Category: NSW News

A man will appear in court today, charged after allegedly spitting on a ferry worker at Circular Quay earlier this week.
About 12.50pm on Tuesday (22 April 2020), an 18-year-old female NSW ferries employee was walking along the Circular Quay ferry terminal when a man approached and allegedly spat at her, with saliva hitting her chest and neck.
The man continued walking and entered Circular Quay Railway Station.
Officers from Sydney City Police Area Command were notified and commenced an investigation.
Following inquiries, a 45-year-old man was arrested at Bass Hill Police Station about 1.30pm yesterday (Friday 24 April 2020).
He was charged with common assault and refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court today (Saturday 25 April 2020).

Police have charged three people under the Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) and issued 23 COVID-19-related Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) for offences within the past 24 hours.
Yesterday’s charges:

• Just after 2pm (Friday 24 April 2020), a 35-year-old man was assaulted outside a takeaway restaurant on Harris Street, Pyrmont. Officers attached to Sydney City Police Area Command attended and as they approached a man on nearby Fig Street, he ran off. Following a short foot pursuit, a 26-year-old man was arrested. He was taken to Day Street Police Station where it was established he had received a warning for breaching COVID-19 restrictions on Wednesday 15 April 2020. He was charged with common assault and not comply with noticed direction section 7/8/9 – COVID-19. The man was refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court today (Saturday 25 April 2020).

• About 4.45pm, officers attached to Sydney City Police Area Command were conducting patrols in Haymarket when they saw a man approach a black Mazda 3 on Thomas Street, and following a short interaction walk away. Police stopped the vehicle as it attempted to leave and spoke to the driver, a 36-year-old man. Following inquires, officers searched the vehicle, allegedly seizing cocaine and cash. The driver was arrested and taken to Day Street Police Station. He was charged with two counts of supply prohibited drug, participate criminal group contribute criminal activity, recklessly deal with proceeds of crime and not comply with noticed direction section 7/8/9 – COVID-19. The man was refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court today (Saturday 25 April 2020).

• About 6pm, officers attached to Blacktown Police Area Command were patrolling Blacktown CBD when they stopped to speak to a man on Alpha Street. The man told officers he was going to “my mate’s party”, which is not considered a reasonable excuse for not being home and as such not compliant with orders under the Public Health Act. The 23-year-old had previously breached COVID-19 restrictions on five occasions, three of which he received PINs for. He was arrested and taken to Blacktown Police Station where he was charged with not comply with noticed direction section 7/8/9 – COVID-19. The man was refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court today (Saturday 25 April 2020).

Yesterday’s PINs include:

• About 4.30am, officers attached to Wollongong Police District spoke with a 25-year-old man at Wollongong Train Station, who was unable to provide a reasonable excuse for being away from home. He was given a warning for not complying with COVID-19 restrictions and directed to return home. About 30 minutes later, police found the man walking in the opposite direction to his home and issued him a $1000 PIN.

• About 10.50am, officers attached to Liverpool Police Area Command approached a parked car on Maxwells Avenue, Ashcroft. Police spoke with the three occupants, who were unable to provide a reason for being away from home, including a 49-year-old man who had received a warning for breaching ministerial directions the previous day (Thursday 23 April 2020). He was issued a $1000 PIN, and the group were all directed to return to their homes.

• Police have issued a PIN and given 10 formal warnings for breaching ministerial directions after responding to reports of a mass gathering overnight. About 9pm, officers attached to Riverina Police District attended a property on Boundary Street, Junee and located 15 people consuming alcohol together. Four people were identified as living at the address, while the rest were unable to provide a reason for not being at their own homes. Following inquiries, a 22-year-old man was found to have received a warning on Saturday 4 April 2020 and was issued with a $1000 fine. The rest received warnings, and all were directed to return to their registered addresses.

• A man has been fined after ignoring self-quarantine obligations given to him by his doctor as he awaited COVID-19 test results. Officers attached to Tuggerah Lakes Police District attended a home on Fraser Road, Long Jetty on Thursday (23 April 2020), and spoke to 62-year-old man in relation to his requirements to isolate until medically cleared. Following inquiries, police ascertained that the man had visited a supermarket yesterday and he was issued with an infringement notice for not complying with ministerial directions.

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.

More than 180 mental health workers will be deployed across the state as part of a $73 million package to boost mental health services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor today announced the NSW Government funding boost, which will help support the mental health and wellbeing of people across the state.
Ms Berejiklian said the additional mental health staff and new digital resources would ensure anyone who requires support is able to access it when they need it.
“We know how challenging the past few months have been. Many people have lost their jobs and all of us have had to change the way we live,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“During this time it is vital we deliver robust mental health services that fit the evolving needs of the community – this means employing more frontline workers and greater investment in remote technology.”
The NSW Government’s mental health support package includes:

• Over 180 additional specialist, community-based mental health clinicians and peer support workers;
• Expanding the virtual mental health program to all local health districts;
• Free access to Tresillian’s digital SleepWellBaby program;
• Capacity for 60,000 extra calls to the 1800 NSW Mental Health Line;
• Creation of pop-up mental health Safe Space sites, reducing pressure on emergency departments.

Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said the NSW Government measures complement the Federal Government’s mental health plan and enhance the capacity to support people in their homes rather than in hospitals and emergency departments.
“The NSW Mental Health Line is staffed by specialist mental health clinicians who can provide immediate care and expert advice and make referrals to appropriate services, with this additional funding it will now be able to take an extra 60,000 calls,” Mrs Taylor said.
“In this time of extraordinary stress on the health system, we are preparing pop-up mental health Safe Space sites to divert people with mental health issues from emergency departments.”
Mr Perrottet said boosting technology for vulnerable people would have an immediate positive impact.
“Virtual services will connect specialist mental health clinicians with remote and at-risk populations where face-to-face service options are limited,” Mr Perrottet said.
“This funding will make a real difference to so many people who will be confronting an extremely difficult period in their lives at what is an extraordinarily challenging period.”
The NSW Government announced last month $6 million would be provided to Lifeline to ensure it is equipped to respond to the increased needs of the community throughout the COVID-19 crisis.
The NSW Government previously announced $800 million for NSW Health to support the health system including significantly increasing capacity in NSW public hospitals, particularly within ICUs.

The NSW Government has approved more than $100 million in Small Business Support Fund grants in just 10 days since the program opened.
More than 15,000 applications have already been received with more than 10,000 grants approved, and funding already hitting bank accounts of some applicants.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said it was vital small businesses severely impacted by the COVID-19 shutdowns could access the grants of up to $10,000 quickly.
“We wanted to provide rapid relief, and that’s certainly happening right now for thousands of struggling businesses in our communities,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Money is starting to flow in to bank accounts, often within a handful of days of application, and that’s relieving pressure with ongoing bills and cash flow, to keep businesses in business and people in jobs.
“Every business we help save means more people in jobs leading to a faster recovery.”
So far, cafes, bars and restaurants account for the most applications (22 per cent), followed by personal services like beauticians and hairdressers (18 per cent), store-based retailing (8 per cent) and sport and recreation businesses (6 per cent).
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said Service NSW was working around the clock to support businesses.
“We’re putting business and workers first by simplifying the application process. The response has been overwhelming, with 99 per cent giving it the thumbs up,” Mr Dominello said.
“This is another example of Service NSW using a digital platform to make life easier for customers. Applying for a grant is simple and easy, with money transferred within days.”
Finance and Small Business Minister Damien Tudehope said small business was the heart and soul of the NSW economy and the grants would help save thousands of jobs.
“Every business we help save means more jobs and a faster recovery on the other side of this,” Mr Tudehope said.
“We’re supporting small business owners through this difficult time, with the grants helping to bridge the gap between the Commonwealth Government’s support measures such as JobKeeper.
“By alleviating some of the pressures on these businesses, we know we can help them reopen their doors as soon as possible and get people back into work.”
The grants are supported through the NSW Government’s $750 million Small Business Support Fund announced on April 3.
For more information on eligibility or to submit an application please visit www.service.nsw.gov.au or call 13 77 88.

The NSW Government is urging anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 to be tested in a bid to curb the spread of the virus.
COVID-19 symptoms include:

• Fever;
• Cough;
• Tiredness (fatigue);
• Sore throat;
• Shortness of breath.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian today announced there is now capacity to double the number of COVID-19 tests from around 4,000 tests per day to 8,000.
“NSW has one of the highest testing rates in the world and we want to see this boosted even further,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“From today, anyone in NSW who has COVID-19 symptoms should come forward and get tested.”
“Testing is key to reducing community transmission and dealing with local breakouts – and this is critical if we are going to lift any restrictions.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said NSW will also work to support higher volumes of testing over the weekend as well as during the week, through both the public and private health systems.
“We have seen a drop in the number of tests on the weekend but that doesn’t need to be the case – we are testing every day of the week and want people to come forward on Saturday and Sundays,” Mr Hazzard said.
“The more people that get tested the quicker we can identify cases, track their contacts and prevent community outbreaks.”
NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said from today all people with symptoms of COVID-19 should come forward for testing.
“People with symptoms, including mild symptoms, are encouraged to be tested to ensure we identify as many cases of COVID-19 in the community as quickly as possible,” Dr Chant said.
If you have COVID-19 symptoms please:

• Contact your GP;
• Call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222;
• Visit a NSW Health COVID-19 clinic.

The NSW Government is also urging all health care workers, aged care workers or workers in other high risk or residential care settings with symptoms to come forward immediately for testing, and to make sure their occupational status is noted so their test can be prioritised.
Similarly any people who live in a residential care setting, or have contact with health care, school or residential care settings with symptoms are particularly encouraged to come forward for testing, and to make their contact with these settings known.
The locations of COVID-19 clinics are available here:
https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/how-to-protect-yourself-and-others/clinics

Police have charged two people under the Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) and issued 10 COVID-19-related Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) for offences within the past 24 hours.
Yesterday’s charges:
• About 4am yesterday (Thursday 23 April 2020), officers from Sydney City Police Area Command were called to a hotel in Sydney’s CBD in relation to a loud party being held in one of the rooms. When officers arrived, there were only two people left in the room. One of those people – an 18-year-old man – admitted he was there “to hang out with friends”. Checks revealed the man had been previously issued with a PIN for breaching the Public Health Act. It will be alleged that as officers moved in to arrest him, he resisted and assaulted police, before being brought under control and taken to Day Street Police Station. The Punchbowl man was charged with resist officer in execution of duty, assault officer in execution of duty, and not comply with noticed direction. He was refused bail and appeared before Central Local Court yesterday, where he was given conditional bail. The man is due to re-appear before the Downing Centre Local Court on 4 June 2020.
• About 4.30pm, officers from the Mt Druitt Proactive Crime Team were patrolling when they stopped and spoke with three men at a shopping centre in Mt Druitt. Checks revealed one of the men, aged 31, had previously been given three PINS for breaching the Public Health Act. Once again, the man could not provide a reasonable excuse for being away from his home. He was subsequently charged with not comply with noticed direction and is due to appear before Mt Druitt Local Court at a future date.
Yesterday’s PINs include:
• About 8.50pm, officers attached to Mid North Coast Police District stopped a vehicle on Sydney Street, Kempsey. The driver, a 32-year-old man, was spoken to by police and identified as someone who was required to be in self isolation. The man, who had previously been warned for similar breaches of the Public Health Act, the man was issued with a PIN.
• About 10.30am, officers attached to Surry Hills Police Area Command responded to reports a man was allegedly harassing members of the public at Albion Street, Surry Hills. On arrival, they spoke with a 50-year-old man who had received a warning several hours earlier for not having a valid excuse for being away from his registered address in Parramatta. He was fined $1000 and directed to return home. About 3.10pm, officers from Kings Cross Police Area Command spoke to the man at Darlinghurst Road, Kings Cross, and again he was unable to provide a reason for not being home. He was issued with a second PIN for failing to comply with ministerial directions.
• About 7pm, officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were patrolling Catherine Hill Bay when they spoke with a man and woman, both aged 33. Neither were able to provide a reasonable excuse for not being home. The woman had received a warning three days earlier (Monday 20 April 2020) and was issued with a PIN. The man was given a formal warning and directed to return home.
• About 11.50pm, officers attached to Campbelltown City Police Area Command were conducting proactive patrols on Harold Street, Macquarie Fields, targeting drug-related crime and anti-social behaviour. Police approached two men after allegedly seeing one of them dispose of a knife. They were unable to provide a reasonable excuse for not being home at the time. Following inquiries, an 18-year-old was charged with custody of knife in public place and issued with a court attendance notice. He was given a formal warning for breaching COVID-19 restrictions. The second man, aged 23, was identified as having received a warning previously for not complying with ministerial directions and was issued with a 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.

Police are appealing for information following the assault of three staff at Blacktown Railway Station yesterday.
About 1pm (Thursday 23 April 2020), police observed a female attempt to enter the station via the wide access barrier on the main concourse while smoking a cigarette.
A male member of staff approached to advise her that smoking is not allowed on the concourse, before the female spat onto the man’s face, stating “I have COVID” before walking through the ticket barrier.
At the same time, a male ran over to the scene, coughing and spitting in the staff member’s face and punching him in the neck and back of the head multiple times.
A second staff member attempted to intervene and has also been punched to her head.
A third staff member sustained a small laceration to her thumb and an injury to her back when she tried to assist.
The male and female ran from the train station towards Main Street and were last seen running down David Lane.
Police would like to speak to the male and female and ask that anyone who has any information or witnessed the incident to contact police.
The female is described as being Caucasian in appearance, aged 15-17, 157cm tall, with black hair. She was last seen wearing a black ‘Nike’ t-shirt with ‘Just do it’ emblazoned in red and white on the front, long black pants and black shoes.
The male is described as being Caucasian in appearance, aged 15-17, 155cm tall, with a black moustache. He was last seen wearing a brown baseball cap, a white Nautica branded t-shirt with a red and black logo, long dark pants and black shoes.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence

Communities in Sydney’s inner west will benefit from new and improved public spaces, thanks to $20 million in funding from the NSW Government’s Parramatta Road Urban Amenity Improvement Program.
Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said this funding will help Inner West Council deliver 10 projects across Annandale, Leichhardt and Petersham, including improved public spaces, three new cycleways and a new neighbourhood park.
“The COVID-19 crisis has highlighted the vital role our public spaces and the green links that connect them play in bolstering both our wellbeing and our local businesses,” Mr Stokes said.
“We will continue to support councils to deliver attractive, usable public spaces for their communities to enjoy now and once this crisis is behind us.”
The 10 projects include:

• A new cycleway along Dot Lane between Norton Street, Balmain Road and through to Hay Street in Leichhardt;
• A new shared pedestrian and cycle path along Johnstons Creek from Wigram Road to Chester Street in Annandale;
• A new dedicated cycle path at Pyrmont Bridge Road between Mallet Street and Parramatta Road in Annandale;
• Converting Petersham Street between Parramatta Road and Queen Street into a 300 square metre park with new trees, benches and bike racks; and
• Improvements to six streets that cross Parramatta Road in Leichhardt and Petersham, including new trees, benches, lighting and cycleway markings.

Mr Stokes said the projects are a fantastic example of the NSW Government’s commitment to delivering great public spaces while providing much-needed jobs to keep the economy moving in these uncertain times.
These projects are in their final stages of planning and design and will create 50 jobs once construction begins in the spring.
For more information visit www.planning.nsw.gov.au/pruaip

Critical construction and maintenance work across NSW roads and transport networks is being ramped up to keep people in jobs during COVID-19, and protect the livelihoods of more than 130,000 people directly and indirectly employed by Transport for NSW.
Transport and Roads Minister Andrew Constance said transport infrastructure projects will also be key in rebuilding the State’s economy after the pandemic.
“The NSW Government is pushing ahead with delivering $57.5 billion worth of transport infrastructure across the next four years, so it’s essential to keep moving during a time like this,” Mr Constance said.
“Continuing work on critical transport infrastructure is great news for industry as thousands of jobs will be sustained in the coming months. This work will also provide significant economic benefits to suppliers, manufacturers and supporting sectors.”
Mr Constance said crews were already taking advantage of the reduced number of cars on our roads to fast-track projects.
“Earlier this month, the M5 East Motorway was completely closed to fast track resurfacing work in the usually busy tunnels,” Mr Constance said.
“This was a great result for drivers as the work usually would have been carried out across a number of weeks at night.
“Given the success of this work, we are now fast-tracking maintenance work in the Sydney Harbour Tunnel, which will be closed to traffic from tomorrow night until Monday morning.
“This is all part of our plan to keep people in jobs and the NSW economy moving.”
Transport is also playing a vital role in providing services for essential travel and keeping the supply chain moving as NSW navigates the evolving COVID-19 pandemic.
Mr Constance said the freight network has been incredibly busy in the past few weeks, delivering supplies and materials to hundreds of locations.
“People are relying on us to keep road and rail routes open so we can get food to supermarkets and important medical supplies to hospitals and medical centres across the state,” Mr Constance said.
“This has been a very tough time for the people of NSW and it is crucial we keep our transport network moving for those who need to carry out essential travel.
“The main priority is to ensure the health and safety of all customers and staff.
“We’ve deployed hundreds of extra cleaners across the network who have worked an extra 83,000 hours since the beginning of March,” Mr Constance said.
“Thousands of litres of hand sanitiser and thousands of packets of disinfectant wipes have been distributed to all stations, depots, work sites and offices.
“I also want to pay special tribute to our front line workers who are keeping services running for those who can’t work from home or need to access essential services,” Mr Constance said.
“We do not underestimate the importance of a safe public transport and road network at a time like this and we will continue to work with all levels of government to deliver just that.”

NSW residents will be able to commemorate ANZAC Day from home this year with a broadcast of special services to honour our veterans and serving Defence personnel.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said with traditional marches and local memorial services cancelled this year, ANZAC Day has a renewed meaning.
“As our community works together to stop the spread of COVID-19, we draw inspiration from the brave heroes we commemorate on this day,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“One hundred and five years after they set foot on the Gallipoli shore, the ANZACs speak to us more resoundingly than ever. The legend forged more than a century ago guides us in this moment. It inspires us to dig in and look out for others, no matter the obstacles.
“The best way to honour our ANZACs is to echo them, and we will, for the ANZAC spirit lives in each of us. We will remember them.”
The day will begin with a 5:30am commemorative service  broadcast from the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, followed by a NSW service at 10am.
The Premier, Governor Margaret Beazley, RSL NSW Acting President Ray James, a bugler and a vocalist will take part in the 30 minute service from the ANZAC Memorial in Hyde Park and the Cenotaph in Martin Place.
Acting Minister for Veterans Geoff Lee said community safety is our top priority.
“Social distancing and staying home is saving lives and so continuing that trend will keep our community and veterans safe,” Mr Lee said.
“Let’s all unite with that Anzac spirit as we pay our respects at home and remember those who bravely made the ultimate sacrifice for us.”
Acting President of RSL, NSW Ray James said despite the pandemic, ANZAC Day is forever embedded in the hearts and minds of Australians.
“Nothing can ever take away the importance of ANZAC Day and what it means to all of us as well as the eternal respect, thanks and admiration the Australian people have for those who protect us,” Mr James said.
The NSW Government is encouraging people to share videos reciting The Ode and post photos on social media using the tag #ANZACspirit.
The NSW service will be broadcast live on ABC TV and streamed on the ANZAC Memorial and RSL Facebook pages. The service will not be open to the public and the community is urged to continue following the latest health advice by commemorating at home.