Students with disability are benefitting from more than $89 million invested by the NSW Government in three new schools for specific purposes in Sydney’s South West.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell and Member for Camden Peter Sidgreaves today visited the new Yandelora School and toured the construction site of Passfield Park School.
Yandelora School is a $21.8 million dollar purpose built school providing specialised educational setting for students with moderate to severe disabilities.
Ms Mitchell said the three schools are catering to a growing community and their specific needs.
“The facilities at these schools are specialised and world-class. They will change lives,” Ms Mitchell said.
“I have seen firsthand the difference a purpose built SSP can make. It helps teachers deliver quality education and helps students gain independence both at school and for their future endeavours.
“The NSW Government is investing in facilities like we see at Yandelora School to ensure every child in NSW has the opportunity to flourish at school, no matter their circumstances.”
Member for Camden Peter Sidgreaves was pleased to visit the local schools.
“I am proud that the NSW Government has delivered this school for our community, and it’s great to have the Minister officially open it,” Mr Sidgeaves said.
Ms Mitchell and Mr Sidgreaves also visited the construction site of the new Passfield Park School.
The mutli-million dollar investment will deliver 16 new permanent learning spaces within four hubs, a library, play areas, sensory gardens, landscaping and an indoor sports facility including a hydrotherapy pool.
The relocation of Mainsbridge School to purpose built facilities was also completed, with doors opening to students on Day 1 Term 2 this year.
“These three new schools are part of the NSW Government’s historic school building program,” Ms Mitchell said.
The NSW Government is investing $7 billion in four years to deliver more than 200 new and upgraded schools to support communities across NSW. This is the largest investment in public education infrastructure in the history of NSW
Month: May 2021
Vivid Sydney 2021 Program to Transform Harbour City
Vivid Sydney 2021 will invigorate the Harbour City this August, with an innovative floating light walk, widespread celebration of Aboriginal culture and themes of resilience and diversity throughout.
Sydneysiders and visitors are invited to join the celebration of creativity, innovation and technology as one COVID-safe community from 6 to 28 August.
The 2021 program features more than 50 dazzling light installations and 3D projection artworks, over 50 eclectic music events and 90+ thought-provoking ideas talks and workshops across Barangaroo, Sydney CBD, Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, Luna Park and The Rocks.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said there was a special kind of enthusiasm surrounding this year’s Vivid Sydney 2021 festival.
“Vivid is a terrific way to show how resilient Sydney has been after the challenges faced by the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a festival like no other and will deliver a wonderful celebration of our city this August,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The full program is packed with creative and exciting displays using state of the art technology. I’m certain this year’s Vivid will be the best ever.”
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said Vivid Sydney 2021 was an open invitation for locals, visitors and businesses to uncover the magic of the Harbour City once again.
“Now more than ever, Vivid Sydney will be a beacon of creative endeavour and vibrancy for our city, a global celebration and an event pioneered by the NSW Government that delivers significant social and economic benefit for NSW.
“In its 12th edition, the Vivid Light Walk will centre around Circular Quay, Barangaroo and Darling Harbour – including our first-ever floating Light Walk in Cockle Bay – giving visitors three spectacular locations to explore over several nights in a COVID-safe way.
“The installations and projections have been produced by 129 light artists from 19 countries and many will offer an immersive and interactive experience through voice and motion controls.
“We are putting community safety first, working with NSW Health to ensure everyone is safe so we can all enjoy our Vivid Sydney experience and encourage our visitors to do the same by following the health advice,” Mr Ayres said.
The highly anticipated Lighting of the Sails of the Sydney Opera House is a digital rendition of an iconic Aboriginal painting, Yarrkalpa – Hunting Ground, created by the Martu Artists of the Pilbara region, transformed by Sydney’s Curiious Studio.
Vivid Music events will take over some of Sydney’s most-loved venues including rock band King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard headlining the Carriageworks program, singer-songwriter Mia Rodriguez performing at Luna Park and R&B sensation Ngaiire taking over Parliament House.
Vivid LIVE at Sydney Opera House features more acts and dates than ever before including Australian exclusives from Sampa the Great and performances by Golden Features & Hermitude.
Meanwhile, Vivid Ideas will celebrate the mavericks and misfits of the world, sparking conversation and debate across the program of events including the highly anticipated Game Changers at Sydney Town Hall featuring acclaimed actor and model Jameela Jamil streaming from the US to explore body positivity and the language of inclusivity; actor and comedian Magda Szubanski exploring resilience and the role of nature and the arts in healing; Australian hip hop pioneer Briggs; and comedian, rock musician and You Tube star Nat’s What I Reckon talking about music, mental health and self-expression.
The Vivid Sydney Local Business Program opens today for applications, providing CBD businesses with free assets to dress city shopfronts with the Vivid Sydney spirit. Local retailers and businesses are also invited to promote exclusive experiences and offers during the festival. Applications close on 21 June.
“Vivid Sydney is an event that fills the city with energy and excitement, and in 2021, that connection and celebration is all the more important for us all, from visitors to businesses, locals to fans following from afar,” Mr Ayres said.
“We are calling on people to come to Sydney, stay a night or more, explore the program of Vivid Sydney events, support local businesses and wander through the Harbour City at its absolute best and brightest.
“It’s wonderful to have industry and Government working together for the benefit of the NSW visitor economy – this event would not be possible without the support of our creative industries, event owners and commercial partners.”
In 2021, the official Vivid Sydney charity partner is The Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation (ALNF), a national charity dedicated to raising language, literacy and numeracy standards in Australia.
Vivid Sydney is an accessible and inclusive event owned, managed and produced by the NSW Government through Destination NSW.
For information about the event and to see the full program, go to vividsydney.com.
NEW media assets are available for download at: www.vividsydney.com/news-room
COVID-SAFE MEASURES ACROSS THE VIVID LIGHT WALK INCLUDE:
- Over 50 Service NSW check-in QR codes that can be scanned from a distance (up to 20m)
- Some sections of the Light Walk will be managed through one-way pedestrian flow to keep pedestrians moving
- COVID marshals throughout the Light Walk to assist visitors
- Hand sanitation stations throughout the Light Walk
- Touchless digital information kiosks
- Immersive and interactive installations through no-touch controls such as voice and movement
- Visitors are asked to observe instructions given by marshals and volunteers, and pay attention to the variable message signs when visiting the Light Walk
- Please follow the health advice in terms of physical distancing, practicing good hygiene, and staying home if feeling unwell.
Consent Law Reform
Sexual consent laws will be strengthened and simplified under NSW Government reforms designed to protect victim-survivors and educate the community.
Attorney General Mark Speakman acknowledged the growing calls across the community for reforms to respond more effectively to the scourge of sexual violence in this country.
“No law can ever erase the trauma of sexual assault, but we can send the message that survivors’ calls for reform have been heard,” Mr Speakman said.
The key reforms include stipulating that:
- a person does not consent to sexual activity unless they said or did something to communicate consent, and
- an accused person’s belief in consent will not be reasonable in the circumstances unless they said or did something to ascertain consent.
The reforms respond to recommendations made in NSW Law Reform Commission (LRC) Report 148. In May 2018, Mr Speakman asked the LRC to review consent laws. The LRC’s final report was published in November 2020, following significant community engagement with this issue.
The LRC received 110 preliminary submissions, 36 submissions in response to its Consultation Paper, and 51 submissions in response to its draft proposals. Almost 3900 people accessed its online survey.
The Government is supporting, or supporting in principle, all 44 of the LRC’s recommendations, except to go further by clarifying that an accused person’s belief in consent will not be reasonable in the circumstances unless they said or did something to ascertain consent.
“This means we will have an affirmative model of consent, which will address issues that have arisen in sexual offence trials about whether an accused’s belief that consent existed was actually reasonable,” Mr Speakman said.
“No one should assume someone is saying ‘yes’ just because they don’t say ‘no’ or don’t resist physically. Steps should be taken to make sure all parties are consenting.
“I particularly thank survivor Saxon Mullins for her extraordinary bravery in sharing her story and tireless advocacy for victim-survivors, which have contributed to this historic reform.”
Survivor Advocate and Director from Rape & Sexual Assault Research & Advocacy, Saxon Mullins, welcomed the proposed reforms, which she described as a huge leap forward for consent laws in NSW.
“After so many years fighting for this, it’s almost hard to believe we’ll actually have affirmative consent laws in NSW,” Ms Mullins said.
“I know there’s so much more to do in this space, but this is a huge win for survivors, and I’m so grateful for all the survivors and academics who’ve paved the way for this to happen.
“I thank the Attorney General for going the extra step to ensure affirmative consent will be law in NSW.”
NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller said police are committed to preventing sexual assaults and supporting victims who come forward.
“As police, our primary role is to support victims who courageously come forward to police to report sexual assault and any reform that improves confidence in the judicial process is supported,” Commissioner Fuller said.
“I have already stated publicly that I have real concerns about low prosecution rates for sexual assault matters, and a clear definition of consent is integral to improving better outcomes for victims.
“I support the Government’s reforms to consent laws, which will provide certainty to victims and police as we embark upon prosecutions of these degrading and violent crimes.”
Amongst other changes, the reforms also introduce five new jury directions available for judges to give at trial to address common misconceptions about consent.
“These directions will support complainants by ensuring their evidence will be assessed fairly and impartially, and that juries will be able to better understand the experiences of sexual assault survivors,” Mr Speakman said.
“I thank the Law Reform Commission and lead Commissioner, the Honourable Acting Justice Carolyn Simpson AO, for a thorough and thoughtful report.”
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said that schools and parents play significant roles in changing societal attitudes and will be important partners in supporting these reforms.
“All school sectors have committed to tackling the issue of consent through a Statement of Intent, promising increased engagement with students, staff, police and parents on the challenges of sexual assault and consent for young people,” Ms Mitchell said.
“The Government will improve the resources available for teachers and students, updating both the curriculum and the resources used to support students’ understanding, to reflect the changes brought about by these legal reforms.
“We will also work with parents and carers to develop specific resources so that families are part of the solution as we continue towards a culture where sexual violence is never acceptable.”
Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said while anyone can be a victim of sexual violence, statistics show that women and girls are far more likely than men and boys to experience sexual offences.
“Women and girls are more likely to experience sexual violence and this is particularly the case for women with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, women from culturally and linguistically diverse communities and those in regional NSW,” Mrs Taylor said.
“Today marks a turning point for our State. We have a chance to address the systemic issue of sexual violence and improve access to justice for all victim-survivors across NSW.”
The NSW Government today also committed to fund a research project designed to improve our understanding of victim experiences with the criminal justice process, and a targeted education program for judges, legal practitioners and police.
Another public education campaign is also under development to commence later this year, which will build on the success of the Government’s #makenodoubt campaigns.
A Bill to give effect to the reforms will be introduced to NSW Parliament later this year.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, support is available from those who are trained to help: call NSW Rape Crisis on 1800 424 017 or 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
Morrison and Hunt undermining their own vaccine rollout
Greens Leader Adam Bandt says the Prime Minister must instruct his Health Minister to stop giving mixed messages on vaccines that could delay the national rollout.
“Comments today by Greg Hunt could lead people to think they should wait a few months to pick another option, undermining the central message of the vaccine rollout,” said Mr Bandt.
“Winter is coming, the spectre of further COVID outbreaks is real and the Morrison government hasn’t built large-scale remote quarantine facilities, so the message must be to get vaccinated now, not to think about waiting a few months.”
“The Minister is giving mixed messages. Saying ‘why not wait a bit’ encourages vaccine hesitancy.”
“The Prime Minister and Minister Hunt must immediately show support for all of the vaccines approved by independent health authorities and cease up-selling brands that are yet to arrive in sufficient quantities.
“The PM should also pick up the phone to the TV networks and ask them to constantly run the vaccine numbers on their screens, like in the UK. Australia needs a big advertising campaign encouraging people to get vaccinated.”
“The UK has a high vaccination rate and a big advertising campaign, but Australia has a Health Minister telling people to wait a few months.
“Scott Morrison’s political decision to avoid responsibility for the vaccine rollout is undermining its success. He should be fronting the cameras every day urging people to get the jab as part of a high volume, high visibility information campaign.”
Greens spokesperson on Health Senator Rachel Siewert said:
Morrison is failing Australian in his laissez-faire approach to addressing vaccine hesitancy
The Government is treading water, hoping on a wing and a prayer that people in the community will just come out and get vaccinated.
There is clearly a lack of confidence in how the Government is managing the vaccine rollout and we urgently need a national strategy to boost vaccine uptake that includes reminders, and targeted messaging to specific cohorts addressing their concerns. Doing nothing is not an option.
A public health campaign that reaches people who are vaccine hesitant is absolutely urgent.
We have run very successful public health campaigns here in Australia like encouraging seatbelts, anti-smoking and anti HIV/Aids stigma.
The polio vaccine changed the lives of a generation of Australians because of strong public health campaigns and messaging.
The Morrison Government doesn’t have a timeline for fully vaccinating a certain percentage of the adult population. Without a target, we don’t have a plan to re-open borders and bring stranded Australians back home.
Gas and coal are dead says IEA, Long live coal says the Morrison government
The Greens have rebuked the Morrison government’s plan to spend hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars on a gas plant announced the very same day that the International Energy Agency made it clear that a safe climate means no new fossil fuel projects, starting now.
In a separate attack on Australia’s economy and climate, the government has quietly amended the ARENA rules to allow the renewables agency to invest in fossil fuels coal and gas.
Leader of the Australian Greens Adam Bandt MP said:
“On the same day the world’s energy chiefs say Australia must immediately stop new coal and gas projects or risk climate catastrophe, Scott Morrison gives them the finger and announces a publicly-funded gas power station,” Bandt said.
“This is a climate crime. Scott Morrison is spending public money on a junk investment that will make the climate crisis worse and push up power bills.
“The IEA is a conservative body, traditionally very pro-coal and gas, but they’re recommending Australia gets out of coal-fired power by 2030. The Greens agree, and in the balance of power after the next election, we’ll kick the Liberals out and use this report to push Labor to phase out coal and gas.
“The IEA are calling fossil fuel projects “junk investments”. The experts have said that the Kurri Kurri gas-fired power station is unnecessary, more expensive than renewables and batteries, and that it will become a stranded asset, all while cooking the planet and killing investment and jobs in renewable energy. The only winners are Morrison’s billionaire fossil fuel buddies.
“The Liberals are spending your money on a loser project because they take donations from coal and gas corporations and they’re mates with the owner of the site.”
“This new gas power station won’t go ahead because people will stop it. The Greens will fight this tooth and nail.”
Santos has donated more than half a million dollars to the Coalition and now its former executive David Knox is in charge of using Snowy to build a gas plant reliant on a nearby Santos gas mine. A Liberal donor, self described as “a walking ATM” for the Liberal party, owns the land of the proposed Kurri Kurri site.
ARENA
“Coal & gas are not renewable, but the Liberals are now trying to use Australia’s Renewable Energy Agency to funnel public funds allocated for renewable technologies into coal and gas corporations.
“The Greens will move to block this latest rort when Parliament resumes. We will move to disallow the regulations. We hope Labor and others will back us.”
Increasing transparency of home care prices for senior Australians
The Morrison Government is responding to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety by increasing transparency and information on home care prices.
For the first time information has been published relating to the median prices charged for common home care services to help people to make more informed decisions.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said the information is a vital part of empowering senior Australians and their families to take greater control of their care.
“This new data will help to show senior Australians, their carers and family the median prices of common services across metropolitan, regional, rural and remote areas and by state and territory” Minister Hunt said.
“It gives those looking to access care a very important insight into what common available prices and where providers may be charging premium prices.
“We want senior Australians to be able to shop around for their care providers, knowing this will keep downward pressure on prices.”
Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck, said the information is compiled from aged care provider information as they are required to report their prices to the Government.
“As part of the early announcement in response to the Royal Commission’s report on 1 March, the Government included significant steps to improve transparency and comparability of pricing, and empower senior Australians with greater choice when it comes to their care,” Minister Colbeck said.
“Since 1 July 2019, all home care providers are required to publish their pricing information in a standardised schedule published on the My Aged Care website. This new data table gives greater visibility of median prices.
“Our Government has invested $200.1 million to deliver a star rating system, and as we progress to it we will see increasing levels of information becoming available to help guide choice, empowering senior Australians to vote with their feet in the hunt for affordable, high quality and appropriate care.
“We expect this information in the hands of senior Australians will encourage providers to enhance their service offerings, while also helping to put downward pressure on unjustified charges, in particular administration charges.”
The publication of the data table shows median prices for services including nursing, in-home respite, personal care, and cleaning and household tasks. It also includes pricing data for care management and package management.
The My Aged Care website already allows users to compare reported pricing at up to 3 providers, however this newly released data will provide additional scope for their decision-making.
The data is updated quarterly and can be found here.
First phase of City’s East End upgrade underway
City of Newcastle’s revitalisation of the Hunter Street Mall as a traditional high street complete with wider footpaths, cycleways and street trees is underway, with the first phase targeting the block bound by Wolfe and Perkins Streets.
The $5 million project is part of the wider East End Public Domain Plan Stage 1, which will see new paving, landscaping and public amenity improvements throughout the Hunter Street Mall.
The public domain plan was endorsed by the elected Council in 2018 and finalising detailed design involved various community engagement activities including a range of placemaking workshops throughout 2019. This helped us customise the landscape to better fit the wants and needs of businesses, residents and visitors to what will be known as the new “East End Village”.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Phase 1 is the first step in positioning the precinct as a traditional high street and attractive destination for locals and visitors.
“Newcastle’s city centre is in the midst of an amazing transformation, with new developments, retail, public space and links to the harbour,” the Lord Mayor said.
“City of Newcastle’s East End Public Domain Plan will ensure that our urban amenity in and around East End Village complements the positive changes underway in the CBD.
“Phase 1 includes upgrades which will reinstate Hunter Street as a traditional main street, improve accessibility, give cyclists dedicated space, and significantly improve lighting and smart city infrastructure.
“Public amenity will also be improved, and street trees and landscaping upgrades will create a greener city centre.”
Construction will be staged to minimise the impact on the community and local businesses.
Works will take place on Wolfe Street between May and August, Hunter Street between August and October, and finally along Perkins Street between October and December.
Phase 1 works will include a complete road renewal, provision of wider footpaths, upgrade of stormwater infrastructure, new street trees, landscaping and street furniture, and the provision of dedicated cycleways.
Effort will be made to reduce the impact on residents, businesses and visitors to East End Village with construction expected to finish next year.
This project is being delivered under the City Centre Revitalisation Program, one of Newcastle’s four Priority Projects. Visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/eastend for more information.
Community backs City’s $330 million budget
Improved footpaths, new cycleways and stormwater upgrades to reduce flooding are among the projects proposed under City of Newcastle’s 2021/22 Budget, which has received strong endorsement from the community ahead of Tuesday’s Council vote.
The City will invest $330 million into Newcastle during the next financial year, delivering more than 300 projects and $90.4 million for upgrades or new community infrastructure.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the community had endorsed the draft Budget during its recent public exhibition, with overwhelming support for what the City had proposed for the next 12 months.
“This Budget is focussed on providing real benefits for our community in their everyday lives, whether it’s more shade on our streets and parks with $1 million to maintain and plant new trees, or making it easier for people to get around Newcastle with $2.8 million for new cycleways,” Cr Nelmes said.
“We’re investing $13.7 million to improve and maintain our roads, bridges and pathways we manage on behalf of the community, while $7.7 million will be invested into projects to address localised flooding and improve stormwater systems.
“COVID-19 has reinforced just how important it is to provide recreational opportunities close to home, so we’re continuing our investment to maintain, revitalise or construct new spaces and facilities with $9.1 million for parks, playgrounds, sporting and aquatic facilities including $4 million towards the Newcastle Ocean Baths Stage 1 upgrade.
“City of Newcastle’s 2020/21 Budget is a commitment to providing the services that make our city an attractive and inclusive place to live and work, now and into the future.”
Other highlights of the 2021/22 Budget include:
- $11 million for waste management, including $8 million for an organics facility to compost food and green waste to reduce the city’s environmental footprint
- $10.5 million for environmental and sustainability projects
- $8.1 million for urban centre renewals including East End public domain and Wallsend and Orchardtown Road (New Lambton) local centre upgrades
- $5 million on transport including $3.1 million on local traffic management and pedestrian access and mobility
- $2 million towards preliminary works associated with the expansion of the Newcastle Art Gallery
City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said prudent financial management had allowed this Budget to forecast a $1.2 million surplus despite COVID-19 wiping out half of the City’s annual $4 million dividend from its shared ownership of Newcastle Airport.
“A key focus of the 2021/22 Budget is to continue on the path of financial sustainability, deliver the many essential services expected of local government and invest more than $90 million in projects to improve the livelihood and wellbeing of our city,” Mr Bath said.
“We’re building on six years of stable and consistent Budgets that have protected services and local jobs and we will continue to carefully balance the needs of our community with the demands of good financial governance so we can continue to support Newcastle as it prepares for its population to hit 200,000 over the next 20 years.”
162 MUSIC VENUES TO RECEIVE BOOST THROUGH $24 MILLION LIVE MUSIC SUPPORT PACKAGE
New South Wales remains the home of live music with 162 live music venues in Sydney and NSW receiving an injection of funds through the NSW Government’s $24 million Live Music Support Package.
The program will help assist 85 Sydney venues and 77 regional NSW venues that have been significantly impacted by COVID-19 related restrictions over the past year to survive through the pandemic.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the benefits of this initiative would be far-reaching.
“Live music is the beating heart of our state and this is the largest investment into grassroots live music in the history of NSW with 162 venues to receive crucial funds that will allow them to keep the doors open and get back to work putting on gigs.
“The NSW Government has been listening to the industry and our community, and the incredible support for and interest in this program proves that it has hit the mark for these venues.
“We know that there is a whole network of businesses and professionals that are involved in staging live music shows, and many of these venues are pillars of the 24-hour economy and critical infrastructure that allows a whole range of events and activities to take place.
“By keeping the lights on and the amps tuned, we’re creating social and economic benefit for the whole of NSW, and it’s amazing to see venues from Bega to Ballina receiving funding,” Mr Ayres said.
Applications were assessed by an industry and NSW Government inter-agency panel and funding allocated based on the size of individual venues, and whether the venue operates exclusively for live music or whether live music forms a significant part of the venue operations.
Recipients can utilise funding for operational costs including but not limited to employing musicians and support crew. 8o
“This will see us clear our debts completely and survive the next 12 months of recovery without the extreme stress and pressure of low turnover from restricted capacities and ongoing COVID-19 scares. Not only that, but it will help us to support the whole industry from artists, staff, promoters and music workers by putting on more events, upgrading equipment and facilities and creating an even better experience for our community,” Ms Dombroski said.
“Venues are the stepping stone for so many artists in their careers, we are so incredibly thankful for everyone who rallied behind NSW live music venues and that we have had our voices heard by NSW Government. Thank you for listening to us, thank you for your support and for not stopping until the best possible outcome was reached for the survival of live music in our state.”
The Live Music Support Package is part of the NSW Government’s $51.5 million Tourism Support Package, providing funding to sectors engaged in the NSW visitor economy that have been hit hardest by the pandemic. The fund is administered by Destination NSW in partnership with Create NSW and the Office of the 24-hour Economy Commissioner.
For more information, go to www.nsw.gov.au/living-nsw/tourism-support-package.
MASS VACCINATION CENTRE NOW ADMINISTERING ASTRAZENECA VACCINE
The mass vaccination centre at Sydney Olympic Park has today started to administer the AstraZeneca vaccine, providing a major boost to the vaccine rollout in NSW as the state surges past a million people protected.
The mass vaccination centre joins the other 26 NSW Health hubs that are giving the AstraZeneca vaccine to over 50s, including 17 in regional and rural NSW.
There are also more than 100 outreach locations that NSW Health vaccination clinics visit, primarily in rural and regional communities, to ensure people in these locations have access to a COVID-19 vaccination.
To date around 1,100 people are already booked in to receive the AstraZeneca jab at Sydney Olympic Park this week, complementing the thousands set to receive it from GPs or one of the many NSW Health sites that administer AstraZeneca.
Last week NSW GPs delivered more than 85,000 AstraZeneca jabs.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said more than 1 million COVID-19 vaccines have now been administered across the state, including 345,393 by NSW Health and 745,379 by GPs and related providers.
“It is important anyone over 50 contact their GP in the first instance for their COVID-19 vaccine,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“It is critical to vaccinate our citizens as quickly and as safely as possible.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said we cannot be complacent when it comes to getting the vaccine.
“We have seen the resurgence of this deadly virus in countries like Taiwan, Singapore and South Korea which, like us, appeared to have suppressed community spread,” Mr Hazzard said.
“Complacency can kill. If and when an outbreak occurs in NSW, the rush to get vaccinated will be great, so as soon as you are eligible we urge you to get vaccinated.”
To book a vaccine and for more information go to: nsw.gov.au/