Category: NSW News

Premier Gladys Berejiklian and NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons today announced a State Memorial for those impacted by the recent bushfires to be held on Sunday, 23 February at Qudos Bank Arena at Sydney Olympic Park.
Ms Berejiklian said the event will give members of the public from across NSW an opportunity to come together to recognise the lives lost, the sacrifices made and to think of those directly impacted by the fires.
“We will pay tribute to the brave firefighters who lost their own lives protecting the lives and properties of others,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“I know that many members of the public, the RFS, and emergency services personnel will want to come together as families and communities work their way through this unbelievable loss.
“There will be a separate opportunity for us to formally thank our volunteers and emergency services workers in the near future.
“In the first instance it is important for us to acknowledge the ultimate sacrifices made and to move forward together on the path to healing and rebuilding.”
Commissioner Fitzsimmons said the service will pay special tribute to those firefighters and emergency services personnel who lost their lives.
“NSW has, and continues to face, the most difficult and dangerous bushfire season in history,” Mr Fitzsimmons said.
“While we have seen tragedy, we have also seen the best of the community, working together to help each other when it matters most.
“This is especially true for those firefighters who have worked so hard to protect communities.”
Further details about the memorial and how to attend will be available shortly.

Bush fire affected families and businesses can now access all available assistance being offered by local councils, the State Government and Federal Government, through the NSW Government’s new Bush fire Customer Care program.
Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for Disaster Recovery John Barilaro said the one-stop shop service, administered by Service NSW, would connect affected people with a Customer Care specialist, who can check their eligibility for assistance and help them access it.
“These bush fires have devastated communities and livelihoods. People’s lives are already stressful enough, which is why we have created this new service that cuts through red tape and helps people access support as quickly as possible,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Once a specialist has identified eligible assistance across all layers of government, they will then do the heavy lifting to make it happen.
“This service will also meet another emerging need, by matching people with the many charities which have raised money from generous Australians.”
Service NSW is working in partnership with fellow state agencies, local government and the Australian Government.
The Customer Care specialists will operate like case managers and connect bush fire affected customers with services and support information including:

• Accommodation advice;
• Relevant charitable services;
• Mental health and wellbeing services;
• Support for businesses;
• Clean-up services;
• Financial assistance;
• Insurance and legal support;
• Replacing lost ID; and
• Volunteer RFS and SES payments.

​Mr Barilaro said the specialists will also assist business owners who have been hit hard.
“Businesses are often the lifeblood of a community and we are here to help owners and operators get back on their feet,” Mr Barilaro said.
To connect with a Customer Care specialist call Service NSW between 7am and 7pm on 13 77 88. The Contact Centre hours have been extended to include weekends while communities recover.
Information about the Customer Care service is also available in Service NSW Centres, NSW Recovery Centres and Mobile Service Centres in affected regions.
Further information is available at www.service.nsw.gov.au.

Parents preparing their children for the new school year will now have personalised advice at their fingertips, with the NSW Government today announcing a new online hub of quick, reliable back-to-school information.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said the ‘Back to School Hub’ holds a suite of information to make it easier for parents to get specific advice they need for their children.
“As a mother myself, I know I had a lot of questions before my daughter started kindergarten, so I wanted to make sure we had advice available on every aspect of school preparation for parents like me right across the State,” Ms Mitchell said.
“We have information ranging from practical things like stationery, uniforms and lunches, to advice about what is expected in terms of study and behaviour, and how to prepare students to be safe online.
“We know that parenting is a juggle, so we wanted to make this advice as easily accessible as possible.”
Ms Mitchell added that there is a tailored section on the Back to School Hub for the many families impacted by the recent bushfire season.
“We know that back-to-school preparations have probably been the last thing on the minds of those affected by the fires – so we have made sure to provide access to useful information to accommodate for these families after what has been a very traumatic time.”
Other advice available to parents includes a NSW Government school calendar, emergency information about what to do in bushfires or adverse weather, advice on how to get involved in the school community, healthcare and immunisation guides, reading lists and support on how to help students with their mental health.
“I am confident the Back to School Hub will help parents be fully involved in ensuring their children are thoroughly prepared and looking forward to the new school year,” Ms Mitchell said.
Visit the Back to School hub here www.education.nsw.gov.au/back-to-school

One of Australia’s greatest athletes, Jana Pittman, is one of 47 interns to join Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospitals today as part of the 2020 intake.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard visited Blacktown Hospital to welcome the recruits, who are part of a record 1027 interns that will start work in NSW public hospitals this year.
“I want to congratulate Dr Pittman and her colleagues and wish them every success as they start their medical careers at this state of the art facility,” Mr Hazzard said.
“Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospitals have had a $700 million expansion and as a result, these JMOs will benefit from world class mentors in world class surroundings.
“Dr Pittman had many wins as an athlete but swapping her running spikes for a stethoscope is a win for patients, and I thank her and the entire JMO class of 2020.”
The NSW Government is investing $107 million in the internship program this year.
Since 2011, intern positions in NSW have increased by 257 or 33 per cent. Interns rotate through metropolitan, regional or rural hospitals, as well as General Practices.
NSW guarantees intern positions to all domestic medical graduates of NSW universities, and provides internships to many graduates from interstate universities.
Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospitals’ medical services director Brett Gardiner said Western Sydney Local Health District hospitals will welcome 130 interns this year.
“Our interns will have the opportunity to undertake roles in emergency, surgery and general medicine in a new hospital where the well-being of new recruits is a priority.”
Jana Pittman is a dual Olympian, two-time world champion and four-time Commonwealth Games gold medalist. She has spent the past seven years juggling three children, work and study and is ready to hit the hospital ground running.
“I loved my athletics career, representing Australia was gold, but I hope my future in medicine will be even better,” Ms Pittman said.
“It’s one of those things where you think you’re never going to get there, but it shows that if you persist with something you love, then it just might happen.”

Netball NSW is delighted to welcome Valour Sport on board as the organisation’s Official Sportswear and Merchandise Partner for the next three years.
The partnership, which will also see Valour become the kit and merchandise suppliers to the NSW Swifts and GIANTS Netball, will commence from this season.
As well as NSW’s Suncorp Super Netball teams, Valour will be kit suppliers to the QBE Swifts Academy, the GIANTS Netball Academy and the NSW State Teams who will represent the state at the 2020 National Netball Championships in Tasmania.
Valour will also oversee production of merchandise for major Netball NSW events such as the HART Junior and Senior State Titles.
Netball NSW CEO Carolyn Campbell welcomed Valour to the Netball NSW family earlier today.
“We had strong interest when we went to market for an apparel supplier and Valour emerged as the best fit, as determined by our panel,” Campbell said.
“We have some of the best athletes in Australia, and indeed the world, in our teams and pathways at Netball NSW and it’s important they feel comfortable when competing at the highest level.
“Valour are innovative and very accommodating when it comes to meeting the needs of our athletes.
“We are delighted to have them with us and are looking forward to a very productive working relationship.”
Valour spokesman Matthew Knight said the company was equally excited about the new partnership.
“Valour is passionate about supporting and encouraging athletes of all abilities across the sporting landscape,” he said.
“Valour is proud to be entering into this partnership with Netball NSW as it provides our company with an opportunity to work with a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to empowering athletes of all ages to play netball.
“Netball NSW is a natural progression in Valour’s pursuit of supplying highly technical sportswear to professional and grassroots athletes.
“In association with Netball NSW, Valour will continue to redefine the standards of modern sportswear by offering Netball NSW athlete’s the very best in functional and technical apparel.”
ABOUT VALOUR
Since 2009 Valour have designed, manufactured and supplied high performance sportswear and sports uniforms to over 1,000,000 young athletes. Valour’s reputation in the sportswear industry for constant innovation in sportswear fabric and design is unsurpassed.
In 2012 Valour’s Company Directors established Talon Global. Talon is a 2000m2 state-of-the-art manufacturing facility created to produce Valour’s industry-leading sportswear.
Visit valoursport.com.au for more information.

In response to the devastating bushfires, the Morrison Government has today announced a comprehensive suite of measures to immediately support impacted small businesses.
This initial package responds to the needs expressed by small businesses on the ground and at the small business roundtable last week which saw chambers of commerce from fire affected regions, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia come together with the Government to discuss the impacts of this natural disaster on small business.
This comprehensive package will make it easier for those who have suffered direct fire damage, or have been indirectly economically impacted following the bushfires, to get back on their feet.
This package deals with the challenges we know small businesses in these areas are facing, and will continue to face. Our immediate priorities for small businesses include grant funding, concessional loans, tax relief, a dedicated and single contact point to help them access the support that is available, and financial counselling services that are targeted to help small and family business owners deal with the emotional and financial challenges they face.
Grant funding
To build on the disaster recovery grants put in place by state governments, the Federal Government will provide top-up grants to eligible small businesses and non-profit organisations under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
This program is uncapped and means that businesses and organisations that have sustained damage as a result of the fires can access up to $50,000 in grant funding (tax free).
Concessional loans
As well as extra support announced already for families and communities to help keep spending in local stores, the Federal Government wants to ensure small businesses have cashflow to run their operations.
The Federal Government will boost the value and concessions for small business loans, also on offer to farmers, primary producers and non-profit organisations, under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
To provide maximum flexibility for eligible businesses, loans of up to $500,000 will be offered for businesses that have suffered significant asset loss or a significant loss of revenue. The loan would be for up to 10 years and used for the purposes of restoring or replacing damaged assets and for working capital.
The loans will be available with a repayment holiday of up to two years, with no interest accruing during this period. The subsequent interest rate would be set at 50 per cent of the ten-year Commonwealth government bond rate (currently around 0.6%).
The Government will be seeking the agreement of the states to provide these loans under harmonised, consistent terms and eligibility criteria.
Dedicated, single contact point
The Government will deliver $3.5 million to establish the Small Business Bushfire Financial Support Line as well as to fund 10 additional financial counsellors with the ability to provide advice to around 100 small businesses a day.
We want to ensure small businesses have access to the information that they need, when they need it. The Support Line will be staffed by small business specialist financial counsellors who will be able to provide information on the assistance and support available to small businesses in bushfire affected regions.
The Support Line, which will be staffed by trained financial counsellors, will provide information on the assistance and support available to small businesses in bushfire affected regions.
While the specialist Support Line is being established, businesses can visit www.business.gov.au or call 13 28 46.
The Commonwealth will also provide support as required to Recovery Centres that are being established by the states in fire-impacted regions. These Centres will be a one-stop-shop for small business owners and operators to ensure they have access to immediate expert support.
Local economic development plans
The Federal Government will work with local and state governments, business groups and other community organisations to develop Local Economic Recovery Plans.
These plans will be locally developed and locally-led to ensure the focus in each community is on the infrastructure and assets they need to rebuild.
Tax relief
The Commissioner of Taxation has agreed to provide a range of assistance measures to businesses in identified bushfire-impacted postcodes to help to alleviate cash flow pressures and assist these businesses with their recovery efforts.
In particular, taxpayers in impacted postcodes will now have until 28 May 2020 to lodge and pay business activity statements and income tax returns. Impacted businesses that pay their Pay-As-You-Go Instalments quarterly are also allowed to vary these instalments to zero for the December 2019 quarter and claim a refund for any instalments made in the September 2019 quarter.
These measures will assist small businesses with much-needed cashflow support during this difficult time.

Women seeking fertility treatment can now apply for a $500 rebate under the NSW Government’s $42 million election commitment to cut costs for IVF services.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the NSW Government is also expanding publicly supported IVF services in three public hospitals, making fertility treatment much more affordable for up to 6,000 women.
“The NSW Government’s commitment of $42 million over four years will dramatically cut out-of-pocket expenses for women struggling to conceive,” Mr Hazzard said.
“Fertility treatment can be a long, expensive and emotionally difficult process so I hope that this extra support will give women more choices and ease the financial burden.”
NSW publicly supported IVF clinics will be expanded at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Westmead Hospital and the Royal Hospital for Women, increasing access to lower-cost IVF treatments.
The NSW Government will also establish Australia’s first state-wide fertility preservation service at the Royal Hospital for Women, providing cancer patients with the greatest hope of having a family in the future.
Out-of-pocket expenses at some clinics for IVF can cost $5,000 or more per cycle but will now be significantly reduced at NSW publicly supported clinics as a result of this initiative.
Women can lodge a claim for the $500 rebate for pre-IVF fertility testing taken from 1 October 2019.
NSW residents can claim the rebate regardless of where in Australia they received the fertility test via Service NSW.
IVF pre-screening tests are used to understand the cause of the fertility problem and inform whether a woman is likely to experience a positive result and go on to conceive a baby.
One in every 22 Australian babies are now born via IVF – about one in every classroom.
For more information go to www.health.nsw.gov.au/affordable-ivf.

The NSW Government will coordinate the clean-up of residential and commercial properties destroyed by bush fires this season, at no cost to residents, so they can start rebuilding and communities can begin healing.
Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for Disaster Recovery John Barilaro said work is already underway to clear insured and uninsured properties.
“The threat of bush fire is far from over this summer, but we need to help people across the State to rebuild and recover as quickly as possible,” Mr Barilaro said.
“The NSW Government will shortly appoint major contractors to do the clean-up, who will be encouraged to engage local contractors wherever possible.
“This work will include containment and removal of asbestos contaminated bush fire impacted materials, removal of all dangerous debris, including destroyed materials and hazardous trees and removal of concrete slab foundations.
“Cleaning up eligible destroyed properties will ensure that these costs are not deducted from funds available under residents’ insurance policies for rebuilding. For the uninsured, it’s one less thing to worry about.”
Clean-up arrangements coordinated by the NSW Government will include:

• The appointment of contractors in the South and the North to clean-up bush fire impacted properties.
• Costs for clean-up will be covered by the NSW Government in partnership with the Federal Government.
• Where insurance companies have commenced clean-up works for safety reasons these will continue.

NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the NSW Government will work with insurance companies to ensure that any policy holders who have already had clean-up work completed will be at no disadvantage.
“I know people are anxious to have their properties cleared as soon as possible and with more than 2,200 homes destroyed it is a mammoth task, which is why the NSW Government has hit the ground running with the clean-up effort,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Impacted owners wanting their property cleared through this program need to call Service NSW on 13 77 88 to register their details and provide consent for access to their land.”
Details regarding the appointed contractors and clearing of commercial properties will be announced shortly.
Further information is available at: www.service.nsw.gov.au

NSW BUSHFIRE RELATED UPDATES
PAYMENTS NOW AVAILABLE FOR RFS AND SES VOLUNTEERS WHO HAVE SPENT WEEKS KEEPING COMMUNITIES SAFE

• NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) and NSW State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers who have spent more than ten days fighting fires and helping with the recovery effort can apply for loss of income payments from today.
• Volunteers who have provided more than ten days service and are self-employed or employees of small or medium-sized businesses with a turnover of less than $50 million will be eligible for $200 per day up to a total of $6000 without evidence of income loss. A maximum payment of $300 per day will be provided with proof of income loss through pay slips or previous tax statements.
• Payments to NSW volunteers will be administered by Service NSW through a convenient and secure process requiring a volunteer membership number and employer’s business name. Most applicants will receive their payment within five days of the application. For more information, visit a Service NSW Centre, go online to www.service.nsw.gov.au or call 13 77 88.

LIST YOUR HOLIDAY HOME TO HELP A NEIGHBOUR

• People who own holiday homes in bushfire-affected communities are being encouraged to list them with local real estate agents for rent, to increase the supply of accommodation available for those who have lost everything.
• The NSW Government can provide financial assistance through rental bond loans and advance rent payments to help get people into suitable accommodation.
• People who are in need of housing assistance as a result of the bushfires can call the Disaster Welfare Assistance Line on 1800 018 444 or visit a local Department of Communities and Justice Housing office.

NSW GOVERNMENT COORDINATES BUSH FIRE CLEAN-UP

• The NSW Government will coordinate the clean-up of residential and commercial properties destroyed by bush fires this season, at no cost to owners, so they can start rebuilding and communities can begin healing.
• Costs for clean-up will be covered by the NSW Government in partnership with the Federal Government, irrespective of whether properties are insured or uninsured.
• This means insured property owners will be able to use every dollar of their insurance policies towards rebuilding. For the uninsured, it’s one less thing to worry about.
• Further information is available at: www.service.nsw.gov.au.

MORE ASSISTANCE FOR BUSHFIRE AFFECTED LANDHOLDERS AS STOCK LOSSES RISE

• The NSW Government is ramping up its support for bushfire affected farmers in Southern NSW as the number of livestock confirmed to have perished across the State exceeds 13,000.
• NSW Department of Primary Industries and Local Land Services staff are on the ground assisting fire-impacted landholders with livestock assessment and burial of dead animals.
• 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.

FIRE FIGHTING MISSION SAVES PREHISTORIC PINES

• A specialist team of remote area firefighters have helped to save the prehistoric Wollemi Pines from this season’s bushfires.
• The operation included large air tankers laying fire retardant and specialist firefighters being winched into the remote site from helicopters to set up an irrigation system in the gorge to increase moisture content of the ground fuels.

PREMIER APPOINTS MINISTER FOR DISASTER RECOVERY

• The Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro will be the Minister responsible for disaster recovery, leading recovery efforts following the recent bushfires across NSW.
• The unprecedented scale of the 2019/20 bushfire season requires additional arrangements to be put in place to ensure impacted communities recover and rebuild as quickly as possible.

SIGNIFICANT SCHOOL BUSHFIRE RECOVERY ON TRACK FOR DAY ONE

• The NSW Government is undertaking unprecedented recovery work to ensure the 178 schools in bushfire affected communities are repaired and cleaned for staff and students for Day 1, Term 1.
• Thanks to the efforts of department staff, emergency services, RFS and local tradies, it is expected that all schools be open for the first day of term.
• For more information, visit the NSW Department of Education website: https://education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/school-safety/.

OTHER NSW GOVERNMENT UPDATES
LOCKOUT LAWS REPEALED – GROWING SYDNEY’S NIGHT TIME ECONOMY

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

COFFS TO PILOT REGIONAL SENIORS TRAVEL CARD

• Up to 80 Coffs Harbour seniors will be the first to try out the NSW Government’s $250 Regional Seniors Travel Card from Thursday, 23 January ahead of applications opening statewide later this month.
• The Coffs Harbor pilot would inform the statewide rollout of the card, with applications set to open from Wednesday, 29 January.
• To be eligible to receive the $250 Regional Seniors Travel Card you must be an age pensioner with a valid Pensioner Concession Card or hold a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card issued by either the Department of Human Services or Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Seniors must also live in regional NSW outside Sydney, Newcastle or Wollongong City Council boundaries.

NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN FOR WOMEN IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AWARDS

• People across the State are encouraged to celebrate the contributions of inspirational women in NSW councils by making a nomination for the 2020 Ministers’ Awards for Women in Local Government.
• Nominations will close on 12 February 2020. The awards will be presented at a ceremony at Parliament House in Sydney on 24 March 2020.
• Full details of the categories and information on how to make a nomination can be found at www.olg.nsw.gov.au.

Up to 80 Coffs Harbour seniors will be the first to try out the NSW Government’s $250 Regional Seniors Travel Card from Thursday, 23 January ahead of applications opening statewide later this month.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the new card would ease the burden of travel costs for eligible seniors living in rural and regional parts of NSW.
“We are committed to improving connectivity in the bush, which is why we announced the $250 Regional Seniors Travel Card,” Mr Barilaro said.
“We are delivering on this commitment to help our seniors travel to and from essential services and make it easier and more affordable for them to remain connected with friends and family.”
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the Coffs Harbor pilot would inform the statewide rollout of the card, with applications set to open from Wednesday, 29 January.
“We are running a three week pilot in Coffs Harbour to ensure every step of the process is a smooth and hassle-free experience for both seniors and retailers in the bush,” Mr Toole said.
“This pilot will allow us to test the card and work through any issues that may arise. Following a successful trial we anticipate the Regional Seniors Travel Card will start to reach eligible seniors from mid-late February.”
Eligible seniors will have a minimum of 12 months to use their card from the time of activation.
Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh said the pilot was great news for locals.
“I’m excited that a group of Coffs Harbour seniors will have the first opportunity to test the card. After they have applied through Service NSW, they will receive their card and can use it to purchase fuel, use taxi services or to book a NSW TrainLink fare,” Mr Singh said.
To be eligible to receive the $250 Regional Seniors Travel Card you must be an age pensioner with a valid Pensioner Concession Card or hold a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card issued by either the Department of Human Services or Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Seniors must also live in regional NSW outside Sydney, Newcastle or Wollongong City Council boundaries.
For more information go to service.nsw.gov.au, call 13 77 88 or visit a Service NSW Service Centre.