450 jobs for the Hunter as coal mine transforms into motor park and tourist resort

Rhonda Colliery mine will be transformed into a motor park and multi-tourism hotspot, following final stages of rehabilitation.

Once completed this will be Australia’s first dedicated recreation resort park for motoring enthusiasts, creating more than 450 jobs during construction and 229 permanent roles.

It is set to draw national and international attention to Lake Macquarie for its world-class high-speed circuit, driver training academy, Go Kart precinct and motoring resort facilities.

Mining is a temporary use of land and the NSW Government is committed to exploring new opportunities for post-mine land use which promotes new industries and encourages economic diversification.

With the relinquishment of the mining lease now being undertaken, handover to the Black Rock Motor Resort will soon take place.

Once operational, the Black Rock Motor Resort will feature:

  • a world-class 5.25km driving circuit, designed by global F1 track design leader, Tilke Group
  • a driver training centre
  • go-kart racing
  • adventure-tourism experiences
  • a function centre
  • a short-term accommodation centre
  • a café.

The Rhondda Colliery rehabilitation has been facilitated under NSW’s robust and comprehensive framework for mine rehabilitation. It enables the repurposing of former mining land to ensure it can continue to be used in productive ways that support communities, while ensuring residual risks from mining are actively managed with any new site development.

There are a number of other major projects in NSW currently being considered for post-mine land use, including as renewable energy hubs and for pumped hydro. These sites include Idemitsu’s Muswellbrook coal mine and Yancoal’s Stratford mine near Gloucester.

Rhondda Colliery commenced underground and open-cut mining activities in the late 1800s before ceasing operations in 1971.

The NSW Government is in the process of establishing regional Future Jobs and Investment Authorities to grow future jobs and industries in coal-producing regions.

Once set up, the four authorities in the Hunter, Central West, Illawarra and North West will work across government to identify solutions tailored to each region’s needs.

For more information on the rehabilitation works at Rhondda Colliery.

Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos said:

“With hundreds of new jobs and tens of millions of dollars of economic activity, this project is a once-in-a-generation opportunity.

“This project is an example of the convening power of government, as we bring together communities, councils and private enterprise to create hundreds of jobs and new opportunities for the region.

“Mining has long been a source of economic prosperity for NSW. As mines close, the government is  committed to ensuring sites are rehabilitated safely, and the land put to new and productive use for the local community.

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:

“We know motorsport lovers will travel and spend their money when they know they’re getting the best.

“It’s fantastic to see Lake Macquarie step up and offer locals and visitors from across the country and overseas the best in motorsport and tourism.

We hear constantly about the need for tourism opportunities and adaptive reuse of rehabilitated mines. This is a smart, exciting example of both.”

Mayor of Lake Macquarie Council, Kay Fraser said:

“Black Rock Motor Resort demonstrates how we are laying the foundation in Lake Macquarie to embrace innovation, grow our economy and attract new investment.

“It is a pioneering example of adaptive reuse of mining land to support our economy into the future and provides a pathway for the transformation of other former mining and industrial sites.

“This project will see Lake Macquarie become home to Australia’s first dedicated recreation resort for motoring enthusiasts, providing an exciting new international tourism attraction for the city, region and state of NSW.

“Black Rock will support hundreds of jobs during construction and once operational, bringing in tens of millions of dollars each year in economic benefit to our region.”

Black Rock Motor Resort CEO and founder Tony Palmer said”

“Black Rock Motor Resort is proud to be pioneering the adaptive re-use of a former coal mine into an exciting, world-class adventure tourism destination.

“Black Rock Motor Resort will provide a range of motoring experiences including driver safety training for the young motorists of the region as well as exciting opportunities for the public to drive their own cars, or our cars, on the high-speed circuit.  

“I’d like to thank the NSW Government and Lake Macquarie City Council for supporting the vision to transform rehabilitated mining land into a valuable asset for the Lake Macquarie region and NSW.”

Yancoal CEO David Moult, said:

“I am extremely pleased with this outcome at Rhondda. We are delighted to have reached this significant milestone, relinquishing formerly mined land after an extensive and successful rehabilitation program.

“Yancoal wishes the new owners every success in realising their motor sport complex vision.

“Yancoal recognises that land rehabilitation and relinquishment is an important part of responsible mining. Ensuring that land can continue to be an asset for the benefit of local communities after mining has concluded will continue to be a key aspiration for Yancoal into the future.”

Quarter of a million essential workers set to benefit under proposed long service leave reforms

Up to 250,000 community sector workers would see their leave rights expanded under a landmark draft bill released today by the NSW Government for consultation.

The reforms will allow community sector workers to access long service leave sooner and accrue leave based on time employed in the sector, rather than time employed by a single employer.

Workers in disability care, family and domestic violence services, homelessness services and many other essential services will benefit from the reform.

The move responds to the rise of insecure work in the disability and community sectors and forms part of the government’s commitment to attract and retain key workers in NSW. Community services workers across NSW are known for their dedication to promoting social inclusion and wellbeing.

However, many workers face issues such as stress, burnout, and job insecurity, with high levels of casualisation. Information provided by employers suggests a portable leave scheme will help to address these issues.

And 75% of the 250,000 strong social services workforce in NSW are women.

Key elements of the scheme include:

  • offering paid long service leave after 7 years, rather than 10 years
  • allowing workers to accrue long service leave across multiple employers within the sector (leave is portable). Under existing rules, community service workers lose their long service leave if they change employer, despite the nature of the sector seeing workers frequently shift between employers or working for multiple employers.
  • having 1 central agency administer long service leave, including records and leave payments.

Our plan will bring NSW in line with other jurisdictions (ACT, Victoria and Queensland) that have already established portable leave schemes for these sectors. NSW cannot be left behind and must value these essential workers.

A draft of the Community Services Sector (Portable Long Service Leave) Bill 2024 and a regulatory impact statement outlining the proposed model is now available for public consultation.

The public consultation opened on 26 March 2024 and is due to close on 30 April 2024.

To make a submission or complete a short survey on the proposed scheme, visit Have Your Say.

Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis:

“Community sector workers are often on short-term contracts with multiple employers and do not have access to long service leave, despite some working in the sector for more than a decade.

“By basing long service on time employed in the sector, workers will be able to accrue long service leave no matter how often they change jobs, providing an added incentive to choose and remain in the sector.

“A portable entitlements system aims to reduce the high level of staff turnover among community service workers, provide these essential workers with greater financial security and improve the level of care provided to clients.

“Whether you are a worker, employer, or someone interested in the scheme, I encourage you to have your say on how we can build a fair and robust scheme that better supports our community and disability service sectors in NSW.”

Complete land management survey and support the Royal Flying Doctor Service

The NSW Government is continuing to prioritise the diverse needs of our agricultural industry. Landholders in western NSW have a great opportunity to have a say in how support services for drought, pest animals and other land management issues are delivered by the NSW Government by participating in the Local Land Services (LLS) Regional Landholder Survey.

Landholders who submit a survey will also be supporting the Royal Flying Doctor Service with LLS to make a donation for each survey completed.

Previous survey results have played an important role shaping the programs, projects and planning of Western Local Land Services to ensure its meeting the needs of landholders across Western NSW as well as identify regional trends.

Some of the interesting findings from the 2020 survey include:

  • 15,000 hectares — average property size
  • 340km — average distance to the closest market for farm products
  • 88% — of landholders experienced issues with pest animals.

In addition to the Regional Landholder Survey, Western Local Land Services is calling for input into its Aboriginal Community Survey, with results to be used to inform the delivery of future projects and programs.

The Regional Landholder Survey can be completed online via Western Local Land Services Regional Landholder Survey

The Aboriginal Community Survey will be completed via a hardcopy form at organised community events.  

The surveys take approximately 60 minutes to complete and results will be pooled so participants cannot be identified.

For more information, contact Sam Field on 0427 256 501 or sam.field@lls.nsw.gov.au.

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

“These surveys are an opportunity for western NSW farmers and land holders to have a say in shaping the services and support provided by the NSW Government.

“They are also a way for aboriginal communities to add their voice to shaping projects and programs across the Western Local Land Services region.

“Landholders also have the added incentive of knowing they can complete a survey and it supports the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

“I encourage western NSW communities to get involved and complete the Western Local Land Services Regional Landholder Survey today.”

Shoppers urged to show respect to retail workers ahead of Easter rush

The NSW Government is reminding consumers to behave respectfully towards retail workers as shoppers and retailers prepare for the rush ahead of stores closing on Good Friday (March 29).

A 2023 survey of more than 4600 retail workers reported 87% of workers experienced verbal abuse from a customer, 12.5% reporting physical violence, and 52% reporting they had the same customer act abusive or violent on more than one occasion.

Workplace violence can be via a threat or action which causes either physical or psychological harm or injury.

In the retail industry workplace, this includes intimidating behavior which creates a fear of violence such as verbal threats, throwing objects or shoving, spitting or other physical contact.

Retailers should have systems and policies in place to help staff respond when faced with violence and aggression from customers.

SafeWork NSW is continuing to respond to an incident on February 18 where a 64-year-old worker was allegedly assaulted at a supermarket in Western Sydney. While NSW Police are investigating matters related to alleged criminal conduct, SafeWork NSW are reviewing the incident to see if there are breaches of WHS laws.

Tougher penalties for assaulting retail workers were introduced by the NSW Government last year with some offences receiving a maximum penalty of 11 years.

For further advice and resources relating to safety in the retail trade please visit the SafeWork website.

Minister for Work Health and Safety, Sophie Cotsis, said:

“Easter is a great time of the year – it’s a major religious event, a public holiday and a major shopping opportunity for people of this state who are preparing for community celebrations, hosting guests at home or just trying to get away for a break.

“Let’s all remember – the people who are serving you this Easter are from our local community and they are the relatives of the people who live and work around you.

“If 1 person gets agitated while shopping it is hard enough on staff members, but when you are dealing with hundreds of customers a day the agitation absorbed by front line workers accumulates.

“Whatever pressure you may feel when going shopping please respect every retail worker who serves you.

“Retail workers have the right to feel safe when they go to work and there are now strong laws in place to protect them.”

Head of SafeWork NSW, Trent Curtin, said:

“Workers’ compensation data over the last 3 years shows us most claims in the retail sector are made by sales assistants at fuel retailers, supermarkets and retail department stores – and around 60% are made by female workers.

“We are asking customers to maintain appropriate behavior when interacting with retail workers, and to have a little patience and understanding this Easter. We are asking employers and managers to notify SafeWork NSW of any incidence of violence in the workplace.”

Secretary of SDA NSW, Bernie Smith, said:

“Customer abuse is rife in Australian shopping centres, with 87% of workers being subjected to abuse including physical violence, with 1 in 10 reporting being spat on. This must change. Everyone has a right to feel safe at work.

“We ask customers to stop, reflect and do the right thing in shops this Easter so everyone including retail workers can feel safe and celebrate this special time.”

CEO Australian Retailers Association, Paul Zahra, said:

“This Easter, in NSW, criminals will face jail time if they assault or harass our frontline workers.”

“No one deserves to be spat on, threatened with weapons, intimidated or harassed for simply doing their job. So let’s shop up big this Easter but let’s shop respectfully.”

NSW Government invests $1.5 million in TAFE NSW Lithgow

The NSW Government is meeting the growing demand for construction courses in the Bathurst region with an investment of $1.5 million for TAFE NSW Lithgow. 

This investment is part of a $300 million statewide program delivering upgraded facilities and equipment to 120 TAFE NSW campuses across the state by June 2024.

Carpentry will be offered at TAFE NSW Lithgow for the first time in 2024, with an $80,000 investment towards a workshop for carpentry apprentices. A further $119,000 has been allocated to new equipment for welding and metal fabrication courses.

NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steven Whan said these facilities will help meet the growing demand for construction and manufacturing workers in the region.

“TAFE NSW is providing learners with the skills needed for the next generation of construction and manufacturing workers in Lithgow.

“Construction and manufacturing are 2 of the top 5 most in-demand industries in the region and the NSW Government is investing in TAFE NSW to provide the facilities, training, and industry standard equipment to meet this workforce demand,” Mr Whan said.

With the demand for construction courses increasing across Western Sydney, Mr Whan said the creation of a construction hub at TAFE NSW Lithgow would save local students significant travel time to surrounding campuses.

“Local students won’t need to travel up to 40 minutes to Bathurst or 1.5 hours to Nirimba to complete their carpentry course. With our investment in the assets here at TAFE NSW Lithgow, we’re establishing Lithgow as a hub for industry and manufacturing,” he said.

TAFE NSW is also partnered with local employers, Thales, Energy Australia, and Centennial Coal to deliver training to apprentices through its Skills Centre. Skills Centre students get accelerated learning in their trade as well as developing foundational knowledge in a range of other trade skill sets, boosting their versatility as workers, and improving job prospects.

“Through our investment in TAFE NSW, the NSW Government’s commitment to delivering a workforce with the skills Lithgow needs,” Mr Whan said.

Selfless volunteer rewarded with City of Newcastle’s highest honour

More than 50 years of service to the community has earned Father Nicolaos Zervas OAM the honour of becoming the 17th Freeman of the City of Newcastle.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes bestowed the award on the 90-year-old today during the Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church’s annual celebration for Greek Independence Day.

Father Nicholaos, wife Nina, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, Sharon Claydon MP, Tim Crakanthorp MP and CN councillors.Father Nicolaos Zervas wearing his medal with wife Nina, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes, Sharon Claydon MP, Tim Crakanthorp MP and CN Councillors.

Cr Nelmes said Father Nicolaos’ selfless acts have benefitted multiple generations, from teaching scripture to children, through to volunteering with senior citizens.

“Father Nicolaos’ list of achievements spans decades, with a remarkable breadth of service to the community,” Cr Nelmes said.

“He has contributed to initiatives that not only advanced his local Greek community, but also across sectors of health and wellbeing, peace and justice, sport, and aged care, for all Novocastrians.”

Born in Greece in 1934, Nicolaos Zervas came to Australia in 1955. He initially opened a restaurant in Victoria, then one in Sydney, but his real dream was to become a priest.

After marrying his beloved wife Christina (Nina) in 1965, he was given an opportunity to move north where he was ordained by the Newcastle Greek community in 1973.

Twenty years later he was awarded the Order of Australia medal for his spirit of giving, volunteering with Meals on Wheels at Hamilton, the Northern Settlement Services, the Ethnic Communities Council and Lifeline.

Father Nicolaos is a founding member of Greek Day Care and a life member of Hippocrates Aged Care, Fronditha Aged Care Nursing Home and Newcastle Olympic Football Club.

Despite retiring from his role with the Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in July 2021 he still regularly visits people in nursing homes and hospitals.

Father Nicolaos said he was proud to receive the honour of being named Newcastle’s 17th Freeman of the City, a place he has called home for over 50 years.

“I was living in Sydney when I was given the option to relocate to Newcastle,” Father Nicolaos said.

“As soon as we arrived, I felt very at home, and I knew it was the place I wanted to work and raise my family in. 

“It is emotional to be recognised by the City of Newcastle in this way. The support of my wife Nina, my four children and 10 grandchildren has enabled me to keep giving back to the community of St Demetrios and the people of Newcastle and now, even in retirement, it has been my absolute privilege to do so.”

Father Nicolaos joins an impressive list of fellow Novocastrians to be awarded the Freeman of the City honour including former Lord Mayor Joy Cummings, Surfest co-founder Warren Smith and writer, philanthropist and passionate historian, Vera Deacon.

NSW pushes for more funding amid housing and homelessness crisis

The Housing and Homelessness Ministerial Council will meet today to discuss the Commonwealth’s contribution to the National Housing and Homelessness Agreement.

Ministers from the Commonwealth and all States and Territories will press their case for an increase in Commonwealth funding to support building more social housing and bolstering support for homelessness services who are facing unprecedented demand.

Our state is grappling with a housing and homelessness crisis. Every part of our housing system is under pressure and every lever must be pulled to meaningfully address the crisis.

The NSW Government stands ready to work with the Commonwealth as an equal partner but funding trends over the last 10 years need to be turned around if that hope is to become a reality.

Commonwealth funding has fallen from 0.52% ($2.08 billion) of the 2013-14 Commonwealth Budget ($398.3 billion) to be only 0.28% ($1.9 billion) of the 2023-24 Commonwealth Budget ($684.1 billion).

To retain the same relative share of the Commonwealth Budget as 2013-14 for 2023-24, that would require a 90% increase on the 2023-24 allocation.

Recent investments in social housing from the Commonwealth Government are a welcome start to help confront the housing crisis, but the job is far from done.

NSW Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Rose Jackson, will attend to advocate for more Commonwealth funding and resources to help NSW address the housing crisis and work toward the National Housing Accord target.

Last month, the Productivity Commission reported that Sydney was at risk of becoming a city with no grandchildren, whilst an analysis by Homelessness NSW showed that homelessness has risen across 58 of the state’s 128 local government areas in the past year alone.

The face of homelessness is changing. We have people with jobs, long rental histories, and no previous history of homelessness unable to get access housing. This is the harsh reality that thousands of people across NSW are experiencing right now.

More people are facing a disproportionate amount of housing stress. Thousands of people across the state are grappling with the reality of being locked out of the housing market. Not only unable to buy their first home, but also struggling to secure or sustain a rental.

The NSW Government reaffirms its commitment to deliver more and better homes and increasing access to comprehensive housing and homelessness support services as a core priority.

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“Since December we have seen a steady increase in people needing help to secure a safe home. There are more than 57,000 people currently on the social housing waitlist. We need to drive this number down by getting the delivery numbers up.

“Every report, every analysis, and each statistic say the exact same thing – NSW is grappling with a housing crisis. People are being priced out of their community, unable to live near their jobs or struggling to even secure a roof over their head.

“Access to housing is a basic need. I will continue to fiercely advocate for our fair share of Commonwealth funding programs. We need immediate action and bold reform to support the people of NSW.

“The best way to reduce homelessness is by building houses. But building houses takes time. NSW has a large number of people who are homeless or on the brink of homelessness. We need funding to help those people.”

Interim NSW VET Review released

The NSW Government today released the Interim NSW VET Review into the state’s vocational education and training sector.

A key election commitment of the NSW Labor Government, the Interim Report makes seven recommendations for rebuilding TAFE NSW and strengthening the wider vocational training sector.

The report is an important step in restoring TAFE NSW which has been badly neglected for more than a decade by the previous government.

Chaired by Dr Michele Bruniges AM, with the valuable support of Professor Verity Firth AM and Jason Ardler PSM, the Panel conducted an extensive consultation process over four months seeking input from registered training organisations, teachers, students, government agencies, peak bodies, industry representatives, local businesses, councils, and universities.

The Interim Report contains recommendations which the government will seek to immediately implement, including the development of a TAFE NSW Charter which will set clear expectations as part of the process of TAFE reform. The panel is expected to submit its final report to the government by the middle of 2024 when the NSW Government will consider all recommendations in full.

A copy of the Interim NSW VET Review can be accessed online: NSW vocational education and training (VET) review.

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan said:

“The NSW Labor Government knows that to address the critical shortage of skilled workers, NSW needs a strong and sustainable vocational training system.

“Over the next decade, NSW will need thousands of skilled professionals across healthcare, hospitality, construction, and burgeoning sectors like renewable energy.

“This report underscores the pivotal role of TAFE NSW in helping meet the skills needs of the NSW economy.”

“I want to thank the VET Review Panel for its tireless work in leading this once-in-a-generation review of the NSW vocational training sector. This report sets the direction for an exciting future where TAFE – as Australia’s biggest training provider – rebuilds and provides the core for meeting our need for skilled workers.

The former Liberal National Government had an ideological fixation with running down TAFE and privatising training. Labor has stopped this, stabilised funding and will now embark on the rebuild. This report is the next stage in the NSW Labor Government’s plans to place TAFE NSW at the heart of the vocational training system.

“The NSW Government will consider the panel’s recommendations alongside the final report mid-year. Meanwhile, the government has begun work on crafting a new TAFE Charter, and I’ve asked TAFE NSW to fast-track work on a revised operating model that aligns courses with industry needs, enhances support for teachers and puts TAFE at the heart of communities.”

Chair of the NSW VET Review, Dr Michele Bruniges AM said:

“I’m proud of the extensive consultation process conducted by our panel, which ensured diverse perspectives were heard and considered in shaping these recommendations.

“I would like to thank the Stakeholder Reference Group for its continued support in working with the panel to improve the quality and accessibility of vocational training in NSW.

“As we move forward, our focus remains on delivering a final report that provides a roadmap for a robust and responsive VET sector.”

NSW Labor Government delivering for the Illawarra and the South Coast

After just one year in power, the NSW Labor Government is delivering for communities in the Illawarra and the South Coast, making progress to increase healthcare access, invest in support services and pushing through important infrastructure projects.

Continuing on from record investments in the regions as part of the State Budget in September, the NSW Labor Government held the first Cabinet meeting in Wollongong in over a decade and remains committed to seeing the Illawarra and the South Coast reach their full potential, making vital investments to achieve this.

Improving healthcare access

  • Improvements to wait times in public hospitals in the region, including a 27 percentage point improvement in the number of patients transferred from ambulances to the ED within 30 minutes at Wollongong Hospital.
  • Expanded hours for the urgent care centre at Bulli Hospital to 7 days a week.
  • Opened an urgent care centre in Dapto in partnership with the Commonwealth Government, which has seen over 2,400 patients since opening in December.
  • Combined, these new and expanded health facilities have treated thousands of patients that could have ended up in emergency departments, easing pressure on our busy public hospitals and reducing wait times for those with less urgent conditions.
  • Reducing the number of patients overdue for their elective surgery, thanks to hardworking staff and the Surgical Care Taskforce, seeing a 62% reduction in Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District as well as almost entirely removing all patients waiting longer than recommended in Southern NSW LHD, both in the 12-months since December 2022.

Delivering on key infrastructure and planning milestones

  • $390 million investment to build a new Mount Ousley Interchange in partnership with the Commonwealth Government.
  • Construction underway for a new network of mountain bike trails across the Illawarra and opening the Narooma and Eden Mountain Bike Trails.
  • Train station upgrades at Dapto, Bellambi and Unanderra, improving accessibility and upgraded amenities for commuters.
  • Work continuing for the Shoalhaven Hospital redevelopment and New Shellharbour Hospital and Integrated Services project and on track to deliver the new Eurobodalla Hospital and plan for the new Batemans Bay Community Health Service.
  • Secured $22 million to enhance Wollongong Hospital and $7.5 million to upgrade Milton Ulladulla Hospital.
  • Opened Australia’s first commercial hydrogen refuelling station at Port Kembla and a hydrogen powered bus operating in Wollongong.
  • Commenced work into $20 million feasibility study for Bulli Bypass.
  • Planning is underway for additional south facing entry and exit ramps for the M1 Princes Motorway at Dapto.
  • Commencement of planning for the Wollongong Health Precinct.
  • Commenced construction of a new ambulance station at Fairy Meadow.
  • Approved a $182 million upgrade of berths at Port Kembla Harbour to support steel production.
  • Secured a site in Bomaderry for a $35 million Landcom Build to Rent project.
  • Transformed Bega’s former TAFE site into a new 97 dwelling diverse housing project with 30 per cent of the homes to include much needed social and affordable housing.

Securing our education future

  • $200 million to upgrade schools, including a new primary school for Nowra, and planning underway for a new high school at Flinders and new primary schools at West Dapto and Calderwood.
  • Announced 100 new public pre-schools for NSW with ten in the Illawarra and the South Coast.
  • Entered into a Memorandum of Understanding, through NSW TAFE, to explore “super TAFE” on the surplus BlueScope land.

Investing in support services

  • Providing $2 million to create the first trauma recovery centre in the region to provide specialist care for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence.
  • Increased funding for Women’s Health Centre’s in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven.
  • Launched Midwifery Group Practice in the Eurobodalla at Moruya Hospital.
  • Rolled out the Aged Care Outreach Service (ACOS) which saw 1,054 residents in the first 6 months, with 80 per cent able to be cared for in their home and not needing transfer to hospital.
  • Opened aged care transitional beds at Figtree Private Hospital in partnership with Commonwealth Government, providing an alternative for older patients who will benefit from additional therapy services whilst waiting in a residential style setting following discharge from hospital.
  • Opened the new Safe Haven service to support Bega Valley residents experiencing mental health distress.

Supporting our frontline workers

  • 826 teachers and 620 school support staff who were temporary now made permanent across the Illawarra and South Coast.
  • Permanently funded 1,112 fulltime equivalent nursing and midwifery positions across NSW temporarily funded by the former Government, including positions in ISLHD and SNSWLHD.
  • Record pay increase for local paramedics, seeing an average wage increase of 25 per cent over four years, delivering professional recognition to retain our highly skilled workforce.
  • Investing $700,000 in the successful Youth Employment Strategy programs in the Illawarra and Eurobodalla, supporting businesses and tackling youth unemployment.

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

“As the Member for Keira and the Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast, I am proud of what our Labor Government is delivering for our region.

“The Illawarra and South Coast are both growing parts of the state in need of these vital investments to support our communities now and well into the future.

“There is still more to do, however I’m proud of the work we’ve done so far and I know we’re on the right track.”

Member for Wollongong Paul Scully:

“Wollongong has been at the heart of the Minns Government since day one.

“Over the past 12 months, along with my colleagues in the region, we have been able to deliver and progress more than was done in the last decade.

“We still have more work to do as we continue to build a better future for Wollongong and its residents.”

Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson:

“It is fantastic to be part of a Government that cares about the Illawarra and it committed delivering for our region.

“We have a lot more work to do to ensure our fast-growing area has the infrastructure it needs, and we are committed to building much needed schools, roads and hospitals that will serve our community well into the future.”

Member for South Coast Liza Butler:

“I am proud to be part of a government that is investing in the Illawarra and South Coast.

“Upgrades to healthcare services, education, infrastructure projects and historic pay deals with our amazing teachers, nurses, and paramedics, just to name a few.

“The Minns Labor Government is getting on with the job and putting people first.”

Member for Heathcote Maryanne Stuart:

“After more than a decade of neglect, we finally have a Government that is delivering for this area.

“I’m so proud we have delivered on promises to open Bulli Urgent Care Centre 7 days a week and on the $20 million feasibility study for Bulli Bypass.

“There is still more to do in the Illawarra but we are determined to continue to achieve for this area and across NSW.”

Member for Bega Dr Michael Holland:

“Representing the Bega Electorate is an honour and I am very pleased with the NSW Labor Government’s commitments to health improvements including opening a level 4 Eurobodalla Regional Hospital, Bega mental health Safe Haven, Midwifery Group Practice in Moruya, and working with the Commonwealth Government to provide an Urgent Care Clinic at Batemans Bay Hospital.

“In response to the housing crisis, our NSW Labor Government is planning to transform under-utilised government land at Bega’s former TAFE site into a new 97 dwelling diverse housing project with 30 per cent of the homes to include much needed social and affordable housing.

“This is a NSW Labor Government which is delivering on the Bega Electorate’s most critical social needs.”

Labor Spokesperson for Kiama Sarah Kaine MLC:

“I am proud to be part of a Government that is investing in both the community and community members in Kiama.

“From the Shoalhaven and Shellharbour hospital redevelopments, to upgrades at Bomaderry High School, and new public pre-schools planned for Nowra and Bomaderry.

“To the community members who work in our schools, and our healthcare system who now have permanent positions, and all our public service workers who are no longer subject to an unfair wages cap.”

New Precision Care Clinic to transform cancer healthcare

Australians with cancer will receive more personalised and tailored care through the new Precision Care Clinic at Prince of Wales Hospital.

The Precision Care Clinic has brought together a team of Australian experts with international recognition to lead this game-changing research program.

The clinic will support the rapid adoption of precision medicine research into routine public healthcare.

Precision medicine is an emerging scientific area which treats patients based on their individual makeup and genes.

It takes into consideration their long-recognised clinical, lifestyle and environmental factors, strategically matching the right treatment or clinical trial to the right patient.

Cancer doctors and patients from across Australia will be able to seamlessly incorporate genomic results into care plans.

This will allow them to comprehensively consider all current and emerging treatment options and their potential implications, including targeted therapy, clinical trials and cancer risk management.

The clinic has been carefully designed to support healthcare professionals currently facing gaps and challenges in providing precision care to their patients.

This project is a partnership between UNSW School of Population Health, Prince of Wales Hospital & South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Omico, Cancer Voices NSW, Australian Catholic University, University of Sydney, and Macquarie University, to integrate precision medicine into routine cancer care.

The initiative is part of a 5-year commitment from the Australian Government to establish multiple precision care clinics across Australia through a $5.8 million grant from the Medical Research Future Fund Rapid Applied Research Translation scheme.

Federal Minister for Health Mark Butler said:

 “The opening of this new facility is a major step towards changing the way we approach cancer diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

 “This innovative cancer clinic will combine genomic research and implementation science to ensure the benefits of precision medicine are effectively translated into improved health outcomes for people with cancer across Australia.”

NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“I am so proud that NSW Health is a major player in this innovative form of healthcare.

“This initiative will ensure that patients receive the most targeted and tailored care to produce the most optimal health outcomes.

“In addition to this, this program will also work to ensure that we can adopt this sort of cutting edge treatment to become a routine part of care.

“Clinicians and patients will be converging from across the country at this hub to access this precision care and incorporate it into their treatment plans.”

NSW Minister for Medical Research David Harris said:

“Investment in medical research programs like precision medicine is vital.  

“The Precision Care Clinic will see experts in precision medicine research approaching cancer diagnosis and treatment in a whole new way.

“Starting here in NSW at the Prince of Wales Hospital, this new approach has the potential to transform cancer healthcare in Australia.”

Director of Cancer and Haematology Services at Prince of Wales Hospital, Professor Boon Chua said:

“Prince of Wales Hospital is proud to be playing an important role in embedding precision oncology within our health services.

“Our patients will now be able to access their precision cancer information, advice and care all in the one place, without having to navigate their way through multiple clinics and specialists.

“The public clinic will provide formal processes that enable specialists in oncology and genetics to make evidence-informed decisions together with the aim of improving patient experiences and health outcomes.”

UNSW’s School of Population Health Scientia Associate Professor Natalie Taylor said:

“The research was motivated by the need to rapidly translate genomics-informed treatment and prevention strategies into publicly available healthcare, support clinicians to implement the latest precision research evidence, and improve care coordination for patients.

“The initiative is built on the latest clinical evidence and research, with careful consideration of the barriers that patients can face when receiving cancer care. It will be supported by a digital evidence-driven data platform which will enable clinicians to access rapid precision cancer treatment and prevention decision support for their patients.

“Researchers are working closely with doctors and their patients to ensure that their expectations and needs are captured and used to continuously refine the clinic. Designing the clinic together enables the patients to feel like they are contributing and not just a number.”