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The Minns Labor Government has launched the latest round of the NSW Social Cohesion Grants to help councils strengthen community resilience and tackle racism and discrimination at a local level.

Over the last 5 years, the highly successful NSW Social Cohesion Grants program has delivered almost $2 million to 21 local governments, aimed at providing practical tools to address local social cohesion challenges and foster inclusive, connected communities.

When social cohesion is undermined, communities suffer and division grows. We must combat the rise in hateful rhetoric and division, especially following the horrific events in Bondi in December, and look towards building more cohesive and resilient local communities across NSW.

Councils will work closely with communities to understand their experiences and identify practical solutions, ensuring local perspectives are at the heart of each strategy. These strategies will provide clear, local plans to strengthen councils’ ability to address complex issues, prevent discriminatory behaviour, and build community resilience, connection and trust.

The fifth round of the program will deliver $800,000 to empower councils to develop tailored local Anti-Racism strategies (and other related strategies) to facilitate new opportunities for local communities to be heard.

Applications are now open, with local Councils invited to apply for a share of $800,000 to deliver projects in 2026 and into 2027.

Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to investing in our local communities, and building  on expertise from those who live and work in these communities.

“We must be doing everything in our power to stamp out hatred, and unite, first and foremost, as fellow Australians.”

Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said:

“Communities are strongest when people feel connected to each other and to the place they live.”

“Local government sits closest to the community. These grants will help councils work with residents to understand their experiences, address racism and discrimination, and develop practical local strategies that strengthen inclusion and trust.”

“I encourage councils across New South Wales to apply before applications close on 17 April.”

The Minns Labor Government is accelerating its historic social housing roll-out across regional and rural NSW, with Goulburn the latest community to benefit from the state’s largest-ever investment in social housing.

Under the record-breaking Building Homes for NSW Program, the Minns Government is investing $6.6 billion to deliver 8,400 new, modern social homes across New South Wales.

More than 1350 new homes have already been delivered across regional NSW since April 2023, with hundreds more on the way including multiple projects in Goulburn.

Work has begun to deliver 29 new social homes on Francis Street and Sanita Street, with a mix of 18 one-bedroom and 11 two-bedroom units, including two fully adaptable homes designed to meet the needs of people with a disability.

Once complete, the project will provide safe and secure accommodation for around 50 residents.

Construction is also progressing on an additional 12 new social homes across multiple sites in Goulburn, with the properties on track for completion by May 2026, creating more quality homes for around 20 people.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to delivering more safe, modern social housing across regional NSW, ensuring communities have the homes they need now and into the future.

Number of homes delivered across regional NSW from April 1, 2023 to January 31, 2026:

• North Coast : 275
• New England & North West: 96
• Western: 497
• Hunter: 87
• Central Coast: 82
• South Coast: 335 

Total: 1,372

Minister for Regional New South Wales Tara Moriarty said:

“Investing in social housing strengthens regional communities, supports local jobs and ensures people can stay connected to the places they call home.

“People in regional NSW deserve the same access to secure, high-quality housing as anybody else, and that’s exactly what we’re delivering in Goulburn.

“We’re building thousands of new homes across regional NSW, and Goulburn is a key part of this once-in-a-generation investment.”

NSW Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“We’re investing more money into social housing than ever before, but it’s important that investment is spread right across our state, including in our regions.

“We know regional communities are struggling just as much with rising house prices and we are committed to building more homes in all corners of New South Wales.

“Every new home completed is a significant step towards a fairer, more inclusive state where everyone has the dignity having access to safe, secure, and affordable housing.

“Right across regional NSW we are delivering the social homes people desperately need, and here that means 55 new homes for the people of Goulburn.”

The Minns Labor Government has unveiled the revitalised Nowra Workplace Hub following a $5 million investment, reinforcing its commitment to driving economic development and creating jobs across the South Coast and regional NSW.

The modernised hub spans 1,800 m² across two floors and will accommodate 250 employees from six government departments, boosting the NSW Government’s capacity to recruit employees who work near the communities they serve.

Works completed over the last 7 months include stripping out and rebuilding the office space, installing a concierge desk and security turnstiles, and adding amenities like bike racks and shower rooms.

The government’s central property agency, Property and Development NSW (PDNSW), prioritised local jobs during the project with lead contractor Intermain Pty Ltd partnering with 30 local subcontractors to deliver the refurbishment.

Built in the early 2000s, the original building has been transformed to support government employees living and working on the South Coast, attract diverse talent, and strengthen ties between agencies and the community.

The redevelopment provides modern workplace accommodation for tenants including the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI), the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ), the Department of Customer Service (DCS), the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW).

The upgrade targeted a 4.0 Star Green Star – Interiors rating and meets the latest NSW Government workplace design standards to ensure accessible, future-ready workspaces.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“This revitalised Nowra Workplace Hub is a fantastic investment in the South Coast and the talented people who live and work here.

“This hub will help regional workers better serve communities across the South Coast and NSW, while supporting the local economy and creating new opportunities for people to build careers close to home.

“The South Coast now has a modern, contemporary government workspace which is vital  to attracting and retaining the best staff.”

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

“The completion of Nowra’s Workplace Hub is a win for the talented employees of the South Coast and the communities they work for.

“Modern office spaces foster economic growth by keeping and creating jobs in regional NSW.

“Nowra’s refreshed work hub provides upgraded facilities for hundreds of government employees who call the region home, and a welcome space for many more who travel to the South Coast for work.”

Member for South Coast Liza Butler said:

“I am pleased to see the completion of these offices which will from today empower hundreds of the South Coast’s government employees to do their best work.

“The space can be expanded further to welcome more public or private sector tenants, ensuring it remains a modern and valuable workspace long into the future.”

Work to deliver a new contemporary operating theatre and enhanced virtual care technology at Forbes Hospital has taken a key step forward with the project’s lead design team appointed to progress planning.

The Minns Labor Government is investing $20.2 million to deliver a new operating theatre and support clinical spaces at Forbes Hospital, bringing modern surgical facilities to one of the fastest growing populations in Western NSW Local Health District.

When complete, the new operating theatre will enable more health services to be provided closer to home.

The new operating theatre will replace the existing theatre and support contemporary models of surgical care by expanding the range of treatments available at the hospital.

The design team includes architect Fulton Trotter and Partners Architects, and project manager Acorn Project Advisory and cost manager MBM, who were appointed following a competitive tender process.

In the coming months, the design team will work with staff, community and the District to inform the early planning and design.

The new operating theatre will complement services currently provided at Forbes Hospital including:

• 24-hour Emergency Department
• acute and subacute medical, surgical, rehabilitation and palliative care services
• ambulatory care clinic
• birthing rooms and maternity beds
• renal dialysis chairs
• medical imaging
• community and primary health services.

The full range of inpatient and outpatient health services provided at Forbes will continue to be available while the new operating theatre works are completed.  

Staff, stakeholders, and the local community will be kept informed as the project progresses.

For more information visit the project website: https://www.nsw.gov.au/forbes-hospital-operating-theatre

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:

“This is an exciting step forward that reaffirms the Minns Government’s commitment to rebuilding essential services by investing in the infrastructure regional communities need.

“The new, contemporary operating theatre will give patients improved access to surgical services in modern facilities and closer to home, while also helping to reduce waitlists.”

Member for Orange Phil Donato:

“Funding of a new operating theatre for Forbes’ Hospital was at the top of my budget request list last year.

“I sincerely thank Minister for Health Ryan Park MP for supporting my request to fund this vitally important health infrastructure project, last year announcing $20.2 million will go to building a modern operating theatre.

“I’m pleased to see the next steps being undertaken with the appointment of a design team to develop the theatre plans, ensuring the new health infrastructure meets the needs of the growing Forbes community.”

Labor Spokesperson for Orange Stephen Lawrence MLC:

“This $20 million investment in public health is what’s needed for a growing population, because it will enhance surgical care and deliver lasting benefits for Forbes and surrounding communities for years to come.”

Western Sydney communities from Penrith through to Campbelltown now have a start date for five new permanent bus routes, with the Minns Labor Government announcing the services to Western International Airport will commence on 5 July.

In uncertain times, families want confidence, security and a clear plan for the future and delivering the infrastructure growing communities need is a central part of that plan.

This $302.7 million investment in the five new routes is part of an overall $362.7 million investment allocated to new Western Sydney bus services by the Minns Labor Government since taking office.

Starting three months ahead of passenger airline services, the routes from Penrith (790), Campbelltown (845), Liverpool (825 and 860) and Mount Druitt (772), will be begin connecting surrounding communities and businesses along with locals who work at the new airport in construction and freight.

As Western Sydney continues to grow, these services will ensure local communities are connected to the jobs and economic opportunities created by the new airport.

These communities will now have new buses running every 30 minutes from 5am to 10pm, seven days a week from July, with 43 new electric buses that provide a quieter, smoother and more comfortable ride and support the NSW Government’s goal of net zero emissions by 2050.

They are fully air conditioned, feature low kerb access and luggage racks to make trips to and from the future airport easier. Fit-out and finishing work took place at the Volgren facility in Ingleburn and at the Foton facility in Nowra as part of a boost for local production and expertise.

These five permanent routes will be complemented by WSI Link, the interim bus service that will connect the new airport to St Mary’s train station while the new Western Sydney Airport Metro is being delivered. These 30-minute frequency services will begin when passenger flights commence.

In addition to delivering the bus services to these historically underserved communities, the Minns Labor Government is also delivering improvements to the supporting bus infrastructure including upgrading bus depots, building bus shelters and further road improvements.

The Busways’ Penrith depot has now reached a 50% milestone for charging capacity, catering for 18 of the new electric buses. The remaining 25 new electric buses will operate out of the Transit Systems depot at Bradbury, which has been electrified to cater for the new bus fleet.

The NSW Government will also support local councils to build bus shelters, which are common in many parts of Sydney but much rarer in Western Sydney, despite experiencing much hotter temperatures. This support will be delivered through a trial of the $1.5 million Bus Shelter Program, where councils can apply for grants to install bus shelters along new and enhanced routes.

These initiatives will be complemented by work along Badgerys Creek Road to deliver safer and more comfortable access into the new airport, with completion expected by July.

This investment in NSW bus services comes from the Minns Labor Government’s 2025 budget commitment of $452 million to increase and improve bus services.

Read about New Bus Services for Western Sydney

Premier Chris Minns said:

“When Western Sydney grows, the transport network needs to grow with it, and that’s exactly what we’re delivering.

“These new bus routes are about making sure Western Sydney communities are properly connected to the new airport and the economic opportunities it will create.

“We know there’s more work to do, but projects like this are part of a clear plan to build the infrastructure our communities need and make sure Western Sydney shares in the opportunities of the future.”

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“Hundreds and thousands of residents in this part of Sydney have been chronically underserved by buses. The wait for decent bus services will be over in July as these five permanent routes get rolling.

“Whether it’s taking up a new job at the new airport or travelling to work anywhere along these routes, these buses will connect the people of Western Sydney to new economic opportunities with a cost-effective convenient transport option.

“These state-of-the-art electric buses have been fitted out in Western Sydney and Nowra as we work to rebuild local bus manufacturing in NSW after the former governments sent all of those jobs overseas.

“This fleet is supported by major upgrades to bus depots and local roads, reflecting feedback received from more than 3000 respondents to our community consultation.”

Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:

“Beyond the state-of-the-art buses themselves, one of the issues raised by people around western Sydney is the need for improved bus waiting facilities to shelter passengers through the summer heat and in times of rain.

“While the installation and ongoing maintenance of bus shelter infrastructure is a council responsibility, we recognise the demands on council and as such are trialling this Bus Shelter Program to encourage Councils to provide shelters for bus passengers.

“Around 1700 electric buses are expected to be operating across Sydney’s road network by 2028, delivering long-term environmental and customer benefits, so it’s essential all the infrastructure is in place to support their service.”

Chris Wolf, Busways Director of Assets and Safety said:

“There has been close collaboration between Busways, Transport for NSW and Endeavour Energy to plan, deliver and commission complex upgrades within an operational depot environment.

“The new onsite 1.5MVA electrical substation was activated in December in a seamless transition of power while the depot remained in full operation.

“The upgrade also supported Western Sydney jobs, with electrical, civil and gantry works delivered by local contractors based in Doonside, Warwick Farm and Prestons.

Rino Matarazzo, Transit Systems Managing Director said:

“These new services are a major step forward for Western Sydney.

“We’re increasing frequency, improving connections, and making it easier for people to get to work, school and home safely and reliably.

“Western Sydney is growing rapidly and our network is evolving to meet that demand.”

The NSW Minister for Education, Prue Car, refused to commit to supporting higher wages for community preschool educators in today’s Budget Estimates hearing.

Instead, Minister Car passed the buck to parent-run community services, claiming that “the community preschools actually, many of them, I am sorry to admit this, have the capacity to pay their teachers…”, stating that “we urge them to pay their workers fairly.”
 
Shadow Minister for Early Education, Felicity Wilson, said the comments from the Minister ignore the Fair Work Commission’s decision, which explicitly stated that “outside of government funding, NSW community preschools can only generate revenue through fees to families.”
 
“Community preschools strive to be affordable for families and are already operating on incredibly tight budgets. Suggesting they simply absorb the cost of higher wages will either lead to higher costs for families or force community preschools to close,” Ms Wilson said.
 
“Even in the face of the overwhelming findings of the Fair Work Commission that “NSW preschools are reliant on NSW Government funding for the public provision of preschool services” the Minns Labor Government refuse to ensure that community preschool’s in NSW remains affordable for families.”
 
Minister Car instead verballed the sector, claiming that many of them “…have the capacity to pay their teachers…”, a claim already rejected by evidence to the Fair Work Commission which demonstrated that these reserves (not profits) are required to ensure solvency and are “a one-off pool of resources and are not appropriate sources to fund ongoing wages liabilities into perpetuity.”
 
The community preschool sector has directly contradicted these claims by Minister Car, with Drummoyne Community Preschool Centre Director Helen Millar saying that “decisions are being made without our voices being heard and we’re really concerned that funding has been reduced for us because that means the onus has to be put on families to have to pay for that”.
 
“Yes, we want to fight for fair wages, we deserve fair wages, every educator here puts in a lot more hours than what they’re paid for but it’s no good fighting for fair wages if community based preschools are becoming a dying breed – we have to fight for them first,” Ms Millar said.

Ms Wilson said that the NSW Liberals and Nationals are focused on ensuring that community preschools across NSW receive the support they need to ensure families have access to quality, safe, affordable education that meets their needs.
 
“We support giving kids the best start in life. As Liberals and Nationals, we fundamentally support choice, including early education. Community preschools are a vital part of delivering that choice to families.”

“Yet again, we have a system in crisis. And yet again, we are not seeing any tangible plans from the NSW Government.” – Australian Medical Association.
 
Today’s Bureau of Health Information (BHI) Healthcare Quarterly report for October to December 2025 shows patient treatment waiting (and waiting… and waiting) times have blown out in emergency departments across NSW.
 
A record number of patients walked out without starting or finishing treatment in an ED, almost 80,000 people – a rise of 16 percent in a year.
 
Alarmingly, almost 35 percent of those were in triage category 3 and in need of urgent care for potentially life-threatening conditions.
 
NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane said patients are experiencing more waiting and less care under the Minns Labor Government.
 
“When nearly 80,000 patients are walking out of hospital without care that shows something is going seriously wrong in our health system,” Ms Sloane said.
 
“Emergency departments are meant to save lives – not test how long people can wait.”
 
“Patients deserve a health system that works when they need it most and that is what the Liberals and Nationals will deliver.”
 
The percentage of T2 Emergency Patients (the sickest patients) being treated on time at Westmead and Nepean Hospitals is the lowest it has been since the pandemic.
 
A patient at Westmead is now spending an additional hour and a half in ED compared to when the Liberals and Nationals were in power.
 
Shadow Minister for Health and Regional Health Sarah Mitchell said the issue wasn’t just confined to Sydney, with patients spending 12 minutes longer in emergency departments across the state compared to this time last year.

“Increased wait times are leading to record numbers of patients walking out and giving up on getting care when they need it most,” Mrs Mitchell said.

“Three years in and the situation is getting worse, not better. Ryan Park can’t keep blaming everyone else while hospital performance collapses on his watch. NSW patients deserve better.”

The Minns Labor Government is facing growing criticism over continued delays to the $3.1 billion M6 motorway, with motorists in Southern Sydney still waiting for clear answers on when the project will be completed.
 
Shadow Minister for Roads, Mark Coure MP, said the project has effectively stalled for more than two years while commuters continue to face congestion and uncertainty.
 
“This project has been stuck in neutral for more than two years and commuters in Southern Sydney are the ones paying the price,” Mr Coure said.
 
“Southern Sydney motorists were promised a motorway, instead they’ve been handed delays, excuses and a construction site going nowhere.”
 
Mr Coure said the Government has had ample time to get the project back on track but has failed to deliver progress.
 
“The Government has had two years to get this project moving again, yet in that time more than $5 million has reportedly been spent on lawyers rather than getting the job done,” he said.
 
“$5 million could fix a lot of potholes across Sydney, but instead it has been wasted while this project sits idle.”
 
Mr Coure said that after a day of intense questioning in Parliament, the Minister announced it would give the consortium another three months to deliver progress.
 
“Today in Parliament, the Minister had no timeline, no delivery date, no opening date and no idea when motorists will finally be driving on this critical piece of infrastructure.”
 
“If this is how Labor manages a $3 billion road project, it’s no wonder motorists have lost confidence in Labor’s ability to deliver.”
 
““Labor is good at cutting ribbons on Liberals and Nationals projects, but when challenges arise — like on the M6 — they’ve shown they don’t have the experience to manage major infrastructure.”

Netball NSW has announced the leadership teams for its 2026 17U and 19U State Teams ahead of the upcoming National Netball Championships in Melbourne next month.

Sutherland Shire’s Evalina Carneiro has been appointed captain of the 17U State Team, with Isabella Christian (Illawarra District) and Marley Dighton (Ku-ring-gai) named as vice captains.

Carneiro enters the tournament following a standout year that has seen her recognised as one of the state’s most promising young defenders. A composed and instinctive player, the Sutherland Shire product recently signed as a training partner GIANTS Netball for the 2026 Suncorp Super Netball season after an impressive year representing New South Wales at the 17U level.

Campbelltown District’s Ellie Hart (GIANTS Academy) will lead the 19U State Team as captain, supported by vice captains Matilda Fanning (Sutherland Shire/GIANTS Academy) and Paige O’Neill (Eastwood Ryde/QBE Swifts Academy).

A member of the GIANTS Netball Academy, Hart has continued to develop through the high-performance pathway and was part of the squad that travelled to the Riverina earlier this year as part of the GIANTS Netball Riverina Road Trip. The experience provided Hart with valuable exposure to elite environments and further strengthened her leadership credentials ahead of the national tournament.

Netball NSW General Manager – Performance Pathways Mardi Aplin said the leadership appointments recognise the athletes’ strong performances, work ethic and ability to inspire their teammates both on and off the court.

These athletes demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities throughout the selection process, during our recent simulation camp and across the team’s entire preparation for the National Netball Championships,” Aplin said.

They have consistently set the standard with their work ethic, professionalism and ability to bring their teammates together, which are all critical qualities for leaders at this level.

They represent the depth of emerging talent in New South Wales and we’re excited to see them lead their teams on the national stage in Melbourne.”

The week-long tournament will run from 9–15 April, with the nation’s brightest emerging talent descending on Melbourne to compete for the title of national champions. New South Wales will enter the tournament with strong recent form, with the 19U team returning as defending champions after claiming the title last year, while the 17U side finished as runners-up in a closely contested final.

Since its inception in 1985, the National Netball Championships has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of the sport, serving as a proven launching pad for many of Australia’s biggest stars.

The event provides invaluable development opportunities for athletes, coaches, umpires and officials, with many participants progressing to Suncorp Super Netball and Australian Diamonds level.