A large-scale multi-agency operation is underway this morning as the repatriation of thousands of returned travellers in mandatory quarantine at hotels across Sydney begins.
The NSW Minister for Health Brad Hazzard issued the Public Health (COVID-19 Air Transportation Quarantine) Order 2020 under section 7 of the Public Health Act 2010, which directs that on and from Sunday 29 March 2020, a person arriving by aircraft into NSW from a country other than Australia must go directly to a quarantine facility.
The first 1300 passengers to arrive at Sydney International Airport under this order completed their mandatory 14-day quarantine today (Saturday 11 April 2020).
The NSW Police Force-led operation – assisted by NSW Health, the Office of the Sheriff of NSW, Australian Defence Force, and hotel staff – will assist the passengers as they depart their hotels and return home.
All travellers undergo a final health check before departing, which includes observation and assessment for respiratory symptoms and a temperature check.
As with all people in NSW, they will be still be required to adhere to the Public Health (COVID-19 Restrictions on Gathering and Movement) Amendment Order 2020.
Police have been discussing onward travel plans with those in quarantine to ensure departures from hotels are as simple as possible.
Large numbers of the travellers, who are from across NSW, are already departing hotels with assistance of family/friends, taxi/ride-share, or public transport.
Due to the current flight schedules, only some of the interstate travellers are confirmed on flights today to their home states. They will be transported by coach to the airport throughout the day.
The remaining travellers are being assisted with alternate arrangements, as required.
The operation will run each day as returned travellers continue to complete their mandatory quarantines and depart hotels across Sydney CBD.
Author: admin
Breakdown of latest Public Health Act charges and Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs)
Police have charged eight people under the Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) and issued 45 COVID-19 related Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) since the last update.
Charges:
- Just before 10pm (Thursday 9 April 2020), detectives from Fairfield City Police Area Command were travelling to conduct unrelated inquiries when they observed a man in the middle of Railway Parade, Canley Vale. The man asked officers for a lighter before being told to get off the roadway. When police asked why he was away from his home, the 23-year-old man said he was bored. He then allegedly became aggressive and abusive towards the officers, who subsequently got out of their vehicle and attempted to escort him off the road. The man allegedly thrashed around, resisting police. He was taken to Fairfield Police Station and charged with not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 – COVID-19, use offensive language in/near public place/school, resist officer in execution of duty, refuse/fail to comply with direction under Part 14. He was granted strict conditional bail to appear at Liverpool Local Court on Tuesday 30 June 2020.
- About 4pm (Thursday 9 April 2020), an officer from Traffic and Highway Patrol Command attended Lidcombe Railway Station to assist NSW Ambulance paramedics, who were treating an unconscious man. The man’s friend – a 42-year-old man – allegedly shoved the officer as he approached before a struggle ensued. The man was arrested and taken to Auburn Police Station, where he was charged with assault officer in execution of duty, resist officer in execution of duty and not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 – COVID-19. He was refused bail to appear at Parramatta Bail Court today (Friday 10 April 2020).
- Just before 10pm last night, a 33-year-old woman was driving a Holden Commodore on Main Road, Glendale, when it crashed into a traffic light at the intersection of Glendale Drive. It will be alleged the woman then took her three-year-old child out of the car and ran from the scene. Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District found the woman and child a short time later and arrested her. She allegedly failed to provide both a roadside breath-test and a subsequent breath analysis sample at Toronto Police Station. Inquiries revealed the woman’s other two-year-old child had been left unsupervised at home. Both children were placed into the care of a responsible person and a FACS notification was made. The woman was charged with:
– Negligent driving
– Not give particulars
– Refuse or fail to submit to breath test
– Refuse or fail to submit to breath analysis – 2nd offence
– Neglect child or young person in his/her care
– Not comply with noticed direction re: Section 7/8/9
She is due to appear before Toronto Local Court on Tuesday 30 June 2020.
The five other individuals charged have been highlighted in previous media releases.
PINs include:
- Yesterday morning (Thursday 9 April 2020), police were informed of a 55-year-old Elizabeth Bay man who had relocated to a holiday home at Pearl Beach, in contravention of a current ministerial direction. Police attended the home and spoke with the man, and issued him with a $1000 PIN a short time later. He has since returned to Sydney.
- Officers attached to Campbelltown City Police Area Command attended a unit on Chamberlain Street, Campbelltown about 10pm on Wednesday (8 April 2020), following reports of a brawl. On arrival, police found eight people inside the unit, seven of whom did not reside at the address. Following inquiries, police confirmed three men, aged 22, 20 and 19, had received cautions when police were called to the same unit on Thursday 2 April 2020 in response to a noise complaint. They were all issued with PINs for failing to comply with a ministerial direction. Police issued formal warnings to the other four and all were directed to return to their homes.
- Just before 10pm (Wednesday 8 April 2020), police stopped a vehicle on Robert Street, South Tamworth to conduct a roadside breath test. The driver, a 17-year-old girl and her two male passengers, aged 21 and 30, were unable to provide a reasonable excuse for not being home. Follow inquiries, police discovered that the men had already been fined for not complying with ministerial directions under the Public Health Act on Saturday 4 April 2020. They both received their second PIN for the same offence and the driver was given a caution.
- About 1.30am (Thursday 9 April 2020), officers from Lake Macquarie Police District were patrolling Rathmines when they observed a motorcycle and car parked near the boat ramp at Styles Point Reserve. Police spoke with a 40-year-old man and a 54-year-old woman who provided differing versions as to why they were at the location, and officers were unable to establish ownership of the motorcycle. The bike was seized, and the pair was issued with $1000 PINs.
- About 12pm (Thursday 9 April 2020), officers attached to Nepean Police Area Command were conducting patrols in Kingswood when they approached two men and a woman on Aspen Street. Following inquiries, searches were conducted and the men, both aged 34, were allegedly found in possession of methylamphetamine. One man was charged with possess prohibited drug and issued a Future Court Attendance Notice. The second man was arrested and taken to Penrith Police Station where he was charged with two counts of possess prohibited drug and matters related to an outstanding warrant. He will appear at Penrith Local Court on Wednesday 3 June 2020. Both men and the 21-year-old woman were also issued with PINs.
- About 1pm (Thursday 9 April 2020), officers spoke with a 34-year-old man on a train near Dapto, who was travelling without a ticket. The man told the officers he was going for a swim, but he did not have swimming gear. Checks revealed the man had previously been given two warnings for breaches of a ministerial direction, and during a subsequent search of the man, police seized a knife. He will be issued with a Court Attendance Notice for custody of a knife in a public place, a $1000 PIN, and Transport Infringement Notice for travel without valid ticket.
- Just before 1pm (Thursday 9 April 2020), officers from Traffic and Highway Patrol were patrolling at Liverpool, when they stopped to speak with three people on Moore Street. No one in the group was able to provide a reasonable excuse for being out of home, and they were given a warning under the Public Health Act. After checks revealed that one of the women – aged 30 – had been warned the night before, she was issued a $1000 PIN.
- About 2pm (Thursday 9 April 2020), officers from Mt Druitt Police Area Command attended a shopping mall at Mt Druitt, following reports a group of people had gathered to drink alcohol. Police spoke with a group of six people at the location and issued warnings under the Public Health Act. Checks revealed that two of the men – aged 20 and 27 – had previously received two PINs, a 29-year-old man had received a PIN last week, while a fourth man – aged 31 – had received prior warnings. The four men were issued with a $1000 PIN before the group was given a move-on direction.
- About 2.40pm (Thursday 9 April 2020), officers from Richmond Police District were patrolling West Ballina when they observed a vehicle parked at the end of Burns Point Ferry Road overlooking the Richmond River. Police spoke with the occupants – a 61-year-old woman and a 38-year-old man – who advised they’d travelled from Byron Bay to go shopping. Following inquiries, officers issued the pair $1000 PINs.
- About 5pm (Thursday 9 April 2020), officers from South Coast Police District were attending an unrelated job at a Narooma address, when a 41-year-old man arrived to visit the occupants of the home. After speaking with the man, officers searched him and seized a small amount of cannabis. The man was issued with a Field Court attendance Notice for possessing a prohibited drug and a PIN for failing to comply with a noticed direction.
- About 6pm (Thursday 9 April 2020), officers from South Coast Police District attended a home on Leumeah Street, Sanctuary Point, following reports an AVO had been breached. Police spoke to a 19-year-old man, who is not a resident of the home. Inquiries revealed he had not breached an AVO, but his repeated attendance at the home was a breach of the Public Health Act. He was subsequently issued with a $1000 PIN before he returned home.
- A man and woman were issued PINs after police detected their vehicle travelling over 100km/h in an 80km zone on the M1 Motorway in Kiah about 6.10pm (Thursday 9 April 2020). The driver, a 38-year-old woman, was arrested after returning a positive roadside drug test. Upon searching the passenger, a 29-year-old man, police located a pipe allegedly concealed in his underwear. Neither could provide police with a reasonable excuse to why they were almost 300km away from their residence in the Wollongong area, and as a result they were issued with PINs for failing to comply with ministerial directions. The woman was also issued a traffic infringement for exceed speed over 10kph.
- About 6.30pm (Thursday 9 April 2020), officers attached to Mid North Coast Police District were conducting random breath testing on Macleay Valley Way in South Kempsey when they stopped a white Subaru Forrester and spoke with the driver, a 31-year-old woman. Inquiries revealed she had received a PIN for not complying with a ministerial direction on Sunday 5 April 2020. The woman, from East Kempsey, was issued a second PIN for breaching the Public Health Act. She was also issued a Field Court Attendance Notice for the possession of prohibited drugs and firework after police located methylamphetamine allegedly hidden in her bra and a firework in the glove box of the vehicle. She is due to due to appear at Kempsey Local Court on Monday 13 July 2020.
- About 6.30pm (Thursday 9 April 2020), officers attached to Kuring Gai Police Area Command were conducting patrols in Gordon when they saw seven young people smoking and drinking at a park on Werona Avenue. A 15-year-old girl was identified as having received two previous warnings for breaching the Public Health Act and was issued with a $1000 fine. The rest of the group were given cautions and directed to return home.
- About 7pm (Thursday 9 April 2020), officers from Brisbane Water Police Transport Command stopped and spoke to a 30-year-old man who was sitting near Gosford Railway Station. The man could not provide a reasonable excuse for being away from his Wyong home, and inquiries revealed he had received several warnings in previous days in relation to breaching a Public Health Order. He was issued with a $1000 PIN and given a move-on direction.
- About 9.15pm (Thursday 9 April 2020), a 34-year-old woman was spoken to at Quirindi by officers from Oxley Police District, and could not provide officers with a reasonable excuse for being out. She was given a move-on direction. About 30 minutes later, the woman was seen by police again a short distance away, having ignored their direction to return home. She was issued with a $1000 PIN.
Since 17 March 2020, police have issued 28 Court Attendance Notices, and 245 PINs for breaches of the Public Health Act.
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.
Three people charged following police pursuit – Newcastle PD
Three people have been charged following after a stolen vehicle was involved in police pursuit at Newcastle last night.
About 11pm (Thursday 9 April 2020), officers from Newcastle Police District noticed a Holden Commodore traveling at speed on Minmi Road, Minmi.
The vehicle had been reported stolen from an Ashtonfield home on Tuesday 7 April 2020.
A pursuit was initiated after the Holden failed to stop; however, it was terminated due to safety concerns.
With the assistance of Polair, the vehicle was monitored and was seen to stop on Hall Crescent in Tarro. The three occupants were seen to get out and run, hiding under a nearby house.
Officers located and arrested the trio before taking them to Waratah Police Station.
The driver, a man aged 21 from Broadmeadow, was charged with police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously and take and drive conveyance.
A 19-year-old passenger, from Evans Head, was charged with being carried in a conveyance and breaching his bail.
Both men will appear in Newcastle Bail Court today (Friday 10 April 2020).
A 16-year-old male passenger, from Blackalls Park, was also charged with being carried in a conveyance and breaching his bail.
He will appear in a children’s court today (Friday 10 April 2020).
Govt must do more for Australian artists and creatives
The Treasurer is in the box seat to fix the problems with the JobKeeper program that has locked workers in the arts, entertainment and events industries out of the $130bn package, the Greens say.
The Greens moved in the Senate last night to amend the Coronavirus legislation to ensure casuals employed less than 12 months, freelancers and other businesses with work structures unique to the arts industry were covered but the Government and One Nation voted it down.
“The Morrison Government has so far failed to save the multibillion dollar arts and entertainment sector from collapse and swift action is needed now before it’s too late,” Greens Spokesperson for the Arts Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said.
“The fact remains the Treasurer does have the power under the legislation to allow workers in the arts, entertainment and events industries to access the JobKeeper program and he should act to do that now.
“The longer the Treasurer delays exercising his discretion, the more jobs are lost and the harder the recovery when this crisis is over.
“Australians across the country are relying on the work and contributions of Australia’s artists to help get us all through this very difficult period and we will when it comes to recovery. We are watching their shows, films and listening to their music. Yet the Government doesn’t seem to value this work even though it contributes $112 billion to our economy.
“Even the Minister responsible for the portfolio has only been able to find $27m to go towards the sector, and only today after weeks of suffering and when the industry has been screaming out for a tailored package in the vicinity of $1billion.
“The Greens have been backing the industry’s call for a specific and tailored package of $1bn. The Government has stepped in to support other sectors of the economy and they need to do the same here.
“Once again the Morrison Government is failing the arts, yet it could turn this around with the stroke of a pen today. I urge the Treasurer to do the right thing and ensure no worker is left behind in this crisis.”
Prime Minister’s Easter Message
Easter in Australia will be different this year, as it will be all around the world.
It’s still true that we’ll be able to gather together in our immediate family, but there won’t be the opportunity for that extended family gathering, special times I know, as well as going off to church and our religious services where we can remember the death and the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The coronavirus means this Easter will be different and we will be staying at home.
And it’s important because we cannot undo the tremendous progress we have made together in recent times.
So this Easter we are staying at home. Don’t travel. Don’t go away.
For Christians, not being able to gather does not diminish the hope that we have through this important Easter period.
This year, we will live out our faith by doing the right thing.
That means staying at home, making sure we’re checking on our neighbours and supporting our communities and families, our friends.
That’s what living our faith is all about.
So as we go into this Easter long weekend, whatever your religious views might be, I do wish you a Happy Easter, Australia.
I hope it is a time as you come together in your homes, together with your immediate family, that it will be a strong reminder about what’s most important.
Happy Easter, Australia.
Update on Coronavirus Measures
Australian governments met today as the National Cabinet to take further action to slow the spread of coronavirus to save lives, and to save livelihoods.
Leaders thanked all Australians who have acted responsibly towards their fellow Australians and have been undertaking social distancing and isolation measures.
It’s clear that social distancing measures are working, we’re slowing the spread of the virus. But there is a long way to go, we will be living with this virus for at least six months.
National Cabinet reminds Australians to stay home for the Easter break – stay home and save lives.
The Chief Medical Officer Dr Brendan Murphy provided an update on the measures underway on the latest data and medical advice in relation to coronavirus.
There are more than 6,100 confirmed cases in Australia and sadly 51 people have died.
Testing keeps Australians safe. Australia has one of the most rigorous coronavirus testing systems in the world with more than 323,000 tests completed.
National Cabinet stressed the critical importance of continuing to adhere to self-isolation, social distancing and quarantine arrangements for returned travellers. Leaders also highlighted the importance of people who are self-isolating and registering on the COVID-19 app.
National Cabinet noted that Australia was now in the suppression phase of the response, which will last for some time. Restrictions will be reviewed regularly and planning for the medium to long-term has begun.
National Cabinet agreed to meet again on Thursday 16 April 2020.
Updated quarantine arrangements for non-cruise maritime and air crew
Australia’s skilled maritime workforce plays a unique and strategically important role in Australia’s supply chains.
National Cabinet agreed that the Australian Government and all states and territories will implement a consistent and immediate exemption for non-cruise maritime crew to provide for the transiting to and from their places of work, within and across jurisdictions with agreed documentation.
National Cabinet noted that states and territories may adopt additional protocols in consultation with industry that creates protection for crews on board vessels, and will put in place appropriate penalties for companies and individuals that are found to be in breach of the requirements of the exemption which will be reviewed on 1 June 2020.
The Australian Border Force, in consultation with the Commonwealth Department of Health, will continue to manage the safe movement of maritime crew.
Air crew play a vital role in maintaining a connection between Australia and other nations.
National Cabinet agreed to implement the revised advice from the AHPPC in relation to air crew quarantine exemptions. As a result, air crew on international flights will be required to self-isolate at their place of residence (or hotel if not in their local city) between flights or for 14 days, whichever is shorter.
Domestic air crew are exempt from self-isolation requirements except when a state or territory specifically prohibits entry.
Hardship provisions for energy, water and rates
Today, the National Cabinet agreed to a nationally consistent approach to hardship support across the essential services for households and small businesses.
The Commonwealth is already taking action across the energy and telecommunications sectors to scale-up hardship support provided by those industries.
State and territory governments agreed to adopt similar principles for the essential services within their remit, including water utilities and local governments. They will work with the organisations supplying those services to apply the principles to each sector.
The principles will also ensure accessing support for essential services is as simple and easy as possible. They specify that businesses eligible for the JobKeeper payment will automatically be considered to be under ‘financial stress’ for the purposes of accessing hardship arrangements.
These principles, modelled on the Government’s recently released Statement of Expectations for the energy sector, include:
- Offering flexible payment options to all households and small businesses in financial stress – including small businesses eligible for the JobKeeper Payment;
- Not disconnecting restricting supply/services to those in financial stress;
- Deferring debt recovery proceedings and credit default listing;
- Waiving late fees and interest charges on debt; and
- Minimising planned outages for critical works, and provide as much notice as possible to assist households and businesses during any outage.
Those who can continue to pay their bills need to keep doing so – this is critical to ensuring the ongoing viability of essential services providers. But we need to ensure an appropriate safety net is in place for those experiencing financial stress.
These are extremely challenging times. It is vital that essential service providers work with governments to deliver the support the Australian people need.
Implementation of visa arrangements in the agricultural sector
The National Cabinet noted the approach to implementing measures to support the agricultural workforce needed to secure Australia food supplies:
- the Commonwealth has implemented the visa measures and is urgently working on the associated changes to the Seasonal Worker Programme and Pacific Labour Scheme to ensure appropriate labour market testing continues;
- the same conditions that apply under the Seasonal Worker Programme and Pacific Labour Scheme visa arrangements with regard to approved employers will be carried over to the new visa arrangements, including employer sponsorship to continue the link with the agricultural sector;
- industry is leading on protocols for managing the risks of coronavirus in farming workplaces, including social distancing to mitigate public health risks;
Commonwealth and state and territory Agriculture Ministers will oversee and coordinate implementation and will report back to National Cabinet on progress.
National Cabinet agreed that state and territory governments are responsible for:
- the introduction and enforcement of self-isolation requirements to avoid the spread of coronavirus;
- applying sanctions where those requirements are not met and, where appropriate, referring concerns about visa holder compliance to the Department of Home Affairs for action;
- ensuring accommodation complies with self-isolation and social distancing requirements, in conjunction with local governments and the National Farmers Federation;
- seeking to harmonise these requirements as far as practical.
National Cabinet agreed that state and territory Agriculture Ministers will support the adoption of – as consistent as possible requirements – in respect to declarations required from employers and employees to facilitate agricultural employment.
National Cabinet agreed that the Australian and state and territory governments will undertake best efforts for these arrangements to be in place by 17 April 2020, or as soon thereafter as practicable.
National Cabinet agreed that employers and employees must continue to adhere to Australian and State and Territory government health requirements in respect to the management of coronavirus.
Supporting up to $40 Billion of Lending to SME Businesses
The Morrison Government is today making the first round of offers to banks and non-bank lenders to participate in the Coronavirus SME Guarantee Scheme to support small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) get access to working capital to help them get through the impact of the coronavirus.
Under the Scheme, the Government will support up to $40 billion of lending to SMEs with turnover of less than $50 million, including sole traders and not-for-profit organisations, with the Government guaranteeing 50 per cent of new loans issued by eligible lenders until 30 September 2020.
The Government will make offers to 29 banks and 5 non-bank lenders in response to expressions of interest which will total $34 billion of potential lending to SMEs. Applications from a range of other lenders are currently being assessed for the remaining $6 billion in the Scheme.
The legislative and scheme rules have also been finalised following consultation with lenders and key stakeholders to ensure the Scheme provides the required support to SMEs during this period.
The Scheme complements other initiatives undertaken by the Government and the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) to support lending to SMEs, including:
- $15 billion to allow AOFM to invest in wholesale funding markets used by small ADIs and non-ADI lenders.
- The RBA’s $90 billion term funding facility for ADIs with a priority for SME lending.
- Cutting red tape to ensure SMEs get access to credit faster.
The Scheme will also support the JobKeeper program to help businesses get access to the necessary working capital to continue operating when their revenues have been significantly impacted by the coronavirus.
Further information about the SME Guarantee Scheme can be found on the Treasury website: www.treasury.gov.au/coronavirus/sme-guarantee-scheme. A list of participating lenders will be available on the Treasury website once the offers to lenders have been accepted.
The Government will continue to help small businesses build a bridge to the other side to ensure that Australia bounces back even stronger.
Industry Consortium to Manufacture 2000 Ventilators
A group of Australian manufacturing companies and engineering firms will work together to produce 2,000 invasive ventilators in Australia as part of the nation’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
The Federal Government has reached a $31.3 million agreement with Victorian company Grey Innovation, which is leading an industry consortium to produce the ventilators.
Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said Grey Innovation and their cohort of industry partners are stepping up to meet the challenge of this unprecedented pandemic.
“This is another great example of Australian industry and the private sector working with our Government to ensure critical supply of medical equipment during the outbreak of this virus,” Minister Andrews said.
“This deal demonstrates the power of bringing Aussie manufacturers and clinicians together and is also a reflection of the highly advanced manufacturing capability that exists in our country.
“It also shows the incredible collaborative spirit that’s been on display as we respond to this unprecedented pandemic. Companies which are normally in competition are working together for the greater good.”
This contract builds on the extensive work already done to secure more ventilators, including agreement with another local manufacturer and our private hospitals.
Grey Innovation Executive Chair Jefferson Harcourt said his company is proud to be a part of Australia’s overall strategy to ensure adequate supply of lifesaving ventilators to meet demand during the COVID-19 crisis.
“Victoria has the highest concentration of leading engineering and manufacturing companies in Australia, and as such, we are well placed to work together to build the Notus emergency invasive ventilators as quickly as possible,” Mr Harcourt said.
“We thank the Federal and Victorian Governments and the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre for their support of the vision and rapid response to get the program under way, and are overwhelmed by the willingness of our industry colleagues to respond in this critical hour of need.”
The contract with Grey Innovation builds on $500,000 support from the Victorian Government for the project’s feasibility stage.
The supply of ventilators is set to start in June, with the 2000 machines expected to be produced by the end of July.
Stay home this Easter long weekend
City of Newcastle is urging anyone tempted out by this long weekend’s forecast sunshine to heed the advice of police and health officials and stay home instead.
The NSW Government Public Health Order on Gathering and Movement, gazetted 30 March 2020, makes it illegal to congregate in groups of more than two and states people must remain in the home unless they have a reasonable excuse to be out.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the upcoming Easter long weekend was not the time to slip up on social distancing.
“Novocastrians have embraced the need for social distancing and are staying home to protect themselves and others from the spread of COVID-19,” the Lord Mayor said.
“With forecast warm and sunny weather over the Easter long weekend, we are stressing how important it is at this critical point of responding to the COVID-19 pandemic for people to continue to stay home.”
The Lord Mayor echoed the message from NSW Police that unless people were going to the supermarket or pharmacy, going to or from work if they cannot work from home, going to medical appointments, or getting some exercise in their own neighbourhood, they should be at home.
“To help contain and slow the spread of COVID-19, we all have to work together and that means staying in our homes and our neighbourhoods for the time being.
“By working together as a community, we can reduce the spread of COVID-19 to protect each other and be back enjoying ourselves with friends and family as soon as possible.”
City of Newcastle has installed signage at beaches, parks and playgrounds across the local government area advising that the spaces are closed.
Outdoor facilities like BBQs, shelters and picnic tables are also closed, while NSW Police have the power to issue on-the-spot fines to people not complying with social distancing rules.
For the latest on City of Newcastle’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/covid-19
Grants program enables community sector to give a hand up
City of Newcastle has made available grants of up to $30,000 to non-government organisations, not-for-profits, charities and for-profit service providers that directly support community health and wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Boost Our City Community Sector Grants, which opened on Wednesday, unlock immediate cashflow for eligible projects delivered by organisations already well positioned to provide practical support to those who need it most.
The grants program sits under phase one of the COVID-19 Community and Economic Development Resilience Package, through which the City has pledged $650,000 of financial and in-kind support to the community sector to respond to needs arising from COVID-19.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the grants would enable organisations to develop creative, innovative solutions to COVID-19 challenges faced by the most vulnerable and emerging at-risk groups in our community.
“The aim of our community grants program is to scale and fit the needs identified by the community sector to soften the social impact of COVID-19,” the Lord Mayor said.
“It could make all the difference, for instance, to someone with complex health needs but limited access to technology to ensure continuity of care, or to someone who has lost their job or is struggling with mental health and turns to a charity or service provider for the first time.
“The effects of this pandemic will be far-reaching and felt for some time to come.”
The City has already assisted in the first wave of impact felt by the pandemic, providing urgent Rapid Response Funding to existing service providers, such as OzHarvest, to cope with increased demand for food, welfare, supported living, community transport and more.
Applications for Boost Our City Community Sector Grants are open until 30 June, at which point Council will consider ongoing need under phase two of the package.
Grants of between $2,000 and $30,000 are available for projects that comply with Federal Government guidelines and NSW Health advice regarding COVID-19.
Application forms and information on how to apply are available via the website.
For further to support, email covidresilience@ncc.nsw.gov.au or phone 4974 2000 to speak with a City of Newcastle staff member.