Category: NSW News

The NSW Government will fund 12 Diploma of Event Management scholarships to help upskill and create more job opportunities for those living in regional communities across the state.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the initiative is part of the NSW Government’s $6 million Regional Conferencing Strategy and Action Plan, which includes a partnership with Meetings & Events Australia (MEA).
“The business events sector presents a major opportunity for the visitor economy of regional NSW, particularly as we steer our path to recovery,” Mr Ayres said.
“We know that the best way forward is to help to create more jobs and these scholarships will do exactly that – giving people the tools and extra support needed to kick-start their careers in the field of event management.
“I congratulate the 12 scholarship recipients who are already making valuable contributions to their local communities and wish them every success as they begin their diploma studies and continue their journeys in the events sector.”
MEA Chief Executive Officer Robyn Johnson said she was looking forward to welcoming the third intake of regional students at a time when creating skills is key to enhancing career opportunities.
“In the past year, we have seen a number of former scholarship students graduate with their MEA Diploma of Event Management with the skills gained from undertaking the course adding great value to their regions, which is a testament to this wonderful program,” Ms Johnson said.
The 12 recipients were selected by a panel, which included representatives from the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW, MEA and the six Destination Networks.

Summer is coming and outdoor spaces are being opened up for alfresco drinking and dining just in time for the warmer weather with the NSW Government slashing red tape to allow quicker approval times for venues.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said government agencies are getting the “Alfresco Job” done, allowing the new measures to be rolled out first in The Rocks from 16 October and in the city from November 1 for a 12-month pilot.
“We have cut through red tape to make this happen in a very short timeframe,” Mr Dominello said.
“We’re working with City of Sydney and Place Management NSW, the landowner for The Rocks, to condense what was previously a three-month process involving multiple agencies, into a single application that takes a week.
“An amendment to the Liquor Regulation will also allow expanded liquor licence boundaries to be approved in as little as three days – a process that previously took up to 51 days.”
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said cafés, bars, restaurants and hotels will be able to apply for an outdoor dining licence without needing to get a planning approval, making things easier for business owners.
“The pandemic has had a devastating effect on the hospitality industry so this solution will not only keep our communities safer, but draw people back into the city so we can support local business and boost the economy,” Mr Stokes said.
“What we’re doing is getting out of the way – making processes simpler and easier for business owners to quickly take advantage of our unbeatable summer climate and set up outdoor areas for patrons to enjoy.
“We are doing this by trialling policy changes that mean a planning approval will  not be needed for restaurants, bars and cafés to extend their business to outside areas.”
Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said while The Rocks and City of Sydney will be the first areas to take up the new outdoor dining opportunities, they won’t be the last.
“Councils across the State are being encouraged to examine how they can fast-track outdoor dining area approvals at their end while ensuring public amenity and safety,” Mrs Hancock said.
“We’re exploring introducing further changes so that all councils can take advantage of the new arrangements and implement similar streamlined processes in time for summer.
“By slashing government approval times, we want businesses and councils to work together to identify spaces for outdoor dining. For example, there might be an unused car park next to your premises, or some sunny pavement out the front of your restaurant – these could be perfect spaces to apply to use.”
Consultation is now open for feedback on the proposed changes to the codes SEPP to allow pubs, small bars and cultural venue with a food or drink outlet to participate in the outdoor dining trial in the City of Sydney.

Six new bridges will be built and another five bridges modified in the Greater Parramatta area, as part of the Parramatta Light Rail works.
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said the bridges at Westmead, Parramatta, Camellia, Rosehill and Dundas will support dual-track light rail as well as an active transport link.
“Greater Parramatta will be revitalised over the next three years with much more than a new light rail network – there will be better connections between communities thanks to new walking and cycling paths,” Mr Constance said.
Work on the 11 bridges across the Parramatta region includes (see map attached):

• A former rail bridge at Kissing Point Road in Dundas converted to active transport alongside a new three-span bridge for light rail;
• Replacing the James Hardie Underpass in Camellia with a new bridge for light rail and the active transport link;
• Encasing support structures for Victoria Road Bridge and Pennant Hills Road Bridge in concrete for protection;
• Modifying the Adderton Road Bridge, Telopea, to support active transport;
• Replacing Vineyard Creek Bridge and Leamington Road Underpass, both in Dundas and recently demolished, with new bridges for light rail and active transport;
• Building a new two-span bridge for light rail and active transport across Parramatta River alongside the existing Bridge Road Bridge in the Cumberland precinct;
• A new 417-tonne steel arch bridge over James Ruse Drive at Rosehill (the biggest bridge construction on the project).

Member for Parramatta Geoff Lee said light rail will be incorporated into a number of historic bridges, with the 1839 Lennox Bridge in Parramatta’s CBD to support light rail and pedestrians instead of car traffic, and the Parramatta River Bridge at Camellia, built in 1895 and modified in 1995, widened to accommodate an active transport link.
“The upgraded bridge designs have been sensitively engineered to pay respect to the past, while supporting new technology and infrastructure,” said Dr Lee.
“We are also taking care to minimise the impact construction of the new bridges has to the local community, by using pre-cast materials that can be installed over just a few days.”
The Parramatta Light Rail will connect Westmead to Carlingford via the Parramatta CBD and Camellia, and is expected to open in 2023.

Police are reminding the community that restrictions remain in place at the NSW/Victoria border.
Since midnight on Wednesday 8 July 2020, thousands of police officers from across the state have been deployed to support border crossings between NSW and Victoria.
While the NSW/Victoria border zone was extended on Thursday 1 October 2020, travel to these areas is only permitted for border region resident permit holders.
NSW Police are reminding all other NSW residents that anyone who travels to Victoria, including within the border zone ‘border bubble’, will require a valid permit to re-enter NSW.
The NSW/Victoria border remains closed, unless you have a valid permit.
Operation Border Closure Forward Commander, Superintendent Paul Smith, said police will continue to enforce border closures.
“We have had several reports of people attempting to travel from South Australia to NSW – and vice versa – via the Sturt Highway in Victoria, as this is the most direct route,” Supt Smith said.
“Anyone wishing to enter NSW from South Australia will need to do so directly, via an alternative route.
“If you attempt to travel into NSW via Victoria and do not have a valid permit, you will be turned around at the border checkpoint and refused entry to NSW.”
For more information about exemptions or to apply for a permit, please visit: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-covid-19-nsw-border-entry-permit
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.

Police have charged two people and issued eight infringements since the last COVID-19 update.
Officers from Monaro Police District stopped a vehicle on the Monaro Highway, Lords Hill, about 11am on Saturday (3 October 2020), after allegedly evading a checkpoint to enter NSW. The occupants, two men aged 41 and 52, were issued with $1000 PINS after being issued warnings the previous day for attempting to enter NSW at the Jungellic Road checkpoint without a valid permit. They were directed to return to Victoria. About 9.15pm the same day, the men allegedly tried to enter NSW again through a checkpoint at Hayden Bog and Lower Bendoc roads. They were issued with field court attendance notices for attempting to enter NSW for a third time and will face court at a later date.
About 10.45am on Saturday (3 October 2020), police attached to Barrier Police District were conducting border closure operations when they stopped a Ford Falcon sedan, travelling on the Sturt Highway, Balranald to conduct a permit check. Police spoke to the male driver, aged 24, and he was issued with a $1000 PIN for violating the conditions of his border permit.
Officers from Richmond Police District attended a licensed premises on Keen Street, Lismore about 7.50pm on Saturday and issued a $5000 PIN for failing to effectively implement a COVID-19 safety plan 2020.
Just after midnight on Sunday (4 October 2020), police were called to Malabar Headland after complaints were received about a party that was taking place. Officers from Eastern Beaches Police Area Command attended and located more than 80 people at the event. The crowd dispersed and officers spoke to the organiser, a 31-year-old man. He was issued $1000 PIN for failing to comply with a required public health order – COVID-19 and an infringement for use park or part of park for other than which it is reserved. Inquiries continue.
Officers attached to Richmond Police District attended a licensed premises on Brighton Street, East Ballina about 7.30pm on Sunday, and issued a $5000 PIN for failing to adhere to venue operation laws. Police will allege no provisions were being made to effect proper social distancing within the establishment.
Officers from Sydney City Police Area Command attended a venue at Cockle Bay Wharf, Darling Park about 6.45pm on Sunday and issued the manager a $5000 PIN after allegedly being unable to produce a COVID-19 safely
Sydney City Police attended a second venue at Cockle Bay Wharf, Darling Park, about 9.30pm on Sunday. Police allege the manager was unable to produce a COVID-19 safety plan and was issued a $5000 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.

Public Servants across the NSW Government will begin returning to work in the office in coming weeks as part of a COVID Safe transition.
Flexible working arrangements, including staggered start and finish times, will be in place to allow as many workers to return to their offices in a COVID Safe manner, providing a major boost for the Sydney economy.
Due to COVID-19 public health orders and the application of the four-square metre rule the number of employees returning to work across Government will differ depending on the office spaces available.
As has been the case for the past few months, employees will be urged to travel outside of peak times where possible to help maintain social distancing on public transport and where unable to social distance to consider wearing a face mask.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said public servants returning safely to the office was an important step in the State’s recovery but warned we couldn’t afford to become complacent.
“The health and safety of the people of NSW has always been our number one priority, however we are also focussed on firing up the economy,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We are now encouraging public servants to physically return to work in their offices in a COVID Safe way, which will help stimulate city-based businesses and create more jobs across the state.
“The Government will continue to review health advice and aim to ensure we keep people safe and at the same time allow them to return to their normal lives as much as possible.”
NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said public servants returning safely to the office was an important economic signal for not just the State but the country.
“Our top-class health response and contact tracing has managed to help contain COVID-19 and we now need to begin returning our city safely to a more normal footing,” Mr Perrottet said.
“This is an important step, and as workers return safely to the city it will help boost confidence and support businesses who have suffered over the past six months.”
Department managers will be tasked with ensuring staff follow a COVID-19 Safety Plan and utilise flexible rostering where possible to allow travel on public transport outside of peak hours.
These arrangements for returning to work will comply with the current Public Health Orders:

• The Gathering and Movement Order requires employers to allow their employees to work from home if reasonably practicable.
• While office gatherings are generally exempt from the public health orders, NSW Government offices adopt the 4 square metre rule voluntarily in line with COVID-safe practices.

The move follows the recent Summer Summit of business and industry leaders, organised by the Treasurer and Planning Minister Rob Stokes, which heard about the importance of CBD office workers returning safely to the city to help boost business.

TAFE NSW has partnered with MSX International as the national training provider for Volvo apprentices.
Through the partnership, Volvo apprentices will study a Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology in the state-of-the-art automotive training facilities at TAFE NSW Campbelltown and receive hands-on experience with Volvo’s advanced automotive software technology.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the agreement with MSX International is an example of how TAFE NSW is partnering with industries to bolster the practical skills of employees and maximise business potential.
“This is a significant step towards strengthening Australia’s automotive industry and building a pipeline of mechanics with specialised skills and knowledge to meet the needs of global companies like Volvo,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“An important aspect of the State’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan is to reskill, retrain and redeploy the workforce to industries where there are skills shortages and emerging employment opportunities.”
Minister for Skills Geoff Lee said the NSW Government was thrilled a global name such as Volvo has partnered with TAFE NSW to deliver state of the art training for apprentices.
“TAFE NSW’s reputation as a training provider enables partnerships such as this to be developed for the benefit of apprentices and industry. Partnerships create a unique opportunity to work together at the cutting edge of training,” Mr Lee said.
Volvo Managing Director Nick Connor said the training partnership is an integral part of the company’s future.
“Volvo is proud to provide our apprentices with access to leading industry training that will meet the skills needs of the automotive jobs of the future. Having Volvo apprentices trained on Volvo products, by highly-skilled TAFE NSW teachers, also ensures that the needs of our customers are always at the forefront of our business,” Mr Connor said.
MSX International Training Academy Manager Ian Roberts said: “The partnership between MSX and TAFE NSW has already seen more than 36 apprentices excel through this customised training program.”

Life is far from ruff for former police dogs, Otis and Mickey, following their retirement from the NSW Police Force.
Mickey, an English springer spaniel, joined the force in 2010 as an explosive detection dog and has worked at several major events, including the State of Origin, Rugby League World Cup and City2Surf. He also showed off his impressive skills for several years at the Sydney Royal Easter Show before his retirement in June 2018.
Otis, a German Shepherd, worked as a general purpose police dog; helping to track offenders and locate missing people since 2012. He continued to serve the community until his retirement in December 2019.
Both dogs are in the care of police dog handler, Senior Constable Andrew Bennett, who used to work with the pair at the Dog and Mounted Command.
“They’re coping really well as retired police dogs – they’ve just become part of the family. We all go for walks together and they like to eat the leftover bread crusts,” S/Cst Bennett said.
“It’s not common to have a dog handler take on two retired police dogs but I’m more than happy to look after them as they’ve helped look after me for so long.
“I think being a dog handler in the NSW Police Force is one of the most rewarding jobs because you get to come to work with your best friend every day.”
S/Cst Bennett said Mickey still loves to chase a tennis ball while Otis has become more easy-going in his older age. Both dogs are also good friends with S/Cst Bennett’s current police dog, Boss.
Dog and Mounted Unit Commander, Superintendent Peter McErlain, said he was glad to see these former police dogs enjoying the simple life.
“Both Mickey and Otis have served their community well – going above and beyond to keep us safe for a decade,” Supt McErlain said.
“It’s only right they now get to relax, enjoy an extra treat or two and have a well-deserved nap in the sun.”

The concept design for the new, seven-storey Acute Services Building for John Hunter and John Hunter’s Children’s hospitals has been unveiled, marking a milestone for the NSW Government’s $780 million health precinct.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct would drive significant economic growth in the Greater Newcastle region, generating jobs in construction and health.
“John Hunter hospital is one of the busiest hospitals in NSW and this investment will provide enhanced health facilities ensuring the region has a world-class hospital to cater to its growing population,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Construction of the precinct will support more than 3,000 jobs over the life of the project helping stimulate the economy, a key component of the NSW Government’s COVID-19 recovery plan.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the redevelopment will significantly increase critical care capacity, with a 60 per cent increase in the Intensive Care Unit capacity and almost 50 per cent more theatres, interventional suites and procedural spaces.
“The Precinct will drive innovative collaborations between the health, education and research sectors, ultimately improving patient outcomes for communities in the Hunter region,” Mr Hazzard said.
The new Acute Services Building will include:

• A new emergency department;
• Critical care services (adult and paediatric);
• Operating theatres, interventional and imaging services;
• Birthing suite and inpatient maternity unit;
• Neonatal intensive care and special care nursery;
• Larger and redeveloped inpatient units; and
• Rooftop helipad.

Stage 1 of an interim Emergency Department expansion has also been completed early as part of NSW Government’s COVID-19 response.
“I’m also pleased the Emergency Department expansion was delivered five months ahead of schedule, providing an additional 12 dedicated paediatric treatment areas and additional capacity to deal with the pandemic, with Stage 2 scheduled for completion early next year,” Mr Hazzard said.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, Catherine Cusack, said the new Acute Services Building will serve the Hunter region for many years to come.
“This is a great opportunity to share the future vision of the Precinct, which will transform health care in the Hunter, bringing expanded, enhanced health services closer to home,” Ms Cusack said.
Early works on the new Acute Services Building are expected to commence in 2021 with main works construction scheduled to commence in 2022.

The NSW Government and City of Sydney Council today announced they would provide up to $20 million in joint funding to boost the CBD economy, support businesses and create jobs across the vital summer period.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the NSW Government will commit up to $15 million and Council would provide a further $5 million towards a range of initiatives to encourage more people to visit, eat, shop and enjoy the CBD.
“The pandemic forced the CBD into a COVID hibernation and it’s vital we revive our use of the city for work and pleasure, to keep people in jobs and businesses in business,” Mr Perrottet said.
“This summer will be a testing time for many businesses but this funding will help breathe life back into the city and get our economy moving again.”
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the NSW Government’s recent Summer Summit highlighted the need to relax restrictions and red tape to make it easier for businesses to draw people back into the city.
“Having more outdoor dining and entertainment areas across the CBD is an obvious drawcard in bringing people back into the city. The planning system is getting out of the way in order to create more seamless and streamlined processes that save business owners time and effort,” Mr Stokes said.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the summer lifeline would be extended with safety front of mind.
“It’s critical we show flexibility in how we operate as a city this summer and we’ll be doing that in line with COVID public health orders,” Mr Dominello said.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said council wanted to ensure city businesses don’t just survive, they thrive in the long term.
“It is important that we move quickly to deliver a clear plan for activating the city for summer. The City and the NSW Government are working together on a shared vision for transforming Sydney into a 24-hour alfresco city over summer and
beyond,” Ms Moore said.
“To help Sydney get back on its feet we’re going to set up outdoor performance stages in key city locations, fund live music and performance in venues, bars and restaurants, and deliver a summer of outdoor dining.”
With the start of summer 59 days away, the Government and Council are now working through a range of funding options to support initiatives that could include:

• allowing more flexible outdoor dining, drinking and seating arrangements for
• established businesses;
• will consider entertainment stages across the CBD, in areas such as Martin Place;
• enhancing promotion of cultural institutions and allowing them to stay open late;
• increasing promotion and advertising to attract people into the Sydney CBD;
• exploring COVID Safe creative ideas such as hosting outdoor cultural events;
• recruiting renowned local artists to perform in dining areas and entertainment
• precincts;
• more flexible public transport options.