Category: NSW News

The State’s waterways will have enhanced safety this summer with the arrival of new vehicles and jet skis following a major funding investment from the NSW Government.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott visited Wanda Beach today to inspect some of the 11 new vehicles and 11 new jet skis for Surf Life Saving NSW.
The new equipment forms part of a $16 million funding package over four years for SLSNSW which enhances the capability and support for volunteers at their 11 branches across the State.
Each vehicle and jet ski is fitted with GPS tracking to ensure the safety of volunteers who are often working alone or with just one other person in remote areas. The vehicles are also fitted with shark alarms to warn swimmers.
“The NSW Government recognises the contribution surf lifesavers make to protecting and saving lives along our coastline and we are pleased to be able to support the organisation with fit for purpose rescue equipment,” Mr Elliott said.
“These new vehicles and jet skis will be put to good use this summer to protect our waterways, but I still encourage everyone to be safe and take care in the water.”
SLSNSW CEO Steven Pearce says the new rescue equipment rolling out will better support and enhance the safety of frontline volunteers.
“Our members are often called out to serious emergencies along the coast and now they will have the support of dedicated rescue-ready gear to respond to incidents out of hours and in tricky situations,” Mr Pearce said.
SLSNSW is increasingly expanding its services beyond just beach patrols during the summer with volunteers called on to respond to searching for missing swimmers, rock fishers in trouble and watercraft users in distress on a 24/7 basis.
Last year SLSNSW received almost 600 requests for assistance from Emergency Services that were responded to by volunteers.

Finding the best ways to accurately and respectfully talk about suicide will be the challenge for a gathering of experts today in NSW Parliament House, on World Suicide Prevention Day.
The Towards Zero Suicides Premier’s Priority Delivery Plan Workshop calls together leading suicide prevention experts, clinicians, frontline staff and people with a lived experience of suicide.
Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said the most recent data from 2017 reveals the shocking statistic that impacts so many more people than the raw figures indicate.
“880 people died by suicide in NSW, that’s more than double our road toll, and the ripple effect on loved ones compounds the awful statistic,” Minister Taylor said.
The Towards Zero Suicides Premier’s Priority was recently announced, setting the ambitious target to reduce the rate of suicide deaths in NSW by 20 per cent by 2023, as the first step in the journey towards zero suicides.
“The Premier’s Priority is a chance to have suicide prevention prioritised as never before, and for us to make an unprecedented effort to reverse our rising suicide rate,” Minister Taylor said.
“Last year, the NSW Government announced a record $87 million investment in the Towards Zero Suicides initiatives.”
Mr John Brogden, Chairman of Lifeline Australia, will host the workshop as it helps take the next step towards reducing the suicide rate in NSW.
Mr Brogden said everyone has a role to play in suicide prevention, including government agencies, community managed and non-government organisations, the research sector, workplaces and communities.
“Suicide and attempted suicide is an issue affecting every part of our community, and the voices of people with lived experience of suicide are a key aspect of any response.”
Today’s participants will design the Delivery Plan for the Premier’s Priority, building on Strategic Framework for Suicide Prevention in NSW 2018-23.
More information on World Suicide Prevention Day is available at www.wspd.org.au.
If you or someone you know needs crisis support, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14. For mental health services in your local area call the NSW Mental Health Line 1800 011 511.

Parramatta is ready to dive into building a new aquatic centre following a $77 million funding partnership between the NSW Government and Parramatta City Council.
Minister for Sport John Sidoti said Parramatta Council has agreed to take control of building a state-of-the-art aquatic centre in Parramatta.
“Parramatta deserves a pool which caters for competition, learn to swim classes, recreation and relaxation. The commitment of $38.5 million from the NSW Government will help make this happen,” Mr Sidoti said.
“The NSW Government and Parramatta Council are on the same page when it comes to delivering an outstanding all-year-round aquatic facility that gives the community what they have asked for.”
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Clr Andrew Wilson said the winning design for the aquatic centre was by a consortium of Andrew Burges Architects, Grimshaw Architects, and McGregor Coxall.
“It was chosen from a shortlist of four exceptional entries following a high-calibre international design excellence competition,” Clr Wilson said.
“Congratulations to the consortium on their successful submission. I’m excited to see this project progressing and I look forward to working to ensure this first-class facility is delivered for the Parramatta community as soon as possible.
“I’d also like to thank Mr Sidoti and the State Government for their valuable contribution to this significant project – an aquatic centre that meets the current and future needs of our rapidly growing population.”
The design of the aquatic leisure centre was completed after extensive community consultation and will feature a 10-lane 50-metre outdoor pool, a 25-metre indoor pool, learn-to-swim facilities, fitness centre, change rooms, café and parking facilities.
Member for Parramatta Geoff Lee said the pools will be heated, making it the place to swim and relax all year round.
“This aquatic centre will be the envy of communities all over the State. It will be a complex with versatility designed to meet the needs of Parramatta now and in the future for decades to come,” Mr Lee said.
“This funding partnership between the NSW Government and the City of Parramatta is the great news the community has been waiting for.”

Veterans in NSW  are set to reap the benefits of a new guide designed to help them compare and match their skills from military service to jobs within local councils.
The Local Government Rank to Grade Guide has been developed by the NSW Veterans Employment Program and the Office of Local Government to help veterans in their civilian job search.
Local councils in NSW employ approximately 45,000 full-time employees across a wide range of roles. Local Government NSW’s Capability Framework sets out the essential knowledge, skills and abilities needed to work effectively in local government.
Minister for Veterans John Sidoti said the NSW Local Government Rank to Grade Guide, maps out how positions within the Australian Defence Force align to NSW Local Government job grades.
“This program targets those that do the hiring in local councils by educating them on exactly how valuable the skill sets of our veterans are,” Mr Sidoti said.
“We spend so much time and effort training our men and women to be ready for battle and we need to replicate that intensity when we help them look for work after life in the defence force.”
The Rank to Grade guide forms an integral part of the successful Veterans Employment Program, which has already exceeded expectations in the public sector.
Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said this is going to be a game changer because it will help our veterans’ job applications stand out from the rest.
“The guide will not only provide veterans with a rewarding career path but also bolster the ranks of local government with the invaluable skills, knowledge and experience of our military personnel.
“This is a win-win-win situation for councils wanting to utilise the skills of our veterans, for communities to benefit from the knowledge and experience they bring and for vets to have meaningful post-service careers.”
NSW local councils employ approximately 45,000 personnel across 128 council locations. For more information drop in to your local council or head to www.vep.veterans.nsw.gov.au

The rollout of a brand new lifesaving fleet for the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) was officially launched today at the International Peace Park in Seven Hills.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said the $56.4 million Fleet Replacement Program would provide the SES with 270 vehicles, 124 marine vessels and 95 storm trailers across four years to support communities in their times of crisis.
The vehicles include storm trucks, rescue vehicles, snow mobiles and a 22-seater bus.
“SES volunteers play a crucial role in keeping the community safe and we have to make sure their vehicles are up-to-date with the latest technology to provide effective and efficient capability during emergencies,” Mr Elliott said.
NSW SES Acting Commissioner Kyle Stewart said the investment will increase the capability of the SES to support communities before, during and after emergencies.
“SES volunteers use this equipment every day to save lives and protect communities. These new vehicles and boats assist our volunteers in responding to the impacts of floods and storms across NSW,” Mr Stewart said.
The new fleet were on display for the community during a family fun day with SES volunteers showcasing their road crash, flood and large animal rescue skills as well as enjoying a free BBQ.
The SES has more than 9,500 volunteers who have responded to 40,044 Requests for Assistance since 1 July, 2018.
These requests include 96 flood rescues, 545 general land rescues, 769 road crash rescues, 50 vertical rescue and 619 community first responder activations.
More information about becoming an SES volunteer or making a donation is available here.

The NSW Government has today followed through on one of its key election promises, appointing the State’s very first Fresh Milk and Dairy Advocate.
Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall today announced Ian Zandstra would serve as NSW Fresh Milk and Dairy Advocate. Mr Marshall said the Advocate would play a key role in helping to grow a stronger, more profitable dairy industry in NSW.
“I’m absolutely delighted to announce Ian Zandstra will serve as our State’s first Fresh Milk and Dairy Advocate,” Mr Marshall said.
“Ian has a wealth of experience and is highly regarded across industry so is in a wonderful position to hit the ground running in this important role.
“The Advocate will champion dairy in NSW by providing advice to both government and industry on how we can better support our producers and create more value across the entire supply chain.
“There’s no doubt the NSW dairy industry has faced some serious challenges in recent years but I’m confident this role will provide the support our producers need and help ensure NSW remains a fresh milk State.”
Mr Zanstra said: “I’m absolutely honoured to be appointed to this role and look forward to working with industry and government to build a stronger dairy supply chain in NSW.
“My first priority is to establish an industry Advisory Panel, which will play a key role in identifying immediate and necessary actions for the sector and shaping advice to the Government.”
Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture Michael Johnsen said he looked forward to working with Mr Zanstra to build a stronger, more resilient dairy industry.
“Mr Zandstra is a champion of industry and his appointment will come as great news to dairy producers across NSW,” Mr Johnsen said.
Appointing a Dairy Advocate was a key election promise by the NSW Liberals & Nationals. The Advocate will help provide a united voice for industry, deliver clear advice to Government and help drive profitability across the industry supply chain. They will also assist in the delivery of a Dairy Action Plan and a ‘buy local fresh milk’ campaign.

NSW families are cashing in on the NSW Government’s Active Kids program with over a million vouchers created since the start of this year.
Minister for Sport John Sidoti said voucher downloads have been hugely popular for parents as they save money while keeping their kids active.
“I want to see kids play sport because when we nurture our grassroots, we reap the benefits as a society. It’s a huge win for NSW to have these vouchers to contribute towards the costs of sports like swimming, dancing, netball, soccer, rugby or tennis,” Mr Sidoti said.
“With over a million vouchers downloaded this year you can see how keen parents are to get their kids involved in sport. Participation not only brings physical benefits but also builds confidence, resilience and leadership.”
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said NSW school-enrolled children have been able to access two $100 Active Kids vouchers, since July 1.
“We know sporting activities are popular with children but the costs can add to a household budget, which is why we introduced this program,” Mr Dominello said.
“Parents simply love the program and have given it a 99.8 per cent customer satisfaction rating. We are committed to easing the cost of living for families and so far nearly $130 million has been saved by parents.
“By doubling the vouchers children can play both a summer and winter sport.”
Tennis NSW CEO Lawrence Robertson said Active Kids has assisted Tennis NSW in getting more kids playing tennis at a grassroots level.
“Active Kids go far and I encourage all families to take advantage of the second Active Kids voucher and enrol in sport or recreation like tennis over summer,” Mr Robertson said.
Some of the most popular activities for girls in 2019 include dance, netball and swimming while for boys, soccer, swimming and rugby league are attracting the most vouchers.
For further information visit www.sport.nsw.gov.au/activekids or call 13 13 02.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Health Minister Brad Hazzard have officially opened two new surgical theatres at Concord Hospital as construction ramps up on the facility’s $341 million transformation.
Ms Berejiklian, Mr Hazzard, and Minister for Veterans and Member for Drummoyne John Sidoti, marked the completion of enabling works for the rebuild, which will deliver 100 additional beds and world-class cancer, aged care and rehabilitation services.
“Concord Hospital has served both the local community and the men and women of the defence force for decades, and we owe this institution a great debt of gratitude,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We are continuing this hospital’s proud legacy by funding its transformation into Australia’s first comprehensive care centre for Defence Force personnel and their families.
“Health services are also being massively boosted for the local community with the Government’s delivery of a new cancer centre, rehab and aged care facility, and enhanced ambulatory services.”
The 214-bed Clinical Services Building will boost the hospital campus capacity to more than 650 beds.
Mr Hazzard said a further $1.3 million has been invested into refurbishing two theatres, making them fully digitally integrated – allowing doctors to communicate between theatres.
“Concord Hospital’s excellent medical teams will save valuable time during emergency surgery with the significant upgrading of these two state-of-the-art theatres, further improving patient care,” Mr Hazzard said.
“This redevelopment is indeed a game-changer for patients in Sydney’s inner-west communities, with the new  Rusty Priest Centre for Rehabilitation and Aged Care.”
Mr Sidoti said the Government was proud to be delivering Australia’s first National Centre for Veterans’ Healthcare, recently opened in temporary premises at Concord Hospital. “This incredible, specialist centre is a one-stop-shop and continues Concord Hospital’s unique and proud history of supporting veterans,” Mr Sidoti said.
The NSW Government is spending a record $10.1 billion over four years to invest in the state’s health infrastructure.
The Concord Hospital’s new Clinical Services Building will include:

• The Rusty Priest Centre for Rehabilitation and Aged Care – including  ambulatory care clinics, therapy areas and rehabilitation gyms;
• Australia’s first National Centre for Veterans’ Healthcare to support the health and wellbeing of veterans and their families in an outpatient setting;
• A comprehensive Cancer Care Centre with additional capacity for day and inpatient cancer services; and
• A new atrium will link the new building to the existing hospital, providing direct access to operating theatres, radiology and emergency care.

Construction of a new $32.3 million multistorey car park will begin following the completion of the $341 million redevelopment.

Environment Minister Matt Kean has today announced the successful reintroduction of a critically endangered wallaby into a large feral predator proof fenced area within Pilliga State Conservation Area, near Narrabri.
Mr Kean said the releases are part of the NSW Governments ten-year Saving our Species program that would see the global population of Bridled Nail-tail Wallabies triple.
“Current estimates suggest there are 2,500 Bridled Nail-tail Wallabies in the world. Our NSW Government program will see that number boost to more than 6,000 – that’s a massive boost to the global population,” Mr Kean said.
“Australia has the worst mammal extinction rate in the world, but NSW has the opportunity to turn around our extinction and threatened species rates, by expanding our rewilding programs and focusing on eradicating feral species.”
“It’s not just about preserving what we have, it’s about bringing back what we have lost. It makes me incredibly proud to see these amazing endangered Bridled Nail-tail Wallabies returning home to NSW.”
The reintroduction was made possible through the collaboration of the NSW Government (National Parks and Wildlife Service), Queensland Government (Department of Environment and Science) the Bridled Nail-tail Wallaby Recovery Group and the Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC).
AWC Chief Executive Tim Allard said projects like this will see the future secured for this species.
“We need to take radical action now to stop more extinctions. The fact that only very recently, the Bridled Nail-tail Wallaby was thought to be extinct shows collaborative efforts can protect our natural heritage,” Mr Allard said.
The NSW Government has committed $100million to secure populations of threatened species in the wild under the broader Saving our Species program, with a further $41.3 million for this specific project.
Under this project, 13 mammal species will be reintroduced to select national parks in western NSW, with Brush-tailed Bettongs and Numbats among the species still to come.
Mallee Cliffs and Sturt National Parks are also part of the program and further reintroductions will occur in these parks in the near future.
For more on NSW Government Saving Our Species Program:
https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/animals-and-plants/threatened-species/saving-our-species-program

Netball NSW is delighted to announce that the organisation’s flagship competition, the Premier League, will expand in 2020 with new franchises from the South Coast and ACT joining the eight foundation teams.
Founded in 2016, the Netball NSW Premier League is the pinnacle competition in the state, showcasing the best current and emerging talent NSW has to offer.
It provides a local, elite platform for players, coaches, officials and administrators, and bridging opportunities to the Deakin University Australian Netball League (ANL), the feeder competition to Suncorp Super Netball.
The Premier League is contested across two divisions – Opens and Under 23s – and from 2020 will have 10 teams in each division facing off for the respective titles.
The newly formed South Coast Blaze, backed by the Illawarra, Kiama and Shoalhaven Netball Associations as well as the Illawarra Academy of Sport and University of Wollongong, has been confirmed as one of the new franchises.
The other, called Capital Spirit, will be owned and operated by Netball ACT. The competition’s regular season and Finals Series will still take place at Netball Central in Sydney Olympic Park.
Netball NSW CEO and Premier League Commissioner Carolyn Campbell said the addition of two new franchises was huge step forward for the competition.
“To see how the competition has grown since it was introduced back in 2016 is something we are very proud of,” Campbell said.
“Both the Blaze and Spirit put forward very strong cases for inclusion in the competition going forward and we are delighted to welcome them into our Opens and Under 23s competitions
“We have seen our ANL teams reach Grand Finals over the past few years and I think the level of netball they are exposed to in the Premier League helps with that.
“As a result our players are in a better position to step up should they be called into the ANL – or even the NSW Swifts or Giants Netball in the level beyond that.
“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate both the South Coast Blaze and Capital Spirit on their successful applications and look forward to seeing them on court in 2020.”
The Blaze and Spirit will join the eight existing franchises who also compete across both the Opens and Under 23s divisions: Central Coast Heart, ERNA Hawks, GWS Fury, Manly Warringah Sapphires, North Shore United, Panthers, Sutherland Stingrays and UTS Sparks.