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Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott and NSW RFS Commissioner Rog Rogers today honoured four brave individual members and five units as part of the annual St Florian’s Day awards for exceptional service and bravery.
Usually held on the fourth of May each year, the award ceremony coincides with the Feast Day of St Florian, Patron Saint of Firefighters and International Firefighters’ Day.
Mr Elliott said that while members could not gather together to acknowledge the worthy recipients in person due to current COVID-19 restrictions, a formal ceremony would be held at a later date.
“The threat of COVID-19 may keep us from gathering together but today is still a day to acknowledge the indefatigable hard work and professionalism of our 75,000 RFS volunteers,” Mr Elliott said.
“First responders, including our volunteer firefighters, are the bedrock of the community. The men and women of the RFS put their lives on the line without asking for praise or accolades, but after the year they’ve had, I can’t think of anyone more deserving.”
Mr Rogers paid special tribute to Captain William (Jock) Ross and Senior Deputy Captain Alison Wade, who were awarded a Commissioner’s Commendation for Bravery.
Captain Ross and Senior Deputy Captain Wade responded to a house fire in the small township of Spencer on the Central Coast in early April last year. With the resident still inside the home and back up still responding, the firefighters forced their way into the building.
Crouching below the thick smoke, Captain Ross and Senior Deputy Captain Wade were able to locate the resident and his dog and lead them both outside to safety.
The Goodooga Rural Fire Brigade, who were called to a tragic motor vehicle accident last year where they worked with a local nurse to provide first aid to an impaled driver who died at the scene, have also been recognised with a Commissioner’s Certificate of Commendation.
“The past twelve months have been an incredibly difficult and testing time for many of our members, working through drought, the fire season, and now the COVID-19 outbreak,” Mr Rogers said.
“It’s important that we stop to recognise the extraordinary efforts and sacrifices our volunteers make each and every day to serve their communities.”
NSW RFS Internal Bravery and Service Awards 2020:
Commissioner’s Commendation for Bravery (Individual):

• Captain William Ross, Spencer Brigade, Central Coast, Area Hunter
• Senior Deputy Captain Alison Wade, Spencer Brigade, Central Coast, Area Hunter

Commissioner’s Commendation of Service (Individual):

• Captain Gregory Speed OAM, Orchard Hills, Cumberland Zone, Area Greater Sydney
• Retired Group Captain Warwick Teasdale, Killcare/Wagstaff, Central Coast, Area Hunter

Commissioner’s Certificate of Commendation (Unit):

• Captain William Pokarier, Deputy Captain Thomas Stanton and Firefighter Stephen Forrester, Goodooga, Far West Team, Area Western
• Crescent Head Brigade, Lower North Coast Zone, Area North Eastern
• Far North Coast Senior Management Team, Area North Eastern
• Southern Tablelands Zone Strike Team Echo 1, Area South Eastern
• South West Slopes Zone Senior Management Team, Area Western

The NSW Government has purchased almost $1 billion of personal protective equipment (PPE) to help contain the spread of COVID-19 and protect frontline emergency workers, medical staff and the public.
The stockpile – containing hundreds of millions of pieces of protective equipment – is being held in a number of secure facilities in secret locations around Sydney, ready for use.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the collection of face masks, face shields, gloves and surgical gowns was a sign of the Government’s commitment to ensuring NSW was fully prepared.
“While NSW has successfully flattened the curve for now, we know the battle against this global pandemic is still a reality and we’re not taking any chances,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“That’s why we’ve spent almost $1 billion on PPE to ensure our frontline workers have the key safety equipment they need to fight this virus, and keep NSW residents safe.”
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the Government had adopted a strategic approach to managing PPE supplies since worldwide shortages emerged at the start of the COVID-19 crisis.
“We’re confident we have now secured adequate stocks of PPE to meet our medium-term needs,” Mr Ayres said.
“That’s thanks in part to the efforts of NSW companies registered to produce or supply PPE through the Government’s Emergency Supplies portal, established last month,” Mr Ayres said.
“The procurement team including NSW Police, NSW Treasury and NSW Health with support from Rod McGeoch has done an excellent job to ensure NSW has what it needs for the fight against COVID-19.
“We’ve identified hundreds of new suppliers of these critical products through the portal and it has shone a light on the tremendous capacity of NSW companies.
“In addition, we’re also helping businesses connect with PPE suppliers through our new portal specifically for industry and the community, launched last week.”
Local governments and industry can access this by visiting buy.nsw.gov.au.

More than 3,000 new homes, a new primary school and town plaza in Sydney’s North West have been given the green light today, with the NSW Government approving the concept plans for Ivanhoe Estate.
Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes said the approval paved the way for construction to begin on the project, which will transform an 8.2-hectare site on the corner of Herring Road and Epping Road.
“Ivanhoe Estate is one of the first projects to have its assessment fast-tracked through the Planning System Acceleration Program, which is creating jobs and driving investment right across NSW,” Mr Stokes said.
“By supercharging the planning system and getting Ivanhoe Estate out the door, we are injecting $303 million into the State’s economy and providing 572 jobs.
“This approval paves the way for construction to begin on the first two residential buildings, which will deliver 740 new homes, with about one-third for social housing.”
Once complete, Ivanhoe Estate in Macquarie Park will include:

• 3,300 new homes, including 950 for social housing, 128 affordable housing, and 273 seniors living homes;
• 2.8 hectares of open space including new parks, a skatepark and a playground;
• A new primary school for 400 children and two childcare centres;
• A town plaza, new shops, cafes and restaurants; and
• A new road connecting Herring Road with Lyonpark Road, including a new bridge over Shrimptons Creek.

Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said Ivanhoe Estate will be the first major project to be delivered through the NSW Government’s $22 billion Communities Plus Program.
“The program will deliver up to 23,500 new and replacement social and affordable homes and up to 40,000 private homes over the next 10 years across NSW,” Mrs Pavey said.
“Now more than ever it is important to put a roof over the heads of the most vulnerable members of our communities – to create vibrant communities, not just buildings.”
Construction of Ivanhoe Estate will begin in October.

The NSW property market will roll out the welcome mat from next weekend with agents and vendors able to hold traditional property inspections and on-site auctions after a six-week limited shutdown due to COVID-19.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet and Minister for Health Brad Hazzard said the relaxing of restrictions was a sign of the ongoing success in limiting the spread of COVID-19, but warned there was no place for complacency, with community safety and social distancing to remain an ongoing priority.
“Choosing a home is one of the biggest decisions anybody makes, and easing the restrictions to ensure people can more easily inspect, buy or rent a property is an important step for NSW,” Mr Perrottet said.
“The real estate industry has been adaptable in transitioning to online auctions, property inspections by appointment or online, and now as we make the move back to a more normal mode of operation we must ensure safety measures such as social distancing remain a key part of the process.”
Minister Hazzard said these measures were vital to ensure the safety of customers, property owners and real estate staff as a more traditional face-to-face way of inspections and auctions re-commenced.
“The community has done an outstanding job in limiting the spread of COVID-19 and we need to make sure we continue to exercise vigilance and care,” Mr Hazzard said.
“Real estate agents should limit the number of people viewing a property and attending an auction, follow stringent cleaning and safety guidelines, ensure clients do not touch surfaces and always have hand sanitiser available.”
Mr Perrottet urged a common-sense approach across the industry.
“If we want to keep as many people in jobs as possible and businesses in business it is important to follow the safety advice and not put others at risk,” Mr Perrottet said.
“If people are not genuinely in the market for a new home, now is not the time to be having a look through their neighbour’s house.”
Key health guidelines include:

• Ensure physical distancing of greater than 1.5m is maintained;
• Promote good hygiene on premises and at auctions including hand sanitiser;
• Use digital platforms where possible to discourage physical contact;
• Keep detailed contact records of people attending open homes and auctions;
• Ensure people with any symptoms of illness do not attend a property;
• Manage the number of people entering small spaces;
• Consider extended times for open house viewings and inspections;
• Use outdoor venues for auctions wherever possible;
• If auctions are held indoors, use large venues where physical distancing between household groups of one person per four square metres is possible.

Two men have been charged after an affray in Surry Hills overnight – with one man allegedly resisting arrest and spitting on an officer.
About 9.30pm (Sunday 3 May 2020), police saw two men involved in a physical altercation on Flinders Street, near Short Street.
As the officers approached the two men, OC spray was deployed, and one man, aged 30, was arrested and taken to Surry Hills Police Station.
The second man fled and was pursued by other police and he allegedly resisted officers as they attempted to restrain him, causing one officer fell to the ground.
The 27-year-old was arrested and escorted to the police vehicle where he allegedly spat on a constable.
He was taken to Surry Hills Police Station where he allegedly spat on the constable a second time.
The older man, from Ultimo, was charged with affray and not comply with noticed direction re S7/8/9 – COVID-19.
The younger man, from Kingsgrove, was charged with affray, resist officer in execution of duty, two counts of assault officer in execution of duty, and not comply with noticed direction re S7/8/9 – COVID-19.
Both men were refused bail to appear at Central Local Court today (Monday 4 May 2020).

A teenager will appear in court today charged with assault after allegedly spitting on a train guard in Canley Vale yesterday.
Around 6.45pm (Sunday 3 May 2020), a Sydney Trains guard was working on a south bound train when it stopped at Canley Vale Railway Station.
As the train was due to depart, a young male standing on the platform is alleged to have spat into the face of the 49-year-old train guard before running from the scene, over the train tracks and in the direction of Canley Vale Road.
Officers attached to Fairfield City Police Area Command attended and commenced an investigation into the incident.
Shortly after, police stopped and spoke to a teenage boy on Canley Vale road, near the intersection of Sackville Street.
The 16-year-old boy was arrested and taken to Fairfield Police Station where he was charged with common assault.
He was refused bail and is due to appear in a children’s court today (Monday 4 May 2020).

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

• About 9.30pm yesterday (Sunday 3 May 2020), police observed two men in a physical fight on Flinders Street, near Short Street, Darlinghurst. Members of the public attempted to intervene and as officers from Surry Hills Police Area Command approached the men, OC spray was deployed. A 30-year-old man was arrested and taken to Surry Hills Police Station. The second man allegedly ran from the scene and was pursued by police on foot. A short time later, the 27-year-old man was arrested and as he was being placed in the caged truck, it’s alleged he spat on a male constable. He was taken to Surry Hills Police Station where he allegedly spat on the constable again. The Kingsgrove man was charged with affray, resist officer in execution of duty, two counts of assault officer in execution of duty, and not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 – COVID-19. The 30-year-old Ultimo man was charged with affray and not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 – COVID-19. Both men were refused bail to appear at Central Local Court today (Monday 4 May 2020).

• About 4.30am yesterday, police were called to a home on George Street, Liverpool, following reports three people had arrived uninvited and were threatening a resident. A short time later, officers from Liverpool City Police Area Command stopped and spoke with two women – both aged 48 – and a 44-year-old man near the home. The trio, who were known to the occupant, were arrested and taken to Liverpool Police Station. They were each charged with stalk/intimidate, malicious damage, and fail to comply requirement public health order – COVID-19. They were granted conditional bail to appear at Liverpool Local Court on Tuesday 30 June 2020.

Yesterday’s PINs included:

• Just before 1am yesterday, officers attached to Sydney City Police Area Command stopped a Mitsubishi Lancer on George Street, Haymarket. Police will allege the driver, a 42-year-old Warwick Farm man, could not provide a reasonable excuse for being away from home. Checks revealed he had given a previous warning about breaching Ministerial Directions and was issued a $1000 PIN.

• About 10.15am yesterday, officers from Sutherland Shire Police Area Command spoke to two men – aged 35 and 45 – at a public toilet in Kirrawee. The pair allegedly told police they were at the location taking illicit drugs and were each issued a $1000 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.