Month: October 2025

Scholarship to continue legacy of Councillor Sinead Francis-Coan

Applications have now opened for a new annual scholarship established to honour former Councillor Sinead Francis-Coan’s lifelong commitment to the environment and climate justice.

Cr Francis-Coan was partway through her first term as a Ward 3 Councillor when she passed away suddenly in June this year.

The scholarship was established through a unanimous notice of motion by the elected Council, to be funded by City of Newcastle and administered by Women’s Environmental Leadership Australia (WELA) for the next three years.

The successful applicant will have the opportunity to participate in WELA’s transformative leadership programs, which equip emerging changemakers with the skills to transform Australia’s response to environmental and climate challenges.

Deputy Lord Mayor Charlotte McCabe said the scholarship program ensures Cr Francis-Coan’s inspiring legacy will continue to support future leaders in the years to come.

“Councillor Francis-Coan was a passionate advocate for our climate and environment, equity, feminism and the union movement,” Cr McCabe said.

“This scholarship celebrates her compassionate leadership and remarkable contributions, empowering women and gender-diverse leaders to carry forward her work in creating positive change.”

Before being elected to Council in 2024, Cr Francis-Coan worked as a union organiser and was deeply involved in grassroots movements focused on workers’ rights, environmental protection and gender equity. Since joining the Newcastle Greens in 2014, she has been a role model and mentor to young people and individuals with a disability or experiencing marginalisation.

Lyndall Coan said her daughter’s vision and energy inspired those around her both personally and professionally and hopes this scholarship will empower women and gender-diverse people to develop their leadership potential.

“There are so many gaps Sinead has left behind. These gaps can become pathways for committed, passionate activists with the skills to make a real difference to continue the work that Sinead started,” Ms Coan said.  

“I hope that those inspired by Sinead’s unwavering commitment, tenacity and courage will seize this opportunity to grow as leaders. The scholarship is not just financial support, it’s a torch passed forward, inviting women and gender-diverse people to rise, lead, and continue the work Sinead began.” 

The Sinead Francis-Coan Scholarship is open to women and gender-diverse changemakers living or working in the Newcastle local government area or who have a meaningful connection to the city.

Scholarship applications will close on 1 February 2026. The scholarship will cover the full program cost of completing the WELA National Leadership Program.

Members of the public who wish to support additional scholarships in memory of Cr Francis-Coan can donate via the WELA website, which has already received more than $3,000 in contributions. 

To apply for the scholarship, go to the Scholarships page and scroll to the bottom of the page.

Shine a light on Newcastle’s local legends for 2026 Citizen of the Year Awards

City of Newcastle is providing the opportunity to honour the hard work of outstanding Novocastrians as part of the 2026 Citizen of the Year Awards. 

Nominations are now open for the prestigious annual awards, celebrating those who have made a significant impact in Newcastle’s community. 

Award categories include Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Senior Citizen of the Year and Community Group of the Year. 

Deputy Lord Mayor Charlotte McCabe said these awards are a chance to recognise people who make Newcastle a better place to live. 

“These awards shine a light on the everyday heroes who go above and beyond to support others, often without recognition,” Cr McCabe said.

“Whether it’s through volunteering, advocacy or simply lending a hand, these contributions strengthen our community and deserve to be celebrated.”

In 2025, the Community Group of the Year title was awarded to The Unforgettables, a choir dedicated to supporting people living with dementia and their carers.

Image: Associate Professors Michelle Kelly and Helen English, alongside the Unforgettables choir for people living with dementia, accepting the 2025 Community Group of the Year title at this year’s ceremony. The group meet every Saturday afternoon at the Newcastle Conservatorium of Music, providing a welcoming space where participants can engage with music.

Co-founder Associate Professor Helen English said the award meant a lot to everyone involved in the Unforgettables. 

“The choir was very proud to have been recognised as the Community Group of the Year, as recognition is so important when you are vulnerable and marginalised due to such an insidious disease,” Dr English said.

“As a result of the award the choir has been asked to sing at more events than it can possibly manage and has become an important icon for the University of Newcastle, singled out in our new Arts and Culture Strategy publication and performing as part of the 60th anniversary celebrations. 

“Dementia inclusive choirs are important for many reasons, including the social connections, joy in music and normalising through an accessible activity.

“Recognising our choir reinforces how vital these activities are for both cared-for and care-partners, and we thank City of Newcastle and the wider community.”  

Last year’s recipients also included Bailey Myers, who received the Citizen of the Year Award for his 4,500km journey across Australia on foot to raise funds for Indigenous literacy.

Sixteen-year-old Khuslen Batmandakh was named young Citizen of the Year for her dedication to improving literacy through the establishment of the book nook in Jesmond, providing free books to local families.

Nominations are now open online at newcastle.nsw.gov.au/citizenoftheyear and close on 11 December 2025.

A selection panel including the Deputy Lord Mayor, CEO, councillors and the 2025 Award recipients will determine the award winners, who will be announced at a ceremony early in 2026. 

Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 28 October 2025

Following is a summary of resolutions from the Ordinary Council Meeting of Tuesday 28 October 2025. NB: it is not a full record of resolutions.

Ordinary business

Lord Mayor’s absence and delegations to the Deputy Lord Mayor

Council unanimously approved an amended motion to confirm arrangements in relation to the Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge’s leave of absence. 

Tabling of register of disclosures of interest annual report

Council voted to endorse the tabling of the Register of Disclosures of Interest for the financial year 2024/25.

Authorisation for signing of the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2025

Council voted unanimously to receive the draft Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2025 and refer them to the Audit Office of New South Wales in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993.

Housing targets for City of Newcastle

Council voted unanimously to call on the NSW Government to accelerate its investment in the enabling infrastructure required to provide 20,000 new homes through the Broadmeadow Place Strategy. Council supported continued advocacy for equitable inclusion in State Government housing reform programs and endorsed exploration of internal planning reforms to accelerate delivery of strategically aligned high-value developments.

Endorsement of public exhibition for the Code of Meeting Practice, Public Voice and Public Briefing Policy

Council endorsed an amended motion to place the Draft Code of Meeting Practice and the Draft Public Voice and Public Briefing Policy on public exhibition for 28 days in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993. 

Minmi Road development – transport infrastructure amendments

Council voted on an amended motion to approve the transport infrastructure amendments in Minmi Road, Minmi to be implemented by Winten Pty Ltd to support the Minmi East Subdivision. 

Emergency works at Summerhill Waste Management Centre 

Council noted a contract undertaken for the treatment and removal of contaminated stormwater at Summerhill Waste Management Centre, which occurred as a result of NSW East Coast Severe Weather from 18 May 2025.

Executive Monthly Performance Report

Council voted unanimously to receive the Executive Monthly Performance Report for September 2025.

Late item

Support for the Newcastle Yowies and hosting of the Koori Knockout

Council voted unanimously for the CEO to approach to the Newcastle Yowies to explore how the City of Newcastle can support and partner with them to host the Koori Knockout in Newcastle in 2026, including consideration of suitable venues, facilities, infrastructure, coordination, and community engagement opportunities.

Notices of Motion 

Celebrating the 45th anniversary of Newcastle’s sister city agreement with Ube Japan

Council voted unanimously on an amended notice of motion to endorse the delegation of Councillors Jenny Barrie and Mark Brooker to visit Ube City for three days in November 2025. Council also endorses the establishment of the Newcastle – Ube Sister City Committee to explore opportunities to grow the relationship between Newcastle and Ube. 

Construction to kick off new era for Shepherds Hill Cottage

City of Newcastle is moving forward with its plans to renew and re-open the historic Shepherds Hill Cottage to the community. 

Work will get underway next week on a $850,000 project that will allow the enviably positioned building to begin its new life as a cafe. 

Shepherds Hill Cottage aerialAn aerial view of Shepherds Hill Cottage at the top of King Edward Park.

Executive Director Corporate Services, David Clarke, said the adaptive re-use of the Cottage is an essential step in City of Newcastle’s commitment to restoring and preserving the State significant site. 

“Shepherds Hill Cottage has stood watch over the city from King Edward Park since the 1890s and remains a cherished landmark along our coastline,” Mr Clarke said. 

“As custodians of this historic site we are committed to its long-term preservation and have already invested more than $1 million into the careful restoration of the heritage-listed building, under the guidance of a specialist architect. 

“We are now set to embark on the final stage of this renewal, which will deliver the infrastructure required to allow the former mess hall for military officers to come full circle and reopen as a café and restaurant. 

“This adaptive re-use will allow the community to once again make use of this remarkable site, ensuring it remains a living part of Newcastle’s story for generations to come.” 

The project is supported with a $465,000 grant from the NSW Government through the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund. 

State Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said the project would allow visitors to step into the past while enjoying modern facilities. 

“Shepherds Hill Cottage is a much-loved site for Novocastrians, which is steeped in history while also being full of potential for the future,” Mr Crakanthorp said. 

“The NSW Government is proud to be able to deliver almost half a million dollars in funding for this project, which will unlock this beautiful site’s potential and be of great benefit to Novocastrians and tourists alike.” 

The 182sqm building sits at the mid-point on the popular Bathers Way coastal walk and has one of the best vantage points in Newcastle with views of the Pacific Ocean, Port Stephens and the Newcastle coastline through to Dudley. 

City of Newcastle has engaged a heritage consultant to oversee the construction work on the building and café space, which will include the installation of a new commercial kitchen and cool room as well as upgraded amenities. 

A new footpath and ramped access to the entrance will ensure the building caters for all members of the community, while interpretive signage will also be installed to highlight the heritage of the site. 

An expression of interest process was carried out to select a café operator for the site, with final negotiations underway with the successful applicant. 

The construction work will be followed by an internal fit-out by the operator, with the café expected to be open early to mid next year. 

Shepherds Hill Cottage forms part of the Newcastle Recreation Reserve and Shepherds Hill Defence Group Military Installations precinct listed on the NSW Heritage Register. 

The Cottage, battery observation post and gun emplacement were originally designed to defend Newcastle’s burgeoning coal port and later served as an integral command position up to the end of World War II. 

It is the only coastal defence site in Australia manned simultaneously during World War II by the Royal Australian Navy, Army and Royal Australian Airforce.  

From the early 2000s the cottage was leased to Marine Rescue NSW as one of their headquarters, until it sustained severe damage in the 2015 super storm.

Sydney’s spookiest street party is back and scarier than ever

Ghost Festival is back and spookier than ever transforming Sydney’s historic Rocks and Circular Quay precinct for four nights of spine-tingling fun, immersive experiences, and a Halloween street festival.

Kicking off last night this year’s ghostly fun has built on the increasingly popular Halloween activations in The Rocks, with last year’s inaugural Ghost Festival welcoming 60% more people than previous years.

After drawing over 115,000 visitors last year, Ghost Festival 2025* promises to be even ghostlier with free experiences including live music, street performances, and markets alongside themed food and drink experiences.

Festival highlights include:

  • Poliakov’s Haunted Woods – A ring of eerie cabins serving up freakishly delicious eats from Messina, Gong Cha, and more. At the heart, the Poliakov Vodka Main Stage will keep the crowd dancing with monster DJ sets and chilling cocktails.
  • Sydney’s Halloween Market – By day, a charming artisan market; by night, a fog-filled, candlelit bazaar of bubbling brews, magical trinkets, and spooky surprises.
  • Ghost Cinema at Cadmans Cottage – Outdoor horror screenings under the stars with cult classics, immersive soundscapes, and live performers who might just sneak up mid-scream.
  • House of Horrors Party – A multi-level haunted house turned tech-house rave with themed rooms and live DJs.
  • The Crossing Lane & Reese’s Ghouls Gate – Get a full SFX monster makeover and strike a pose in a 360° video booth for a chance to be crowned Sydney’s best Halloween costume.
  • Halloween Parade – Only on Friday at 8pm the Halloween parade, will create a truly eerie experience when darkness marches into the world of the living. 

Entry to the festival is free, but some events are paid and require bookings.

If you spook easily you can get more information on what to expect by visiting Ghost in The Rocks | The Rocks

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“This spooky spectacular will bring Sydney’s streets alive with Halloween spirit, so whether you want family friendly fun, to party, be scared, or soak up the ghostly vibes, Ghost Festival is the place to be.

“One thing festival goers don’t need for fear is their budget with plenty of free activities on offer from live music to street performers and even a dark art trail, so there’s endless fun to have without spending a dollar.”

Election commitment fulfilled with $8 million funding boost to protect women’s rights at work

The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are jointly working to make sure women have access to important legal advice and representation on workplace issues with the establishment of a new Working Women’s Centre in New South Wales.

Fulfilling an election commitment, the Minns Labor Government has invested $8 million over four years in the Centre, which will provide free legal advice and support to women in the workplace, plus education and training to businesses and staff, enhancing workplace safety for women across the state.

Women’s Legal Service NSW has been selected to deliver the NSW Working Women’s Centre and has also received $8.1 million over 5 years in Commonwealth funding.

The Commonwealth Government has committed a total of $32 million over five years to establish or fund existing working women centres in all states and territories and create a new national body. This is in response to the Australian Human Rights Commission’s Respect@Work Report (2020) that recommended all jurisdictions establish or re-establish working women’s centres.

The Minns Labor Government’s investment in the Working Women’s Centre will provide for frontline services that help women across New South Wales navigate workplace issues such as underpayment, wage theft, parental leave, sexual harassment and non-disclosure agreements. The holistic, trauma-informed service includes free and confidential legal advice, representation, individual advocacy and support. 

It enhances and complements the Commonwealth service, ensuring priority access for a diverse range of service users that face additional barriers to legal supports including:

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women
  • women in regional, rural and remote NSW  
  • women with disability
  • LGBTQIA+ women
  • young women
  • women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
  • older women
  • solo mothers in one parent families. 

In tandem, the Working Women’s Centre will provide state-wide advocacy, education and training programs for businesses and their employees in occupation-specific sectors that support the prevention and elimination of workplace discrimination, sexual harassment and gender inequality.   

Women who need advice on workplace issues, including workplace entitlements and rights, gender issues, cultural diversity, discrimination and sexual harassment can reach out to the NSW Working Women’s Centre for free assistance via: https://www.wlsnsw.org.au/legal-services/wwc/

Federal Assistant Minister for Social Services and the Prevention of Family Violence, Ged Kearney said:

“Places like the Working Women’s Centre are so important, giving women an access point to seek protection in the event of experiencing workplace discrimination or harassment.

“Whether it’s workplace harassment, underpayment or discrimination against working mothers – no woman should face that alone. The Working Women’s Centre will be there for all women; it’s free confidential and on her side.”

NSW Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis said:

“I welcome the establishment of a new Working Women’s Centre in New South Wales which will help support women with the legal advice, advocacy, and workplace protections they deserve.

“It follows the Minns Labor Government passing major reforms that enhance the rights and conditions of over four million workers in NSW. This includes enshrining gender equality and the elimination of workplace bullying and sexual harassment as explicit objectives of the Industrial Relations Act.

“The recently established NSW Anti-Bullying and Sexual Harassment jurisdiction allows for the order of damages for more than 400,000 NSW Government workers in hospitals, schools, local councils and other public services.

“These workers can now seek orders and damages from the NSW Industrial Relations Commission to stop workplace bullying and sexual harassment.

“While landmark reforms this year by the NSW Government saw paid leave rights expanded for 250,000 Community Services sector workers, three-quarters of them women.”

NSW Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“No one deserves to be harassed or discriminated against at work because of their gender.

“The Working Women’s Centre will provide free, dedicated legal advice and representation for women regarding their workplace rights.

“It will also provide support and training for businesses to create safer workplaces across industries.”

NSW Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“The NSW Government is continuing work to make sure working women in across the state

“The Women’s Legal Service NSW has more than 40 years’ experience providing specialist legal support to working women. During that time, their work has improved the safety and economic security of working women, and their advocacy has advanced gender equality and women’s rights at work. 

“It is this longstanding passion and commitment, as well as their significant experience, that makes Women’s Legal Service NSW highly qualified and best placed to deliver these crucial legal, education and advocacy services that will ultimately help make workplaces fairer and safer for women across NSW.”

CEO Women’s Legal Service Katrina Ironside said:

“We are enormously grateful to the NSW Government for its commitment to gender equity and for partnering with us to support a best-practice, specialist Working Women’s Centre in NSW. This investment reflects the Government’s recognition that women’s economic security, safety, and wellbeing must be central to workplace and social policy.

“For the first time, women across NSW will have access to a dedicated, free service for legal assistance on workplace issues that disproportionately affect them and compound inequality. We look forward to working closely with key stakeholders including unions to build and expand this much needed service for working women.

“Whether it’s a single mother in Nowra dismissed after returning from parental leave, a migrant woman in Griffith being underpaid, a young woman in Bourke bullied by her employer after disclosing her sexuality, or a First Nations woman in Western Sydney threatened with defamation for seeking medical care following a workplace sexual assault, the Working Women’s Centre will ensure they can access the free legal help and wrap-around support they need.”

Parramatta hits the right note for the Sydney Conservatorium of Music

Western Sydney’s talented music students will soon be able to enrol in world-class courses at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music’s new Parramatta teaching and research centre.

Supported by a $2 million strategic grant from the NSW Government, in 2026 the University of Sydney will open an innovative, high-tech facility of the Conservatorium in Parramatta.

The University of Sydney is investing $30 million into the development of the Parramatta facility.

For well over a century, the Sydney Conservatorium of Music has been located on Macquarie Street in the Sydney CBD.

As Western Sydney grows, students are increasingly travelling across the city to attend classes. From second semester 2026 The Con, as it is affectionately known, will have a second facility in Parramatta CBD.

This historic expansion, the first in the Sydney Conservatorium of Music’s 110-year history, will deliver world-class musical education opportunities to the region’s community seeking future careers in music, film, culture and the arts.

The facility will have a boutique, 60-seat live music auditorium. Outside of teaching hours, local artists and community will be able to utilise the Dolby-Atmos recording studio and music practice facilities.

The investment aligns with the NSW Government’s commitment to strengthen cultural infrastructure in Western Sydney and deliver more funding for the creative sector, to enable local creative practice to thrive with a highly skilled cultural workforce.

Minister for Arts, Music and the Night Time Economy, John Graham said:

“We already know that the next generation of talent lives in Western Sydney. Next year, instead of commuting into the Sydney CBD, they can experience state-of-the-art facilities and outstanding teaching at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music in Parramatta.

“The Con at Parramatta will support the development of new voices, new stories and new audiences.

“And once the Metro West is completed, we no doubt will see students from across Sydney choosing to study in Parramatta, one of the most vibrant and exciting parts of our city.”

Vice Chancellor of University of Sydney, Mark Scott said:

“The expansion reflects the university’s commitment to supporting the arts at a time of sector-wide change.

“We know it’s a challenging time for music education in Australia. That’s why we’re proud to offer a new home for music in Parramatta – a place where creativity, collaboration and community can thrive. Music matters, and we’re committed to supporting the next generation of artists and educators.”

Member for Parramatta, Donna Davis said:

“Parramatta is increasingly becoming the cultural centre of Sydney, with the Powerhouse and Riverside Theatre developments, the success of National Theatre of Parramatta, WestPhil, RiverCity Voices and the magnetism of vibrant areas of Church Street, Phillip Street and Parramatta Square. 

“The Sydney Conservatorium of Music Parramatta teaching and research space will be a great addition to the city.

“I welcome the University of Sydney extending the footprint of the renowned Sydney Conservatorium of Music to Parramatta. This initiative will make it easier for Western Sydney residents to access learning opportunities for those seeking careers in digital and contemporary music technology fields, as well as the broader arts and culture sector.”

Parliamentary Secretary for the Arts and Member for Granville, Julia Finn said:

“Arts and music shape culture and foster a truly innovative and creative New South Wales. I am pleased the Minns Labor Government is supporting the Sydney Conservatorium of Music’s Parramatta campus.

“Western Sydney is a truly dynamic region, bursting with creativity. Having quality arts and music education here provides a great opportunity for young people to explore their creative skills and pursue a creative career.”

Hazardous Area Rescue Ambulances boost NSW Ambulance response capabilities for South Coast

The Illawarra and Shoalhaven communities will be safer this bushfire season thanks to ongoing Hazardous Area Rescue Ambulance (HARA) training for specialist paramedics in the region.

This regular HARA training includes off-road, beach driving and operating the various safety features to ensure our highly trained special operations paramedics are prepared to act in the toughest environments.

The fleet of eight new HARAs was launched by Minister for Health Ryan Park in October 2024 as part of a $14.8 million package to optimise response capabilities in hazardous areas, such as floods and bushfires.

The HARAs are equipped with safety features for operation in hazardous environments, including around fire grounds, and have a burn-over crew protection system which sprays water over and around the vehicle to keep it cool.

NSW Ambulance carefully planned and modified the vehicles with enhanced safety features to ensure they can withstand harsh environments.

External flammable components were replaced with fire-resistant materials and critical vehicle infrastructure has been wrapped in fire-retardant material so they will not melt or burn in a bushfire situation.

The exoskeleton of the vehicle has been reinforced to protect paramedics and patients from falling trees.

The all-terrain vehicles were carefully designed by the NSW Ambulance team with a range of specific features, making them world-first vehicles that optimise response capabilities in hazardous areas, such as floods and bushfires.

The rear of the vehicle is a fully operational ambulance, with a specially designed stretcher loading system to assist paramedics in patient handling and for patient comfort. 

The HARAs are strategically stationed at NSW Ambulance heavy rescue stations based in Bomaderry, Tamworth, Rutherford, Cowra and Wagga Wagga, as well as special operation team locations in Point Clare and Sydney.

Minister for Health, and Minister for the Illawarra and South Coast, Ryan Park: 

“NSW Ambulance HARAs are the first of their kind in the world and are proving to be an invaluable resource during natural disasters like fires and floods.

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring our frontline emergency services are equipped and ready to help our communities when they are at their most vulnerable.

“These vehicles have been built to withstand harsh environments, allowing the highly skilled paramedics who operate them to swiftly, and safely access patients in difficult terrain and conditions.

“As summer approaches, it’s vital to plan ahead for natural disasters – and that includes residents undertaking their own bushfire risk assessment and preparing a survival plan to save our emergency services for those who need it most.”

Member for South Coast, Liza Butler:

“We are fortunate to have these specialist vehicles at our disposal on the South Coast, to give our residents access to world-class frontline care when they need it the most.

“The Illawarra and Shoalhaven regions have faced their fair share of natural disasters in recent years and it’s comforting to know that NSW Ambulance paramedics can access patients during these difficult times.”

Member for Kiama, Katelin McInerney:

“These vehicles are an incredible asset to our communities, making it possible for paramedics to help people in some of the most difficult situations. 

“I want to thank the hard-working paramedics and other front-line workers who keep our communities safe during bushfire season and year around”

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan:

“These vehicles are a massive investment in NSW Ambulance’s capability, and ensure our staff have access to the latest technology and ground-breaking assets.

“The HARAs are equipped with enhanced safety features and include a multi-agency communication system, enabling us to deliver the very best outcomes for patients.

“Now that the 2025/26 bushfire season is officially underway, NSW Ambulance is working hard to ensure staff have the training and resources at hand to deal with emergencies as they arise.”

Backing seniors to navigate technology with confidence

The Minns Labor Government has delivered $500,000 in grant funding to equip older people from diverse backgrounds with the skills required to navigate a rapidly evolving digital world.

This year, the popular Tech Savvy Seniors program will support over 70 community colleges and libraries across the state to deliver free or low-cost training sessions for seniors.

More than 156,000 participants have been involved in Tech Savvy Seniors since the program was launched 12 years ago.

The program has a strong track record of supporting seniors to gain confidence with technology in terms of accessing online services, developing scammer awareness, and connecting with loved ones through social media channels.

Key objectives of the program include:

  • Improving digital literacy by giving older people the basic tools to use a computer, laptop or smartphone.
  • Closing the digital gap, acknowledging that many people find technology intimidating and require support to become more comfortable users
  • Bringing communities closer together – the digital platform is an essential tool to increase engagement with families, close friends and community groups.

Training is available across all skill levels and various languages including Mandarin, Arabic, Vietnamese, Korean and Ukrainian. This ensures the program is inclusive and responsive to the needs of the state’s diverse ageing population.

Tech Savvy Seniors supports a key focus area of the NSW Government’s Ageing Well in NSW Seniors Strategy 2021–2031, which aims to help older people stay informed, safe, and connected in a rapidly changing digital world.

The Tech Savvy Seniors program is delivered in partnership with Telstra. For further information on Tech Savvy Seniors and where to access training, please go to nsw.gov.au/community-services/seniors-card/tech-savvy-seniors

Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison said:

“Seniors grew up in a very different time and can encounter challenges with digital tasks like online banking, appointments and staying in touch with loved ones.

“Tech Savvy Seniors empowers older people to overcome the technology gap and become better connected to their social network and community.

“The Minns Labor Government is ensuring everyone has an equal opportunity to participate in their communities no matter when or where they were born.”

Ku-ring-gai Mayor, Cr Christine Kay, said:

“We are proud to be able to offer the Ku-ring-gai community pathways to safely and confidently participate in the online world.

“Running Tech Savvy Seniors in English and other languages helps us make sure more in our community can access the support they need.”

State’s brightest young leaders appointed to Youth Advisory Council

The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to put young people at the heart of decision making for issues impacting them with twelve passionate young leaders from across NSW appointed to the 2026 Youth Advisory Council (YAC).

The new Youth Advisory Council will convene its first meeting on the 9th of November and work directly with the Minister for Youth Rose Jackson on issues which are front of mind for young people across the state including mental health, cost of living, and climate change. 

The appointment of these young leaders follows the establishment of the first dedicated NSW Office for Youth in August this year. 

The Office for Youth is engaging young people on their terms and ensuring their leadership is formally recognised, respected, and integrated into decision-making processes across government. 

Each year, a dozen young people between the ages of 12 and 24 will be appointed to the YAC, giving them a platform to have their say on government policies, programs, and legislation concerning young people.  

Members of the inaugural Youth Advisory Council represent a diverse range of backgrounds and perspectives including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and CALD members, members living with a disability and members from both regional and metropolitan communities.  

The 2026 Members are:  

  • Fayra Petriaton, Tamworth
  • Hafsa Faizan, Leppington
  • Daphne Hutchison, Wollondilly
  • Amelia Hines, Maitland
  • Romone Dunlop, Port Macquarie
  • Ahmad Chatah, East Hills
  • Lara Ristic, Riverstone
  • Nathanael Guo, North Shore
  • Chloe Richards, Murray
  • Josua Relf, Castle Hill
  • Keziah Cameron, Epping
  • Thomas Norman, Junee  

Minister for Youth Rose Jackson said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to listening to young people – it’s why we established the Office for Youth and it’s why the Youth Advisory Council is so important. 

“When young people are genuinely empowered to shape the decisions that impact their lives, we can create programs that truly deliver real and relevant outcomes for the next generation of New South Wales. 

“I’m excited to work with the new members of the Youth Advisory Council and hear about the issues that are front of mind for them.” 

NSW Advocate for Children and Young People, Zoë Robinson said:

“I continue to support the YACs work across the state, ensuring that they are given opportunities to influence policy development.    

“Young people deserve a genuine seat at the table when it comes to the policies, laws, and services that shape their world. The YAC serves as a direct connection to government, amplifying young voices and empowering the next generation of leaders to create lasting change across NSW.”