Month: July 2025

From 12.01am Thursday 31 July to 6am on Saturday 2 August 2025, travel will be free on all Sydney Trains, 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 traveling on NSW TrainLink regional rail services who purchased a ticket from 12.01am Thursday 31 July to 11.59pm on Friday 1 August will be refunded but must have booked a ticket to secure their seat to travel.

However, passengers on all other services including bus, ferry, and light rail must tap on and off as normal as fares will continue to be charged.

For more information see the news article.

Netball NSW is proud to announce the athletes selected in the 2025 Regional Emerging Talent Team, part of the broader Emerging Talent Program that identifies and supports the next generation of netball stars across Regional, Metro, and First Nations pathways.

Twelve athletes from across New South Wales have been named in this year’s Regional Team, recognised for their skill, dedication, and potential to progress to Netball NSW’s underage 17/U and 19/U State Teams.
Recognising the tyranny of distance, additional travel and accommodation costs, and the commitment required from regional families, Netball NSW is deeply committed to breaking down barriers and nurturing talent from across the state.

“This program gives our regional athletes the opportunity to step into a high-performance environment and see what’s required at the next level,” said Mardi Aplin, General Manager – Performance and Pathways at Netball NSW.

“By bringing them into Sydney for training, we’re able to provide the same quality of coaching, education, and support as their metro counterparts-ensuring an even playing field and a clear pathway to future success.”

Throughout the five-week program, the regional athletes train as part of a 36-athlete performance cohort, coming together for a mix of on-court sessions and off-court education. These sessions are led by Netball NSW’s top coaches and performance staff and are designed to expose athletes to the intensity, preparation, and mindset required at the elite level.

Regional athletes receive targeted support tailored to their specific needs and challenges. This includes training in performance analysis, helping them learn how to review and self-assess their own games at home; education in nutrition and recovery strategies, especially relevant for those who travel long distances to train and compete; access to physiotherapy and injury-prevention resources; and structured workshops in high-performance behaviours designed to build habits for success both on and off the court.

Bringing regional athletes to Sydney ensures they are immersed in a true high-performance training environment, while still being able to connect with teammates and coaches from their home areas.

“While they wear different colours during the tri-series tournament, all Emerging Talent athletes train and grow together,” said Aplin. “It’s not just about skills on the court, it’s about building the confidence, resilience, and behaviours needed to thrive in our sport.”

Athletes in the Regional Emerging Talent Team were identified through a range of talent ID platforms, including Senior State Titles, Regional Academies of Sport, and previous state trials.

The program not only supports athletes but also contributes to long-term talent identification for Netball NSW’s state teams, ensuring that regional athletes are front and centre as selectors look toward future state and national squads.

“We know that talent is everywhere – and this program is about making sure opportunity is too.”

2025 Netball NSW Regional Squad

ATHLETE FULL NAME NETBALL ASSOCIATION 1ST 2ND
Ava Francisco Dubbo GD WD
Chloe Eyles Charlestown GA GS
Emma McCallum Lakeside C WD
Eve Power Newcastle GD WD
Gemma Humphery Illawarra District GA GS
Isabella Christian Illawarra District WD C
Jade Stringer Lakeside GA WA
Molly Brownell Maitland GS GA
Molly Stephen Wagga Wagga WA C
Paiton Cook Newcastle WA C
Skye Hutchison Barellan & District GK
Sophie Lockyer Illawarra District GK GD

Head Coach: Linda Macleod, Dubbo Netball Association
Assistant Coach: Charli Wright, Armidale Netball Association
Apprentice Coach: Alex McNeil, Illawarra Netball Association

The new AUKUS defence agreement made public today between the United Kingdom and Australia cannot hide the core failings of AUKUS. With AUKUS under threat from the US review, this agreement is a step back into the 20th century and further distances us from our neighbours. It makes clear the need for an inquiry into AUKUS.

The detail in the treaty makes clear that Australia is at the bottom rung of AUKUS, with the UK making all critical decisions on the design of the yet-to-be-built AUKUS nuclear submarines, and Australia once again funnelling money and little more.

The 50-year deal has little new detail and is largely a virtue signal to the US seeking the Trump administration’s support for the failing AUKUS deal.

The UK defence budget and industry are in disarray. Since 1972 the UK has made it clear it does not have a meaningful role in defence matters “East of Suez” and the decades since its economic and military reach has only diminished.

This deal also makes clear that Australia will be responsible for high, low and intermediate nuclear waste from UK submarines in Australia, with the limited exception of spent nuclear fuel. The deal will also see Australia “waive all claims for liability” on the transfer of AUKUS nuclear submarines.

Senator David Shoebridge, Greens spokesperson on Defence and Foreign Affairs, said:

“The Albanese Government has already committed to giving the UK a $5 billion down payment on AUKUS. Of course, the UK is committed to AUKUS; they have found a sucker in Australia.

“With this latest round of AUKUS the Albanese Government is making it clear they would rather handcuff Australia to an erratic bully in the US and a dying empire in the UK than work with our neighbours to have a peaceful and stable region.

“Signing Australia up to a 50-year agreement with the UK like this is an expensive distraction for Australia’s defence and security planners. Think of the message being sent to our region as we invite the UK back, half a century after our neighbours finally saw them sail away.

“These decisions are seemingly being made on the fly and just highlight the urgent need for inquiry into the AUKUS to pull Australia back from this reckless and expensive nuclear folly.”

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The Minns Labor Government has today announced more than $930,000 of funding to improve and promote recreational fishing across the North Coast region ensuring money from the Recreational Fishing Trusts is spent on the ground supporting local anglers.

The funding is part of the Minns Government’s plans to build fishing opportunities across the state and ensure that fishing remains accessible, sustainable, and enjoyable for generations to come.

The North Coast fishing community will see the benefits of new fishing infrastructure, with some $310,000 of grants awarded towards the construction of facilities including:

• $280,000 for new accessible fishing platforms at Tumbulgum Village and Terranora Creek
• $11,987 for a new fish cleaning table and shelter at Wooli Terrace Boat Ramp

Young people and students on the North Coast will soon be able to learn important life skills and enjoy the benefits of casting a line, with $36,000 funding approved for:

• $7,510 to establish new fishing sessions for Banora Point High School students
• $7,500 for fishing for wellbeing primary school programs at Tweed Heads, Tweed Heads South and Cudgen Public Schools
• $4,000 for resources for the new “Coastal Explorers” initiative for learning support classes at Maclean High School
• $8,300 for Sawtell Public School recreational fishing for sport each week
• $9,600 for Byron Youth Service Inc’s ‘Tight Lines’ fishing and mentoring program

A further $586,000 over the next two years has also been allocated to the community partnership between OzFish and Landcare NSW to improve 40 waterways across the North Coast and the state.

The funding, from the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust, demonstrates how licence fees are invested to boost recreational fishing in NSW, through new fishing infrastructure and programs to promote the well-being benefits of getting outside and casting a line.

The North Coast grants are part of some $2.4 million in funding to be allocated in the latest round of grants.

These grants are in addition to the NSW Government’s Get Hooked program which allows primary and secondary schools to incorporate recreational fishing subjects in their curriculum.

In 2024/25, more than 415,000 recreational fishing licences were issued, with all revenue raised reinvested into programs and projects that support and grow recreational fishing activity and the environment for vibrant fish habitats.

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“The NSW Government is proud to support projects that promote and build recreational fishing opportunities across the state and ensure that fishing remains accessible, sustainable, and enjoyable for generations to come.

“These grants are about making sure money from the Recreational Fishing Trust is funnelled back to on-the-ground activities and is supporting the fishers who are out wetting a line.

“Whether it’s a new fish cleaning tables or accessible fishing platforms for people with disabilities, these infrastructure projects make a real difference to ensuring people of all ages and abilities can enjoy recreational fishing.

“It’s great to see programs funded through the Recreational Fishing Trust are helping young people experience the health, social, and emotional benefits of fishing.

“As someone who understands the joy and relaxation fishing brings, I’m thrilled to see licence fees being invested back to fund so many great ideas.

Minister for Recovery, Small Business and the North Coast, Janelle Saffin said:

“Spending time by the water is something many in our region treasure — so it’s great to see funding towards projects that will improve recreational fishing on the North Coast and help our local community get the most out of our stunning waterways.

“By investing in better fishing facilities from Tweed to Port Macquarie, these Recreational Fishing Trust Fund grants will make fishing more enjoyable for everyone, from families to seasoned locals.”

“There is no doubt that recreational fishing can have a powerful impact on well-being and these grants will help more North Coast youth experience those benefits in the short term and for years to come.”

The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are working together to deliver better, safer and more resilient road infrastructure in Western Sydney, with work now underway on two transformative projects in the Hawkesbury region: the Pitt Town Bypass, and the commencement of enabling works for the new Richmond Bridge.

These projects, totaling over $600 million in investment, will improve flood resilience, reduce congestion and boost safety for local residents and visitors to the region.

Pitt Town Bypass

Major works are set to begin on the long-awaited Pitt Town Bypass, a $100 million NSW Government project set to improve travel times and safety in the region.

The 950-metre bypass will link Pitt Town Road and Cattai Road with two new roundabouts and a new bridge across Hortons Creek. It will divert traffic, including heavy vehicles, away from the village centre, easing congestion and improving access for emergency services.

Abergeldie Complex Infrastructure has been awarded the contract and will soon begin geotechnical and survey work ahead of full construction from August 1, 2026. The bypass is due to open to traffic by the end of 2026.

Road Upgrades ahead of a New Richmond Bridge

Shovels are in the ground as work begins on the first stage of road upgrades in the Hawkesbury that will eventually connect to the New Richmond Bridge.

The $515 million project, funded by the Albanese and Minns Governments, will see two new roundabouts be built along The Driftway at Londonderry and Blacktown Roads, improving safety and traffic flow during flood evacuations.

The upgrade at Londonderry Road will include a new roundabout and an additional southbound lane to support emergency evacuations. A new roundabout and new bridge across Rickabys Creek will also be delivered at Blacktown Road, improving safety and flood resilience.

Government is preparing to release the Stage 2 Determination Report, responding to community feedback. Stage 2 includes construction of a new four-lane bridge over the Hawkesbury River, around 10 metres higher than the existing bridge, providing significant flood immunity and improved access during extreme weather.

Construction on Stage 2 is expected to begin in 2026.

Thanks to community feedback, extra funding has been committed by the Albanese Government towards a future stage of the New Richmond Bridge project, to support delivery of a bypass to Londonderry and key North Richmond intersection upgrades.

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

“The Albanese Government is proud to be working with the Minns Government to deliver key road upgrades near Richmond. Once complete, stages one and two of this project will improve flood resilience, safety, and connectivity across the Hawkesbury.

“We’ve listened to community feedback and responded with additional investment to deliver additional key upgrades for road connections are delivered alongside the New Richmond Bridge.

“We’re building infrastructure that locals can rely on, day in, day out, rain or shine.”

NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison:

“These two projects show the Minns Labor Government is serious about building a safer and more resilient road network across North Western Sydney. We’re reducing congestion, improving flood evacuation routes, and delivering the infrastructure that communities like Pitt Town and Richmond need and deserve.

“The New Richmond Bridge will transform access across the Hawkesbury, while the Pitt Town Bypass will take pressure off local roads and make it easier for emergency services to do their job. These are practical upgrades that will have a lasting legacy.”

Federal Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman:

“These two projects will make a real difference for the people of Hawkesbury. Whether it’s easing the pressure on Pitt Town or building a safer, flood-resilient connection across the river to North Richmond, this is about delivering infrastructure that keeps our communities connected, even in times of crisis.”

“I’m proud to be part of a Government that is working alongside the Minns Government to deliver what locals and I have long called for.”

Disability service providers are calling for urgent action to reform NSW’s failing workers compensation system, with some fearing they are just a claim away from closing their doors on some of the state’s most vulnerable people.

The NSW Government will today convene a roundtable at the request of providers to hear from more than twenty organisations who report that soaring premiums and delayed action are forcing them to make tough choices about the communities they serve.

One provider in Western Sydney says an 800 per cent hike in premiums over the past five years is threatening its ability to continue disability and aged care services.

Others report having to divert funds from their disability support programs to pay premiums, and in one case, a provider has relocated part of its office to a family home to save on costs.

The sector is imploring the NSW Government to take urgent action to address the rise in psychological injuries and create a sustainable system.

Disability service providers will today meet with Premier Chris Minns, Treasurer Daniel Mookhey and Industrial Relations Minister Sophie Cotsis to voice their concerns about any further delay on reform.

The Minns Labor Government’s workers compensation reform package passed the Legislative Assembly in early June, before being delayed by the Liberal Party which has teamed up with Mark Latham and the Greens to block progress.

Analysis by icare shows co-authored amendments by Shadow Treasurer Damien Tudehope and Mark Latham would cut off almost all victims of harassment, bullying and vicarious trauma from support, and still deliver higher premiums to NSW businesses.

Every day that Mr Tudehope and Mr Latham continue to block reform, the workers compensation system deteriorates further.

• Just 50 per cent of workers with a psychological injury can return to work within a year, compared to 95 per cent of workers with a physical injury.
• The private sector scheme is going backwards by $6 million per day. It is soon expected to hold only 80 cents in assets for every dollar it will have to pay in claims.
• Absent reform, 340,000 NSW businesses will have to pay a 36 per cent increase in premiums over the next three years even if they have no claims against them.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“Providers who care for some of our most vulnerable citizens are telling us they can’t keep going under the strain of this broken system.

“Every day that reform is delayed – the system is only deteriorating further.

“The proposals put forward by the Liberal Party and Mark Latham would leave these providers paying higher premiums.

“The sooner we enact reform, the sooner we can get on with preventing psychological injuries in the workplace, rather than simply compensating for injuries which could have been avoided.”

Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis said:

“The Minns Labor Government recognises the challenges faced by NGOs and disability service providers, many of whom are grappling with rising workers compensation premiums while operating under fixed funding models.

“We are actively engaging with these sectors to ensure their voices are heard, and to work toward a fairer, more sustainable system that supports both workers and essential community services.

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to strengthening a culture of prevention, early intervention, and effective return to work through a series of reforms.”

Philip Petrie, CEO Allevia said:

“Rising insurance premiums are a major threat to our ability to stay open and we are always just a claim away from shutting up shop forever.”

Heather Hollingworth, CEO BCD said:

“BCD, a disability and aged care services provider has faced an 800 per cent increase in workers compensation premiums over the past five years, threatening its viability.

“Despite minimal claims and strong safety practices, BCD urges urgent reform to ensure fairer premiums and protect essential community services.”

Jo Kernot, CEO Anowah Community Living Ltd said:

“We’re not asking for exemptions—we’re asking for fairness. This system, as it stands, will cost NSW its most trusted disability providers.

“Without urgent reform, this system will collapse essential services.”

Jake Ferretti, CEO Genovation said:

“We’ve had to host our admin team from our family home just to stay afloat.

“If reform doesn’t happen, it’s not just services at risk – it’s the people, staff, and families who rely on us.”

A major milestone has been reached in the first project announced as part of the $100 million Northern Rivers Resilient Lands Program. 

The NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) has finalised the purchase of 72 hectares of flood-free land from Southern Cross University which allows the development of more than 400 new housing lots to be kick started, helping to address the housing shortage in the Northern Rivers and supporting flood-affected communities.

The site, in East Lismore, is being developed for new land and homes in partnership with Landcom, the NSW Government’s land and property developer.

A diverse range of land sizes will be made available to cater for housing options that will make up the development, including residential lots for new builds and land suitable for relocating existing homes from flood-affected areas.

Landcom will invest $60 million to develop the site and RA is contributing up to $15 million for the land and funding for enabling infrastructure, including new roads, power, water and sewerage connections.

RA’s contribution also ensures that participants in the Commonwealth and State-funded Resilient Homes Program will have priority access to purchase new land and housing before it is offered to the broader market. This will be offered at prices that reflect the local market.

Consultation between Landcom, Lismore City Council and RA is underway to progress a masterplan for the site and to make sure new housing and community infrastructure is delivered as quickly as possible.

In addition, Landcom is close to starting construction on Build to Rent housing on the site with 50 apartments will be unlocked, with at least 20 per cent set aside for affordable housing.

This development is a key part of the Government’s $100 million Resilient Lands Program, with other housing and land developments started or planned for Goonellebah, North Lismore, Mullumbimby and Murwillumbah along with planning support for a range of priority projects across all Local Government Areas in the Northern Rivers.

The $880 million Northern Rivers Resilient Homes Program and the $100 million Resilient Lands Program are the largest projects of their kind in Australia, announced in response to the 2022 flood disasters in the Northern Rivers.

The NSW Government’s Resilient Lands Program is facilitating development and working with Councils, landowners and government agencies to unlock land for up to 4300 homes on flood safe land in the region.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“The finalisation of this purchase and development of the land is a key part of a range of projects under the Resilient Lands Program that will provide safe, suitable places for people to move off the floodplain and into their forever homes.

“Importantly participants of the Resilient Homes Program will be given first access to secure new land and housing under the project.

“Northern Rivers residents are facing major housing challenges and this large-scale land purchase will make way for the development of many new homes, the relocation of existing homes and a significant proportion of Build to Rent properties.

“This project is another example of the Minns Labor Government delivering more homes and better choices for home buyers and renters across the state.”

Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said:

“The Southern Cross University site opens up a significant area for homes in areas outside the probable maximum flood level in Lismore.

“This development allows us to build a safe and resilient community close to home and in easy reach of the town centre.

“A sincere thank you to Southern Cross University, an integral part of the Lismore community, for working with us to unlock this significant tract of land.”

NSW Reconstruction Authority CEO Mal Lanyon said:

“The RA has been working closely with Southern Cross University and Landcom to acquire and progress development of the site. The RA and Landcom will focus on fast-tracking the project and get groundwork underway.

“This development is a key component of the Resilient Lands Strategy. The purchase of this land is a demonstration of the work to secure a brighter future for Lismore and the Northern Rivers in response to one of the nation’s worst ever flood disasters.

“The NSW Reconstruction Authority is committed to helping people move from flood-prone land to areas free from flood risk.”

Landcom CEO Alexander Wendler said:

“The impact of the floods continues to be felt in Lismore and is exacerbated by the current housing crisis. We recognise this hardship and are stepping up provide more housing opportunities to accommodate the needs of the local community.

“Landcom is making homes happen. This project will unlock housing to suit a range of needs with diverse, sustainable and affordable options.’