Month: July 2025

The 2025 HART Junior State Titles has officially concluded after three massive days of competition , marking the biggest event in the history of junior netball in New South Wales. 

With a record-breaking 240 teams from every corner of the state, this year’s Titles saw more than 2,500 young athletes descend on the courts at Baulkham Hills and Penrith, cementing the event as the largest junior netball tournament ever held in NSW. 

“This is the biggest weekend on our junior netball calendar, and this year, it’s bigger than ever,” said Stacy Harding, Netball NSW General Manager of Competitions.

“We’re incredibly proud to have brought together so many communities from across the state in one place to celebrate the sport.” 

The HART Junior State Titles is the pinnacle event for netballers aged 12–14, uniting players, coaches, umpires, and officials for a showcase of talent, teamwork and state pride. 

2206 games were played nearly 50,000 goals scored, and with over 6,000 spectators across both venues, all contributing to an unforgettable celebration of grassroots sport. 

“While the Junior State Titles are about recognising the top-performing teams in the state, they’re just as much about creating a love for netball that lasts a lifetime,” said Trish Crews, Executive General Manager of Community at Netball NSW.

“The memories made here will stay with these players well beyond the final whistle.” 

Baulkham Hills Shire Netball Association hosted the 12U, 13U and 14U Championship and Division 2 teams, along with the 14U Male Championship. Penrith District Netball Association welcomed Division 3 and 4 teams in the 12U, 13U and 14U categories. 

Teams who finished top of Division 1 in their age group have now earned the prestigious title of 2025 State Champions. 

Netball NSW would like to sincerely thank every player, coach, umpire, volunteer, supporter and staff member who contributed to making this year’s event such a resounding success. 

A special acknowledgment goes to the dedicated volunteers at both host Associations, Baulkham Hills and Penrith, Naming Rights Partner HART Sport, and the Baulkham Hills and Penrith Councils for their continued support of this milestone event. 

Below is an overview of the winners and runners up in each Division. For full results please visit the PlayHQ Page and use the navigation menu at the top to select Divisions. 

14U Division 1 

Champions: Randwick Netball Association 
Runners up: Sutherland Shire Netball Association 

14U Division 2 

Winners: Hawkesbury City Netball Association 
Runners up: Wagga Wagga Netball Association 
 

14U Division 3 

Winners: Kurri Kurri Netball Association 
Runners up: Ballina Netball Association 

14U Division 4 

Winners: Wollondilly Netball Association 
Runners up: Woolgoolga District Netball Association 

13U Division 1 

Winners: Manly Warringah Netball Association 
Runners up: Bankstown City Netball Association  

13U Division 2 

Winners: Hills District Netball Association 
Runners up: Bankstown City Netball Association 

13U Division 3 

Winners: Queanbeyan Netball Association 
Runners up: Tamworth Netball Association 

13U Division 4 

Winners: Inverell Netball Association 
Runners up: Singleton Netball Association 

12U Division 1 

Champions: Lakeside Netball Association 
Runners up: Penrith District Netball Association 

12U Division 2 

Winners: Bankstown Netball Association 

Runners up: Hills District Netball Association 

12U Division 3 

Winners: Kiama Netball Association 
Runners up: Singleton Netball Association 

12U Division 4 

Winners: West Wyalong Netball Association  
Runners up: Musswellbrook Netball Association 

14U Male State Champions 

Winners: Ku-ring-gai Netball Association 
Runners up: Inner West Netball Association 

The NSW Government has given the green light for Central Coast Council to undertake temporary protective works to shore up properties at The Entrance North from the threat of coastal erosion.

On Friday 4 July, Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin signed off on coastal protection works to be undertaken by property landowners, under section 68 of the NSW Reconstruction Authority Act.

This followed Council submitting a proposed scope of works for The Entrance North on 13 June 2025 which was the necessary precondition for Minister Saffin to be able to authorise the protection works.

Minister Saffin authorised the works following consultation with relevant state agencies, and having previously signed a Reconstruction Area Order to erosion impacted properties in The Entrance North and at Wamberal in May following extensive consultation with Central Coast Council.

Under the NSW Reconstruction Authority Act 2022, the Order enables ministerial powers to allow Central Coast Council to undertake temporary emergency coastal erosion protection works, bypassing the lengthy development application process.

The NSW Government is currently awaiting Council’s scope of works for Wamberal.

Minister for the Central Coast David Harris said:

“I am pleased the NSW Government is able to help Central Coast Council and landowners move quickly to do what’s necessary to make their homes safer.

“We now eagerly await Council’s scope of works for Wamberal.

“While it is pleasing to see these temporary measures progressed, properly dealing with coastal erosion requires Council to develop its Coastal Management Programs (CMPs).

“CMPs identify coastal management issues, and the actions required to address these issues in a strategic and integrated way and we very much look forward to seeing Council’s new CMP.

Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said:

“The NSW Government is supporting Central Coast Council to protect communities in The Entrance North and Wamberal from coastal erosion.

“I am pleased to approve Council’s request and enable the people of The Entrance North to do what needs to be done to make their homes safe.

“I thank the Council through Mayor Cr Lawrie McKinna and local residents for their collaborative work with the NSW Government that enabled me to sign off this critical order. It is the first time such an order has been put in place to enable emergency coastal erosion works.”

“These works represent a necessary interim measure to mitigate immediate risk to properties and infrastructure, and to maintain the safety of the public, while Coastal Management Programs and permanent works continue to be developed.”

Member for The Entrance David Mehan said:

“Last week’s weather event again highlighted that action is needed to help stem the tide of coastal erosion at The Entrance North and Wamberal.

“It’s great to see the NSW Government is enabling the necessary works to take place under the inaugural use of the Reconstruction Area Order.”

Another leg in the race to establish southeast NSW as a premier mountain bike hub is complete with Mogo Trails officially open to the public.

This 125-kilometre trail network now winds through the scenic bushland of Mogo, stretching behind Batehaven and out towards Mount Wandera.

Mogo Trails is funded by $5 million from the Australian and NSW Government’s Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund and $3 million in additional NSW Government funding. The trails were developed in collaboration with the landowner, Forestry Corporation of NSW.

Led by Eurobodalla Shire Council the project includes 72-purpose built trails for all skill levels, from beginner green trails to advanced double black runs for thrill-seekers.

Combined with existing trail networks in Narooma and Eden, the opening of Mogo Trails brings the region’s total offering to an impressive 250 kilometres of world-class mountain biking

The regional trail network is expected to draw around 60,000 visitors annually, with local tourism and hospitality businesses already seeing the financial benefits.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain:

“It’s great to see the Mogo Trails open to support local jobs and attract more visitors to experience what this amazing region has to offer.

“Through our joint investment, the Australian and NSW Governments have partnered to help ensure long-term recovery for Mogo that sees the community thrive after the devastating impact of Black Summer.

“With hundreds of kilometres available for beginners to advanced riders, this project puts some of the best South Coast landscapes on display for travellers and locals, helping to strengthen communities.

“I really encourage people to try and visit Mogo and experience some of the world-

class trails and facilities, and I’d like to congratulate everyone involved with this project – this is an achievement that they can be incredibly proud of.”

Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips:

“What started out as the vision of a group of avid mountain bike enthusiasts is now a reality and we have a truly epic facility that will be enjoyed by locals as well as visitors to our area.”

“Riding the trails through our stunning forests offers a great way for families to enjoy the outdoors, and for the community to come together – no matter their mountain biking ability.”

“I love mountain bike riding, and I’ve already had an opportunity to get dusty and test my skills on the thrilling ‘Wild Wombat’ and ‘Cosmic Thunder’ trails.”

“Mogo was absolutely devastated by the Black Summer Bushfires, and this marks another milestone in the town’s social and economic recovery.”

“I’m so proud to have supported such a wonderful attraction that will be a huge boost for local businesses and the Eurobodalla economy with events like the inaugural Sea Otter Australia extravaganza happening in October.”

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty:

“Mogo Trails represent more than just a new place to ride – they’re a significant step forward in unlocking the region’s full tourism potential, helping to create new business opportunities and supporting long-term economic growth.”

“This network will help put Mogo on the map as a destination for riders of all ages and abilities across Australia.

“With networks linking Mogo, Narooma and Eden, something truly unique has been created – a mountain biking experience that spans coastal, bush, state forest and mountain terrain, all in one region.”

“With the school holidays starting, now’s the perfect time for families to visit the trails, helping kids get out and about in nature, stay active, and take a break from their screens.”

Minister for the Illawarra and South Coast Ryan Park:

“The Mogo trails are another jewel in the crown of NSW’s South East, adding a world-class mountain biking network that showcases our region’s beautiful natural landscapes.”

“It’s fantastic to see the network already unlocking new opportunities for local tourism and hospitality businesses, with thousands of visitors expected to hit the trails every year.

“While it’s a huge new drawcard for visitors to the South Coast, it’s also a fantastic opportunity for locals to make the most of purpose-built mountain bike trails in their own backyard.”

“I want to congratulate everyone involved for their hard work in bringing 125km of new mountain bike trails to life – and encourage riders of all abilities to come try it out for themselves.”

Dr Michael Holland Member for Bega:

“The NSW South Coast in the electorate of Bega is the State’s premier mountain biking destination. With a further 125 kilometres of adventure mountain biking trails, Mogo Trails links the network of mountain bike venues from Batemans Bay to Eden.

“The Mogo Trails is perfectly linked with services, hospitality, accommodation, and experience providers. It provides interaction between people, our beautiful natural environment, and our local economy.

It is wonderful to witness the rejuvenation and recovery of our communities following the 2019-2020 bushfire disaster being delivered in collaboration with the Commonwealth and NSW Governments, the Mogo Village Business Chamber and Eurobodalla Shire Council.”

Eurobodalla Mayor Mathew Hatcher

“This project is a game-changer – not just for Mogo, but for our whole region. We set out to create an international-calibre trail network and we’ve absolutely delivered.

“The local response has been huge. We’ve had riders here since the early stages, and now with the full network open, the energy and excitement in town is next level.”

“We’re already seeing the benefits roll in for local businesses – cafés are buzzing, accommodation’s full, and Mogo’s village is alive with visitors. This is what regional regeneration looks like.”

The Minns Labor Government has appointed Janet Schorer as its inaugural SafeWork NSW Commissioner to further strengthen its efforts to protect workers.

Ms Schorer brings more than 27 years’ experience from key public sector agencies including the Department of Premier and Cabinet and Department of Family and Community Services.  

Commencing her career as a registered nurse, she has been able to apply her passion for the wellbeing of vulnerable communities throughout her work history. More recently she served as the Chief Delivery Officer for TAFE NSW where she delivered exceptional learner experiences as part of its Strategic Plan 2022-25.

With SafeWork NSW becoming a standalone regulator on July 1, the incoming Commissioner will address policy, compliance, best practices and meaningful engagement with workers, unions, businesses and the Family and Injured Workers Support and Advisory Group (FISWAG) to make for a stronger and more robust organisation.

SafeWork NSW is the state’s work health and safety regulator with more than 750 staff, providing a vital role in protecting the health and safety of workers in NSW by engaging with businesses, workers and the NSW community to prevent work-related fatalities and serious injuries.

A National Fellow of the Institute of Public Administration Australia, Ms Schorer was awarded a Public Service Medal in 2019. She is also Vice President of the Institute of Public Administration Australia (IPAA) NSW.  

Among her many key responsibilities will be a focus on preventing and managing silica and other dust related diseases associated with tunnelling projects in NSW.

The Minns Labor Government has introduced several measures to keep workers safe from dust related diseases.

They include establishing a new Expert Taskforce to oversee and help address silica related health risks for workers in tunnelling projects.

While on January 1, 2025, the Minns Labor government led the ban on the importation of engineered stone products to protect the future health and safety of workers.

The national import ban covers engineered stone benchtops, slabs and panels with silica content of more than one percent.

The appointment follows the NSW Government’s 2025-26 Budget announcement to strengthen the state’s work health and safety regulator with a major $127.7 million investment over the next four years to address psychosocial hazards and compliance and enforcement of safe work practices.

The targeted reform is part of a broader $344 million Workplace Mental Health package, strengthening mental health support and injury prevention strategies in NSW workplaces.

Ms Schorer’s appointment follows an extensive recruitment process. She will take up her role as Commissioner from Monday, 14 July 2025.

Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said:

“The establishment of SafeWork NSW as a standalone regulator and the appointment of a new Commissioner reflects the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to preventing workplace deaths, injuries and illnesses.  

“The new structure will ensure SafeWork NSW will become a strong, robust and fit-for-purpose regulator capable of effectively securing safer and healthier workplaces in NSW.

“I would like to congratulate Janet Schorer on her appointment and also thank Dr Petrina Casey for her efforts while serving in the role as Acting SafeWork NSW Commissioner.”

SafeWork NSW Commissioner Janet Schorer said:

“I am honoured to be joining SafeWork NSW as we take our first step towards reshaping the agency into the strong and robust regulator needed to make workplaces secure, safe and healthy.

“Community engagement is paramount to supporting decision-making and I look forward to working with workers, representatives from employer organisations, unions, support groups and people with lived experiences to ensure people are going to the safest possible workplaces.

“The safety and wellbeing of every worker in NSW is of upmost importance and with my career focused on driving reform to improve lives particularly for vulnerable groups, I look forward to continuing SafeWork NSW’s work to strengthen its systems and practices.”

More than a million metro and regional train passengers across NSW will travel free for two days on Thursday 31 July and Friday 1 August, with the NSW Government and business encouraging people to come out and use the network, but also take the opportunity to support local businesses.

The fare-free period is an acknowledgement by the Minns Labor Government that the patience of the travelling public was strained to breaking point during the period of protected industrial action and that some businesses like cafes, shops and hospitality operators were collateral damage of the interruptions

The rail Enterprise Agreement received the overwhelming support of the rail workforce in a ballot that closed on Saturday.

More than 11,700 employees participated in the vote, with 92% supporting the Enterprise Agreement which will now be lodged with the Fair Work Commission for formal approval.

Resolution of the matter will allow Sydney Trains, NSW TrainLink and the combined rail workforce to focus solely on improving reliability and services for passengers.

The fare-free 48 hours is an invitation to workers to travel into the Sydney or Parramatta CBDs, or other work and commercial centres across the state, at no cost and support the food and hospitality businesses that took a hit during those months of disruption.

Business Sydney, the Tourism & Transport Forum and the Night Time Industries Association are all backing the push for passengers to back local businesses during the fare-free period.

The fare-free period has been set at the end of the month so that it does not coincide with the current school holidays, allowing the maximum number of regular rail passengers to benefit.

From 12:01am Thursday 31 July to 11:59pm on Friday 1 August 2025, travel will be free on all Sydney Trains, NSW TrainLink, Airport Link, and Sydney Metro services.

Opal gates and readers at Opal enabled train and metro stations will be turned off during this fare free period meaning customers will not need to tap on and tap off.

Passengers using NSW TrainLink services during this time will be refunded but must have booked a ticket to secure their seat to travel.

Free travel will not extend to buses, ferries and light rail which will charge fares as normal.

Opal benefits will still apply to all paid journeys where customers tap on and tap off.

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“More than a million people will be able to travel free on the rail network across the state and we want them to use the chance to get out and about and support our cafes, lunch spots, restaurants and after work venues.

“Some of these businesses took a big hit during the period of disruption and they deserve a shot in the arm.

“We want to acknowledge the period of protected industrial action took its toll on rail passengers but today we also look forward with optimism to a train system that will benefit from the entire workforce and management pulling in the same direction and the introduction of new technology to improve reliability and recovery times when disruption occurs.

“We will continue to invest record amounts into improved maintenance and work to our plan to lift the level of reliability.”

Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said:

“As someone who represents a regional community, I know that the recent disruption hit parts of rural and regional NSW hard.

“Regional passengers deserve this relief, and I encourage everyone to take full advantage of these two days by hopping aboard and seeing what our regional areas have to offer.

“These fare-free days are just the beginning of getting our regional rail network back on track, ensuring regional commuters get the reliable services they deserve. 

“The fare-free days are only a small part of our commitment to regional transport. Combined with our record investment in maintenance and upgrades, as well as cutting-edge technology, we’re building a transport network that people living in rural, regional and remote NSW can depend on.” 

Transport Secretary Josh Murray said:

“This rail agreement has been drawn-out and difficult for passengers and our frontline employees – and we thank them for their patience as we build a better system.

“The parties have worked hard on new measures in this agreement to help restore confidence in the way we manage disruption, and the way we collaborate on rolling out new infrastructure. We can now get on with the plan.

“We welcome the positive outcome from the vote, and I want to express particular thanks to Commissioners Matheson and Riordan at the Fair Work Commission for guiding this complex rail agreement to resolution.”

Sydney Trains Chief Executive, Matt Longland:

“This is a win for our staff but an even bigger win for the travelling public.”

“With this certainty, Sydney Trains can resume its focus on delivering a safe, reliable, and disruption-free service. Passengers can have renewed confidence that the trains they rely on will be there when they need them.”

TrainLink Chief Executive Roger Weeks:

“This agreement represents a positive outcome for our employees—and an even greater benefit for passengers across regional NSW.”

“With this clarity in place, NSW TrainLink can fully refocus on providing safe, dependable, and uninterrupted services. Travellers can once again feel confident that the trains they count on will be running when they need them.”

NSW is calling on Queensland to help fix a cross-border legal anomaly that gives taxi drivers north of the border an advantage over their NSW rivals and makes life harder for passengers and tourists seeking to catch a ride into NSW.

Queensland drivers can pick up a fare in NSW whereas NSW drivers are banned by Queensland law from picking up in that state outside of a handful of dedicated ranks for NSW-bound passengers.

This has created an economic disadvantage for NSW drivers and point to point operators and reduced the level of service for tourists and residents flying into Gold Coast Airport as a gateway to Northern NSW.

The NSW taxi industry has complained of Queensland cabbies operating in NSW during big events like Bluesfest in Byron Bay.

More concerning is the impact on NSW residents requiring specialised transport services and often returning from medical appointments in Queensland.

NSW residents requiring wheelchair accessible taxis for medical appointments on the Gold Coast face considerable challenges. They are currently unable to book their trusted

NSW drivers for return journeys and often endure extended wait times, as well as difficulties with the NSW subsidy scheme being accepted by Queensland operators.

This situation creates unnecessary distress for people relying on these services.

The NSW Point to Point Transport Commissioner raised the issue at the recent Cross Border Tourism and Transport Forum and there has been discussions this year between the NSW Taxi Council and Gold Coast service providers, who have expressed support for allowing NSW drivers to conduct return trips for NSW passengers with disabilities.

Minister for Transport John Graham has now written to his Queensland counterpart Brent Mickelberg, Minister for Transport and Main Roads, to propose an immediate change to allow passengers using the NSW Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme to book a return trip with their preferred NSW operator.

This first step would improve service for vulnerable passengers from NSW.

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“Our two states compete hard, whether that is to attract tourists and visitors, in business or on the sporting field – as will be seen again on Wednesday night in the State-of-Origin series decider, which we expect the Blues to win.

“To do so, we both require a level playing field and that is what we are calling on Queensland to help us provide when it comes to cross-border transport.

“The current regulatory frameworks on point to point services give Queensland drivers an advantage over their NSW counterparts. We believe an unfair advantage and that state border anomalies should not exist in Australia in 2025.

“This results in a poorer service for visitors getting into our state and at times distress for NSW residents who need to access medical treatment in Queensland and rely on the NSW Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme to return home.”

Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said:

“Competition between states is great, but not when it comes to accessing transport.

“The Queensland Government is on the wrong foot. Access to critical services should not depend on where you live, but that is the reality for some people living in the border communities of NSW and Queensland.

“Unfair operating arrangements between NSW and Queensland doesn’t just impact our most vulnerable residents, it also disadvantages our small businesses in the taxi sector as well as tourism and hospitality. We need a level playing field to ensure people across the Queensland and NSW borders can access services, and operators are playing under one set of rules when to comes to fares. 

“The NSW Point to Point Transport Commissioner would be pleased to work with the Department of Transport and Main Roads to develop and implement these arrangements.

“Transport doesn’t need to be a political football. Let’s keep the football on the field and work together to ensure that everyone along our state border can get where they need to go.”

NSW Taxi Council chief executive Nick Abrahim said:

“The NSW Taxi Council welcomes the move to allow NSW taxi drivers to carry out return trips after dropping off a Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme participant in Queensland.

“We would like to see this measure extended to allow for all passengers to be given the opportunity to return in a NSW Taxi for all trips that cross the border.”