Category: NSW News

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.

Transport for NSW will trial innovative data and technology ideas to improve safety for women travelling on transport at night in Greater Sydney, following the announcement of the winners of the Safety After Dark Innovation Challenge.
The projects include artificial intelligence in CCTV to automate the detection of threatening behaviours, using datasets and algorithms to create routing that prioritises safety, and a new platform for public safety and assistance.
Minister for Transport Andrew Constance said the ideas would be developed and trialled over the next six months.
“We want all our customers to feel safe on the network and it is not good enough that 9 out of 10 Australian women experience harassment on the street and modify their behaviour in response,” Mr Constance said.
“We’re excited to be working with entrepreneurs and universities to implement innovative technology solutions to keep women safe.”
The winners are from the University of Wollongong, data sharing platform She’s a Crowd, safety technology experts Guardian LifeStream and Cardno/UNSW.
Transport for NSW received 44 applications for the Safety After Dark Innovation Challenge and the winners were selected by an expert panel after a virtual pitch event.
“The winners were chosen for their potential to meaningfully address real safety issues, and their ability to use creative and sophisticated new technologies to make a real difference,” Mr Constance said.
The Innovation Challenge is part of Transport for NSW’s commitment to a new Women’s Safety Charter, co-designed in collaboration with the Greater Sydney Commission and Committee for Sydney.

New parks and public spaces, better pedestrian access and more employment space are set to enhance the heart of Crows Nest and St Leonards, with the NSW Government today releasing the final 2036 Plan.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the plan will guide the delivery of a greener, better connected and vibrant Crows Nest and St Leonards.
“The community told us they wanted more green space that enhanced local neighbourhoods, and a plan that provided certainty on what future development will look like and where it will be,” Mr Stokes said.
“We have listened, with significant changes made to the final plan to ensure St Leonards and Crows Nest will be a greener, thriving employment hub with better transport and pedestrian connections for local residents, workers and visitors to enjoy for generations to come.”
Member for North Shore Felicity Wilson said the plan includes the forward funding from the NSW Government for the delivery of a new park in partnership with North Sydney Council. The existing carpark on Holtermann Street will be moved underground to make way for a vibrant green core in the centre of Crows Nest.
“We have secured a massive $78 million for new and improved public spaces across St Leonards and Crows Nest, including the new park on Holtermann Street for our community that will be delivered ahead of Metro development,” Ms Wilson said.
“From the village feel of Willoughby Rd and Crows Nest, to the bustling commercial centre around St Leonards, we wanted to reflect the community’s call for a final plan that protected and enhanced the unique character of our local area and delivered the community infrastructure that makes for great places to live – this plan delivers that and more.”
Key changes to the final plan following community consultation, include:

• A 10 per cent reduction in new dwellings;
• More than $78 million secured from developer contributions for new parks and public spaces (an increase of $20 million);
• Planting of more than 2,000 new trees;
• Doubling the employment space, with an extra 119,979sqm of commercial floor space to support more than 16,500 jobs; and
• $20 million secured from developer contributions for new education facilities.

North Sydney Mayor Jilly Gibson welcomed the plan and said more green space would help to maintain the village feel that we all love.
“I would like to thank the Minister Rob Stokes, local member for North Shore Felicity Wilson and the Department for including a new park at Holtermann Street in the plans. With the support of the State, design of the park will commence at the beginning of 2021, at the same time Council commences construction of the new Hume Street Plaza,” Ms Gibson said.
The final plan will see more than $116 million captured in Special Infrastructure Contributions from developers to support the delivery of critical infrastructure such as road upgrades, education facilities and active transport links across St Leonards and Crows Nest.
The plan will also be supported with new transport links, with the NSW Government also approving the Crows Nest Metro rezoning. The community will get to have its say on the Crows Nest Metro State significant concept development application when it is re-exhibited in mid-September.
For more information, and to view the final plan visit: www.planning.nsw.gov.au/stleonardscrowsnest

A man has faced court today charged after police at a border checkpoint near Albury seized prohibited drugs in a vehicle.
NSW Police were manning a checkpoint at the Spirit of Progress Bridge located on The Hume Highway, south of Albury, when they stopped a Toyota Camry about 5.30pm yesterday (Saturday 29 August 2020).
The driver, a 27-year-old woman, and a male passenger, aged 44, produced valid permits required to travel to NSW via aircraft through Sydney and self-isolate.
Following inquiries, officers conducted a search of the man and allegedly located methylamphetamine in his socks and 94g of methylamphetamine under the passenger seat cover, during a search of the vehicle, along with cash.
The items were seized and will undergo forensic testing.
The man was arrested and taken to Albury Police Station where he was charged with possess prohibited drug, supply prohibited drug – indictable quantity, goods in personal custody suspected being stolen, and deal with proceeds of crime, money/property.
He appeared in Wagga Wagga Local Court today (Sunday 30 August 2020), where he was formally refused bail to reappear at Albury Local Court tomorrow (Monday 31 August 2020).
The woman was refused entry and directed to return to Victoria.
Inquiries continue.

Police have issued four Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) in the last 24 hours relating to three separate breaches of COVID-19 Public Health Orders.
On Wednesday (26 August 2020), officers attached to Operation Border Closure raised concerns over the validity of a permit produced by a 41-year-old man at the Wodonga Place, South Albury, checkpoint.
Initial checks indicated his reason for travel was consistent with the permit, and the man was granted entry, but the matter was referred to local police to conduct further inquiries.
After establishing the man had travelled to Eden, police attended a caravan park to speak with him but he could not be located.
Following further inquiries, police returned to the caravan park just before 1pm yesterday (Thursday 27 August 2020), as the man was attempting to leave.
He was directed to return to Victoria and advised he would be issued with a $1000 PIN for failing to comply with requirements of the Public Health Orders.
In a separate incident, a ride-share vehicle was stopped at a border checkpoint on the Hume Highway at Albury, about 10am yesterday (Thursday 27 August 2020).
The driver inquired whether he would be allowed to re-enter NSW if he dropped his customer home in Westmeadows, Victoria.
Checks on the man’s 22-year-old male customer revealed he did not have a valid permit to be in NSW.
He was issued with a $1000 PIN and escorted back into Victoria.
About 6pm on Monday 27 July 2020, police from Operation Border Closure stopped a taxi at the checkpoint on Wodonga Place, South Albury, and spoke with the driver who provided all necessary documentation, before speaking with his passengers – a 41-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman.
Checks revealed the man was meant to be in self-isolation and the woman had crossed the border for reasons inconsistent with her permit.
The pair were directed to return to their homes in Albury and advised police would conduct further inquiries.
As a result of those inquiries, the man and woman were each issued with $1000 PINs yesterday.
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.

This weekend marks the start of Legacy Week, the annual appeal to support the families of veterans who have served for our country.
Acting Minister for Veterans Geoff Lee said Legacy Week is now in its 78^th year and will be held this Sunday, 30 August to Saturday, 5 September 2020.
“The current social restrictions should not stop us from supporting this very worthwhile cause,” Mr Lee said.
“Thousands of Australian men and women are currently serving overseas and Legacy stands ready to assist their families when needed.”
Legacy President Gregory Wrate said Legacy has held a badge day since 1942 to raise funds to support the widows and families of veterans who have died, been severely injured or left with mental health issues as a result of their military service.
“This year will be tough with the reduced opportunity to do any face-to-face fundraising and the inability to engage with the public but the health of the community and our many volunteers and supporters is more important,” Mr Wrate said.
“This Legacy Week, I am asking Australians to consider donating online to allow us to continue providing financial, educational and emotional support to our beneficiaries.”
The funds raised from Legacy Week assist approximately 60,000 people with services such as counselling, housing, medical, advocacy and social support.
When Australian Defence Force soldier Major Michael Wiltshire died from a brain tumour at the age of 42, Legacy supported his widow Kerrie and two children, James and Emily.
“It could have all gone so differently without Legacy’s support and influence,” James said.
“We have had many strong role models come into our lives. I’m currently applying to join the Air Force and I doubt I would have had the confidence to go for it, if it wasn’t for the encouragement of Legacy.”
To donate online, please visit www.legacyweek.com.au.

Construction of the Sydney Metro West, from Greater Parramatta to the CBD, is another step closer with the NSW Government today shortlisting three consortia to deliver the mega project’s first two major tunnelling packages.
Minister for Transport Andrew Constance said the project will create more than 10,000 direct new jobs and 70,000 indirect jobs, with many of them generated by these new tunnelling contracts.
“These contracts will require tunnellers, electricians, plumbers, carpenters, concrete workers, truck drivers, labourers and security guards,” Mr Constance said.
“The three shortlisted consortia have a wealth of Australian and international experience in delivering high quality infrastructure projects. We expect to be in a position to award the first contract by the middle of next year.”
Due to the scale of this city-shaping mega project the tunnelling and excavation works have been separated into geographically-specific contract packages between Westmead and the Sydney CBD.
The following consortia have been shortlisted for two packages:

• John Holland, CPB Contractors and Ghella Australia Joint Venture (JHCPBG JV);
• Gamuda and Laing O’Rourke Australia Joint Venture (GALC JV); and
• Acciona Australia and Ferrovial Australia Joint Venture (AF JV)

They will firstly participate in the Central Tunnelling Package, with the successful tenderer awarded a contract to build 11 kilometres of twin tunnels from The Bays to Sydney Olympic Park.
The remaining two tenderers will then bid for the Western Tunnelling Package, with the successful tenderer awarded a contract to build 9 kilometres of twin tunnels from Westmead to Sydney Olympic Park.
The successful tenderer for the Central Tunnelling Package will not be eligible to be awarded the Western Tunnelling Package, driving greater competition in the delivery of Australian tunnelling infrastructure.
Sydney Metro West will double rail capacity between Greater Parramatta and the Sydney CBD, transforming Sydney for generations to come.
This once in a century infrastructure investment will have a target travel time of about 20 minutes between Parramatta and the Sydney CBD. It will link new communities to rail services and support employment growth and housing supply.
The planning process for the Sydney Metro West project is progressing with Sydney Metro currently addressing community feedback raised as part of the project’s first Environmental Impact Statement.
Subject to planning approval, work on the project is expected to start in The Bays later this year, with the first of four mega tunnel boring machines expected to be in the ground before the end of 2022.

A man has been charged with breaching COVID-19 Public Health Orders after entering NSW from Victoria on a boat.
About 4pm on Tuesday (25 August 2020), officers from Marine Area Command attempted to communicate with the sole occupant of a vessel east of Cronulla, as they had reason to believe the boat had travelled from Victoria.
The 61-year-old man refused to disembark and became aggressive towards officers, producing a knife.
Specialists officers attended a short time later and boarded the vessel.
The man was tasered before being arrested and taken to Sutherland Hospital for treatment.
He was later released and taken to Sutherland Police Station, where he was charged with not comply with noticed direction – COVID-19.
He was granted conditional bail to appear at Sutherland Local Court on Thursday 10 September 2020.
In separate incidents, three Penalty Infringement Notices were issued to individuals since the last COVID-19 update.
* A 32-year-old man was issued a $1000 PIN by officers from Murray River Police District after he was stopped for the purposes of a random breath test on the Olympic Highway, Gerogery. The man was issued a PIN for entering NSW without a valid permit yesterday.
* A 34-year-old woman was issued a $1000 PIN by officers from Murray River Police District after attempting to cross the border via Wodonga Place, Albury. When spoken to by officers, she produced a Victorian licence and claimed to be working in NSW, which proved to be false.
* A 38-year-old man was issued a $1000 PIN by officers from Campsie Police Area Command following an inspection of a business on Ernest Street, Lakemba. The business had been warned previously but failed to rectify the issues.
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.