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Man charged with knife offences, warrants after incident at Newcastle beach

A man has been charged after two people were allegedly threatened by a person armed with a knife at Horseshoe Beach earlier this week.

Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District were called to the scene after reports that two men had been confronted in the car park by an armed man about 5.15pm last Wednesday (12 August 2026).

The men backed off and, a short time later, police arrested a 40-year-old man nearby after checks revealed he was wanted on an outstanding warrant.

A knife was seized at the scene and sent for further examination.

The man, from Bar Beach, was taken to Newcastle Police Station where he was charged with an outstanding warrant for the offences of stalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm (DV), custody of knife in public place (subsequent offence), and fail to appear in accordance with bail acknowledgment.

He was refused bail and appeared in Bail Division Local Court 2 yesterday (14 August 2026), where he was again refused bail to appear in Maitland Local Court next Wednesday (19 August 2026).

Following further inquiries, the 40-year-old man has now been charged with armed with intent to commit indictable offence intimidation, and use knife in public place – cause person to fear for their safety, in relation to the incident at Horseshoe Beach.

He remains in custody and is due to appear in Newcastle Local Court next Thursday (20 August 2026).

ACT Greens Negotiating New Agreement with Labor

The ACT Greens are laying the groundwork for a new agreement with the ACT Labor Government – real, measurable commitments that deliver for Canberrans and the environment.

After the 2024 Territory election, former Greens leader Shane Rattenbury struck an agreement with Chief Minister Andrew Barr. That agreement saw the ACT Greens move to the crossbench: rather than holding Ministries, Greens MLAs agreed to support Mr Barr as Chief Minister in exchange for a commitment by Labor to deliver a range of specific community outcomes under a confidence and supply agreement. That agreement expired with Mr Rattenbury’s retirement from politics.

New ACT Greens Leader Jo Clay has now approached the Chief Minister to negotiate a new agreement. With only two years left this term, there is mutual appetite for a short, sharp agreement that delivers tangible outcomes for the community.

“Canberrans deserve published, enforceable commitments from the ACT Labor Government, not two years of good intentions,” Ms Clay said.

Ms Clay noted the pattern of delayed delivery and community concerns about the Government’s performance.

“This isn’t one bad headline. It’s a public housing waitlist that keeps growing, essential services like libraries being cut, projects being continually delayed, public school teachers and waste collection workers pushed to strike. The warning signs are flashing. Canberrans can see this pattern, and they expect better. That’s why we’re at the table: to work with the Labor Government to get our city back on track, deliver outcomes, and provide the stable government Canberrans need.”

The ACT Greens’ priorities for a new agreement are:

  • Integrity and accountability
  • Housing and renters’ rights – stronger protections, and more public and community housing
  • Climate and environment – protecting the Western Edge, and delivering on recycling and waste
  • Health, disability and education – more free GP visits, stronger support during proposed NDIS cuts and commitments to our public schools
  • Public transport and community services – free travel for concession card holders, and community libraries open on weekends
  • First Nations justice.

Ms Clay said negotiations were underway and progressing constructively. “The Greens are negotiating in good faith, and we want this agreement to succeed, because Canberrans are the ones who benefit when it does. But community confidence must be earned, item by item.

“Given that this agreement is being negotiated in the shadow of Operation Kingfisher, our first asks are real integrity outcomes to restore confidence in government.

“Our focus remains on housing, protecting our environment and climate, going further and faster on buses and light rail, and supporting the most vulnerable people in our city.”

Inquiry – KPMG morally bankrupt, Labor must act

Today’s parliamentary hearing into the ethics and professional accountability of KPMG leadership has reinforced the case for major renovation of the Big 4’s governance, regulation, surveillance and penalties. 

It has revealed further evidence of KPMG’s toxic culture of cover-ups, NDAs and large payments for whistleblowers’ silence, and weak accountability for wrongdoing.

KPMG is accused of sharing confidential client information to rig audit tender bids, using AI to cheat on internal exams, breaching audit independence, and mistreating and paying off whistleblowers who raise concerns. 

The Greens say KPMG leaders are gold class exemplars of greed trumping ethics at every turn. They have taken advantage of yawning regulatory gaps and revealed broken ‘self-government’ amongst the Big 4.

Greens finance and public service spokesperson Senator Barbara Pocock:

“The Parliament heard evidence today of a repetitive pattern of unethical behaviour by KPMG leadership. They have misled the parliament and the public, and drip fed us self-congratulatory whitewash and misinformation. 

“At the same time, they take taxpayers for mugs and milk us for hundreds of millions of dollars in government contracts.

“KPMG are hiding behind inadequate investigations from their legal friends. Some in the leadership appear to be so far down the rabbit hole of bad behavior and poor culture that too often they fail to understand where they went wrong. 

“KPMG leaders have played by their own rules with zero accountability. They have bullied whistleblowers, mistreated confidential information and failed basic tests of transparency and good governance. They buy political pull through donations and make sure they are at every political table of influence.

“Through scandal after scandal, KPMG have shown Australians their lack of integrity, coverups, dishonesty and pursuit of revenue at any cost. They have shown us they are not worthy of taxpayer dollars. 

“Australians are outraged. How many more scandals need to happen before Labor acts.

“The Big 4’s governance is a farce. They have lost their social licence and they cannot be trusted. Self regulation has failed. It is time for root and branch structural reform.

“Labor needs to put an end to their special treatment on board rules and regulation, tax, public reporting, professional liability and whistleblower protections. 

“The Government must review all contracts with KPMG and ban them from government work. They must break up and regulate the Big 4, and increase penalties for dishonest behaviour and ethical failures.”

Hearing livestream link and program

Productivity Commission’s GST distribution Interim Report

The last Coalition government ensured that GST distribution encouraged States to develop their economies and natural resources. We stand by that approach. We want States to grow the economy first, not start by reaching for the begging bowl. 

Western Australia isn’t in a strong fiscal position by luck. It dug, drilled and backed its own industry to drive the prosperity of the state. That’s the model every state should follow, not a target for punishment.

The Prime Minister should be encouraging every state to grow its own economy, not looking for ways to claw back what Western Australia has earned.

In 2024, Anthony Albanese stood in Perth and signed “NO CHANGE TO WA GST” on a journalist’s arm and said there were no circumstances under which he’d ever change Western Australia’s GST deal.

We know he betrayed the Australian people 50 times over not to introduce new taxes, so West Australians are now looking to see if he has had a “change of policy” on the GST too. 

The Prime Minister should immediately recommit to his 2024 promise, if not it will be confirmed he is once again playing his slippery and sneaky games. 

The Coalition will continue to follow the Productivity Commission’s work until the final report is released early next year.

City of Newcastle improvements pave the way for community to better utilise park

The new-look Hamilton Station Park will host the popular Hawker Street Markets for the first time this September following the completion of a $290,000 upgrade by City of Newcastle.

Visitors were welcomed back to the park today following a range of improvements including new accessible seating, landscaping work, a weather-proof purpose-built donation cupboard and a community notice board.

Councillors Paige Johnson and Joel Pringle join Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp, BIA Chair Kasey Pollard and local Indigenous artist, Koan Cashman in the new-look Hamilton Station ParkCouncillors Paige Johnson and Joel Pringle join Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp, BIA Chair Kasey Pollard and local Indigenous artist, Koan Cashman in the new-look Hamilton Station Park.The project, which was shaped by community feedback and developed in collaboration with NSW Police, was supported by an $80,000 NSW Government Community Building Partnership grant.

Ward Two Councillors said they’re excited to see the park become a more welcoming space.

“This project was designed to improve the park’s functionality, accessibility and safety,” Cr Jenny Barrie said.

“The key elements will enable the park to be activated more often. We’ve improved the electrical supply to allow for the installation of a security light and colour-changeable ambient lighting on the bollards in the garden.

“Upgrades to water connections have provided the community with a drinking bubbler, tap and a dog bowl.”

Councillor Paige Johnson said accessibility improvements were also a key factor in the project that will support the use of the space for the whole community.

“These works have delivered the installation of a new kerb ramp, upgrades to pathways, as well as accessible modular seating with handrails,” Cr Johnson said.

“The landscaping has opened up the park area, while a surface garden beneath the iconic Moreton Bay fig will protect the tree’s root system. An accessible all-weather gravel pathway around the fig and through the park has improved access for pedestrians, cyclists, wheelchair users and prams.

“The gravel features a permeable surface made from 100% recycled material, which allows water to drain through quickly. The same material was used for the hard stand area, which provides a solid surface suitable for food trucks at community events.”

Councillor Joel Pringle said visitors to the park will also be greeted by new visual elements.

“The Welcome to Place sign will invite people to learn about the historical and ongoing relationship our Traditional Custodians have with this space and its surrounds,” Cr Pringle said.

“First Nations people gathered here for thousands of years and we want the park to continue to be a place for all people to enjoy. The sign incorporates artwork specifically created for this space by local Indigenous artist, Koan Cashman.

“On the other side of the sign will be a community notice board, with information about community support services and local activities promoted by the Hamilton Business Improvement Association.

“The new weather-proof, purpose-built donation cupboard has been positioned in a well-lit, visible location at the front of the park to improve safety for those in need and people who donate.”

Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said Hamilton is a wonderful and vibrant community, and now it has a park that reflects that.

“When passengers come off the train they walk straight into Hamilton Station Park, so it is important the park is open and welcoming for residents and visitors alike,” Mr Crakanthorp said.

“The goal behind this project was to make Hamilton a safer and more welcoming place for all and I am so excited to see this revamped park be transformed into a Hawker Market next month.”

Hamilton’s Business Improvement Association (BIA) Chair Kasey Pollard said the BIA is extremely happy to see Hamilton Station Park renewed.

“This space acts as a gateway to Beaumont Street for many people travelling to the area by train,” Ms Pollard said.

“The upgrade provides a much better first impression to the Hamilton business precinct and we expect the surrounding businesses to find this beneficial for trade with improved visitation.

“The BIA is also looking forward to hosting the Hawker Markets in the park on September 12. This larger park footprint should improve the event experience for everyone involved.”

The Hawker Markets will see the park lit up with neon signs promoting a range of street food, outdoor dining and sweet treats, with plenty of family friendly fun on offer including face painting, live music and roving entertainment.

$6.2 million refuge opens in Wollongong LGA

The Minns Government is building safer communities in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven, with a new $6.2 million refuge opening to provide safety and specialist support for women and children experiencing domestic and family violence.

Named ‘Gunya’, the refuge has been delivered by local organisation SASSI, under Tranche 3 of the NSW Government’s Core and Cluster program. SASSI will also provide specialist domestic and family violence support services to women and children on site.

Gunya features eight fully self-contained crisis accommodation units, alongside a central “core” facility where residents can access tailored support services in a safe and welcoming environment.

The mix of studio and two-bedroom units will meet the diverse needs of families. The studio unit is fully wheelchair accessible, while the core facility has also been designed to support residents with restricted mobility.

There is also a children’s play area and a dedicated outdoor area for pets, helping residents maintain independence and stability during their stay.

Gunya is part of the NSW Government’s $426.6 million Core and Cluster program to expand crisis accommodation and provide on-site specialist support for women and children fleeing violence.

All 10 Tranche 3 projects are in regional New South Wales, bringing the total to 36 of the 49 Core and Cluster refuges based in regional, remote and rural areas – ensuring women and children can access the support they need no matter their postcode.  

Once all 49 new refuges are complete, the program will support more than 2,900 additional women and children escaping domestic and family violence each year.  

This program is part of the NSW Government’s broader response to domestic and family violence, including investing an historic $5.1 billion investment in social and affordable housing, with at least half the new homes prioritised for victim-survivors and an additional $130 million for new crisis beds.

The Minns Labor Government’s June Budget committed a landmark $184.1 million to provide a 50 per cent across-the-board uplift to six core specialist domestic and family violence programs, to make sure people experiencing domestic and family violence can receive timely life-saving support to recover and heal.  

Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast and Member for Keira Ryan Park said:  

“Safe accommodation can be a lifeline for women and children experiencing domestic violence, this service will greatly improve the way we support families in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven.  

“The Minns Government understands that investing in women and children is an investment into the safety of our entire community, this refuge will be a legacy to those who have fiercely advocated for it.”

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:  

“For women and children escaping violence, having a safe place to go can make all the difference. Gunya isn’t just four walls and a roof, it will give people stability, privacy and specialist support they need to start rebuilding their lives.

“We’re investing in more crisis accommodation because no one should be left without a safe option when they make the brave decision to leave a violent situation.  

“Gunya is another example of the Minns Government putting our commitment into action – creating safe, purpose-built accommodation alongside specialist services that help victim-survivors recover and move forward.”

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:

“We know that leaving a violent relationship is extremely difficult and often dangerous.  

“Gunya gives women and children a safe place to go to, with specialist support to help them recover and heal.

“The Minns Labor Government continues to work hard to make sure women and children escaping domestic and family violence have the crucial support they need to rebuild their lives free from violence.  

“This includes not only new refuges and specialist supports, but work to strengthen protections, hold perpetrators to account, early intervention and primary prevention to stop the violence before it starts.”  

SASSI CEO Penny Dordoy said:

“Every woman and child deserves to live free from violence and fear.  

“The opening of this new Core and Cluster refuge is an important step towards making that vision a reality for more families in the Illawarra.  

“These eight homes will provide safety, dignity and a place to recover, while our integrated support services help women and children rebuild their lives and create brighter futures.  

“SASSI is proud to work alongside the NSW Government and our community partners to deliver a service that offers not only accommodation, but hope, healing and opportunity.”

Support:

If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call the Police on Triple Zero / 000.

For confidential advice, support, and referrals, contact 1800 RESPECT or 13 YARN.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, call the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63 for free counselling and referrals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, call the Sexual Violence Helpline on 1800 424 017 for free counselling and referrals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For information on Men’s Behaviour Change Programs operating in your local area, contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491.   

NSW number one for caravan and camping trips

The Minns Labor Government continues to cement NSW as Australia’s number one destination for tourism attracting more than one in three domestic caravan and camping visitors.

According to Tourism Research Australia data, NSW was the destination of choice for 5.5 million domestic caravan and camping visitors in 2025.

The year ending December 2025 was the biggest year on record for domestic caravan and camping trips in Australia. Almost one in every seven domestic overnight trips during the period was a caravan and camping trip.

Domestic travellers took 17.3 million caravan and camping trips across Australia in 2025, up 14 per cent year-on-year, with expenditure reaching $12.6 billion, well above pre-pandemic levels of $10.2 billion.

The Caravan Industry Association of Australia’s 2026 State of Industry Report also shows caravan parks generated a record $3.3 billion in revenue in 2025, an increase of 6.3 per cent year-on-year or approximately $207 million.

Domestic caravan and camping visitors stayed 18.2 million nights in NSW during 2025. Their top five destinations were: North Coast (26 per cent), South Coast (17 per cent), The Murray (10 per cent), Hunter region (10 per cent) and Sydney (eight per cent).

Interest in domestic caravan and camping holidays remained strong throughout 2025, peaking at 29 per cent during the December quarter, followed by 26 per cent during the March quarter, 23 per cent in the June quarter and 22 per cent in the September quarter.

Busting the grey nomad stereotype, 43 per cent of domestic caravan and camping visitors to NSW during the period were in full-time employment. They were also high-value travellers, with the largest cohort having an average household income of $100,000-$149,999 (30 per cent).

International caravan and camping visitors to NSW surged by 10.4 per cent in 2025 (86,000 visitors), spending 801,500 nights in the state (up 24.3 per cent year on year). The top three international source markets for caravan and camping visitors were the United Kingdom, Germany and New Zealand, with the most popular regions being the North Coast, Hunter and South Coast.

The caravan and camping industry plays a vital role in achieving the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy’s ambitious goal of $91 billion in annual visitor economy expenditure by 2035.

The NSW Government recently delivered its fifth annual Feel More. Live More marketing campaign in partnership with Caravan and Camping Industry Association (CCIA) NSW. It drove exceptional outcomes for the state’s 400 holiday parks during peak fuel supply challenges, including an estimated $31.21 million in booking revenue generated during the campaign.

The results coincide with the 2026 CCIA NSW Awards of Excellence revealing the state’s top holiday parks, with winners including:

  • BIG4 Tweed Billabong Holiday Park — NSW Holiday Park of the Year (Fewer than 100 Sites)
  • Discovery Holiday Parks Forster — Joint NSW Holiday Park of the Year (More than 100 Sites)
  • Tathra Beach Eco Camp — Joint NSW Holiday Park of the Year (More than 100 Sites)

Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper:

“NSW is Australia’s top destination for domestic caravan and camping trips and it’s exciting to see rising numbers of international visitors enjoying the state’s world-class holiday parks.

“Caravan and camping holidays offer immersive experiences that deepen connections with nature, culture and local communities, encouraging repeat visitation across the state.

“The NSW Government is proud to be investing in marketing campaigns, scenic driving routes, upgraded rest stops and enhanced wayfinding initiatives that encourage longer stays and boost regional visitor economies.”

Caravan & Camping Industry Association (NSW) CEO Wayne Lange:

“Caravan and camping is at the heart of tourism in NSW and our sector delivers more holiday accommodation across regional areas than any other.

“Caravan and camping visitors support local businesses and connects these visitors with regional communities, creating memorable experiences in every corner of NSW.

“It’s the shared commitment of holiday park operators to continually innovate and deliver exceptional experiences that has made NSW Australia’s leading caravan and camping destination.”

Preparations for bush fire season advance as weather outlook points to increased temperatures

As final preparations get underway for this bush fire season, the NSW Government is bringing together senior leaders from the emergency services, public land managers, industry, academia and community for the NSW Hazard Reduction Roundtable.

Bush Fire Co-ordinating Committee representatives and stakeholders from more than 15 organisations including the NSW Rural Fire Service, Fire & Rescue NSW, NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service, Forestry Corporation of NSW, Crown Lands, and the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water will take part in the roundtable.  

This roundtable builds on the work of Taskforce Fire Guard, the NSW Government’s multi-agency hazard reduction taskforce led by the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS), which has optimised hazard reduction through stronger coordination between agencies and land managers.  

Emergency services and partner agencies prepare for the fire season year-round through hazard reduction and operational planning, with more than 100 specialists gathering last week.  

Since 1 July 2025, agencies have undertaken hazard reduction on more than 124,000 hectares of both public and private land, helping protect more than 174,000 properties. This is more than 20 per cent higher than last year’s annual total.  

Since Taskforce Fire Guard commenced in April this year agencies have been able to carry out targeted hazard reduction on more than 75,000 hectares between April and July.  

Today’s roundtable will review Taskforce Fire Guard’s performance, consider the latest hazard reduction activities and seasonal outlook, and identify opportunities to strengthen planning, governance and system performance.  

With El Nino conditions established, there is a high potential for a challenging summer with forecasts indicating an increased likelihood of above-average temperatures and below-average rainfall.  

Warmer and drier-than-average conditions during autumn have left many parts of NSW unusually dry, with some regions already experiencing drought. If these conditions persist, fire activity could increase through spring and into the 2026–27 bush fire season.  

Inclement weather and increasingly unpredictable bush fire seasons are reducing the windows available to undertake hazard reduction, highlighting the need to look at new ways to prepare for the start of the bushfire season. During the past five years, the average area treated annually is around 110,000 hectares. 

The official bushfire danger period for most of NSW begins on 1 October, with some northern areas of the state already entering the bush fire danger period. Land agencies have already commenced preparations for hazard burns planned for the busy spring season.  

Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe said:

“The National Parks and Wildlife Service has carried out a significant amount of extensive hazard work over the past year, but we know the coming bush fire season will be challenging with hot and dry conditions.”  

“This roundtable brings together experts and agencies where we can discuss our level of preparedness, share lessons and look at how we can better protect communities and the environment ahead of the bush fire season.”  

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“We’re bringing the agencies responsible for bush fire management together to ensure NSW makes the most of every opportunity to reduce bush fire risk as we head into a challenging summer.”  

“During spring, planned hazard reduction will continue to take place as our agencies and volunteers get ready for summer – I encourage all landowners to consider what actions they can take to prepare for bush fires.”  

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

“Our Government is ensuring collaboration across agencies and landholdings because it is critical for tackling the risk of bush fires in NSW.”  

“Forestry Corporation has around 500 trained firefighters in its workforce and brings access to specialised forest machinery and heavy plant from forestry operations to complement the Government’s aircraft and other combat techniques.”  

“Collaboration is occurring with agencies partnering on risk planning for hazard reduction burning priorities, contributing to inter-state and overseas deployments, and are delivering at all times a combined fire response.”  

Commissioner of the RFS Trent Curtin said:  

“This roundtable brings together stakeholders at the forefront of bush fire management to futureproof NSW’s approach to preparation and mitigation, ensuring we are ready for the challenges ahead.”  

“Following several years of above-average rainfall and significant vegetation growth, we need to continue to take every available opportunity to reduce bush fire risk.”  

Australian first shared e-bike laws come into effect in NSW

Footpaths will be cleaned up and shared e-bike operators will be held to higher standards as a result of landmark laws that come into effect today in NSW.

In an Australian first, shared e-bike operators will now need to approval from Transport for NSW and authorisation from councils and authorities before providing their services. Until today, shared scheme operators were able to deploy e-bikes anywhere without approval.

After extensive consultation with local councils, shared scheme operators and the bicycle industry, key elements of the shared scheme laws include:

  • Authorisation that ensures operators are held to a consistent state-wide set of minimum standards which include requirements for insurance, helmets, device standards, device identification, the provision of data on trips, incidents and complaints.
  • Strict penalties of up to $55,000, plus $5,500 per day for ongoing non-compliance including the failure to remove e-bikes from inappropriate locations.
  • Approved operators will need to ensure their devices do not block pathways, pedestrian crossings, bus and light rail stops, taxi zones or fire exits.
  • Local councils will be able to issue penalties for non-compliance, while Transport for NSW may suspend or revoke approvals where operators fail to meet their obligations.
  • Councils and authorities will also have the power to establish dedicated parking zones and bays as well as “no-go” and “go-slow” zones.
  • Fleet caps to ensure the right number of shared devices are available in each area by linking each operator’s fleet size to dynamic factors including demand and performance.
  • A per trip levy on shared scheme operators which will fund the $6.6 million Sharing Scheme Grant Program which grants local councils up to $200,000 to deliver e-bike parking in their areas.

Staged commencement of the new rules will occur in the coming months, giving councils and NSW Government land managers powers to set required parking zones and to penalise shared e-bike operators if they aren’t used.

In addition to the shared scheme reforms the NSW Government is also reducing the risk posed by illegal private e-bike use, including the following measures:

  • Powers for NSW Police to seize and crush illegal, privately-owned e-bikes.
  • Reducing the 500-watt e-bike power limit introduced by the Liberals to 250-watts.
  • Introducing world-leading Standard to ensure e-bikes are pedalled and legal power output cannot be tampered with.
  • Introducing a minimum age limit to ride an e-bike.
  • Imposing strict new safety standards on the sale of lithium-ion batteries.
  • Banning converted e-bikes from trains and Sydney Metro services to reduce the risk of fires.

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“If you’re sick of e-bikes cluttering up your streets, these are the laws you’ve been waiting for. But likewise, if you’re someone who really enjoys using shared e-bikes these laws will make them safer and more reliable.

“Up until now shared bike operators have been able to put their bikes wherever they wanted. That’s changing today. From now they have to be registered with Transport for NSW and have approval from local councils.

“This is a fast-changing space, and we don’t want to miss out on the great transport benefits these bikes provide, but we have to strike the balance on their impact on the rest of the community and these laws do that in a comprehensive way.”

Parliamentary Secretary for Transport Dr Marjorie O’Neill said:

“This is a massive undertaking which will take some time to fully implement, but over the coming months you’ll start to see the improvements take effect on our streets.

“We’re supporting operators to adjust to these higher expectations – from riders, pedestrians, councils and the wider community – as quickly as possible.”

Secretary for Transport for NSW Josh Murray said:

“These reforms are about preserving the benefits of the shared e-bike system while responding to community feedback.

“The program is designed to address safety needs and respond to community concerns about improperly parked devices while supporting the continued growth of shared e‑bikes as one of our fastest growing transport modes.

“We want to continue expanding sustainable and affordable transport options but improve equity of access and provide more suitable infrastructure so that communities experience shared e‑bike use as safe, orderly and easy to find the benefits.”

Works begin on new Richmond Veterans’ and Families’ Hub

Construction is officially underway on the new Richmond Veterans’ and Families’ Hub, with NSW Minister for Veterans David Harris and Federal Member for the Hawkesbury Susan Templeman turning the first sod on repurposing the historic Richmond Court House.

A joint project of the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments, the latest addition to the Veterans’ and Families’ Hub network is being delivered by RSL LifeCare via a $5.5 million Commonwealth Government grant.

The NSW Department of Communities and Justice, in partnership with the Commonwealth Department of Veterans’ Affairs, has provided the historic Richmond Court House for the project.

The adaptive reuse of the heritage-listed building will preserve features of the important historic local landmark while creating a welcoming and accessible facility for current and former serving veterans and families of veterans to access support, services and community connections close to home.

Richmond is an ideal location for the new Hub given the area’s longstanding connection to the Australian Defence Force. The Hawkesbury region is home to a significant veteran population, with more than 7,700 serving personnel and over 11,000 veterans and their families living in the area, currently being supported by the temporary hub in Windsor.

It will work together with the Veterans’ and Families’ Hub under construction on the historic Bardia Barracks site in Ingleburn.

The two facilities will deliver a complete wellbeing service for more than 19,000 veterans and families of veterans living across Sydney’s southwest.

The RSL LifeCare Veteran and Family Hub model is a proven one-stop shop offering veteran-centric, community-focused programs including a variety of wellbeing services for veterans and their families.

The Hubs also connect veterans and their families to NSW Government supports, including housing, education, employment, health, and other social services and supports.

The recently launched Veteran and Family Wellbeing Agency is working alongside Hubs, partnering with them to connect people to the right local services.

Further information and help can be found on the Veteran and Family Wellbeing Agency website – www.veteranwellbeing.gov.au.

The Hawkesbury facility will join seven existing RSL LifeCare hubs operating across NSW in Wyong, Maitland, Tweed Heads, Dee Why, Queanbeyan, Wagga Wagga, and Nowra.

For more information on the Richmond Veterans and Families Hub visit: https://www.veterans.nsw.gov.au/support/richmond-court-house-revitalisation

Minister for Veteran Affairs and Minister for Defence Personnel Matt Keogh said:  

“We’re investing more than $50 million to expand our national network of Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs because we want the veteran community to be able to get the support they need close to home.

“The delivery of Hubs in places like the Hawkesbury, where there’s a significant veteran population, is all about making it easier and more convenient for veterans to get help, as well as forge strong connections with their local community.

“The new Veteran and Family Wellbeing Agency will work alongside the Hubs, offering veterans and their families another easy way to navigate the multitude of service available to them”

Minister for Veterans David Harris said:

“Today represents an important step forward in delivering a dedicated place in the Hawkesbury where veterans and their families can access support, build connections and engage with services closer to home.

“Richmond has a proud military heritage stretching back more than a century. Since the establishment of the military flying school in 1916 and the creation of RAAF Base Richmond in 1925, generations of service personnel have lived, worked and served in this community.

“By giving the historic Richmond Court House this new purpose, we are preserving an important piece of local heritage while creating a lasting community asset that will support veterans and their families for years to come.

“These hubs are a great example of what can be achieved when state and federal governments work together with community organisations and we thank the Albanese Government for their continued commitment to establishing these hubs and RSL Lifecare for the wonderful work they do supporting veterans and their families.”

Federal Member for the Hawkesbury Susan Templeman said:

“At the 2022 election I was proud to secure Federal funding to establish a Veterans’ and Families’ Hub for our region.

“While the work of the Hub in supporting veterans, defence personnel and their families has already begun, with services being delivered at the temporary location at Windsor RSL, the renovations of the old Richmond Court House will transform the service and bring it into the heart of the community.

“I am very excited to see the start of the construction and can’t wait to have it open for business.”

RSL LifeCare CEO Drew Pearce said:

“The Hawkesbury Veterans’ and Families’ Hub is a strong example of what can be achieved when governments and veteran organisations work together with a shared commitment to supporting veterans and their families.

“RSL LifeCare, in partnership with RSL NSW, is proud to be delivering this project, transforming the historic Richmond Court House into a welcoming place of support, connection and care for veterans and their families across the Hawkesbury region.

“The Hawkesbury has a proud and longstanding connection to Australia’s defence community, and this Hub will ensure local veterans and families can access advocacy, wellbeing services, community programs and referral pathways closer to home.

“We thank the Australian Government, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, the NSW Government and the NSW Office for Veterans Affairs for their partnership in bringing this important project to life and creating a lasting community asset for the Hawkesbury veteran community.”

RSL NSW President Vince Williams said:

“For more than 110 years, RSL NSW has stood beside veterans and their families in communities across New South Wales. Today, that commitment is strengthened through partnerships like this, ensuring veterans can access the support they need, close to home and when they need it most.

“The Hawkesbury Veterans’ and Families’ Hub will provide a single, welcoming place where veterans and families can access the support, services, and social connection that are so important to health and wellbeing.

“No single organisation can meet every need of our defence and veteran community on its own. That’s why collaboration between governments, RSL LifeCare, RSL NSW, and the wider ex-service sector is so important. By working together, we can provide clearer pathways to care and ensure more veterans and families receive the support they deserve.

“We congratulate the Australian and New South Wales Governments on this investment and thank our charity partner, RSL LifeCare, for its leadership in delivering another important facility that will strengthen support for veterans and their families in the Hawkesbury and across Greater Sydney.”