Category: NSW News

Aboriginal people in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven will benefit from a new Mobile Outreach Mental Health and Wellbeing Van, which was officially launched today as part of National Reconciliation Week.

This is the first Aboriginal mental health van service being delivered by NSW Health and is the result of a $176,000 investment by the Aboriginal Health Minor Capital Works Program.

The Mental Health and Wellbeing Van will travel around Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD) which covers the lands of the Dharawal and Yuin peoples, making it easier for Aboriginal people to access mental health care and support.

It will provide culturally safe mental health, wellbeing and healing support, information and resources to Aboriginal people in their own communities, as well as delivering other health services based on need in the community.

Co-designed with Aboriginal people to create a welcoming and culturally safe space, this innovative model will assist the Local Health District to build stronger relationships with local Aboriginal communities while reducing stigma about health care and mental health services.

The van’s eye-catching exterior features elements of the artwork, Garadyigan (Dharawal word, meaning Healer) created specifically for ISLHD by local Aboriginal artist, Jasmine Sarin.

Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast, Ryan Park said:

“This outreach van is really positive, and it will deliver culturally appropriate preventative health care, early intervention, health promotion and really importantly trauma informed care.

“The Van aims to honour Aboriginal people’s autonomy while offering culturally safe support, in their communities, where they can feel supported by family and community.”

Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson said:

“This new Mobile Outreach Mental Health and Wellbeing Van for Aboriginal people is the first of its kind in New South Wales and will be fantastic addition to the Illawarra Shoalhaven District, offering support, referrals and suicide prevention in community.

“The service has been co-designed with Aboriginal people, and we know that greater involvement of Aboriginal people in the design of health services can lead to improved health outcomes.

“This van is one example of what can happen when we take a proactive approach to Aboriginal mental health and wellbeing that is informed by local people from the communities we serve.”

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs David Harris said:

“It’s great to see this new Mobile Outreach Van which will offer regular visits to Aboriginal communities across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven, supporting health staff to provide important services and care.

“By using this mobile outreach service, the van increases flexibility and convenience for Aboriginal people and importantly, addresses many of the barriers that Aboriginal peoples face when interacting with Mental Health Services.

“We know there are better health outcomes when Aboriginal people are involved with co-designing Closing the Gap initiatives, and this initiative is an excellent example of this.”

Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said:

“Making sure all possible steps are taken to improve access to health services for local Aboriginal residents is essential to improve longer term health outcomes.

“This coupled with the Aboriginal Maternal Infant Child Health service – Binji and Boori – that will be part of the new Warrawong Community Health Centre, are important additions to local health services supporting Aboriginal people.”

Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson said:

“I’m very pleased to officially launch the first Mobile Outreach Mental Health and Wellbeing Van which will be an excellent service for the Illawarra and Shoalhaven.

“The van has been designed to reach local Aboriginal communities and provide culturally appropriate care in community.

“I’d like to acknowledge the local Aboriginal people and health staff who have worked together on this project and I’m excited to hear more about its achievements as it is rolled out further.”

Powerhouse Parramatta has today marked a major milestone, with the building reaching its full 75-metre height as the steel exoskeleton that wraps around the building is also officially completed.

This is a significant step forward for the Minns Labor Government in the delivery of the largest museum in NSW history and one of the first major cultural institutions to be built in Western Sydney.

This project also marks the largest investment in cultural infrastructure by the NSW Government since the Sydney Opera House was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1973.

The exoskeleton design – which makes up the majority of the 12,000 tonnes of steel used in the project, means the museum’s 7 exhibition spaces are entirely column-free. Two of these exhibition spaces have already been handed over to the Powerhouse Museum for exhibition fit out.

Expected to attract 2 million visitors a year, Powerhouse Parramatta will deliver a world class cultural institution in the heart of Sydney’s West that will drive cultural and economic growth.

Work to deliver this iconic new cultural institution has been completed by a 2,500 strong workforce who have contributed to the project to date, collectively working over 1.45 million hours on site.

The Minns Labor Government is also announcing a $5 million donation from the Neilson Foundation to Powerhouse Parramatta, including the naming and presentation rights for Exhibition Space 5.This brings the total raised by the Powerhouse Museum philanthropic campaign to $65.9 million, in addition to the $840 million investment by the NSW Government for Parramatta and Castle Hill facilities.

The Neilson Foundation’s generous contribution will enable the creation of The Dark – an immersive and interactive exhibition for children. This exhibition led by award-winning Australian designers Kip Williams and Elizabeth Gadsby will be developed in close collaboration with early learning experts and other creative partners.

Construction is expected to be completed by the end of this year, when it will be handed over to the Powerhouse Museum for exhibition fit out ahead of opening to the public in late 2026.

For more information visit: NSW Government | Powerhouse Parramatta.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“Powerhouse Parramatta is a once-in-a-generation investment in Western Sydney’s cultural lifeblood – inspiring young minds, creating local jobs, and bringing world-class exhibitions right to the heart of Parramatta.

“Now that the building has reached its full height of 75-metres, you can truly see the scale and ambition of this project – staking its place proudly in the Parramatta skyline.

“For too long, Western Sydney has been denied access to world class infrastructure, and from schools and hospitals to the Parramatta Powerhouse, we’re getting on with the job of delivering this new infrastructure.”

Minister for the Arts John Graham said:

“This site will celebrate and showcase the best of applied arts and sciences. It will ensure that Western Sydney is not just part of the cultural conversation, but leading it.

“The Neilson Foundation’s support for the opening exhibition The Dark will be a game-changer for children across the state – inspiring the next generation of thinkers, creators and innovators.”

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

Today’s topping out and completion of the exoskeleton marks an impressive milestone and is a clear indication of the scale and momentum behind this landmark build.

“Once finished, Powerhouse Parramatta will be the largest museum in NSW, with 18,000 square metres of exhibition and public space — a true cultural and architectural icon for Parramatta and Western Sydney.

“This project is more than just a museum — it’s a game-changer for the local economy, with over $150 million in contracts already awarded to Western Sydney businesses.

Member for Parramatta, Donna Davis said:

“Powerhouse Parramatta will provide residents and visitors to Western Sydney with endless opportunities to expand their knowledge and imagination.

“We’ve been gradually watching the Powerhouse Museum reach new heights and today we celebrate that it’s one step closer to completion.

Managing Director for Lendlease Stephanie Graham said:

“Our progress on this new cultural landmark for Western Sydney reflects our design and construction expertise, underpinned by strong partnerships with our customers and supply chain.”

Kerr Neilson, Chair, Neilson Foundation said:

“We are proud to support Powerhouse Parramatta as exhibition partner for this immersive and innovative cultural experience for young audiences.

“Having the exhibition space carry the Neilson Foundation name reflects our shared commitment to fostering curiosity and learning in the next generation and supporting institutions that lead through innovation and imagination.”

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.” 

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.”

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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.”

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.”

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.” 

Netball NSW has launched a statewide Flood Appeal in partnership with the Australian Sports Foundation, aimed at supporting regional netball Associations in northern NSW affected by the devastating May 2025 floods.

“We have lost so much – the flood destroyed our administration building and our canteen, wiping out our stock which is the main source of revenue for the Association,” Jenny Anderson, Manning Valley Netball Association President said.

“We managed to salvage the trophies, a few balls and a couple of post pads. We need to recoup all our equipment.”

The two-week fundraising initiative – running from Friday 30 May to Friday 13 June – will rally the entire netball community to support three of the hardest-hit Associations:

Manning Valley Netball Association
Nambucca Valley Netball Association
Macleay Netball Association
Funds raised will help these communities rebuild their netball facilities, replace equipment, and support the volunteers and athletes who have been impacted. Any additional Associations that have been affected by the floods can also contact Netball NSW for support.

“We’ve had overwhelming interest from across the netball community asking how they can help,” Tracey Scott, CEO Netball NSW said.

“This Appeal is a way to act together – with heart and unity – to support our netball family and provide real relief to those affected by this disaster.”

With many families displaced, courts damaged, and local infrastructure disrupted, the Appeal is a critical initiative to help restore access to the game that is such a vital part of community life across NSW.

“This is not just about netball,” Scott said.

“It’s about helping communities recover and reconnect – and giving our regional Associations the tools to bounce back.”

The launch of the Appeal will coincide with the lead-up to the HART Senior State Titles, one of the largest netball events in the Southern Hemisphere, to be held from 7-9 June across Campbelltown and Camden. With more than 220 teams and thousands of spectators expected, the event provides a powerful platform to raise both funds and awareness.

How to Donate
Donations can be made securely online via the Australian Sports Foundation:
Netball NSW Flood Appeal

All donations $2 and over are tax deductible. For more information on the Appeal, contact Janyne Hogan, Head of Foundation, Netball NSW via email – jhogan@netballnsw.com.

Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong has welcomed the appointment of the new NSW Strata and Property Services Commissioner.

NSW Fair Trading has announced the appointment of Angus Abadee as the state’s new Strata and Property Services Commissioner.

The Strata and Property Service Commissioner leads NSW Fair Trading’s oversight of the strata and property sector and is focused on raising performance and accountability standards across strata, property services, retirement villages, and residential land lease communities.

Mr Abadee will lead initiatives to enhance industry integrity and lift consumer confidence within the state’s strata and property services sectors, as well as providing strategic advice to Government on its policy reform agenda.

Mr Abadee brings extensive regulatory and sector experience, having held senior positions in NSW Fair Trading, Building Commission NSW and Liquor & Gaming NSW, and has performed the role of Interim Strata and Property Services Commissioner since the role was vacated in December 2024.

He has established and led the Strata and Property Taskforce since that time, with a regulatory focus on practices causing consumer harm, including targeting underquoting in the real estate sales sector, as well as the failure of strata managing agents to act in the best interests of owners corporations and meet disclosure obligations.

This work included a sector-first permanent disqualification of Result Strata Management Pty Ltd and its general manager Michael Lee from working in the NSW strata sector.

Before joining the NSW Fair Trading leadership team in July 2024, Mr Abadee was Director Policy in Building Commission NSW where he was responsible for the design of the NSW Government’s reform agenda across the building industry, including key reforms that aim to restore confidence in strata living.

For more information on the Strata and Property Services Taskforce, please visit the New strata laws ensure fairer rules for fees and charges web page.

Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong:

“Protection for real estate consumers and those living in strata schemes is one of the top priorities for the Minns Labor Government.

“I would like to congratulate Mr Abadee on his appointment.

“This is a critical time in the development of regulations and responding to consumer concerns across a growing and changing industry which will see almost half of Greater Sydney’s population living in strata communities in 2040.

“Mr Abadee’s appointment underscores the NSW Government’s commitment to fostering a fair, transparent, and sustainable strata and property sector.

“We want people to feel confident and safe when purchasing a property, living in a strata property, and dealing with property professionals, and that is exactly what our reforms are doing.”

Strata and Property Services Commissioner Angus Abadee:

“I am absolutely thrilled to be appointed NSW Strata and Property Services Commissioner.

“We have an opportunity to drive proactive and visible regulation across the industry, focusing on improving agent behavior, cracking down on individuals and agencies and empowering consumers.

“Along with the Fair Trading team, I want to ensure that practitioners do not just see themselves as running a business – they recognise they are members of a profession that comes with benefits and obligations.”

Under the Minns Labor Government, the Aviation Attraction Fund will welcome direct flights from Perth to Newcastle for the first time, connecting the west coast capital with NSW’s second biggest city.

In September 2025, Qantas will launch a new route between Perth and Newcastle that will facilitate much easier travel between the coastal cities and provide a significant boost to both the Hunter and Mid-North Coast visitor and business economy.

Backed by the NSW Government’s Aviation Attraction Fund (AAF), the new service comes at a transformational time for Newcastle Airport, which is preparing to open its new terminal later this year. Once complete, the expanded terminal will unlock opportunities for the region, welcoming more visitors and turbocharging local tourism and trade.

Along with the new Perth route, the upgraded terminal will allow for ongoing international flights into Newcastle for the first time. The NSW Government is working with Newcastle Airport to secure new international routes through the AAF.

The new route also links Newcastle to Perth Airport’s network of airlines and destinations, which currently includes direct daily flights from London Heathrow and Paris, and seasonal direct flights from Rome. Visitors from these destinations will soon be able to access one-stop trips to Newcastle.

With three flights a week between Newcastle and Perth, this direct connection also means easier getaways for residents of Newcastle and the Hunter and Mid-North Coast, giving them easier access to holidays, family and friends on the west coast.

The announcement is part of the NSW Government’s broader strategy to grow the state’s aviation capacity. It follows recent international flight wins for Sydney Airport, including new services from Istanbul (Turkish Airlines) and Shanghai (Juneyao Air), also secured through the Destinations NSW managed Aviation Attraction Fund.

Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley said:

“We’re opening the door for more people to discover our beautiful region – while also giving Hunter locals greater access to everything Western Australia and the world has to offer.

“Whether it’s wine, beaches, food or events – we have so much to offer. More flights mean more tourism and that’s a win for local operators and the wider economy.

“This new connection is another step forward in making the Hunter not just a great place to visit, but an even better place to live – and we’re excited to see where it leads.”

Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said:

“The Minns Labor Government is proud to have worked with Newcastle Airport and Qantas to secure this new route that will boost the region’s economy and unlock a new connection with Western Australia.

“This is the last piece in the domestic puzzle – Newcastle will soon have direct flights from all major Australian population centres.

“These are exciting times for the visitor economy in Newcastle, the Hunter and the Mid-North Coast, and I look forward to working with Newcastle Airport to secure further new routes.”

Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington said:

“This is a game-changer for our region. Connecting Port Stephens and the Hunter directly to Perth opens up incredible opportunities for local tourism, business and jobs.”

“We’ve long known our region is worth visiting – now it’s easier than ever for people from across the country, and the world, to experience it for themselves.”

“With connecting flights from London, Paris and Rome now within reach, this is a powerful example of what we can achieve when we back our regions by investing in great local infrastructure.”

Newcastle Airport CEO Linc Horton said: 

“This new route gives travellers direct access to both ends of the country and beyond. It’s a major win for the region’s global footprint helping us to be the airport our region deserves. It connects Newcastle and the Greater Hunter directly with WA’s resources sector, creating enormous potential for business travel and Fly In Fly Out operations. It also brings loved ones together and unlocks international one-stop connections via Perth to cities like London, Paris, Johannesburg and seasonal to Rome.”

QantasLink CEO Rachel Yangoyan said:

“QantasLink is proud to the first airline to offer a direct air link between Newcastle and Perth. 

“These flights will boost connectivity for Newcastle residents and mean they no longer have to drive to and from Sydney when they want to travel to Perth. We know many customers, particularly those working in the mining and resources sector, are having to do that today. 

“We’d like to thank Newcastle Airport and the NSW Government for helping make the new route possible.”