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Powerhouse Parramatta’s dress rehearsal ahead of historic opening

Seven years after the site was first purchased, Powerhouse Parramatta is counting down the last seven days before its doors open to the public next Saturday, November 7, 2026.

This weekend, Powerhouse Parramatta teams will put their training and detailed preparation into practice, with 3,000 staff, builders, family and friends invited in to help the team put the museum through its paces, testing the new museum building, exhibitions and visitor experience before opening next weekend.

The last of the more than 3,000 objects, including the F1 Rocket, Apollo boilerplate, and Space X debris have been installed. Final testing of audio visuals and interactives, the install of labels, signage and wayfinding are also nearing completion.

Guest services hosts have completed their training, ready to welcome the more than 22,000 visitors registered across next weekend’s opening events. While Western Sydney food producers are working with Simon Sandall and his team to make sure the cafe and restaurant will be ready for opening weekend.

Powerhouse Parramatta will open seven days a week, and during the opening festival, stay open until 9pm from Thursday to Sunday. Monday to Wednesday the museum will open 10am to 5pm.

Sixty-five percent of the opening program events are free, and all people under sixteen years old will receive free entry for all exhibitions.

Tickets are still available for festival events across the opening weekend, and each includes entry to the museum and 4 of its 5 opening exhibitions.

Registration for any of the events during the festival opening and more information is available here.

Task Eternal

  • Visitors will adventure through flight and space, admire aviation achievements, explore engineering masterpieces and consider life off earth – and speculate on just how space debris can be 15,000 km off track and turn up in Snowy Monaro region of NSW.
  • At the top of the 12-metre tower, visitors are invited to step into James Turrell’s extraordinary installation, Shangri La (Over The Hump). The immersive installation tests the viewers perceptions as the horizon shifts and disappears – echoing the disorienting and transcendent conditions associated with flight and the vastness of space.
  • The boilerplate is one of the largest pieces of space hardware of the Apollo era, a major loan from the National Air and Space Museum (NASA).
  • Locals can visit the Burramattagal Boomerang, an object created in Parramatta, held by the British Museum in London and returning to Country in Parramatta for this exhibition.

The Mall

  • Ubiquitous yet understudied, shopping malls are deeply embedded in our collective urban memory. The Mall explores different parts of Western Sydney’s own history and how the world has been shaped by innovations in our own backyard.
  • Visitors will discover familiar or universal items such as the iPhone and cash registers to unlikely or unexpected objects, such as Parra Mall sign and a pair of jeans worn by Steve Jobs. Or iconic Australian brands that speak to youth and identity including Mambo, Hot Tuna, Song for the Mute, Passport and Hard Yakka.
  • The Mall will surprise and spark conversations about shared experiences, memories, or things that have become objects of curiosity.

The Dark

  • Children and carers alike are invited to leave their phones in their pockets and as they step into a magical, dreamlike otherworld filled with glow in the dark objects, crystal caves, mysterious objects that make sounds, and places in their imaginations.
  • Curious eyes will find the smallest and first collected Powerhouse object on display in the Museum in The Dark, a pea specimen from 1882.
  • This dynamic and inspiring exhibition has been made specifically for children 4 – 12, but will engage those much older.

Overflow:

  • A stunning reflection on water with views of the Parramatta River. Acclaimed filmmaker and Kamilaroi man Ivan Sen documented seven communities across NSW as they care for water country.
  • Overflow is grounded in the living principles of Water Country, working with seven Aboriginal organisations to consider the importance and care of salt and freshwater systems throughout NSW.

The Turning:

  • British born Es Devlin’s labyrinth of mirrors and light-filled maze will amaze visitors.
  • Devlin has designed large-scale shows for artists including Beyonce; Adele; Dr Dre, Kendrick Lamar and Eminem’s 2022 Superbowl performance; and U2’s iconic Sphere experience. Devlin’s works have exhibited at London’s Tate Museum and Design Museum.

Key facts

  • More than 400 museum staff have worked over the past three years developing and delivering the five opening exhibitions.
  • Across the opening exhibitions there are 3,000 objects on display, including 1,600 from the Powerhouse’s own collection.
  • The biggest item is the 8400-kilogram F1 rocket in Task Eternal, the smallest object is the first item from the museum’s own collection – a pea specimen from 1882.
  • Powerhouse Parramatta has been delivered on budget and exceeded its $75 million philanthropy target.
  • The total $915 million project budget includes:
    • $144 million – Parramatta site, purchased in April 2019
    • $44 million – new Castle Hill storage facility, opened in March 2024
    • $66.9 million – collection digitisation project, completed in 2024
    • $660.1 million – delivery of Powerhouse Parramatta [includes: Architects fees, base build, fit out, exhibition costs, landscaping, public art], opening November 2026

Minister for the Arts, John Graham said:

“When the doors are opened next weekend, this will be a huge boost to access arts and culture across the city, particularly in Western Sydney. We know the demand is there – fifty per cent of the opening weekend registrations are from Western Sydney.

“The final countdown is on and I think it’s safe to say the community of all ages and interests will be delighted.

“I would like to thank the countless teams who have been involved over the past seven years, from the design and planning, construction, curatorial, collection, community collaborations, installation teams – and so many more. It is a huge collective achievement, and one that we will all enjoy.”

Member for Parramatta, Donna Davis said:

“I can’t wait to see the smiles and wonder on children’s faces as they explore the magical place called The Dark. As the doors of the Powerhouse open, visitors will be transported into other worlds – to space, back in time to Roselands Fountain, or into their imaginations.

“Once the word is out, Powerhouse Parramatta will become a must see for every visitor to Sydney and Western Sydney.”

Parliamentary Secretary for the Arts and Member for Granville, Julia Finn said:

“We know there is a lot of excitement for the opening. So many people have been involved over such a long time in getting us here – the opening will be a great celebration for the people of Western Sydney.”

Interim Chief Executive, Abbie Galvin said:

“Powerhouse Parramatta is the testament to the ambition, vision, dedication and hard work of a lot of people over a very long time. We are in the final stretch and the team are facing this final week of preparation with their trademark steadfast professionalism, calm and care.”

Director of Program Clare Holland said:

“The To Do list is getting shorter! All the teams are focused on making sure every part is perfect for opening. I love watching people’s faces as they see parts of the building, or exhibitions for the first time. I know we’re all looking forward to opening the doors next week so everyone can enjoy Powerhouse Parramatta.”

New South Wales leads push for return to pen and paper NAPLAN writing tests

New South Wales will request the Commonwealth, state, and territory governments consider moving back to handwritten writing tests for students in Years 5, 7, and 9, after recent NAPLAN results reinforced a national decline in writing.

The Minns Labor Government’s push for NAPLAN writing tests to return to pen and paper from 2028 will be on the agenda when national Education Ministers meet on Monday, 2 November.

Currently, Year 3 students complete their writing test on paper, while older students sit the test on a computer.

The Minns Labor Government is leading a renewed national focus on handwriting as concerns grow that the prolonged use of technology in schools is having a negative impact on student learning.

Teachers, principals, and parents have already shared their concerns that online testing in primary school does not reflect the fact that most classroom learning takes place offline.

The Minns Labor Government is taking action to address these concerns and ensure an entire generation of students does not miss out on essential educational foundations.

This includes the introduction of limits on the amount of time students spend on screens in NSW public schools, helping curb excessive screen use, improve attention, and lift educational outcomes.

New guidelines recommend a minimum of one hour a day of learning using pen and paper, reflecting strong evidence of the benefits of writing by hand and reading from paper.

These policies build on and complement actions already taken by the Minns Labor Government to reduce reliance on technology and limit distractions, beginning with the ban on mobile phones in 2023 and recent restrictions on take-home assessments for HSC students to combat the use of AI.

The NSW government’s own research fund assessing the impact of screen use on learning found that only around one-third of parents of primary-school aged children indicated that the benefits of using technology outweigh the disadvantages.

Schools that have already adopted a digital-free approach to learning are seeing the benefits flow through to better educational outcomes.

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

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring New South Wales students build strong foundational writing skills that will set them up for long-term success.

“The evidence from our classrooms points clearly to the ongoing value of handwriting and its importance for student development and engaging a different way of learning.

“We’re listening to teachers and families who want a sensible, balanced approach to technology use in schools.”

2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will travel to Antigua and Barbuda to attend the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) from 31 October to 4 November 2026.

Representatives from over 50 countries are expected to attend the meeting to discuss shared challenges and opportunities under the theme of Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth.

The Commonwealth is a unique and diverse grouping of 56 countries, representing 2.7 billion people from both advanced and developing economies across the world.

This will be Prime Minister Albanese’s second CHOGM after attending the last meeting in Samoa in 2024. This is the first time an Australian prime minister has visited the Caribbean since 2009.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting is an important forum, providing Australia an opportunity to work with some of our closest partners on shared challenges, including climate change, the preservation of our oceans, trade and investment, and the rise of AI.

“It’s also an important opportunity for Australia to advance our campaign for a seat on the United Nations Security Council in 2029-30.

“Our connection to the Commonwealth is deep and enduring – 3.3 million Australians were born in another Commonwealth country, which connects us through families, businesses, culture and sport.

“I thank Prime Minister Gaston Browne and the people of Antigua and Barbuda for hosting this year’s meeting.”

Appeal to locate man missing from Fletcher

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from Newcastle.

Christopher Boyd, aged 58, was last seen on Flavum Street, Fletcher, about 5pm on Friday 30 October 2026.

When he was unable to be located or contacted, officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police and family hold concerns for Christopher’s welfare as he lives with dementia.

He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 170cm tall, of slim build with brown hair and brown eyes.

Christopher is known to frequent the Wallsend, Maryland, and New Lambton areas.

Anyone with information into his whereabouts is urged to contact Lake Macquarie Police District or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Greens vow to Hold Big Tech to Account and deliver Digital Duty of Care laws with Teeth

The Digital Duty of Care Bill has passed the House of Representatives. It will now go to a Senate inquiry with hearings to be held on the 9th and 10th of November.

Greens spokesperson for communications, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said: 

“Last week’s horrific attack on Helen Haines shows why a strong Digital Duty of Care that actually works is more urgent than ever. Big Tech has turned hatred and division into a business model, cashing in while our communities pay the price.

“Australians young and old are sick of having our lives controlled by big tech. Social media companies have lost their social licence and the Australians want them held to account for the harm they cause in the community. 

“This legislation will now go before an inquiry, where I will kick the tyres and hold Big Tech’s feet to the fire to ensure these laws have teeth, and put the safety of Australians ahead of corporate profits. 

“The Greens will be fighting for this legislation to protect Australians and their children. That means giving people harmed online the right to seek compensation, tackling the toxic, addictive algorithms, and imposing fines tied to global revenue. 

“We know these companies only respond to one thing: penalties that hit them where it hurts. 

“Just yesterday the eSafety Commissioner added her voice to the chorus calling for a private right to action, so Australians have a pathway for compensation when they are harmed online. 

“Australians also need an external complaints pathway, free from the profit driven whims of Big Tech’s content moderation. This would put the safety of users and basic human decency ahead of Big Tech’s bottom line.

“The Greens will work to ensure all Australians are safe online, and have the freedom to choose what they see on their feeds. 

“Big Tech cannot be allowed to keep raking in billions while fuelling fear, hatred and division in our society. They have a responsibility to not harm their customers, and it’s high time they put people before profits. 

Razor gang once again comes for researchers

On the eve of an appearance at Senate Estimates, the CSIRO has told staff it plans to cut 100 jobs across its biosecurity and technology research units.

These cuts will further undermine Australia’s sovereign science capabilities, damage staff morale, and add to a mounting redundancy bill which could have been spent on researchers’ wages.

Greens spokesperson for Science, Senator Vanessa Bleyer:

“It seems the razor gang at CSIRO was not content with cutting climate science jobs in the middle of a climate crisis, and now they are back for more.

“At the same time as research roles are being cut from the biosecurity unit, its remit is broadening to include plant, animal and environmental health alongside human health.

“Surely this would require more researchers, not fewer, particularly as we need to adapt to emerging threats like H5 bird flu.

“This is an organisation which has the money to pay its top executive more than $1 million a year, but won’t expand its staff headcount.

“Australia’s sovereign scientific capabilities must be maintained, and this ongoing campaign of cuts undermines them.”

Travel to Philippines for 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, will travel to the Philippines this week to represent Australia at the 13th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus). 

The Deputy Prime Minister’s attendance at the ADMM-Plus underlines Australia’s strong commitment to a region with ASEAN at its centre.

From 28-29 October, the Deputy Prime Minister will meet with counterparts from across the Indo-Pacific to discuss shared challenges and opportunities for deepening defence cooperation. 

He will also hold minilateral meetings with partners on priority areas of strategic collaboration including maritime security, defence infrastructure, cyber security and training and exercises. 

Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles:

“I welcome the opportunity to deepen defence relationships with some of Australia’s key partners in the region. 

“ASEAN sits at the core of Australia’s vision for a peaceful, stable and prosperous region, where all countries are free to exercise their sovereignty.

“The ADMM-Plus continues to provide an important forum for Australia to engage with our partners on shared ambitions.”

New Defence legislation to protect bases and accelerate capability

The Albanese Government has today introduced new legislation to protect Defence bases, personnel, and critical assets, as well as accelerate the development of capability Defence needs to keep Australians safe. 

The Defence Legislation Amendment (Accelerating Capability and Protecting Bases) Bill 2026 reforms the Defence Act 1903 to establish a modern legislative framework that meets Australia’s complex and challenging strategic environment.

This includes a new framework to support Defence capability development and preparedness activities, enabling Defence, industry and trusted international partners to develop, test and introduce advanced capabilities more efficiently in Australia.

These reforms are critical to implement the National Defence Strategy and progress work on Pillars I and II of AUKUS. 

Importantly, the legislation also provides Defence with an enduring legislative authority to conduct counter-measures against uncrewed systems (UXS, more commonly referred to as ‘drones’) over sensitive Defence sites. 

This includes the ability to detect, identify, monitor, track and, where necessary, take action against UXS devices. It follows a number of recent UXS incursions at Defence bases, and at military bases in other similar jurisdictions globally and builds on the Albanese Government’s previous regulatory changes. 

These counter-measures will be done where it is safe to do so and with appropriate safeguards in place. The Bill also includes a number of additional oversight powers for the Inspector-General Australian Defence Force (IGADF). 

This legislation will help ensure Defence can develop and sustain the capabilities Australia needs to be more self-reliant and support Australian defence industry. Importantly, they will help Defence fulfil its mission of defending Australia and its national interests.

The introduction of the Bill is an important step and the reforms will now be subject to Parliamentary consideration before any changes take effect.

Further information can be found at: https://www.defence.gov.au/about/governance/defence-legislation-amendment-accelerating-capability-protecting-bases-bill-2026  

Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP:

“Australia’s strategic circumstances demand urgency, discipline and a relentless focus on delivering capability. 

“These reforms will provide Defence with a modern legislative framework to accelerate capability development, protect our people and bases, and respond to emerging security threats. 

“As we implement the National Defence Strategy, these reforms will help ensure Defence can work effectively with Australian industry and trusted international partners to deliver the capabilities Australia needs.”

Assistant Minister for Defence, the Hon Peter Khalil MP:

“As Australia’s strategic environment becomes more challenging, protecting Defence personnel, critical infrastructure and sensitive capabilities has never been more important.

“Modern threats demand modern laws. These reforms will strengthen the legislative framework to support Defence’s security arrangements, while ensuring strong safeguards and oversight.

“This Bill will help ensure we can protect what matters most while also boosting our ability to work with industry and Australia’s international partners to strengthen our Defence estate.”

Appointment of the National Armaments Director

The Albanese Government has appointed Ms Kellie Parker to the role of National Armaments Director.

Ms Parker will be responsible for leading the new Defence Delivery Agency when established on 1 July 2027, with responsibility for delivering acquisition and sustainment projects. 

Ms Parker has over 20 years’ experience spanning operational leadership, complex asset development and major transformation across the iron ore and aluminium mining areas. Most recently she was Chief Executive, Australia at Rio Tinto, responsible for delivering a multi-billion-dollar portfolio of projects with thousands of Australian suppliers. 

This extensive experience will support closer collaboration with Australian defence industry and more expedient delivery of capability for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) with stronger commercial discipline. 

Her significant experience leading a large organisation, managing complex matters in a high‑accountability environment, and delivering operational outcomes will also be invaluable in her role as the National Armaments Director.

This appointment is the next step in delivering on the Albanese Government’s commitment to ensure the ADF is equipped to keep our nation safe. 

As a statutory appointment, Ms Parker will be appointed as National Armaments Director Designate from 9 November 2026 until the establishment of the Defence Delivery Agency from 1 July 2027.

Ms Nadine Williams, who has been Interim National Armaments Director and instrumental in delivering this ambitious reform, will remain in the role until Ms Parker commences on 9 November. Ms Williams’ leadership has been invaluable and we thank her for her time and dedication during this time.

Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles:

“I congratulate Ms Parker on her successful appointment to this role. Her significant experience in leadership, transformation and delivering operational outcomes will serve her well as she takes on this important responsibility.

“I thank Ms Nadine Williams for her leadership, advice and management of one of the most significant reforms in the Defence portfolio in decades, and helping to deliver the foundations to ensure its success.”

Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy: 

“The Albanese Government has been clear about its ambitions for reform of Defence’s capability acquisition process. Kellie has had a distinguished career in the private sector over several decades, and her appointment matches our ambitions to deliver increasingly complex defence projects at speed and scale. 

“This appointment is about bolstering timely, cost-efficient and accountable delivery of capabilities, and getting better bang for buck for the record investment the Albanese Government is making in defence.”

Kellie Parker: 

“I’m excited and honoured to be appointed as the first National Armaments Director during a time of reform and transformation across Defence. 

“I look forward to being part of the team responsible for delivering outcomes that support the Australian Defence Force through the acquisition and sustainment of capabilities, systems and platforms. 

“An important focus will be working closely with businesses and organisations across Australia to support a home-grown Defence industrial base.”

G20 and Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting

This week I will attend meetings of the G20 and Quad foreign ministers in Atlanta, United States.

The meetings come as the conflict in the Middle East continues to disrupt global energy supplies and drive up fuel prices, with flow-on effects for the cost of food and other essentials.

Through the G20, Australia works with major global economies to strengthen economic resilience, support sustainable growth, and advance peace and security.

This week, we will focus on pressing global challenges, including threats to energy security and global supply chains.

Protecting the free flow of international trade is part of that effort. Australia has joined the European Union-led `No Fees/No Tolls’ pledge, opposing unlawful fees and tolls that would undermine freedom of navigation and set a dangerous precedent for international shipping.

I will advocate for these principles in my discussions with international counterparts during the visit.

I will also meet with counterparts from the United States, India and Japan for the third Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting this year.

Together, we will advance practical cooperation on regional security, maritime security and economic resilience in support of a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.