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Trade mission secures two International MoUs to strengthen NSW trade and investment ties with Korea and Japan

NSW Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong has returned from a successful trade mission to the Republic of Korea (Korea) and Japan, where he signed an international Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Japanese housing development body Urban Renaissance Agency.

Minister Chanthivong also met with senior representatives from the Government of Chungnam Province in Seoul to lay the groundwork for a MoU to be signed today between

Korea’s Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), and the University of New South Wales (UNSW).

The MoU with Japan’s Urban Renaissance Agency expands an existing agreement around support for Bradfield City and the new Western Sydney Airport into a statewide partnership on investment promotion, with a particular focus on Transport Oriented Developments.

The MoU being witnessed by Minister Chanthivong and signed by both KAIST and UNSW will see greater academia-industry collaboration as well as joint research and development initiatives, with a particular focus on the mobility and biotechnology sectors, and the commencement of a startup exchange program, including support for workspace provision and investor connections.

The broader trade mission highlighted opportunities to strengthen trade and investment outcomes with Korea and Japan, which are both priority markets in the NSW Government’s Trade and Investment Strategy 2035.

The Strategy details the Minns Labor Government’s 10-year plan to grow and diversify NSW exports, attract investment, and to strengthen our new and existing industries.

Meetings and site visits were held in Seoul, Tokyo and Osaka, with companies that are global leaders in clean energy production and modern methods of construction, including Samsung Construction & Trading Corporation, Hyundai Motor Group, Idemitsu, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

The Minister also reaffirmed NSW’s commitments to its longstanding Sister State Agreements with the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, held briefings with Australia’s Ambassadors to Korea and Japan, and delivered a major speech to Japanese corporate leaders at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, where investment opportunities in NSW are being showcased on the global stage.

As two of NSW’s most valued trading partners, Minister Chanthivong was pleased to secure investment opportunities with the nations of both Korea and Japan, to strengthen and diversify our economic relationships around the NSW Government’s Industry Policy missions of Housing, Net Zero & Energy Transition, and Local Manufacturing.

Both countries will be key partners as we seek to deliver long-term economic prosperity.

Read the NSW Trade and Investment Strategy 2035 here: https://www.investment.nsw.gov.au/why-nsw/resources/nsw-trade-and-investment-strategy/

Read the NSW Industry Policy here: https://www.investment.nsw.gov.au/why-nsw/resources/nsw-industry-policy/

Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong:

“Strengthening the NSW economy is one of the top priorities of the Minns Labor Government.

“Korea and Japan are both longstanding and likeminded trading partners, with two-way trade between NSW totalling $28.4 billion and $15.9 billion respectively.

“I was delighted to visit both countries last week and meet with government leaders, businesses and investors, to highlight the objectives of the new NSW Trade and Investment Strategy 2035, which provides a clear path towards a more productive and resilient NSW economy.

“I was also very pleased with the outcome of securing not one, but two international MoUs – one signed between the NSW Government and Japan’s Urban Renaissance Agency, and the other signed between Korea’s Advanced Institute of Science and Technology and UNSW.

“These MoUs will play a key role in achieving the outcomes of the Minns Labor Government’s NSW Trade and Investment Strategy 2035, which seeks to maximise every international trade and investment opportunity that we can.

“The NSW Government is doing all it can to unleash the potential of the state’s global competitiveness to deliver better trade and investment outcomes for businesses and the people of NSW.”

President of Urban Renaissance Agency (UR), Masaru Ishida:

“I was honoured to meet with Minister Chanthivong and sign the MoU.

“I believe UR’s experience will be useful in addressing the housing shortage and urban issues in NSW.”

Vice Chancellor of University of New South Wales (UNSW) Attila Brungs:

“UNSW is delighted to partner with Korea’s Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), and proud to align the University’s mission with the NSW Trade and Investment Strategy 2035.

“Through partnerships with leading global institutions such as KAIST, UNSW is deepening our engagement in Korea and the region, and sharing our dedication to progress for all.

“UNSW has a long history of educating students from Korea.

“We are committed to collaborating with trusted international partners, demonstrating our expertise on the global stage and driving progress in areas such as renewable technologies, green skills, life sciences, healthcare, and innovation.”

Korea’s Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) Senior Vice President Prof. Kyung-soo Kim:

“We believe our partnership with UNSW will serve as a catalyst for turning academic excellence into real-world impact, and incubating university-led global startups.

“Under this collaboration, we aim to lead innovation in key areas such as mobility, biotechnology, and climate technology.”

Boys injured when motorcycle and car collide – Cardiff

Two teenage boys on a motorcycle have been seriously injured after a crash in the Hunter region.

Shortly after 2am today (Sunday 1 June 2025), officers from Lake Macquarie Police District on routine patrol drove across a crash between a motorcycle and Mazda 3 hatchback at the intersection of Main Road and Lowry Street, Cardiff.

Police immediately stopped and rendered first aid to the occupants of the motorcycle until the arrival of NSW Ambulance paramedics.

The rider and pillion passenger – both aged 16 – were taken to John Hunter Hospital in a serious but stable condition. Both boys were wearing helmets at the time of the crash.

The driver of the car – a 52-year-old man – escaped injury and was taken to the same hospital for mandatory testing.

A crime scene was established which is currently being examined by specialist police from the Crash Investigation Unit.

Inquiries have established that the motorcycle was reported stolen from Edgeworth on 11 May 2025

The motorcycle had not been involved in a pursuit prior to the crash.

As inquiries continue, police are urging anyone who may have information about the crash – or has any available dashcam/mobile phone footage – to contact Belmont Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

VIC LABOR APPROVES CLIMATE-WRECKING FLOATING GAS TERMINAL IN CORIO BAY

The Victorian Greens have condemned the Victorian Labor Government for giving the tick of approval for Viva Energy’s floating gas terminal in Corio Bay.

The Greens have been campaigning alongside local communities since 2022 to put an end to this dangerous, polluting, unnecessary project.

Labor’s decision has shown complete contempt for the Geelong community, climate experts, and environmentalists who overwhelmingly oppose a gas import terminal in Corio bay.

In the same week that Victorian Labor approved this massive floating gas terminal, Federal Labor signed off on Woodside’s North West Shelf – set to emit 6.1 billion tonnes of carbon.

The Greens say these decisions expose Labor as climate hypocrites: a total betrayal, being bought by the fossil fuel industry instead of listening to future generations.

The floating gas terminal not only presents massive health and climate risks, but it will also likely require dredging to accommodate the LNG tankers which will absolutely devastate the beautiful local marine environment.

The Greens say that there is absolutely no reason for this project to go ahead and any justification is a total sham as over 80% of Australia’s gas is exported, an important terminal will actually result in Victorians buying back Australian gas at a higher price.

Greens Member for Western Victoria and Deputy Leader, Dr Sarah Mansfield:

“This is absolutely devastating news. Victorian Labor have turned their backs on our bay environment, on the health and safety of communities in Geelong, and on our climate. They have failed to listen to thousands of community members, environment groups, and experts, instead selling out to the fossil fuel lobby. It’s unforgiveable.

With the North West Shelf and now this massive floating gas terminal – this week Labor has really torched what little climate credibility they had – they may as well be the Coalition at this point.”

the Leader of the Victorian Greens, Ellen Sandell:

“First the Federal Labor Government approves Australia’s biggest fossil fuel project in WA, now the Victorian state Labor Government has approved a huge floating gas ship in Victoria. These are both massive fossil fuel projects that are fuelling the climate crisis and it shows that Labor simply does not give a stuff about climate change”.

Major parties’ climate apathy will leave our reef ‘in danger’

The Australian Greens echo the calls from the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for the Queensland and Australian governments to take drastic measures in protecting the Great Barrier Reef.

For 13 years the committee has warned the reef could fall onto the ‘In Danger’ list after multiple bleaching events in the past decade.

Now, they may have issued their final warning with a draft decision ahead of the committee’s July meeting in Paris, with grave fears for the future of the Reef.

We know climate change is the greatest threat to the reef, with UNESCO highlighting water pollution and unsustainable fishing as the most damaging local threats.

With sole balance of power in the Senate this term, the Greens will continue to fight for strong climate action, including pushing for no new coal and gas, and for our oceans to be protected.

Leader of the Australian Greens and Senator for Queensland, Larissa Waters:

“If this week has proven anything it is that neither of the major parties are committed to net zero.

“If they continue to wave around net zero as a fig leaf while still approving coal and gas, the Great Barrier Reef will continue to suffer.

“UNESCO has been warning since 2012 that the Reef could be placed on the ‘In Danger’ list, and while the major parties have been racing to the bottom on climate policy, 50% of the Reef’s coral cover has been lost.

“The Coalition can’t even say the term climate change, let alone what they mean by net zero and Labor has just approved a massive carbon bomb in the North West Shelf.

“If Labor wants to talk about mandates, they should keep in mind the one they have to address the climate crisis.

“It seems the Greens are the only ones committed to ensuring the next generation, our kids and grandkids, have a liveable planet.

“More than 60,000 people rely on the Reef for employment and yet the government, which talks a big game about climate and jobs, is prepared to let an entire industry die while it lets its fossil fuel donors dig and burn their way to climate catastrophe.

“Queenslanders and Australians have had enough of governments ruling for the billionaires and doing favours for big corporations.

“Rising global emissions caused by the burning of fossil fuels are boiling our oceans and killing the Great Barrier Reef.

“Until the Albanese Government commits to ending new coal and gas this destruction will continue.”

Emissions remain higher under Albanese than Morrison, on the same week Labor approves ‘carbon bomb’

The latest quarterly emissions update has revealed emissions are still going up and remain higher under Anthony Albanese than when Scott Morrison left office, as the Greens call on Labor to stop backing coal and gas.

The data reveals emissions have risen year on year from 446.2 to 446.4 million tonnes.

The update also shows that emissions were higher in the year to December 2024 (446.4 Mt) than they were in the year to June 2022 when the Morrison Government left office (440.6 Mt).

These damning figures follow Labor’s decision earlier this week to approve the climate-wrecking North West Shelf dirty gas extension to 2070, effectively killing the prospect of achieving net zero by 2050.

Labor approved over 30 new coal and gas projects in its last term.

The Australian Greens have said to have any chance of a safer climate, Labor must stop approving new coal and gas projects and start rapidly cutting emissions.

Leader of the Australian Greens, Senator Larissa Waters:

“Climate emissions are still going up and are higher under Anthony Albanese than under Scott Morrison.

“And just this week, Labor approved the climate-wrecking North West Shelf dirty gas extension to 2070.

“Two climate tests so far – and Labor’s failed both.

“During the last term of parliament, Labor approved over 30 new coal and gas projects, and it doesn’t look like they’re slowing down any time soon.

“The Greens will keep fighting for strong climate action, and an end to new coal and gas.”

City of Newcastle moves to protect natural assets for future generations

City of Newcastle is working to ensure the ongoing protection of more than 80 hectares of bushland and wetlands, which are home to threatened species and ecologically significant habitats.

The elected Council unanimously voted in April to seek input from the community on the formalisation of the status of 22 parcels of land across six Newcastle suburbs as community land managed as natural areas.

Image: Blue Wren Creek in Elemore Vale is one of the 22 parcels of land proposed for reclassification of community land.The areas, which combined cover the equivalent of 112 soccer fields, are currently classified as operational land or road reserves.

The community is invited to provide feedback on the proposed reclassification, which is designed to offer greater long-term protection for a range of bushland, wetlands and creek lines including areas adjacent to Blackbutt Reserve.

City of Newcastle’s Executive Director Planning and Environment Michelle Bisson said Novocastrians have made it clear they want the city’s natural assets to be protected and enhanced.

“With 65 wetland areas, 91 bushland parcels and 79km of urban creeks under our care, City of Newcastle recognises the intrinsic value of our environment and the benefits of nature to our society,” Ms Bisson said.

“These land parcels hold significant environmental, social, and cultural value for many in the community, and while they have been actively managed as natural assets for more than 15 years, reclassification will provide clarity for their future management.

“This process also aligns with our Newcastle Environment Strategy, which was developed with extensive community consultation and aims to improve the health and condition of our natural assets and biodiversity connectivity.”

The parcels of land range in size from a tiny 100 square metre area of Hunter Coast Spotted Gum adjoining the Blackbutt Reserve escarpment at New Lambton Heights, to 41.5 hectares of floodplain and wetlands around Ironbark Creek at Wallsend, which provides habitat for threatened and migratory species.

It also includes a significant 22-hectare wetland and woodland area at Black Hill, which forms an essential link in the biodiversity corridor between Stockton and the Watagans. City of Newcastle signed a Conservation Agreement with the NSW Government for the area in 2024.

Councillor Joel Pringle, Chair of City of Newcastle’s Liveable Cities Strategic Advisory Committee, said accurately classifying public land parcels is an important step in sustainable, cost-effective land management.

“In addition to the long-term environmental benefits, the reclassification of these land parcels could also enable us to access external grant funding and, potentially, biodiversity offsetting opportunities,” Cr Pringle said.

“I encourage the community to take some time to read through the proposal, understand its importance, and to have their say during the exhibition period.”

The public exhibition period will run from Friday 30 May to Friday 27 June. A report summarising community feedback will be presented to Council to inform its final decision.

Submissions can be made online via the Have Your Say Newcastle website at https://haveyoursay.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/proposed-reclassification-land-parcels

Wage agreement with rail workers is an investment in network reliability

The NSW Government has today reached an agreement with the Combined Rail Unions in the Fair Work Commission, bringing to an end the industrial dispute that has disrupted the network and inconvenienced passengers.

The deal ends protected industrial action by the Combined Rail Unions and allows Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink to focus on improving reliability across the network

The proposed Enterprise Agreement, facilitated by the Fair Work Commission, delivers rail workers a 12 per cent pay rise over three years plus back pay.

Today’s agreement reaffirms the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to a fair, modern and sustainable wages policy for workers.

It will deliver agreement on a number of technology-based solutions to improve recovery times when incidents on the tracks bring the system to a halt.

For example, train crews will support the introduction of a new digital disruption management system that will end the current practice that relies on a manual system of phone calls and paper-based instructions during recovery from an incident.

This technology will help significantly reduce the time it takes to get the network back to normal when disruptions happen.

Unions have agreed to support the rollout and other tech-based changes to reduce time lost to delays.

The unions and government have also reached agreement to move to a streamlined process for consulting on new fleet, systems and infrastructure projects.

Under the previous agreement signed off by the Liberals, the consultation process had no mechanism to prevent consultation continuing for years before a change could be implemented.

Importantly, the updated consultation process will provide a mechanism for the union to progressively escalate to subject matter experts if there are safety concerns related to a new project.

In regional NSW, the rail unions will support the introduction of the new Regional Rail Fleet.

Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink will also become one entity during the life of the agreement, reducing duplication but ensuring frontline services remain at the same level at regional stations and on trains. This saving and ongoing efficiency will fund 1 per cent of the deal under the mutual gains framework.

The agreement, which will begin after a successful ballot of employees, will also include back pay to cover the gap the between the last agreement expiring and the new EA starting.

There remains one outstanding clause that the ETU does not support and the Fair Work Commission is assisting to resolve that matter. This does not affect the agreement with the Combined Rail Unions and a request has been made to now put it to a vote of the rail workforce.

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“This agreement will bring relief to the disruption from protected industrial action that a million daily rail commuters have been forced to endure while just trying to get to work and get around.

“This process has strained the patience of train passengers but in finalising this deal we have made a very important investment in reliability.

“This much-needed reset allows us to implement improvements for passengers with the full support of the rail workforce and unions.

“We said we would sign off on a fair and reasonable wage rise for our rail workers that protects taxpayer’s money, and that is exactly what we have done. I want to thank the commuting public for their patience as we got this agreement done.”

NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“This is a positive result for rail workers and for commuters.

“Rail workers will benefit from a fair wage increase, commuters will have greater certainty, and our city will be better off.

“Sydney is a global city, and our public transport system should reflect that. This agreement will ensure our rail network can keep moving forward.”

Minister for Industrial Relations, Sophie Cotsis said:

“This agreement is proof that a responsible government can bargain to reach a deal that’s good for taxpayers and good for workers.

“This has been an intense bargaining process. Each day, one million commuters depend on the Sydney rail network and we thank the workforce and unions for their meticulous efforts keeping passengers safe.

“This agreement provides certainty around consultation between the government and the workforce.”

Flood affected farming communities urged to complete damage survey as waters recede

Flood impacted farmers and primary producers are being asked to complete the NSW Government’s Primary Industries Natural Disaster Damage Assessment (PiNDDA) survey, once it is safe for them to undertake the task.

Clean-up efforts are well underway and there is an all-in effort – with boots and equipment on the ground – as quickly as possible to ensure the clean-up is co-ordinated, swift, and effective.

This survey collects information for government that can help shape recovery programs and support.

The damage survey allows farmers to record the number of crops, animals, and infrastructure damaged by the floods, and advise on the severity of damage in their locality.

The PiNDDA survey helps a range of government agencies, industry organisations and communities understand the scale and the impact of a disaster on primary producers, plan for recovery activities and target resources and assistance in an area.  

To make a submission, visit the portal at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/damage 

The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development can view survey information in real time.

The results are used to determine:

the area the natural disaster has impacted and the scale of the event
the severity of the impact
the value of damage to primary production sectors and enterprises
where and what assistance or resources may be needed.

Farmers requiring animal welfare assistance call AASFA hotline: 1800 814 647 (8am-6pm, 7x days)

NSW Minister for Agriculture and Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“The damage survey is a real time way of determining the true scale of a single event like the magor flooding seen across our east coast in recent weeks.

“This data will shape recovery programs and tailor government support to the most impacted communities and agricultural sectors.

“Our Government thanks in advance the farmers and primary producers who complete the survey and share their experiences with us. Your estimates and photos are vital in helping government and industry groups better understand immediate impacts and longer term recovery planning.”

NSW Ready for Help to Buy

An estimated 3,000 eligible home buyers across NSW will soon be able to participate in the Australian Government’s Help to Buy program each year, after the NSW Parliament passed enabling legislation.

Help to Buy will assist eligible low to middle income earners to purchase a home with a contribution from the Australian Government of up to 40 per cent of the purchase price for new homes and 30 per cent for existing homes.

Help to Buy will help to bring the dream of owning a home within reach for thousands of people earning an annual income of $100,000 or less for individuals, or up to $160,000 for couples and single parents.

Eligible NSW Help to Buy participants will be able to purchase property for up to $1.3 million in Sydney and regional centres and up to $800,000 in the rest of the state, with a requirement that the home is the principal place of residence.

10,000 places a year will be allocated across the country, with about one-third available to buyers in NSW.

Help to Buy can shrink the deposit required to buy a home to a minimum of two per cent and avoids the cost of Lenders Mortgage Insurance.

The program will be funded by the Australian Government and administered by Housing Australia and is expected to commence later in 2025.

The Help to Buy program will provide another lever as the Minns Labor Government works to build a better NSW.

That includes the biggest housing reforms in a generation, including transformational rezoning across Sydney and speeding up the delivery of new homes through the TOD program.

Together, we are providing a greater choice of homes, so young people, families and workers have a place to live in the communities they choose.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“We want to give more people more pathways to get into their own home and this program will help thousands in NSW do just that.

“Help to Buy can take years off the time it takes to save for a deposit and that’s meaningful relief for families.

“Around a third of the 10,000 places available every year will be right here in NSW.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“As the Minns Government continues to speed up the delivery of homes and tackle our supply challenges, the Help to Buy program will support people to buy those homes.

“In supporting this initiative, the Minns Government is helping to make housing more accessible, more affordable, and more attainable for the people who need it most.”

Minister for Finance Courtney Houssos said:

“The Minns Labor Government understands the real barriers facing families across NSW when it comes to entering the housing market.

“We welcome this important initiative from the Albanese Labor Government to support first home buyers.

“The Minns Labor Government inherited a flawed shared equity system from the previous government. The policy settings of the Albanese Government’s scheme have much better prospects for success.”

Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Rose Jackson said:

“Help to Buy is about fairness. It’s about making the dream of owning a home achievable again for thousands of people who’ve been let down by a broken housing system.

“Home ownership has felt completely out of reach for working people. Help to Buy will make it possible for people to own a home of their own, with a smaller deposit and no mortgage insurance.

“Alongside the biggest planning reforms in a generation, our landmark Transport Oriented Development (TOD) program – which delivers more housing near train stations and public transport – and the $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW program, Help to Buy is one more way we’re building a better NSW where everyone has a fair shot at secure, affordable housing.”

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Veterans honoured during National Reconciliation Week

First Nations veterans are being honoured today at the 2025 Indigenous Veterans Commemoration Service which will be held at the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park Sydney.

The service is hosted by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Veterans & Services Association and is proudly supported by the NSW Government, the education sector and RSL NSW.

Minister for Veterans and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris will attend the service alongside other dignitaries to pay tribute and honour the service and sacrifice of Indigenous veterans and recognise their contributions to the defence of our nation.

This is the 19th annual commemoration since its inception in 2007 and traditionally takes place on the last Friday in May, to coincide with National Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June).

The commemoration is attended by schools and focuses on educating the next generation on the history of Indigenous contributions to our defence forces, spanning from the Boer

War in 1899 through to recent operations and peacekeeping.

This year’s commemoration will also be attended by schools participating in the second annual NSW Government Regional Youth Program. This program provides the opportunity for schools from each of the three school sectors to travel from regional NSW to Sydney to attend the Commemoration.

This year students from St Raphael’s Catholic School in Cowra, Clarence Valley Anglican School in Grafton and Kooringal High School in Wagga Wagga will have the opportunity to participate in today’s service.

Students will have the opportunity to meet members of the organising committee including Chair, Uncle Harry Allie who served in the Air Force and Mr Dave Williams who served in the Navy. Master of Ceremonies, Squadron Leader Coen Henry and guest speaker, Lieutenant Colonel Joseph West who will share their personal experiences as current serving members of the Defence Force.

Minister for Veterans and Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:

“As Minister for Veterans, and the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, I know how important it is we commemorate and remember the service and sacrifice of our Indigenous veterans.

“This commemoration is an important occasion to recognise and celebrate the invaluable role Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have played in defending our country.

“I would like to acknowledge all the schools who will be in attendance today, by educating your students on the service and sacrifice of our veterans ensures their legacy lives on and inspires the next generation.

“National Reconciliation Week is a time for our community to learn more about our Aboriginal culture, history and achievements and specifically the contributions of our Indigenous veterans and current serving Indigenous members of the Defence Force. I thank you for your service.”

Uncle Harry Allie AM BEM Chair Indigenous Veterans Commemoration said:

“As a proud descendant of the Gudjala people, a veteran of 23 years in the Royal Australian Air Force, and inaugural RAAF Indigenous Elder, it is pleasing to see this important commemoration continue to take place, honouring the service and sacrifice of Indigenous veterans.

“My family’s connection to Defence, and service to our nation commenced with my uncle in the Great War and another uncle, my aunty and father in the Second World War. Like many other Indigenous veterans have experienced, there were mixed feelings about our inclusion early on, but our commitment to service in the Navy, Air Force or Army has never wavered.

“This commemoration continues to offer an opportunity to educate current and future generations of the service and the sacrifice given by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander veterans. To have so many schools and students attending the commemoration here at the Anzac Memorial, or able to view the livestream, is wonderful to see and I hope that each of them has learnt a little more about the contributions made by Indigenous veterans.”

Ms Tobie Kate Hubber student at St Raphael’s Catholic School said:

“It is a wonderful opportunity to participate in the Regional Youth program and learn more about the contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service men and women, and see them get the recognition that they deserve.”

Mr Izaac Christian student at Clarence Valley Anglican School said:

“I’m incredibly honoured and excited to have the opportunity to travel to Sydney for the Indigenous Veterans Commemoration Service. This opportunity allows me to pay my respects to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service men and women who have bravely served our country. I have learned more about their stories and will help to ensure their contributions are remembered and celebrated.”

Ms Harlee Stearman student at Kooringal High School said:

“As a proud Wiradjuri person, it is an honour to visit the Anzac Memorial today and pay tribute to Indigenous veterans for their service and sacrifice. Their courage and dedication to protecting our country deserves our deepest respect and will ensure that their stores are never forgotten. Lest we forget.”