Category: NSW News

The NSW Supreme Court has prohibited a public assembly planned for Sydney on Tuesday (28 July 2020) due to health and safety concerns associated with COVID-19.

The protest is now unauthorised.

Those thinking of attending – despite the Supreme Court decision and health advice – are strongly urged to reconsider their plans.

While the NSW Police Force recognises and supports the rights of individuals to exercise their right to free speech, large-scale events, such as these, are currently subject to restrictions under the Public Health Act.

As such, police will not hesitate to take the appropriate action, if required.

Police have taken legal action against several people and venues – including those involved in a Jindabyne dance party – for alleged breaches of the state’s Public Health Orders. Further action is anticipated for other alleged breaches detected in the past 24 hours.
Details of these alleged breaches are further outlined below:
– Police have issued 12 people with $1,000 Penalty Infringement Notices (PINS) following a large outdoor event in bushland near Lake Jindabyne on Friday 24 July 2020. About 11.30pm, police were called to the area, and observed a large, organised dance party attended by between 150 to 200 people. Following inquiries, officers attached to Monaro Police District handed out PINs for the offence of fail to comply with noticed direction in relation to section 7/8/9 – COVID-19 to 8 men – aged in their 20s and early 30s, and four women, aged in their 20s.
– About 3.50pm yesterday (Saturday 25 July 2020), officers attached to Wollongong Police District were conducting high-visibility inspections of licensed premises when they visited a venue on the Princes Highway in Figtree. Inside the venue, police observed a large number of patrons standing together, drinking in groups. Police will allege that the venue manager did not properly enforce the COVID-19 safety plan for the venue, and they will be issued a $5,000 PIN.
– Officers attached to the Monaro Police District attended a venue in Thredbo, just before 4.30pm yesterday and observed a number of alleged breaches to the Public Health Act. This included a breach of capacity limits for the size of the venue, including people waiting in line and not physical distancing, more than 10 persons seated per table, no COVID-Safe marshals and patrons not seated whilst socialising. Police spoke to the licensee about the issues; however, when they returned an hour later, observed further breaches occurring and people running away. The licensee was issued with two $5,000 PINS, and a travel company owner who had organised for a large number of patrons to attend the venue was issued a $5000 PIN.
– About 5.30pm yesterday, police spoke to a 63-year-old Victorian resident who drove into NSW via the Cobb Highway Bridge that adjoins Echuca, in VIC and Moama, in NSW. The man allegedly refused to provide police with identification or a permit to enter the state, stating he was a ‘sovereign citizen’. After refusing a direction to leave under the current Public Health Order, he was arrested and taken to Moama Police Station. He was charged with not comply with noticed direction re section 7/8/9 – COVID-19 and granted conditional bail. The man, from Fyansford – near Geelong – is due to appear in Moama Local Court on Wednesday 9 September 2020. He was ordered not to re-enter NSW without a valid entry permit or exemption and returned to his vehicle on the Victorian side of the border.
– A 60-year-old man will be issued with a $1,000 PIN for allegedly failing to self-isolate as per his obligations under the Public Health Act (COVID19 Border Control). About 6.50pm yesterday, officers attached to Newcastle City Police District spoke with a man at an address on Kendall Street, Charlestown, who had just returned from a pub where he had been drinking, despite being directed to self-isolate for 14 days after returning to Newcastle from Victoria on Monday 13 July 2020.
– Yesterday, officers attached to Mid North Coast Police District conducted 19 audits of hospitality venues across the Port Macquarie Hastings Local Government area and issued three separate PINS to venues allegedly caught breaching the current Public Health Orders. At 8.45pm, the licensee of a venue on Rollands Plains Road, Telegraph Point, will be issued a $1,000 PIN after patrons were seen standing and consuming alcohol and not physical distancing, and because there was no COVID Safety Plan or COVID safety marshal present. Two food restaurants, one on Clarence Street and one on William Street in Port Macquarie will each be issued a $1,000 PIN after they were also caught allegedly not complying with a noticed direction.
– Officers from Lake Illawarra Police District also conducted an operation to inspect hospitality venues yesterday, with PINS to be issued to four of the seven venues visited. These include restaurants and hotels in Gerringong and Shellharbour who were allegedly breaching the current Public Health Orders. The alleged breaches included being overcrowded, not enforcing physical distancing, not having COVID safety marshals present, and breaching COVID Safety plans. Licensing police also assisted in the early closure of a licensed premise at Dapto in order to avoid breaches. Two arrests were made in the process for offensive conduct and failing to comply with a reasonable direction.
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.

A woman has been charged, another issued a $1000 Penalty Infringement Notice, and further legal action is expected, after several breaches of Public Health Orders were detected by police across the state in the past 24 hours.
Details of these alleged breaches are further outlined below:
– About 11pm last night (Friday 24 July 2020), police from Monaro Police District were called to Lake Jindabyne, following reports of a loud party. Officers attended an area of bushland about 2km from the township, where they saw a large bonfire, lighting, and amplified music set up, with approximately 150-200 people gathered for a dance party. Upon seeing police, the majority of attendees ran into bushland. Details were taken from those left behind and the party was shut down, with further action likely under the Public Health Orders. Inquiries continue.
– A woman will appear in court today charged after failing to self-isolate as per her obligations under the Public Health Act (COVID19 Border Control), after being stopped by police at a western Sydney train station. Just after 4pm yesterday, officers from the Police Transport Command stopped and spoke to a 22-year-old woman at Mount Druitt Railway Station. Checks revealed, the woman was stopped at a border checkpoint at Barooga about 4am on Wednesday (22 July 2020) and refused entry, as she did not have a valid permit to enter the state. Later that day, she applied for and was granted a permit listing a Dubbo address. As per requirements under current Public Health Orders, the woman was required to self-isolate at the address for a period of 14 days, ending Wednesday 5 August 2020. The woman allegedly informed officers she had caught a train from Dubbo to Penrith on Thursday (23 July 2020), and visited a nearby shopping mall prior to being stopped at Mount Druitt. The woman was arrested for failing to comply with self-isolating restrictions and taken to Mount Druitt Police Station. She was charged with not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 – COVID-19 and has been refused bail to appear at Parramatta Bail Court today (Saturday 25 July 2020).
– Just before 9pm yesterday, police attended a home in Chisholm Road, Auburn, after receiving several noise complaints. Upon arrival, police saw approximately 75-100 people gathered out the front of a party – many of whom left when they saw the officers. A 39-year-old man was spoken to who allegedly told officers he was hosting a pre-wedding function. The party ceased, with penalties under the Public Health Orders anticipated.
– About 10.30pm, officers from Blacktown Police Area Command received information a large gathering was underway at a home in Earle Street, Doonside. Police attended and saw marquee tents set up in the front yard of a home, with approximately 50 people present for a wake. Officers spoke with a 44-year-old woman and have subsequently issued her with a $1000 Penalty Infringement Notice for Fail to Comply Requirement Public Health Order – COVID-19.
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.

Seven cutting-edge NSW research projects have been awarded almost $15 million in NSW Government grants to improve the health of people with spinal cord injuries (SCI).
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet and Minister for Health and Medical Research Brad Hazzard today announced the grants at the opening of the Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA) Spinal Cord Injury Research Centre at Randwick where three of the projects will be carried out.
“The investment of close to $15 million over four years was a centrepiece of our last Budget and it’s exciting to see the range of research projects now underway,” Mr Perrottet said.
“This is about improving the health and wellbeing of people with spinal cord injuries, and these projects could help people not just in NSW but right around the world.”
Minister Hazzard said every one of the innovative projects holds tremendous promise to improve treatment for people living with spinal cord injuries, giving back muscle function, sense of touch and other abilities that most of us take for granted.
“A spinal injury brings very substantial life challenges, but advances in research now mean survivors can have a better quality of life – and even the hope of a cure,” Mr Hazzard said.
“These projects have great scope, from investigating ways to restore touch sensation through immersive virtual reality through to using electrical stimulation to improve breathing for people affected by the most severe form of paralysis.”
The following grant recipients will conduct their research at the new NeuRA centre:

• Associate Professor Sylvia Gustin, The University of NSW, Neuroscience Research Australia – received $2.5 million for her research project on using virtual reality training to restore touch sensation;
• Professor Jane Butler – Neuroscience Research Australia, The University of NSW, received $1.5 million to develop a treatment to restore voluntary function after spinal cord injury; and
• Dr Euan McCaughey, Neuroscience Research Australia, The University of NSW, received $2.4 million for his research into using muscle stimulation to improve respiratory function for people with tetraplegia.

The projects have been awarded through the NSW Government’s Spinal Cord Injury Research Grants program, launched in November 2019, with guidance from an advisory committee of spinal cord injury experts.
NeuRA CEO, Professor Peter Schofield, said the range and scope of the funded research projects held exciting promise for health related outcomes.
“Neuroscience Research Australia is at the forefront of spinal cord injury research in Australia. Our new Spinal Cord Injury Research Centre and these research projects will dramatically improve Australia’s understanding of how to best treat people with these life-long injuries,” Professor Schofield said.
“NeuRA thanks the NSW Government for funding the Spinal Cord Injury Research Grants Program, and SpinalCure Australia for its tireless efforts in campaigning for more research funding to improve the quality of life for people with a spinal cord injury.”
Information on grant recipients and their research projects is available here.

4 million in funding will improve the facilities of Surf Life Saving Clubs across NSW with clubs in bushfire and drought affected areas prioritised for assistance.
26 clubs have secured funds for upgrades, restoration or construction as part of the NSW Government’s Surf Club Facility Program.
Acting Minister for Sport Geoff Lee said NSW is so grateful to our amazing volunteers and their clubs which supported the community during the recent bushfires.
“Surf club volunteers provided refuge to thousands of people who were evacuated from the fires and those images of courage and selflessness epitomised the Australian spirit,” Mr Lee said.
“These men and women always put their bodies on the line to save us from danger and this funding is essential to keep their facilities updated for future generations.”
Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh joined Minister Lee at Coffs Harbour Surf Life Saving Club which received over $30,000 to upgrade its security system and replace clubhouse roller doors. Sawtell SLSC received over $58,000 to construct a waste management compound.
“North Coast Surf Life Saving clubs play a vital role patrolling our beaches and keeping us safe in and out of the water,” Mr Singh said.
“The drought and bushfires have had a devastating effect on North Coast communities but our local volunteers never wavered in their commitment to ensuring our safety.”
CEO of Surf Life Saving NSW Steven Pearce said the latest funding would ensure facilities remained rescue ready, safe, accessible and secure.
“Surf Life Saving Clubs are often the hub of communities and our volunteer lifesavers need fit-for-purpose facilities so they can focus on saving lives,” Mr Pearce said.
“These grants allow significant upgrades to facilities at 26 surf clubs to improve amenities for members who perform these lifesaving roles.”
For a full list of funding recipients visit: https://sport.nsw.gov.au/clubs/grants/SCFP

Two further people have been issued Penalty Infringement Notices for failing to self-isolate as per their obligations under the Public Health Act (COVID-19 Border Control).
In the first instance, a 39-year-old woman was granted a permit from Service NSW to travel from Victoria to NSW last Monday (13 July 2020). The woman arrived at Sydney Airport on Monday (20 July 2020) and was made aware of the directions in relation to self-isolation, meaning she was to remain at her residential address until Tuesday 4 August 2020.
Police conducted a compliance check at the woman’s Redfern address on Tuesday evening (21 July 2020) and found the woman was not at home. She returned home while police were at her address and was warned in relation to the breach.
About 2.30am the following morning (Wednesday 22 July 2020), officers were patrolling the Redfern area when they stopped a vehicle in order to breath-test the driver. When officers approached the car, they immediately recognised the woman as being the person they had warned only hours before.
She was returned home and issued with a $1000 Penalty Infringement Notice for failing to comply with a requirement of the Public Health Order.
In the second incident, officers from Riverina Police District attended a holiday apartment on Parkes Street, Temora, about 5pm yesterday (Thursday 23 July 2020), after receiving information in relation to breaches of self-isolation directions.
Police spoke with two Victorian men, who arrived under a permit in NSW on Tuesday 14 July 2020, and planned to move to Queensland, so were staying at the location in NSW for their self-isolation period.
It was established one of the men had gone to a local gym for a workout and attended a chemist earlier that day.
Following inquiries, officers issued the 37-year-old man with a $1000 Penalty Infringement Notice for failing to comply with noticed direction in relation to section 7/8/9 – COVID-19.
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.

4 million in funding will improve the facilities of Surf Life Saving Clubs across NSW with clubs in bushfire and drought affected areas prioritised for assistance.
26 clubs have secured funds for upgrades, restoration or construction as part of the NSW Government’s Surf Club Facility Program.
Acting Minister for Sport Geoff Lee said NSW is so grateful to our amazing volunteers and their clubs which supported the community during the recent bushfires.
“Surf club volunteers provided refuge to thousands of people who were evacuated from the fires and those images of courage and selflessness epitomised the Australian spirit,” Mr Lee said.
“These men and women always put their bodies on the line to save us from danger and this funding is essential to keep their facilities updated for future generations.”
Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh joined Minister Lee at Coffs Harbour Surf Life Saving Club which received over $30,000 to upgrade its security system and replace clubhouse roller doors. Sawtell SLSC received over $58,000 to construct a waste management compound.
“North Coast Surf Life Saving clubs play a vital role patrolling our beaches and keeping us safe in and out of the water,” Mr Singh said.
“The drought and bushfires have had a devastating effect on North Coast communities but our local volunteers never wavered in their commitment to ensuring our safety.”
CEO of Surf Life Saving NSW Steven Pearce said the latest funding would ensure facilities remained rescue ready, safe, accessible and secure.
“Surf Life Saving Clubs are often the hub of communities and our volunteer lifesavers need fit-for-purpose facilities so they can focus on saving lives,” Mr Pearce said.
“These grants allow significant upgrades to facilities at 26 surf clubs to improve amenities for members who perform these lifesaving roles.”
For a full list of funding recipients visit: https://sport.nsw.gov.au/clubs/grants/SCFP

The NSW Police Force is reminding the community that new border restrictions are in place and only valid permit holders will be allowed to enter NSW from Victoria.
The amendment to the Public Health (COVID-19 Border Control) Order 2020, under section 7 of the Public Health Act 2010, directs that as at 12.01am today (Wednesday 22 July 2020), entry into NSW from Victoria is not permitted unless strict exemption criteria can be met.
All permits approved under the previous order have expired and anyone eligible to travel into NSW must apply for a new permit on the Service NSW website.
A high-visibility operation remains in place, with police from across NSW working alongside Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel to facilitate safe and lawful crossings along the border.
Operation Border Closure Commander, Assistant Commissioner Scott Whyte, urged the community to avoid travelling during the morning and afternoon peaks.
“Since the commencement of this operation, we have been working with the community and industry to minimise delays at checkpoints, and our best advice is not to travel unless it’s essential,” Assistant Commisisoner Whyte said.
“For those who must travel, they can help reduce overall delays by avoiding peak times, particularly at the major checkpoints.”
The major checkpoints are located at Albury/Wodonga, Moama/Echuca and Buronga/Mildura.
Assistant Commissioner Whyte added that being prepared to produce documentation and identification will also assist in reducing individual interaction times at checkpoints.
“As both police and the community adjust to the new permits, there will be delays in reviewing and clarifying details at checkpoints,” Assistant Commisisoner Whyte said.
“By having the paperwork ready to go, we can all save valuable time, which will add up if we can save a minute when facilitating each of the hundreds of crossings each hour.
“Finally, if you don’t have a permit, don’t come to the border. You will be turned around and if you don’t comply, we will take action.”
More information about the restrictions is available at: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/what-you-can-and-cant-do-under-rules/border-restrictions.
The Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) provides police with the power to enforce Public Helath Orders. It is an offence for a person to fail to comply with an order, and severe penalties apply, which include a maximum penalty of up to $11,000 and/or six months imprisonment for individuals.
The standard penalty will be a $1000 fine by way of a Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN).
It is an offence to provide false information when applying for exemptions, with a maximum penalty of up to $22,000 and/or two years imprisonment for individuals.
Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any ministerial direction or behaviour which may impact on the health and safety of the community.
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 or 1800 333 000. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

The safety of NSW’s youngest road users will be strengthened with the NSW Government set to appoint 88 new school crossing supervisors at 80 schools across the state.
Minister for Roads Andrew Constance and Minister for Regional Roads Paul Toole said it was part of the Government’s fast-tracked $18.5 million plan to appoint 300 new school crossing supervisors within three years.
“We have seen an increase in traffic around schools in the past few months as many parents choose to drive their children to and from school,” Mr Constance said.
“The safety of students remains a key priority with many returning to the classroom today.
“Over the coming months these new school crossing supervisors will join more than 1200 others across the state helping to keep primary school students safe,” Mr Constance said.
Mr Constance said the new crossing supervisors will work at schools from Greenacre to Gunnedah including at several new locations.
“The NSW Government is committed to keeping our kids safe whether it’s in the city or the bush,” Mr Toole said.
“The next round of supervisor recruitment will open soon and I strongly encourage dedicated people interested in serving their community to keep an eye out for the job ads.”
Mr Toole said school crossing supervisors are part of a suite of measures designed to ensure road safety around schools including reduced speed limits in school zones, high visibility safety treatments like signs, ‘dragon teeth’ road markings and flashing lights.
“As kids return to school, motorists need to remember to watch their speed and slow down when entering an active school zone, or when you see bus lights flash. This means children are nearby – and those who don’t obey the rules are putting lives at risk.”
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said road safety at our schools is a joint effort for all road users.
“Motorists always need to be aware when driving near schools particularly during pick up and drop off,” Minister Mitchell said.
“Extra crossing supervisors are an important addition at school crossings helping keep some of our youngest learners safe on their way to and from school.”
Road users can download the Speed Adviser app which alerts drivers when they enter an active school zone.

Upgrades to the Blue Mountains Line in preparation for the arrival of the New Intercity Fleet are now complete.
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said the upgrades were another step towards welcoming the first new train since the last of the V-Sets was introduced 30 years ago.
“The Blue Mountains Line between Springwood and Lithgow has now been upgraded to a more consistent standard to match the rest of the electrified network, meaning the new trains can now run all the way to Lithgow,” Mr Constance said.
“Work included upgrades along the rail corridor from west of Springwood Station to Lithgow Station, including minor modifications to the Ten Tunnels Deviation, between Newnes Junction Station and Zig Zag Station.
“These upgrades will pave the way for the new fleet to provide better connections to places and opportunities for employment, education, business and enjoyment.”
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the new trains were expected to start testing as far as Katoomba over the next few months, and all the way to Lithgow soon after.
“Customers can expect more spacious seating, mobile device charging ports, modern heating and air conditioning and dedicated spaces for wheelchairs, luggage, prams and bicycles,” Mr Toole said.
“NSW TrainLink Customer Service Guards will also be walking through the train to provide customer service and assistance with boarding and alighting.”
The new fleet will be introduced progressively starting with the Central Coast and Newcastle Line later this year, followed by the Blue Mountains Line and the South Coast Line. The project, including the construction of the new maintenance facility at Kangy Angy, has helped to create about 1600 local jobs.