NSW recorded 1,351 locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night from 129,266 tests. Sadly, 12 deaths were recorded in that same time period. Our thoughts are with their loved ones. NSW Health has reported that 29,976 vaccines were administered in the same time period. More information on today’s statistics here.

Both the Albury and Lismore LGAs will return to lockdown from 6pm tonight, for a minimum of seven days, after cases of COVID-19 were identified in both areas. Residents in those areas can follow the latest information here.

In view of the Public Health Order announced today, the commencement of new jury trials in the Albury and Lismore District Court (the Court) will be temporarily suspended from 6:00pm Thursday 16 September 2021 for a period of 7 days. Current jury trials will continue. Other than current jury trials, there will be no personal appearances in the Court during the above period. Practitioners should contact the relevant Court for AVL appearance details and listing confirmation.

Stay-at-home orders have now been lifted for Bega, Blayney, Bogan, Cabonne, Dungog, Forbes, Muswellbrook, Narrabri, Parkes, Singleton, Snowy Monaro and Upper Hunter Local Government Areas (LGAs) as of 1pm TODAY. More here.

As a result of today’s announcement, the Chief Magistrate’s Memo has been altered to reflect the Courts in LGAs no longer subject to stay at home orders and those that now are under the restrictions.

Curfews in Sydney’s LGAs of concern have now been lifted, as the state hits the milestone of 80 per cent of the adult population with one dose of the COVID vaccine. Read the details of the lifting, which came into effect yesterday, here.

The NSW Government has announced an additional $287.5 million in COVID-19 financial support to assist workers and vulnerable communities in metropolitan, regional and rural NSW. The additional funding will see the COVID-19 emergency hardship payments, test and isolate support payments and community empowerment grants expanded across all of NSW. Read details of the announcement here.

As part of its 2021 Mental Health Campaign, our Member Benefits partner, Bupa invites Law Society members to a COVID -19 “fact or fiction session” with Dr Norman Swan on 22 September. In this session, Dr Swan will answer any questions and talk about the facts surrounding the vaccine. The session will help everyone get a clear up-to-date picture so they can make the most informed decisions. Register here.

Applications opened this week for eligible grassroots organisations to share in a $10 million funding package, to support vulnerable people and multicultural communities living in priority areas during the current COVID outbreak. The program will support NGOs to link those in need with vital support services, including family and parenting supports, food and essential items, and specialist counselling to address issues such as mental health concerns, drug and alcohol abuse and family and domestic violence. It will target those needing urgent help in the LGAs of concern, including those who are required to isolate due to COVID-19. More here.