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24.01.2022 Truck crashes into Victoria Bridge at Picton Early this morning a truck crashed into Victoria Bridge on Prince Street at Picton causing significant damage closing the popular route. Police are looking searching for two men following the crash that happened around 5.45am emergency services were called to bridge after reports a truck with a trailer had crashed into the bridge. Officers from Camden Police Area Command attended and were told the male driver fled the scene in ...a vehicle, driven by a second male, before their arrival. It was last seen travelling south on Remembrance Drive. Further inquiries have revealed the truck involved in the crash was allegedly stolen from a nearby property earlier today. Police would like to speak to the driver he is described as being of African appearance, aged 20 to 30 years old, with a medium build, wearing an orange fluorescent long-sleeved shirt, dark blue pants and a dark cap. Police are also seeking information about the vehicle, described as a black BMW with a suspected paint job. Anyone who witnessed the crash or anyone with video or dashcam vision is urged to come forward. Prince Street remains closed and motorists are urged to avoid the area. See more

24.01.2022 Country shows back for 2021, but with restrictions Regional communities and show committees can start planning events scheduled for early 2021 with the Bowral Show being the first event on January 9 but there is a limit of 5000 people at any given time as well as physical distancing. The NSW Government has given the green light for country shows to start back next year. This is really exciting news for regional communities because country shows play a vital role in promot...ing agriculture and injecting money into local economies, Deputy Premier John Barilaro said. Country shows are a highlight of the regional events calendar, boost business and are an opportunity for farmers to showcase their produce and livestock. I encourage everyone from the city to get out there and immerse yourself in a country show and get a valuable insight into life in the bush. Safety measures will include social distancing at venues, controlled access at entry points throughout the show to minimise crowding, a limit to the number of attendees depending on venue size and the one person per four square metre rule. Organisers are encouraged to use the Service NSW COVID Safe QR codes to enable safe management of crowd numbers and enable contact tracing. The NSW Government is working with the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW to explore options for the 2021 Sydney Royal Easter Show. Guidelines and checklists for country shows will be available online at www.nsw.gov.au/COVID-19 See more

20.01.2022 One new COVID-19 linked to Oran Park cluster NSW has one new case of locally transmitted COVID-19 in the 24 hours linked to the Oran Park cluster. The acquired case is a household contact of a previously reported case; they have been in isolation. There are now 23 cases linked to this cluster. NSW Health is appealing to the community to be tested right away if anyone has even the mildest of symptoms like a runny nose or scratchy throat, cough, fever or other symptoms that cou...ld signal COVID-19. To help stop the spread: If you are unwell, get tested and isolate right away don’t delay; Wash your hands regularly. Take hand sanitiser with you when you go out.;Keep your distance. Leave 1.5 metres between yourself and others, and;. Wear a mask when using public transport, rideshares and taxis, and in shops, places of worship and other places where you can’t physically distance. When taking taxis or rideshares, commuters should also sit in the back. To find your nearest clinic visit https://www.nsw.gov.au//how-to-protect-yourself-an/clinics or contact your GP.

20.01.2022 Some public transport patrons asked to monitor NSW has reported five cases of locally transmitted COVID 19 through to 8pm last night October 8. Four of the new locally acquired cases reported today are associated with the private health clinic cluster. Three of these are household contacts of a case reported yesterday and the fourth is a co-worker of a case reported yesterday. There are now seven cases associated with this cluster. Investigations into its source are ongoing.... One of today’s locally acquired cases is included in the total numbers for NSW, but all indications are that it is an old case most likely acquired when the virus was circulating at low levels in South Western Sydney around August. This case is associated with the Liverpool Hospital cluster. NSW Health is working with Monopole Restaurant, Potts Point to assess the risk to patrons and staff that may have been exposed to COVID-19 when a person who was infectious visited there from 6 to 8pm on the evening of Sunday, October 4. Contact tracing is underway, and NSW Health will contact close and casual contacts directly, but anyone who was at Monopole that evening should monitor for symptoms and get tested immediately if they develop. After testing, they must remain in isolation until a negative test result is received. NSW Health can also advise anyone who travelled on the following public transport is considered a casual contact and must monitor for symptoms and get tested immediately if they develop. After testing, they must remain in isolation until a negative test result is received. Train from Parramatta at 14:41 arriving Town Hall 15:31 October 4. Train from Town Hall at 17:29 arriving Kings Cross 17:50 October 4. Train from Artarmon at 23:18 arriving Central 23:48 October 5. Bus replacement from Central at 23:48 arriving Strathfield 00:15 October 5. Train from Strathfield at 00:15 arriving Parramatta 00:45 October 5. Bus 550 from Epping Station, Beecroft Rd, Stand D at 17:08 to Smith St after Phillip St, Parramatta 17:41 October 6. Train from Moss Vale 04:52 arriving Liverpool 07:09 October 6. Train from Liverpool 16:58 arriving Moss Vale 19:12 October 6. Train from Moss Vale 04:51 arriving Liverpool 07:08 October 7. Train from Campbelltown 13:31 arriving Moss Vale 15:50 October 7. Locations linked to known cases, advice on testing and isolation, and areas identified for increased testing can be found here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/latest-news-and-updates. Testing numbers have dropped recently, which is a concern. NSW Health renews its call for increased testing across Sydney, even if you have the mildest of symptoms like a runny nose or scratchy throat, cough, fever or other symptoms that could be COVID-19.

18.01.2022 Sports and dancing at weddings restrictions eased A semblance of normality is returning to NSW with community sports, music ensembles, school camps and a modest increase of dancing at weddings now allowed. While we are by no means out of the woods, low case numbers give health authorities the confidence to allow mums and dads back onto the sideline, Health Minister Brad Hazzard said. Where before only the bride and groom were allowed onto the dance floor, up to 20 people i...n the official wedding party can now show off their moves. Expect changes to community sport from this weekend. From this weekend, more than one parent may now attend community sporting activities if physical distancing of at least 1.5 metres can be maintained between people that are not from the same household, Minister for Sport Geoff Lee said. We know the last few months has been hard on families who want to see their kids score a try or kick a goal on the weekend. Education Minister Sarah Mitchell said there will be changes to Term 4. Community Languages Schools Program will recommence face to face learning; Interschool activities can recommence on September 26 where there is a COVID 19 Safety Plan in place; Playing wind instruments, singing and chanting are permitted with strict restrictions; Year 6 formals and graduations are permitted; High school formals are permitted from November 12 to limit any HSC disruption; and Kindergarten orientation, Year 7 transition, excursions and camps can resume with strict guidelines. Musical ensembles can also resume, as long as players keep a 1.5 metre distance from one another, or three metres for players of non-reeded woodwind instruments. All carpooling should continue to be avoided. With the school holidays next week accommodation facilities and overnight event organisers should develop and implement a COVID-19 Safety Plan. There is no restriction on school holiday travel within NSW for people who live within the state. See more

18.01.2022 Transport for NSW is holding an online community session on Wednesday, November 25 to discuss routes for the Outer Sydney Orbital. Have your say An east-west link between Appin Road and Menangle Road... Transport for NSW is inviting the community to have their say on four possible route options for the proposed east-west link road between Appin Road at Gilead and Menangle Road at Menangle Park. The Link Road Corridor Study is part of the Australian and NSW governments’ plan to support future growth in the Greater Macarthur Growth Area. Transport for NSW consulted key stakeholders, including the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment and Campbelltown City Council, to reach a short list of four options. The four options are on display and we invite your feedback until 11 December 2020. Visit rms.nsw.gov.au/linkroadcorridorstudy to review the Options Report and provide feedback. Transport for NSW is also hosting an online community information session on Wednesday 25 November from 4pm to 4.45pm to provide the community with an opportunity to ask questions and find out more information about this project. To join visit, nswroads.work/lrcsinfosession BLZ_SB1865 See more

17.01.2022 How to keep creatures great and small cool It’s going to get hot in the next few days and while humans are able to seek shelter, turn on the fan and pour themselves a cool drink it’s not so easy for your companion and bigger animals. Here are a few tips from Sydney School of Veterinary Science at the University of Sydney to keep all creatures great and small cool. 1. Listen to the weather forecast every day....Continue reading

17.01.2022 An alert from NSW Health targeted at local venues Bargo Hotel, Great Southern Road Bargo, on September 26 between 7pm - 9pm. Patrons or staff who were there for an hour or more during this time are considered close contacts must get tested regardless of symptoms. ... Patrons or staff who were there for less than one hour during this time are considered casual contacts and must be tested should they have had any symptoms at all. Spotlight Plaza, 147 Queens St Campbelltown, including the Spotlight store and Gloria Jean’s on 26 September 2020 between 11am - 1pm. Patrons or staff who were there for less than one hour during this time are considered casual contacts and must be tested should they have had any symptoms at all. Narellan Town Centre on 26 September 2020 between 3pm - 5pm. Patrons or staff who were there for less than one hour during this time are considered casual contacts and must be tested should they have had any symptoms at all. The health department is urging people to get tested on the day they experience symptoms don’t wait to see if they go away. Assume it’s COVID-19 until proven otherwise by a test. There is no limit on how many tests you can have. Testing is quick, free, and easy and most people receive their test result within 24 hours. If you have even the mildest of symptoms like a runny nose or scratchy throat, cough, fever or other symptoms that could be COVID-19, come forward for testing right away. There are over 300 COVID-19 testing locations across NSW. To find your nearest clinic visit https://www.nsw.gov.au//how-to-protect-yourself-an/clinics or contact your GP.

17.01.2022 Traces of covid in local sewage There have been four new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases in the 24 hours and NSW Health is urging people in South West Sydney to get covid tested. Of the locally acquired cases, one is from South Western Sydney, and the source of the infection is being investigated. The other three contacts are household or close contacts of this case. Two of these new cases were students who attend the Hoxton Park campus of the Malek Fahd Islamic School. ...The school is being cleaned and closed for 14 days. Virus fragments were found in sewage at the West Camden sewage treatment plant yesterday, prompting calls for residents in this area to get tested. NSW Health is concerned there could be other active cases in the local communities in people who have not been tested and who might incorrectly assume their symptoms are just a cold. There were 14,230 tests reported to 8pm last night, compared with 14,382 in the last 24 hours. See more

17.01.2022 More covid cases in South West NSW Health is urging people to get tested in South West Sydney as more confirmed cases of COVID-19, were reported. Big W, Carnes Hill, October 4 3pm4.30pm; Aldi, Edmondson Park, October 4 6.30pm7pm;... Chemist Warehouse, Casula October 6 12.30p 1pm; Bunnings, Crossroads, October 7 2pm3pm, and; Costco, Casula, October 9 3pm3pm. Anyone who attended the above venues is considered a casual contact and must monitor for symptoms and get tested immediately if they develop. After testing, they must remain in isolation until a negative test result is received. See more

16.01.2022 Off-duty officer charged An off-duty police officer has been charged over an alleged domestic-related assault. Just before 1am today (Sunday, November 8), police were called to a home in Sydney’s south west following reports a woman had been assaulted by a man who was known to her. A 39-year-old man who is a senior constable attached to a specialist command was arrested at Narellan Police Station charged with common assault (DV).... The officer, who was off-duty at the time of the incident, was granted conditional bail to appear at Camden Local Court on Thursday, November 12. His employment status is currently under review. See more

15.01.2022 Campbelltown Mall shopper tests positive A man in his 50s is the latest person in South West Sydney to test positive for COVID-19. The man attended Woolworths at Campbelltown Mall on Thursday, September 17 between 1.30pm and 2pm anyone who was at that vicinity must monitor for symptoms and get tested immediately if they develop. After testing, they must remain in isolation until a negative test result is received. Contact tracing is being done. The latest is among four new... cases of COVID-19 diagnosed in the 24 hours bringing the total number of cases in NSW to 4,028. Of the four new cases, three are returned travellers in hotel quarantine. Testing numbers have declined in recent weeks, especially in South West Sydney and NSW Health is appealing to the community to come forward for testing right away if you have a runny nose or scratchy throat, cough, fever or other symptoms that could be COVID-19. COVID-19 testing clinics can be found here: https://www.nsw.gov.au//how-to-protect-yourself-an/clinics, or call your GP. See more

15.01.2022 COVID fragments found in West Camden sewage Residents in Camden, parts of Wollondilly and even Campbbelltown are being urged to get tested for COVID-19 after samples from West Camden sewage plant revealed fragments of the virus. Acting executive director of Health Protection NSW, Dr Richard Broome, said NSW Health had been working with Sydney Water to analyse wastewater samples since July to detect any low levels of virus in the community. Fragments of the SARS CoV-2 virus ...have been found at sewage treatment plants at North Richmond in the Hawkesbury, and West Camden in South Western Sydney, Dr Broome said. We’re calling on people in these catchments to come forward for testing with even the mildest of symptoms such as a runny nose or scratchy throat. NSW Health is looking closely at the suburbs of Belimba Park, Bickley Vale, Bow Bowing, Brownlow Hill, Camden, Camden Park, Camden South, Carrington Park, Catherine Field, Cawdor, Cobbitty, Currans Hill, Elderslie, Ellis Lane, Gledswood Hills, Glenmore, Grasmere, Gregory Hills, Harrington Park, Kirkham, Mount Annan, Mount Hunter, Minto, Minto DC, Minto Heights, Narellan, Narellan DC, Narellan Vale, Nattai, Orangeville, Oran Park, Raby, Rossmore, Spring Farm, St Andrews, Smeaton Grange, The Oaks and Varroville. Dr Broome said finding traces of the virus in sewage samples could mean there were active cases nearby. It can also mean there are recently recovered cases, as people who have previously been infected can continue to ‘shed’ virus fragments into the sewage system for up to four weeks after they have recovered, he said. There is no evidence that COVID-19 can be transmitted through wastewater, with studies showing the virus is deactivated by the treatment process. Dr Broome said the most recent cases in the West Camden catchment were reported in September, but no one living in the North Richmond catchment had recently tested positive for COVID-19. The closest testing clinics to West Camden are: Camden Hospital, 61 Menangle Rd Camden, 8am-6pm, seven days a week, and; 14 Queen Street Narellan, 8.50am-5pm, Monday to Friday. See more

14.01.2022 COVID-19 cases in Camden and Narellan An eatery in Camden and a shopping centre in Narellan were visited by people confirmed to have COVID-19 in the last few days. Anyone who went to Squeeze & Grind,180 Argyle St, Camden on October 7, 2020, between 11.45am-1.15pm and Narellan Town Centre, Camden Valley Way, Narellan on October 8, 2020, 12.30pm -2pm are considered a casual contact and must monitor for symptoms and get tested immediately if they develop. After testing, they must remain in isolation until a negative test result is received.

13.01.2022 Another case of COVID reported from shopping centre visit NSW has reported 11 new cases of locally transmitted COVID 19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night (October 13). One of the new cases of COVID-19 reported today went to Narellan Town Centre on October 7, from 11.30am to 1pm. NSW Health is urging anyone who attended the centre on Camden Valley Way, Narellan, during that time are considered casual contacts and should monitor for symptoms and get tested immediately if they ...develop. After testing, they must remain in isolation until a negative test result is received. NSW Health highlights everyone plays an important role in helping to contain the pandemic by testing quickly and following social distancing rules. Get tested on the day you get symptoms don’t wait to see if they go away. Assume it’s COVID-19 until proven otherwise by a test. There is no limit on how many tests you can have. Testing is quick, free, and easy and most people receive their test result within 24 hours. If you have even the mildest of symptoms like a runny nose or scratchy throat, cough, fever or other symptoms that could be COVID-19, please come forward for testing right away. See more

13.01.2022 Clean beaches this summer Even though Australia is the midst of a La Niña weather pattern, there will be days during the warmer months when a dip at the beach or waterways will be calling. Find out where the cleanest spots are in the 2019-2020 State of the Beaches report. NSW Environment Minister Matt Kean said 89 per cent of the 228 swimming sites monitored across the state were graded as ‘Very Good’ or ‘Good’ in the latest report. We haven’t had beaches this clean since ...the Beachwatch program started in 1989, Mr Kean said. While water quality results can vary year-on-year, based largely on the amount of rainfall we receive, this is great news for locals and visitors alike. As we head into the swimming season I encourage everyone to not only Slip, Slop and Slap and swim between the flags, but to be COVID Safe on our beaches this summer. Open ocean beaches recorded excellent results with 98 per cent of the 126 monitored, including the iconic Bondi and Manly, graded as ‘Very Good’ or ‘Good’. For Camden and Wollondilly residents the closest beaches, such as the one pictured, are rated in the Wollongong local government area that have been rated very good to good. Stanwell Park Beach Very Good; Coledale Beach Very Good; Austinmer Beach Very Good Thirroul Beach Good; Bulli Beach Good; Woonona Beach Very Good; Bellambi Beach Good; Corrimal Beach Good; North Wollongong Beach Good; Wollongong City Beach Very Good; Coniston Beach Very Good; Fishermans Beach Very Good, and; Port Kembla Beach Good. Beaches rated from Very Good to Very Poor have generally excellent microbial water quality and very few potential sources of faecal pollution. Water is considered suitable for swimming almost all of the time. Swimming should be avoided during and for up to one day following heavy rain at ocean beaches and up to three days at estuarine sites The full 2019-20 State of the Beaches report is available at: https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au//r/state-of-the-beaches See more

10.01.2022 Double demerits and daylight savings Hope everyone has a great and safe long weekend. Reminder that it a double demerits long weekend until 11.59pm on Monday (October 5), so watch your speed on the roads and also take care of wildlife if travelling on rural roads. This weekend it is also daylight savings begins so don’t forget to put your clocks on Sunday morning (October 4) at 2am longer evenings and extra light to enjoy.... Even though more restrictions have been lifted and people are on the move the advice is stay COVID-19 safe. See more

10.01.2022 Traces of coronavirus in sewage system Traces of coronavirus have been found in a sewage pumping station in South West Sydney NSW Health is urging people to get a COVID-19 test. Fragments of the virus have been detected in samples taken on November 4 from the sewerage system that drains parts of Leppington, Catherine Field, Gledswood Hills, Varroville and Denham Court. Symptoms like a runny nose or scratchy throat, cough, tiredness, fever or loss of taste or smell can all... signal COVID-19. After testing, you must remain isolated until a negative result is received. Nearby clinics include: Prestons Drive-through Clinic, Ash Road, Ash Road Sporting Complex, 8am-6pm; Oran Park Pop-up Clinic, Julia Reserve Community Centre, Peter Brock Drive, 8am 6.30pm; Leppington Clinical Labs Pathology Drive-through, Emerald Hills Shopping Village, Emerald Hills Boulevard, 9am-4pm; Gledswood Hills Douglass Hanly Moir Pathology Drive-through Clinic, 7 Gregory Hills Drive. Bookings required on 1800 026 622 or 9111 3405, and; Ingleburn Laverty Pathology, 47a Oxford Rd, 8am-5pm. For other nearby clinics, visit https://www.nsw.gov.au//how-to-protect-yourself-an/clinics or contact your GP. See more

07.01.2022 COVID cases in Oran Park, Leppington and Raby There are confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Camden and Campbelltown local government areas and NSW Health is urging people to monitor for symptoms or get tested if they experience even the mildest of symptoms like a runny nose or scratchy throat, cough, fever or other symptoms. The locations are: Woolworths Oran Park, 351 Oran Park Dr, Oran Park on the following dates: ... Wednesday, September 30 from 5:30pm to 6:30pm; Thursday, October 8 from 5:15pm to 6pm; Friday, October 9 between 6pm to 6:30pm; Prasadi Nepali Emerald Hills, 2 Hurricane Drive, Raby on Friday, October 2 from 3:30pm to 4pm; Emerald Hills McDonalds 101 Raby Rd, Leppington on Friday, October 2 from 5pm to 5:15pm; Aldi Emerald Hills, Shop 2/03, 5 Emerald Hills Blvd, Leppington, on Friday 2 October from 5:30pm to 6:15pm; Fantastic Furniture Campbelltown, 4 Blaxland Rd, Campbelltown, on Friday, October 9 from 3:30pm to 5:20pm; Bunnings Gregory Hills, 2 Rodeo Rd, Gregory Hills, on Tuesday, October 6 from 7pm to 8:00pm, and; IKEA Tempe, 634-726 Princes Hwy, Tempe, on Wednesday, October 7 from 1:30pm 5:30pm. Testing numbers have dropped and. NSW Health is appealing to the community to come forward for testing right away if you have even the mildest of symptoms. A new pop-up clinic for COVID-19 testing has been established at Julia Reserve Community Centre walk-in, Peter Brock Drive, Oran Park from 1pm today. The clinic will be open daily until Sunday, October 18 between 8am and 6pm. See more

06.01.2022 Body of teenage swimmer found The body of a 17 year-old boy was found at a swimming hole in Tahmoor this evening. About 1.40pm today (October 1) emergency services were called to Mermaid Pools following reports a male swimmer did not resurface after jumping off a rock into the water. Officers from Camden Police Area Command along with Police Divers, NSW Ambulance paramedics and Fire and Rescue NSW went to the area.... About 6.15pm, the body of the teenager was found submerged in the water. A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner. See more

05.01.2022 COVID cases in south west Three new cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in South West Sydney and are being investigated. NSW Health is assessing potential exposure to the virus of people who attended the venues below. Anyone who attended the following venues is considered casual contacts and should immediately isolate and get tested even if they develop the slightest symptoms.... Friday, October 2: Kmart, Narellan Town Centre, Narellan 6pm to 7pm; Saturday, October 3: Fitness First, Carlingford (all attendees other than those in the pilates class notified above): 8 to 9:15am; Sunday, October 4: Penrith Homemaker Centre, Penrith 11am to 1pm; Sunday, October 4: Guzman y Gomez, Penrith 1.30pm to 2 pm Sunday, October 4: Home Co, Penrith 2pm to 2.30pm Monday, October 5: Westfield Parramatta 9.30am to 11am Monday, October 5: Castle Towers Shopping Centre, Castle Hill 12pm to 1pm NSW Health renews its call for increased testing across Sydney, even if you have the mildest of symptoms like a runny nose or scratchy throat, cough, fever or other symptoms that could be COVID-19. This is especially important for people across West and South West Sydney with these new cases and after the state’s sewage surveillance program detected fragments of the virus at the North Richmond and West Camden treatment plants. See more

04.01.2022 Memorials inspire pipers to play With Remembrance Day commemoration ceremonies taking place tomorrow, some of the members of the Ingleburn RSL and Macarthur Scottish Pipes and Drums will be taking part at different events. members have been kept the pipes blowing every week during practice sessions at Camden Showground and more importantly at different memorials around Campbelltown and Camden. The pipers have taken upon themselves to honour the fallen in their own fashion. I...f you have heard the distinct sound of the bagpipes playing in recent weeks, there’s a very good chance you could have been passing a park with a war memorial. The keen bagpipers have been visiting different memorials in these areas honouring those who have died in defence of Australia with a reverent tune or two. It’s a novel approach to practice and pay respects in lieu of any official service. Members of the public who enjoy the haunting sounds of the bagpipes can be transported to the Scottish highlands (more like Camden Showground) when the members get together there mid-week for practice sessions. See more

04.01.2022 Help to locate missing girl Police are appealing for public assistance to find Maddison Vanbaardwyk, aged 13, who was last seen leaving Elizabeth Macarthur High School, Waterworth Drive, Narellan Vale about 3.30pm on Thursday, November 12, 2020. She has not been seen or heard from since. Despite an extensive ongoing search Maddison has not been located and there are concerns about her welfare. The young girl is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 150cm tall, o...f medium build, with black hair, brown eyes and a fair complexion. At the time she was wearing her school uniform. Anyone with information about Maddison Vanbaardwyk whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages. See more

03.01.2022 Day of action against gas Agree or not young and old today made their feelings known about the federal government’s support of gas including youngsters sending a clear message outside of the Energy Minister, Angus Taylor’s Camden office. Students Strike 4 Climate Australia and supporters held more than 600 colourful, COVID-safe actions across the country as part of September 25th: #FundOurFutureNotGas day of action protestors of all ages and walks of life are calling ...on the government to fund their future, not the gas industry. The event was the broadest ever national day of action against gas, with events taking place all over the country in big cities and small towns Camden and Bowral included. The demands of this day include no public funds are spent on gas or other damaging fossil fuels. The message is about recovery funds should be spent on: Resourcing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led solutions that guarantee land rights and care for country; The creation of jobs that fast track solutions to the climate crisis and help communities recover, and; Projects that transition our economy and communities to 100 per cent renewable energy by 2030, through expanded public ownership. See more

01.01.2022 Coles workers locked-out Protesting to get a better payout against their jobs being taken over by machines, 354 Coles distribution centre workers were dealt a blow today when the multinational grocery chain notified them they have been locked out of their workplace for 12 weeks. The workers, from the Coles distribution centre at Smeaton Grange were in the middle of a 24 hour rolling work stoppage, when two hours into the protest they were notified they won’t be let into the ...complex until February 11, 2021. Coles said the workers were offered a generous wage increase and redundancy payouts. The United Workers Union (UWU) is supporting the Coles employees. We are in the middle of negotiations for the next agreement, Sharon Eurlings, an organiser for the Coles workers said. These guys are going to be out the door because (Coles) decided it’s going to have automated sheds instead of giving people these jobs. There are 354 members working here currently; 60 per cent of them are 45 years and over. The big fight that we have is for these guys to be looked after with their redundancies. We are asking for five weeks package maximum 104.The majority of these guys have been working here for decades. Ms Eurlings said these same people worked through the bushfires and through the pandemic. She said people like Neil Evans aged 70 who has been working at the Smeaton Grange centre for 22 years, but has worked with Coles for 38 years leaves his house at 1am to come here at 5am to make sure all those shelves at Coles are actually filled up. We are not being greedy. With the pandemic, Coles has had record profits, it’s a well-known fact, Ms Eurlings said. She said the workers needed assurity they will receive the same conditions with the automation of the centre whether they decide to stay or leave. We have 350 workers who will not be getting their money before Christmas. These guys are prepared to stay out here. They deserve the dignity and respect from Coles. In regard to supplies, Ms Eurlings said the Smeaton Grange Centre was one of the biggest distribution facilities in the state. A spokesperson for Coles said the workers wanted a 5.5 per cent annual wage increase even though the company had offered 3.5 per cent increase to annual wages and monetary allowances. The redundancy provisions offered to workers included maximum of 52 weeks pay to a maximum of 80 weeks pay for involuntary redundancies if site closed in 2023. To ensure that our stores can continue to offer a full range of products for our customers through the Christmas and New Year period, we have made alternative arrangements for products ordinarily distributed from the Smeaton Grange distribution centre. See more