Month: July 2025

The Albanese and Minns governments are getting on with delivering the critical infrastructure Western Sydney needs, with the NSW government today signing a contract to upgrade an infamous traffic chokepoint in Sydney’s south west with Seymour Whyte.

The project includes a new three lane toll-free bridge over the Georges River and train lines at Liverpool, improving the connections between the M5 Motorway, Moorebank Avenue and the Hume Highway.

The upgrade includes the removal of the weave on the M5 Motorway between Moorebank Avenue and the Hume Highway to improve safety and traffic flow for road users entering and exiting the M5 Motorway.

The project will also include a new underpass at Moorebank Avenue, connecting the M5 Motorway westbound to the Hume Highway, and upgrade the intersection between the M5 Motorway and Moorebank Avenue.

The existing bridge over the Georges River, which connects the M5 Motorway to the Hume Highway and Moorebank Avenue, sees more than 2,500 trucks a day move from the Moorebank Intermodal Terminal Precinct onto the Sydney motorway network.

Afternoon peak sees traffic bank up, as cars and trucks entering the motorway westbound at Moorebank Avenue attempt to merge with traffic already on the motorway that is looking to exit at the Hume Highway. Truck numbers on the interchange are also expected to increase as new sections of the expansive Moorebank Intermodal Terminal Precinct come online.

The Albanese and Minns governments are partnering to build a better NSW through investments in major infrastructure. Both have each committed $190 million towards this project as part of the ongoing Western Sydney infrastructure blitz.

Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

“This upgrade will ensure the conga-line of trucks coming in and out of the Moorebank Intermodal Terminal Precinct can flow more freely, keeping goods moving to their destinations, while delivering real benefits for commuters during peak periods.

“Western Sydney is growing quickly and the Albanese Government is investing over $19 billion to deliver the transport infrastructure Western Sydney needs.”

Acting Premier Ryan Park:

“Western Sydney is the economic powerhouse of our state, and investments like this M5 upgrade ensure we’re building the infrastructure backbone to support continued growth and prosperity.

“We’re not just building roads, we’re building opportunities for families, businesses and freight operators who depend on efficient connections across the growing region.”

NSW Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison:

“Today’s contract signing is a major milestone that brings us one step closer to getting shovels in the ground on the infrastructure Western Sydney needs.

“This upgrade will slash congestion and create a safer driving environment for the thousands of motorists who use this critical interchange every day.

“The contract is signed, the builders are ready, and soon we’ll be improving connections across our region. The extra lanes will remove the need for around 3,900 vehicles per day to weave between lanes, making journeys safer and faster for families and freight operators alike.”

Member for Hughes David Moncrieff:

“This is fantastic news for my community in south west Sydney. For too long, locals have been stuck in traffic at this congestion pinch point, especially during afternoon peak periods.

“This upgrade will eliminate a major bottleneck and help traffic flow along the M5, making a real difference to the daily lives of families and workers in our area. It’s great to see both levels of government working together to deliver the infrastructure we need.”

Member for Werriwa Anne Stanley:

“This is great news for residents of Werriwa who utilise this road every day.

“The improvement in traffic flow will save commuters time and stress. I look forward to the completion of this long awaited and necessary section of road.”

More paramedics, more nurses and more doctors will be joining the NSW health system including almost 70 new paramedic interns from today.

It comes as 24 NSW public hospitals have either achieved or are in the process of implementing safe staffing ratios in their emergency departments, with the NSW Government announcing yesterday that Campbelltown Hospital had been the latest to complete its rollout.

The NSW Government has also recruited more doctors for the bush, and will soon commence its campaign inviting junior doctors to join the NSW health system.

Paramedics

NSW Ambulance will today welcome 67 new paramedic interns and 6 new paramedic inductees following an official ceremony at the State Operations Centre, Sydney Olympic Park.

They join almost 600 new paramedics who have entered the service since the beginning of the year.

The new recruits come from a range of backgrounds and experiences, including Rylie Muirhead who was inspired to join NSW Ambulance after being a carer for her mum and experiencing frequent interactions with paramedics, and Carissa Johnson who is following in her paramedic father’s footsteps.

The 67 paramedic interns will be posted across NSW to complete the on-road portion of their 12-month internships, before taking permanent positions in metropolitan and regional areas.

The 6 paramedic inductees, who previously worked as paramedics interstate or overseas, will be posted across metropolitan and regional locations in NSW for nine weeks, prior to becoming registered paramedics with NSW Ambulance. 

Safe staffing in emergency departments

Campbelltown Hospital became the latest hospital to achieve safe staffing ratios, the government announced.

It joins 9 other NSW public hospitals to complete the rollout of safe staffing ratios, including:

• Gosford
• Liverpool
• John Hunter
• Nepean
• Royal North Shore
• Royal Prince Alfred
• Tamworth
• Tweed
• Westmead Children’s

This is in addition to the 14 NSW public hospitals which are in the process of implementing safe staffing ratios, including:

• Port Macquarie
• Lismore
• Coffs Harbour
• Bankstown
• Wollongong
• St George
• Wagga Wagga
• Orange
• Westmead
• Blacktown
• Hornsby Ku-ring-gai
• Sutherland
• Concord
• Prince of Wales

Rural doctors

The NSW Government will also welcome more doctors to boost the regional health workforce.

The Rural Generalist Single Employer Pathway (RGSEP) supports future rural generalists in their training across both primary care and hospital settings, through a length-of-training contract which allows them to keep and accrue entitlements across both settings; as well as receive the same pay and conditions as their hospital trained counterparts.

Last year, the program recruited 29 trainees across regional local health districts, joining a broader cohort of 142 working in regional NSW.

Positions for the 2026 clinical year are available in Far West, Illawarra Shoalhaven, Hunter New England, Mid North Coast, Murrumbidgee, Northern NSW, Southern NSW and Western NSW LHDs.

Applications for the Rural Generalist Single Employer Pathway program open on 15 July and close on 5 August 2025.

Junior doctors

Junior doctors from Australia and abroad are being encouraged to become part of the country’s leading public health system, with the 2025 NSW Health Junior Medical Officer (JMO) recruitment campaign opening next Tuesday, 15 July 2025.

NSW Health is inviting junior doctors who have completed their first two postgraduate years of medical practice to apply to develop their skills in the country’s largest and most advanced public health system.

Junior doctors are encouraged to consider roles in rural and regional areas, with incentive packages available for those looking to support these communities and gain experience in a different setting.

Junior Medical Officers provide essential frontline medical care to the millions of people who use health services across the state.

Those recruited will start in their new roles at the beginning of the 2026 clinical year and will be offered positions in a range of specialties including general medicine, intensive and emergency care, pain management, psychiatry, pathology and more.

Rebuilding the health workforce

The Minns Labor Government is rebuilding an engaged, capable and supported workforce, by:

• Saving 1,112 nurses which the Liberal Government planned to sack;
• Abolishing the wages cap and delivering the largest wage increase to healthcare workers in a decade;
• Supporting our future health workforce through providing them with study subsidies;
• Investing $274 million to deliver an additional 250 healthcare workers at upgraded hospitals left with inadequate staff by the previous government;
• Deploying 500 regional paramedics to the bush; and
• Bringing more health workers to country NSW through the Rural Health Worker Incentive Scheme.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“From day one, we said that our top priority was to rebuild a capable and supported health workforce.

“We abolished the wages cap, undoing a decade of wage suppression; rolled out safe staffing ratios; recruited more paramedics; and brought more health workers out to the bush.

“Under the Minns Labor Government, the NSW health workforce is experiencing the most significant structural reform in its history.” 

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan:

“These new paramedics have learned to think fast, act fast, and to deliver the clinical expertise they have learned.

“Today, they are graduates – but from tomorrow, they are clinicians ready to think clinically, treat confidently, and care completely.

“With every call, assessment and intervention, these recruits will become part of a patient’s journey.”

paramedic intern Rylie Muirhead:

“As a child observing paramedics tend to my mum, I was inspired by their compassion and kindness.

Being part of a patient’s journey through healthcare will be very rewarding”

paramedic intern Carissa Johnson:

“To be a paramedic and continue a family legacy is the culmination of a long-held ambition.

The training has been intense but fun, and I am looking forward to putting my skills into practice”.

The Minns Labor Government is partnering with the Ricky Stuart Foundation to deliver the John Fordham House in South Jerrabomberra, a new best practice accommodation home for people living with a disability.

$5.14 million is being invested as part of the Government’s ongoing work to build a better New South Wales, with greater opportunities, inclusion and understanding of peoples living with a disability.

The House will be made up of private living spaces with indoor and outdoor areas including a breakout room, kitchen, living, dining, courtyard and a carers office with live in facilities.

The home will include design features that ensure an accessible home including wider corridors, and will be completed with fittings, fixtures and finishes specifically designed to ensure safety.

Residents will be encouraged to engage in their local community and grow their networks by participating in local events, sports, social activities and by working locally.

The project will be led by the Ricky Stuart Foundation which has demonstrated experience in the design, development and delivery of disability accommodation and support projects, having constructed Ricky Stuart House in 2016 and Emma Ruby House in 2018, providing local families with access to state-of-the-art disability respite care and accommodation.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to making NSW a more inclusive and accessible place for people with disability. As part of this commitment, the Government last year announced the largest investment in accessible housing in the state’s history — a $5.1 billion package to deliver 8,400 new social homes, all of which will meet National accessibility standards.

The Ricky Stuart Foundation was created in 2011 by former Kangaroos and NSW Blues halfback and now Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart and his wife Kaylie.

Following their daughter Emma’s autism diagnosis at age 11, Ricky and Kaylie became aware of the lack of awareness, services and support for families in similar situations. Having experienced firsthand the challenges of raising a child with autism, Ricky and Kaylie knew more needed to be done to support local families.

The project has been named in honour of Ricky’s mentor and manager, the late John Fordham, who is remembered for his legacy of dedication across many charities including the establishment of the Head and Neck Foundation and work with the Cauliflower Club.

For more information, go to: www.rickystuart.org

Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“This is a fantastic initiative which will help improve quality of life and economic independence for people living with disability.

“The home will provide inclusive accommodation to help residents build skills, independence and social connection as well as much-needed peace of mind for families worried about safety and security for their loved ones.”

Minister for Disability Inclusion, Kate Washington said:

“Everyone deserves a place to call home — a home that supports independence, inclusion and connection. This project is a great example of how we can create spaces that truly reflect the needs of people with disability and help them thrive in their communities.

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to building a more inclusive NSW, where people with disability are supported not only to live well, but to belong.”

Local Member for Monaro, Steve Whan said:

This is such a fantastic project for South Jerrabomberra, and I know it will mean a lot to many local families. Everyone deserves to feel safe, supported and connected with their community, and that is exactly what John Fordham House will offer to those who access the facility.

I’ve seen the difference that the Ricky Stuart Foundation has made through its other accommodations, and I’m proud to see that kind of care and commitment coming to our region.

John Fordham House will give families peace of mind, knowing their loved ones have access to the right support in a caring space that has been designed with care and dignity at front of mind. I’m thrilled that the NSW Government is backing this important work.”

Chairperson and Founder of Ricky Stuart Foundation, Ricky Stuart said:

“Emma’s journey to independent living has taught us so much about what young people need to thrive. John Fordham House is built on that experience. It will give others the same opportunity, a safe and supportive home where they can grow, feel proud of who they are and be part of their local community.”

“The $5.14 million commitment from the NSW Government means we can get on with delivering the promise we made to local families. This is about more than building a home. We are creating a blueprint for supported living that puts dignity, inclusion and community at the centre. I’m proud we’re doing that right here in Queanbeyan.”

The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are creating safer communities for women and children impacted by domestic and family violence by boosting access to an early intervention program which aims to build resilience in families and stop the cycle of abuse.

Under the National Partnership Agreement for Family, Domestric and Sexual Violence Responses 2021-30, stage two of the Safe and Strong Families program will be delivered in an additional 16 sites, with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) providing culturally safe services in ten locations across New South Wales.

Stage one rolled out in late 2024 with 11 ACCOs delivering the program in 10 priority locations.

Funded with $13 million under the National Partnership Agreement, Safe and Strong focuses on supporting both victim-survivors of domestic and family violence and their children as victims in their own right.

The program is a crucial entry point for victim-survivors to receive early family and domestic violence support, and recognises that children who experience family violence need tailored support.

Case workers help develop personal, family and community level strengths and capacity to increase individual and family safety. This includes counselling, education and skills training, Indigenous social participation, information/advice/referral, intake/assessment, material aid, mentoring/peer support, and supported playgroups.

Importantly, Aboriginal-led, trauma-informed and culturally safe strategies recognise the importance of culture, connection to Country and the role of men’s and women’s business in responding to and healing from family violence.

Service providers are encouraged to work with victim-survivors and their children for as long as required to achieve positive outcomes.

Since service commencement, stage one Safe and Strong providers have supported about 77 families and 200 individual clients.

Locations for delivery of Safe and Strong were selected using domestic violence crime and child protection data, to identify areas of the highest need.

Federal Minister for Social Services Tanya Plibersek said:

“The Albanese Labor Government wants Australia’s children to grow up safe and supported in their families, communities and culture.

“Early intervention programs are key in the fight against domestic and family violence, helping to stop violence at the start. And we know the best programs are those developed by community for community.

“The next stage of the Safe and Strong program builds on existing work to address the drivers of violence and provide tailored First Nations-driven solutions and supports to victim-survivors.

“Ending domestic and family violence is going to take all of us working together with frontline services and out whole community. That’s why we’ve doubled funding for frontline services to ensure families and children experiencing violence can access the supports they need.”

NSW Minister for Families and Communities, Kate Washington said:

“Children who experience violence in their homes carry that trauma with them and without the right support, it can shape the rest of their lives.

“That’s what this program is all about — stepping in early, wrapping the right supports around children and families at risk of, or experiencing, violence; so they can recover, rebuild and thrive.

“The NSW Government is investing in programs like Safe and Strong because we want to support families to stop the cycle of abuse.”

NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:

“The Minns Labor Government recognises the need to respond to the impacts of domestic and family violence on Aboriginal people.

“We know the best way to close the gap is by Aboriginal people shaping and driving outcomes for Aboriginal people.

“Having Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations run the Safe and Strong program it ensures that women and children escaping domestic violence can receive healing in a culturaly safe space and while feeling connected to country.”

NSW Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:

“The NSW Government recognises the urgent need to do more to meet the needs of children and young people who experience domestic and family violence and break the cycle of intergenerational violence.

“Safe and Strong Families delivers just that with its child- and family-focused approach to providing early intervention and support services that treat children as victim-survivors in their own right.

“Women and children who are impacted by violence and abuse deserve to live free from violence and the fear of violence.”

General Manager of the Youth Family and First Nation Languages Service Division at Regional Enterprise Development Institute (REDI.E) Kevin Jones says:

“As an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation with a long-standing history of delivering vital services in Walgett, REDI.E is proud to have secured the Safe and Strong Families funding to strengthen our work addressing domestic and family violence in both community and school settings.

“This funding allows us to continue working in close partnership with the Department of Communities and Justice, local Aboriginal governance groups, schools, and the broader community to create a safer, stronger future for the families of Walgett.

“Importantly, this funding will also enhance the school-based support services REDI.E already provides—ensuring culturally responsive, early intervention and support continues to be accessible for those who need it most.”

Senior Program Manager at Anglicare Sydney Lee-Anne Page said:

“Anglicare is deeply committed to supporting families, particularly those impacted by domestic and family violence.

“The Safe and Strong funding provides a vital opportunity to enhance our services and deliver targeted, compassionate, holistic support.

“Through this initiative, we aim to create safer, stronger futures for children and families across the Cumberland community.”

Support:

If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call the Police on Triple Zero / 000.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, call the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63 for free counselling and referrals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For confidential advice, support, and referrals, contact 1800 RESPECT or 13 YARN.

Barangaroo, Darling Harbour and The Rocks are transforming into a Winter Wonderland bursting with free fun this July.

Whether you love music, art, dance or Christmas there’s something for everyone.  

Barangaroo, has already kicked off the activity hosting Nocturne, a free four-week concert seriesat thePier Pavilion on from 6pm every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night from 26 June to 19 July.

With no tickets required people of all ages can come along to enjoy a program of world-class music performed by talented Sydney musicians under the stars at a spectacular waterfront location.

Over in Darling Harbour, the Alpine Activity Zone is stirring up a flurry of activity including craft workshops, kids karaoke and an Amazing Arctic Race where teams can complete for a trophy!

Running from 10 – 13 July kids can enjoy snow globe making and sparkly slime all in the spirit of winter fun.

The Rocks areproviding Aussies with a taste of European holiday cheer through the Christmas in July Festival. *

Between 11 – 20 July, families, friends, and lovers of Christmas will have the opportunity to stroll down a snow lane to the European themed markets to savour traditional food or purchase charming, handcrafted goods.

Joining the fun at The Rocks from 17 – 20 July is the Bastille Festival. *

Bringing everything from French rosé to raclette, macarons and escargot to tempt festival goers’ tastebuds alongside a slew of free entertainment including live concerts, DJs, dance classes, and more.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Our Harbourside precincts are the place to be this July for free winter fun.

“From outdoor concerts to Christmas markets, a French cabaret and kids’ holiday activities galore there’s something for everyone.

“Don’t let the cold weather dampen your spirits, rug up and come out to Barangaroo, Darling Harbour and The Rocks to enjoy great entertainment and activities without needing to open your wallet.”

To learn more about what’s happening all year round at:

• The Rocks visit https://therocks.com/whats-on
• Barangaroo visit https://www.barangaroo.com/whats-on
• Darling Harbour visit https://www.darlingharbour.com/whats-on

* a partnered event delivered by BBR Agency. 

With bumper snowfalls and school holiday crowds flooding the Snowy Mountains, the Minns Labor Government is urging drivers to be prepared before heading to the alpine region, warning that too many are arriving under-equipped for dangerous winter road conditions.

Fresh snow and a rush of holidaymakers have driven alpine visitation to new highs this week, prompting the Minns Government to remind travellers that excitement should stay on the slopes, not on the roads.

The stark reality of inadequate preparation has been seen in recent incidents across the alpine region. One vehicle, not equipped with snow chains, slid off an icy road and became stranded in hazardous conditions. Another driver, apparently not adjusting their speed for the conditions, ended up down an embankment after losing control on mountain roads.

These incidents serve as a sobering reminder that if you’re not adequately prepared for the road conditions, it is very easy to end up in trouble when travelling to the snow. What should be a memorable family holiday could become a dangerous situation requiring emergency response.

To help ensure safer roads, the Minns Government has ramped up snow-clearing operations and implemented network management strategies to handle the spike in demand and improve road safety.

As part of the response, motorists are being encouraged to sign up for Transport’s free SMS Alert Service via the Driving in Snow webpage. The alerts notify travellers when car parks are full or when key alpine roads like Kosciuszko Road or Alpine Way are temporarily closed due to hazardous conditions.

A National Parks pass or ski lift ticket does not guarantee road access during closures, meaning public transport or the Skitube may be the only way to reach the snowfields during peak days.

The Government’s popular Snowy Mountains Bus Service is experiencing record-breaking demand, with a 30% increase in passenger numbers compared to this time in 2024.

So far this year, more than 28,000 trips have been made on services connecting Cooma, Berridale, Jindabyne, Perisher, Thredbo, and Bullocks Flat.

More than 3,000 journeys were recorded during the first weekend of the NSW school holidays alone – a surge that has prompted additional peak services every 30 minutes between Jindabyne and Perisher to meet demand.

NSW Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“It’s fantastic to see so many people enjoying our beautiful alpine region, but good snow doesn’t mean good driving conditions. We want the thrills to stay on the slopes, not on icy roads.

“The Minns Labor Government is continuing to invest in transport solutions that prioritise public safety and make it easier for families and visitors to enjoy NSW’s world-class winter destinations.

“The Snowy Mountains Bus Service is making a real difference, especially for people without four-wheel drives or experience fitting snow chains. And fewer cars on the road helps keep those key routes open for everyone.

“Our bus services are playing a crucial role in keeping roads safe and resorts accessible.

“My advice to drivers is to plan ahead, sign up for alerts, and consider public transport, so the only drama you face this snow season is picking between Perisher and Thredbo.”