Category: NSW News

Small and medium-sized businesses and regional communities across the State are set to benefit from a coordinated NSW Government push to showcase local products and develop global export sales.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW, Industry and Trade John Barilaro today launched the NSW Government’s $12 million Going Global Package which includes grants of up to $10,000 for eligible businesses through the Export Assistance Grant scheme.
“Helping home-grown businesses succeed in the global marketplace is more important than ever before and here in NSW we have some of the best produce in the world,” Mr Barilaro said.
“That is why the NSW Government is coordinating export assistance across a range of initiatives including market tailored workshops, business matching and exporter grants of up to $10,000.
“We are promoting NSW businesses globally, just like we promote our fantastic regional products state-wide through our Buy Regional campaign.
“Our Export Assistance Grants, together with intensive, direct assistance through the Going Global program will complement existing support and advice services to forge new business connections and sales offshore.”
The Going Global Package includes:

• A $1.8 million Going Global program which will provide export coaching, networking and in-market assistance for export-ready firms. The initiative includes 15 tailored programs covering nine markets and ten sectors.
• A $10 million Export Assistance Grant scheme reimbursing 50 per cent of eligible expenses up to a maximum of $10,000 per eligible business
• Connections to international consumers via the Buy Regional Goes Global initiative
• Online webinars to help businesses upskill
• Ongoing support through the NSW Government’s network of trade advisors in regional locations and Sydney, and its international trade and investment offices around the world
• Access to information on the Global NSW website
• Other support, tools and resources available online

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said trade would be vital to restoring growth after COVID-19, with exports making up 16 per cent of the State economy before the global pandemic.
“We know our exporters have faced big hurdles in recent months, especially in regional areas also affected by bushfires and drought,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Applications for the Going Global program can be submitted now, and the Export Assistance Grants application will be available soon. I urge small and medium-sized firms in regional areas and across NSW to apply.”
Graham Gilmore from Black Springs-based agribusiness TattyKeel, said exporting was a great way for regional businesses to stay competitive and build resilience, despite the challenges of COVID-19.
“We’re a family farm that’s changing the boundaries. We’re doing R&D and we’re actually creating a new product that’s got some pretty unique eating qualities,” Mr Gilmore said.
“Developing markets overseas is an important part of our plan to support that work.”
TattyKeel’s innovative new brand Margra Lamb is among the enterprises profiled in Buy Regional.
In addition to the initiatives announced today, export advisors remain available to assist business in regional locations throughout the State and, under the Global NSW strategy, the Government is expanding its network of trade and investment offices around the world from 11 to 21. The Buy Regional platform will continue to promote regional businesses and exporters.
More information is available at: global.nsw.gov.au/nsw-export-assistance-package

Students at NSW public schools have two new platforms to help shape their education system.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell today announced the first Minister’s Student Council, a group of students that will have a direct influence on education and school policy that affects students.
A new online Student Voice Hub has also launched, giving all NSW students a platform to share their views and creativity with the wider community.
Ms Mitchell said that the two new platforms are exciting and important tools for students, giving them greater capacity to provide feedback to government.
“Students are at the centre of everything we do in education and these platforms empower them to influence public policy,” Ms Mitchell said.
“The Student Council will be the peak forum for interaction between NSW public school students, the Department and myself.”
Ms Mitchell said students would decide the exact design of the council but it is expected that all secondary students will have the opportunity to provide input.
“Delegates will be elected from a range of secondary schools to form the council and will meet with decision-makers within the NSW schools system to develop policy,” Ms Mitchell said.
The council is reinforced by the new Student Voice Hub strengthening the ongoing engagement of students with the Department, each other and the wider community.
Ms Mitchell said the Student Voice Hub is a partnership in learning and listening that will play a key role in building a better education system as student perspectives, experiences and aspirations shape and enrich our schools and communities.
“The Student Voice Hub would also provide students opportunities to refine their writing and content creation skills along with pitching their stories and ideas,” Ms Mitchell said.
“As part of the submission process to the hub, students will have the opportunity to refine their ideas and articles.”
The first elected Minister’s Student Council will begin in 2021. Further information about being involved in the Council will be provided to school principals.
The Student Voice Hub is live at: https://education.nsw.gov.au/student-wellbeing/student-voices

The Western Sydney community will be given the chance to have their say on part of the naming of Sydney’s third city, which will be the beating heart of the Western Sydney Aerotropolis.
The area to be named is more than 100 hectares of land that will become home to research, science and education facilities as part of the first stage of the Aerotropolis Core precinct. It is located north of Bringelly and needs a new name to reflect its new future.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the naming process to be carried out will find a unique name which will forever define Australia’s first 22nd Century City on the doorstep of the Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport.
“Until now we have been referring to the area as the ‘Aerotropolis Core’, but with the city quickly moving from a vision to a reality now is the time for it to be given a real place name,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The area to be named is the parcel of land which will be the CBD of the Aerotropolis and we want its name to be as iconic as the existing major city centres of ‘Sydney’ and ‘Parramatta’.
“Whatever it is ultimately called after the naming process, this part of Greater Sydney’s third city will be a key driver of economic growth, jobs and opportunities across NSW and the nation for generations to come.”
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said as part of the naming process the community will be consulted and asked to nominate potential names for the new city.
“We want the community to help us come up with a list of names that reflect the area’s heritage, recognise people who have contributed to NSW or honour significant figures with ties to Western Sydney,” Mr Ayres said.
“A naming committee comprising of the Premier, myself, DPC Secretary Tim Reardon and Western Parkland City Authority Chair Jennifer Westacott will consider the options and make a final decision.”
To find out more and submit your suggestion go to: www.wcaa.sydney/nametheplac

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.