Month: October 2026

Penrith Stadium is taking shape as the first major elements of the new venue come into view, with seats now being installed in the eastern grandstand, seating set to get underway in the western grandstand and the new scoreboards being installed.

The seating design has been revealed for the first time, with the new seats inspired by Western Sydney’s famous natural landscapes.

The eastern grandstand reflects the heritage-listed Blue Mountains, and the western grandstand is inspired by the native grasslands of the Cumberland Plain.

The new grandstands will bring fans closer to the field and entertainment stage and provide improved views across the venue.

The spectator experience will be enhanced at the new Penrith Stadium with two new scoreboards being put in place, each measuring 19 metres wide almost double the size of the old scoreboard.

The upgraded digital screens will deliver superb picture quality and faster replay capabilities, and will be supported by new ribbon boards, sound and lighting systems.

Major indoor fit-out works are well advanced with food and beverage outlets, bathrooms and player facilities now taking shape as construction powers ahead.

The multi-purpose venue will accommodate 25,000 spectators for sport and up to 30,000 for concerts, creating a new destination for major sporting and entertainment events in Western Sydney.

The new stadium will have over 450 toilets, three times more than the previous venue as well as more food and beverage outlets, with one point of sale for every 150 patrons.

Accessibility will also be significantly improved, with 184 accessible seats across the stadium, compared with 37 at the previous venue.

More than 1,800 workers have contributed to the project so far, supporting local jobs and construction activity across the region.

With seating installation progressing, work continues on the internal fit-out, including corporate suites, function rooms, player facilities, food and beverage stands, amenities and the field of play.

For more information visit: Penrith Stadium

Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney, Prue Car said:

“The Minns Labor Government is delivering a better experience for Panthers fans – better views, bigger screens and less time waiting in queues and more time watching the game.

“We’re getting closer to welcoming fans back for the 2027 footy season to cheer on the mighty Panthers in our newest venue for sport and live entertainment, right in the heart of Western Sydney.”

Minister for Jobs and Tourism, and Sport, Steve Kamper said:

“Today’s milestone brings the new Penrith Stadium one step closer to opening its doors and giving Panthers fans a modern, world-class home to call their own.

“From the first seats going in to the scoreboards taking shape, you can now see the stadium that will host the next generation of sporting memories starting to come to life.”

Member for Penrith, Karen McKeown said:

“Fans will be literally jumping out of these seats come NRL Season 2027 cheering on our mighty Penrith Panthers and world-class entertainers at concerts and other major events.

“When fans come to sit in these seats they’ll know they’re home. The design celebrates the character and identity of Western Sydney, creating a venue that truly reflects the community it serves.”

Senior Principal, Populous, Josh Robson said:

“With the seats, we really wanted to create a distinctive visual identity that embeds a strong sense of place into the stadium, ensuring the venue is unmistakably connected to Penrith and its environment.

“Seat installation marks a major construction milestone, bringing the stadium’s final look and feel into view and moving the project another step closer to completion.”

The Minns Labor Government is backing the state’s creative industries and bringing more major free events to Sydney, with $2.7 million over three years to support Tropfest.

After its establishment in a Darlinghurst café in 1993, Tropfest grew to become the largest short film festival in the world and a launchpad for generations of young filmmakers. Tropfest’s return in February 2026 after a seven-year hiatus was a great success, pulling near-record entries, and attracting more than 30,000 movie-loving spectators to Centennial Park.  

This new three-year funding arrangement means Tropfest will remaining a staple free event during Sydney’s summer, drawing locals and tourists.  

The investment also means opportunities for young creatives, when the festival returned this year Tropfest received over 700 submissions from filmmakers.  

The 2027 event will return to Sydney’s The Domain, and for the first time in its 34-year history take place on a Saturday night. The Domain will host the event on Saturday, 13 February.  

Submissions for the 2027 event open on Tuesday 1 December.  

The evening event will include 16 films making their world premiere at the Tropfest festival.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“Tropfest is an Aussie cultural institution, and for more than three decades it has been a launchpad for filmmakers.

“It’s also one of the drawcard free events during the summer, and we’re proud to support its return to The Domain.  

“We’re backing Tropfest to support local creative talent and showcase NSW to the world.”  

Acting Minister for the Arts Jenny Aitchison said:

“Tropfest has helped launch the careers of many Australian filmmakers, writers and actors and is a notable contributor to NSW’s creative industries and visitor economy.

“The return of Tropfest shows what is possible when we continue investing in great public events and the cultural experiences that bring communities together and help our creative industries thrive.”

Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said:

“Tropfest is one of Sydney’s most iconic cultural events and this investment ensures it remains a major drawcard for visitors while giving Sydneysiders another great free event to enjoy each summer.

“After attracting more than 30,000 people to Centennial Park this year, we know there is strong demand for Tropfest’s return, and we’re excited to see it back in The Domain in 2027.

“By locking in support for the next three years, we’re ensuring Tropfest can continue to grow Sydney’s reputation as a vibrant, world-class destination whilst attracting audiences from across New South Wales and beyond.”

Tropfest Festival Director and Founder John Polson said:

“Coming home to The Domain is a very special moment for Tropfest and for me personally. There’s nothing quite like seeing thousands of people come together under the stars to discover new Australian filmmakers and celebrate their stories.

“We’re hugely grateful to Premier Chris Minns and the NSW Government for their support. It helps us give emerging filmmakers an extraordinary platform, while keeping Tropfest free for audiences. I can’t wait to see everyone back at The Domain in February.” 

Following the receipt of advice from the Independent Planning Commission (IPC), I have declared the City of Sydney’s proposal for a new square opposite Sydney Town Hall as State Significant Development (SSD).

The IPC considered information on the proposal provided by both the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, and City of Sydney and advised the project is of State and Regional planning significance.

The IPC’s advice on the Town Hall Square proposal was published earlier today and is available in full at Town Hall Square – Request for advice on State or regional planning significance.

Consequently, I am using my authority under section 4.36 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 to declare the proposal SSD.

The proposal will be delegated to the IPC for determination should the City of Sydney submit an SSD development application.

This process will allow for a rigorous whole-of-government assessment by the Department and provide an opportunity for individuals, the community, and other stakeholders to have their say on any development application before its determination by the IPC.

A new photographic exhibition showcasing the service and sacrifice of veterans serving in Afghanistan has launched today at the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park.

Point & Shoot 2026; Australian Veteran Photography Exhibition features photographs taken by Australian veterans while serving in Afghanistan accompanied by a personal story, providing a unique and personal perspective on military service. Together, the images and narratives offer a rare insight into the experiences of Australians who have served their country.

The exhibition is part of the NSW Government’s acknowledgement of the 25th anniversary of Australian service in Afghanistan, honouring the service and sacrifice of those who served in the broader Middle East Area of Operations. A special Star Ceremony will also take place on Sunday in the Hall of Memory at the Anzac Memorial, commencing at 10:30am.

Point & Shoot is the brainchild of Point Assist founder Mark Direen, a former Infantry and Special Forces soldier with over 25 years military service including 6 overseas deployments.  

Mark’s own experiences as a soldier were the impetus for this project. Operating in remote, high threat environments is both physically and mentally demanding. It was behind the lens of a camera, capturing both the ordinary and extraordinary experiences as a combat soldier that he found stillness and meaning. Looking back at a plethora of images post service, Mark then began to wonder, maybe others do this too and so the concept began.  

Additionally, veterans living in New South Wales who have served from 1990 to the present day are also being invited to share their story. Veterans can help ensure the experiences, service and sacrifice of contemporary veterans are recognised and preserved for future generations.

More information is available here: www.anzacmemorial.nsw.gov.au/event/point-shoot-2026

Minister for Veterans David Harris said:

“As we mark the 25th anniversary of Australian service in Afghanistan, the  Point & Shoot  exhibition provides a powerful and deeply personal insight into the experiences of those who served.

“Through these photographs and stories, veterans share moments of service, sacrifice, camaraderie and humanity, helping all Australians better understand the realities of military service and ensuring these experiences are remembered for generations to come.

“It is crucial that we preserve the stories of our veterans and I encourage contemporary veterans across the state to share their own stories so that future generations can better understand the contributions and sacrifices of those who have served our nation.”

Point Assist founder Mark Direen said:

“Point & Shoot aims to integrate the experiences of military service into the community. Most Australians will thankfully never know what it is like to fight a war, lose friends in combat, or make decisions where people’s lives are at stake.”

“Those of us who have lived these experiences have a responsibility, where we can, to share our stories honestly so something can be learned from them. Every veteran has a story worth telling. Point & Shoot encourages these stories to be shared.”

Prime government-owned land in the heart of Woolloomooloo is set to be put to better use, with the Minns Labor Government progressing plans to transform underutilised land along Nicholson Street into 15 much needed social homes.

The empty site, which has been vacant since a failed redevelopment in 1989, is ideally located for housing in Sydney’s inner city, close to jobs, public transport and essential services.

It is the latest government-owned site to be earmarked for new homes.  

Initial plans are for 13 one-bedroom and two two-bedroom social homes, providing more people with a safe and secure place to call home in an established and well-connected community.

Homes NSW has begun engaging with the Woolloomooloo community ahead of lodging a Development Application with the City of Sydney in December.

Local residents and community members are being invited to share what they value about Woolloomooloo, as well as their views on the proposal, through a community survey open until 30 October 2026.

Community feedback will help inform a Social Impact Report being prepared as part of the Development Application and help shape elements of the proposed design.

A community photo competition is also underway, giving locals an opportunity to share what makes Woolloomooloo special, with selected material potentially incorporated into artwork within the development.

Homes NSW is also engaging directly with local residents and community organisations, to help ensure the proposal responds to Woolloomooloo’s unique heritage, character and identity while delivering much-needed social housing for the future.

To complete the survey and have your say, visit: https://www.research.net/r/55-66NicholsonStreet  

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson:

“We need to make better use of government-owned land, particularly in places like Woolloomooloo where people can live close to jobs, transport and essential services.

“I want to applaud Alex Greenwich who has spent years fiercely advocating to have this land put to good use for his community.  

“We’re in the middle of a housing crisis and every new social home makes a difference. This site has sat vacant for too long and we now have an opportunity to put it back to work delivering 15 new social homes for people who need them.”

Member for Sydney Alex Greenwich:

“When I first started asking about plans for this site, it had already sat empty for more than two decades.

“Now we finally have plans for new homes that will change lives, providing safe and accessible housing units for people in need.

“I’m grateful to the NSW Government and Minister Jackson for transforming this unused land into brand new homes.” 

Today, the Commonwealth Government announced that Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements between the Commonwealth and NSW will remain substantially unchanged. Under the funding arrangements, the Commonwealth Government can fund up to 75 per cent of core disaster recovery measures.

Today’s announcement helps give NSW communities certainty around future disaster funding.

I particularly thank my federal colleague the Hon. Kristy McBain MP, Minister for Emergency Management, for her engagement on these reforms. She is someone who understands the cost of disasters on our communities and shares my commitment to keeping community at the centre of our decision making.

As NSW Minister for Recovery, I welcome the retention of the core aspects of the existing disaster funding arrangements and look forward to continuing engagement with the Commonwealth to reduce the impact of disasters in our communities.

Students in The Hills will learn in brand-new, permanent classrooms, months ahead of schedule, as Rouse Hill High School opens fast-tracked, modern facilities next week on Day 1, Term 4.

The multi-million-dollar upgrade will provide incoming Year 12 students with immediate access to permanent classrooms as they begin their HSC studies.

Rouse Hill High School’s new facilities include a two-storey building featuring 11 permanent, modern classrooms and two science labs, increasing the school’s capacity by 240 students.

The project is among a raft of school upgrades being delivered across The Hills, including at Cherrybrook Public School, and the recently completed upgrades at Castle Hill Public School and Matthew Pearce Public School.

The Minns Labor Government’s $1 billion investment in new school infrastructure across The Hills also includes five brand new schools in Box Hill, Gables, and Bella Vista as well as three brand new public preschools.

Altogether the Minns Labor Government’s new schools and upgrades are delivering more than 800 permanent, modern classrooms across The Hills and North West Sydney.

This is creating space for thousands more students after a decade of neglect by the Liberals and Nationals which left communities with demountable classrooms clogging up valuable play space.

Over 12 years, the Liberals and Nationals significantly underinvested in schools in The Hills and failed to deliver a single high school, despite student enrolment growth of 220 per cent across the North West putting pressure on schools.

The Minns Labor Government is investing a record $9.2 billion in school infrastructure over the next four years, including $4.1 billion for Western Sydney, to continue delivering new and upgraded schools and ensure every family has access to a world-class public education, close to home.

In addition to ensuring students have modern classrooms and schools, the Minns Labor Government has transitioned more than 25,000 teachers and school support staff from uncertain temporary contracts to permanent employment.

This follows the Minns Labor Government’s abolition of the Liberals and Nationals wages cap, delivering New South Wales teachers the biggest pay rise in a generation.

This reform is attracting teachers into public schools and helping retain those already there, with teacher vacancies at a 12-year low and the number of merged and cancelled classes in New South Wales halving since the election of the Minns Labor Government.

Deputy Premier of New South Wales and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“This is the largest investment in The Hills in a generation, ensuring more local families can access a world-class public education, close to home.

“We’re building permanent, modern classrooms to replace the demountables dumped on school playgrounds in The Hills by the Liberals and Nationals, returning valuable play space to students.

“With the Minns Labor Government’s $4.1 billion investment in new and upgraded schools across Western Sydney, we’re delivering the infrastructure that local families need.”

Federal Member for Greenway Michelle Rowland said:

“Our local Labor team is getting on with the job of delivering for families in The Hills.

“North West Sydney has grown rapidly. This vital upgrade will support local students for years to come, ensuring they have the facilities they need to thrive.”

Rouse Hill High School Principal Simon Kelly said:

“The entire school community is thrilled the upgrade has been delivered ahead of schedule, and we’re looking forward to welcoming students into their brand new classrooms next week.

“The new classrooms and science labs will provide a high-quality environment to support our outstanding teachers and help our students in their learning.”