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West Wyalong warbird restored for Anzac Day

A proud piece of Australia’s aviation history has been preserved for future generations with West Wyalong’s much-loved Douglas DC-3 Dakota going through a multi-month restoration to bring it back to its former glory in time for Anzac Day.

The vintage warbird has been a fixture in the town since it was moved from Cootamundra to Lions Park in March 1983.

Restoration on the plane and its installation in Lions Park was completed in the past week.

Bland Shire Council received $167,670 from the NSW Government to repair and upgrade the plane, including site works, concreting, paint stripping and re-painting.

The DC-3 saw service with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and Royal Australian Navy (RAN) between 1950 and 1974, before being bought by Cootamundra aviator and airline operator Jack Masling OAM for spare parts.

But the local Lions Club decided the old bomber deserved a different fate and approached him about saving it, and Mr Masling agreed to donate the plane to the club as a memorial.

West Wyalong resident John Hudson owned the transport company that moved the plane from Cootamundra to West Wyalong, and says it was quite the effort, with the normally one-hour trip taking a painstaking four hours.

Once relocated, the plane was reassembled by RAAF personnel from Wagga Wagga who were billeted in town overnight and treated to a celebratory BBQ.

The West Wyalong DC-3 was built in 1943 in Oklahoma City and served as a transport aircraft and flying classroom for multi-engine training, search and rescue, navigation and anti-submarine warfare, clocking up 4,254 flying hours before it was retired.

The first DC-3 prototype flew in 1935, starting as a passenger liner in the US but the planes quickly earned a reputation with the US military for freight and transport and supported the D-Day landings at Normandy.

DC3’s are affectionately dubbed ‘biscuit bombers’ for their role doing food drops to troops, including on Papua New Guinea’s Kokoda Track during World War II.

After the war these workhorses became a mainstay of global passenger and freight services in regional areas because of their low running costs and ability to perform on rough airfields and with low maintenance.

The restored DC-3 can be viewed in Lions Park every day of the week.

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“It’s wonderful to see this local landmark and tourist attraction get a new lease on life and I hope visitors take a moment to pause and reflect on the meaning of service this Anzac Day.

“New landscaping around the plane will make it more accessible for residents and visitors, and will keep this piece of local history, which is a source of immense community pride at the heart of West Wyalong for years to come.”

Minister for Veterans David Harris said:

“It is fantastic to see the Douglas DC-3 Dakota has been restored to its former glory just in time for the 110th anniversary of Anzac Day.

“Local landmarks like this allow communities to gain a deeper understanding of the service and sacrifice of our veterans during times of conflict.”

Bland Shire Council Mayor Cr Brian Monaghan said:

“The restoration effort, done in partnership with the Royal Australian Air Force’s Heritage Restoration Team, is one of the most unique projects he’s seen during his time with council.

“This has been a truly rewarding experience for Bland Shire Council, it’s not every day you get the opportunity to restore a piece of Australia’s aviation history and breathe new life into something so iconic.

“The DC-3 Dakota is a beloved landmark in West Wyalong and this restoration ensures its continued presence as an important part of our community as the plane is not only a piece of the past, but a symbol of our community’s pride, and I’m incredibly pleased about the work that’s gone into it.”

Plane transporter John Hudson said:

“We had quite the crowd that day, I took the fuselage, and another bloke took the wings and we had a police escort and everything.

“We couldn’t come down the main road and had to follow the creek and we only took out one powerline and blew a transformer so not a bad effort.”

Critical minerals reserve great news for NSW projects

The Albanese Labor Government’s plan to establish a critical minerals strategic reserve is good news for mining projects, regional communities and workers across NSW.

With leading deposits of critical minerals – including antimony, cobalt and rare earth elements – the NSW mining industry would benefit from a re-elected Albanese Labor Government.

The critical minerals strategic reserve also complements the Minns Labor Government’s efforts to support projects as they enter production, including through our $250 million royalty deferral, which begins on 1 July 2025.

NSW has more than 10 critical minerals and high-tech metals projects that are ready for investment. They need around $7.6 billion in capital investment value and are expected to generate about 4,600 jobs during construction and 2,700 ongoing jobs.

I look forward to working with Prime Minister Albanese, Federal Resources Minister King and a re-elected Labor government to bring these projects to life and support Australia’s ambition to be a leading producer and supplier of critical minerals.

Statement on Crime Commission’s Reinvestigation into the Obeids’ proceeds of crime

There will be a lot of people disappointed by this decision – and we understand that. We’re disappointed too.

The Crime Commission is entirely independent.

The Commission has said the use of complex discretionary trusts to conceal the proceeds of crime is a national problem that requires legislative reform.

That’s why the Commission – alongside several other State and Commonwealth agencies – is contributing to the development of a national approach to beneficial ownership disclosure obligations.

The NSW Government supports legislative change to ensure that people who engage in corrupt conduct are not able to hide the proceeds of these crimes.

Mr Obeid’s actions were one of the most serious examples of the misuse of public office in NSW.

The people of NSW need to have faith that public institutions and elected officials are acting in the public interest. That faith is central to a working and healthy democracy.

It’s why we support these important oversight bodies, like the Crime Commission and the ICAC – because they hold all of us to account.

Port Stephens to take line honours as global sailing destination

The Minns Labor Government is charting the course for Port Stephens to become a global sailing destination when Newcastle Airport’s upgraded international terminal opens in August 2025.

The region’s pristine waters will again welcome thousands of sailors and spectators to Sail Port Stephens, one of Australia’s largest regattas proudly supported by the Minns Labor Government.

The Sail Port Stephens Performance Series commences on 25-27 April 2025 and will include the NSW Yachting Championships, TP52 Gold Cup Act 3, Rob Hampshire Cup, InterClub 40 Challenge and Super RC Series. It will be followed by the Sail Port Stephens Bay Series on 2-4 May 2025 and the dinghy divisions from 3-4 May 2025.

Port Stephens is already beloved by domestic visitors and was recently named Wotif’s 2025 Aussie Town of the Year for its beaches, sand dunes, sea life, national parks and dining.

The NSW Government via its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW has supported Sail Port Stephens over many years, helping the event grow to become a major visitor drawcard for the region.

The latest Tourism Research Australia data shows the Port Stephens visitor economy is booming. The region welcomed 836,300 domestic overnight visitors in the year ending December 2024, up four per cent year on year. Domestic overnight visitor expenditure injected $683 million into the local visitor economy. There were 25,300 international visitors to Port Stephens during the period, who spent $11 million during their trip.

Situated on the doorstep of Port Stephens, the new Newcastle Airport’s international terminal will enhance access to the destination for both racing and leisure boating enthusiasts.

Destination NSW has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Newcastle Airport to help the airport secure new international and domestic routes.

Minister for Tourism Steve Kamper said:

“Sail Port Stephens has built a reputation as one of the premier events on the Australian sailing calendar and is expected to generate more than $2 million in visitor expenditure in 2025 for the region.

“The event plays a key role in promoting Port Stephens as a world-class destination for major national and international regattas, increasing visitation to the area and boosting the local visitor economy.

“The Minns Labor Government is proud to be promoting of one of Australia’s most scenic and celebrated sailing waterways to the world.”

Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington said:

“Port Stephens offers visitors the whole package – stunning beaches, lush national parks, and sparkling waters for sailing enthusiasts.

“The upgraded Newcastle Airport will bring exciting new opportunities to the region and boost participation in events such as Sail Port Stephens, ensuring a bright future for the local businesses who contribute to the growth of our visitor economy. We’re setting the stage for our region to become a true international sailing destination.”

Mayor of Port Stephens Leah Anderson said:

“It’s always fantastic to see our shores buzzing with excitement as we welcome sailors, enthusiasts and spectators from all over Australia.

“Sail Port Stephens is not only a thrilling sporting spectacle but it’s also a significant contributor to our local economy. So many of our local businesses receive extra visitors and the event is of huge benefit to our hotels, marinas, cafes, restaurants and shops.”

Sail Port Stephens Co-founder Paul O’Rourke said:

“Port Stephens offers an incredible sailing experience with consistent nor’easters, spectacular scenery and the versatility of its sheltered bay and open water racetracks.

“The support for Sail Port Stephens through Destination NSW has been key to the event’s growth from its original week-long regatta format to a month-long sailing super event and we look forward to further elevating the region as a global sailing destination.”

Community invited to comment on future of the Wollongong Health Precinct and Station Masterplan

The Draft Wollongong Health Precinct Strategy and the Wollongong Station Masterplan have been released for public consultation and provide a long-term plan to guide the future development of the area.

The Minns Government is seeking community feedback on the future of the Wollongong Health Precinct, which is set to become a world-class healthcare centre that meets the growing needs of the Illawarra region.

The Draft Strategy outlines strategic planning directions to inform public and private investment and to enable the community, businesses and investors to make informed decisions that will help realise the vision for the Precinct as an attractive, vibrant and thriving place.

The Draft Strategy also identifies a series of Government-led initiatives to unlock the potential and bring the vision for the Precinct to life. These include:

public spaces and transport to support amenity and movement between key areas
public safety and access within and around the Precinct – including links with the train station and the central business district
opportunities for affordable housing for future residents and key workers.

The population of the Illawarra Shoalhaven region is projected to grow by 36 per cent to 575,000 by 2041, from 422,000 currently.

By 2031, it is expected there will be 25,000 more hospital admissions across the region, and an added 39,000 emergency department presentations.

The Draft Strategy puts in place the building blocks for agencies across Government to make sure the Wollongong Health Precinct meets the health and other service needs of this growing population, while supporting the housing needs for the workers required to deliver these services.

Additionally, Transport for NSW has developed a Draft Wollongong Station Precinct Masterplan which will be available for comment alongside the Draft Wollongong Health Precinct Strategy.

The Transport for NSW Draft Masterplan outlines a long-term vision for transforming the Station Precinct into a vibrant, connected and inviting transport hub that reflects the unique identity of Wollongong. It provides direct active and public transport links to the surrounding area including to the city centre, foreshore and hospital.

The Draft Masterplan proposes to upgrade the gateways to and from the station on Crown Street, Gladstone Avenue and Station Street and identifies ‘opportunity sites’ for future development.

Public consultation for both the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure’s (DPHI) Draft Wollongong Health Precinct Strategy and Transport for NSW’s Draft Wollongong Station Precinct Masterplan begins on 24 April 2025 and is open until 11 June 2025.

To read the Draft Strategy and Draft Masterplan and to make a submission, visit the Have your say web page.

For more information on the Wollongong Health Precinct, visit the Wollongong Health Precinct web page.

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

“The Wollongong Heath Precinct Strategy recognises that the Illawarra region needs greater access to high quality, patient-centred healthcare and medical research.

“Wollongong Public Hospital is the region’s principal referral hospital and specialises in a range of complex health services to support a growing and ageing population.

“It is running at near capacity, and strategic upgrades will be required to ensure it continues to meet the healthcare needs of the Illawarra now and into the future.

“The Draft Wollongong Health Precinct Strategy supports our Government’s $21.9 million investment to upgrade and expand Wollongong Hospital. Construction of a new MRI and CT imaging suite at the hospital is underway, and the existing Medical Ambulatory Care unit is being relocated to a new location, responding to the health needs of the growing local community.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said:

“As the population of the Illawarra Shoalhaven region is expected to grow to 575,000 by 2041, it has never been more important to get these crucial planning steps right.

“The Draft Wollongong Health Precinct Strategy is an exciting opportunity to deliver world-leading and innovative health care, improved connection to Wollongong Station, new and enhanced open public spaces, and new affordable housing choices.

“Making sure there is alignment between future plans for the health precinct and the future plans for the station is important so they are working together in the best interests of the future of the city.

“We need to make sure we have enough housing closer to where people work, and easily accessible health infrastructure.”

Appeal to locate missing girl – East Maitland

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a young girl missing from the states Hunter Valley region.

Penelope Lowa, aged 11, was last seen in East Maitland, about 7pm yesterday (Wednesday 23 April 2025).

When she was unable to be located or contacted, officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were notified, and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

Police and family hold concerns for Penelope’s welfare due to her young age.

Penelope is described as Caucasian appearance, 170cm tall, of thin build and dark brown shoulder length hair.

It is not known what she was is wearing.

Penelope is known to frequent the East Maitland, Maitland, Newcastle and Sydney CBD areas.

Man dies after being shot during fight at Newcastle

overnight.

Emergency services were called to the Bar Beach carpark on Memorial Drive about 11.40pm (Wednesday 23 April 2025), and found a man with a gunshot wound.

NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the man, but he died at the scene.

A crime scene has been established by officers attached to Newcastle City Police District.

Police have been told a group of people were fighting in the car park when a white SUV drove up and a man armed with a firearm got out, fired, and left in the vehicle.

The victim has yet to be formally identified but was believed to be aged 18.

An investigation is now underway involving detectives from Newcastle, assisted by the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad.

Man charged over alleged attempted murder – Lake Macquarie PD

A Lake Macquarie man has been charged over the alleged attempted murder of a man following an investigation by police.

Police will allege that about 10.30am yesterday (Tuesday 22 April 2025), a 35-year-old man allegedly attempted to suffocate a 71-year-old man known to him at a home at Macquarie Hills.

The 71-year-old man left the location and was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics.

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were later notified of the incident and commenced an investigation.

Following inquiries, the 35-year-old man was arrested at a home on Taranaki Place, Macquarie Hills, shortly after 5am today (Wednesday 23 April 2025).

He was taken to Belmont Police Station where he was charged with attempt to strangle/suffocate with intent to murder (DV).

He was refused bail to appear before Belmont Local Court tomorrow (Thursday 24 April 2025).

Coalition to get Road Safety Back on Track

An elected Dutton Coalition Government will take decisive action to reverse Australia’s worsening road safety crisis, with a comprehensive package of measures to make our road network safer and more productive for all Australians.

A Coalition Government is committing:

$250 million increase to the Roads to Recovery program, immediately lifting funding to $1 billion per year commencing 2025-26, helping local governments maintain and upgrade safer local roads;

$10 million to establish a new Driver Reviver Site Upgrades program, supporting volunteer and community organisations to improve existing driver reviver rest stops and establish new ones; and

$6 million over three years to expand the scope of the Australian Transport Safety Bureau to oversee a national no-fault crash investigation pilot, to better understand the root causes of crashes and identify mitigation strategies.

Recent data from the Australian Automobile Association shows that 2024 was the deadliest year on Australian roads since 2012. The objective of the National Road Safety Strategy 2021-30 is to halve road deaths, yet the road toll last year was 18.5 per cent higher than when the strategy began.

Leader of the Opposition, the Hon Peter Dutton MP, said improving road safety was critical.

“In 2021, the Coalition Government led the development of a National Road Safety Strategy in partnership with all states and territories, to reduce road trauma and save lives. Yet, in recent years, road fatalities have steadily increased. Australia is now further from achieving the Strategy’s goals than ever before. Our roads are deteriorating, and the consequences are devastating.

“Last year alone, 1,300 Australians lost their lives on the road. Every life lost on our roads is a tragedy, and behind every statistic is a grieving family and a devastated community.

“As we head into the Easter long weekend, this is a timely reminder for everyone to please stay safe on the roads.”

Shadow Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Mr Tony Pasin MP, said Australia’s road safety crisis required national leadership.

“Under our plan, we will make road safety a priority and gain a better understanding of the causes behind the alarming trend towards year on year increases in road deaths.,” Mr Pasin said.

“We have listened to the community and road safety experts, and we will set the wheels of change in motion to arrest the rising road toll and get the National Road Safety Strategy back on track.”

A Dutton Coalition Government will act decisively to reduce road trauma, support local infrastructure, and restore national leadership on road safety.

Labor to deliver $2.6 million to street side medics

A re-elected Albanese Labor Government will deliver $2.6 million over four years to Street Side Medics.

Street Side Medics is a free mobile GP service that provides health services to people experiencing homelessness across New South Wales and Victoria.

Since 2022-23, the organisation has delivered 902 clinics, more than 5,050 GP consultations and had more than 11,780 total patient interactions.

They deliver services including health examinations, immunisations, pathology services, nutritional advice and minor surgical procedures.

This election commitment will provide Street Side Medics additional funding to continue delivering mobile medical services in NSW and Victoria across Woolloomooloo, Manly, Parramatta, Hornsby, Blacktown, Surry Hills, Marrickville, Wollongong, Melbourne CBD and St Kilda.

It will also support the organisation to expand to new locations, strengthen existing services to meet rising demand and invest in workforce development.

Homelessness is the tough reality for too many Australians. The Albanese Labor Government is making meaningful progress in tackling it. Among our measures is the $9.3 billion, 5-year National Agreement on Social Housing and Homelessness.

This provides funding to the states to help those who are either experiencing or at risk of homelessness and supports the effective functioning of Australia’s social housing and homelessness services sectors.

Consistent with past practice, election commitments will be delivered in line with the Commonwealth Grants Rules and Principles.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“I was given the great privilege of launching Street Side Medics in Melbourne in 2024.

“This program began with Dr Nour and his vision to ensure people who are experiencing homelessness don’t fall through the cracks and miss out on the healthcare they need.

“So much stems from the barriers that stand between homeless people and access to medical care. Barriers that span the spectrum from cost, to lack of awareness, to mistrust of the medical system.

“Street Side Medics erase those barriers. I am so proud to announce Labor will deliver $2.6 million to ensure these vital services continue.”

Health Minister Mark Butler:

“Street Side Medics has provided medical support for people experiencing homelessness for years.

“Their vans provide mobile medical services, and they do a fantastic job.

“Labor is proud to support the incredible work of Dr Nour and his team of hundreds of volunteers who provide care to those facing disadvantage.”

Dr Daniel Nour, Founder of Street Side Medics:

“I founded Street Side Medics with a simple belief: that no one should be denied healthcare because of their circumstances. Today’s announcement allows us to carry that mission even further.

“Healthcare access should never be a privilege. This funding ensures that thousands of vulnerable Australians can receive the care they deserve, right where they are.

“We’re deeply grateful to the Albanese Labor Government for recognising that health equity is a national priority – this support will help us change and save lives.”