Category: NSW News

Organisations keen to kick-start programs promoting youth engagement can now apply for up to $50,000 as part of the NSW Government’s Youth Opportunities Grants.
Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward said a share of $1.5 million is available for not-for-profits, community groups and councils.
“The last 12 months have been tough for communities across our state, and these grants are an opportunity to support programs that engage young people during this critical time,” Mr Ward said.
“We want to hear about projects that encourage young people to learn new skills, meet new people and create stronger, more cohesive communities.”
The program provides one-off, time-limited grants between $10,000 and $50,000 for projects that remove barriers preventing youth from taking up new opportunities. Since the program began in 2012, Youth Opportunities has provided almost $12 million in funding to 247 projects across the state.
Minister for Mental Health, Regional Youth and Women Bronnie Taylor said more than half of last year’s grant recipients involved programs in regional and rural NSW.
“This is a fantastic way of getting projects off the ground which empower young people and encourage them to participate in their community,” Mrs Taylor said.
“Last year’s recipients included programs promoting positive mental health, job-readiness and leadership skills for Aboriginal young people.”
Not-for-profit Hear For You received funding last year for a project supporting young people who are deaf or hard of hearing to improve their communication skills.
Hear For You CEO David Brady said participants are using their new skills to raise awareness about hearing health and deafness in their local schools and communities.
“They have been working together to create content, design materials, practice their public speaking skills and deliver presentations to their peers, educational institutions and community groups,” Mr Brady said.
For more information, or to apply, visit www.youth.nsw.gov.au/youth-opportunities/.

75 years ago, the NSW Division of the Liberal Party was formed by ordinary men and women from across the state, gathering at a hall in the middle of Sydney, to fight for the principles of individual freedoms, free enterprise and equality of opportunity.
The Liberal Party brought together the United Australia, Liberal Democratic, Commonwealth and Democratic Parties, to form the most successful political force in post-war Australia.
Since winning its first by-election in Ryde in 1945, the NSW Liberal Party has been responsible for the introduction of important reforms that we take for granted today, such as the introduction of consumer laws, legal aid and compensation for victims of violent crime, critical road safety measures, the Senior’s Card and the abolition of compulsory retirement, pensioner medical and free medicines service, the Disability Services Act to guarantee the rights of all disabled people as well as the establishment of the Environment Protection Authority and the Australian Council for the Arts.
Through it all, Liberal Governments have advocated responsible economic policies and successfully fought to remove restrictions on small businesses and develop policies to help them compete, as well as protect homeowners, and ensure orderly migration.
NSW Division State President, the Hon Philip Ruddock AO, said “while our office-bearers and parliamentary representatives have changed, the underlying values of the Liberal Party are rock solid.”
“Our mission is simple – to safeguard people’s rights and freedoms, protect them from unwarranted government intrusion, and maximise opportunities for individuals to better themselves through initiative and enterprise.
“Economic and social progress has always relied on the Liberal Party, and our passion for the principles of sound government has kept us strong and secure.
“Just as our state is the engine of the Australian economy, the NSW Division is the engine of the Liberal Party. After all, more than half of Australia’s Liberal Prime Ministers, including the last four, have been Members of the NSW Division.”
The Division’s 75th anniversary will be marked with the launch of a website dedicated to the history of the NSW Liberal Party, as well as social media content – nsw.liberal.org.au/75-Years.

In a further step to protect the state’s koala population, the NSW Government has listed Mount Gilead Estate with its sweeping landscape and historic homestead in Sydney’s south-west, as an item of state heritage significance to be protected in perpetuity.
Situated in the Camden and Campbelltown region, the 150-hectare property showcases both the State’s colonial history, reflecting changes in agricultural pursuits and approaches to major estate planning, while containing significant archaeological evidence of the prior Aboriginal occupation and custodianship of the land.
Minister responsible for Heritage Don Harwin said “Mount Gilead Estate is an outstanding early 19^th-century colonial estate with a spectacular sweeping landscape. Its heritage buildings have inspired celebrated artists and photographers throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, and we’re excited to list this site on the State Heritage Register.”
“Features of the estate include the original dwellings of its residents and workers, such as the historic homestead, stables, outhouses and sandstone granaries, which have not changed substantially since the early 19th century,” Mr Harwin said.
“The estate’s artificial lake and sandstone mill tower (c.1836) are rare and early examples of their type in NSW and Australia,” Mr Harwin said.
The long spur of land running parallel to Appin Road as well showcases cultural plantings along its central ridgeline.
Minister for the Environment Matt Kean said Mount Gilead Estate is part of an area that is home to some of the State’s healthiest koala populations and this State Heritage Listing provides further protections for rural landscapes.
“Just as the way we treat our koalas is a reflection on how we respect the environment, the way we treat our heritage buildings reflects how we respect the past,” Mr Kean said.
“It is vital we pull out all stops to not only protect habitat but also the structures that help us define who we are as Australians.”
Mount Gilead Estate is associated with three individuals of importance in the development of NSW: Reuben Uther, Thomas Rose and Edward Woodhouse, each of whom made a lasting contribution to the colony’s agricultural development.
Listing will ensure that the estate’s significance will be protected for future generations, with any major changes now requiring the approval of the Heritage Council of NSW.

Local sports clubs and associations across the state are set to receive a $4.65 million funding boost to assist with ongoing participation in sport and active recreation in NSW.
Acting Minister for Sport Geoff Lee said the Local Sport Grant Program is crucial in supporting the NSW Government’s commitment to enhance the quality of life of the people of NSW.
“We know that sport is the lifeblood in some local communities and their volunteers work hard to provide opportunities for their residents to get active and experience some normality during this pandemic,” said Mr Lee.
“By improving access and the quality of sport and recreational facilities and programs we can improve the health, social and economic wellbeing of the community.
“At a time when the sector is navigating through the impacts of COVID-19, the Local Sport Grant Program provides a significant boost to grassroots sport activities with grants ranging from $500 to $15,000 for successful projects.”
Applicants can access funding for a range of projects including sport access initiatives and facility upgrades, with up to $50,000 available for projects in every electorate across NSW.
“I encourage clubs and associations across NSW to review the guidelines and submit their applications in the coming weeks,” said Mr Lee.
Applications open today and close at 5:00pm Wednesday, 7 October 2020.
More info at:  https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/sectordevelopment/grants/localsport

New and prospective homeowners will have unprecedented protections against purchasing defective residential apartment buildings from tomorrow, when the NSW Government’s landmark Residential Apartment Buildings Act 2020 comes into effect.
Minister for Better Regulation Kevin Anderson said the new laws work to prevent buildings with serious defects going on the market, and give clear recourse in the event of a defect.
“The days of shonky certifiers and dodgy developers ripping off unknowing apartment buyers are numbered. They are officially on notice – we can now stop you pushing defective buildings onto consumers,” Mr Anderson said.
“From tomorrow, the Office of the NSW Building Commissioner will have the power to stop defective apartment blocks from being built and sold. Developers who have done the wrong thing can also face huge fines.”
The changes include a compulsory six-month notification that a developer will be applying for an occupation certificate; powers to withhold an occupation certificate where the building is not up to scratch; the ability to order rectification of any serious defect and recover costs associated with that rectification; and on-the-spot inspections of buildings up to six years old, and in extreme circumstances up to 10 years old.
“These new powers provide a massive increase in the level of assurance and protection for consumers. They are a critical step in the NSW Government’s commitment to restoring consumer confidence in the building sector,” Mr Anderson said.
NSW Building Commissioner David Chandler OAM said they send a clear signal to the construction sector that sub-standard projects will not be tolerated.
“Our sights are set on the small percentage of industry players who aren’t doing the right thing. Whether you are a builder cutting corners, or a certifier passing work that isn’t good enough – expect action from our new team of inspectors,” Mr Chandler said.
“We acknowledge, however, that sometimes things may not always go to plan, and I want to assure industry that we will work constructively during the audit process with parties who are trying to do the right thing to help resolve issues efficiently.”

Drivers are being urged to take care on our roads, after the number of people dying while not wearing a seatbelt or speeding doubled compared to the same time last year.
Between March and July, 65 people died in speed related crashes on NSW roads, up from 27% of all fatalities during the same period last year to 54%, and 17 people died while not wearing an available seatbelt, up from 9% of vehicle occupant fatalities to 22%.
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said we know people are staying home more due to COVID-19 but we need to make sure we do not become complacent on our roads as a result.
“Too many people are dying on roads close to home during this health crisis. Nearly 70% of those who died when they weren’t wearing a seatbelt crashed on a road in their local area,” Mr Constance said.
“These aren’t just figures, they are people. People who are missed by their families, their friends, their colleagues and their communities simply because someone decided to speed or didn’t think it was important to put on a seatbelt.”
“It’s a privilege and not a right to drive. So when you get behind the wheel, make the right choice – slow down and buckle up – it could save your life or someone else’s.”
Transport for NSW Deputy Secretary for Safety, Environment and Regulation Tara McCarthy said that men in particular were featuring prominently in the statistics.
“Of the 65 people who’ve died in speed related crashes, 48 were men, and of the 17 driver and passenger fatalities not wearing an available seatbelt 13 were male.”
“When you get behind the wheel remember you can make choices that have an impact on yourself and other road users.”
While speeding and seatbelt related deaths were up, fatigue related fatalities were down from 15% to 8%, and alcohol related crash deaths remained steady at 13%.

Two people have been charged and 14 issued with Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) in seven separate incidents across NSW over the weekend.
Officers from Police Transport Command were patrolling in Surry Hills when they stopped a vehicle on Elizabeth Street about 8.40pm on Friday (28 August 2020).
Police spoke with the driver and sole occupant, a 47-year-old man, who indicated he had a learner’s permit, and after checks revealed the man had an outstanding warrant and his licence was disqualified, he was arrested.
Officers also established that the man had been at the home of a woman with whom he had an AVO, and it was her car he was driving.
Further inquiries also revealed the man had been given a direction to self-isolate after being identified as a close contact with a known case of COVID-19.
The man was taken to Surry Hills Police Station and charged with contravene prohibition/restriction in AVO, drive motor vehicle during disqualification period, not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 – COVID-19.
He has been formally refused bail and is due to re-appear at Central Local Court on Wednesday (2 September 2020).
In a separate incident, security at BankWest Stadium, Parramatta, requested police to assist with the removal of a man during the A-League Grand Final last night (Sunday 30 August 2020).
The 24-year-old man allegedly became argumentative and once outside the stadium, officers from North West Metropolitan Region issued him with a move-on direction.
Police will allege in court that the man started to walk away but turned around and spat at one of the officers.
He was arrested and taken to Parramatta Police Station, where he was charged with common assault, not comply noticed direction re spitting/coughing – COVID-19, and assault police officer in execution of duty.
The Bronte man was banned from the stadium and is due to appear at Parramatta Local Court on Wednesday 14 October 2020.
About 10.25pm on Saturday 22 August 2020, officers attached to Orana Mid-Western Police District attended a licensed premises in Mudgee, to conduct a COVID-19 compliance check. Police will allege that a number of patrons were not maintaining social distancing. Following further inquiries, the venue was issued with a $5000 fine on Friday (28 August 2020), for failing to comply with requirements of a Public Health Order – COVID-19.
On Wednesday (26 August 2020), officers from Auburn Police Area Command received information a 26-year-old man had breached a direction to self-isolate. Police spoke with the man at his Lidcombe home, who provided documentation that he was not required to self-isolate after Tuesday 25 August 2020, but it was established that he had attended a hotel on Sussex Street, Sydney, on Monday (24 August 2020), to work a shift as a security guard on the hotel quarantine operation, but was sent home by his supervisor. Following further inquiries, police issued the man with a $1000 PIN on Friday. He has since been stood down from working on the hotel quarantine operation.
About 12.40pm on Friday, police attended Fisher Avenue at Camperdown in relation to an unauthorised protest, which was in breach of the Public Health Order. Officers from Inner West Police Area Command, along with neighbouring commands and specialist units, attended to monitor the group. Approximately 150 people had gathered for the protest, in breach of COVID-19 restrictions. The group was issued a move-on direction; however, 10 people failed to comply and were subsequently issued $1000 PINs for ‘fail to comply with noticed direction in relation to section 7/8/9-COVID-19.
Officers from Lake Illawarra Police District attended a restaurant at Shellharbour on Friday and issued the 29-year-old male licensee with a $1000 PIN after receiving prior warnings for not having effectively implemented a COVID-19 Safety Plan.
About 10.45pm on Friday (28 August 2020), officers from Traffic and Highway Patrol Command were patrolling at Gol Gol, when they stopped a Holden ute with an unsecured load on the Sturt Highway. After speaking with the occupants – a 26-year-old man from Mildura, Victoria, and 27-year-old Euston man – it was established that both men were in breach of their permits to enter/re-enter NSW for work. The younger man was escorted back into Victoria, while the older man was directed to self-isolate at his home. About two hours later (12.45am on Saturday 29 August 2020), police attached to Operation Border Closure stopped the 26-year-old man at a checkpoint on the Sturt Highway, Buronga, as he again attempted to cross the border into NSW. He was issued a $1000 PIN and immediately returned to Victoria.
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.

Two people were charged and eight Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) were issued yesterday in relation to various breaches of Public Health Orders across NSW in recent days.
Just before 7pm on Monday 17 August 2020, officers attached to Operation Border Control stopped four vehicles driving in convoy at a border checkpoint on the Murray Valley Highway, Euston.
Police spoke with the occupants – 10 Malaysian nationals, including a 28-year-old man and a 26-year-old woman – all of whom presented Victorian border resident permits and advised they planned to drive to Coffs Harbour to find work as fruit pickers.
After advising the group their permits did not allow for travel beyond the border zone and that they would be required to fly into Sydney and quarantine in hotel before they could continue north, the group was refused entry and directed to return to Victoria.
Last Thursday (27 August 2020), officers from Coffs/Clarence Police District received information that the 26-year-old woman had presented at Coffs Harbour Hospital to give birth in company with the 28-year-old man, and it was suspected they crossed the border unlawfully.
Police spoke with the pair after she was discharged from hospital yesterday (Monday 31 August 2020), and it was established they crossed at a different location on the border resident permit.
The pair was issued Court Attendance Notices for not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 – COVID-19. They are both due to appear at Coffs Harbour Local Court on Monday 14 September 2020.
Inquiries into the incident are continuing.
The Penalty Infringement Notices include:
About 1.40am on Sunday 2 August 2020, officers from South Sydney Police Area Command spoke with a 25-year-old man on Sam Sing Street, Waterloo, while conducting inquiries into an unrelated incident. It was established that the man had recently returned from Melbourne and was out walking in contravention of self-isolation directions. The man was directed to return to his home and advised he would receive a $1000 PIN, which was issued yesterday (Monday 31 August 2020).
About 11.30pm last Wednesday (26 August 2020), officers from Monaro Police District were contacted following reports of a large party in the staff quarters of a resort at Jindabyne. As the officers approached the unit, a partygoer alerted the occupants of the police presence and 20-30 people ran from the area. Police then located at least 30 people inside the unit, however none were the occupants. The group were given warnings in relation to the Public Health Orders before being dispersed. Following inquiries with hotel management to identify the occupants, two men – aged 22 and 25 – were each issued a $1000 PIN yesterday (Monday 31 August 2020). Inquiries are continuing and further PINs are expected to be issued.
About 8.30am last Friday (28 August 2020), officers from Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command attended a restaurant on Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach, following reports a man was refusing to leave. On arrival, police were advised the man had left, but the officers observed a number of issues and requested to see the COVID Safety Plan, which could not be produced due to a recent change of ownership and management. Police subsequently directed the 59-year-old male co-owner to complete and register a plan immediately. Following further inquiries, which established the change of ownership was more than a month ago, police spoke with the co-owner yesterday (Monday 31 August 2020), and he was issued a $5000 PIN.
Officers from Mt Druitt Police Area Command responded to reports of a large house party at Lethbridge Park about 12.30am on Saturday (29 August 2020). Police located about 100 people at the home, with a number of teens becoming aggressive and violent. Four teenagers were charged over the public order incident and remain before the courts. Following further inquiries, the 22-year-old female resident was issued a $1000 PIN yesterday (Monday 31 August 2020).
About 8pm on Saturday (29 August 2020), officers from Marine Area Command met a vessel at King Street Wharf after receiving information in relation to possible breaches of Public Health Orders during the charter. Police observed 41 people on board, who were not observing social distancing or directions under the Public Health Act and after speaking with the ship’s master, it was established the vessel’s COVID Safety Plan was incomplete. Following inquiries, the business manager attended The Rocks Police Station about 3pm yesterday (Monday 31 August 2020), where he was served a $5000 PIN.
Officers from Mid North Coast Police District attended a field on Boyters Lane, Jerseyville, about 10.30pm on Saturday (29 August 2020), following reports of a large party. On arrival, police observed at least 80 people inside a shed who were displaying little regard for current health advice. After officers attempted to disperse the crowd, many attendees became aggressive towards them and threw glass bottles. The officers retreated outside to await back-up, but the group began to disperse leaving a small number who were packing up electrical equipment. Following further inquiries, a 22-year-old Port Macquarie man and a 24-year-old West Kempsey woman were advised they would receive a $1000 PIN, while a 14-year-old boy was given a warning under the Young Offenders Act.
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.

A fly-in fly-out psychology and telepsychology service of sixteen permanent senior psychologists will be introduced to support students in regional and remote parts of NSW with mental health.
This is part of the NSW Government’s $88.4 million mental health spend that also includes a commitment to provide every public high school with one full-time counsellor or psychologist and one student support officer.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the NSW Government had run a successful trial of fly-in fly-out psychologists and the service will be permanent from 2021.
“Students across NSW have shown incredible courage and resilience having been impacted by COVID-19, bushfires and drought,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“It is incredibly important students have access to mental health support in a timely manner. This will expand the pool of psychologists in locations where there is a limited supply of casual or temporary school counselling staff.”
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said this will enable psychologists to provide counselling to ensure students are getting the support they need to deal with anxiety, stress and other difficult issues.
“Mental health is one of the major issues affecting regional communities and this is particularly true for our young people,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Drought, bushfires and now COVID have caused a lot of stress for students this year so this is a very timely announcement. Providing them with access to professional support during this time is crucial.”
Education Minister Sarah Mitchell said there were currently 1108 full time equivalent school counselling positions in NSW.
“It is incredibly important that we continue to support our schools when it comes to the mental health and wellbeing of our students in NSW,” Ms Mitchell said.
“As a regional parent I am proud of today’s announcement because it means students in regional and rural NSW, including primary and central schools, will have ongoing access to a permanent team of specialist psychologists.”
Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said the new service would ensure students will have greater access to help and support.
“This means students in remote communities will now be able to get tailored face-to-face specialist support to complement the existing local, virtual and community-based services.”
The Royal Far West has provided this service to schools like Canowindra Public School, Eugowra Public School, Goologong Public School, Grenfell Public School, Koorawatha Public School, Naradhan Public School, Rankins Springs School, Weethalle Public School, West Wyalong High School, West Wyalong Public School and Wyalong Public School.
Services undertaken by the psychologists include assessments for learning and or emotional difficulties, therapeutic interventions, consultations with school staff, local counselling for staff and parents and carers, as well as delivery of whole staff professional learning.
If you or anyone you know is experiencing emotional distress and needs support please call Kids Help Line on 1800 55 1800 and Lifeline on 13 11 14. 

Young people at risk of homelessness or disengagement from high school are being supported as part of a new program underway in Western Sydney.
Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward said the Universal Screening and Supports program identifies students in need of additional help.
“It takes a village to raise a child, and this evidence-based initiative shows how families, schools and the community can work together to make a real difference to the lives of young people,” Mr Ward said.
“Experiencing homelessness as a young person can often lead to chronic long-term homelessness in adulthood. By intervening early we can help break the cycle of disadvantage to keep young people at home and in school.”
A trial of the program at Chifley College Dunheved Campus is being delivered by Barnardos, and will be followed by a progressive rollout at three other Chifley College campuses in Western Sydney.
Students are screened using the Australian Index of Adolescent Development survey, which covers their living situation, family structure, cultural background, as well as physical and mental health.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said schools play a vital role in supporting disadvantaged young people, and this program helps identify issues early so that students can focus on their education and reach their full potential.
“If a student is identified as being at risk, they are contacted by staff and asked to attend a follow up screening where they receive tailored support,” Ms Mitchell said.
“That typically includes case management, counselling, family support, education and training programs and mentoring, as well as specialist support for mental health and drug and alcohol services.”
The initiative is based on the Community of Schools and Services (COSS) model, which is underpinned by a diverse and robust body of research.
An evaluation of the program in Geelong, Victoria found students who received support were more likely to remain at home and stay engaged in education.
Barnardos CEO Deirdre Cheers said caseworkers would work intensively with young people at-risk of homelessness or disengagement.
“Our organisation has decades of experience working with vulnerable children and families and we are excited to be involved in this project which we hope will deliver great outcomes for young people in Western Sydney,” Ms Cheers said.
The NSW Government is investing $4.7 million to deliver the Universal Screening and Supports program in Western Sydney and Albury under its Homelessness Strategy.