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National

Sydney news: Dominic Perrottet says toll changes to make system fairer will 'take time'

The Premier says it would take time to reform Sydney's tolling system. (ABC News: Tim Swanston)

Here's what you need to know this morning.

No changes to tolling system before election

The Premier Dominic Perrottet has admitted there will be no changes to Sydney's tolling system in this term of government, despite saying he wants it to be fairer.

In April, the state government announced a review into tolls, which is yet to be completed.

The Premier says reform cannot happen before the state election in March next year. 

"It would take time," Mr Perrottet said.

"This is a complicated negotiation that would occur between Treasury and the motorway operators."

The Premier has indicated his preference would be exploring a distance-based tolling regime.

Man charged over serious teen assault at CBD

The man is due to appear in court next month. (ABC News: Dan Cox)

A man has been charged after allegedly attacking a stranger at Circular Quay early on Sunday morning. 

The Rouse Hill man, 20, was charged with reckless grievous bodily harm after allegedly assaulting an 18-year-old — who was walking along the waterfront — outside a museum.  

Police say the younger man attended the Rocks Police Station and was taken to Royal North Shore Hospital for treatment of multiple facial fractures.

The older man was bailed to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on June 22. 

Strong winds to continue today

The windy conditions brought down trees and powerlines. (Twitter: Carol Duncan)

Emergency services were kept busy overnight, as storms brought heavy rain and damaging winds to the east of the state.

Power company Ausgrid worked through the night to restore electricity to communities after downed trees and powerlines left many in the dark.

The Bureau of Meteorology said three months of wet weather had led to sodden ground, making it more difficult for trees and poles to remain upright.

It also said the strong cold front would continue heading east today.

Gale warnings remain in place along the coast but are likely to ease on Wednesday.

Female students awarded education grants

The scholarships worth $20,000 provide support over a four-year period. (Supplied: Harding Miller Education Foundation)

Scholarships worth thousands of dollars have been awarded to 70 high school students across New South Wales who are experiencing socio-economic disadvantage.

The payments of $20,000 over four years are distributed by the Harding Miller Education Foundation and given to female students in year 8 who want to go to university.

Scholarship recipient Ebony Lock, who has grown up in the foster care system, said it would make her final years of school easier to manage.

"My high school principal actually put my name forward for it and we thought it would be a great opportunity," she said.

"I am planning on going to year 12 and staying through for that and then going to uni."

Foundation director Cara Varian said the financial assistance could help break cycles of disadvantage.

"The three things that we're looking for [are] high academic potential or achievement, experiencing socio-economic hardship and the third thing is motivation and ambition," she said.

"The students [who] apply, they're resilient and they're excited about their future."

Students winning a scholarship receive a new laptop, IT support and help with schoolwork.

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