Category: NSW News

Early this morning, Sydney’s “lockout laws” were repealed in the Sydney CBD Entertainment Precinct bringing in extended trading hours for venues and bottle shops and a relaxation of after-midnight drink rules, with existing arrangements maintained in the Kings Cross precinct.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said while the extended trading hours will provide a boost for the night time economy, community safety will always be a focus.
“There’s been a cultural shift in the city’s night life since 2014, and it’s time to look towards a bright, safe, diverse Sydney after dark, by improving liquor laws and enhancing access to arts, entertainment, shopping and sporting activities that are inclusive and family friendly,” Mr Ayres said.
“Sydney is Australia’s only truly global city and can evolve to embrace an economy which is cranking around the clock, particularly now that light rail services have been running for a month.
“Stimulating the 24 hour economy is a joint effort and we’re working with the City of Sydney Council and the Committee for Sydney, as well as NSW Government agencies, council, businesses and the community to get this right.”
Existing arrangements are being maintained in the Kings Cross precinct and will be reviewed next year along with the following changes which came into effect overnight:

• Remove 1.30am last entry for all venues in the Sydney CBD Entertainment Precinct, including those on Oxford Street.
• Remove restrictions on serving cocktails, shots and drinks in glass after midnight in this precinct.
• Extend ‘last drinks’ at venues with good records in this precinct by 30 minutes.
• Extend bottle shop opening hours across NSW until midnight from Monday to Saturday, with 11pm closing on Sunday.
• Increase small bar patron capacity from 100 to 120 across NSW.

To view the Government’s full response to the Committee’s recommendations, visit this link.

Netball Australia, supported by Netball NSW and other Member Organisations, has today announced a bushfire relief fundraising showcase match between the Australian Diamonds and a Suncorp Super Netball All Stars team at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney on Sunday 1 March.
The Australian Diamonds will come together outside of official scheduled duties to take on the All Stars and raise funds to support those affected by the Australian bushfires. Further information on this match including match time, how to purchase tickets and how the All Stars team will be selected will be made available in the coming weeks.
In addition to the match, and in partnership with its state and territory-based member organisations, the Suncorp Super Netball league and clubs, the Australian Netball Players Association, corporate partners and NetFit, Netball Australia will utilise a range of initiatives to support fundraising for bushfire relief and recovery including:
The Suncorp Super Netball pre-season competition, the Suncorp Team Girls Cup, will be dedicated to raising funds to support the rebuilding efforts. More details on this event will be announced in coming days.
Netball’s elite athletes will donate a “volunteer day” outside of their contracted requirements to work with Netball Australia, member organisations and/or Suncorp Super Netball clubs on relief and recovery initiatives. Netball Australia staff will also donate two days.
The annual Give for a Goal initiative, coordinated by the Confident Girls Foundation, will run throughout 2020 and will raise funds through a range of netball events and competitions including Suncorp Super Netball and this year’s International Test Series.
Netball Australia’s member organisations will continue to work closely with communities to understand the full impact of the disaster and how Netball Australia can support recovery efforts.
Netball Australia CEO Marne Fechner has acknowledged that the entire Australian netball community has rallied to support those in need.
“The bushfires that have ravaged large parts of Australia over the past few months have been truly devastating, and netball is committed to providing both immediate and sustained relief for bushfire-affected communities,” she said.
“The Australian netball community has a wonderful resilience and determination. We’ll do everything we can to assist both the broader Australian community and also grassroots netball-specific recovery efforts around the country.”
Australian Diamonds captain Caitlin Bassett has been moved by the devastating events and is excited to be bringing her team together for such a good cause.
“Our entire squad has seen these devastating events unfold over the past few months and our hearts go out to those affected. As a group, we’re eager to do anything possible to help and looking forward to getting out there in front of a packed house in Sydney.”
Former Australian Diamond, Swift and Giant Susan Pettitt grew up in a bushfire-affected region and is proud to see her sport come together at such a crucial time.
“I’ve seen firsthand the impact that these fires have had on communities with parts of my parent’s property on the south coast of NSW being burnt out. The emergency threat for some communities isn’t over yet and the recovery for affected regions will take years so it’s great that the Australian netball community has come together to support such a worthy cause.”
All funds raised through Netball Australia’s initiatives will be donated to the Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery Appeal and a Natural Disaster Relief Fund which has been established through the Confident Girls Foundation with the purpose of supporting netball-specific bushfire relief and recovery projects.
Netball Australia’s response to this disaster will continue to evolve and the sport looks forward to working closely with stakeholders, partners and grassroots communities to ensure netball has a real and sustained impact on community relief and recovery.

NSW BUSHFIRE RELATED UPDATES
$1 BILLION TO REBUILD BUSHFIRE IMPACTED COMMUNITIES IN NSW

• Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Treasurer Dominic Perrottet yesterday announced $1 billion over the next two years to rebuild bushfire impacted communities across NSW.
• The additional funding will prioritise the repair and rebuilding of vital infrastructure, such as roads, rail-lines, bridges, schools, health facilities and communications facilities, which have been damaged or destroyed by bushfires.
• This announcement is on top of the NSW Government’s disaster assistance funding for this bushfire season of up to $231 million already committed.
• This includes;
  • $166 million to fight fires on top of the record 2019/20 RFS Budget.
  • $25 million to facilitate the clean-up of both insured and uninsured homes damaged or destroyed by the fires.
  • $23 million for grants of up to $15,000 for primary producers and small businesses to assist with clean-up and the replacement of infrastructure.
  • $6 million for additional mental health services for individuals, community groups and emergency services personnel.
  • $11 million to fund the Economic Recovery and Community Resilience Grants Program.

MOBILE CUSTOMERS TO RECEIVE UNLIMITED ACCESS TO EMERGENCY SERVICES WEBSITES

• At the request of the NSW Government, major telecommunications providers including Telstra, Optus and Vodafone have committed to providing unlimited access to emergency service websites for customers in bushfire-affected areas.
• This initiative will provide reassurance to those in bushfire affected areas who are able to check emergency service websites and apps via their mobile as many times as they need to.
• The initiative is in response to reports of a large number of customers receiving notifications that they were approaching their mobile data limits due to increased internet usage.

HOUSING SERVICE TO ASSIST BUSHFIRE RESPONSE

• A dedicated housing assistance service has been launched to support the urgent housing needs of residents impacted by the bushfires.
• Housing assistance available includes access to emergency accommodation, private rental bonds and advance rent payments.
• People impacted by the fires can access the service by:
  • calling the Disaster Welfare Assistance Line (DWAL) on 1800 018 444; or,
  • contacting or visiting a local Department of Communities and Justice Housing office.
• For more information about the Bushfire Housing Assistance Service, visit www.dcj.nsw.gov.au/families-and-communities/bushfire-housing-assistance-service/.

MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT DURING BUSHFIRE CRISIS

• The NSW Government is deploying teams of mental health clinicians to support people suffering from the bushfire crisis to help rebuild their lives.
• Specialist Bushfire Recovery Clinicians will work right across NSW to support individuals, carers and families. The clinicians are easily identified by their NSW Health fluorescent vests and add to the Disaster Welfare Services already being provided at Evacuation Centres throughout bushfire-affected areas.
• Encouraging people to turn to their friends, family and community for support is also critical. Maintaining social connections, having conversations and debriefing with community members is a crucial part of the recovery process.
• If day-to-day functioning is affected, local General Practitioners (GPs) and Mental Health Professionals are there to assist. A GP can formulate a Mental Health Treatment Plan which allows Medicare rebates for up to 10 mental health services per year under the Better Access scheme.
• The Mental Health and wellbeing of children may also be affected. The Australian Psychological Society has published guidelines for parents and caregivers https://www.psychology.org.au/Australian-bushfires-2020.
• The Disaster Welfare Assistance Line is also staffed with counselling support and can be accessed by phone on 1800 018 444.

COMMUNITY RECOVERY ASSISTANCE EXTENDED FOR BUSHFIRE AFFECTED COMMUNITIES IN SOUTHERN NSW

• Community recovery assistance has been extended for bushfire-hit communities in the Bega Valley, Eurobodalla, Queanbeyan-Palerang, Shoalhaven, Snowy Monaro, Snowy Valleys and Mid-Western council areas.
• This will give farmers and small businesses in those LGAs recovery grants of up to $15,000.
• To apply for a recovery grant, contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593 or visit www.raa.nsw.gov.au.

ASSISTANCE ROLLS OUT AS STOCK LOSSES CONTINUE TO MOUNT

• The NSW Government has distributed more than 880 tonnes of fodder to bushfire affected farmers in south-east NSW, as the number of livestock reported killed or euthanised as a result of the fires rose to almost 5,200.
• Producers can report stock losses and infrastructure damage, or request animal assessment, or emergency fodder or water for stock, by calling the Agricultural and Animal Services Hotline on 1800 814 647.
• For assistance regarding the transport of donated fodder contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593.

NEW FREE LEGAL SERVICE FOR BUSHFIRE VICTIMS

• Thousands of NSW residents impacted by the State’s devastating bushfires will be offered free legal help with the launch of the Disaster Response Legal Service NSW.
• Legal Aid NSW will operate the service, which will be available via its helpline 1800 801 529.

SPECIAL AUTHORITY TO BYPASS THE 3 DAY LIMIT FOR EMERGENCY PRESCRIPTIONS

• NSW Health has signed a special authority to bypass the 3 day (limit) rule for emergency prescriptions. This will mean pharmacists can supply normal pack sizes of non-PBS medicines. Opioids and other high-risk drugs still a need prescriptions via a doctor.
• Pharmacists can prescribe Ventolin based on their professional judgement.

OTHER NSW GOVERNMENT UPDATES
DIGITAL DRIVER’S LICENCE GOES GANGBUSTERS

• More than 1 million NSW motorists have downloaded the Digital Driver Licence (DDL) since it was officially launched on 3 November, accounting for almost 19 per cent of all licence holders.
• Starting with Australia Post over-the-counter parcel collections, NSW residents can expect to have their DDL accepted in more places in 2020, with a ‘copy solution’ being built to provide an alternative for checkers in situations where they are currently required to take a photocopy of a plastic driver licence.
• To get a DDL, licence holders will need to create a MyServiceNSW Account at www.service.nsw.gov.au and download the Service NSW mobile app on their smartphone. The digital licence will always be opt-in only.

NEW SYDNEY SPEEDWAY GETS INTO GEAR

• Sydney Motorsport Park has been chosen as the preferred location for the new Sydney speedway.
• An in-principle lease has been agreed to build a new speedway to the south of the Sydney Dragway at Eastern Creek.
• In 2019, Sydney Metro notified the Sydney Speedway leaseholder about the need for the site to be acquired in 2021, to stable the new driverless train fleet.

Two Service NSW Mobile Service Centres, including a new community focused bus, have today hit the road, providing much needed help to bushfire affected communities.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the custom-fitted buses are about taking Service NSW to the people, helping them replace critical documents lost in the fires.
“The buses have been fast tracked to the South Coast to help people in this time of emergency,” Mr Dominello said.
“Our friendly staff will be able to help customers replace critical identity and business documents lost in the bushfires.”
The buses will visit affected towns on the South Coast including Lake Conjola today at the Community Centre from 10am to 3pm and St George’s Basin on Friday between 10am and 3pm at a location to be confirmed.
Staff will be ready to help customers apply for lost or destroyed documents including:

• Free replacement of birth, marriage and change of name certificates from the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. The registry will coordinate the replacement documents on a customers’ behalf, regardless of which state or territory in Australia, or New Zealand, they were born, married or changed their name;
•  Free replacement Transport for NSW products including driver licences, photo cards and boat licences;
•  Simplified proof of identity where customers no longer have all their identity documents;
•  Free replacement Fair Trading licences including those for contractors, the motor vehicle industry and the property licensing industry;
•  Free Owner Builder permits for customers who need to rebuild or repair their home due fire damage; and
•  In some instances, Revenue NSW may also refund stamp duty paid on replacement vehicles that were written off due to the fires.

There are four buses in total – one each for the northern, southern and western regions of the State, while a fourth bus launched today will be community focused and travel to areas affected by natural disasters.
The buses are cashless, with payment options including cheque, EFTPOS or credit card. The timetable will be updated on a regular basis and is subject to change. People affected by the bushfires can visit a bus, their local Service NSW Centre or call 13 77 88 on weekdays from 7am to 7pm.
Details on the bus timetables is at https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/campaign/mobile-service-centres. There is also a dedicated page on the Service NSW website with links to various information and support services.
People can also contact the Disaster Welfare Assistance line on 1800 018 444 for immediate needs such as shelter, food or water. Further information is at https://www.emergency.nsw.gov.au/Pages/for-the-community/disaster-assistance/disaster-assistance.aspx

The NSW Government is deploying teams of mental health clinicians to support people suffering from the bushfire crisis to help rebuild their lives.
Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said specialist Bushfire Recovery Clinicians will work right across NSW to support individuals, carers and families.
“We are delivering mental health support where and when it is needed most and we will be there for as long as it takes to help people recover from the devastating bushfires,” Mrs Taylor said.
“We want to ensure people in bushfire-affected communities can access appropriate and timely services to help with their mental health and wellbeing.
“I urge anyone suffering as a result of the bushfires to reach out to the clinicians on the ground for support.”
The clinicians are easily identified by their NSW Health fluorescent vests and add to the Disaster Welfare Services already being provided at Evacuation Centres throughout bushfire-affected areas.
The clinicians will help build community resilience and focus on vulnerable people.
The Disaster Welfare Assistance Line is also staffed with counselling support and can be accessed by phone on 1800 018 444.
More help can be accessed via:

• NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511
• Lifeline on 131114
• Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636
• Mensline on 1300 789 978 or
• Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800

NSW Police have confirmed 20 people have lost their lives this bushfire season,
A 77-year-old man at Coongbar on 9 October 2019;
A 68-year-old woman at Coongbar on 9 October 2019;
A 69-year-old woman at Diehard on 8 November 2019;
An 85-year-old man at Diehard on 8 November 2019;
A 63-year-old woman at Johns River on 8 November 2019;
A 58-year-old man at Willawarrin on 8 November 2019;
A 64-year-old man at South Arm on 9 November 2019;
A 32-year-old man (RFS volunteer) at Buxton on 19 December 2019;
A 35-year-old man (RFS volunteer) at Buxton on 19 December 2019;
A 59-year-old man at Royal North Shore Hospital on 29 December 2019, after sustaining injuries on 7 November 2019 at Yarrowitch;
A 28-year-old man (RFS volunteer) at Jingellic on 30 December 2019;
A 63-year-old man at Wandella on 30 December 2019;
A 29-year-old man at Wandella on 30 December 2019;
A 70-year-old man at Yatte Yattah on 31 December 2019;
Believed to be a 56-year-old man at Coolagolite on 31 December 2019 (not yet formally identified);
A 72-year-old man at Belowra on 31 December 2019;
A 75-year-old man at Yatte Yattah on 1 January 2019;
A 62-year-old man at Sussex Inlet on 1 January 2020;
A 47-year-old man at Batlow on 4 January 2020;
A 71-year-old man at Nerrigundah, found on 6 January 2020.

Thousands of NSW residents impacted by the State’s devastating bushfires will be offered free legal help with the launch of the Disaster Response Legal Service NSW.
Attorney General Mark Speakman said Legal Aid NSW will operate the service, which will be available via its helpline 1800 801 529.
“In the face of the worst bushfire crisis in our nation’s history, we have seen friends and neighbours come together to protect their communities and support those who have suffered terrible losses,” Mr Speakman said.
“I am very grateful to the private legal community for joining the recovery effort by standing together with Legal Aid NSW and community legal centres to offer pro-bono services for people facing legal issues as a result of the bushfires.”
Legal Aid NSW CEO Brendan Thomas said a partnership between his organisation, community legal centres, the Law Society of NSW and the NSW Bar Association will provide invaluable help to people impacted by the bushfires.
“Individuals, households and business people can call a single hotline for legal advice from the Disaster Response Legal Service, from which they will be referred to an appropriate lawyer – whether they’re from Legal Aid or the private legal profession,” Mr Thomas said.
Law Society President Richard Harvey said more than 200 lawyers and firms have already offered pro-bono services and encouraged others to follow suit.
“In the face of expected immense demand for legal advice in the wake of this disaster, our profession is on standby to provide support to our communities. The Law Society is honoured to be able to play a role in facilitating this,” Mr Harvey said.
“This means fire-affected owners of farms and businesses who might not be eligible for Legal Aid will be able to access free quality legal advice to help them rebuild after the disaster.”
This announcement builds on the work of Legal Aid’s disaster response service that has been operating since 2010 across NSW. This service has already provided legal assistance throughout the bushfire season for people navigating insurance claims, tenancy issues, financial hardship, social security entitlements and employment issues.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Treasurer Dominic Perrottet today announced $1 billion over the next two years to rebuild bushfire impacted communities across NSW.
The additional funding will prioritise the repair and rebuilding of vital infrastructure, such as roads, rail-lines, bridges, schools, health facilities and communications facilities, which have been damaged or destroyed by bushfires.
“This money will provide an immediate source of funding to ensure key infrastructure is restored so that communities can get back on their feet as soon as possible,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The bushfire season is far from over but we know how important it is for communities to start the recovery process where possible.
Mr Perrottet said the $1 billion fund would ensure recovery work could commence without delay and will also have a secondary benefit of stimulating local economies hit hard by bushfires.
“This money will help fast track the recovery process and will also provide an important economic boost to communities doing it tough.”
“Nobody can undo what is done, but what we can do is ensure these communities have every chance and opportunity to get back to business and start rebuilding as soon as possible,” Mr Perrottet said.
“With fires impacting communities all across the state, we know the task is enormous but the NSW Government will do whatever it takes to help repair the damage and rebuild communities.”
This announcement is on top of the NSW Government’s disaster assistance funding for this bushfire season of up to $231 million already committed.
This includes;

• $166 million to fight fires on top of the record 2019/20 RFS Budget
• $25 million to facilitate the clean-up of both insured and uninsured homes damaged or destroyed by the fires.
• $23 million for grants of up to $15,000 for primary producers and small businesses to assist with clean-up and the replacement of infrastructure
• $6 million for additional mental health services for individuals, community groups and emergency services personnel
• $11 million to fund the Economic Recovery and Community Resilience Grants Program.

Ms Berejiklian said following initial discussions with the Federal Government, it has been confirmed that the Federal Government contribution will focus on direct payments to individuals, small business and local councils.
“The NSW Government’s focus will be to rebuild and where appropriate, improve the infrastructure,” Ms Berejiklian said.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Acting Minister for Police and Emergency Services Anthony Roberts today announced the appointment of Mr Dick Adams as Recovery Coordinator for Southern NSW.
Fires have already significantly impacted many communities across Northern NSW and recovery operations have been underway there since Mr Euan Ferguson began as Recovery Coordinator for the region in early November.
More recent fires have devastated communities in Southern NSW and it is appropriate that an additional Recovery Coordinator is appointed to work with local government and communities to ensure they can get back on their feet as quickly as possible.
“The fires in Southern NSW have devastated many communities. They will have our full support in the days, weeks, months and even years ahead as they recover from these tragic events,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“While damage assessments are ongoing and hampered by active fires, it is clear that many properties have been destroyed and it is appropriate to appoint Mr Adams immediately to ensure recovery operations begin as soon as possible.”
Mr Roberts said Mr Adams’ stewardship would ensure a coordinated and consistent recovery effort.
“Mr Adams retired as a Deputy Commissioner after 35 years in the NSW Police Force. He was a former State Emergency Operations Controller and has extensive experience as a recovery coordinator having led the bushfire recovery efforts in Wyong, Lake Macquarie and Port Stephens in 2013,” Mr Roberts said.
If you have been impacted by the bushfires and require emergency support, please contact the Disaster Welfare Line on 1800 018 444.

Police are appealing for information following an armed robbery of a business in Raymond Terrace today.
About 12pm (Wednesday 1 January 2020), a man entered a grocery store on Benjamin Lee Drive and approached the counter.
The man, armed with a small axe, instructed a female attendant to open the cash register, and she complied.
The man stole cash before fleeing on foot across Benjamin Lee Drive in a south westerly direction.
Officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were called and established a crime scene.
The man is described as being of Caucasian appearance, aged between 16 and 20 years old and 170 to 175cm tall. He was last seen wearing a grey hoodie pulled over his head, black track pants, black slip on canvass shoes, yellow gloves and had his face covered. He was carrying a small black backpack.
Anyone with information about this man or this incident are urged to contact Raymond Terrace Police Station on 02 4983 7599 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.