Month: January 2026

The ‘Rural Women’s Network Skills Roadshow’ around regional New South Wales is back by popular demand in 2026, with more than $52,000 in additional funding from the Minns Labor Government.

Over 300 women participated in 30 free sold-out workshops in 2025, aimed at empowering regional and rural women with essential skills in first aid, and mental health crisis support through fee-free training with St John Ambulance.

Women attending training ranged from young mums seeking first aid skills, to women working in the community where mental health crisis support skills were often needed.

There are 16 workshops planned for the first half of 2026 in eight new locations including:

• Glen Innes – 6-7 February
• Narrabri – 20-21 February
• Gilgandra – 6-7 March
• Scone – 20-21 March
• Dareton – 1-2 May
• Griffith – 15-16 May
• Young – 5-6 June
• Bourke – 19-20 June

The workshops are accessible and include skills to respond effectively in emergency situations, recognise mental health issues, recognise situations where people may be in imminent crisis, provide appropriate interventions and learn where to direct people for further support.

A full day workshop will be offered for both First Aid and Mental Health in each location.

Workshop participants will receive a nationally recognised, accredited certification once they have completed their training.

Recent St John Ambulance statistics highlight the need to increase first aid and mental health knowledge:

• In New South Wales, 33 per cent of adults have never trained in first aid (the highest proportion of any state/territory in Australia) and only 37 per cent have done training in the last three years.
• Women are less likely to be confident providing first aid (44 per cent of women are confident) compared to men (57 per cent of men are confident).
• 87 per cent of Australians would be more willing to provide help to a person with a mental health issue if they were taught how.

Registrations will open today, 9am (AEDT) for Glen Innes, Narrabri, Gilgandra and Scone. To find out more and register go to: nsw.gov.au/rwn-roadshow. Registrations will open in April for the other four locations.

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“The NSW Government is empowering regional and rural women to access this life-saving training to bridge an important gap, particularly for women who would have otherwise missed out due to cost or travel.

“The expansion of this program to more regions is one of the ways the Minns Labor Government is building a better New South Wales for regional women. We’re not only giving women essential skills but building resilience in regional communities.

“We’re pleased to be once again partnering with St John Ambulance to deliver this exciting program in the regions.

“The 2025 workshops were all sold out so I encourage women to sign up quickly to make the most of this opportunity to learn new skills and equip yourself with essential first aid knowledge.”

St John Ambulance CEO, Dominic Teakle, said:

“The overwhelming response to last year’s Rural Women’s Network Skills Roadshow demonstrates just how vital this program is for our regional and rural communities. By expanding to eight new towns across NSW, we’re ensuring more women have access to critical First Aid and Mental Health training that could save lives.

“This investment reflects our commitment to supporting regional and rural women with practical skills that strengthen both individuals and their communities.

“These workshops build confidence and capability while creating resilience in our regions—more education means more control and more resilience for women and their families.”

As the new year begins almost $300 million is sitting in the state’s unclaimed money pool – and the Minns Labor Government wants to see it returned to its rightful owners.

Unclaimed money is money that you are legally entitled to, but where a business hasn’t been able to find you.

Money typically becomes unclaimed when people forget to update their name or contact details with businesses, have lost paperwork, or when estates are unaware of funds belonging to deceased relatives.

The unclaimed money register, managed by Revenue NSW, includes funds from overpayments, uncashed cheques, dividends, refunds, and other amounts owed to individuals.

Sydney’s city and Eastern Suburbs have the highest amount of unclaimed money, with more than $91 million waiting to be claimed. The next largest is Western Sydney with $76 million. Outside of Sydney, the highest is Central Coast and the Hunter, with $22 million.

In total, more than 800,000 items of unclaimed money – ranging from a few dollars to millions of dollars – is sitting with Revenue NSW and registered to a NSW address.

Revenue NSW holds an additional $394 million in money for people registered at addresses outside NSW.

To find out if you have any unclaimed money, you can search the Revenue NSW website at www.revenue.nsw.gov.au/unclaimed-money. If you have any money owing, you fill in a form and provide your ID and your connection to the money. Claims are typically verified and processed by Revenue NSW within a month.

Last year, the Minns Labor Government upgraded systems to simplify and speed up the unclaimed money process. This includes additional integration with Service NSW to help identify you during the claims process. The Government also reduced the timeframe for businesses who are holding money from six years to two, ensuring that money is reported to Revenue NSW, and returned to its owners sooner.

These reforms help put more money back into the hands of NSW families.  

Minister for Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement, Courtney Houssos, said:

“Almost $300 million is sitting unclaimed, and we want to make sure as much of that as possible finds its way back to families.

“Last financial year, Revenue NSW returned more than $21 million to its rightful owners. With these new reforms, we’re making it faster and easier for people to get what they’re owed.

“While Revenue NSW regularly contacts potential owners, incomplete data means people are sometimes missed. That’s why we’re encouraging everyone to take a few minutes to check online – you might be surprised with what you find.”

Regional breakdown of unclaimed money, as at 14 December 2025:

Region (NSW/Sydney)	Items in register	Value available to claim
Capital Region (Queanbeyan & surrounds)	15,561	$5,734,031
Central Coast, Hunter & Lake Macquarie	71,083	$22,168,562
Central West	14,985	$5,686,191
Coffs Harbour & Mid North Coast	24,751	$7,140,930
Far West and Orana	9,659	$2,897,722
Illawarra & Southern Highlands	36,266	$10,498,415
Murray & Riverina	19,346	$5,892,219
New England and North West	14,411	$5,047,864
Richmond – Tweed	15,423	$4,911,003
Sydney – City and East	196,788	$91,967,567
Sydney – North	141,890	$52,893,362
Sydney – Shire	23,458	$6,642,507
Sydney – Western Sydney	221,316	$76,956,207
Grand Total	804,937	$298,436,580

The NSW Government has released plans for the first stage of a major housing development in East Lismore that will deliver at least 400 new homes and is inviting the community to have a say.

Stage 1 will be delivered under a partnership between Landcom and the NSW Reconstruction Authority and will deliver around 100 smaller and more affordable housing options, including terraces and low-rise apartments.

Early master planning is underway for the full 72ha site, with the goal of creating a sustainable, resilient community of at least 400 dwellings that meets post-2022 flood housing needs.

Landcom will invest at least $75 million to develop the site, with the NSW Reconstruction Authority contributing $15 million for the land and enabling infrastructure including new roads, power, water and sewerage connections.

At least 20 per cent of homes will be set aside as affordable housing for very low to moderate-income households. Resilient Homes Program participants who have accepted a buyback offer will have at least 30 business days to purchase new land and homes before the open market is given access.

After the 2022 floods, the Australian and NSW Governments invested $880 million in the Resilient Homes Program, and the NSW Government committed a further $100 million to the Resilient Lands Program to support long-term community recovery. Together, these programs aim to reduce exposure to future flood risk by offering safer housing options and guiding development to more suitable land. Both programs are delivered by the NSW Reconstruction Authority.

The East Lismore site is one of three priority locations under the Resilient Lands Program that will help accelerate land and housing supply for flood impacted residents.

In November 2025, Landcom commenced construction of 50 build-to-rent apartments on the corner of Crawford Road and Military Road, west of the Stage 1 development.

Landcom is inviting feedback until 9am, Monday 16 February 2026, to help finalise the plans for Stage 1 and inform site masterplanning. The development application for the Stage 1 is expected to be lodged by mid-2026 with Lismore City Council.

Subject to approvals, sales are expected to begin in mid-2026, with major works starting later that year.

To learn more about the project and share feedback, visit: www.joinin.landcom.nsw.gov.au/eastlismore

Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said:

“I am really excited to see these plans and that the process has begun and know that we begin the New Year with confidence. It is a real boost to see what these lovely homes are going to look like.

“Lismore has been through a lot, and today’s announcement is another step in providing our community with safe, long-term housing options.

“This project reduces future risk while keeping families connected to their community.

“Stage 1 is open to flood impacted residents and families to have first option, as agreed to from day one.

“This partnership between Landcom and the NSW Reconstruction Authority shows our commitment to practical ways to recover. It is about making sure our community can rebuild with confidence.”

NSW Reconstruction Authority Executive Director Reconstruction Graham Kennett said:

“This development is a cornerstone of the Resilient Lands Program and demonstrates how we are working to move people out of harm’s way while keeping them within their community. By planning for more than 400 resilient homes, we are creating a neighbourhood designed for long-term safety, liveability and affordability.

“We know that recovery is not just about replacing what was lost. It’s about ensuring communities have safer options for the future. The work underway at East Lismore is a clear example of how the NSW Reconstruction Authority is delivering that for flood-impacted residents.”

Executive General Manager, Built Form, Andrew Cooper said:

“Landcom is making homes happen for the people of Lismore.

“We’re transforming vacant land into new opportunities. Stage 1 of the project will unlock around 100 homes – including terraces, to provide more diverse and affordable options.

“Our partnership with the Reconstruction Authority will create a new, sustainable neighbourhood with greater housing diversity, resilience and security to help Lismore prepare for the future.”

The Minns Labor Government will give councils stronger powers to shut down unlawful premises hosting hate preachers by allowing utilities to be cut off where operators ignore planning laws and cease-use notices.

The Minns Labor Government will give councils stronger powers to shut down unlawful premises hosting hate preachers by allowing utilities to be cut off where operators ignore planning laws and cease-use notices.

Under the new measures, when a council determines that a place of public worship is operating without lawful planning approval, it will be able to issue a notice to stop the unlawful use. Under the new measures, if the operator continues to defy that order, councils will be empowered to disconnect utilities to the premises.

This reform is aimed squarely at shutting down “factories of hate” – places that operate unlawfully while promoting hatred, intimidation or division within the community.

The powers will apply broadly and consistently across NSW to any place of public worship that does not have approval to operate, ensuring councils have effective enforcement tools when existing notices are ignored.

NSW Police and the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) will work together to support councils in enforcing these laws and protecting community safety. Councils will also be required to consult with NSW Police on community safety matters before approving new places of public worship.

The NSW Government will further strengthen penalties for non-compliance and ensure shutdown notices carry real and immediate consequences for those in breach of the law.

In addition to this, we will continue working closely with the Commonwealth Government on measures that complement its reforms to crack down on hate preachers.

Freedom of religion is a fundamental right in NSW. But that freedom does not extend to operating unlawfully or putting community safety at risk.

These measures build on previous legislation to combat hate including new offences for inciting racial hatred and displaying Nazi symbols at Jewish places and additional protections for people seeking to attend their place of worship.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“There is no place in NSW for hate, intimidation or extremism masquerading as community activity. These reforms give councils real powers to act when premises are operating unlawfully and spreading division.

“If operators ignore the law and refuse to shut down, councils will be able to cut off utilities and close them for good.

“This is about protecting social cohesion, keeping communities safe and upholding the values that unite us as Australians.”

Acting Minister for Planning and Public Space Yasmin Catley said:

“Planning laws exist to build communities, not to provide cover for unlawful activity. When a place of worship or any other premises is operating without approval and ignores a cease-use notice, councils must have effective enforcement tools.

“Giving councils the ability to seek the disconnection of utilities ensures planning decisions are respected and unlawful ‘factories of hate’ cannot continue to operate.”

Construction has officially begun on the long-awaited new Richmond Agricultural Centre, which will deliver a world-class education in agriculture and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) as part of the Minns Labor Government’s work to rebuild public education.

Co-located with Western Sydney University’s Hawkesbury campus and catering for approximately 360 students from Kindergarten to Year 12, facilities will include modern classrooms, five science labs, farming facilities, a greenhouse, multipurpose hall, canteen, administration facilities, and Covered Outdoor Learning Area (COLA).

This major milestone comes after the Minns Labor Government acquired a new location for the centre, after the previous site announced by the former Liberal and National Government was found to be contaminated and unsuitable for agricultural education.

Richmond Agricultural Centre will relocate from current temporary facilities at Western Sydney University’s (WSU) Hawkesbury campus to a new permanent location on the site when it opens on Day 1, Term 1, 2027.

The new centre is partnered with Richmond High School, and will provide students from across Western Sydney with access to resources, facilities, partnerships and programs already in place at the university.

The new Richmond Agricultural Centre will continue to operate in partnership with Richmond High School, with Agricultural STEM selective students and Agricultural STEM specialty students attending the centre three days per week and Richmond High School two days per week.

This will give students opportunities to further their education in cutting-edge agricultural and STEM practices and create opportunities for collaboration with other experts, educational institutions and agricultural industries.

The project is part of the Minns Labor Government’s record $9 billion investment in new and upgraded schools across the state, including $3.9 billion for new and upgraded schools in Western Sydney.

While building world-class education facilities where they are needed most, the Minns Labor Government is also ensuring there is a qualified teacher in front of every classroom, slashing teacher vacancies in NSW public schools by 61 per cent since 2022. 

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:

“This is a major milestone for this school community. We thank them for their patience while we secured a suitable site that will serve students well into the future.

“The Richmond Agricultural Centre will be a game-changer for students in Western Sydney and across the state who are interested in pursuing a career in agriculture industry.

“We are pleased to be delivering this world-class facility, cleaning up the mess left by the former Liberal National Government.”

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

“This is a great example of what can be achieved when secondary and tertiary education come together to deliver learning facilities that support students’ future needs.

“The new Richmond Agricultural Centre will have a strong focus on transitional farming practices between urban and regional areas, which is important for food security and economic development now more than ever.

“Having the centre co-located at the WSU Hawkesbury campus will also help provide students with clear career pathways into the agricultural sector.

Federal Member for Macquarie Susan Templeman said:

“I was delighted to represent the Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, Prue Car, at this significant milestone for the Richmond Agricultural Centre.

“It was great to speak with the site workers, some of them locals, about the unique design, and to see this major investment by the NSW Government in public education.

“The new centre will make it even easier for students in the Hawkesbury to access world-class agricultural and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education.”

Richmond Agricultural Centre Principal Kristine Beazley said:

“Today marks a key step towards delivering a much-needed, purpose-built facility that supports our students’ futures and strengthens our links with industry, TAFE, and university partners. 

“Richmond Agricultural Centre offers agricultural and STEM learning opportunities to students, with partnered learning experiences with academia and industry, preparing the next generation of scientists, agribusiness and data experts, agriculturalists and innovators to meet the challenges of a changing landscape, from sustainability to food security and emerging technologies.

“It’s fantastic that we will soon have a new permanent home for our school and we can’t wait to see construction progress.”

In just over 24 hours, a fundraiser for Detective Inspector Amy Scott has raised more than $350,000.

The generosity of our community is tremendous and a measure of the enormous regard in which Amy is held by the public of NSW.

On behalf of the NSW Government, I cannot thank everyone who has donated enough. So far more than 6,000 people have joined the effort to support Amy and her family.

Yesterday, it was announced that Amy is battling a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer.

This is devastating news for her, her family and her colleagues at the Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command and the whole NSW Police family.

Amy is the epitome of the brilliance of the NSW Police Force.

Her bravery at Bondi Junction in 2024 is forever stamped in our minds. She put her life on the line and in doing so saved countless others.

Amy is supported by the entire NSW Police family who are rallying around her as she faces this challenging health battle.

We wish her every strength in the months ahead.

Anyone who wants to show their gratitude for Amy’s extraordinary service and join this outpouring of public support, can support the appeal, facilitated by NSW Police Legacy, here.

The Minns Labor Government has paved a clear pathway for faster, fairer and more effective dispute resolution for irrigation customers in New South Wales by supporting the expansion of powers of the Energy and Water Ombudsman NSW (EWON).

For the first time, customers of the state’s five statutory irrigation corporations will be able to seek EWON’s free, fair and independent assistance.

The reform gives farmers and irrigators in regional NSW the same protections as other water and energy consumers, helping to strengthen confidence in how water is managed and delivered across NSW.

EWON is a trusted and independent body that has been resolving energy and water complaints for over 25 years, managing nearly 28,000 complaints last year alone.

It will now manage complaints about water supply issues within irrigation corporations including billing, affordability, metering, customer service and land access.

This change delivers on reforms set out in the NSW Government’s Water Management Amendment (Water Access Licence Register Reform) Act 2024, which introduced a requirement for irrigation corporations to be members of a prescribed dispute resolution organisation.

Customers of Murrumbidgee Irrigation, Coleambally Irrigation Co-operative, Jemalong Irrigation, Murray Irrigation, and Western Murray Irrigation will benefit from the reform from July 2026.

The NSW Government and EWON will work closely with the irrigation corporations over the coming months to finalise operational arrangements ahead of the start date.

Minister for Water Rose Jackson said:

“This is about fairness and transparency for irrigation customers. For the first time, farmers and landholders connected to these irrigation corporations will have access to an independent, expert body to resolve their water supply complaints.

“EWON’s “no wrong door” approach will simplify the complaints process and ensure all customers are treated consistently across NSW.

“Expanding the Ombudsman’s role will help strengthen trust, accountability and confidence in how water is managed and delivered across regional NSW.”

Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW Janine Young said:

“Expanding our jurisdiction to include irrigation complaints ensures that customers in rural NSW have access to a fair, independent dispute resolution process, reflecting our commitment to improving consumer outcomes across essential services.

“Whether customers are facing billing issues, service complaints, or concerns about water access, affordability or land access, they will be able to come to EWON for trusted and independent advice or dispute resolution to reach a fair and impartial outcome.” 

The Minns Labor Government will invest $900,000 in a NSW Farmers project as part of its commitment to support livestock welfare across agricultural industries and strengthen the operation of the joint government and industry Stock Welfare Panels.

The funding will support the NSW Farmers ‘One Welfare in Action – Improving Stock Welfare Panels in NSW’ project, which recognises animal welfare is intrinsically linked to human and environmental health and wellbeing.

Stock Welfare Panels are joint industry and government advisory bodies that deal with livestock welfare matters.

They include veterinarians and representatives from NSW Farmers, NSW Government Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and Local Land Services, and animal welfare organisations.

NSW Farmers will use the funding to develop educational materials to improve skills and knowledge of panel members and farmers, deliver educational and other resources to targeted audiences, consult with people involved in administrating, operating or participating in the panels and streamline the panel process.  

Panels can be established by government agencies when an enforcement agency, such as the RSPCA NSW or Animal Welfare League NSW, find a significant animal welfare issue, such as livestock that have not been provided with appropriate food, water, shelter or veterinary treatment.

The panels can intervene in complex livestock welfare cases by providing a cost-effective and efficient alternative to drawn-out and costly court action. They act to ensure the animal welfare issues are addressed and animals receive the right management.

The NSW Farmers project is designed to enhance livestock welfare and transparency across the sector. The project aims to improve industry awareness of animal welfare obligations, which will ultimately lead to less intervention from the panels.

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to maintaining a high level of animal welfare across the state for all livestock.

“Stock Welfare Panels provide an important function and there is always room for improvement. By funding this project, those improvements can be pinpointed and implemented.

“NSW Farmers works across the state with farmers in the livestock industry.

“It makes sense for them to conduct this project, to work with the people who have extensive experience in this area, whether they be livestock farmers, or those who are involved with Stock Welfare Panels.

“By partnering with NSW Farmers, we are ensuring that this program is farmer-led and draws on the deep, on-the-ground expertise of those who know the NSW livestock the best.”

President of NSW Farmers, Xavier Martin said:

“NSW Farmers plays an essential role in the operation of Stock Welfare Panels as part of its broader work to ensure optimal animal welfare outcomes in agriculture.

“It’s vital the right processes are in place to ensure these panels deliver effective, timely decisions to address animal welfare issues, and we welcome the support of the Minns Government to help us ensure this.

“Farmers have the practical knowledge necessary to assist in achieving the best possible animal welfare outcomes through these panels, and we look forward to embarking on this project to ensure that experience is put to good use.”

The Minns Labor Government has today unveiled the nation’s largest Australia Day program, delivering an action-packed, Australia Day celebration that reflects NSW’s shared values and rich diversity.

The Minns Labor Government has today unveiled the nation’s largest Australia Day program, delivering an action-packed, Australia Day celebration that reflects NSW’s shared values and rich diversity.

From sunrise to nightfall, communities across NSW will come together with friends and families to enjoy a program filled with free events curated for all ages, and wrapping up with a special Australia Day Live concert at the Sydney Opera House forecourt.

Australia Day Live will feature an all-star Aussie lineup, including Cody Simpson, Kate Ceberano, William Barton and Jude York, alongside supergroup The Fabulous Caprettos, composed of Wendy Matthews, Rai Thistlethwayte, Dave Gleeson and Joe Camilleri.

The concert will include a tribute to the families and communities affected by the terror attack in Bondi last month and a performance by Sydney based band SHIR – Australian Jewish Music Festival, who performed their moving rendition of I Am Australian at the Bondi vigil last month.

The concert will feature a unique fireworks display and a spectacular aerial show over Circular Quay, delivering a memorable celebration for locals and visitors.

Sydney will mark the day with a series of major celebrations across the state, including via the Australia Day Ambassador Program featuring more than 100 inspirational Australians and a series of moving ceremonies in NSW.

From dawn and into the night on 26 January 2026, Circular Quay and Sydney Harbour will be the focal point of activity, with events across land, water and sky, designed for people of all ages.

• The Sydney Opera House sails will be illuminated for the Dawn reflection at sunrise with a striking artwork by Garry Purchase, a proud Aboriginal man, which will be followed by the WugulOra Morning Ceremony at Barangaroo’s Walumil Lawns .
• The Harbourfest daytime program will be action packed with the Midday Salute honouring the contributions of Australian veterans through a tri-forces display, as well as Maritime Mayhem and the Harbour Parade, with vessels dressing to impress in a colourful display of national spirit, and the Australia Day Regatta.
• Surf Life Saving NSW will host its Fun in the Sun activation at First Fleet Lawn, offering free activities and games where children can engage with volunteers and learn how to stay safe in the water.
• The return of the popular Mega Kidz Zone at the Overseas Passenger Terminal will offer giant games, inflatables and arcade action for families.

Further announcements will be made ahead of Australia Day 2026, with full details available at australiaday.com.au.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“As we approach Australia Day, there is an opportunity to focus on what unites us rather than what divides us – a shared belief in freedom, respect and a fair go.

“This year, we are hosting the largest Australia Day celebration anywhere in the country, with free events from sunrise to nightfall that bring people together across Sydney Harbour and right around NSW.

“Throughout the day, Sydney Harbour will come alive with activities that celebrate the Australian spirit, showcase our vibrant multicultural communities, honour our First Nations history, and provide moments of reflection as we stand with those affected by the vile antisemitic Bondi terror attack.”

Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said:

“Australia Day is an opportunity to celebrate what unites us. Our shared values. Our diversity. The spirit of mateship that defines our nation and what makes us inherently Australian.

“At the end of 2025, we saw that spirit at its strongest, as communities came together to support one another in the wake of the tragic events at Bondi.

“Australia Day 2026 gives us the chance to come together again with care, respect and unity to reflect on who we are and what we stand for.

“The Minns Labor Government has delivered an action-packed program that’s bigger than ever, with free events for all ages across the day, and a special Australia Day Live concert at the Sydney Opera House.

“Whether you’re starting the day at Dawn Reflection, or firing up the BBQ, make the most of Australia Day 2026.”