Category: NSW News

The Minns Labor Government is delivering over $11 million in funding to support novel cancer research projects, including research into incurable childhood brain cancer Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to personalise and enhance breast cancer treatment.

Delivered by Cancer Institute NSW, the Research Fellowships program will support 18 early and mid-career researchers from metro and regional NSW to strengthen and expand research that could shape the future of cancer care.

These fellowships include:

• 12 Early Career Fellowships to support emerging researchers as they establish themselves as independent leaders in cancer research.
• Six Career Development Fellowships to support researchers whose projects show potential to signifcantly improve cancer outcomes.

The Early Career Fellowships include projects to accelerate personalised treatment for breast cancer using AI, test a promising new therapy for endometrial cancer and optimise psychosocial care for families of children with poor prognosis cancers.

While the Career Development Fellowships include projects to investigate the developmental origins of incurable childhood cancer Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG). Children are diagnosed with DIPG across an age spectrum, often 6-8 years and pass away within the 12-months of diagnosis as it impacts vital functions, including vision, swallowing, breathing, and heart rate.

Since 2004, Cancer Institute NSW has supported cancer research through its Fellowship Scheme, funding innovative projects, fostering team-based research, and developing future leaders to translate discoveries into clinical practice.

This program is part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to provide access to better healthcare. For a full list of recipients visit: https://www.cancer.nsw.gov.au/research-and-data/grants/grants-we-ve-funded/career-support-grants/2025-career-support-funds-granted

Minister for Medical Research David Harris said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to backing these researchers and their programs that are bridging the gap between lab discoveries and real-world patient care which have the potential to transform the lives of people diagnosed with cancer in the future.

“Every day, our researchers are working hard to help save the lives of people affected by cancer across NSW and around the globe. We are proud to support their efforts and invest in this important work.”

NSW Chief Cancer Officer and CEO Cancer Institute NSW, Professor Tracey O’Brien AM said:

“Many leaders in medicine began their careers with the support of fellowships, which empower inspiring researchers to drive breakthroughs that can change people’s lives now and into the future.

“Cancer affects too many of us, with one in two people in NSW diagnosed in their lifetime. While significant progress has been made in understanding and treating the disease, these fellowships are critical to advancing cancer prevention, improving treatments and saving lives.”

Dr Hani Kim, researcher investigating the use of AI in breast cancer treatment said:

“Treatment models for breast cancer have historically relied on broad categories that don’t capture the full picture. By using AI to decode each tumour’s unique cellular ‘ecosystem,’ we are moving toward a future where every patient receives a treatment plan as unique as their own biology.

“Our AI tool allows us to see whether these unique environments will help the cancer grow or help the body fight back. This grant supports the development of this tool to help us better predict individual outcomes, bringing us closer to routine diagnostic tests, and giving patients the best chance at a successful outcome by matching the right treatment to the right person.”

Dr Ryan Duchatel, researcher investigating the origins of DIPG said:

“The genetic causes of DIPG – Australia’s leading cause of brain cancer deaths in children – are closely linked to the age of diagnosis, pointing to a connection between brain development and initial disease onset. However, the underlying developmental biology of DIPG remains poorly understood.

“My research looks to understand how tumours grow and evolve during a child’s development, taking into account maternal environmental influences to identify early intervention points for potential treatment.”

Breast cancer survivor Isabelle said:

“Fifteen years ago, at the age of 57, following my regular breast screen – something I kept up to date with because of a family breast cancer history – I was diagnosed with breast cancer.

“If you have knowledge, you can make informed decisions. As a grandmother I worry for my daughter and granddaughters, and any research that supports more accurate predictions of treatment response gives me hope for the future.”

Powerhouse Parramatta has received the first of an expected three thousand objects which will be on display when the museum opens its doors later this year.

The historic Qantas Avro 504K aircraft, a replica of the airline’s first plane will feature in the major opening exhibition, Task Eternal. The Avro is suspended above a Cierva C.30A Autogiro — a forerunner of the helicopter — and the Skycraft Scout Mark 1, an ultralight aircraft designed and made by Australian Ron Wheeler.

Featured in the new museum’s largest exhibition space, Task Eternal will explore the intersection of design, innovation and technology and trace humanity’s quest to human ambition to defy gravity, take flight and journey into the sky.

The Qantas Avro 504K aircraft is one of two replicas of the airline’s first plane, built in Mascot by Qantas engineers and apprentices in 1988. Weighing more than 760 kilograms and at almost 9m long with a wingspan of 11m, the aircraft is one of more than 750 objects which will feature in the foundational opening exhibition.

The Avro installation marks the beginning of a 10-year partnership, bringing together two iconic Australian institutions — Qantas, the nation’s flagship airline and a global leader in aviation innovation, and Powerhouse, Australia’s leading museum of applied arts and sciences.

The collaboration will see Qantas become Presenting Partner for Task Eternal, supporting the Qantas Terrace — a prominent public space overlooking the Parramatta River — and contributing to a program of public and learning initiatives throughout the exhibition period, offering museum visitors unique insights into aviation, design and innovation.

Additionally, Qantas will loan more than 6000 pieces from the Qantas Heritage Collection, spanning more than a century of aviation history, which the Powerhouse will conserve and digitise at Powerhouse Castle Hill.

Developed over four years, Task Eternal is one of the most ambitious aerospace exhibitions ever staged in the world. More than 750 objects on display including 350 objects from its own collection, and more than 250 objects on loan from more than 120 domestic and international lenders, plus 12 new commissions will be presented in the new museum’s largest exhibition space.

The exhibition reflects the scale and ambition of Powerhouse Parramatta and the NSW Government’s investment in science, culture and innovation.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney, Prue Car said:

“The Powerhouse Museum is bringing our nation’s history to Western Sydney.

“Powerhouse Parramatta will give our region’s young people more access to our engineering and innovation history, inspiring the next generation of scientists, designers and engineers.”

Minister for the Arts, John Graham said:

“I love that the first object going into the Powerhouse Parramatta is such an important piece of our aviation history.

“This is a moment in history as the first exhibition starts to come together ahead of the Parramatta Powerhouse opening to the public.”

Minister for Lands and Property, Steve Kamper said:

“Powerhouse Parramatta is shaping up to be one of the great cultural institutions of the world, and the arrival of this historic aircraft shows just how close we are to opening the doors following the completion of building last month.

“Seeing the first major object arrive at Powerhouse Parramatta is a powerful reminder of the opportunities this museum will bring — jobs, tourism, education and a new icon for the region.”

Danielle Keighery, Qantas Group Chief Brand and Corporate Affairs Officer said:

“We’re proud to partner with Powerhouse Parramatta and to bring our aviation history to life. Qantas and Powerhouse share a commitment to preserving and celebrating Australian heritage, and we look forward to Australians connecting with the stories that have defined the Flying Kangaroo.”

David Thiess A330 Captain, Qantas said:

“Seeing the Qantas Avro 504K, the first aircraft to carry the Qantas name, on display is a reminder of how far Australian aviation has come. From the early long-range flights linking remote communities such as Longreach, Winton and Cloncurry, to the lead up to the inaugural A350 Project Sunrise services, Qantas has continued to lead the way in aviation innovation.

“The Qantas Heritage Collection brings more than a century of pioneering spirit to life, and it’s something all of us at Qantas are incredibly proud to share. Partnering with the Powerhouse Museum to celebrate both the innovation and the enduring legacy of Qantas is a fitting way to honour our past while looking toward the future of flight.”

Member for Parramatta, Donna Davis said:

“The people of Parramatta are watching the Powerhouse coming closer and closer to completion. When it opens later this year it will truly change our city. The ambition of this exhibition matches the ambition of the people of Parramatta, and I can’t wait to see it.”

Member for Granville and Parliamentary Secretary for the Arts, Julia Finn said:

“The programming inside the Powerhouse will be wonderful, matched by the beauty of the public space outside and along the riverbanks. There is going to be something for everyone to enjoy across the applied arts and sciences, so many extraordinary objects and ideas to discover.”

Powerhouse Chief Executive Lisa Havilah said:

“Powerhouse is proud to partner with Qantas, an organisation that has shaped how Australia connects with the world for more than a century.

“The installation of the Avro 504K as the first object at Powerhouse Parramatta is a defining milestone—anchoring the museum in stories of engineering, ambition and innovation that continue to shape our future.’

Background

• The Qantas Heritage collection spans more than a century of aviation history and includes archival documents, photographic negatives and films, artworks and material relating to the founding of the airline in 1920.
• These items will be conserved and digitised by Powerhouse to museum standards, ensuring the legacy of Qantas is preserved for future generations.
• The Task Eternal exhibition will highlight Qantas’ design legacy, from the evolution of the Flying Kangaroo and iconic uniforms, interiors, tableware and advertising—demonstrating how design innovation has shaped one of the world’s most recognisable brands over more than a century.
• Powerhouse Parramatta opens across the Museum visitors will be able to explore more than 1600 collection objects including 122 new acquisitions, as well as 780 objects on loan from over 180 domestic and international lenders.

The Minns Labor Government is delivering on its commitment to women and girls in sport, launching the Her Future in Sport Hub, a dedicated careers resource designed to inspire the next generation of women to pursue a career in sport.

The Her Future in Sport Hub is a key initiative of the Minns Labor Government’s women’s sport strategy, “Play Her Way”, a four-year plan to get more NSW women and girls playing, and staying involved in, sport at every level.

Rugby league host and commentator Emma Lawrence marked the launch by returning to her former high school, Mount Carmel Catholic College at Varroville near Campbelltown, where she shared her journey from student to sports broadcaster with senior female students considering a career in sport.

The Her Future in Sport Hub features a range of fun and teenager-friendly resources for students, schools and sports organisations to help young women discover the diverse career pathways available to them in sport.

Developed by the NSW Office of Sport with guidance from its Teenage Advisory Committee for women and girls’ sport, the Hub features sports career and job information, tools and resources, inspiring stories of women working across the sports industry, and a gamified quiz to help girls identify a career in sport that suits them.

During the visit to Mount Carmel Catholic College at Varroville near Campbelltown, Emma shared her own journey – from student to rugby league host and commentator – with a group of senior female students considering a career in sport. Her story is proof of what becomes possible when young women are shown what is achievable.

For further information and to view the Her Future in Sport Hub, visit: https://careers.tool.sport.nsw.gov.au/

Minister for Sport, Steve Kamper said:

“Women’s sport is growing rapidly and so are the exciting and diverse career opportunities.

“The Her Future in Sport Hub shows the breadth of opportunities available to women and girls in sport and is a key initiative of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to get more NSW women and girls involved in sport at all levels on and off the field.”

Local Member for Leppington Nathan Hagarty said:

“Across the Leppington electorate, there are many talented young athletes with enormous potential, both on and off the field.

“The Her Future in Sport Hub is about helping girls see that sport can be more than something they play, it can be a career, a pathway and a future.

“By giving girls practical, accessible resources while they’re still at school, we can open their eyes to the many opportunities in sport and support more young women from our local community to pursue them.”

Office of Sport Women’s Sport Lead Kerry Turner said:

“The reality is that almost every profession and vocational stream has a sports-aligned career path, from sports media and marketing to sportwear design and apparel.

“With workforce demand continuing to grow, information and resources on a career in sport for girls just don’t exist.

“The Her Future in Sport Hub addresses that gap, providing female students with fun and ‘teenage friendly’ resources to identify and pursue a career in sport.”

Rugby league commentator and host Emma Lawrence said:

“I always wanted to pursue a career in sport, but I wasn’t sure whether that would be in the media or somewhere in Sports Science.

“It can definitely be overwhelming making these big life decisions as a teenager, so I think the hub is a wonderful idea to help young girls chase their dreams. I certainly wish it was around when I was at school.

“Working in sport is the best job in the world and I hope as many young women as possible get to experience the thrill that I get to on a weekly basis. “

Mount Saint Carmel Principal Steve Lo Cascio said:

“At Mount Carmel, part of our vision is to create a community which provides opportunities for excellence for all students.

“Initiatives that provide these opportunities for young women are an asset that benefits the community as a whole.

“Providing access to resources that promote sport-based careers for girls helps to provide a variety of options that girls may not currently have.

“As a Catholic school we are deeply committed to supporting every student to reach their God-given potential, and providing access to resources that promote sport-based careers for girls is one way this can be achieved.”

A new exhibition opens at the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park Sydney today – Lustre – a powerful collection of art works and short films exploring the Allied campaigns in Greece and Crete during the Second World War.

The exhibition showcases the works of contemporary artists inspired by the history of Lustre Force, the combined Australian, New Zealand and British army units deployed to protect Greece from Nazi attack in 1941.

The Greece and Crete campaigns came at a heavy cost to the Australian Imperial Force, with a third of the 17,125 Australian soldiers and nurses in Lustre Force killed, wounded or captured.

To mark the 85^th anniversary of these campaigns, a group of Australian and New Zealand artists, led by military historian Brad Manera, retraced their footsteps, walking the battlefields and visiting cemeteries where the men and women of Lustre Force and their German foe lie.

The resulting works reflect on the impact of this journey, with some pieces showing how the land and its people have recovered over time while others reveal the scars that still endure.

Lustre is on display at the Anzac Memorial and open daily from 9am to 5pm – entry is free.

More information is available here: https://www.anzacmemorial.nsw.gov.au/event/lustre

Minister for Veterans David Harris said:

“These extraordinary artworks offer a contemporary perspective on an often-overlooked chapter of Australia’s wartime history.

“The men and women of Lustre Force displayed remarkable courage and sacrifice in the face of overwhelming odds. The exhibition ensures their service and sacrifice are better understood and never forgotten.

“Lustre is a moving reminder that the impact of war extends beyond the battlefield and continues across generations.”

Anzac Memorial’s Senior Historian & Curator Brad Manera said:

“Lustre Force was a bold but ultimately doomed Allied attempt to halt Nazi expansion in the Balkans, fought under intense pressure against the best the Nazi war machine had in Greece and Crete in 1941.

“Last year it was my privilege to lead the expedition and to walk the artists through the ground that had known so much courage and suffering.

“The works the artists have created commemorate these little-known campaigns 85 years on, making an exhibition that will keep a promise we made to the veterans, their widows and bereaved families – that, in the words of the Ode, ‘we will remember them’.”

NSW Ambulance has led a large-scale, multi‑agency emergency exercise focused on strengthening inter‑agency coordination and preparedness for major incidents.

The exercise brought together NSW Ambulance, NSW Police Force, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Rural Fire Service, NSW State Emergency Service and St John Ambulance Australia to test emergency response arrangements in a realistic, simulated environment at the School of Artillery at North Head in Manly.

The scenario was designed to test emergency service interoperability and clinical response in a challenging, high‑pressure environment involving multiple simulated patients.

The exercise was conducted twice throughout the day yesterday, with morning and afternoon sessions allowing participating agencies to rotate staff and apply immediate learnings from the earlier scenario.

NSW Ambulance paramedics and partner agencies operated as they would during a real emergency, following standard protocols and procedures, with volunteer patients helping to create a realistic and dynamic training environment.

NSW Ambulance regularly conducts training with its partner emergency service and health agencies to remain ready to respond effectively to complex situations.

The Minns Labor Government is strengthening NSW Ambulance services and rebuilding the paramedic workforce. Since being elected in 2023, we have:

• recruited more than 740 paramedics, with around 400 working in regional NSW
• delivered paramedics a historic pay rise and abolished the wages cap.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“We have some of the best paramedics and first-responders in the world, this level of rigorous training ensures they are ready for all scenarios.”

“Large‑scale, joint training exercises are essential to making sure our emergency services can work seamlessly together when it matters most.

“This exercise provided an important opportunity for NSW Ambulance and other emergency service agencies to test their systems, strengthen communication and refine their response in a highly realistic setting, all with the shared goal of delivering the safest possible outcomes for the community.

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley:

“Exercises like this are exactly why NSW Police are some of the best trained officers in the country.

“Our police don’t sit around waiting for a callout. They are out there day after day training, responding and working alongside other frontline agencies so they are ready when the community needs them most.

“This is about making sure our frontline responders are constantly sharpening their skills so when the worst happens, the community can have confidence they are getting the very best response possible.”

NSW Ambulance Interim Chief Executive, Clare Beech:

“Our clinicians regularly train for complex, real‑life scenarios, and exercises like this allow us to do that alongside partner agencies we rely on every day.

“Training together builds strong working relationships, sharpens our response and ensures that, should a major incident ever occur, our teams are ready to provide high‑quality care under pressure.

“By using realistic scenarios and simulated patients, crews were able to treat injuries exactly as they would in a real emergency, which ultimately leads to better and safer outcomes for patients.”

NSW Ambulance has welcomed 31 emergency medical call takers, after they were officially inducted into the service at a ceremony at the State Operations Centre in Sydney today.

This graduation is the third call takers graduation to be held this year, providing a boost to control room staff numbers across the Sydney, Northern and Western centres.

The new recruits come from a range of backgrounds and experiences, including trainee emergency medical call taker Bethany Whitnall, who will be joining the Sydney control centre, who is establishing herself as a professional referee in both women’s and men’s rugby union.

The graduates have completed an intensive training program designed to prepare them for a critical role in the emergency response system: being the first point of contact for people in urgent need of medical assistance.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“These new emergency call takers are joining a world-class service that is making a difference every day, during some of the most critical times in people’s lives.

“Their work may be unseen, however it is a vital and essential part of a frontline emergency response to people in need.

“Congratulations to NSW Ambulance’s newest inductees, and thank you for the contribution you’re making to our front-line services.”

Quotes attributable to NSW Ambulance Interim Chief Executive Clare Beech:

“We proudly welcome our newest emergency medical call takers, stepping into a role that sits at the heart of our service.

“The call taker role is critical, gathering the right information quickly and providing compassion and reassurance to the caller on the other end of the phone.

“I congratulate each graduate on this achievement and thank them for choosing a career dedicated to serving the community.”

trainee emergency medical call taker Bethany Whitnall:

“I love being busy and constantly pushing the boundaries of what I can achieve at NSW Ambulance.

“The ability to stay calm under pressure and communication skills I have gained from being the first female referee in men’s first grade rugby union in my area will be valuable in my new role.”

Chief Executive of Sydney Metro, Peter Regan, has stepped down after 15 years of public service to take up a new opportunity outside of government.

Mr Regan has worked in senior roles at NSW Treasury and was on the executive of Transport for NSW before joining Sydney Metro.

Head of Customer, Operations and Project Sponsorship Hugh Lawson, who led the highly successful construction of Sydney Metro City, will act in the role of Chief Executive effective immediately.

The Sydney Metro Board will commence recruitment for a permanent leader shortly.

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“I want to thank Peter for his dedication to Sydney Metro, its people, the safety of the workforce and the unique role the metro system now plays in the city’s public transport network.

“Under his leadership, Sydney Metro has been delivering city-shaping infrastructure that will enhance Sydney for generations to come.

“On behalf of the NSW Government I wish Peter the best and thank him for his leadership.”

The 2026 Statewide Street Count is showing encouraging improvements in key locations, with fewer people sleeping rough in both inner-city Sydney and Byron Shire following targeted investment and coordinated support.

Despite these notable reductions, the number of people sleeping rough in NSW has risen by 5 per cent over the past year, with 2,308 people recorded in 2026.

The annual Street Count provides a snapshot of homelessness across NSW and helps guide investment and service delivery.

Inner-city Sydney saw a 15 percent reduction in rough sleepers, with 296 people counted compared to 346 in 2025.

Byron Shire also experienced a significant decline with numbers falling for the second year in a row, from a high of 348 people in 2024 to 245 people in 2026.

Similar downward trends were observed in Ballina, Inverell and the Tweed Valley demonstrating the effectiveness of targeted local responses that help connect people with housing support.

The biggest regional increases were identified in Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, the Hunter and Central Coast, while the largest increase in Greater Sydney was seen in the Inner West.

Under the Minns Labor Government, NSW has a whole-of-government plan to end homelessness for the first time in the state’s history, backed by a record investment in housing and homelessness.

The NSW Homelessness Strategy 2025-2035 is driving a comprehensive approach to ensure experiences of homelessness are rare, brief, and not repeated. Key actions include:

• Creating more housing through the Building Homes for NSW program: The $6.6 billion dollar initiative will create 8,400 new public homes, more than 21,000 affordable homes and repair 30,000 public homes in need of maintenance. The program will also invest $527.6 million in homelessness responses.
• Enhancing protections for renters: The Minns Government has introduced a suite of reforms to make renting fairer, including banning no-grounds evictions, limiting rent increases to once a year, and ensuring renters have fee-free ways to pay.
• Delivering frontline support through the Homelessness Innovation Fund (HIF): The HIFis funding ideas and innovations of Specialist Homelessness Services and other partners on the frontline of the housing crisis. This game-changing approach has already delivered more than 800 new rooms for people experiencing homelessness.
• Expanding and upgrading crisis accommodation through the Building Crisis Housing Plan: The $130 million initiative will create at least 200 additional beds for people experiencing homelessness by 2029. The plan will also transform aging infrastructure into fit-for-purpose, self-contained crisis accommodation with on-site support services.

More than 370 local organisations partnered with Homes NSW to complete street counts in 2026 across 461 towns and suburbs across 77 local government areas (LGAs) across NSW.

This year’s street count was conducted between 23 February and 19 March 2026 and is published annually.

The full 2026 Street Count data can be viewed at: https://www.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-construction/social-affordable/street-count

Minister for Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“These results really shine a light on how our targeted intervention can reduce rough sleeping. The urgent need to address the root causes of homelessness remains a work in progress to ensure that no one in our community is left behind.

“While the scale of the challenge is significant, it’s encouraging to see our record investment in housing and homelessness services is laying a platform for change, with results starting to show in priority areas like Byron and the CBD where much of our early focus was directed.

“The overall numbers are stabilising too – back in 2023 there was a 34 per cent increase in rough sleeping recorded, that slowed to 8 per cent last year and now 5 per cent in 2026. We are making headway, but it won’t happen overnight.

“The data tells us that a lack of affordable housing and high cost of living are the most common drivers of homelessness, which is exactly why the NSW Government is laser-focused on building more homes as quickly as possible.

“Collaboration between government, community organisations and local councils is crucial, and we will continue to work together to innovate and expand our efforts to provide safe, secure and affordable housing for all.”

The Minns Labor Government is delivering for families this Vivid Sydney, with more than 80 per cent of the festival free and an even bigger and brighter program set to light up the Harbour City as the lights switch on tonight across the Harbour City for Sydney’s biggest Vivid Sydney yet.

New this year, the festival extends into the day with daytime activations across the city, giving families and visitors more opportunities to experience the festival from morning through to night.

The Minns Labor Government is also proud to bring back the biggest drone show program in Vivid Sydney history, with a record 22 drone performances across 11 nights at Cockle Bay, the most the festival has ever delivered.

More than 80 per cent of Vivid Sydney is free to enjoy, including the iconic 6.5-kilometre Light Walk stretching from Circular Quay to Darling Harbour, featuring more than 40 spectacular light installations along the route.

Millions of people are expected to visit the city over the next three weeks, providing a major boost for local businesses, restaurants, bars and hotels during the winter months while continuing to drive growth in the NSW visitor economy.

Now in its 16th year, Vivid Sydney continues to evolve as one of the world’s leading celebrations of creativity, culture and connection across Light, Music, Minds and Food.

Across the harbour, renowned French artist Yann Nguema will unveil a major new work, Lighting of the Sails: Opera Mundi by Yann Nguema, reflecting on the transformations found in nature and the forces that inspired Sydney Opera House architect Jørn Utzon.

World-leading culinary experiences will take centre stage through the Vivid Food program, celebrating the flavours, people and stories that define NSW. The inaugural Regional Dinner Series will bring leading chefs together with regional producers and ingredients from across the state, including ‘A Shared Table with Yotam Ottolenghi’. Collaborations across the series include Mindy Woods with Danielle Alvarez at Sydney Opera House, Ben Devlin with Lennox Hastie at Firedoor, and Christine Manfield with Sander Nooij at Yellow.

Meanwhile, the Vivid Fire Kitchen will debut at its new home in Barangaroo where the fusion of food and theatrics will take over, delivering a full sensory journey where the sights, smells and sounds of open-fire cooking and live music transform the precinct into far more than a place to eat.

Creativity and conversation will come together through a reimagined Vivid Minds program, designed to place bold ideas and world-leading cultural voices at the centre of the festival. This year’s line-up includes Academy Award-winning filmmakers Sean Baker and Chloé Zhao, influential music commentator Zane Lowe, Pulitzer Prize-winning art critic Jerry Saltz and bestselling author Roxane Gay.

Vivid Music will once again energise the city after dark, with Tumbalong Nights returning for free live performances celebrating the diverse musical cultures that shape Sydney. The program includes headline shows from Matt Corby, Nigerian afrobeat royalty Seun Kuti & Egypt 80, Melbourne garage rock royalty Eddy Current Supression Ring, K-pop singer SHAUN, Chinese rap sensations Billionhappy + SEBii with Korean producer Kimj, alongside Mallrat, Coterie, Boy Soda and more.

At the Sydney Opera House, Vivid LIVE will welcome more than 50 international and Australian artists, including singer-songwriter Mitski, Scottish post-rock pioneers Mogwai and Detroit techno icon Jeff Mills revisiting his legendary Liquid Room set.

Running from 22 May to 13 June 2026, Vivid Sydney continues to power NSW’s visitor and night-time economies while reinforcing Sydney’s reputation as a global leader in immersive cultural experiences. Major events such as Vivid Sydney play a key role in the NSW Government’s Visitor Economy Strategy 2035, which aims to grow the state’s visitor economy to $91 billion over the next decade.

Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said:

“Tonight, Sydney becomes the canvas for one of the world’s greatest arts festivals, as Vivid Sydney once again transforms our city through Light, Music, Minds and Food.

“The Minns Labor Government is proud to deliver a bold new creative direction in 2026 — an immersive, accessible program spanning 23 unforgettable nights, with more than 80 per cent of events free to attend.

“From the iconic Light Walk and the festival’s biggest-ever drone show to world-class music, food and cultural conversations, this year’s program gives locals and visitors more reasons than ever to experience Sydney in completely new ways.”

Vivid Sydney Festival Director Brett Sheehy AO said:

“This year marks the start of an exciting evolution of Vivid Sydney. We’ve expanded the program across all pillars and have opened up the brief for artists and removed the creative limitations of needing to centre around one key theme.

“Visitors can expect a more immersive and interactive experience that will encourage them to explore new locations, unexpected installations, and spend more time enjoying the festival – both after dark and during the day.

“We’ve gone back to the core of what Vivid Sydney is all about which is tapping into creativity, and through this, there’s this incredible platform to showcase leading Australian talent as well as a chance to bring legendary international talent to the Sydney stage too.”

Private landholders across NSW are making a powerful impact by protecting the state’s threatened species and environment.

Data from the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust shows how landholders are not just protecting the environment, they’re actively improving it.

The Biodiversity Impact Report | Conservation on Private Land: 2018 to 2025 clearly shows that Private land conservation is delivering fantastic conservation outcomes across the state. The Biodiversity Conservation Trust and participating landholders have:

• Established almost 3,000 permanent biodiversity monitoring sites
• Prevented the loss of approximately 35,000 hectares of native vegetation
• Protected habitat for at least 304 threatened species
• Safeguarded 41 threatened ecological communities
• Contributed nearly 40% of the total area added to NSW’s protected area network since 2018.

Landholders participating in the Biodiversity Conservation Trust program manage their properties for conservation and work with expert ecologists who track environmental changes over time.

The properties managed under conservation agreements are supporting a greater variety of species and stronger, healthier ecosystems, helping reduce risks to some of NSW’s most threatened plants and animals.

The Report is available to read at: nsw.gov.au/bct-impact-report

Minister for Environment Penny Sharpe said: 

“Biodiversity is the cornerstone to a healthy environment, from the microorganisms in our soil to the largest tree on the horizon.

“80 per cent of land in NSW is privately managed. Biodiversity protection can only be done by working closely with private landholders.

“These results show how successful this partnership between landholders and the Biodiversity Conservation Trust can be. I would encourage anyone interested to investigate this rewarding partnership for their land.”

NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust Principal Ecologist and report author Dr James Brazill-Boast said:

“When we support landholders with the right incentives and support, conservation on private land can be planned, implemented and measured with confidence.

“Long-term monitoring is essential because it tells us not just what we’re doing, but what’s actually working.”