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The Port Macquarie community group, Sailability, is calling for volunteers ahead of this year’s sailing season, as the club prepares to take to the Hastings River again on Wednesday 25 September.

Sailability is a volunteer organisation whose mission is to offer people with varying abilities freedom on the water.

The club uses a fleet of specially designed sailing dinghies with simplified controls and enhanced stability to hold weekly sailing days for people living with physical and mental disability.

The club received $55,920 from the NSW Government to extend its carpark and complete landscaping around its new boat shed and accessible amenities block, as well as to install six accessible picnic tables in McInherney Park.

The not-for-profit club is the only organisation of its kind in the area and its 80 volunteers cater to approximately 60 sailors each week.

The group provides its services at no charge, with sailors coming from disability support units at local schools in Port Macquarie, Wauchope, Laurieton and Kempsey, as well as disability service providers, aged care facilities and private enquiries.

Census statistics for show there are approximately 6,000 people with serious or profound disability in the Port Macquarie area, and the club struggles to meet the demand for its services.

People keen to get involved in volunteering with the club can attend McInherney Park on Wednesdays between September and May to learn more, or go to www.sailabilitypm.com.au and click the Contact Us tab.

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“This fantastic community group is really making waves in terms of improving quality of life for people in the Port Macquarie area with disability.

“It’s wonderful to see people experience a sense of achievement and improved self-confidence and self-esteem through their participation in Sailability’s program.”

Parliamentary Secretary for Disability Inclusion, Liesl Tesch* said:

“Sailability is a beacon of hope and inclusion in Port Macquarie. By fostering a sense of belonging on the water, they’re not only enhancing the lives of people with disability but also enriching the entire community.”

“The amazing volunteers at Sailability do such important work helping build confidence and resilience for so many people in the region each week.”

*Liesl Tesch is a seven-time Paralympian including winning two gold medals in sailing

Sailability Port Macquarie volunteer Rick Eller said:

“The club has come a long way from humble beginnings when it launched in December 2012, we were using two borrowed boats at the time, we had a handful of volunteers, and we were borrowing life jackets from the SES or emergency services here in Port Macquarie.

“The best part about working for Sailability is the expressions and the smiles when the people who’ve been sailing come back to the pontoon, that’s what makes it all worthwhile.”

Sailability Port Macquarie Vice President Julie Constable said:

“It’s extremely important that people are aware that people with a disability are very able and keen to get out into society so something like this is off great benefit to the community.”

Case study: Vision impaired sailor – Kathryn Stephens

Sailability Port Macquarie

• Kathryn has been sailing with the Port Macquarie group since it began.
• In October, Kathryn will set course for Southport to compete in the Hansa Class Asia Pacific Championships.
• Kathryn has previously competed in the state para championships, coming second behind the world champion in the doubles.
• She has also placed third in the Middle Harbour Yacht Club inclusive classes regatta alongside a sailing partner from another branch of Sailability.

Kathryn Stephens:

“Participating in sailing has opened up a whole new world of opportunities for me.

“I love the whole idea of being out on the water, the sensation and the sound and just the feel of sailing because I can’t see what I’m doing so it’s all by sound and feel, and just the freedom of being out on the water, it’s a great sensation.

“The people come from all sorts of different backgrounds and interests and it’s just wonderful to catch up with them as well as meeting other sailing participants every week and we just have a great time and it’s a really lovely community and it’s got a really great feel about it.”

The Minns Government is continuing work to support Western NSW communities with the announcement today the $2 million subsidy scheme for commercial flights in Western NSW will continue at least until November 2025.

The agreement will allow for the continuation of subsidies on flights from Dubbo to Bourke, Walgett and Lightning Ridge operated by Air Link and from Sydney to Cobar operated by FlyPelican.

The NSW Government and the Far North-West Joint Organisation (FNWJO) subsidy agreement will provide residents, workers and industry in Western NSW with continued access to air services helping to reduce travel times in rural and remote NSW.

Subsidised air travel is vital for the delivery of essential services such as health, childcare, justice, family and community services, with doctors, specialists, nurses and social workers among the frequent fliers travelling to and from Western NSW.

As part of the Government’s continued commitment to Western NSW, work is also underway to deliver the Regional Development Trust $15 million Airstrips Improvement Package.

The package will upgrade rural and remote airstrips to improve access for emergency services, health professionals and other essential services in some of the most remote parts of the state.

An audit of remote and rural airstrips across 19 local government areas and the unincorporated area in Western NSW is underway to prioritise those most in need of upgrades.

Work on the airstrips and related infrastructure is expected to start before the end of the year.

Minister for Agriculture, Regional NSW and Western NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“For Sydneysiders, air travel is an easily accessible convenience but for people living in Western NSW it is not so easy.

“This funding will help commercial operators offer a two-way service connecting regional NSW with essential workers, trades, and services that they often depend on.

Independent member for Barwon, Roy Butler said:

“Western Air Services flights provide people in remote areas with much-needed access to health services, social engagements, and major economic benefits to our primary industries.

“For many people in my electorate these flights are not a luxury but an absolute necessity, especially given the vast distances people need to cover in the west of the state.

“I want to thank the Minister for her understanding of the importance of this issue when I raised it with her, and for her following through to ensure the continuation of these vital air services.”

Retiring Far North-West Joint Organisation Chairman, Councillor Barry Hollman said:

“This is a very exciting announcement, and I thank the NSW Government and particularly the Minister for Western NSW, the Hon Tara Moriarty, MLC for her responsiveness.

“Just as commuters on the recently opened Metro in Sydney described the new train service as ‘transformational’ and ‘life changing’, the same can be said about the provision of these air services to the remote far North West area of the State.

“The Government has certainly gone the extra mile to assist our remote communities.

Chief Executive Officer, Fly Pelican, Marty Hawley said:

“Today we welcome this announcement from the NSW Government and we look forward to continuing to service these critical flights for the far North West region and its communities.

“Flight services to our remote regions are critical, and we are very pleased with today’s announcement to ensure the far North West region remains connected.”

General Manager, Air Link Airlines, Ron O’Brien said:

“This funding plays a crucial role in maintaining reliable air services that are lifelines for the communities of Bourke, Walgett, and Lightning Ridge.

“Regional air services help to bridge distances and improve quality of life for residents in regional NSW by facilitating economic development and enhanced connectivity for businesses and residents alike.

Global ratings agency Moody’s has maintained NSW’s Triple-A credit rating with a stable outlook, despite the state’s $11.9 billion GST hit from the Commonwealth Grants Commission.

The determination follows the NSW Government’s ongoing work to stabilise the state’s debt.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey announced in the 2024-25 Budget that gross debt is projected to be $9.3 billion lower under this government by June 2026.

In its credit opinion, Moody’s cites the state’s strong governance and management as a factor in its determination.

The stable outlook reflects Moody’s expectation that the large and diverse NSW economy will remain resilient “despite slower growth and higher interest rates, continuing to underpin its capacity to service the state’s growing debt burden.”

Further rationale includes:

• A mature and strong institutional framework within the Commonwealth, including partnership programs.
• A proven history of fiscal resolve and strong liquidity.

Moody’s is clear that considerable challenges remain to the state holding its Triple-A credit rating. 

It states that new recurrent spending and inflation pressures will continue to hinder a return to a net operating surplus.

In addition, Moody’s notes that infrastructure spending will see fiscal deficits persist.

The NSW Coalition delivered the biggest deficits in the state’s history and handed over a record debt that was on track to reach $188 billion.

The Minns Labor Government continues the work of bringing the state’s debt under control.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“This determination is an acknowledgment of the difficult work that has been done to wrangle the state’s debt back under control.

“We accept that stress remains on the Triple-A rating and Moody’s provides a sobering reminder of the work still ahead.”

Minister for Finance Courtney Houssos said:

“The Minns Labor Government will continue to rebuild the state’s finances while delivering targeted cost-of-living relief to families and households across NSW.

“We will maintain our fiscally disciplined approach as we build a better NSW, working hard to repair the public services our communities rely on.”

Early works for Stage 2 of the Manning Base Hospital Redevelopment is set to begin next year, with a project team recommencing work to deliver the redevelopment. 

The NSW Government is investing $180 million in the Lower Mid North Coast Health Service project, bringing together the Manning Hospital Redevelopment Stage 2 and Forster-Tuncurry health facility projects to boost health services for communities across the region. 

Detailed design is completed for Stage 2 of the Manning Base Hospital Redevelopment and the scope includes refurbished and improved inpatient accommodation, improved connectivity across the campus and extended telehealth services.

The Hunter New England Local Health District is undertaking further clinical services planning for the Lower Mid North Coast Health Service project, and recently commenced consultation with staff and stakeholders to support this planning. 

Pending the appointment of a contractor, early works for the redevelopment is expected to start in 2025. This will involve the demolition of the current Administration Building to make way for the construction of the new inpatient accommodation building. 

Some hospital administration staff will be relocated to allow commencement of the demolition works.

The project is being delivered by Health Infrastructure in partnership with Hunter New England Local Health District.

For more information about the project, email HI-manningforster@health.nsw.gov.au or visit hneinfra.health.nsw.gov.au/projects/manningforster.

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park

“The recommencement of the project team for the Manning Base Hospital Redevelopment is an important step, and we are excited to see the Lower Mid North Coast Health Service project moving forward.

“As Regional Health Minister, I’m deeply focused on improving access to care in our regional, rural and remote communities and I’m so thrilled we’re recommencing work on this important project.

“As the project progresses, there will be continuing opportunities for staff, clinicians and the broader community to have input in helping shape the redevelopment.” 

Labor Spokesperson for Myall Lakes Emily Suvaal:

“The investment in the Lower Mid North Coast Health Service Project will enable delivery of modern hospital and health facilities that will help meet the future health needs of communities in Taree and the wider Manning Valley region, including Forster-Tuncurry.

“The Minns Labor Government remains committed to delivering on the health infrastructure and technology our NSW communities so desperately need and deserve.”

A Central Coast business is among one of the first seven NSW food and beverage manufacturers to win a NSW government low interest loan to help boost productivity, create jobs, and deliver advanced manufacturing capabilities.

The loans, delivered as part of the Government’s Regional Development Roadmap, will help boost productivity, create jobs, and deliver advanced manufacturing capabilities. 

East Coast Beverages based in Kulnura, is one of the only family-owned and operated juice companies left in Australia suppling its products to Woolworths, Coles, IGA, SPAR, and Foodworks.

The company will use the loan to install automated technology including high speed conveyors, bottling equipment, and advanced line cleaning systems.

Under the $5 million pilot program, the loans can be used for projects such as installing automated production lines, upgrading bottling lines, or buying equipment that will enable products to be exported more efficiently.

The NSW Government is assisting good businesses grow so they can increase demand for local produce, add value to their products, boosting revenue and creating jobs into their regions.

The food and beverage manufacturing sector is a major employer in regional NSW, which is already home to companies such as Nestle, Ferrero, Stone and Wood, Sanitarium and Simplot Foods.

Last year the sector across NSW had an annual turnover of $42.5 billion and employed more than 66,000 people.

Find out more about the Regional Development Trust Fund.

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“East Coast Beverages is one of the region’s success stories and the Government is committed to helping businesses like this grow, create more jobs and benefit local producers and the community.

“Across the state we are committed to strengthening the farming sector and regional economies by encouraging and assisting local businesses.

“We are always willing to support businesses that add value to local produce, expand their production capacity and employ locals.”

Minister for the Central Coast David Harris said:

“East Coast Beverages is a fantastic family-owned business based in the highly productive Central Coast hinterland, who will continue to go from strength-to-strength with this NSW Government support.

“They are just one of the businesses helping grow the Coast’s considerable renown as a region that produces, manufactures and exports fine food and beverages and adds to the vibrant local foodie scene.”

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said:

“East Coast Beverages is a symbol of all that is wonderful about our Central Coast hinterland, producing high quality products, while creating local jobs and boosting our local economy.

“It has been fantastic to see the rise of East Coast Beverages from a small family-owned and operated local juice company to a dominate player in the Australian juice market and we all love buying their products from outlets across the Central Coast and beyond.

“The NSW Government is committed to supporting our local food and beverage manufacturers such as East Coast Beverages to continue to move from strength to strength with the award of a NSW Government low interest loan.”

Communities impacted by bushfires, floods or severe weather events will be able to stay connected after natural disasters, with a $5 million fleet of new technologies being rolled out by the NSW Government.

In a significant step forward as the bush fire season nears, the technologies will provide backup connectivity for communities and emergency responders.

Cells on Wheels

This includes four Cells on Wheels units, which connect to the internet by satellite to provide free public Wi-Fi access.

Each asset can provide Wi-Fi coverage up to 500 metres away, while units can be linked to cover an even wider area.

Self-powered and mounted on trailers, the units can be dispatched in a matter of hours to provide temporary Wi-Fi connectivity to communities when regular telecommunications infrastructure is damaged or destroyed.

This will provide essential internet access to people so they can contact family, apply for support, access documents, or lodge insurance claims, even when local networks are down.

The Cells on Wheels, also known as COWs, are due to be delivered this summer following the NSW Telco Authority awarding the contract to regional communication specialist Pivotel.

The delivery of the COWs delivers on a Minns Labor Government election commitment as part of the Western Sydney Floods Resilience Plan.

Portable Connection Units

Additionally, Service NSW has introduced eight Portable Connection Units which will provide Wi-Fi internet access in disaster recovery centres for staff and locals.

These are easily transportable and can switch between local mobile networks to provide internet connection for up to 100 devices.

Satellite-enabled Service NSW vehicle

A new satellite-equipped Service NSW vehicle has now hit the road.

Using Starlink satellite technology, this allows a mobile service centre to be established anywhere at any time, with its own independent broadband connection, ready to help customers.

Along with allowing Service NSW to set up temporary offices anywhere, locals will be able to connect to the internet via a public Wi-Fi hotspot.

Public Safety Network

In addition to keeping the community online, the Government is also delivering new technologies to help emergency services personnel get on with their vital work.

The Public Safety Network is the communications network used by emergency services and is critical for keeping emergency and essential services connected during a crisis.

Public Safety Network sites are similar to a mobile phone base station, typically featuring a tower and an equipment shelter.

To quickly restore Public Safety Network outages caused by natural disasters damaging infrastructure, three fire-resistant portable communications shelters can now be deployed.

These will be able to replace destroyed shelters within around a fortnight, greatly reducing the time needed to fully restore a site.

The NSW Telco Authority will also position 18 new trailer generators across the state, ready to be transported to Public Safety Network sites which have lost power in an emergency.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“Telecommunication networks can be limited, damaged or destroyed during emergencies – at a time when they’re needed most.

“We know this adds to stress, with people unable to connect with family members, or access post-emergency information.

“This technology will help people contact loved ones and stay connected in times of need.”

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said:

“When an emergency or natural disaster occurs, connectivity is crucial, and the new technology we are rolling out will make it easier for people to contact loved ones, access support and even commence insurance claims.

“We already have a reliable radio communications system for first responders, but natural disasters can damage this infrastructure. The NSW Government is delivering innovative technologies including COWs and PCUs to provide an important backup when traditional networks are down.

“Whether it’s flooding, fires or extreme weather events, these solutions can be rapidly deployed to impacted areas, helping communities stay connected and get back on their feet.”

Managing Director of NSW Telco Authority Kylie De Courteney said:

“NSW Telco Authority is committed to bringing people and communities back online faster than ever when disaster strikes.

“This investment into innovative technologies means the NSW Government can now better respond during and after a crisis and restore connectivity for community and emergency services alike.”

Chief Executive of Pivotel Peter Bolger said:

“We are immensely proud to be awarded this contract to deploy our broadband Cell on Wheels solution and we commend the NSW Government for leading this groundbreaking initiative in Australia.

“Engineered for rapid deployment, Pivotel’s advanced mobile communication units are critical in bridging the communication gap during disasters like floods and bushfires, ensuring access to continuous and reliable communication services when they’re needed most.”