Category: NSW News

Projects and initiatives that help support mental health recovery in the workplace could be eligible for a NSW Government grant worth up to $50,000.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the Recovery Boost program, administered by the State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA), would fund projects that promote seeking assistance early, supporting an individual’s recovery and reducing stigma around mental health.
“Almost half of Australians will experience some form of mental health issue over their lifetime and workplaces can and should provide help and support,” Mr Dominello said.
“These grants will give us a greater understanding of what works and how we can better empower workplaces to address mental health issues.”
Projects must demonstrate that they meet at least one or more of Recovery Boost’s funding principles of being sustainable, innovative and adoptable in the workplace.
Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor urged more businesses to take up the annual program to support the mental health and wellbeing of staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Challenges associated with working from home, reduced hours, or even teleconferencing can place added stress on staff,” Mrs Taylor said.
“This fantastic initiative will allow businesses to support staff to stay mentally well as they adapt to a working environment they may not be used to.”
Australian based organisations, including not- for-profit organisations, social enterprises, government agencies and individuals are eligible to apply.
Expressions of interest for the Recovery Boost Grant program are open until 6 August.
More information can be found at: https://www.mentalhealthatwork.nsw.gov.au/mentally-healthy-workplaces/recover-at-work/recovery-boost-$50,000-funding-program

Inspector numbers have been boosted and their powers increased under the NSW Public Health Act 2010 in a bid to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Venues found to be flouting the NSW Government’s new COVID safety measures face fines, and could even be shut down, as part of a joint operation between Liquor & Gaming NSW, SafeWork and Fair Trading.
New measures were imposed on pubs last Friday and are being extended to casinos, clubs, and bars, as well as all cafes and restaurants from Friday 25 July.
In addition to Liquor & Gaming NSW inspectors, SafeWork and Fair Trading staff will also be conducting inspections from this weekend, bringing the total number of inspectors to more than 250.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said stricter conditions and increased supervision are crucial to keep the economy in business.
“Businesses must be part of the solution if they want to stay open and look after their communities,” Mr Dominello said.
“Right now if they haven’t downloaded a COVID-19 Safety plan and registered as a COVID Safe Business they are contravening the Public Health Orders and could face a $5000 fine and then closure.”
Minister for Better Regulation Kevin Anderson said premises where food and drink is consumed pose a higher risk for several key reasons.
“Being indoors for longer periods while eating and drinking, and the potential for mingling are all factors that make COVID more communicable. Add alcohol, later trading hours and venue capacity, and the potential for transmission escalates,” Mr Anderson said.
“Having the right measures in place will make sure employees and customers are protected. I urge all workplaces to download a COVID-19 Safety Plan, detail how you will action the measures, and register as COVID safe.”
Liquor & Gaming, SafeWork and Fair Trading inspectors are working in coordination with local council environmental inspectors, Food Authority inspectors, NSW Health and NSW Police. This includes:

• 40 NSW Food Authority inspectors;
• 45 Liquor & Gaming NSW inspectors;
• 50 Public Health Officers;
• 68 NSW Fair Trading inspectors;
• 143 SafeWork NSW inspectors;
• 483 Local Government Environmental Health Officers; and
• NSW Police Officers.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services said the NSW Police would work in lock-step with other agencies to prevent further outbreaks of COVID-19 in NSW.
“NSW is at a tipping point – businesses and individuals alike need to step up to ensure we don’t face a second wave that could put countless lives in jeopardy,” Mr Elliott said.
“Police have been on the frontline since day one, enforcing ministerial directions to protect the health and wellbeing of everyone in NSW, but they need the cooperation and support of the community.
“If you deliberately flout a ministerial direction or go about your day in a way that is not COVID-safe, you are putting the entire community at risk and be assured the authorities will be there to hold you accountable.”
COVID safety breaches can be reported to NSW Police or complaints made online at nsw.gov.au.
Inspectors enforcing Public Health Orders can conduct uniformed and undercover inspections and can issue the following penalties:

• First offence: $5,000 fine or relevant penalty for breach of the Public Health Order
• Second offence: business will be closed for one week
• Third offence (repeated and wilful non-compliance): shutdown for up to one month.

NSW businesses are on notice to comply with the State’s public health orders, or risk a fine or closure, with restrictions around “higher risk” activities coming into effect.
From today the following rules are in force:

• Compliance measures introduced to pubs will be extended to restaurants, bars cafés and clubs. This includes:
  • Limiting group bookings to a maximum of 10 people;
  • Mandatory COVID-Safe plans and registration as a COVID-Safe business;
  • A digital record must be created within 24 hours.

 

• Weddings and corporate events are limited to 150 people subject to the four square metre rule and registration of the venue as a COVID-Safe business. Strict COVID-Safe plans must be in place and high-risk activities including choirs and dancing must not occur; and

 

• Funerals and places of worship are limited to 100 people, subject to the four square metre rule and a COVID-Safe business registration for the venue.

Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said inspectors will be regularly on the beat to enforce compliance.
“Any business found blatantly breaking the rules will have the book thrown at them. We won’t be listening to any excuses,” Mr Dominello said.
“Businesses that aren’t serious about safety should not be in business. Those who disregard the restrictions should expect a visit from an inspector.
“We also encourage customers to report wrongdoing. We have a shared responsibility to ensure NSW remains safe.”
The NSW Government has made it easy for business by providing industry relevant COVID-Safe plans online.
“Registering your business is simple and can be done online at www.nsw.gov.au,” Mr Dominello said.
The rules on gatherings remain the same: 20 guests inside the home and 20 for gatherings in a public place. However, as the home is a high transmission area, the NSW Chief Health Officer strongly recommends a COVID-Safe precautionary approach of limiting visitors to the home to 10 people as a general principle.
The Public Health Order can be found here: https://gazette.legislation.nsw.gov.au/so/download.w3p?id=Gazette_2020_2020-160.pdf

Ambulatory care space has doubled, dialysis capacity more than tripled and, in a first for the region, the new $70.7 million Mudgee Hospital also has a CT scanner.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard, joined by the Member for Dubbo, Dugald Saunders, officially opened the new Mudgee Hospital today – well ahead of its scheduled completion in late 2020, ensuring it is prepared for any potential COVID-19 surge.
“This is an incredible transformation for the Mudgee community, which now has a world-class health facility with multiple services under the one roof,” Mr Hazzard said.
“For the first time, Mudgee Hospital also has a brand new CT scanner, already saving more than 200 locals a trip to Dubbo or Orange just in the past two months.”
Mr Saunders said since the new Mudgee Hospital became operational on 27 May, there have been about 1,500 emergency department presentations, more than 370 patients admitted, 111 surgical and scope procedures performed and 36 babies born.
“It’s great to see the local community already benefiting from a bigger and better hospital that will deliver first-class care to the community well into the future.”
The new Mudgee Hospital features:

• A new, larger emergency department with five treatment bays, a purpose-built resucitation space, a safe assessment room and an isolation room
• 28 acute general medical and surgical beds
• New CT scanner and eight dialysis chairs (increased from two)
• Four ambulatory care spaces (increased from two), including a treatment room
• Peri-operative service with operating rooms, day surgery area and recovery area
• Outpatient services and community health
• A four-chair Oncology service and a Maternity unit
• Oral health (with an additional chair, taking the capacity to five chairs).

The demolition of the old building will enable a new car park, due in late 2020.
The NSW Government is investing more than 30 per cent of the almost $2.7 billion allocated for health capital works in 2019-2020 in regional and rural areas

Three people have been issued Penalty Infringement Notices after failing to self-isolate on return from Victoria.
Details of these alleged breaches are further outlined below:
– About 12pm on Saturday (25 July 2020), officers attached to Murray River Police District attended a home on Decimus Street, Deniliquin, following reports two people who had returned from Victoria on Tuesday 21 July 2020, had been seen entering a store on Cressy Street. A 33-year-old woman and 31-year-old man allegedly told police “it’s a free country”. They were both subsequently issued $1000 PINs.
– About 12pm yesterday (Sunday 26 July 2020), officers from South Coast Police District attended a home at Surf Beach, after reports a 63-year-old woman had visited a supermarket in Batemans Bay despite being directed to self-isolate after returning from Victoria. She was issued a $1000 PIN.
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 Supreme Court has prohibited a public assembly planned for Sydney on Tuesday (28 July 2020) due to health and safety concerns associated with COVID-19.

The protest is now unauthorised.

Those thinking of attending – despite the Supreme Court decision and health advice – are strongly urged to reconsider their plans.

While the NSW Police Force recognises and supports the rights of individuals to exercise their right to free speech, large-scale events, such as these, are currently subject to restrictions under the Public Health Act.

As such, police will not hesitate to take the appropriate action, if required.

Police have taken legal action against several people and venues – including those involved in a Jindabyne dance party – for alleged breaches of the state’s Public Health Orders. Further action is anticipated for other alleged breaches detected in the past 24 hours.
Details of these alleged breaches are further outlined below:
– Police have issued 12 people with $1,000 Penalty Infringement Notices (PINS) following a large outdoor event in bushland near Lake Jindabyne on Friday 24 July 2020. About 11.30pm, police were called to the area, and observed a large, organised dance party attended by between 150 to 200 people. Following inquiries, officers attached to Monaro Police District handed out PINs for the offence of fail to comply with noticed direction in relation to section 7/8/9 – COVID-19 to 8 men – aged in their 20s and early 30s, and four women, aged in their 20s.
– About 3.50pm yesterday (Saturday 25 July 2020), officers attached to Wollongong Police District were conducting high-visibility inspections of licensed premises when they visited a venue on the Princes Highway in Figtree. Inside the venue, police observed a large number of patrons standing together, drinking in groups. Police will allege that the venue manager did not properly enforce the COVID-19 safety plan for the venue, and they will be issued a $5,000 PIN.
– Officers attached to the Monaro Police District attended a venue in Thredbo, just before 4.30pm yesterday and observed a number of alleged breaches to the Public Health Act. This included a breach of capacity limits for the size of the venue, including people waiting in line and not physical distancing, more than 10 persons seated per table, no COVID-Safe marshals and patrons not seated whilst socialising. Police spoke to the licensee about the issues; however, when they returned an hour later, observed further breaches occurring and people running away. The licensee was issued with two $5,000 PINS, and a travel company owner who had organised for a large number of patrons to attend the venue was issued a $5000 PIN.
– About 5.30pm yesterday, police spoke to a 63-year-old Victorian resident who drove into NSW via the Cobb Highway Bridge that adjoins Echuca, in VIC and Moama, in NSW. The man allegedly refused to provide police with identification or a permit to enter the state, stating he was a ‘sovereign citizen’. After refusing a direction to leave under the current Public Health Order, he was arrested and taken to Moama Police Station. He was charged with not comply with noticed direction re section 7/8/9 – COVID-19 and granted conditional bail. The man, from Fyansford – near Geelong – is due to appear in Moama Local Court on Wednesday 9 September 2020. He was ordered not to re-enter NSW without a valid entry permit or exemption and returned to his vehicle on the Victorian side of the border.
– A 60-year-old man will be issued with a $1,000 PIN for allegedly failing to self-isolate as per his obligations under the Public Health Act (COVID19 Border Control). About 6.50pm yesterday, officers attached to Newcastle City Police District spoke with a man at an address on Kendall Street, Charlestown, who had just returned from a pub where he had been drinking, despite being directed to self-isolate for 14 days after returning to Newcastle from Victoria on Monday 13 July 2020.
– Yesterday, officers attached to Mid North Coast Police District conducted 19 audits of hospitality venues across the Port Macquarie Hastings Local Government area and issued three separate PINS to venues allegedly caught breaching the current Public Health Orders. At 8.45pm, the licensee of a venue on Rollands Plains Road, Telegraph Point, will be issued a $1,000 PIN after patrons were seen standing and consuming alcohol and not physical distancing, and because there was no COVID Safety Plan or COVID safety marshal present. Two food restaurants, one on Clarence Street and one on William Street in Port Macquarie will each be issued a $1,000 PIN after they were also caught allegedly not complying with a noticed direction.
– Officers from Lake Illawarra Police District also conducted an operation to inspect hospitality venues yesterday, with PINS to be issued to four of the seven venues visited. These include restaurants and hotels in Gerringong and Shellharbour who were allegedly breaching the current Public Health Orders. The alleged breaches included being overcrowded, not enforcing physical distancing, not having COVID safety marshals present, and breaching COVID Safety plans. Licensing police also assisted in the early closure of a licensed premise at Dapto in order to avoid breaches. Two arrests were made in the process for offensive conduct and failing to comply with a reasonable direction.
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 woman has been charged, another issued a $1000 Penalty Infringement Notice, and further legal action is expected, after several breaches of Public Health Orders were detected by police across the state in the past 24 hours.
Details of these alleged breaches are further outlined below:
– About 11pm last night (Friday 24 July 2020), police from Monaro Police District were called to Lake Jindabyne, following reports of a loud party. Officers attended an area of bushland about 2km from the township, where they saw a large bonfire, lighting, and amplified music set up, with approximately 150-200 people gathered for a dance party. Upon seeing police, the majority of attendees ran into bushland. Details were taken from those left behind and the party was shut down, with further action likely under the Public Health Orders. Inquiries continue.
– A woman will appear in court today charged after failing to self-isolate as per her obligations under the Public Health Act (COVID19 Border Control), after being stopped by police at a western Sydney train station. Just after 4pm yesterday, officers from the Police Transport Command stopped and spoke to a 22-year-old woman at Mount Druitt Railway Station. Checks revealed, the woman was stopped at a border checkpoint at Barooga about 4am on Wednesday (22 July 2020) and refused entry, as she did not have a valid permit to enter the state. Later that day, she applied for and was granted a permit listing a Dubbo address. As per requirements under current Public Health Orders, the woman was required to self-isolate at the address for a period of 14 days, ending Wednesday 5 August 2020. The woman allegedly informed officers she had caught a train from Dubbo to Penrith on Thursday (23 July 2020), and visited a nearby shopping mall prior to being stopped at Mount Druitt. The woman was arrested for failing to comply with self-isolating restrictions and taken to Mount Druitt Police Station. She was charged with not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 – COVID-19 and has been refused bail to appear at Parramatta Bail Court today (Saturday 25 July 2020).
– Just before 9pm yesterday, police attended a home in Chisholm Road, Auburn, after receiving several noise complaints. Upon arrival, police saw approximately 75-100 people gathered out the front of a party – many of whom left when they saw the officers. A 39-year-old man was spoken to who allegedly told officers he was hosting a pre-wedding function. The party ceased, with penalties under the Public Health Orders anticipated.
– About 10.30pm, officers from Blacktown Police Area Command received information a large gathering was underway at a home in Earle Street, Doonside. Police attended and saw marquee tents set up in the front yard of a home, with approximately 50 people present for a wake. Officers spoke with a 44-year-old woman and have subsequently issued her with a $1000 Penalty Infringement Notice for Fail to Comply Requirement Public Health Order – COVID-19.
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.

Seven cutting-edge NSW research projects have been awarded almost $15 million in NSW Government grants to improve the health of people with spinal cord injuries (SCI).
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet and Minister for Health and Medical Research Brad Hazzard today announced the grants at the opening of the Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA) Spinal Cord Injury Research Centre at Randwick where three of the projects will be carried out.
“The investment of close to $15 million over four years was a centrepiece of our last Budget and it’s exciting to see the range of research projects now underway,” Mr Perrottet said.
“This is about improving the health and wellbeing of people with spinal cord injuries, and these projects could help people not just in NSW but right around the world.”
Minister Hazzard said every one of the innovative projects holds tremendous promise to improve treatment for people living with spinal cord injuries, giving back muscle function, sense of touch and other abilities that most of us take for granted.
“A spinal injury brings very substantial life challenges, but advances in research now mean survivors can have a better quality of life – and even the hope of a cure,” Mr Hazzard said.
“These projects have great scope, from investigating ways to restore touch sensation through immersive virtual reality through to using electrical stimulation to improve breathing for people affected by the most severe form of paralysis.”
The following grant recipients will conduct their research at the new NeuRA centre:

• Associate Professor Sylvia Gustin, The University of NSW, Neuroscience Research Australia – received $2.5 million for her research project on using virtual reality training to restore touch sensation;
• Professor Jane Butler – Neuroscience Research Australia, The University of NSW, received $1.5 million to develop a treatment to restore voluntary function after spinal cord injury; and
• Dr Euan McCaughey, Neuroscience Research Australia, The University of NSW, received $2.4 million for his research into using muscle stimulation to improve respiratory function for people with tetraplegia.

The projects have been awarded through the NSW Government’s Spinal Cord Injury Research Grants program, launched in November 2019, with guidance from an advisory committee of spinal cord injury experts.
NeuRA CEO, Professor Peter Schofield, said the range and scope of the funded research projects held exciting promise for health related outcomes.
“Neuroscience Research Australia is at the forefront of spinal cord injury research in Australia. Our new Spinal Cord Injury Research Centre and these research projects will dramatically improve Australia’s understanding of how to best treat people with these life-long injuries,” Professor Schofield said.
“NeuRA thanks the NSW Government for funding the Spinal Cord Injury Research Grants Program, and SpinalCure Australia for its tireless efforts in campaigning for more research funding to improve the quality of life for people with a spinal cord injury.”
Information on grant recipients and their research projects is available here.

4 million in funding will improve the facilities of Surf Life Saving Clubs across NSW with clubs in bushfire and drought affected areas prioritised for assistance.
26 clubs have secured funds for upgrades, restoration or construction as part of the NSW Government’s Surf Club Facility Program.
Acting Minister for Sport Geoff Lee said NSW is so grateful to our amazing volunteers and their clubs which supported the community during the recent bushfires.
“Surf club volunteers provided refuge to thousands of people who were evacuated from the fires and those images of courage and selflessness epitomised the Australian spirit,” Mr Lee said.
“These men and women always put their bodies on the line to save us from danger and this funding is essential to keep their facilities updated for future generations.”
Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh joined Minister Lee at Coffs Harbour Surf Life Saving Club which received over $30,000 to upgrade its security system and replace clubhouse roller doors. Sawtell SLSC received over $58,000 to construct a waste management compound.
“North Coast Surf Life Saving clubs play a vital role patrolling our beaches and keeping us safe in and out of the water,” Mr Singh said.
“The drought and bushfires have had a devastating effect on North Coast communities but our local volunteers never wavered in their commitment to ensuring our safety.”
CEO of Surf Life Saving NSW Steven Pearce said the latest funding would ensure facilities remained rescue ready, safe, accessible and secure.
“Surf Life Saving Clubs are often the hub of communities and our volunteer lifesavers need fit-for-purpose facilities so they can focus on saving lives,” Mr Pearce said.
“These grants allow significant upgrades to facilities at 26 surf clubs to improve amenities for members who perform these lifesaving roles.”
For a full list of funding recipients visit: https://sport.nsw.gov.au/clubs/grants/SCFP