soon as I met with some of the survivors earlier this year, and heard their devastating stories, I knew there was more that could be done. I stand with the family, friends, survivors and the broader community in searching for answers, and this reward should encourage anyone with fresh information to speak up,” Mr Elliott said.
NSW Police Force Commissioner, Michael Fuller APM, said police have recently demonstrated a strong record of criminal investigations and arrests for offences committed decades ago.
“I want to assure the family and friends of those who lost their lives in this tragic event, and the broader community, that if our investigators can identify a way to pursue a criminal investigation then it will happen,” Commissioner Fuller said.
“It is very important to acknowledge that any major investigation conducted in 1979 would be deficient in many respects if viewed through the lens of modern investigative and forensic practices employed by NSW Police Force in 2021.
“Our Homicide Squad investigators are exceptionally diligent and will review all aspects of the case including allegations of corruption or malpractice.
“Strike Force Sedgeman detectives will also consider any new and compelling evidence which will allow them to progress inquiries with the State Coroner and Law Enforcement Conduct Commission,” Commissioner Fuller said.
Homicide Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty, said the review will examine all available evidence obtained over the past four decades.
“Detectives attached to Strike Force Sedgeman have commenced a review of the 1979 Luna Park fire, which will take some time to complete,” Det Supt Doherty said.
“There is a significant quantity of materials that will be re-examined including documentation, video recordings, witness statements and forensic evidence.
“We know that the families who lost loved ones during this tragic fire have suffered immensely over the years, not knowing how and why their lives were cut short.
“Rest assured that if the NSW Police Force uncovers evidence to progress a criminal investigation into this historic event, then we will,” Det Supt Doherty said.
Anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Sedgeman detectives 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.

More than 146,000 people across NSW are now benefiting from services and supports under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) three years on from the full implementation of the world-leading reform.
Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Alister Henskens said NSW was the first state to sign up to the NDIS, leading the nation in early trial sites and then the full rollout. The NSW Government will contribute $3.6 billion to the NDIS this year.
“Since trials of the NDIS started in the Hunter in 2013, approximately $30 billion in reasonable and necessary supports has been committed for people with disability in NSW,” Mr Henskens said.
“The NDIS gives hope and greater independence through choice over the supports people with disability receive so they can live happy and healthy lives, with opportunities for social and economic participation.
“The voices of people with a disability, their families and carers are very important to be heard with respect to the NDIS.  NSW will continue to advocate on their behalf to our Commonwealth, State and Territory counterparts as we work to improve the sustainability of this important social reform.”
Of the 146,000 participants accessing the NDIS, 80,000 people are receiving supports for the first time in their lives.
More than 68,000 participants in NSW are children and young people and of them, 22,000 are zero to six-year-olds who were not born when the NDIS trials commenced.
“In additional to delivering tremendous social outcomes for people with disability, the NDIS is also strengthening our economy, driving jobs and growth for organisations across our state,” Mr Henskens said.
“There are currently more than 4,000 service providers operating in the disability sector, many of them achieving exponential growth as a result of the NDIS.”
For more information about the NDIS, visit www.ndis.gov.au.

Ten NSW manufacturers have received a share in $5 million of NSW Government funding to produce personal protective equipment (PPE) to support domestic and international markets through COVID-19 and boost local jobs.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the grants of up to $500,000 each have enabled the production of face masks, gloves, disinfectant and medical-grade handwash and soap.
“When COVID-19 first hit last year, we realised how important it was for Australia to reduce its dependence on PPE imports and to shore up local manufacturing for our future needs,” Mr Barilaro said.
“The demand for PPE remains high both here and internationally and the NSW Government is pleased to support our local businesses to pivot from their traditional practices and produce the materials desperately needed for export.
“NSW’s management of COVID-19 has provided an opportunity for innovative home-grown businesses to not only support Australian citizens with PPE, but to export these critical products to our international neighbours.
“These grants are supporting companies across NSW, including five regional businesses, to create new jobs, boost local economies and strengthen our manufacturing export capability in the longer-term.”
Envirus is a new joint venture enabled by the funding between Newcastle-based industrial PPE manufacturer Maddison Safety and wetsuit manufacturer Sharkskin International.
The funding has supported the businesses to purchase additional machinery and equipment to increase their capacity to retool and produce P2 face masks, with Sharkskin focusing on the business to customer market and Maddison Safety the business to business market.
Tim Maddison, Managing Director, Maddison Safety and Shane Holiday, Managing Director, Sharkskin International said that this is a great initiative for Australian manufacturing.
“The grant has supplemented the investment we made during the height of COVID in 2020, helping us to purchase new machinery and secure more staff and training to keep up with demand,” Mr Maddison said.
“While COVID-19 has impacted domestic business in our traditional markets Sharkskin International’s Domestic Manufacturing of PPE grant will help the business to scale-up production and further pursue international markets,” added Mr Holiday.

Driver journeys through Bankstown have improved after the Stacey Street and Fairford Road upgrade opened to traffic.
Minister for Roads Andrew Constance said the extra lane in each direction and extended right-hand turns would improve journey times along this important corridor and also have benefits for the surrounding streets.
“This work was funded by the NSW Government’s $300 million Gateway to the South Pinch Point Program, which is focused on work that eases congestion and improves journey reliability on Sydney’s key western corridors,” Mr Constance said.
“Drivers will notice a more efficient journey through this part of Bankstown, as well as on the streets connecting to these key arterial roads.
“With construction works now complete, people should drive to the standard speed limit and follow the directions of traffic signs.”
Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the upgrades would help streamline traffic, bust congestion and assist drivers when having to cross traffic.
“It’s great for traffic flow because this upgrade has provided an additional lane in each direction between Macauley Avenue and Stanley Street. It has also seen an extended right-hand turn bay from Stacey Street southbound into Stanley Street and an additional right-hand turn bay from Stacey Street southbound into Macauley Avenue.
“A new bus lane will further assist traffic turning right from Macauley Avenue on to Fairford Road,” Mr Ayres said.
A new signalised pedestrian crossing has been installed at Salvia Avenue while the existing pedestrian crossing at the intersection of Stacey Street and Macauley Avenue has been relocated from the southern to the northern side of the intersection.
Transport for NSW has thanked nearby residents, Canterbury Bankstown Council and the entire community for their goodwill, patience and support over the life of this project.

Households and small businesses impacted by the mouse plague across regional NSW can now claim rebates as part of the NSW Government’s $150 million Mouse Control Program by visiting the Service NSW website.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said eligible households can claim up to $500 and small businesses up to $1,000 to help meet the cost of mouse baits, traps and cleaning materials bought after 1 February 2021.
“These rodents haven’t just impacted farmers and crops, they have also been a scourge on homes and businesses right across the regions,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Fighting this plague has come at a financial cost and this rebate is putting money back in the pockets of hard-working families and business owners.
“Claiming rebates is simple but you can only claim once, so I encourage residents and small business owners who have spent close to the maximum amount available to visit the Service NSW website today.”
Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall said primary producers who lived where theyworked could claim a single rebate of up to $1,000 to help meet the cost of protecting their premises.
“Farmers know how to protect their crops and are well prepared to meet a potential mouse surge as we draw closer to the spring harvest and this rebate will help them to also safeguard their homes,” Mr Marshall said.
“By the end of the month, primary producers will also be able to claim a 50 per cent rebate on purchases of zinc phosphide based bait, to a maximum of $10,000, through the Rural Assistance Authority.”
Eligible customers can make a claim for the household or small business rebate via the Service NSW website, where they can upload receipts for mouse bait, trap and cleaning purchases dating back to 1 February 2021.
Customers wanting to claim the rebate by calling the Service NSW hotline should expect longer than usual call waiting times, due to the current COVID-19 situation. For further details about the mouse rebate program, including eligibility and the claims process, go to www.nsw.gov.au/mice.