Category: NSW News

Police have charged four people under the Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) and issued 18 COVID-19 related Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) for offences within the past 24 hours.
Yesterday’s charges:

• About 6.20am yesterday (Wednesday 22 April 2020), a 41-year-old man boarded a bus at Brookvale and allegedly failed to pay the fare. The driver confronted the man who threatened to spit on him. The driver opened the doors, and the man got off. Officers from Northern Beaches Police Area Command were notified and attended a Brookvale home. After being arrested, the man threatened to spit on officers and during a subsequent struggle, he allegedly bit a constable’s wrist. The man was taken to Manly Police Station where it is alleged he repeatedly spat in the holding dock. He was charged with not comply noticed direction re spitting/coughing – COVID-19, resist or hinder police officer in the execution of duty, assault police officer in execution of duty cause actual bodily harm, destroy or damage property¸ stalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm (personal), and breach of bail. An outstanding arrest warrant was also executed. The man was refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court today (Thursday 23 April 2020).

• Just before 8pm yesterday officers from St George Police Area Command were called to a home on Northcote Street, Sans Souci, after reports a person was trespassing. A 48-year-old man was found in the garage and arrested. He was taken to Kogarah Police Station and charged with contravene prohibition/restriction in AVO (domestic), not comply with noticed direction re S7/8/9 – COVID-19, and breach of bail. The man was refused bail to appear at Central Local Court today.

• About 8pm yesterday, officers from Inner West Police Area Command were called to Marrickville Road, Marrickville, after reports of mail theft. Police attended and spoke to a 29-year-old woman. Upon being searched, officers located bank documents and cards, methylamphetamine, and prescription medication. She was arrested and taken to Newtown Police Station where she was charged with goods in personal custody suspected being stolen, possess prohibited drug, and not comply with noticed direction re S7/8/9 – COVID-19. The woman was refused bail to appear at Central Local Court today.

The fourth individual charged has been addressed in a separate media release.
Yesterday’s PINs include:

• About 12pm, officers from Ryde Highway Patrol stopped a Holden Astra on Quay Street, Haymarket, after the vehicle allegedly crossed double white lines. Police spoke to the driver, a 20-year-old man, who stated he had driven from Strathfield to Vaucluse to drop another man to a friend’s house. During a search of his car, police found prescription medication and cash. He was issued a traffic infringement notice for not keep left of dividing line and a $1000 PIN for non-essential travel.

• Just after 9.30am, officers from the Police Transport Command spoke to a 67-year-old woman at Gosford Railway Station. She allegedly told police she had travelled from Newcastle with no reasonable excuse provided. Checks revealed she was issued a warning last Thursday (16 April 2020) and a PIN on Saturday (18 April 2020). She was subsequently issued a second $1000 PIN.

• About 3.10pm, police patrolling the Tea Gardens area stopped and spoke with a man sitting in the driver’s seat of a parked car. After speaking with the 52-year-old man, officers searched his vehicle; seizing 10kg of cannabis and a syringe containing methamphetamine. It’s alleged the man admitted the reason he was out of his home was to purchase drugs. He was arrested and taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station, where he was charged with supply cannabis, two counts of drug possession, and self-administer prohibited drug. He was also issued with a $1000 PIN for breaching the Public Health Act.

• About 3.40pm, officers from Police Transport Command saw a woman at Wollongong Railway Station. The officers recognised the woman as they had issued her a warning for breaching a ministerial direction the day prior. Officers again spoke to the 18-year-old woman, who indicated she was out to visit a friend. She was issued with a $1000 PIN.

• About 10.40pm, officers from the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command stopped a vehicle at Tregear, speaking with the 33-year-old male driver. The Bathurst man was questioned as to why he was away from his place of residence and could not provide a reasonable excuse. After checks revealed he had been given two prior warnings for breaching a ministerial direction, the man was issued with a $1000 PIN.

• About 10.30am, officers from Brisbane Water Highway Patrol stopped a Ford Ranger on the M1 motorway, Somersby, and spoke to the driver, a 48-year-old man. Checks revealed he was issued a Court Attendance Notice on Saturday 11 April 2020 for driving while suspended. The Mona Vale man was issued a $1000 PIN for non-essential travel and told not to drive the vehicle. About an hour later, police responded to reports of a man walking across the motorway. Officers attempted to speak to the man, however, he became abusive and was subsequently arrested. He was issued a traffic infringement for pedestrian not keep to far left or right side of road and taken to Woy Woy train station for alternative transport.

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 Ruby Princess has departed Port Kembla following the conclusion of the joint operation to facilitate the movement and repatriation of crew members to their home countries.
NSW Police Force has worked closely with Australian Border Force, Australian Federal Police, NSW Health, Aspen Medical, Princess Cruises and government officials from numerous overseas jurisdictions to ensure the safe movement and eventual return of the crew members to their countries of origin.
Officers from Marine Area Command, assisted by Transport for NSW, NSW Health and the Australian Defence Force coordinated the disembarking of 368 Filipino nationals from the Ruby Princess at Port Kembla today (Thursday 23 April 2020).
Eleven of those crew members, who tested positive to COVID-19, were taken to NSW Health-managed hotels to enter quarantine.
The remainder were taken to Sydney Airport ahead of their return to the Philippines tonight.
Over the last three days, a total of 542 crew members have been escorted from the ship to be repatriated to their home countries which include Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Mexico, New Zealand, Philippines, Poland, Republic of Ireland, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Ukraine, United Kingdom and United States of America.
This included a total of 33 crew members who were taken to NSW Health-managed hotels to be cared for in isolation until they can be medically cleared.
Once these crew members have recovered – and subject to a medical clearance by NSW Health – they will be transported to Sydney Airport to fly back to their countries of origin.
Strict protocols are being maintained to ensure there is no health risk to the public.
The remaining crew have departed on board the Ruby Princess, which left Port Kembla about 4.30pm.
All agencies involved in the repatriation operation and the many agencies, departments, and companies who provided care and assistance to the crew in recent weeks wish them bon voyage.

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.

Major construction work is well underway at Central Station to deliver Sydney Metro, including the new Central Walk, as progress continues on major infrastructure projects across NSW.
As part of the biggest upgrade to Sydney’s busiest railway station in decades, two new underground metro platforms are being built as well as the landmark Central Walk underground concourse, which will make it easier for customers to connect between light rail, suburban and inter-city trains, the new Sydney Metro and buses.
Transport Minister Andrew Constance said it’s a great example of the construction industry keeping moving and keeping people in work despite difficult times.
“We are very fortunate that major Transport infrastructure projects like this continue to be delivered,” Mr Constance said.
“The health and safety of all workers and the community are our key priorities as we continue to deliver major projects, and we have put in place strict protocols to protect the safety of our construction workforce.
“More than 5,000 people are currently working across the Sydney Metro City & Southwest project, and by the time the project opens, around 50,000 people will have worked on it.
“The upcoming Sydney Metro West project will support 10,000 direct and 70,000 indirect jobs while construction of the Metro North West Line created more than 20,000 jobs.”
At Central, work to build the 27-metre deep metro station “box” is now 10 metres beneath the surface. About 6,000 tonnes of crushed rock is being excavated from the box every week.
“In an impressive feat of engineering, an 80 metre tunnel has also been built under Central Station to deliver Central Walk,” Mr Constance said.
“This six metre wide construction tunnel runs parallel to Central Walk and allows excavated crushed rock to be removed without impacting trains and customers.”
The construction tunnel has broken into Central’s ghost platforms, which were built last century as part of the Eastern Suburbs Railway line for Bondi and the Illawarra but never completed.
Platforms 26 and 27 have sat unused since, but they will now house 17 new communications and power rooms to support the new Sydney Metro at Central.
More than 270,000 customers use the 114-year-old station on a normal day, with that number expected to increase to 450,000 in the next two decades.
Central Walk is expected to be open to customers in 2022 while Sydney Metro construction continues – with metro rail services extending from Chatswood through the city and beyond to Bankstown in 2024.

NSW school students will gradually transition back to the classroom during Term 2 as the Government continues to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell outlined the plan for students attending NSW public schools to progressively return to face-to-face learning in week three of Term 2.
Ms Berejiklian said health advice continues to be that schools remain open, and parents, teachers and students can be confident that school is safe place.
“We are grateful to all families who kept their children home from school at the end of Term 1 and to teachers who worked tirelessly to deliver education online,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“This allowed us critical time to prepare our schools to develop better online learning options and for considering additional hygiene measures to allow schools to return.
“We know that nothing is more important than a child’s education, and we must begin to return our students to their classrooms in a considered way.
“Under these changes, from week three of Term 2, every student will be attending school for one day a week.
“We will look to increase the number of days students are at school in a staged way and hope to have all children back at school full-time by Term 3.
“I’d like to thank the Catholic and Independent schools for working with the NSW Government at this time, as well as staff, including teachers, principals and cleaners, for working so hard to prepare for a resumption of school.
“I’d also like to thank parents for what has been a tough month, often juggling working from home and caring for children. We hope the partial resumption of on campus learning will provide some much needed relief to those families.”
During the first stage of on-campus learning, parents will be encouraged to keep their children home except on their allocated day of face-to-face learning. Initially, about a quarter of a school’s students are expected to be on site at any one time. The specific days students will be required to attend school each week will vary from school to school and will be clearly communicated to parents.
Classes will be split across schools, allowing schools to appropriately social distance students and teachers.
As always, schools will remain open for students who need them and no child will be turned away from school.
Ms Mitchell said careful consideration had been given to support the school community, providing clarity and certainty on the path forward.
“This plan provides a clear path that balances community concerns with a need to deliver continuity of quality education,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Hand sanitiser will be available in all classrooms and provisions are in place for at-risk teachers to work from home. Drop off, pick up, recess and lunchtimes will also be staggered to ensure social distancing.”
In addition to the staged return to school, the NSW Government has committed up to $95.7 million to help keep casual and temporary school staff engaged in active work during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our casual and temporary teachers and other non-teaching staff across NSW schools are critical to our education system, and will help ensure the educational outcomes for our students during this staged return,” Ms Mitchell said.
A cross-sector working group of teachers will also be established to report back to the Minister on recent innovations and educational developments assembled during the COVID-19 period that are suitable to support future educational delivery.
“It’s important that we have an inventory of the cutting edge teaching solutions and recognise the best efforts of our amazing NSW teachers during a difficult time,” Ms Mitchell said.
Teachers will have an additional day to prepare for Term 2 on Tuesday 28 April making the first day of term for students Wednesday 29 April.

Police have charged four people under the Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) and issued 13 COVID-19 related Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) for offences within the past 24 hours.
Yesterday’s charges:

• A man will appear in court today after allegedly spitting on a police officer in the Sutherland Shire overnight. About 9.30pm yesterday (Tuesday 21 April 2020), officers attended a home in Caringbah after receiving reports of a loud argument taking place. It’s alleged that while police were arresting a 37-year-old man, he attempted to grab the gun of one of the officers. While in the cells of Sutherland Police Station, the man intentionally hit his head against the custody door several times. He was taken to hospital as a precaution, where he became abusive towards police and hospital staff. After being cleared of injury the man allegedly spat on a police officer as he was being escorted back to the police vehicle. He has been charged with not comply noticed direction re spitting/coughing – COVID-19, two counts of assaulting police, and breach of ADVO. The man is due to appear before Parramatta Local Court today (Wednesday 22 April 2020).

• Just before 6.30pm yesterday, officers attached to Liverpool City Police Area Command attended Carriage Street in Austral after receiving reports of people congregating. Police saw two men run from the scene, before one of the men was arrested at a property on Fifth Avenue. The 21-year-old man from Hinchinbrook was taken to Liverpool Police Station, where inquiries revealed he had been issued a PIN for not complying with the Health Act on Tuesday 14 April 2020. After telling police he was “going for a run” when he attempted to evade police, he was charged with not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 – COVID-19. He was granted conditional bail to appear at Liverpool Local Court on Monday 13 July 2020.

• About 2.45am yesterday, officers from Kings Cross Police Area Command attended Yurong Street, Darlinghurst, following reports of people graffitiing a wall. Officers saw a man and woman standing in front of the spray-painted wall wearing face masks. The pair initially fled but were stopped and spoken to. A search of their belongings allegedly uncovered bolt cutters, a large texta, and gloves and face masks stained with paint. It’s alleged the man also committed several other graffiti offences nearby over the past month. He was arrested and taken to Kings Cross Police Station, where he was charged with possess graffiti implement and four counts of destroy or damage property. After claiming that they were exercising, the man was also charged with not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 – COVID-19, while his companion was given a PIN. The man was refused bail and is due to appear before Central Local Court today.

• About 11.45am yesterday, officers attached to Sydney City Police Area Command’s Proactive Crime Team observed what they believed to be a drug deal take place on Clarence Street in the CBD. As police approached, a man ran from the scene and was arrested after a brief struggle. Officers searched the 21-year-old man, seizing cash. Police were also told by a passerby that the man had buried something in a nearby pot plant and when officers checked, they located resealable bags containing cannabis. Checks revealed the man had previously been warned about breaching the Public Health Act. He was arrested and taken to Day Street Police Station, where he was charged with supply prohibited drug, possess prohibited drug, resist officer in execution of duty, deal with proceeds of crime, and not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 – COVID-19. He was granted conditional bail and is due to appear before the Downing Centre Local Court on 24 June 2020. After police seized drugs from the other party – a 62-year-old woman – she was charged with possess prohibited drug and warned in relation to the Public Health Act.

Yesterday’s PINs include:

• About 7.45pm, officers from Lake Illawarra were patrolling when they observed a Mazda CX5 parked in a car park on Cowper Street, Port Kembla. Police spoke to the occupants – a 40-year-old Barrack Heights woman and a 46-year-old Werrington man – who both provided no reasonable excuse for not complying with ministerial directions. Checks revealed the woman was issued a warning on Thursday 9 April 2020 and she was subsequently issued a $1000 PIN. The man was issued a warning.

• Just before 4.30pm, officers from Wollongong Police District stopped a 17-year-old boy on Lawrence Street, Woonona. He told police he was visiting a friend because he was “bored” and had “nothing else to do.” The teen has previously been issued PINs on Monday 6 April 2020 and Wednesday 15 April 2020 and was subsequently issued a third $1000 PIN.

• A 32-year-old woman has been fined when she was found away from her home without a reasonable excuse, 12 days after receiving a warning for breaching COVID-19 restrictions. About 11.30am, police identified a vehicle registered to the Narooma woman outside a home on Peden Street, Bega. The woman was located inside the property and was issued with a PIN.

• About 12.30am, police stopped a vehicle in Glen Innes and spoke with the driver, a 49-year-old man. He was unable to provide a reasonable excuse for being away from his home in Queensland. The man had received a warning two days earlier and was directed to return home. He was issued with a $1000 PIN.

• A 15-year-old boy has been issued with his second PIN in two weeks for failing to comply with a ministerial direction. About 4.30pm, officers attached to Wollongong Police District spoke to the teenager at a unit on Carrington Street, Woonona. After telling police he was there to see a friend, he was fined $1000.

• Police have fined a Potts Point man after he was unable to provide a valid reason for being at Kogarah Station. About 11.20am, officers attached to Police Transport Command issued the 35-year-old man with a PIN, after he was given a previous warning for being away from his home without a reasonable excuse on Monday 13 April 2020.

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.

Further crew members have disembarked the Ruby Princess today in the ongoing joint operation to facilitate the movement and eventual repatriation of crew members to their home countries.
NSW Police Force has worked closely with Australian Border Force, Australian Federal Police, NSW Health, Aspen Medical, Princess Cruises and government officials from numerous overseas jurisdictions to ensure the safe movement and eventual return of the crew members to their countries of origin.
Officers from the Marine Area Command, assisted by Transport for NSW, NSW Health and the Australian Defence Force, have assisted a further 115 crew members from nine countries disembark the vessel today (Wednesday 22 April 2020).
Of this group, 94 crew members tested negative for COVID-19, and were taken via charter bus to either Sydney International Airport or a Sydney hotel, where they will await flights to their countries of origin, which include Brazil, France, Germany, Republic of North Macedonia, Mexico, Poland, Romania, Serbia and Ukraine.
21 crew members, who have tested positive for COVID-19, have also disembarked from the ship. These crew members have been taken to NSW Health-managed hotels to undertake a strict 14-day quarantine period.
Stringent protocols were maintained to ensure the movement of these individuals posed no risk to the public.
Once the 14-day quarantine period is exhausted, subject to a medical clearance by NSW Health, they will be transported to Sydney Airport to fly back to their countries of origin.
More crew members are expected to disembark from the Ruby Princess tomorrow, before the ship leaves Australian waters.

The NSW Government today announced a $140 million Bushfire Industry Recovery Package to support forestry, horticulture and agriculture industries impacted by the recent bushfires.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for Disaster Recovery John Barilaro said the package will help industries significantly impacted by bushfires to rebuild, recover, regrow and remain the heartbeat of regional economies.
“This funding will support the recovery and resilience of key industries by backing projects that retain and create jobs, strengthen local supply chains and support a return to production,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Regional NSW relies on these key driver industries to help generate jobs and economic activity and this funding will provide the direct help many businesses need to recover from devastating losses, which in turn will help their wider industry remain viable.”
Mr Barilaro said regional NSW is the backbone of this State and it is critical to support the key regional industries which keep our economy thriving.
“Our farmers feed this State and this Nation, and not only have they endured the worst drought on record, but many have suffered horrific bushfires and now COVID-19 is affecting our regional economies,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Bushfire impacted towns cannot afford to suffer further job losses and economic downturn, which is why we are delivering this funding to keep our key regional industries in business.
“Industries with the greatest impact will be given the greatest share of this funding. The program will focus on recovery in the short term and will support valuable investments to help these sectors plan for recovery in the longer term.”
Details of funding criteria including amounts available for businesses under this package will be made available with the release of program Guidelines in the coming weeks.
Other bushfire support measures include the NSW and Australian Governments sharing the cost for the clean-up of residential and small business properties, the NSW Government’s $1 billion fund to replace vital state infrastructure, $75,000 grants for bushfire affected primary producers and $50,000 grants for bushfire affected small businesses.
For a full list of all available bushfire support, go to www.service.nsw.gov.au.

NSW will be a safer state with 250 additional police to be assigned to local stations and specialist commands over the next 12 months to protect communities and fight crime at a time when many officers are on the frontline in the war against COVID-19.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said the Government’s $583 million investment will see the NSW Police Force’s strength increase by an extra 1500 permanent police positions over four years.
“These extra officers are needed now more than ever, as we see police take on an even bigger role to not only fight crime, but also other threats to community safety such as bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mr Elliott said.
“Be it facing criminals, natural disasters or a pandemic, our frontline police officers put their lives on the line every day to protect the community.
“They deserve the finest resources NSW has to offer and the NSW Government will stop at nothing to ensure they have whatever they need to get the job done.”
NSW Police Force Commissioner Mick Fuller said the positions had been allocated after extensive consultation with region commanders, commanders and the Police Association of NSW.
“These officers couldn’t have come at a better time,” Mr Fuller said.
“These fully funded positions are being placed in the areas most in need – in police area commands and police districts as well as in specialist commands, such as the Regional Enforcement Squads, the Child Internet Exploitation Unit and Cybercrime Squad.
“This increased capacity within our specialist commands, and in areas such as aged crime prevention and child protection, will dramatically improve our ability to respond to emerging crime threats and protect our most vulnerable community members.”
Areas of NSW receiving extra police positions in 2020-21 include:

• Murray River Police District (7);
• Coffs-Clarence Police District (5); and
• Manning-Great Lakes Police District, Mid North Coast Police District, Nepean Police Area Command, Oxley Police District, Richmond Police District, Tweed-Byron Police District (4 each).

Other highlights include 10 additional police for Child Abuse Squad, 8 additional police for Cybercrime Squad, 8 additional police for the Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit and 2 additional police for the Child Exploitation Internet Unit.
Future allocations of positions will be determined based on resource requirements and how best to prevent, disrupt and respond to emerging crime issues.

NSW school students will gradually transition back to the classroom during Term 2 as the Government continues to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell outlined the plan for students attending NSW public schools to progressively return to face-to-face learning in week three of Term 2.
Ms Berejiklian said health advice continues to be that schools remain open, and parents, teachers and students can be confident that school is safe place.
“We are grateful to all families who kept their children home from school at the end of Term 1 and to teachers who worked tirelessly to deliver education online,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“This allowed us critical time to prepare our schools to develop better online learning options and for considering additional hygiene measures to allow schools to return.
“We know that nothing is more important than a child’s education, and we must begin to return our students to their classrooms in a considered way.
“Under these changes, from week three of Term 2, every student will be attending school for one day a week.
“We will look to increase the number of days students are at school in a staged way and hope to have all children back at school full-time by Term 3.
“I’d like to thank the Catholic and Independent schools for working with the NSW Government at this time, as well as staff, including teachers, principals and cleaners, for working so hard to prepare for a resumption of school.
“I’d also like to thank parents for what has been a tough month, often juggling working from home and caring for children. We hope the partial resumption of on campus learning will provide some much needed relief to those families.”
During the first stage of on-campus learning, parents will be encouraged to keep their children home except on their allocated day of face-to-face learning. Initially, about a quarter of a school’s students are expected to be on site at any one time. The specific days students will be required to attend school each week will vary from school to school and will be clearly communicated to parents.
Classes will be split across schools, allowing schools to appropriately social distance students and teachers.
As always, schools will remain open for students who need them and no child will be turned away from school.
Ms Mitchell said careful consideration had been given to support the school community, providing clarity and certainty on the path forward.
“This plan provides a clear path that balances community concerns with a need to deliver continuity of quality education,” Ms Mitchell said.
“Hand sanitiser will be available in all classrooms and provisions are in place for at-risk teachers to work from home. Drop off, pick up, recess and lunchtimes will also be staggered to ensure social distancing.”
In addition to the staged return to school, the NSW Government has committed up to $95.7 million to help keep casual and temporary school staff engaged in active work during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our casual and temporary teachers and other non-teaching staff across NSW schools are critical to our education system, and will help ensure the educational outcomes for our students during this staged return,” Ms Mitchell said.
A cross-sector working group of teachers will also be established to report back to the Minister on recent innovations and educational developments assembled during the COVID-19 period that are suitable to support future educational delivery.
“It’s important that we have an inventory of the cutting edge teaching solutions and recognise the best efforts of our amazing NSW teachers during a difficult time,” Ms Mitchell said.
Teachers will have an additional day to prepare for Term 2 on Tuesday 28 April making the first day of term for students Wednesday 29 April.