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Free family fun is off and racing this school holidays from 28 September to 9 October and Sydney is keeping pace with a variety of free activities guaranteed to keep kids active curious and having fun.

Families looking for inspiration these spring holidays can explore a huge range of fun and affordable adventures, hands-on learning experiences and outdoor activities to keep children active, engaged and entertained throughout the break.

The Minns Labor Government has brought together school holiday activities from across Sydney’s public spaces, making it easier for families to discover what’s happening and plan their days out.

We’re kicking school holidays off with a bang with the free Unbound Street Performance Festival bringing The Rocks to life with roaming performers, vibrant installations and unexpected moments on the 26th and 27th of September from 10am to 7pm.

Making its debut these school holidays, Big Factory Ideas on October 3rd and 4th from 11am to 3pm at Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour, is a free, hands-on outdoor program combining science, technology, creativity and engineering through interactive experiences for curious young minds.

Darling Harbour is also hosting Little Chef at Darling Square from the 3rd to 11th of October a free cooking experience for budding chefs, featuring a special guest appearance from young chef and entrepreneur Morgan Hipworth.

The Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan is alive with colour for the Paper Daisy Spring Festival which on weekends rolls out live music performances, lawn games, free kids craft activities, bookable painting experiences and a host of food and beverage options every weekend between 10am and 3pm until 11 October.

Take the kids down to Moore Park to meet some furry friends for a free Petting Zoo everyday from 10am to 12pm from Monday 28 September until Friday 9 October (excluding 3rd, 4th and 5th of October).

Staying active and having fun is the name of the game at Sydney Olympic Park, with a host of always free activities including

Families can also use the break to explore these attractions which are always free:

• Swimming at Marrinawi Cove
• Staying active at Sydney Olympic Park on the Haslams Pump Track, Disc Golf at Newington Armory and a number of lookouts, boardwalks or cycle tracks.
• Exploring the world class Botanic Gardens, in the centre of Sydney or in Mount Annan and Mount Tomah.
• Enjoying nature play at Ian Potters Children’s WILD play garden at Centennial Park open daily from 10am to 5pm
• Getting back to nature by walking, cycling and playing at Lizard Log in Western Sydney Parklands.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“We’re putting the free back into family fun these school holidays making sure there’s plenty of activities to keep kids active and curious during the school holidays without opening their wallets.

“From cooking classes to spring festivals and street performers taking over The Rocks there’s something for everyone.”

Every public primary school student in New South Wales will receive access to high-quality music lessons each year and the opportunity to learn a musical instrument under a new 10-year music education plan.

The Minns Labor Government’s ‘Time for Music’ plan will deliver better and fairer access to music lessons and musical activities for students from Kindergarten through to Year 6, improving the quality and consistency of music education in NSW public primary schools.

‘Time for Music’ is designed to work alongside the new Creative Arts Kindergarten to Year 6 syllabus and will embed music instruction in NSW public primary schools, ensuring every student can access a high-quality music education, no matter where they live or go to school.

The landmark plan will provide teachers with additional professional learning, and the dedicated tools and resources required to support them to deliver music lessons, backed by a dedicated music education framework.

Over the next 10 years the plan will bring musicians, tutors, and industry experts into classrooms to work alongside and mentor teachers and expand access to co-curricular activities including school bands and choirs. The plan will be deliberately staged over the next 10 years to build the capability of schools and teachers to implement it sustainably and embed change long-term.

The ‘Time for Music’ plan delivers on key recommendations from the 2024 Joint Select Committee on Arts and Music Education that found every child in NSW deserves the benefits of a high-quality creative arts education, including music, and will be guided by an industry advisory group.

The plan complements the Minns Labor Government’s ‘Inspire’ program, which is embedding high potential and gifted education programs into every NSW public school. The ‘Inspire ’ program provides opportunities for local public schools to nurture their students’ talent and potential as part of a well-rounded high-quality public education.

The Minns Labor Government’s commitment to support students to reach their full potential is backed by a strengthened teaching workforce across NSW.

Under the Minns Labor Government more than 25,000 teachers and school support staff have transitioned from uncertain temporary contracts to permanent employment.

This follows the Minns Labor Government’s abolition of the Liberals and Nationals wages cap, delivering NSW 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 NSW 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:

“The Minns Labor Government wants every student to have access to a high-quality music education, no matter where they live.

“That’s why we’re backing teachers with practical teaching resources and professional learning so they can confidently deliver music education and provide opportunities for students beyond the classroom.

“The Minns Labor Government is rebuilding the public education system, and ensuring every student can pursue their aspirations and talent through a comprehensive music education.”

Minister for the Arts and Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham said:

“We went to the last election promising a parliamentary inquiry into the state of arts and music education, to inform a comprehensive plan to give the next generation of young Australian talent the start they deserve. This plan is the result of that work.

“We know how transformative arts and music education can be, improving students learning outcomes, opening their minds to new experiences and opportunities, and developing life-long audiences.

“That is why we want to ensure that all children, regardless of their postcode or their family’s income bracket, can have access to high-quality arts and music education.”

Parliamentary Secretary for the Arts Julia Finn said:

“Children in Western Sydney and regional New South Wales deserve the same creative opportunities as other students across our state.

“The Minns Labor Government’s plan will give local public primary schools the resources they require to reinvigorate their school bands and choirs, improving a love of music in all public school children.”

Reforms strengthening NSW’s justice system and bail framework have passed NSW Parliament.

The Justice Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous) Bill (No 2) 2026, which also improves existing legal frameworks and court processes for children and adults, passed Parliament yesterday afternoon.

Strengthening the bail framework 

The legislation extends section 22C of the Bail Act 2013 which has helped disrupt high-risk offending and stabilise youth crime rates since its introduction in 2024.

The bail test for young people charged with repeat car theft and break and enter offences requires a judge to have a high degree of confidence the accused will not offend while on bail.

The Government previously sought to extend the laws until April 2028 and last year opposed an amendment by the Coalition and the Greens to shorten the sunset period to October this year.

The legislation also helps ensure residential rehabilitation facilities are operating in line with court and community expectations.

Courts will now be required to explicitly consider a facility’s ability to adequately supervise someone when making bail decisions.

Keeping the community safe

The reforms mean offenders sentenced to life imprisonment since NSW’s 1990 ‘truth in sentencing’ reforms can never be released or seek to have their sentences redetermined.

Some of NSW’s worst murderers, who have been sentenced to life with a judicial recommendation they never be released, will also no longer be able to apply for a review of their sentence.

Preventative detention powers relating to terrorism have been extended for another three years.

The Terrorism (Police Powers) Act 2002 allows police to detain someone for up to 14 days to help prevent or preserve evidence in relation to a terrorist attack. Without this extension, the powers would have sunset in December.

Protecting vulnerable complainants

Alternative verdicts will now be available for a wider range of sexual offences against children, young people in care and people with a cognitive impairment.

These complainants are especially vulnerable in the justice system, and the change helps ensure greater consistency in sexual assault trials.

Protections for child sexual assault complainants under the age of 16 will also be extended to reduce trauma. 

Attorney General Michael Daley said: 

“These reforms extend youth bail laws we know are working and preventative terrorism detention powers to help keep the community safe.

“They also give courts clearer guidelines when it comes to bail to residential rehabilitation and ensures those who are sentenced to life imprisonment can never be released.

“The legislation includes important changes to better protect vulnerable complainants such as children and people with a cognitive impairment in the criminal justice system.”

The Bankstown community is being called on to help shape a new public park where they can relax, play and gather in the heart of the city.

The West Terrace Park is being delivered as part of a $520 million investment in public spaces in the Transport Oriented Development (TOD) Accelerated Precincts and all community feedback will help inform the park’s concept design, which is expected to be released in early 2027.

The park will provide quality green open space to support the more than 18,000 homes and 25,000 jobs that have been unlocked in through the Minns Labor Government’s Transport Oriented Development program.

Bankstown is expected to be home to another 46,000 people by 2036, and the Minns Labor Government is making investments now to match that growth like this park and the new $2 billion Bankstown Hospital which started construction earlier this year.

The park will be located within walking distance of Bankstown city centre and Bankstown Metro station, creating a new destination for people to relax, exercise, connect with nature and spend time with family and friends close to homes, jobs and public transport.

The project will also retain public parking on the site through a new underground car park, while creating significant new public open space.

West Terrace Park is part of a broader transformation of Bankstown, alongside the new Metro and the introduction of a Special Entertainment Precinct, helping create a greener, more vibrant and better-connected city centre.

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure is leading community engagement for the project in partnership with the City of Canterbury Bankstown Council.

West Terrace Park is one of several Parks for People projects being delivered across Sydney’s TOD precincts, including Bella Vista District Park and Kellyville Centre Park.

This is another example of the Minns Labor Government building better communities investing quality green open space to support much needed housing growth.

Consultation is open until 5pm Friday 23 October. For more information, to complete the survey or find a community pop-up session, visit NSW Planning.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“The best parks are designed with communities, not just for them, which is why we want local residents, businesses and community groups to help shape the future of West Terrace Park.

“Bankstown is growing and we’re making sure new homes are matched by investment in the parks, public spaces and community infrastructure people need and want.

“With the Metro connecting Bankstown to more of Sydney, the Special Entertainment Precinct creating more reasons to visit and stay, and a new park providing a place to relax and connect, we’re helping create a city centre that is greener, more vibrant and better connected.”

Member for Bankstown Jihad Dib said:

“West Terrace Park will give the Bankstown community a new place to come together, stay active and enjoy the outdoors right in the heart of the city centre, whilst also maintaining the essential car parking spaces we need.

“I encourage residents, businesses and community groups to get involved and share their ideas so we can create a park that reflects Bankstown’s character, diversity and future.”

A vital transport corridor connecting the Northern Tablelands and Mid North Coast is one step closer to restoration, with Armidale Regional Council awarding the major contract for the $319 million reconstruction of the Kempsey-Armidale Road.

Following a competitive procurement process, Bielby Holdings Pty Ltd has been appointed to deliver extensive restoration works between Big Hill and Blackbird Flat—a stretch severely impacted by landslips and natural disasters since the 2019 bushfires and subsequent floods.  

Jointly funded by the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments, under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements , the awarding of the contract marks the largest Essential Public Asset Restoration project ever undertaken in NSW.

The NSW Reconstruction Authority and Transport for NSW have worked closely with Armidale Regional Council to progress this complex project, providing technical expertise and support through the planning and procurement stages to reach this significant milestone.

The project will restore 43 kilometres of Kempsey-Armidale Road alongside a five-kilometre section of Lower Creek Road, ensuring greater resilience and reliability for local residents, freight, agriculture, and tourism.

Site mobilisation and early works are scheduled to begin in the coming months, with major construction launching in 2027. Peak construction will create over 220 local jobs, with completion targeted for late 2029.

This announcement comes on the back of $4.6 billion in funding for asset restorations and emergency works across NSW in the wake of natural disasters. In the last financial year, the NSW Reconstruction Authority delivered $625 million straight to local communities to get projects moving.

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:  

“After the 2019 bushfires and subsequent flooding in 2020 and 2022, the scale of damage to the Kempsey – Armidale Road corridor was massive. Under the Liberals and Nationals, recovery of the natural disaster damage on the corridor was stalled.  

“Having seen first-hand the impact of the destruction and deterioration of this vital road and the terrible flow-on effect for local people, farmers, freight operators and businesses, the Minns Labor Government worked collaboratively with Council and the Federal Government to ensure that the road could be reopened.  

“The awarding of this contract to deliver the largest ever road reconstruction project ever delivered in NSW, is welcome news and a testament to the collaborative approach that the NSW Labor government has taken to reconnecting our regional, rural and remote communities, impacted by natural disasters.”

Minister for Recovery and the North Coast Janelle Saffin said:

“Awarding this contract is a huge step forward for the region, highlighting our government’s commitment to investing in the essential infrastructure that keeps our communities connected.

“As the largest road reconstruction project ever delivered in New South Wales following a disaster, this landmark $319 million investment reflects just how vital state and federal support is for restoring key regional transport links.

“Communities along the Northern Tablelands and Mid North Coast rely on the Kempsey-Armidale Road every day. Restoring this essential link is about bringing certainty back to the region—supporting local families, boosting businesses, and ensuring everyone has safe, reliable access to services and, most importantly, to each other.”

Armidale Regional Council Mayor Sam Coupland said:

“This is the largest infrastructure project being delivered by a local council, and its importance to our community and the regional economy cannot be overstated.

“Council appreciates the patience and ongoing engagement of residents and businesses throughout what has been a long and challenging recovery process.

“We look forward to working with Bielby to deliver this major project and restore a critical connection for our region.

“A fully restored Kempsey-Armidale Road will improve access for local communities, support agriculture and business, and open up a beautiful part of our region to greater tourism and economic opportunities.”

NSW Reconstruction Authority Executive Director Reconstruction Graham Kennett said:

“This is one of the most significant disaster reconstruction projects underway in NSW, involving complex engineering and construction works across some of the state’s most challenging terrain.

“The appointment of the contractor is a major milestone, allowing us to progress detailed design and prepare for construction of the largest section of the road.

“The NSW Reconstruction Authority will continue to work closely with Armidale Regional Council and the contractor to support delivery of this critical infrastructure and ensure the road is rebuilt to better withstand future natural hazards.” 

More than 5,100 new social, affordable and key worker homes have been delivered across NSW and tens-of-thousands more have been upgraded as the Minns Labor Government delivers on its promise to rebuild the state’s public housing system.

The Minns Labor Government established the $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW program in June 2024 with the stated goal of delivering 8,400 new homes and over 33,000 upgrades.

Half of those new homes will be dedicated to women and children fleeing domestic violence.

It remains the single largest investment in social housing in the state’s history and is helping meet growing demand, improving living conditions for tenants, and extend the life of existing housing stock.

Two years into the program, the results show that social housing is growing again with thousands of new homes and significant upgrades to the existing housing stock.

Halfway Report Card:

• Total delivery: Since being elected in early 2023, the Minns Labor Government has delivered 5,175 social, affordable, key worker homes and long term vacant homes brought back into use.
• FY2025-26: Homes NSW delivered a total of 1,757 homes including social and affordable housing, key worker homes, and vacant restorations, another record-breaking year of completions.
• Upgrades: Between 1 July 2024 and 30 June 2026, Homes NSW Housing Portfolio completed 25,752 public housing upgrades towards the 30,000 Building Homes for NSW target, representing more than three-quarters of the upgrade target.
• Aboriginal Housing Office results: Between 1 July 2024 and 30 June 2026, the AHO completed 2,129 upgrades towards the 3,500 Building Homes for NSW target, more than 60% of the upgrade target.

These results mark a significant turnaround from the former Liberal-National government, who oversaw the selloff of more than 7,600 homes and assets – worth almost $3.6 billion – and left the state’s public housing system in decline as housing demand continued to grow.

While significant progress has been made, the NSW Government acknowledges there is more work to do to address housing need across the state and continues to get on with the job of delivering new homes while modernising and improving existing properties.

Homes NSW has more than 1,000 new social homes currently under construction and more than 1,000 additional social homes approved for construction.

Alongside record investment in building new homes, the Government is also investing in homelessness services and prevention initiatives through the NSW Homelessness Strategy 2025-2035, helping ensure experiences of homelessness rare, brief and non-recurring.

Together these investments for part of a broader housing agenda to boost supply, improve affordability and ensure more people have access to a safe and secure home.

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson:

“This milestone is about more than numbers. It’s about a public housing system moving forward again after years of decline. It’s about every family or individuals who has a better, safer and more secure place to call home.

“Building Homes for NSW is the biggest investment in social housing in a generation and it is my great privilege to see more and more homes under construction right across the state for those who need it most.

“For too long, public housing was allowed to deteriorate while demand continued to grow. We’re not just building new homes; we’re upgrading thousands of existing properties and investing in the people and communities who depend on them.

“Today is a great day to reflect on how far we’ve come already, but it’s certainly not job done. I want everyone who is currently on the waitlist to know that we have literally thousands more homes in the pipeline.”

Legislation giving law enforcement stronger powers to investigate and disrupt organised crime and increasing penalties for those who facilitate serious offending have passed NSW Parliament.

The Crimes and Other Legislation Amendment (Further Organised Crime Reforms) Bill 2026 passed Parliament last night. It included new powers for the NSW Crime Commission and NSW Police to combat organised crime. It also introduces tougher penalties for those who plan and facilitate organised crime murders and exposes children who carry out shootings or firebombings to adult maximum penalties.

Strengthening the Crime Commission

The package gives the Crime Commission the ability to compel suspects to hand over their digital devices immediately to prevent the destruction of crucial evidence.

Previously, the Crime Commission could require someone to provide a device or document and bring it to a hearing. But it could not compel them to provide access at the point of being served a summons.

The change means suspects will not be able to hide or destroy evidence in the lead up to a hearing. Those who refuse to comply face up to four years’ jail, a $4,400 fine or both and can be held in contempt of the Crime Commission.

The legislation also doubles maximum penalties to 10 years for failing to comply with Crime Commission orders – including refusing to answer questions, obstructing investigations or giving false and misleading evidence.

Expanded police powers

Police can more quickly access suspects’ phones. New Digital Evidence Access Orders allow police to compel access to assist with organised crime investigations including drug or illicit tobacco, firebombings and public shootings.

Previously, someone could only be ordered to unlock a device if it was seized as part of a search or crime warrant.
Police will also be able to access unredacted images from public toll road cameras if they’re investigating serious indictable offences or missing persons cases.

Police will initially have access to these images on the Sydney Harbour Bridge and in the Sydney Harbour Tunnel before access is expanded to other public roads.

The legislation also introduces Interim Serious Crime Prevention Orders allowing police to immediately restrict the activities of high-risk suspects while they apply to the court for a final order.

Restrictions can include limiting who someone can associate with, where they go and conditions about access to devices, the internet and tech platforms.

The new powers are accompanied by an additional $15 million to help crack encrypted devices and digital platforms linked to organised crime and more than $108 million in the 2026-27 Budget for technology upgrades.

Tougher consequences for organised crime

The legislation expands NSW’s existing Serious Children’s Indictable Offence (SCIO) scheme to cover additional offences linked to organised crime including shootings and firebombings.

The four additional SCIOs brings to 55 the number of serious offences in NSW requiring children to be tried or sentenced as adults in District or Supreme courts where they face higher maximum penalties.

Criminals who are involved in planning a murder also face increased maximum penalties up to life imprisonment even if they do not carry out the killing.

Additional offences will be created targeting those who administer or encourage the use of digital platforms to arrange or facilitate organised crime.

Face matching

The reforms facilitate NSW’s participation in the Commonwealth’s face-matching regime to help prevent stolen identity documents being used for organised crime.

Transport for NSW will be able to securely share driver licence and photo card imagines through a centralised Commonwealth database to help prevent fraud.

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:

“This suite of reforms gives our law enforcement agencies the powers they need to tackle organised crime at every turn.

“NSW Police are relentless. With more than 800 arrests and 2100 charges under their belt as part of Taskforce Falcon, they will stop at nothing to keep our communities safe.

“Organised criminals are coordinated and these extraordinary powers will only build on NSW Police’s efforts to arrest, disrupt and dismantle organised criminal networks and put them before the courts.”

Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“This important legislation gives law enforcement they need to hold organised criminals to account and ensures they face tougher consequences for unacceptable violence.

“We are making sure our laws keep pace with the evolving tactics used by organised criminals and their associates to plan, facilitate and evade detection for heinous crimes.”

Passengers on selected NSW TrainLink services will soon be able to access free onboard Wi-Fi as part of a new trial aimed at improving digital connectivity across regional NSW. Transport for NSW will trial Low Earth Orbit satellite technology combined with 4G/5G cellular communications on two NSW TrainLink long-distance trains from late 2026, supporting the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to improve the experience for regional train service passengers. The three-month trial will be delivered by UK-based company Motion Applied Ltd, through its Australian subsidiary MA Connected Intelligence Pty Ltd, which was awarded the Proof-of-Concept contract following a highly competitive procurement process. The company has experience delivering similar rail connectivity solutions in the United Kingdom, Germany and the United States, and will support detailed design and delivery activities through a Sydney-based team. During the three-month trial, passengers will be able to access free Wi-Fi on two trains that will be fitted with the technology: • One Xplorer train that can operate on routes including between Sydney and Canberra, Broken Hill, Griffith and Moree/Armidale. • One XPT train that can operate on routes including between Sydney and Melbourne, Brisbane, Casino, Grafton and Dubbo. The trial will test how onboard communications technology performs across a range of regional, rural and interstate rail routes, including areas where mobile coverage can be limited. Low Earth Orbit satellites sit much closer to Earth than traditional satellites, allowing faster and more reliable internet connectivity. The Wi-Fi solution combines satellite connectivity with 4G and 5G mobile networks, automatically switching to the strongest available signal without interrupting the user experience. Special equipment installed on the roof of the train will connect to the satellite constellation and ground-based mobile networks, while onboard Wi-Fi access points and antennas will distribute the signal throughout the train. The trial builds on previous connectivity initiatives delivered through the Regional Digital Connectivity Trials program, including: • Free Wi-Fi at Nambucca Heads Station • Free Wi-Fi and cellular repeaters on the Dubbo to Broken Hill coach service

Cellular repeaters on selected Southern Highlands, South Coast and Hunter Line intercity services. A similar six-week trial on a NSW TrainLink coach service testing Starlink connectivity between Dubbo and Broken Hill in 2023 showed promising results, delivering more consistent connectivity than mobile networks alone through areas known for coverage black spots. The current NSW TrainLink XPT and Xplorer fleet was built decades before onboard Wi-Fi became common. While the trains’ tinted windows improve passenger comfort, they can also reduce mobile phone signal strength, making connectivity challenging on long-distance journeys. Usage and passenger feedback will help inform future decisions on a potential wider rollout. The trial is a fully funded $1.5 million Digital Connectivity project. Minister for Roads and Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison said: “We’re bringing free Wi-Fi to selected regional train services, helping passengers stay connected, get work done and keep in touch with family and friends on longer journeys. “For far too long, passengers have been left to deal with limited or no connection while traveling on regional trains. The Minns Labor Government is committed to fixing this. “We’ll use this Wi-Fi trial to listen to feedback and use the results to understand what works, where the technology performs best, and what’s needed for a wider rollout. “This is about delivering a better passenger experience today, while also gathering the evidence needed to plan for the future of regional rail.” Chief Executive of NSW TrainLink, Roger Weeks said: “While some passengers enjoy the ‘digital detox’ of having to switch off during their regional rail journey, increasingly it is important for people to stay connected during travel, for work, family and health reasons. “We are excited to run this trial on two of our trains which will help us determine how digital connectivity technology performs in real-world conditions and provide valuable data on passenger Wi-Fi usage and demand. “It’s another way we are listening to passenger feedback and responding to make journeys with NSW TrainLink as comfortable, reliable and appealing for the community, as we continue to connect people all over the state and interstate to more than 365 destinations.”