Month: September 2025

The long wait is nearly over for train passengers in the Blue Mountains, with new intercity Mariyung trains to begin serving the line within a fortnight.

The Mariyung is the first new intercity train to hit the tracks in two decades and is expected to improve reliability for passengers on the Blue Mountains Line while also providing a smoother ride for passengers at Western Sydney centres like Penrith, Blacktown and Parramatta.

The first Mariyung passenger service is scheduled for Monday 13 October leaving Lithgow Station at 6.24am and stopping at most stations along the Blue Mountains Line including Leura, Katoomba, Blackheath and Springwood, on its way to Central Station.

The botched introduction of the Mariyung under the former Liberal-National government took five years longer than planned, with a range of modifications needed to the trains, platforms and tunnels. 

The Mariyung, which began on the Central Coast and Newcastle line last December, offer more spacious and comfortable two-by-two seating with arm rests, a much quieter journey with modern air-conditioning and modern heating, dedicated spaces for luggage, prams, bicycles and wheelchairs, as well as enhanced safety and improved accessibility. 

The improvements include tray tables, high seat backs and charging ports for mobile devices,on-board digital information screens are easier to read, and CCTV throughout the new trains will enhance the safety and security of passengers and staff and help deter anti-social and criminal activity. 

The introduction of the Mariyung allows for the gradual retirement of the V-sets that have been on the tracks since the 1970s and have become a magnet for vandals and graffiti. The Mariyung has closed-circuit television systems throughout to deter anti-social behaviour.

The Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR) has signed off on the introductio to the Blue Mountains Line.  

The fleet will be rolled out on the South Coast Line in 2026. 

Minister for Transport John Graham said: 

“It has been well-documented just how long these trains spent off the rails under the former government but we are confident of seeing an improvement in reliability compared to the 50 year-old V-sets.”

Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said:

“We are delivering the first Mariyung passenger service on the Blue Mountains, which is exciting for train travellers in the region as far as Lithgow and all through the Mountains. 

“These trains will change the game in terms of comfort on the longer journeys between Sydney and the Mountains, with improved accessibility and increased safety and security.”

Member for Blue Moutains Trish Doyle said:

“The Blue Mountains community have long awaited the introduction of the Mariyung train and are excited to experience many of the features on offer! 

“I’m looking forward to joining commuters, particularly one very keen local, Ed – who uses a wheelchair, on the Fleet’s first passenger service along the Blue Mountains line.”

“I thank commuters for their patience and also the railway workers who insisted on safety measures being addressed before the train entered service.” 

Member for Penrith, Karen McKeown OAM said:

“For Penrith residents who use the Blue Mountains train services—whether it’s for work, study, or visiting family—the new Mariyung trains will make a real difference. These modern trains will deliver a much more comfortable, convenient, and connected experience for our commuters.

“These trains include dedicated spaces for wheelchairs, accessible toilets, and easier boarding—so people of all abilities in Penrith can travel with confidence and independence.”

Member for Blacktown, Stephen Bali said:

“The upgraded intercity fleet are about to pull into Blacktown Station for express services east to Sydney and west the Blue Mountains”

“Rail commuters in Blacktown will soon have access to the state-of-the-art Mariyung intercity trains with their improved accessibility, safety, and amenities”

Member for Parramatta, Donna Davis said:

“Thousands of passengers travelling between the Blue Mountains and Parramatta everyday will soon experience the comfort of the new Mariyung fleet.  These trains will provide a much-needed upgrade in quality and comfort for passengers.

“If you are in the Mountains, make your way to Parramatta on the new Mariyung. The amazing food and culture of Parramatta is just a train ride away.”

The Minns Labor Government is delivering on its commitment to build a better NSW, with a game-changing $37.5 million investment to transform more than 470 kilometres of state-managed roads across the regions.

Forming part of the government’s focus to improve the safety, resilience and reliability of NSW roads, Transport for NSW is now undertaking a 10-month spray sealing program.

The initiative is targeting more than 20 state road corridors from Broken Hill to Byron Bay and as far south as Eden.

The advanced technology applies a protective layer of hot bitumen and aggregate that waterproofs roads against heavy rain damage while providing superior grip in all weather conditions – extending road life by up to 10 years.

This investment builds on the Minns Government’s already announced $155 million pothole and road repair blitz on state roads across regional NSW, demonstrating the Government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring communities in the regions get their fair share of infrastructure investment.

The comprehensive spray sealing program, which kicked off this month will run through June 2026, delivering smoother surfaces for the thousands of motorists who rely on these vital regional arteries every day.

As well as providing smoother journeys, the program is boosting safety on some of NSW’s most critical regional routes, including:

• Western NSW ($25 million): More than 300 kilometres including Gwydir Highway, Kamilaroi Highway, Carnarvon Highway, Newell Highway, Oxley Highway, Castlereagh Highway, Mitchell Highway, Golden Highway , Mendooran Road, plus Barrier and Silver City highways (works from September 2025 to June 2026)
• Southern NSW ($8.38 million): Nearly 100 kilometres including Snowy Mountains Highway, Princes Highway, Moss Vale Road, Kosciuszko Road, Hume Highway, Illawarra Highway, Federal Highway, Appin Road and Monaro Highway (works from October 2025 to April 2026)
• Northern NSW ($4.5 million): Over 70 kilometres including New England Highway, Gwydir Highway, and Bruxner Highway (works from October 2025 to March 2026)

Minister for Roads and Minister Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said:

“The Minns Labor Government is getting on with the job of building better communities right across NSW.

“This is Labor delivering on our promise to leave no community behind. These aren’t just roads – they’re lifelines connecting our regional communities to jobs, healthcare, education and each other.

“Our freight operators, farmers, tourism industries, local businesses and communities depend on these corridors every single day. This investment shows the Minns Government understands that strong regional roads mean strong regional communities.

“Work is already underway with crews having started repairs on more than 45 kilometres around Broken Hill in September.

“This smart investment in spray sealing prevents costly road reconstruction while delivering safer, more reliable travel for regional families. From the Barrier Highway to the New England Highway, we’re ensuring our rural and regional communities get the road infrastructure they deserve.”

NRMA spokesperson Peter Khoury said:

“The NRMA welcomes this important funding commitment to improve the safety of regional highways.

“We particularly welcome the use of new technology which the NRMA has previously called for as it will build safer and more resilient roads.”

More than 40 new correctional officers will graduate today at Junee Correctional Centre’s first attestation ceremony since returning to public hands.

Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong will attend the Ceremony today to celebrate the cohort’s achievement and unveil a plaque to mark the Centre’s transition back to Corrective Services NSW (CSNSW) on 1 April 2025. 

This marks the first time the Centre has been operated by the public sector since it opened in 1993. 

This move has meant better pay and conditions for our frontline staff, but also a better value service for NSW taxpayers. 

CSNSW has worked hard to secure partnerships with local organisations since April. 

These partnerships play an important role in giving back to the local community as well as providing support for grounds maintenance at the facility and other volunteering activities, including a continued partnership with Meals on Wheels. 

Other skills-based training and rehabilitative opportunities for inmates, including the Junee Correctional Centre bakery, will expand their operations to all correctional centre facilities in NSW’s southern region.  

The success of Junee Correctional Centre’s transition to public operations has provided an important blueprint as CSNSW begins the transition of Parklea Correctional Centre from next year.  

Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong said: 

“Today’s ceremony marks not only the completion of training for our new correctional officers, but the beginning of a lifelong commitment of service and responsibility to keep our community safe.  

“We also take this opportunity to celebrate the success of the transition of Junee Correctional Centre to public ownership.  

“By delivering on its promise to transition Junee back into public hands, the Minns Labor Government is helping to secure jobs for the local community, improve outcomes for workers, and, most importantly, ensure the safety of the community.”  

Corrective Services NSW Commissioner Gary McCahon PSM said: 

“Correctional officers stand on the frontline of justice, holding the keys to community safety and positive change.  

“We welcome our latest recruits, as they step into their role with courage and commitment, ready to make a lasting impact on the safety and future of our communities.” 

Junee Correctional Centre Governor Troy Seychelles said: 

“Junee Correctional Centre has had a proud history of supporting the local community, and we’re looking forward to finding more opportunities to support the Junee township.  

“The centre will also continue to provide work, education, programs and training opportunities to inmates, with a goal of reducing their risk of reoffending. 

“We’re also looking forward to maintaining valuable relationships with the local community partners and the Junee Shire Council.”   

The Minns Labor Government is on track to deliver an election commitment to employ an extra 1,000 apprentices and trainees in NSW government departments with applications for the final round of positions now open.

Funding for 432 additional roles across 73 agencies has been approved with positions for 215 apprenticeship roles and 217 trainees across the state, taking the total jobs offered under the program above the original 1,000 target.

The $93.5 million program has been an overwhelming success with 651 apprentices and trainees placed in roles over the last two years with an almost-even split between regional and metropolitan locations and a 94 per cent retention rate.

Importantly there has been a 94 per cent retention rate of apprentices and trainees funded under the program.

Through the 1,000 NSW Public Sector Apprenticeships and Trainees Program, Trainees are also breaking gender stereotypes, by working in non-traditional roles. Morgan Johnson and Summer Crealy are two trainees working at the Port Authority of NSW, a male dominated industry, with women making up just 5 per cent of the seafarer workforce and 3 per cent of the shore-based maritime workforce, according to the 2020 Maritime Industry Australia Diversity Census.

Agencies offering positions in the third and final round include: National Parks and Wildlife Service, Art Gallery of NSW, NSW Police, NSW Port Authority, Transport for NSW, Sydney Trains, Essential Energy and NSW Health.

The success of the program is just one initiative by the NSW Government to open opportunities for young people in public service and to upskill the state’s workforce.

Other initiatives include:

• 1,000 apprentices to be trained each year in the new Manufacturing Centres of Excellence
• The Fresh Start for Local Government Apprentices, Trainees and Cadets Grants Program injecting $252.2 million to employ new starters over the next six years

The positions will be advertised on 1000 A&T webpage, I work for NSW and generic job search engines.

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

“I am proud to see our election commitment fulfilled with the latest round under the 1,000 NSW Public Sector Apprentices and Trainees Program taking us beyond our target.

“Not only does this program show the Minns Labor Government ‘walking the talk’ in offering young people opportunities, it is also ensuring we have a pipeline of skilled workers to continue delivery of essential public services.”

Port Authority of NSW Trainee Morgan Johnson said:

“The 1,000 Apprentices and Traineeships Program is breaking down barriers to entry by intentionally creating space for women to confidently step into traditionally male-dominated industries they’re passionate about.”

“The Port Officer Traineeship Program is allowing me to gain new qualifications and learn from true professionals while exposing me to possible career paths that I never even knew existed.”

Port Authority of NSW Trainee Summer Crealy said:

“I’d spent time working in harbour charter services and boat rental businesses, but finding a clear path to advance my skills was difficult, until I discovered the female traineeship program.”

“Living in a regional area like the South Coast makes it challenging to access the kind of industry experience needed to grow a maritime career.”

“When I heard about the program, I jumped at the opportunity to pursue structured training with unique industry experiences and build those connections within the industry at Port Kembla.”

The success of the program is just one initiative of the NSW Government to open opportunities to young people and rebuild the State’s skilled workforce.

Botanic Gardens of Sydney Trainee Gretta Mountford said:

“I always loved the environment, but I didn’t actually know much about plants.

“I came across this apprenticeship on social media, and it just clicked. I wanted to work outdoors, be hands-on and develop skills that aligned with my interests. The 1,000 NSW Public Sector Apprentices and Trainees Program made that possible.”