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RESTRICTIONS TIGHTENED AND EXTENDED PLUS
COVID CHECK-IN MANDATORY FROM MONDAY
The NSW Government has tightened restrictions and extended the current lockdown until 11:59pm on Friday 16 July.
From 5pm today, the following additional restrictions will be in place across Greater Sydney including the Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Wollongong and Shellharbour:
- Outdoor public gatherings limited to two people (excluding members of the same household)
- People must stay in their Local Government Area or within 10kms of home for exercise and outdoor recreation, with no carpooling between non-household members
- Browsing in shops is prohibited, plus only one person per household, per day may leave the home for shopping
- Funerals limited to 10 people in total (this will take effect from Sunday, 11 July).
The four reasons to leave home remain in place:
- Shopping for food or other essential goods and services (one person only)
- Medical care or compassionate needs (only one visitor can enter another residence to fulfil carers’ responsibilities or provide care or assistance, or for compassionate reasons)
- Exercise with no more than two (unless members of the same household)
- Essential work, or education, where you cannot work or study from home.
Restrictions in regional NSW will remain unchanged.
Face-to-face learning will resume in regional NSW when school returns on Tuesday 13 July while learning will be online for schools and students in Greater Sydney from Tuesday 13 July for four days. Schools will remain open for students who need them and no child will be turned away from school. All students will return to the classroom on Monday 19 July.
The NSW Government is asking the public to continue coming forward for COVID-19 testing, to follow the NSW Health advice including around vaccination, and to observe the restrictions outlined in the Public Health Order.
For more information, please visit NSW.gov.au/COVID-19.
Further, from Monday 12 July, use of the Service NSW QR code will be mandatory at all workplaces and retail businesses for customers, staff and visitors such as contractors.
This expanded mandate will give NSW Health contact tracers real-time access to QR code data from a greater number of venues including supermarkets, retail stores, gyms and offices.
The amended Public Health Order commences on Monday and requires any person to check-in using the Service NSW app when they enter most premises in NSW, and the owner or occupier of the premises to take reasonable steps to ensure a person checks in when they enter.
In addition to places where check-ins are currently required, it will now be required at the following:
- Business premises
- Construction sites
- Hotels, motels and other accommodation (excluding people staying overnight or residents)
- Industrial premises
- Office premises
- Retail premises
- Shopping centres
- Taxis and rideshare vehicles, and
- Warehouse or distribution centres among others.
For the full list of premises where QR check-ins are required, and to understand the rules and responsibilities for occupiers of premises, visit NSW.gov.au/COVID-19.
NEW ONLINE HOME FOR NATURAL DISASTER SUPPORT
Communities recovering from bushfires, floods and other natural disasters will now have access to a new one-stop-shop of vital information at nsw.gov.au/resilience-nsw.
Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for Disaster Recovery John Barilaro said the Black Summer bushfires and recent storm and flood events devastated parts of NSW and the Government’s priority was to continue support for those communities affected and better prepare for the future.
“In times of crisis and throughout the recovery process it is crucial to have access to reliable information and resources, which is why, through Resilience NSW, we have created a one-stop-shop online hub for communities to get help when they need it most,” Mr Barilaro said.
“The new Resilience NSW online hub has been designed for use on mobile phones, tablets and computers and has more than 17 state and federal agencies represented, providing access to all vital information through one portal.”
Minister for Digital and Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said more than 270 web pages under the Resilience NSW banner have been transformed into one central resource.
“The NSW Government is committed to making life easier when natural disasters strike and people are trying to get back on their feet,” Mr Dominello said.
“When someone is experiencing the anguish of fire, flood or drought, reliable information should be at their fingertips rather than going down a rabbit hole of paperwork.”
Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said this is a crucial improvement for communities across the State.
“During a disaster or emergency, having access to reliable and accurate information is critical, and this improvement to the website will directly benefit families and communities across the State,” Mr Elliott said.
The new Resilience NSW hub is located at nsw.gov.au/resilience-nsw.
NSW GOVERNMENT WELCOMES BANKING INDUSTRY SUPPORT FOR BUSINESSES AND INDIVIDUALS IMPACTED BY COVID-19
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Treasurer Dominic Perrottet today welcomed a package of measures announced by the Australian Banking Association (ABA) to support small businesses and homeowners affected by COVID-19 lockdowns.
The ABA package is aimed at helping eligible customers significantly impacted by restrictions, and includes up to three-month repayment deferrals for small businesses, refunds of merchant terminal fees for up to three months and loan deferrals on a month-by-month basis for eligible homeowners and small business customers.
“This is a vital step by the banking industry and a strong show of support for businesses and homeowners during a particularly tough period,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“It will help give peace of mind to many and shows that the banks are willing to work with people who are doing it tough and help find solutions.”
The ABA represents Australia’s largest financial institutions and it estimates the package may cover to up 98 per cent of small businesses across the country.
“The banking industry recognises that keeping businesses in business, people in jobs and in their own homes is vital to the economy and our future,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Government, business and the community must all work together and the banks have acted quickly and shown leadership and a strong commitment to help.”
Mr Perrottet said the NSW Government continued to work with the broader business community to identify areas that most needed help, and would continue to build on the COVID-19 support package, which is worth up to $1.4 billion, announced last week.
The Government’s package includes support grants of between $5,000 and $10,000 for eligible businesses impacted by the recent restrictions. Applications will open later in July. More information on eligibility criteria is available here.
More information on the ABA’s package of measures – which is subject to re-authorisation by the ACCC - is available here.
NEWCASTLE TO HOST AMPOL STATE OF ORIGIN III
Newcastle will host Game III of the Ampol State of Origin series for the first time in Origin history after the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) approved the relocation of the game from Stadium Australia.
Thanks to approval from the NSW Government, and support through Destination NSW, the 14 July match will be played in front of up to 20,000 fans or 75 per cent of seated capacity. Fans located in Greater Sydney, including the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Wollongong and Shellharbour, will not be permitted to purchase tickets.
Newcastle represents a safe option for the game with no community transmission, allows fans to attend live and ensures NSW will host a home game during the series.
NRL Chief Executive Andrew Abdo said the game would create history in Newcastle hosting the series for the first time in the Origin era.
“This is a reward for the people of Newcastle and Hunter region,’’ Mr Abdo said.
“These fans are among the most passionate fans in our game. They turn out and support the Knights every week and we are excited to bring Ampol State of Origin to Newcastle.
“One of the positives to come from the pandemic has been the opportunity to give passionate rugby league communities like Newcastle and Townsville the chance to host Origin when they otherwise wouldn’t.”
Mr Abdo thanked the NSW Government for its ongoing support of rugby league and said Newcastle represented a safe option that would ensure the continuity of the series.
“In particular, the Commission would like to acknowledge the support of Deputy Premier John Barilaro, Treasurer Dominic Perrottet and Minister for Jobs, Investment and Tourism Stuart Ayres for their efforts in making this possible. We also thank all State Governments who have shown a very strong interest in our content.”
City of Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said: “Newcastle has shown time and time again that it's an outstanding host city for major events thanks to the support of this Council, the professionalism of local providers and the passion of Novocastrians for sport, music and the arts.
“Rugby league is part of Newcastle's history and social fabric, which is why a State of Origin played right here at McDonald Jones Stadium is a big win for locals.”
Tickets will go on sale on Monday 12 July, and a waitlist is now available via NRL.Com/Waitlist. Newcastle Knights and State Members will be given a dedicated buying window to be communicated in the coming days. Tickets will be available via NRL.Com/Tickets.
Fans who purchased tickets to the scheduled game at Stadium Australia will automatically have their tickets refunded.
LATEST INFRASTRUCTURE GRANTS FUNDING OPEN
The next round of the NSW Government’s Infrastructure Grants program opened this week, with community organisations impacted by COVID-19 encouraged to apply for funding.
The program offers grants to communities across NSW to support the building, renovation and fit-out of local community infrastructure.
Minister for Digital and Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the impacts of COVID-19 were still being widely felt and support for community organisations would remain a priority for this latest round.
“Community organisations play an invaluable role in promoting social inclusion, participation and boosting local economies,” Mr Dominello said.
“Community infrastructure is now a standalone category and it can be used for spaces like halls and meeting rooms, community transport, and infrastructure that supports youth, disability, mental health, homelessness, and domestic violence services.”
Infrastructure Grants can be used toward the costs of construction, alteration, renovation, completion and fit-out of buildings and community infrastructure in the following categories:
- Arts and Culture: $50,000 to $200,000 available per project
- Community Infrastructure: $10,000 to $200,000 available per project
- Disaster Readiness: $10,000 to $200,000 available per project
- Sport and Recreation: $50,000 to $300,000 available per project.
Since 2015, the NSW Government has funded more than 441 community projects worth $73 million under the Infrastructure Grants program.
To be eligible for funding, applications must meet eligibility conditions. Applications are open until Monday 26 July 2021. To find out more or to apply, visit responsiblegambling.nsw.gov.au.
Video: Orange City Council's Future City CBD Art Project, funded through the September 2020 round of grants.
NEW GRANTS EMPOWER ABORIGINAL BUSINESSES AND EMPLOYEES
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learners and businesses are set to thrive with nearly $3.4 million in new grants announced by the NSW Government to mark NAIDOC week.
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said 10 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations would benefit from the Barranggirra Aboriginal Skilling for Employment Grant and Aboriginal Business Advisory Initiative.
“These grants will encourage growth, support start-ups and provide access to training and jobs for Aboriginal businesses right across the State. At the heart of these grants is the aim to strengthen training and employment support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders employees and empower the businesses that employ them,” Mr Lee said.
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Don Harwin said: “These grants bolster the NSW Government’s commitment to the National Agreement on Closing the Gap and will further support the economic participation and development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses, people and communities.”
NSW Indigenous Chamber of Commerce (NSWICC) - pictured - was one of the successful applicants to receive funding under the Aboriginal Business Advisory Initiative.
“The increase in Aboriginal owned businesses is clearly also having a significant impact on Aboriginal employment numbers. Sydney, in particular, offers enormous opportunities for Aboriginal business growth," NSWICC Chief Executive Deb Barwick said.
The Barranggirra funding has been allocated to: Souths Cares PBI Ltd – Sydney Metropolitan, Bara Barang Coporation Ltd - Central Coast; Illawarra Aboriginal Corporation – Illawarra, South East and Riverina; Gomeroi Education and Training - New England; Ungooroo Aboriginal Corporation - Hunter, North Coast and Mid North Coast; and NSW Aboriginal Lands Council Employment and Training Ltd – Western NSW.
The Aboriginal Business Advisory Initiative (ABAI) funding has been allocated to: NSW Indigenous Chamber of Commerce, Ungooroo Aboriginal Corporation, The Illawarra ITECH Ltd and Kategic Pty Ltd.
ASIA-PACIFIC’S LEADING PATHOLOGISTS TO MEET IN SYDNEY
Sydney has been named as the host city for the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA) National Conference Pathology Update 2022, set to attract more than 800 delegates to Sydney next March.
Secured by Business Events Sydney (BESydney), the conference is the annual scientific educational meeting for the RCPA and the only conference of its kind in Australasia.
Minister for Health and Medical Research Brad Hazzard said pathologists played a critical role in the healthcare system and in our State’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Pathologists are responsible for all of the COVID-19 testing that diagnose cases and the genetic sequencing to identify the origins of virus, and they’ve done our State and nation proud,” Mr Hazzard said.
BESydney CEO Lyn Lewis-Smith said Sydney was uniquely placed as the ideal platform for connecting the leading minds in pathology with government, industry and academia to progress vital research and innovation in this field for Asia-Pacific and right across the world.
“This event draws the spotlight on the role pathology plays across all facets of medicine, a role that has clearly become even more significant during the pandemic, and Australia’s expertise will be front and centre,” Ms Lewis-Smith said.
BESydney has secured 84 events for Sydney from 2021 until 2026, which are set to inject an estimated $491 million into the NSW visitor economy across the six-year period.
MICE PLAGUE HOUSEHOLD AND SMALL BUSINESS REBATES NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE
Households and small businesses impacted by the mouse plague across regional NSW can now claim rebates as part of the NSW Government’s $150 million Mouse Control Program.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said eligible households could claim up to $500 and small businesses up to $1,000 to help meet the cost of mouse baits, traps and cleaning materials bought after 1 February 2021.
“These rodents haven’t just impacted farmers and crops, they have also been a scourge on homes and businesses right across the regions,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Claiming rebates is simple but you can only claim once, so I encourage residents and small business owners who have spent close to the maximum amount available to visit the Service NSW website.”
Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall said primary producers, who lived where they worked, could claim a single rebate of up to $1,000 to help meet the cost of protecting their premises.
“Farmers know how to protect their crops and are well prepared to meet a potential mouse surge as we draw closer to the spring harvest and this rebate will help them to also safeguard their homes,” Mr Marshall said.
Eligible customers can make a claim for the household or small business rebate via the Service NSW website, where they can upload receipts for mouse bait, trap and cleaning purchases dating back to 1 February 2021.
For further details about the mouse rebate program, including eligibility and the claims process, go to NSW Gov.
SUPPORT AVAILABLE FOR NEW DUBBO EVENT ORGANISERS
Event organisers who are new to hosting events in the Dubbo Region are invited to apply for the first round of the Event Assistance Program for this financial year.
Dubbo Regional Council’s funding channels are designed to help kick-start and develop event activity across the region, acknowledging the important role events play in delivering economic, social and cultural outcomes.
Manager Regional Events Kim Hague said the Council had multiple channels of support available, depending on the scope of the event and the benefits that the activity brings to the region.
“We are committed to ensuring the Dubbo region maintains its reputation as an epicentre for events and Council’s support delivers invaluable returns for event organisers, the community and visitors to our Region. Events are given every opportunity possible to thrive, because we want to see them returning year after year,” Ms Hague said.
The channels of assistance are:
- Emerging Events Fund - supporting not-for-profit, new and emerging community events. Applications of up to $2,000 and the event must be held prior to 30 June 2022
- Community Events Fund - supporting not-for-profit, local events that deliver significant social and cultural benefits. Applications of up to $3,000 and the event must be held prior to 30 June 2022
- Event Support Program - supporting local events with up to five hours’ time and skills of staff of the Regional Events Branch.
In order to secure funding, events must be able to proceed under the restrictions and conditions set by the NSW Government under any Public Health Orders. Applications close on 16 August 2021 and must be submitted via Smarty Grants.
For information and to apply, visit the Dubbo Regional Council website.
APPLICATIONS STILL OPEN FOR EVENT MANAGEMENT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Up and coming event managers living across the State can still apply for one of 18 event management scholarships, with applications open until Sunday 8 August. Funded by Destination NSW and delivered in partnership with Meetings and Events Australia, the scholarship program is a fantastic opportunity for those wanting to upskill and achieve their career goals within the events industry. Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said: “The scholarships directly support and encourage job creation by helping aspiring event managers to obtain the tools needed to succeed in the industry. “Whether you are already working in tourism or events, or looking to jumpstart your career, this program provides a platform to further develop your skills in a field that injects big dollars into our economy.” For further information and to apply, go to MeetinNSW.com.au.
NSW TOURISM AWARD NOMINATIONS CLOSE TODAY
There is still time for businesses to share their stories of resilience and innovation over the past 12 months through the 2021 NSW Tourism Awards before nominations close at 5pm today. There are 29 categories on offer including Tourist Attractions, Tour and Transport Operators, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander tourism, Accommodation, Tourism Restaurants and Catering services, Tourism Wineries, Distilleries and Breweries, Business Event Venues, Visitor Information Services and Excellence in Food Tourism. The important role of local government is also recognised in 2021 with the introduction of the Local Government Award for Excellence in Tourism. All businesses are encouraged to nominate and be recognised for their contribution to the State's visitor economy. For information and to nominate, go to the NSW Tourism Awards website.
SPOTLIGHT ON CONDOBOLIN AND SKYFEST ‘SKYFEST MIIMA WARRABINYA’
In the heart of Wiradjuri Country, NSW, the small town of Condobolin is preparing for its biggest annual event, Condo Skyfest Miima Warrabinya (Reaching for the Stars) from 3-4 September 2021. This immersive celebration of 65,000+ years of Wiradjuri heritage invites guests to learn more about the ancient night skies and celebrate Aboriginal culture. The program features special sky-dances, live music, boomerang throwing, a parade of illuminated sky-lanterns, workshops on Wiradjrui language, Aboriginal art exhibitions and food, and stargazing with professional astronomers. Now in its third year, the event brings together people of all backgrounds from throughout Central Western NSW and beyond to celebrate Wiradjuri culture and heritage. Tickets are available online and are essential for COVID-safety. For more information, go to www.skyfest.com.au.
