Here's what you need to know this morning.
Rain eases but flood risk remains
Thousands of people forced to evacuate their homes due to severe weather are waiting to be given the all clear.
Several flood evacuation orders were issued yesterday across Greater Sydney by the State Emergency Service (SES).
People living in parts of Bonnet Bay, Woronora, Chipping Norton, Camden and Wallacia were told to leave with a few hours' notice.
More evacuation orders were made for residents along the Hawkesbury River in parts of Pitt Town, Agnes Banks, Cattai, Cornwallis and Richmond Lowlands this morning.
The Bureau of Meteorology's Peter Otto said the weather was due to ease today but the flood risk remains.
"Although the rain is easing off now, there is still quite serious risk for some people along flooded rivers," he said.
"Particularly across Hawkesbury and Nepean, which has a major flood warning out."
Yesterday, the SES responded to more than 700 calls for assistance.
Crackdown on 'SIM swap scams'
Scammers posing as customers in interactions with telecommunications providers are costing victims an average of $28,000, according to the telecommunications watchdog.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) said weak security measures meant scammers were able to pretend to be customers and have their numbers transferred to a new SIM card.
"SIM swap scams can cause a lot of harm as scammers take control of your phone number and then use that to gain access to your online banking accounts," chair of ACMA's scam task force Fiona Cameron said.
ACMA is mandating telecommunication carriers increase their security.
"These new rules require multi-factor authentication of your identity such as confirming personal information and responding with a one-time code consistent with how other essential services, like banking, operate," she said.
Telcos that don't follow the rules risk court action.
The new rules will come into effect on June 30.
Easter Show starts with a Royal opening
The Sydney Royal Easter Show kicks off today with special celebrations to mark 200 years since the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW's (RAS) inception.
Saturday's official opening will be undertaken by Princess Anne, who will enter Sydney Olympic Park stadium in a horse-drawn carriage that organisers say was built over 150 years ago.
"The first time it was used, it carried Her Majesty the Queen, Prince Phillip, Prince Charles and Princess Anne to the main arena, where they officially opened the 1970 show," they said.
Over the next 12 days, there will be special historical displays alongside traditional activities including the animal shows, carnival rides and show bag pavilion.
A daily street parade will pay tribute to the history of the RAS from its early days at Parramatta Park to its current home.
The event continues to uphold COVID-safe measures including a limited daily capacity and increased physical distancing.
Two charged with COVID-19 fraud
Police say two men fraudulently obtained more than $150,000 through government schemes designed to help small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The men, aged 47 and 67, were arrested at a home in Villawood yesterday following an investigation by Strike Force Sainsbery.
The strike force was set up by the financial crimes squad to probe fraudulent applications made against NSW government financial relief schemes related to the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters.
Police allege the two men were part of a criminal syndicate involved in numerous fraudulent claims of NSW government support payments.
There are now five members of the alleged syndicate before the courts.
Regional health division established
A new division of NSW Health has been established with a goal to improve health outcomes for people in rural and regional areas.
The state government says its new Regional Health Division will bring a renewed focus on recruitment to key healthcare roles in regional NSW and to find innovative ways for health staff to live and work in regional communities.
"The division will sit at the top level within the Ministry of Health and ensure strong advocacy of regional health issues, while also leveraging the strengths of our excellent, highly networked NSW public health system for the benefit of regional NSW," Regional Health Minister Bronnie Taylor said.
