Category: NSW News

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.

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.