Category: NSW News

A man has been charged over allegedly attempting to bribe a police officer at the NSW/Victoria border yesterday.
Just before 2pm (Friday 4 September 2020), a vehicle was stopped by NSW Police at the Barmah Bridge checkpoint.
Officers spoke with the driver, a 66-year-old man, and requested his border permit to enter NSW.
Police will allege in court that the man could not provide a valid permit and instead offered an envelope with $1000 to the officer.
The Victorian man was arrested and taken to Deniliquin Police Station, where he was charged with give/offer bribe to member of NSW Police.
He was granted strict conditional bail and is due to appear before Moama Local Court on Wednesday 4 November 2020.

Nine Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) have been issued after crew members and passengers on board a vessel travelling along the NSW coast from Victoria disembarked onto NSW soil, contrary to current Public Health Orders.
On Tuesday 25 August 2020, NSW Police Force’s Marine Area Command launched an investigation into the movements of a vessel, which was travelling from Victoria to the Gold Coast, while it was in NSW waters.
Inquiries revealed three occasions in which individuals had disembarked the vessel in contravention of the Public Health Order – at Eden on Wednesday 12 August, Port Stephens on Sunday 16 August and Yamba on Friday 21 August 2020.
As a result, officers from Tweed Heads Water Police, with the assistance of Queensland Police, spoke with the six individuals concerned today (Friday 4 September 2020) and advised them they would be issued with PINs as follows:

• A 64-year-old man, the skipper of the vessel, was issued with three $1000 PINs for failing to comply with the Public Health (COVID-19 Maritime Quarantine) Order at Eden, Port Stephens and Yamba;
• A 61-year-old man, the owner of the vessel, was issued with two $1000 PINs for failing to comply with the Public Health (COVID-19 Maritime Quarantine) Order at Eden and Yamba;
• A 51-year-old woman, a passenger of the vessel, was issued with one $1000 PIN for failing to comply with the Public Health (COVID-19 Maritime Quarantine) Order at Eden;
• A 20-year-old woman, a passenger of the vessel, was issued with one $1000 PIN for failing to comply with the Public Health (COVID-19 Maritime Quarantine) Order at Eden;
• An 18-year-old woman, a passenger of the vessel, was issued with one $1000 PIN for failing to comply with the Public Health (COVID-19 Maritime Quarantine) Order at Eden;
• A 40-year-old woman, a crew member of the vessel, was issued with one $1000 PIN for failing to comply with the Public Health (COVID-19 Maritime Quarantine) Order at Eden.

Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related Public Health Order is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.

Three Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) were issued in relation to breaches of Public Health Orders at the NSW/Victoria border yesterday.
About 4.30pm (Wednesday 2 September 2020), police stopped a 50-year-old man at a border checkpoint on Jingellic Road, Jingellic, who was unable to produce a permit. The man provided a number of versions as to where his permit was and why he was crossing the border before it was established that he had provided false information in an attempt to cross unlawfully. He was subsequently issued a $4000 PIN under section 10 of the Public Health Act for give false information on request.
Police initiated a pursuit about 8.15pm after a white van approached a border checkpoint on Federation Way, Corowa, at speed and failed to stop. Officers stopped the vehicle on Honour Avenue and spoke with the 49-year-old male driver, who advised he did not have a permit to enter NSW. He was unable to provide a valid excuse to cross the border nor for leaving his home at Flemington, Victoria. Police directed the man to return to Victoria and issued him with a $1000 PIN.
About 8.30pm yesterday, police stopped a 28-year-old woman at a border checkpoint on Wodonga Place, South Albury, who presented a NSW driver’s licence, which expired in 2015, along with an expired border permit. The woman applied for a new permit online and when she presented it to police, it was established she had provided false information in her application. Following further inquiries, police issued a $4000 PIN under section 10 of the Public Health Act for give false information on request and a $581 traffic infringement notice for driving with an expired licence.
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 restaurants and a registered club are among the latest businesses and individuals to be issued PINs for not complying with Public Health Orders.

• About 7.45pm yesterday (Thursday 3 September 2020), police received information a restaurant on Snowy River Avenue, Jindabyne, was not complying with Public Health Orders. Officers from Monaro Police District attended the venue a short time later and observed a large crowd of people inside the venue. The female owner was subsequently issued with a $1000 PIN.

• About 6.30pm on Saturday 29 August 2020, officers from Eastern Beaches Police Area Command were conducting proactive patrols when they noted a restaurant on Clovelly Rd, Randwick, appeared to be over capacity. Police claim the venue was failing to adhere to a COVID-19 Safety Plan and had been taking additional bookings. The male licensee was issued with a $1000 PIN.

• About 11.30pm on Wednesday 25 August 2020, officers from Monaro Police District were called to a unit at a ski resort on Snowy River Avenue, Jindabyne, following reports of a party. Officers arrived to find more than 20 people in attendance. Police subsequently issued three occupants each with a $1000 PIN.

• About 8.15pm on Saturday 22 August 2020, police attended a recreational shooting club on Heathcote Road, Heathcote, after receiving reports it was not complying with Public Health Orders. Officers from Sutherland Shire Police Area Command asked to see the club’s COVID-19 Safety Plan; however, they claim the club was unable to supply one. The woman was issued with a $1000 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.
Anyone with information about this incident 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 crime via NSW Police social media pages.

Original yellow Wiggle and cardiac arrest survivor Greg Page has thrown his support behind the NSW Government’s Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program today, which offers sport and recreation facilities the opportunity to share in up to $1 million this year to help purchase defibrillators.
Acting Minister for Sport Geoff Lee said the initiative encourages sports and councils to invest in equipment that could save lives.
“Up to 7,000 people experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest each year in NSW,” Mr Lee said.
“Defibrillators save lives and since the launch of the program, more than 1,500 defibrillators have been purchased by sporting facilities and clubs across the State.
“Medical experts say the first eight minutes following a cardiac arrest are critical. Early access to CPR and a defibrillator is essential to increasing a patient’s likelihood of survival.”
Greg Page suffered a cardiac arrest while performing with the Wiggles and was treated with a defibrillator at the venue.
“I’m just fortunate there was a defibrillator at the venue otherwise I might not be here today,” Mr Page said.
“Early access to CPR and defibrillation can dramatically increase a person’s chance of survival after a heart attack.”
Heartbeat of Football founder Andy Paschalidis said it is vital venues are equipped to respond to these life-threatening emergencies.
“With more and more people of all ages participating in sport and recreation, I urge sports clubs and councils to apply for a grant and be trained and equipped to respond to these life-threatening situations,” Mr Paschalidis said.
The program is open from 3 September 2020 until 12 April 2021.
For more information: https://sport.nsw.gov.au/clubs/grants/defibrillator

Half of the tunnelling on the critical M4-M5 Link Tunnels has now been completed, marking a major milestone on ‘the missing link’ in Sydney’s motorway network.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said work on the M4-M5 Link Tunnels is progressing well, and is on track for the project to open on schedule in 2023.
“More than 6,800 workers have been involved in the project to date, providing valuable jobs when we need them most.
“Along with the Rozelle Interchange, this project will allow drivers to experience the full benefits of the WestConnex motorway network, Australia’s biggest road infrastructure project,” Ms Berejiklian said.
The M4-M5 Link Tunnels connect the M4 at Haberfield with the M8 at St Peters, along with connecting to future projects including Sydney Gateway to Sydney Airport, the M6, the Western Harbour Tunnel and Beaches Link via the Rozelle Interchange.
“When complete, WestConnex will change the way Sydneysiders get around their city. WestConnex will bust congestion and increase economic activity,” Minister for Roads Andrew Constance said.
“It will also give local roads back to local people, with the majority of the project underground.”
Earlier stages of WestConnex, the New M4 Tunnels (opened in July 2019) and the M8 (opened in July 2020) are providing tens of thousands of motorists with significant travel time savings since opening.
When complete, the M4-M5 Link Tunnels will provide drivers with additional travel time savings, including an estimated 40 minutes off a trip from Parramatta to Sydney Airport.
Project facts:

• 7.5km twin tunnels up to four lanes in each direction
• Four tunnelling sites (St Peters, Annandale, Haberfield x2)
• 58m at deepest point, average depth 35m
• 28 roadheaders in use
• Expected travel time around 8 minutes from St Peters to Haberfield

A major upgrade of the Tamworth Intermodal Rail Line is on target for delivery with the Deputy Premier John Barilaro and Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson today announcing $28 million for the project to support regional NSW’s freight sector, creating hundreds of regional jobs.
Mr Barilaro said this investment will fund works to reinstate a section of non-operational railway line, support the development of an intermodal rail facility in Westdale and link Tamworth to the state’s major port.
“This significant investment is key to the development of the new intermodal rail hub that will better connect Northern NSW’s producers and businesses to the world,” Mr Barilaro said.
“This funding will restore and raise five kilometres of track on the West Tamworth to Barraba line and install new level crossings to activate rail freight access to Tamworth’s new Regional Freight Terminal.
“When complete, a functioning intermodal rail hub and freight terminal in Tamworth will create a direct rail route to vessels docked at Port Botany, saving businesses significant freight costs.”
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the NSW Government was investing in the rail freight network to increase capacity, secure reliable freight movements across the state, and meet future freight demand.
“Inland intermodals are an integral part of moving freight throughout NSW by providing a delivery point load breakdown services and an interface for road to rail integration,” Mr Toole said.
“With a projected 28 per cent increase in the regional freight task by 2036 from just four years ago, facilities like the one at Tamworth will play an increasingly important role in connecting NSW’s products to export markets.”
Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said the NSW Government is investing in the infrastructure, programs and services that support industry development, improve productivity and economic growth and make regional NSW a great place to live, work and play.
“This is a huge milestone for the people, producers and businesses of Tamworth. The Tamworth intermodal will make the city the freight capital of the New England and North West and drive enormous investment and job growth locally,” Mr Anderson said.
“In 2016, 482 million tonnes of freight was moved in NSW and with that volume expected to increase to 618 million tonnes by 2036, this project is one of the big picture infrastructure investments delivered by the NSW Government to help Tamworth and regional NSW’s industry succeed.”

Today marks Early Childhood Educators Day, celebrating our dedicated and passionate early childhood educators and recognising their positive contribution to improving outcomes for children in NSW.
To coincide with this important day, Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell has announced a new Early Childhood Education scholarship program to increase the number of qualified Early Childhood Teachers, in line with the NSW Government’s Early Childhood Education Workforce Strategy.
“These scholarships support the NSW Government’s vision of a highly qualified and sustainable workforce which meets the needs of children and families, including those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those in regional and remote locations as well as children with additional needs,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Supporting high quality candidates to study and take up careers as early childhood educators is key to our commitment to ensure children across NSW have access to quality early education wherever they live and whatever their circumstances.”
Ms Mitchell said early childhood educators play a critical role in children’s development. Attending early learning services teaches children social skills, practical skills and early literacy.
“Our early childhood educators are there guiding children, building their confidence and helping them make sense of the world around them,” Ms Mitchell said.
Successful applicants will be offered a scholarship of up to $20,000 to undertake or complete an approved early childhood teaching degree qualification recognised by the Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA). Up to 40 scholarships will be awarded each year for three years.
Scholarships will be prioritised to meet emerging workforce needs including those already employed in eligible early childhood education services, Aboriginal people, those in regional and remote areas and/or those with high numbers of disadvantaged children. Applications close 4 October.
Further information about the scholarships and how to apply is available here.

Central Sydney will get a new Ambulance Superstation as part of the NSW Government’s record $184 million infrastructure investment in stations across Sydney.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian today unveiled the plans for the Central Sydney Ambulance Station, announcing the state-of-the-art building will be at the site of the former Coroners Court of NSW at Glebe.
“For the first time in more than 15 years, Sydney is benefiting from modern, purpose-built ambulance stations, with nine already completed as part of the Sydney Ambulance Metropolitan Infrastructure Strategy program,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Continuing our record investment in health infrastructure is a central component of the NSW Government’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the new Central Superstation is another step forward in the transformation of Sydney’s ambulance service.
“This will be a Superstation home base like no other and will enable paramedics to improve response times and continue providing high-quality care to the community.” Mr Hazzard said.
Commissioner of NSW Ambulance, Dr Dominic Morgan ASM said it is the final of 11 ambulance stations to be built as part of the paramedic response network.
“Our paramedics do a fantastic job servicing their local communities from state-of-the-art infrastructure and I expect the new central Sydney station to continue our distinguished tradition of excellence in care for local communities,” Dr Morgan said.
Nine new ambulance superstations have already been built and construction of a new superstation at Randwick and a new ambulance station at Mona Vale are underway.
The $184 million investment in metropolitan ambulance infrastructure is part of more than $10 billion invested in health capital works by the NSW Government since 2011, with a further $10.1 billion committed in this term of government.
The NSW Government has invested more than $1 billion in NSW Ambulance during 2019-20, including $27.1 million to employ 221 paramedics and call centre staff from a total 750 over this term.

Westmead Health and Innovation District took a major step forward today with the launch of a new project delivering over 1,000 jobs and 28,000 square metres of health, research, education and commercial space.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the $350 million development, a joint venture between Western Sydney University and Charter Hall to be known as Innovation Quarter or iQ, would house leading some of the University’s leading research institutes and Australia’s national science agency CSIRO.
“Commencement of ground works for this new complex will help strengthen Westmead Health and Innovation District as a leading global centre for health care, medical research and commercialisation, education and training,” Mr Ayres said.
“It’s another sign of confidence in the NSW economy and demonstrates more progress out west in the Central City, supporting the NSW Government’s focus on technology and innovation as key drivers of growth.”
Western Sydney University will base its MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development, NICM Health Research Institute and Translational Health Research Institute (THRI) at the complex when it opens in 2021.
CSIRO will bring world-leading research staff from its e-Health and Nutrition & Health programs.
Western Sydney University Vice-President (Finance and Resources), Peter Pickering, said the Innovation Quarter at Westmead is part of the University’s ‘Western Growth’ strategy – an ambitious program that is reshaping the University’s campus network and co-creating cities and transformative educational infrastructure across western Sydney, in partnership with industry and government.
Mr Pickering said it will build upon the University’s existing footprint in Westmead to integrate first-class health and medical research into policy and practice.
“The University’s presence within the Innovation Quarter will enable researchers, industry partners and clinicians to come together and address the nation’s most pressing health challenges.
“During these challenging times, the Innovation Quarter will also make important economic contributions to the region, creating over 1,000 jobs and generating $150 million to the regional economy.”
Charter Hall Group CEO and Managing Director David Harrison said there had never been a more important time to focus on health research and innovation.
“Our project collaboration with Western Sydney University will deliver a state-of-the-art innovation centre to support the work of both the Western Sydney University and CSIRO’s medical research facilities.”
“iQ will create a truly visionary precinct that brings together the most forward-thinking research, health education and commercial sectors in the Southern Hemisphere. The project will provide an environment for some of the brightest minds in the country to innovate, create opportunities for collaboration and solve global challenges in the heart of Westmead,” Mr Harrison said.
Dr Dave Williams CSIRO Executive Director said the move to Westmead would improve collaboration opportunities to create innovative health and wellbeing solutions for the nation.
“CSIRO has a long history of partnering with health, education and research organisations to help solve Australia’s greatest challenges in health,” Dr Williams said.
“We look forward to building on this and embarking on new partnerships and innovations at Westmead.”
Images of the development can be downloaded here.