Category: NSW News

Today marks 75 years since the end of the Second World War triggered euphoric celebrations across NSW and dancing through the streets of Sydney.
Acting Minister for Veterans Geoff Lee said the sacrifice of our great service men and women will never be forgotten as we remember this major moment in our history.
“Victory in the Pacific (VP Day) is the day NSW began celebrating the end of a long campaign to fight for the freedom we cherish today,” Mr Lee said.
“We are asking everyone in NSW to make a big effort to ensure this significant anniversary isn’t forgotten during the pandemic, whilst commemorating in a COVID-Safe way and abiding by the latest health advice to keep our community and veterans safe.
“We pause to reflect on the ultimate sacrifice paid by the men and women who served throughout the Pacific to defend our nation. On the home front, hundreds of thousands more provided essential services to support the war effort.”
Almost one million Australians served in the armed forces in the Second World War. More than 39,000 Australians gave their lives, more than 23,000 were wounded, and more than 30,000 were taken prisoner of war.
The NSW Government has compiled a digital catalogue of stories and videos of Second World War veterans and widows sharing their memories to ensure they are not forgotten.
“Everyone can share their stories, pictures and videos on social media for this special 75^th anniversary tribute using the hashtag #VeteranStory75years,” Mr Lee said.
“NSW communities are also encouraged to jump online and use the digital catalogue to learn about our history and the legacy of our veterans and their families.”
The digital catalogue will be continually updated over the coming months at: www.warmemorialsregister.nsw.gov.au/75th-anniversary-stories
VP Day events: www.veterans.nsw.gov.au/commemoration/wwii-75th-anniversary/

The transformation of an existing warehouse to a hand sanitiser factory in the Shoalhaven is part of the latest tranche of ten fast-tracked projects to be determined through the NSW Government’s Planning System Acceleration Program.
Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said the projects in the fifth tranche  of the program will deliver more than $3 billion in economic value and create opportunities for more than 2,700 jobs, if approved.
“The acceleration program is a key part of the NSW Government’s COVID-19 Recovery Plan, so it is only fitting that the Shoalhaven Starches’ hand sanitiser factory proposal, which will help combat the virus, is being fast-tracked,” Mr Stokes said.
“To date we’ve already accelerated 80 projects over the last four months pumping more than $22 billion into the State’s economy, creating opportunities for more than 48,000 jobs and delivering more than 400 hectares of open space, parks and conservation lands.”
The latest tranche of projects includes a new school in Sydney’s South West, a multi-trades and digital technology hub at TAFE Meadowbank and a new road project linking WestConnex to Sydney’s Kingsford Smith Airport.
Also included is the creation of the new Aerotropolis State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP), which will unlock rezonings for five new employment and environmental precincts around the new Western Sydney Airport including the Aerotropolis Core, Badgerys Creek, Northern Gateway and Agribusiness and Wianamatta-South Creek.
“The Aerotropolis SEPP is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to lay the foundations for a brand-new State-shaping precinct, with the Aerotropolis set to support more than 200,000 jobs over 20 years in industries of the future,” Mr Stokes said.
This will be the second last tranche of fast-tracked projects under the current program, with details on a new recovery focused acceleration program to be released in the coming weeks.
“The planning system has been a key economic lever in our immediate response to the pandemic, delivering some remarkable results with 80 projects determined in the last 16 weeks,” Mr Stokes said.
“Our focus so far has been on fast-tracking shovel-ready projects that were already in the planning system. Now it is time to shift from urgent response to lasting reform by applying the same accelerated momentum to determine new projects with potential to create significant jobs, economic investment and wider public benefits.”
Decisions will be made on tranche five projects by 11 September 2020. For more information visit http://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/fast-tracked-assessments.

The NSW Government has extended the deadline for applications to the $3,000 Small Business Recovery Grant and expanded the number of highly impacted industries able to apply.
The deadline for grant applications has been extended to 31 August 2020 with 18 additional highly impacted industries soon able to apply for the $3,000 Small Business Recovery Grant.
Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said the grants, funded from the $750 million Small Business Support Fund, would help small businesses highly impacted by COVID-19.
“We know small businesses have been doing it tough and these grants are designed to help them at a critical time,” Mr Tudehope said.
“By broadening the number of industries that can apply, we are giving more small businesses the opportunity to access the support they need to relaunch their operation, ensure their business is COVID-safe and welcome back customers and clients.”
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said more than 29,000 applications have already been received from small businesses and more than $71 million has been paid out since the grants opened on 1 July 2020.
“It’s important we continue to support the economic recovery and we know our support measures are playing a vital role in keeping people in jobs and businesses in business as we continue to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mr Perrottet said.
“This grant follows the success of the Small Business Support Fund grant, which closed on 30 June 2020 with more than $500 million paid to more than 50,000 businesses helping owners pay for unavoidable expenses.”
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the Small Business Recovery Grant is part of the NSW Government’s more than $15 billion COVID-19 stimulus support measures.
“The Small Business Recovery Grant provides between $500 and $3,000 for expenses to get enterprises back to business, including for marketing and advertising expenses, fit-out changes and training staff on how to work safely under the current health conditions,” Mr Dominello said.
“These grants are a much-needed boost for small businesses who are dealing with unprecedented challenges as we all continue to adjust to the four-square-metre economy.”
Of the applicants who have already applied for the $3,000 grant:

• 25 per cent are from the food and beverage services industry
• 17 per cent are from the personal services industry.

Applicant’s common uses of the grant include:

• 19 per cent using it for marketing communications and advertising
• 18 per cent using it for cleaning products and services
• 14 per cent using it for business advice and continuity planning.

The Small Business Recovery Grant can only be used for expenses from 1 July and where no other Government support is available.
More information on the Small Business Recovery Grant is available here. Small business owners can contact Service NSW for more information about eligibility on 13 77 88.

Two people have been charged and 19 Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) have been issued since the last COVID-19 update.
CHARGES INCLUDE:
About 12.30pm on Saturday (15 August 2020), police attended the Albury-Wodonga railway bridge and spoke with a 24-year-old man, from West Wodonga, was who was wanted in NSW on four outstanding warrants.
It’s alleged the man had crossed the border into NSW illegally, with officers also locating and seizing a set of knuckledusters when he was searched.
The man was taken to Albury Police Station where he was charged with the outstanding warrants, along with go onto running lines, resist police, possession of a prohibited weapon, and fail to comply with the Public Health Order.
He was refused bail appeared at Wagga Wagga Local Court yesterday (Sunday 16 August 2020), where he was formally refused bail to appear in Albury Local Court today (Monday 17 August 2020).
In another incident, about 4.20pm on Friday (14 August 2020), a 37-year-old man attended Eastwood Police Station for a meeting. While waiting, the man allegedly coughed directly towards two female officers, aged 30 and 33. He was arrested and taken to Ryde Police Station.
Police will further allege that while in custody the man damaged a station phone during a call.
He was charged with not comply with noticed direction re spitting/coughing – COVID-19, two counts of assault officer in execution of duty, two counts of intimidate police officer in execution of duty without actual bodily harm, and destroy or damage property.
The man was granted conditional bail and is due to appear in Burwood Local Court on Tuesday 25 August 2020.
In addition, 19 people and businesses were issued with PINs. PINS INCLUDE:
– About 12.30pm on Saturday, police were called after a light aircraft, which left Victoria, had landed at Deniliquin Airport. The 61-year-old male pilot did not have a valid permit to enter NSW. He was directed to return immediately to Victoria and was issued with an infringement notice.
– About 11.30am on Saturday, officers from Sydney City PAC were called to a unit on Hay Street, Haymarket, after reports of a party occurring inside. Officers attended and found a gathering in progress with approximately 30 people inside. Officers spoke to the 20-year-old female occupant who told police she booked the premises online. She was issued with a $1000 infringement for failure to comply with noticed direction.
– A man who organised a dance party on the North Coast of NSW last month has been issued an $1000 infringement for ‘Not Comply Noticed Direction’. Police allege the man held the unauthorised party on Saturday 4 July 2020 at Wilsons Creek Road, Wilsons Creek, which attracted an estimated crowd of 1000-1500 people. Following inquiries, the 50-year-old man was issued a PIN on Friday.
– About 10.20pm on Saturday 8 August 2020, officers from Murray River Police District visited a licensed premise on End Street, Deniliquin, where they saw patrons not practicing social distancing. Following inquiries, police issued the licensee – a 65-year-old woman – a $1000 fine on Friday.
– Another licensee of a hotel on Station Place, Wagga Wagga, was also fined $1000 on Saturday, after officers from Riverina Police District identified breaches, including patrons not practising social distancing and an out-of-date COVID safety plan, during a visit on Saturday 8 August 2020.
– On Friday evening, licensing officers from Murray River Police District conducting business inspections spoke with a 54-year-old man at a club in Mulwala, and a 58-year-old woman at a club in Barooga, who were both drinking alcohol and playing gaming machines. Both were from Victoria, with the man entering NSW with a working permit, and the woman entering NSW on a permit strictly stating she was only entering the state to provide care. The man and woman were each issued $1000 PINs.
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 party-bus operator has been fined for allegedly breaching COVID-19 restrictions overnight in the Sydney CBD.
Officers from Sydney City Police Area Command were contacted about 11.15pm (Saturday 15 August 2020), due to concerns about the way a bus was being driven along Wheat Road.
Police stopped the bus, which had been driven from Penrith to the city, and found 43 people were on board.
Officers spoke with the operator, a 25-year-old Colyton man, due to concerns about the number of people on the bus, as well as several underage people allegedly being intoxicated.
A drug dog was brought to the scene and a 17-year-old female was arrested after allegedly found with cocaine. She will be dealt with under the Young Offenders Act.
The bus operator has been issued a $5000 Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN) for failing to comply with a ministerial direction on Public Health Order.
Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

The NSW Police Force welcomes 197 new probationary constables who will join the record numbers of frontline police doing essential work to keep NSW safe.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian joined Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott and NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller APM for a restricted ceremony at Goulburn to comply with COVID-19 restrictions, where Class 342 took their oath.
“Frontline police officers have played an unprecedented role in protecting the community, putting their lives on the line to keep us safe every day,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The NSW Government has committed to recruiting more police officers and supporting those officers in their role of protecting the community.
“Congratulations to the newly attested police officers who graduated today and will now embark on important and rewarding careers.”
Mr Elliott said the latest class of probationary constables should be celebrated for choosing to dedicate their careers to an honorable cause by committing to prevent and disrupt crime.
“Policing can be an incredibly challenging profession, with our officers often facing both the best and worst of humanity in the line of duty. These new officers have already shown great resilience and determination, with their training being adapted to the global pandemic,” Mr Elliott said.
“These officers will take their world class training to the frontline keeping the community safe, and enforcing the Government’s response to COVID-19, at a time when thousands of police have already been deployed to the NSW border operation and hotel quarantine operations”.
Commissioner Fuller said the latest intake of probationary constables will provide a valuable and timely boost to police resources during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our newest probationary constables from Class 342 leave the Academy during unprecedented times, they will face challenges in their first few months that I won’t have experienced when I joined,” he said.
Class 342 comprises of 125 men and 72 women. Of the probationary constables attesting today, 170 were born in Australia and 27 were born overseas. Their countries of origin include Hong Kong, Nepal, Wales and India.
The new officers will commence duties in their various commands on Monday 17 August 2020. The NSW Government has committed $583 million over four years to deliver 1500 new police officers – the biggest single increase for the NSW Police Force in more than 30 years.

Two people have been charged with assaulting police and seven Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) have been issued since the last COVID-19 update.
Police will allege just before 12pm on Wednesday (12 August 2020), a 14-year-old boy boarded a bus at Lane Cove while appearing to be heavily affected by alcohol.
The driver of the bus told the teenager not to board, but when he boarded the bus anyway, the driver called police.
The teenager allegedly then punched the driver in the head and spat in his face, before getting off the bus.
Officers from North Shore Police Area Command located the young person a short time later, taking him back to Chatswood Police Station, where he allegedly assaulted a police officer who was assisting him to an ambulance. He was taken to Royal North Shore Hospital for observation.
About 1pm yesterday (Thursday 13 August 2020), he was released from hospital and taken back to the station, where he was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, common assault, assault officer in execution of duty, assault police officer in execution of duty cause actual bodily harm, behave in offensive manner in/near public place, stalk/intimidate intend fear physical harm, not comply noticed direction re spitting/coughing – COVID-19.
The teen was refused bail to appear before a children’s court today (Friday 14 August 2020).
In an unrelated incident, about 7.30pm yesterday (Thursday 13 August 2020), officers from North Shore Police Area Command attended a home on Spit Road, Mosman, following a call to assist NSW Ambulance Paramedics.
While in the back of the ambulance it’s alleged a woman, aged 23, spat in the face of two police officers and paramedics. It’s further alleged she bit the finger of the male Constable.
The woman was taken to Royal North Shore Hospital for assessment. She was released about 11pm and taken to Chatswood Police Station, where she was charged with assault police and not comply noticed direction re spitting/coughing – COVID-19.
She was granted conditional bail and is due to appear in Manly Local Court on Thursday 10 September 2020.
In addition, six people were issued $1000 PINs and one business a $5000 PIN, including:

• A hotel on Darling Street, Balmain, was issued a $5000 PIN for failing to comply with a ministerial direction for alleged breaches detected on Saturday 8 August 2020, following inquiries by officers from Leichhardt Police Area Command. It will be alleged the licensee organised a party at the location, where over 30 people attended.

• The licensee of a hotel at Macksville has been issued with a $1000 PIN after officers from Mid North Coast Police District identified potential breaches during a visit on Friday 7 August 2020. Police will allege a follow-up check revealed the breaches were not addressed, resulting in the PIN.

• Officers from Riverina Police District issued the licensee of a business on Morgan Street, Wagga Wagga, with a $1000 fine for failing to implement a COVID-19 safety plan.

• A 45-year-old man from South Kempsey was issued a $1000 PIN by officers from Mid North Coast Police District after he left his home to go grocery shopping during his 14-day self-isolation.

• A 21-year-old woman from Guildford was issued with a $1000 PIN by officers from South Sydney Police Area Command after she breached self-isolation at a facility in Zetland.

• A 38-year-old woman and 43-year-old man from Victoria were each issued with $1000 PINs by officers from Monaro Police District after the pair entered NSW and did not comply with the conditions of their permit. Police will allege they attended the ski fields at Perisher.

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.

Victims of domestic and family violence will now have easier access to NSW public hospitals for the treatment of their injuries, as part of the NSW Government’s COVID-19 response.
The NSW Government has changed its NSW hospital fees policy so that Medicare ineligible victims of domestic and family violence (DFV) – like those on Temporary Protection Visas – will no longer be required to report the crime to police in order to access public hospitals at no cost.
Attorney General and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Mark Speakman said the change follows an Australian Institute of Criminology report that found DFV had risen during the pandemic, but a large proportion of victims were not reporting to police.
“Many women will choose to contact the Domestic Violence Line, specialist frontline domestic violence services or medical care before they’re ready to report to police for a range of reasons, including fear of repercussions,” Mr Speakman said.
“Those suffering domestic violence need every lifeline we can give them, especially now when COVID-19 measures are potentially forcing victim-survivors into isolation in the same household as the perpetrators of their abuse.
“This reform is focused on removing obstacles for especially vulnerable victim-survivors to ensure immediate medical support is available and accessible when it’s needed most.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said it is vital that people facing violence at home feel safe to seek support and care in our public hospitals, without fear of reprisal from perpetrators.
“A tragic, often hidden cost of the COVID-19 pandemic is the rise in violence on the homefront and fewer opportunities to reach out for support,” Mr Hazzard said.
“The NSW Government is helping to clear the way for victims of domestic and family violence to receive essential medical treatment and care in our hospitals, whenever they need it.”
If you or anyone you know is experiencing domestic violence, when it’s safe to do so, you can contact the following supports:

• NSW Domestic Violence Line, for crisis counselling, referral or support on 1800 65 64 63;
• 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 for sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling and support services;
• Link2Home on 1800 152 152 who can help refer women experiencing domestic violence to crisis accommodation; and
• Men’s Referral Service for men who use violence, or their friends and family on 1300 766 491 or https://ntv.org.au/.

If you are in immediate danger or in an emergency, always contact Triple Zero (000).
For more information on services and supports, visit the NSW Government’s ‘Speak Out’ webpage: https://www.speakout.dcj.nsw.gov.au/.

A new online toolkit is helping businesses as they continue to navigate the challenges of COVID-19.
Developed by the NSW Government’s business advisory service, Business Connect, the toolkit includes more than 35 webinars on a range of business-related subjects, fact sheets and training videos.
Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said the webinars contained invaluable tips for business owners across the state.
“It’s been a really tough year for small businesses, with drought, bushfires, floods and the ongoing COVID-19 global health pandemic hitting the hip pockets of business owners right around the state,” Mr Tudehope said.
“This is just one way businesses can get access to the tools and resources they need to relaunch or re-establish during these challenging times.
“Anyone can access the toolkit, and since the webinars are all pre-recorded, they can be watched at any time.”
Topics include Building a Successful Online Store, Survive and Thrive during COVID-19 and Brand Building.
“I also encourage small businesses to look at other services available from Business Connect, as there are more than 120 Business Connect advisors who can provide free-of-charge advice during COVID-19.”
Mr Tudehope said 97 per cent of businesses who used Business Connect would likely recommend the program.
Other webinar topics include Business Disruption: Rural and Regional, presented by Sue Williams, founder of the Great Lakes Food Trail, Organic Facebook Marketing, and Smart Phone Flat Lay Photography.
To access the Business Connect Online Toolkit click here.

The NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) is re-appealing for assistance from the community after new details came to light in the investigation into the 1980 assassination of a Turkish diplomat and his bodyguard in Sydney’s east. Turkish Consul-General
Sarik Ariyak, aged 50, and his bodyguard, Engin Sever, aged 28, were shot outside a residence on Portland Street, Dover Heights, about 9.45am on Wednesday 17 December 1980.
Mr Ariyak and Mr Sever were leaving the residence in separate vehicles, when they were approached by two unknown men, who fired multiple shots at close range before fleeing the area on a motorcycle.
Mr Ariyak died at the scene, and Mr Sever died a short time later at St Vincent’s Hospital.
Despite extensive investigations by police at the time and over the years, no one has ever been charged.
Following a formal review last year, the NSW JCTT, which comprises the NSW Police Force’s Counter Terrorism and Special Tactics Command, the Australian Federal Police, the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation and the NSW Crime Commission, established Operation Esslemont to re-investigate the murders and is using advancements in investigative techniques and forensic technologies.
To assist their initial inquiries, the NSW Government reward for information was increased to $1 million on the 39th anniversary (17 December 2019), which has assisted in providing a number of new lines of inquiry.
Acting on these new lines of inquiry, police divers from Marine Area Command recently conducted initial searches in Sydney Harbour off Greenwich Point regarding items of interest to the investigation.
As investigations continue – both domestically and internationally, JCTT officers are re-appealing to the community for information, which may assist with current lines of inquiry.
Investigators are keen to speak with anyone who may have details relating to the persons responsible for, and assisting in; the planning and carrying out of the assassination, and the concealment of items such as the motorcycle, weapon and other items used during the assassination both before and after the offence.
NSW Police Counter Terrorism and Special Tactics Commander, Assistant Commissioner Mark Walton, said despite encouraging leads being followed by investigators, the JCTT needs further community assistance.
“Operation Esslemont investigators have been working meticulously through the original case files and have established new and significant lines of inquiry,” Assistant Commissioner Mark Walton said.
“Since our appeal late last year, we have received incredible interest from the community but given the politically motivated nature of the assassination, we believe there’s still a reluctance to help us.
“But experience tells us that the passage of time – particularly changes in relationships between people with knowledge of a crime – coupled with a hefty reward can be the key to breaking the wall of silence.
“With that in mind, I urge anyone who has information that will help the JCTT deliver justice for Mr Ariak and Mr Sever to come forward now and share what they know with investigators.”
JCTT investigators remind the community that the $1 million reward remains in place for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for Mr Ariak and Mr Sever’s murders.
Anyone with information that may assist Operation Esslemont investigators 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.