Category: NSW News

A planned police operation will commence tomorrow morning to repatriate those in mandatory self-isolation at a hotel in Sydney CBD.
Since arriving in Australia on Thursday 26 March 2020, 288 people have undertaken their mandatory 14-day self-isolation in Sydney.
This period of self-isolation concludes tomorrow (Wednesday 8 April 2020), and the NSW Police Force is working with travellers to ensure their departure from the hotel is quick, simple and seamless.
Police have been coordinating with the travellers to collate onward travel plans and determine how best to assist their repatriation home, whether in NSW or interstate.
All travellers will undergo a final health check before departing the hotel and will still be required to adhere to all other directions under the Public Health Act as they make their way home.
The next phase of the repatriation operation, which will be those who returned to NSW on or after Sunday 29 March 2020 and are quarantined under the Public Health (COVID-19 Air Transportation Quarantine) Order 2020, will begin on Saturday (11 April 2020).

Police have charged six people with offences under the Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) and issued 17 COVID-19 related Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) since the last update.
Charges:

• About 11.15pm yesterday (Monday 6 April 2020), officers from Fairfield City Police Area Command attempted to stop a Renault hatchback, believed to be stolen, travelling east along Hollywood Drive, Lansvale. A pursuit was initiated and terminated soon after due to safety concerns. With assistance from PolAir, the vehicle was located at a petrol station on Camden Valley Way at Leppington. Police will allege the Renault rammed a Dog Unit vehicle and bollard, before the four occupants of the vehicle – two boys aged 16 and 15 and two girls aged 16 and 14 – were arrested and taken to Fairfield Police Station. All four teenagers were charged with not comply with noticed direction (COVID-19). Additionally, the driver, a 16-year-old boy, was charged with police pursuit, use weapon to prevent lawful detention, drive manner dangerous, take conveyance without consent and other traffic offences. The other three teenagers were charged with carried in conveyance and the group were refused bail to appear before a Children’s Court today (Tuesday 7 April 2020).
• About 9.30am yesterday, police were called to a church at Toronto after reports of a break-in. Officers arrested a 26-year-old man at the scene and conveyed him to Toronto Police Station, where he was charged with break and enter and not comply with noticed direction. The man was granted strict conditional bail to appear at Toronto Local Court on Tuesday 2 June 2020.
• About 11.20pm yesterday, officers from Sydney City Police Area Command were at a licensed premise in Pyrmont for an unrelated matter when security advised them of a female walking on the premises who was subject to an exclusion order. Officers spoke to the woman who could not give a reasonable excuse for being out of her home. She was arrested and taken to Day St Police Station where she was charged with excluded person enter casino and not comply with noticed direction. The 39-year-old was refused bail to appear at Central Local Court today.

PINs include:

• About 8.30pm on Saturday (4 April 2020) officers from Sydney City Police Area Command were conducting a patrol in the CBD when they observed a woman who appeared to be intoxicated being assisted by a man on King Street. An ambulance was called and the woman was taken to St Vincent’s Hospital for treatment. She was released early the following morning (Sunday 5 April 2020). Police conducted further inquiries and established the 27-year-old woman, a serving Senior Constable attached to Police Transport Command, and 31-year-old man had been at a nearby apartment with a 27-year-old man, a serving Senior Constable attached to Fairfield City Police Area Command, a 28-year-old man, and a 31-year-old woman. Earlier today (7 April 2020), officers from Sydney City Police Area Command issued all five individuals with $1000 PINs for failing to comply with noticed direction.
• About 4pm on Sunday, police were called to a Bateau Bay address after reports of a domestic incident. On arrival, officers from Tuggerah Lakes Police District located a male in his car outside the home. Following further inquiries, police established the 34-year-old male had returned from overseas on Monday 23 March 2020 and was required to be in self-isolation. The man was issued with a $1000 PIN.
• About 2.15pm yesterday, officers from Bankstown Police Area Command were patrolling the area around Middleton Park at Yagoona when they observed a group of four males. Police spoke with the males and they were given a formal warning for breaching a ministerial direction and issued a move on direction, which they complied with. A few hours later, around 4.45pm, police were patrolling the area around Parry Park at Greenacre when they observed a group of five males, one of which they had sighted in the group at Yagoona earlier in the day. The 18-year-old teenager was issued with a $1000 PIN and the remaining four were given move on directions.
• About 4.40pm yesterday, officers from Sydney City Police Area Command attended a business on Day Street after receiving information it was still operating. Officers spoke with the owner of the business, who was issued with a $5000 PIN, and a staff member and customer, who were each issued with $1000 PINs.
• About 4am yesterday, police were called to Crown Street, Woolloomooloo, following reports an unknown man was kicking a door of a home. Officers from Kings Cross Police Area Command attended a short time later and spoke with the 33-year-old man, with checks revealing he was subject to a Public Health order to self-isolate while he awaited COVID-19 test results. The Surry Hills man was issued an infringement and given a move-on direction.
• About 8.15pm yesterday, officers from Oxley Police District stopped a Toyota Kluger on Station Street, Quirindi, and spoke with the 37-year-old female driver and a 46-year-old male passenger. During a search of the vehicle, police located methylamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. The man was issued a court attendance notice for possess prohibited drug and possession of equipment for administering prohibited drugs. Further inquiries revealed the woman had been given a warning about non-essential travel about 10.30am while in Muswellbrook. They were each issued with a $1000 PIN and a move-on direction.
• About 12.50am yesterday, officers from Manning/ Great Lakes Police District spoke to a 49-year-old man standing beside his car parked at the Second Head Look Out. The man, from Dubbo, could not provide a legitimate reason for being there. He then entered his vehicle and allegedly reversed in the direction of the police vehicle, narrowly avoiding the driver’s door, before driving into a bollard and attempting to flee on foot. Police approached the man when he entered his vehicle again and refused to leave. Shortly after, the man was arrested and taken to Forster Police Station. It is alleged the man also deliberately sneezed on police and told them he had COVID-19. The man was issued a $1000 PIN and infringed for negligent driving.
• About 1.20am yesterday officers from Sutherland Police Area Command were called to the intersection of Captain Cook Drive and Gannons Road, Woolooware, after a vehicle drove through a road closure barricade. Police spoke to a man with the vehicle who was unable to provide a reasonable excuse for leaving his Greenacre home. He was issued with a $1000 PIN.
• About 3.40am, Lake Illawarra police were patrolling Warilla and spoke to a man on Osborne Parade. When they asked the 20-year-old man what he was doing, he allegedly said he was walking home from drinking in the park. Following inquiries, police noted that the man had been issued a warning the previous day and he was subsequently issued with a $1000 PIN.
• About 4.35pm yesterday, officers from Bankstown Police Area Command were patrolling Parry Park at Greenacre and saw four men standing around a vehicle. One of the men, an 18-year-old, was recognised by officers as having been issued a formal warning for breaching the Public Health act, earlier in the day at Bass Hill. He was issued a $1,000 PIN for breaching the two-person rule. The other men complied with move-on directions

Since 17 March 2020, police have issued 10 Court Attendance Notices, and 122 PINs for breaches of the Public Health Act.
 

Two off-duty police officers have been issued with Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) after breaching public health orders over the weekend.
About 8.30pm on Saturday (4 April 2020) officers from Sydney City Police Area Command were conducting a patrol in Sydney’s CBD when they observed a woman who appeared to be intoxicated being assisted by a man on King Street.
The woman was taken to St Vincent’s Hospital for treatment. She was released around 2am the following morning (Sunday 5 April 2020).
Police conducted further inquiries and established the 27-year-old woman, a serving Senior Constable attached to Police Transport Command, and the 31-year-old man had been at a nearby apartment at a social gathering.
A 27-year-old man, a serving Senior Constable attached to Fairfield City Police Area Command, a 28-year-old woman, and a 31-year-old woman, were also in attendance.
Earlier today (7 April 2020), officers from Sydney City Police Area Command issued all five individuals with $1000 PINs for failing to comply with noticed direction under the Public Health Act 2010 (NSW).

A suite of 21 fee-free TAFE NSW short courses are available online to assist anyone across the State who wants to upskill during the COVID-19 pandemic, following an announcement from the NSW Government today.
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said the pandemic response has had a dramatic effect on communities and working life, but these select courses will assist job seekers and workers looking to diversify their skills during these times.
“The NSW Government understands that circumstances have changed for a lot of people and business owners, which means the way they work and how they conduct their business has also changed,” Mr Lee said.
“The TAFE NSW fee-free accredited courses will contribute to helping businesses stay in business and people stay in jobs. It’s vital we keep people employed and ensure we have the ability to rebound when things do improve.
“We also understand that many industries are in hibernation, so using this period to upskill for the future is time well spent.”
The 21 short courses include:

• eMarketing for Small Business;
• Engaging Customers Using Social Media;
• Writing and Presentation Skills;
• Computing Skills;
• Team Leader Skill Set; and
• Administration Skills for Team Leaders.

TAFE NSW Managing Director Steffen Faurby said the organisation is committed to ensuring people have access to first-class, customised training to meet their needs.
“For over 130 years, TAFE NSW has been preparing the State’s workforce for the jobs of tomorrow and it is no different during this time,” Mr Faurby said.
More information, including a full list of courses, is available here or by calling 131 601.

More than 150 new jobs will be created and $55 million injected into regional NSW, as the NSW Government gives the go-ahead for construction of the Snowy Hydro Segment Factory – the next crucial stage of the Snowy 2.0 expansion.
Deputy Premier and Member for Monaro John Barilaro said the approval of the Snowy Hydro Segment Factory was fantastic news for the region, with construction of the concrete production facility to begin within weeks.
“The Snowy Hydro Scheme is part of the folklore of the Monaro and this approval means work can get underway on a critical part of the project’s infrastructure which will provide huge benefits and job opportunities for the area,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Around 150 jobs will be created as part of the new infrastructure with many of these being entry-level positions, with all training provided.
“These opportunities couldn’t come at a better time with many in our community facing unexpected unemployment due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said the planning system has a key role to play in keeping the economy moving both now and in the months ahead.
“We’re working to get shovel-ready projects out the door, to create jobs and drive investment into our local economies during these extraordinary times,” Mr Stokes said.
“This project will unlock new industry investment in regional NSW, creating 30 jobs during construction and about 125 jobs once operational.”
Construction of the factory is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
The factory will manufacture more than 130,000 concrete tunnel segments for use during exploratory works and once approved, as part of the main works for Snowy 2.0.
For more information visit https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/project/14716

NSW seniors at risk of social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic will be the focus of $600,000 in funding to keep our older community connected.
Acting Minister for Seniors Geoff Lee urged eligible organisations to apply for the grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000.
“While more seniors are staying at home to protect their health, we do not want to create an epidemic of loneliness in our community,” Mr Lee said.
“Our most vulnerable age groups are being advised to follow social distancing rules, so face to face catch-ups and normal daily routines have become difficult.”
Applications for the Combatting Social Isolation for Seniors During COVID-19 grants program are now open until April 26.
“We want to fund innovative ideas to help seniors keep in touch by utilising phone calls, online platforms or other methods of communication,” said Mr Lee.
“With so many seniors now missing their regular social activities, we want to encourage programs which foster inclusion and encourage positive social outcomes.”
Social inclusion is a key priority of the NSW Ageing Strategy and is part of the NSW Government’s key commitment to meet the needs of our ageing population.
For more information: www.dcj.nsw.gov.au/combatting-social-isolation-for-seniors
Seniors are urged to get the latest COVID-19 information at: www.health.nsw.gov.au

The Ruby Princess will be berthing at the port of Port Kembla from today (Monday 6 April 2020) to allow for safer access for medical assessments, treatment, or emergency extractions of her crew.
It is believed the vessel may remain in place for up to 10 days, but the crew will not disembark unless in an emergency and approved by the NSW Police Commissioner.
She will also be refuelling and restocking provisions, as required for her home journey.
The berthing will be conducted under strict health and biosecurity guidelines and will not pose a risk to employees at the port or the broader community.
While no further information is available at this time, if and when it does, it will be issued either as a media release or official statement.

Police have issued another 15 COVID-19 related Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) since the last update.
These include:

• About 1am yesterday (Sunday 5 April 2020) police from Blue Mountains Police Area Command were called to the old Queen Victoria Hospital at Wentworth Falls after two men were sighted on CCTV trespassing on the premises. Police spoke with a 35-year-old man and a 28-year-old man, who were both issued infringements for trespass and failing to comply with noticed direction.

• On Sunday 22 March 2020 a 65-year-old woman returned to Sydney on a flight from Indonesia and was given a direction to self-isolate at home. About 3pm last Tuesday (1 April 2020) officers from Coffs/Clarence Police District received information the woman had entered a shopping centre at Grafton. Two hours later, at about 5pm, police located the woman in her car. She told officers she had been to seven separate retail stores that day, including the supermarket. The woman was directed to return home immediately and was issued with a $1000 PIN.

• About 2.15am yesterday officers from South Coast Police District were conducting patrols of the North Nowra area when they located a vehicle parked near bushland. As police approached, four women were sighted in the vehicle, including three who were lying down in the backseat. The women told police they had been at a party but had been asked to leave. They were each issued with a $1000 PIN.

• Just before 11am yesterday, a 32-year-old male and 31-year-old female were observed by officers from Mid North Coast Police District to have left their homes at South Kempsey without reasonable excuse. Police issued a warning to both individuals to return to their homes. Later in the day, about 1.45pm, police observed the male and the female in a vehicle nearby. When asked by police why they had not complied with direction, the male advised police they were ‘bored’. Both were issued with $1000 PINs.

The remaining infringements include:

• 1 x Sydney City Police Area Command
• 2 x Sutherland Shire Police Area Command
• 1 x Port Stephens-Hunter Police District
• 1 x Wollongong Police District
• 1 x Oxley Police District

Further information is available on request.
Since Tuesday 17 March 2020, police have issued 98 PINs and 8 Court Attendance Notices (CANs) for breaches of the Public Health Act NSW (2010).
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 Police Force Marine Area Command has concluded the largest maritime operation undertaken in Sydney Harbour to coordinate the crew movements and departure of five cruise ships.
‘Operation Nemesis’, planned and executed by the NSW Police Marine Area Command, worked closely with the NSW Ports Authority and the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line to coordinate the safe return of the ships to their home ports.
Following the departure of the Spectrum of the Seas and the Radiance of the Seas yesterday (Saturday 4 April 2020) afternoon, the three remaining Royal Caribbean ships were also anchored in the harbour during the course of Saturday evening and the early hours of this morning (Sunday 5 April 2020).
The Voyager of the Seas was the first of the final three vessels to leave NSW waters departing about 8pm (Saturday 4 April 2020) to return to an international port. It was followed by the Ovation of the Seas about midnight (Sunday 5 April 2020) and the Celebrity Solstice about 1.45am.
In total more than 1300 crew members, who were Foreign Nationals, were moved between the five ships in numerous tender operations, before the ships departed NSW waters to return to their home countries.
Five Australian crew members elected to remain on the ships and continue to international ports.

The NSW Police Force has commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the docking and disembarking of the Ruby Princess last month.
After being tasked by the NSW Premier to conduct initial investigations, NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller today (Sunday 5 April 2020) announced that a criminal investigation is now underway to fully examine the communications, actions, and other circumstances that led to the docking and disembarking of the vessel at Sydney Harbour on Thursday 19 March 2020.
The investigation is being led by the Homicide Squad’s Detective Chief Inspector Jason Dickinson, who is experienced in complex and protracted investigations, with oversight from the NSW Coroner.
It is expected the investigation will involve interviewing thousands of witnesses, including the Ruby Princess’ captain and doctors, the crew and passengers; and staff from various Commonwealth and NSW Government offices and agencies.
Commissioner Fuller said his initial assessment of the vessel’s pratique left questions about the transparency in conceptualising the health conditions of passengers and crew in relation to COVID-19.
“I’ve examined a number of phone calls between NSW Ambulance, NSW Port Authority and NSW Police that stemmed from the initial 17-minute Triple Zero call from the ship to NSW Ambulance on 18 March,” the Commissioner said.
“There appears to have been an exceptional amount of effort put in by Ports to determine the true nature of the conditions on board – and even delayed the vessels arrival until they were provided additional information.
“After reviewing the information at hand, the only way I can determine whether our national biosecurity laws or our state laws were broken is through a criminal investigation.”
The Commissioner added that investigators will examine the actions of everyone involved – whether from the cruise company or government agencies.
“This is a complex issue and we will need information from many witnesses to answer all the questions about how this ship ended up docking last month,” the Commissioner said.
“We are mindful that some of the key information we need will also come from passengers, so I urge those who were on-board to reach out to us – please contact Crime Stoppers as soon as possible.”
Anyone who was on-board the Ruby Princess and has information relevant to the investigation, including details of symptoms, illness, or medical advice during the journey is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or 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.
Aspen Medical are continuing to assess the health of the crew on board the Ruby Princess and have developed a plan in conjunction with NSW Health, the NSW Police Force’s Marine Area Command, and Australian Border Force to manage their welfare until they can depart Australian waters.
Police have been advised that up to 200 of the 1040 crew members currently on board the vessel are displaying symptoms, while 16 crew members are confirmed to have returned positive results for COVID-19.