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The Minns Labor Government is appealing to people across the Illawarra and South Coast to change a child’s life by becoming a foster carer, with over 50 local children needing foster care.

Right now, there are 37 children in the Illawarra and 14 children on the South Coast who cannot live safely with their families and need the love and stability provided by foster carers.

There is an acute need for all types of foster carers on the South Coast, where a shortage of local carers means that children may need to live further from family and friends.

Across the Illawarra there are sibling groups, some with children under 5 years old, who often wait the longest for a suitable home so that they can stay together.

There is also need for more local respite carers. Becoming a respite carer is a great way to start fostering children, by providing just a few days of care for kids to help other foster carers.

The Minns Labor Government is delivering historic investment to boost the training, support and financial assistance to better equip foster carers to support the children in their care. 

This year, the Foster Care Allowance was increased by 20 per cent and the emergency carer payment was more than doubled to $200 per child. 

This is the first time these payments have been increased in over two decades.

To learn more about becoming a foster carer, visit nsw.gov.au/fostercare.

Minister for Families and Communities Kate Washington said: 

“We are asking more people in the Illawarra and South Coast to become foster carers to help vulnerable kids across the region.

“There are many ways you can provide foster care – emergency, respite, short term and long term. Even by offering a few days or weeks of care over the holidays, you can become part of the village that vulnerable children need to thrive. 

“The Minns Labor Government is delivering more support for foster carers because we value and respect the critical role they play – opening their hearts and homes to kids in care.”

Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said:

“Our government is delivering reforms that better support people becoming foster carers, because we want more safe homes for kids across our communities, including throughout the Illawarra.”

Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson said:

“Foster carers come from all walks of life. You can do it from a few days to a few weeks, but it takes a village to raise a child, and we need to wrap our local village around these vulnerable kids.”

Member for Kiama Katelin McInerney said: 

“I’m proud that we are delivering increased support for foster carers, including the first real increase to the foster care allowance in over two decades.

“We are part of an incredibly generous community, and I would urge anyone who has ever considered fostering kids in need of some love and a safe place to call home, now is the time to make the enquiry.”

Member for the South Coast Liza Butler said: 

“There’s a real need for more people to become foster carers on the South Coast. We want local kids to stay connected to their community, family and friends and we need more foster carers to make it happen.”

Member for Monaro Steve Whan said:

“We need people in our communities to make room for vulnerable children who can’t live safely with their own families. The government cannot do this alone but we’re providing increased support for the generous people who can care for these kids.”

Secretary of the Department of Communities and Justice Michael Tidball said: 

“We are focused on recruiting more foster carers in the Illawarra and South Coast, so local children who cannot live safely at home can remain close to their schools, friends, culture and support networks.”

“We have a particular need for carers who can support sibling groups and respite carers who can provide valuable support to existing foster families.”

“Foster carers are never expected to do this alone. DCJ provides training, practical assistance, financial support and access to dedicated caseworkers who walk alongside carers every step of the way.”

The Minns Labor Government is accelerating the transformation of both the Western Sydney Aerotropolis and Bradfield City into a nationally significant centre for industry and innovation, with construction commencing today on a new state-of-the-art building at Bradfield City and the approval of a new $1 billion industrial estate in the Aerotropolis.

Marking another major milestone in the delivery of Australia’s first new city in 100 years, Bradfield City’s Second Building is dedicated to building sovereign manufacturing capability, attracting advanced industries and creating high-value jobs in Western Sydney.

The purpose-designed 7,000 square metre building will house Australia’s first commercial Semiconductor Advanced Packaging Facility, providing local businesses with access to the world-class advanced semiconductor packaging, micro-electronics and precision manufacturing capabilities needed to commercialise Australian innovations onshore.

Advanced semiconductors are a critical supply chain for advanced technologies and industries which Sydney already excels in. There are only about 13 of these in the world.

Having this facility in Bradfield City will mean that technology that is developed in Australia can be industrialised here, when historically those innovations go overseas.

Featuring ISO 5 cleanroom laboratories supported by advanced microscopy, electronics, taping and dicing capabilities, the facility will help drive breakthroughs in critical fields such as quantum computing, photonics, sensing, communications and medtech.

The new building will also include:

• A second advanced manufacturing hall to expand the capabilities of the initial Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility (AMRF) opened last year, helping businesses develop, test and scale new technologies more quickly.
• Commercial office and collaboration space for businesses in high-growth sectors to locate within Bradfield City’s growing innovation ecosystem.

Delivered by leading Australian builder Hansen Yuncken, the Second Building will be located next to the first AMRF facility already operating in the heart of Bradfield City.

The combined $300 million NSW Government investment across the two facilities will create the type of industry enabled environment found in leading innovation precincts around the world.

This will attract local and global businesses across semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, aerospace, defence and robotics, education and research, cleantech, and modern construction, supporting a critical mass of advanced industry activity in Western Sydney and the delivery of new jobs and economic opportunities for the region.

Bradfield City sits alongside a growing pipeline of private investment and development across the broader Western Sydney Aerotropolis, including a new $1 billion industrial estate given planning approval earlier this week.

Jointly owned by Uni Super and IFM Investors, Burrah Park is the largest industrial estate approved in the Aerotropolis to date and is expected to create more than 6,300 ongoing jobs in freight, logistics, advanced manufacturing and high-technology industries when finalised in 2032.

The proposal includes early commitments from international logistics giant DHL Supply Chain (Australia), which plans to establish a world-class 24/7 warehouse and distribution operation within the estate.

Designed as a next-generation industrial estate, the plans integrate sustainability, smart technology and 26 hectares of dedicated parklands for conservation, recreation and community use. These spaces will be open to workers, residents and visitors, offering places to be active, relax and enjoy.

The concept proposal for the entire estate has been approved, as well as the first stage of the development which involves the construction of three logistics centres and the staged delivery of major infrastructure such as upgrades to Elizabeth Drive and earthworks to support future warehouse and logistics operations.

Burrah Park is the eighth State Significant Development to be approved in the Aerotropolis, which is fast establishing itself as a destination for advanced manufacturing, logistics, technology and industrial investment, supported by the global connectivity provided by Western Sydney International Airport opening this month.

The Aerotropolis will contribute towards 200,000 new jobs in the broader Western Parkland City area, with a $31 billion investment pipeline.

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

“The Minns Labor Government is proud to be creating new opportunities for Western Sydney and ensuring the industries of the future are being built right here in NSW, in the heart of growing communities.

“These investments are driving the creation of jobs, industries and economic opportunities where local residents can build their careers closer to home.”

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a brand-new city from the ground up, and we’re attracting investment and industries that will benefit the region for generations to come.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully said:

“By delivering ambitious projects like the Second Building to house Australia’s first commercial Semiconductor Advanced Packaging Facility, Bradfield City is creating the conditions for advanced industries to invest, innovate and grow in Western Sydney.

“We are also seeing continued investment in the Aerotropolis as a place to do business, with significant investment and development occurring across manufacturing, logistics, technology and industrial sectors.

“Projects like these demonstrate how Bradfield City and Aerotropolis are places where businesses can expand right in the heart of Western Sydney close to a talented, skilled and diverse workforce, supported by world-class infrastructure and growing industry capability.”

Minister for Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement Courtney Houssos said:

“Supporting local manufacturing is critical to building resilience in our supply chains and helping us withstand global shocks.

“The Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility and the Second Building will help deliver high value, skilled jobs and create opportunities for Western Sydney workers to work in advanced industries and drive innovation across the economy.

“This is an important part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to rebuild manufacturing in NSW and support local jobs.”

UniSuper Head of Property, Kent Robbins said:

“We’re very pleased to reach this important milestone. Burrah Park is a premier logistics and industrial and offers unparalleled development flexibility and is primed to benefit from the region’s demographic and economic expansion.”

IFM Investors Chief Investment and Development Officer Real Estate, Will Walker, said:

“Burrah Park offers a once in a generation opportunity to deliver a marquee asset that has been designed to support Australia’s future freight and logistics needs while contributing to the long-term economic development and job creation across Western Sydney.”

After helping nearly 27,000 people overcome barriers to obtain their driver licence, Transport for NSW is launching a new initiative to train Aboriginal driving instructors, boosting access to culturally safe licensing support in communities across the state.

Established as part of Transport for NSW’s successful Driver Licensing Access Program (DLAP), this Australian-first initiative supports Aboriginal people to become qualified instructors, enabling them to help people in their communities learn to drive and gain their licence.

The first cohort includes 20 Aboriginal participants from the Far West, Western, Northern and Southern regions of NSW. Once training is complete, the initiative will expand to more communities across the state.

Aboriginal driving instructors bring local knowledge, cultural understanding and trusted relationships that can make the learning experience more accessible and supportive for people working towards their licence.

By investing in Aboriginal leadership, the initiative will strengthen access to culturally safe driver licensing support, while creating qualifications that provide pathways to long-term employment.

For more than a decade, the Driver Licensing Access Program has helped remove barriers to licensing by supporting people build the skills, confidence and driving experience needed to obtain a driver licence.

Funded through the NSW Community Road Safety Fund, the program reinvests revenue from road fines into road safety initiatives that help keep communities safe.

Since the program began, almost 27,000 people have been able to achieve their driver licence through more than 258,000 hours of free supervised driving lessons across 19 community-based providers.

For information about the Driver Licensing Access Program, visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/driver-and-rider-licences/driver-licences/driver-licensing-access-program

Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said:

“Everyone deserves the opportunity to gain their licence, and this Australian-first initiative will help more Aboriginal people access culturally safe support from within their own communities.

“By training Aboriginal driving instructors, we’re investing in local leaders, employment and helping break down barriers that prevent people from getting their licence.

“For more than a decade, the Driver Licensing Access Program has helped thousands of people build the skills and confidence they need to drive safely. This initiative builds on that success by putting communities at the centre of licensing support.”

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:

“This empowering initiative will provide meaningful jobs and give Aboriginal people opportunities to deliver driver education for their communities, enabling more people to be independently mobile.

“This is another community-driven solution from the Minns Labor Government that will leave a lasting impact of educational and cultural strength and economic and social independence, supporting our efforts to close the gap for Aboriginal people.”

Transport for NSW Director of Aboriginal Outcomes Jaymee Beveridge said:

“By supporting Aboriginal people to become qualified driving instructors, we’re creating meaningful employment opportunities while ensuring communities have trusted local people delivering culturally informed driver education.

“These instructors won’t just be teaching people how to drive. They’ll become mentors, role models and leaders who are creating opportunities for others while building stronger communities for the future.” 

The NSW Government’s H5 bird flu surveillance and monitoring program has confirmed a second positive case of H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza in a second wild migratory seabird.

Samples from a Giant Petrel found on Bennetts Beach, Hawks Nest tested positive for H5 at the CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP).

This follows preliminary testing at the NSW Government’s laboratory at Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute (EMAI).

A national surveillance plan is in operation monitoring for detections and facilitating rapid response.

The Giant Petrel was found following a report made by a member of the public.

Surveillance operations are continuing across the state, and the Emergency Animal Disease hotline covering call-ins on potential birds spotted by the public or non-government organisations has been operating since June.

There are no signs of any mass mortality in the area or anywhere else in NSW and surveillance is continuing so we can detect any further cases early.

Importantly, there have still been no detections of H5 in commercial poultry, native birds or any other animals in NSW, and the risk to human health remains low.

The State Coordination Centre has been operating at the Department of Primary Industry and Regional Development (DPIRD)’s Orange Agricultural Institute since 19 June 2026.

If you notice sick or dead birds or other animals, you should not touch them or get too close. Record your location and report it to the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease (EAD) Hotline on 1800 675 888.

For more information visit: birdflu.gov.au

Acting Minister for Agriculture Yasmin Catley said:

“This is the second wild migratory bird to test positive however it is important to note that to date, H5 has not been detected in native birds or commercial poultry flocks in NSW.

“The detection of this bird demonstrates the Government’s increased and targeted surveillance and monitoring program is working as intended.

“The NSW Government has been preparing for a situation like this, and we remain well equipped to manage further impacts. Our State Coordination Centre has been operating since June and we are continuing to work closely with the Commonwealth Government.

“If you encounter a suspected sick bird, avoid contact and report it immediately to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline.”

NSW Chief Veterinary Officer Jo Coombe said:

“This positive case is not unexpected, given the location and it shows that our enhanced surveillance is working.

“I would like to remind everyone that importantly, bird flu has not been detected in commercial poultry flocks, captive birds or any other birds native to NSW.

“We are continuing to work closely with Australian and State and Territory governments plus industry, agriculture and wildlife organisations. The risk to human health remains low.

“I would like to thank the public for their vigilance in avoiding contact with sick or dead wildlife and their environment, recording what they are seeing and reporting any unusual sickness or mortality to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline.

“Our surveillance operations with Local Land Services and National Parks and Wildlife Service field officers are underway and use innovative spatial mapping tools, decision-support systems and response databases to enable rapid and targeted action.”

Emergency response across southern NSW has been given a major boost with the completion of a state-of-the-art upgrade to the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) Southern Zone Headquarters.

The Minns Labor Government is investing $24 million to upgrade five NSW SES Zone Headquarters across the state, with Wagga Wagga now home to one of the most advanced emergency coordination facilities in regional NSW.

From major floods events to severe storms, the new headquarters will support emergency operations across one of NSW’s largest and most diverse regions, helping coordinate responses, during and after disasters.

The redeveloped facility on Fernleigh Road features a purpose-built, Level 3 Incident Control Centre (ICC), expanded training spaces, and modernised operational facilities designed to manage large-scale emergencies.

A Level 3 ICC is a facility used to accommodate an Incident Management Team (IMT) during preparation for or response to a large or complex incident (storm of flooding event).

The NSW SES Southern Zone covers a large footprint, spanning 27 Local Government Areas and 43 NSW SES Units across the Lachlan, Murrumbidgee, Upper Murray, and Central Murray River catchments.

The upgraded, fit-for-purpose hub includes:

• A state-of-the-art Incident Control Centre for seamless multi-agency coordination;
  • Dedicated work zones for specialised flood rescue coordination and public information operations; and
• Upgraded technology and amenities to support volunteers, staff, and partner agencies during prolonged, high-pressure operations.

This significant upgrade equips Southern Zone SES members with the technology and space required to lead major operations and protect communities before, during, and after floods and storms.

Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib:

“The is an investment in preparedness. The outcome of every major emergency depends on good decisions made quickly and this facility will help make that happen.

“The public will often only see the response on the ground, but behind every major emergency is a dedicated team coordinating crews and resources, and making critical decisions.

“This new headquarters at Wagga Wagga strengthens that coordination, helping emergency services support communities more effectively during major incidents.  

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring our emergency services are equipped to meet the challenges of the future to continue protecting the people of NSW.”

Member for Wagga Wagga, Dr Joe McGirr:

“Communities across our region know how vital the SES is during floods and storms. This new HQ ensures our dedicated volunteers have what they need to coordinate major emergency responses.”

NSW SES Commissioner, Mike Wassing AFSM:

“This upgraded facility is a significant investment in the future of emergency management and reflects the growing demands placed on our volunteers and staff.

“The new Level 3 Incident Control Centre gives us the space, technology and capability needed to coordinate large-scale, multi-agency responses to floods, storms and other emergencies.

“Importantly, this headquarters will also support our people outside of major events, providing improved training, planning and operational spaces that strengthen our preparedness year-round.”