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Community leaders driving social cohesion and community harmony were celebrated last night at one of the state’s most significant multicultural gatherings.

More than 1,600 guests came together for this flagship celebration of cultural diversity, hosted by Premier Chris Minns and Minister for Multiculturalism, Steve Kamper.

The evening showcased the outstanding contributions of community leaders, announcing the 2026 Multicultural Community Medals winners and inductees into the NSW Multicultural Honour Roll.

A dedicated tribute acknowledged the 15 lives lost in December’s tragic Bondi attack. Ahmed Al Ahmed, one of the many heroes during the attack, appeared on stage and was honoured with a Community Hero Award for his selfless acts of bravery.

The Multicultural Community Medals recognised 13 individuals and organisations. Among this year’s outstanding recipients:

• The Reverend Bill Crews AM received the Community Harmony Medal for 50 years of service to the most vulnerable, marginalised and diverse communities. His foundation provides more than 200,000 free meals each year to people who need them.
• Ken Habak OAM, received the Lifetime Community Service Medal in recognition of an extraordinary 55 years of volunteer service. Arriving from Lebanon in 1970, Ken became a driving force for his community, founding an Arabic school to support young Lebanese Australians and preserve their cultural
• heritage. He was also chair of the Multicultural Communities Council of Illawarra for 25 years, retiring last year.
• Marta Barany BEM OAM – winner of the Interpreters and Translators Medal. Marta has dedicated her life to supporting new arrivals in New South Wales. Born in Hungary in 1932, Marta migrated to Australia in 1951 and became an interpreter for refugees from the Hungarian Revolution. She helped establish one of the first Community Interpreting Services in the 1960s and later served as an Ethnic Affairs Commissioner in the 1980s, shaping the foundations of multicultural policy in NSW.
• Khushee Gupta took home the ‘Best Report in Multicultural Media’ for her boundary-pushing podcast, Don’t Talk Back. Aimed at younger South Asians, the series tackles topics in their community often considered taboo, with the latest season attracting more than 37,000 YouTube views.

Five individuals were also honoured posthumously through the Multicultural Honour Roll, recognised for their enduring legacy in building a more inclusive, resilient and harmonious NSW.

Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said: 

“The Multicultural Medals recognise the individuals and organisations who quietly make an extraordinary difference in our communities. Their dedication really does enrich the lives of people across New South Wales.

“They are also a reminder that the social capital that makes our state so strong is built every day – through conversations, connection and the coming together of people from many cultures and faiths.

“My heartfelt congratulations to all the winners. You are champions for a harmonious and inclusive NSW.”

Multicultural NSW Acting Chief Executive Officer James Jegasothy said:

“The Premier’s Harmony Dinner is an event that so many people look forward to each year.

“Everyone in the room is a hero in their own right. They are proud custodians of their culture and living proof that, with intention and care, we can build a NSW where every person is valued, included and able to contribute.”

The Minns Labor Government has today announced 15 data centre projects will progress through the Investment Delivery Authority (IDA), as it releases the NSW Data Centre Consultation Paper to steer the sustainable development of the sector in New South Wales.

The IDA-endorsed projects are collectively worth $51.9 billion and demonstrate the private sector’s interest in investing and building in NSW.

There are already 90 data centres operating in NSW, with the value of data centre investments in the state growing 65% per year on average over the past three years.

Data centres now account for 12% of all non-residential building investments.

The Minns Labor Government is determined to ensure the NSW economy benefits from this fast-growing demand for cloud storage and the digital economy, while responsibly managing the challenges associated with data centre operations, especially around power and water.

It’s why the Government has today released the NSW Data Centre Consultation Paper to provide a principles-based approach to managing the opportunities and challenges of data centre investment for the economic benefit of the State.

The paper’s principles present a framework to guide sustainable and equitable investment that benefits the people of NSW.

Community and industry feedback will help guide decision making, while managing energy and water security, as well as air quality concerns surrounding data centre development.

Today’s announcement follows the IDA’s endorsement of 14 energy projects, collectively worth $34 billion in potential investment, earlier this month. 

These renewable energy and energy security projects will help accelerate the NSW Electricity Roadmap and support the growth of the digital economy.

The rigorous IDA process did not endorse around $40.7 billion worth of proposals related to data centres and technology, considered either premature or overly speculative.

For more information about the Investment Delivery Authority visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/investment-nsw/investment-delivery-authority.

Today’s announcement follows and supports the publication this week of the Albanese Government’s Expectations for Data Centres and AI Infrastructure Developers document.

To view the NSW Data Centre Strategy consultation paper visit https://www.infrastructure.nsw.gov.au/expert-advice/nsw-data-centre-consultation-paper/

Written feedback is now being welcomed for the next six weeks.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“New South Wales is a premium destination for data centres but we are only interested in working with proponents who have a long-term commitment to both this state and their social licence.

“The scale of investment endorsed through the Investment Delivery Authority reflects strong private sector confidence in NSW as a home for this digital infrastructure.

“At the same time, we recognise this growth must be managed responsibly. That’s why we’re releasing a consultation paper to inform a Data Centre Strategy that considers energy and water use, infrastructure capacity and the long‑term interests of NSW households and businesses.

“I look forward to engaging with industry, stakeholders and the wider community through this consultation process.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“NSW is a global destination of choice for data centres. In the past year alone, NSW has approved eight data centre projects worth more than $10 billion including the biggest data centre in the Southern Hemisphere.

“Data centres are important for jobs, data sovereignty and start up creation but we want them to be the best of the best and this consultation paper will help achieve that. 

“By consulting with industry and stakeholders, the NSW Government can support future data centre development that is underpinned by strong planning processes which aligns the development with NSW’s broader infrastructure and environmental priorities.”

Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“Data centres are a cornerstone of the modern digital economy, enabling cloud computing, artificial intelligence and other high‑value technology industries.

“Investment in digital infrastructure like data centres is critical to delivering a strong innovation ecosystem, supporting high‑productivity industries and attracting globally competitive investment.

“By releasing the NSW Data Centre Consultation Paper, the NSW Government is strengthening the foundations for innovation, skills development and technology‑led growth across the economy.”

DATA CENTRE PROJECTS ENDORSED IN ROUND ONE OF THE IDA:

Proponent	Project	Proposed location
AIMS Capital Management Ltd	Bella Vista Data Centre Campus	Hills Shire Council
Lane Cove DC Alliance	Lane Cove Data Centre Development Project (16-20 Mars Road, Lane Cove West)	Lane Cove Council
Goodman Property Services (Aust) Pty Ltd	Project Atlas Data Centre	Blacktown City Council
GreenSquare DC Pty Ltd	SYD1 (Stage 2)	Hills Shire Council
KNBDC SYD4 Pty Ltd	Mamre Road Data Centre Campus	Penrith City Council
Lehr Consultants International (Australia) Pty Ltd	Glendenning Road Data Centre	Blacktown City Council
Microsoft Datacenter (Australia) Pty Ltd	Honeman Close Data Centre	Blacktown City Council
NEXTDC Limited	S7 Data Centre Eastern Creek	Blacktown City Council
NEXTDC Limited	S4 Data Centre	Fairfield City Council
NEXTDC Limited	NEXTDC S5 Data Centre and Innovation Hub	City of Ryde
STACK Infrastructure Australia Pty Ltd	78 Lockwood Road Data Centre	Penrith City Council
Stockland	2 Davis Road, Wetherill Park	Fairfield
Stockland Fife Kemps Creek	Kemps Creek	Penrith
Stockland	Project A	City of Ryde

**NB: One IDA endorsed data centre not listed due to commercial sensitivities**

The Minns Labor Government has passed crucial legislation which strengthens the ability of the ICAC and other law enforcement agencies to tackle crime and corruption.

It comes after the Liberals and Nationals backed down on their attempts to block these critical laws.

The Surveillance Devices Amendment (Public Interest Exceptions) Bill 2026 passed both houses of NSW Parliament late on Thursday, after the Government successfully moved a motion calling on the Liberals and Nationals to support the Bill’s immediate passage.

The Government first introduced this legislation in October last year, only to be blocked by the Liberals and the Nationals teaming up with the Greens to scupper the Bill.

The Government reintroduced the legislation in February, but again the Opposition moved to block it by proposing a warrant system that the ICAC made clear was unworkable and unduly unfettered its ability to investigate corruption.

The Bill will introduce a public interest exception so that individuals or organisations who come into possession of unlawfully made surveillance recordings, but were not involved in making them, can share them with law enforcement without fear of prosecution, provided they act promptly.

Currently, there is no such protection for people acting in the public interest to report crime or corruption.

The Independent Commission Against Corruption currently has a temporary exemption by way regulation under the Surveillance Devices Act 2007.

This Bill will enshrine that and extend a public interest exception to the NSW Police Force, Law Enforcement Conduct Commission and the NSW Crime Commission.

Importantly, the reforms do not – and never did – greenlight recording someone without consent or committing offences such as trespass.

Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“For months, the Opposition has sought to hinder the ICAC from doing its job by refusing to give it the powers it requested.

“The Opposition said they’d back it if we limited the powers to law enforcement, and we did, only for them to look for another way to try and defeat this crucial legislation.

“It defies logic that the Opposition had to be dragged kicking and screaming to this point.
“Meanwhile, the Minns Labor Government has been the adult in the room to make this crime and corruption busting legislation a reality.”

Special Minister of State John Graham said:

“At the end of the day this was a simple decision, it was about allowing ICAC to access evidence that could uncover corruption when it occurs. Thankfully those powers are now law, and the people of NSW will be safer from corruption as a result.

“New technology changes the nature of evidence that is collected in the community. We have to allow ICAC to keep up, by using the best evidence available.

“This was another classic example of the NSW Liberals being completely wishy-washy on a serious policy matter. If they don’t know where they stand on corruption, it’s no wonder they don’t know where they stand on so many other issues.”

The Minns Labor Government has released new detailed artist’s impressions as it forges ahead with delivering Box Hill’s first public schools, with the construction contract now awarded to build the permanent home for Box Hill High School and Box Hill Public School, and a new public preschool.

Richard Crookes Constructions will build the new permanent schools, co-located on Terry Road, Box Hill, set to open on day one, Term 1, 2028.

The new permanent Box Hill Public School will cater for 1,000 students and feature 44 classrooms, three support classrooms, a multipurpose hall, library, canteen, a sports court, play areas and covered outdoor learning areas.

Box Hill High School will open for 1,000 students with 50 modern classrooms and be the first high school built in The Hills since 2009, when Labor was last in government. It will include specialist science, arts and technology spaces, seven support classrooms, a hospitality kitchen, a multipurpose hall, library, and a sports field and courts.

The new preschool will be co-located with Box Hill Public School and accommodate up to 120 children every week, in addition to the new public preschool being delivered at The Gables.

Box Hill Public School and Box Hill High School are currently operating out of purpose-built temporary facilities fast-tracked and delivered by the Minns Labor Government as an urgent measure to address enrolment demand while these permanent facilities are built, after the former Liberal and National government failed to properly plan or deliver a single public school in the area.

Families in Box Hill have long advocated for expanded public education offerings, with student enrolment growth in the area increasing by more than 1,000 per cent between 2018 and 2023, according to the NSW Enrolment Growth Audit.

The delivery of these new permanent schools is part of the Minns Labor Government’s record $9 billion school infrastructure investment, which includes $3.9 billion for new and upgraded schools across Western Sydney.

Across The Hills, the NSW Government is delivering more than 240 new permanent classrooms for 5,500 students through new school builds and upgrades, including the new Gables Public School, upgrades to Excelsior Public School and Rouse Hill High School, and the recently completed upgrades to Matthew Pearce Public School and Castle Hill Public School.

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

“The Minns Labor Government is getting on with delivering Box Hill’s first permanent public schools, having already fast-tracked the delivery of the temporary public school and high school in record time.

“Parents in Box Hill waited far too long for local public schools because the Liberals failed to listen to families or plan for their needs. The Minns Labor Government listened, and we are wasting no time to deliver the much-needed schools for this rapidly growing community.

“We are working hard to deliver these schools for local families because they deserve local access to high-quality public schools.”

Box Hill High School Principal Suada Bilali said:

“The progress on this project is exciting news for our Box Hill High School community.

“Our students and families are looking forward to the day we move into our new permanent home and continue building a strong school community together.”

Box Hill Public School Principal Melanie Mackie said:

“It’s wonderful to see another significant milestone achieved in the delivery of our new permanent school facilities.

“We’re excited to see our shared vision come to life and look forward to welcoming our school community into the completed facilities in 2028.”

NSW magistrates will be known as judges from tomorrow to better reflect the nature and volume of crucial work done in the Local Court.

The Minns Labor Government last year amended the Local Court Act 2007 to change the title of magistrates to judges.

This is more than just a name change. It’s a proper acknowledgement of the important work done in Australia’s busiest court jurisdiction which hears a growing number of and increasingly complex cases each year.

Over the past decade, the number of matters commenced in the Local Court have risen by a third with nearly half a million begun in 2024.

The title of magistrate is a historical one stemming from a time when judicial officers were appointed from the public service and sat in the Court of Petty Sessions.

Local Court judicial officers have been required to hold legal qualifications for more than 70 years.

NSW joins the Northern Territory’s Local Court and Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia where the title of magistrate has been changed to judge.

The title change does not affect existing powers, functions or protections of Local Court judicial officers.

Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“The role of magistrates has changed significantly in recent decades, but their title hasn’t kept pace with the volume and complex of matters they hear. They perform a judicial role, and their title should reflect that.

“Judicial officers in the Local Court do the same things as their counterparts in other courts in NSW. Not only is there no reason not to make this change; it is absolutely deserved.”

$183.2 million is being invested by the Minns Labor Government to transform key parts of the state’s road network, delivering lasting infrastructure and economic benefits for regional NSW. 

The funding will deliver critical road upgrades to support the safer movement of oversize and overmass vehicles transporting components for wind and solar projects, helping drive the renewable energy transition in regional NSW.

Regional communities are at the centre of the renewable energy transition, with areas like the Central-West Orana playing a critical role as the powerhouse of the state’s future energy system. 

The investment recognises that as these regions drive the transition, they must also be backed with the infrastructure to support their communities, industries and future growth. The funding will be shared across three of the five designated Renewable Energy Zones (REZ): 

• $50 million for Central – West Orana REZ for safety and capacity upgrades primarily along the Golden Highway, as well as between the Port of Newcastle and the Central West
• $65 million for South – West REZ to start work on six intersection upgrades to allow components to be moved through the western Riverina region between the Dinawan and the Buronga substations) 
• $68.2 million for New England REZ to begin upgrades at Rix’s Creek Bridge and Liddell Interchange, plan for safety and capacity upgrades between Muswellbrook and Armidale and develop an OSOM route around Tamworth on the northern end. 

Design work is already underway for critical upgrades on the Sturt and New England highways and started delivery of town entry safety treatments on the Golden Highway at Dubbo, Dunedoo, Jerrys Plains Denman and Sandy Hollow. 

In coming months, Transport for NSW will complete community consultation and provide more information and expected timelines as the program develops, while fast tracking project concept design so that this vital road work can move ahead quickly.   

Extensive planning is already underway to minimise impacts on local communities and road users, with oversize and overmass movements carefully coordinated – typically departing ports at night and travelling along designated Renewable Energy Zone routes under pilot or escort where required.

The previous green energy joint funding commitment of $128.5 million has crews already working to upgrade 19 areas along the Central-West Orana REZ route.  

These upgrades and road treatments are at identified pinch points and vary from road widening, relocating traffic signs, installing new turn lanes and extending drainage and culverts.  

With this new $183.2 million in funding, there is a total of $216.9 million available ($211.9 million NSW Government funding, $5 million Australian Government funding) for REZ road upgrades across regional NSW.

This includes $10 million for the development of infrastructure upgrades associated with the Central- West Orana REZ project, which is funded 50/ 50 with the NSW and Federal governments, and $23.7 million to deliver an overtaking lane west of Merriwa.

 Minister for Energy, Penny Sharpe: 

“The Minns Labor Government is delivering a ‘once-in-a-generation upgrade’ of the state’s electricity system.   

“As part of this, we are upgrading our road network to help deliver the renewable energy zones and a once in a generation road upgrade.

“NSW has the most advanced plan for the rollout of renewable energy in Australia – today’s investment in our road network is the next stage of that. 

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison: 

“These upgrades recognise a simple reality. Our regional communities are at the heart of our renewable energy future and for too long they’ve had to bear the brunt of the transition without the infrastructure to support it.

“The Central-West Orana and surrounding regions are the powerhouse of our state’s energy transition. They have long powered NSW through a mix of energy sources. As we transition, they will continue to play that critical role. 

“I know how important the Golden Highway is for both communities and industry alike. These upgrades will ensure it can safely and efficiently support the movement of energy infrastructure, while continuing to serve the people who rely on it every day.

“This $183.2 million investment is about recognising the role regional NSW plays in powering the state – and making sure communities see lasting benefits through stronger, safer and more resilient roads.”  

Mayor of Temora Shire, Rick Firman: 

“Our remote and rural communities often carry the load of work when it comes to major transitions like this, so this investment is a very welcome commitment to making sure we are properly supported. 

“As large renewable energy components are transported across our region, these upgrades will help keep people safe, maintain vital connections, and leave a lasting legacy of better infrastructure for our community.

“Regional councils look forward to continuing to work productively with the Minister on corridor planning for upcoming REZ movements in their local government areas.” 

“This is about making sure our communities are not only part of the transition, but benefits from it as well.” 

Mayor of Dubbo Regional Council, Josh Black: 

“This significant investment in the Golden Highway will provide a lasting legacy for residents of the Dubbo Region, particularly when travelling to Newcastle and the Hunter.

“In regional areas like ours, roads are the connections between towns – essential to keeping people, goods and services moving seamlessly. These upgrades will improve safety, support local businesses and industry, and ensure our community can continue to grow and thrive.”

Mayor of Muswellbrook, Jeff Drayton: 

“Muswellbrook has long been at the centre of NSW’s energy story and as that story evolves, it’s essential our community is supported. 

“As a key hub in the Upper Hunter, we’re seeing firsthand the increased demand on our local roads as large renewable energy components move through the region. For our community, that means balancing this important work with keeping our community connected and safe. 

“This investment will strengthen our road network, reduce pressure on key routes and ensure Muswellbrook continues to play a leading role in powering the state.” 

Mayor of Warrumbungle Shire, Kathryn Rindfleish: 

“In small regional communities like those across Wurrumbungle Shire, our road network is our lifeline and connection to the rest of the state. It’s how we access services and keep our local economy running. 

“The roads are placed under significant pressure from the transportation of renewable energy infrastructure – impacting safety, accessibility and day-to-day life for our community. 

“The $183.2 million investment in roads in Renewable Energy Zones acknowledges those challenges, and I’m very pleased to see regional communities recognised and supported through the transition.” 

Port of Newcastle CEO, Craig Carmody:

“The Minns Labor Government’s renewable energy rollout is a generational, nation building, freight and logistics task.

“The Port of Newcastle is the only port on the East Coast of Australia capable of handling such a massive and complex operation, and as the entry point for these components, we recognise and welcome the unprecedented scale of works and investment the government is making to ensure the road network is equally ready.

“Recognising the critical role the Port of Newcastle will play in the government’s successful rollout, we are laser focused on ensuring the Port is capable and ready to receive the first REZ components in 2027.”

The Minns Labor Government is continuing to rebuild essential education infrastructure in regional NSW, with a milestone reached in the recovery of Lismore South Public School and Lismore South Public School Ngulliboo Jarjums Preschool following the devastating 2022 Northern Rivers floods.

This week the school’s first building modules are lifted into place, as construction continues on the new permanent, flood-resilient facilities at the schools’ Phyllis Street site.

The modules are being craned in and installed onto a flood-resilient steel platform. The first school spaces will be assembled in 47 separate crane lifts, with installation of the preschool and remaining classrooms to follow. The rebuild is expected to be completed in late 2026.

The new flood-resilient public school and co-located public preschool will include 13 state-of-the-art classrooms, a library, a multipurpose hall, administration areas, landscaping and outdoor learning areas, and dedicated indoor and outdoor learning spaces for Lismore South Public School Ngulliboo Jarjums Preschool.

The flood-resilient buildings have been designed to meet the long-term needs of preschool and primary school students in South Lismore and minimise potential disruption from any future flood events.

Enhanced planning powers under section 68 of the NSW Reconstruction Authority Act 2022 have been used to fast-track the rebuild of the school. This is the third time these powers have been exercised by the Minister for Recovery to accelerate the reconstruction of a flood-affected public school, supporting the NSW Government’s commitment to deliver safer, more resilient learning environments for local communities. The Minns Labor Government is committed to rebuilding flood-affected schools in the Northern Rivers, ensuring schools are built back better for local communities.

Since 2022, 18 flood-damaged schools have been repaired or rebuilt in the Northern Rivers, including Tumbulgum Public School and Condong Public School, where students returned late last year.

Funding to rebuild nine extensively damaged schools, including Lismore South Public School, has been provided through the Infrastructure Betterment Fund, which is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and NSW Governments through Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

As part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to rebuild public education in NSW, the 2025-26 Budget is delivering $2.1 billion for new and upgraded schools in regional NSW.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“This is an exciting milestone for the Lismore South community, with students, staff and families seeing their new school begin to take shape.

“The Minns Labor Government is getting on with the job of rebuilding schools in the Northern River better, and the new, flood-resilient Lismore South Public School will better serve local students and families for decades to come.

“These new facilities will give students in South Lismore access to the high-quality learning environments they deserve.”

Minister for Recovery and Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said:

“Recovery looks different for every family in our community, but for the students of Lismore South it looks like a new school taking shape, module by module.

“We are committed to ensuring our local schools are built back better. By using a flood-resilient steel platform and modern design, we are making sure this school stays at the heart of South Lismore for the long term.

“Our community deserves a school that is built for the future. Seeing these modules lifted into place is a massive step forward in providing our students and teachers with the modern, purpose-built facilities they need and deserve.”

Lismore South Public School Principal Larissa Polak said:

“It is a real turning point to see the first modules of our new school going up. Students, teachers, and local families are so excited to see this progress.

“This new building represents stability and continuity of learning in the face of future challenges. It will be a safe, modern school, built to give every child here the best possible learning environment.

“We are so proud to be on this journey, especially after everything our community has faced, and we cannot wait to call this new school our home.”

The NSW Minister for Energy has issued formal information notices to a number of liquid fuel companies, as NSW responds to fuel distribution challenges arising from the conflict in the Middle East.

Last week the NSW Government sought voluntary information from major fuel companies about historical stocks and sales as well as future orders and forecasts.

The Minister has now issued formal notices to those companies, as well as several smaller providers, compelling them to provide a wide range of information. The information notices have been issued under s 27 of the Energy and Utilities Administration Act 1987.

The companies are required to provide information to the NSW Government to help the state determine if the supply of liquid fuel to NSW is, or is likely to be, significantly disrupted.

The information will help form a more complete view of how the NSW Government can work with the fuel industry, as well as prepare for the exercise of emergency powers if needed.

A Liquid Fuel Emergency Operations Centre is now operational in Parramatta, acting as headquarters for the operational response.

The NSW Government’s message remains that people should only buy as much fuel as they need.

Motorists are encouraged to download the NSW FuelCheck app or visit www.fuelcheck.nsw.gov.au/app for daily information on fuel prices as an indication of availability across the state.

Minister for Energy, Penny Sharpe said:

“We need a clear picture of the situation to best support people and communities as we navigate the challenges posed by this global conflict.

“To ensure the NSW Government has complete and accurate information, I have issued formal notices compelling these fuel companies to hand over all requested information.”