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New Northern Beaches Hospital High Volume Surgery Hub to power through waitlist

The Minns Labor Government will establish the State’s first High Volume Planned Surgery Centre at Northern Beaches Hospital, expanding the hospital’s role and helping reduce surgery wait times across NSW.

From 1 July 2026, up to an extra 5,000 surgeries will be performed at the hospital each year through the newly established Planned Surgery Centre.

It will focus on high-demand specialties such as ophthalmology, orthopaedics, ear, nose and throat (ENT), general surgery and gynaecology, to help reduce surgical wait lists while easing demand on hospitals across the state and giving patients more choices in their care.

Patients will be referred to the Planned Surgery Hub from some of the busiest areas across NSW, including Western Sydney, the Central Coast and the Illawarra.

Patients can be directly referred to the Centre by their treating specialist if they are accredited to work at Northern Beaches Hospital or can choose to be transferred from a waitlist at their ‘home’ facility.

Information on how to be referred to the NBH will be released ahead of the Centre’s opening.

The new Planned Surgery Centre builds on the Minns Labor Government’s decision to return Northern Beaches Hospital to public ownership later this year, reversing one of the state’s most damaging privatisation experiments.

The hospital will come under the management of Northern Sydney Local Health District and part of NSW Health by mid-2026.

Under the agreement for transition of the hospital:

  • The entire 494-bed hospital will return to public ownership
  • All clinical and support staff currently working at Northern Beaches Hospital have been offered jobs by NSW Health at the facility, and
  • Staff entitlements to annual, long service and sick leave will transfer across from Healthscope to NSW Health.

NSW Health appointed health sector leader David Swan to provide independent expert advice on future private health opportunities at Northern Beaches Hospital.

More than 1,800 existing Northern Beaches Hospital staff – including nurses, midwives, allied health professionals and support staff – have been offered roles with NSW Health at Northern Beaches, with offers to medical staff commencing in February 2026.

The Minns Labor Government continues to repair the damage caused by the former Coalition Government’s failed privatisation agenda, which also included the attempted privatisation of hospitals at Maitland, Wyong, Goulburn, Shellharbour and Bowral.

The passage of Joe’s Law now protects NSW communities from future privatisation of public hospitals.

Premier Chris Minns:

“This will improve access to healthcare by speeding up planned surgeries across the state.

“By adding a high-volume planned surgery centre, we’re increasing capacity across the whole system, reducing wait times and easing pressure on busy public hospitals.”

“We’ve brought Northern Beaches Hospital back into public hands, and now we’re expanding the services it can deliver for patients right across NSW.”

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey:

“This is the next step in reversing the Liberals’ epic privatisation failure at the Northern Beaches Hospital.

“This critical health service is being returned to what it should have been from the start – a publicly run facility that puts people before profit.

“This failed experiment cost $190 million to fix. It stands as a stark warning of the risks that come when the Liberals privatise essential services.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“The aftermath of the Liberals’ legacy of privatisation has been seismic, and if they had it their way, five other hospitals around the state would have been subject to PPPs.

“It hasn’t been easy, but we have acquired this hospital in record time.

“Overdue surgeries peaked under the Liberals, and the health system has been working to reduce these as quickly as possible.

“I’m so pleased that the state’s new High Volume Planned Surgery Centre will boost our health system’s surgery capacity to help patients receive the care they need more quickly.

“This is a win for the Northern Beaches community and for patients right across NSW.

“With the establishment of the Centre, we will be able to offer thousands more patients each year the choice to have their surgery quicker, while providing some much-needed relief to hospitals around the state.”

Northern Sydney Local Health District Chief Executive Adjunct Professor Anthony M. Schembri AM

“Northern Beaches Hospital boasts world-class surgical facilities and a wealth of surgical expertise.

“This Planned Surgery Centre will not only benefit the community of the Northern Beaches but patients right across the state who will experience quicker access to elective surgery.”

Free street events make blockbuster events accessible to all

The state’s most popular events like the Deni Ute Muster and Bluesfest will now become even more accessible and affordable for everyone, with the Minns Labor Government supporting councils to add free vibrant street parties to foundation events in NSW. 

This weekend the Tamworth Country Music Festival embraced the Open Streets program by expanding their offering with four days of free Fringe Zone programming, including line-dancing lessons, whip-cracking demonstrations and live entertainment – all free to attend. 

The NRL Grand Finals, Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, the Sydney Marathon and the Bathurst 1000 will also benefit through this round of funding. 

The latest $4 million grant from the Open Streets Program help major festivals and sporting events expand beyond ticketed models, recognising the cultural and economic impact these drawcard events, known as Foundation Events, have on NSW.  

The Open Streets program is designed to open public spaces for events that bring communities together without having to break the bank. Previous Council-run Open Streets events recorded local business revenue increasing by 60 percent, and almost all visitors said they would revisit the area as a direct result of the grants. 

In combination with supporting the free street events, the NSW Government’s Permit/Plug/Play program is supporting over 35 local councils to reduce the costs of activating their streets for community events. Local councils were reporting costs of around $100,000 per day for hosting street events. 

The results from the 2024 program showed councils were reducing those costs by 40% on average by installing permanent event

infrastructure including retractable bollards, and power and water facilities, as well as streamlining development applications and transport management plans. 

Upcoming Open Streets (Foundation Events)  

March 2026  
  • 28th – 29th Streets Alive Brunswick presented by Byron Bay Bluesfest  
June 2026  
  • 12th Closing Night at the 25th Biennale of Sydney  
August 2026   
  • 15th – 17th Mundi Mundi Lightfest by the Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash
  • 27th – 30th Garra (working title) by TCS Sydney Marathon
  • 29th – Official Opening Party at the Sydney Fringe Festival  
September 2026  
  • 29th – 30th Spirit of the Muster Street Festival by Deni Ute Muster  
October 2026   
  • 1st – 2nd NRL Fan Fest for the NRL Men’s & Women’s Grand Final
  • 6th – 11th Brock Heritage Festival by Bathurst 1000  
January 2027  
  • 6th – 10th Parkes Elvis Festival expansion
  • 20th – 23rd Fringe Zone Year 2 at Tamworth Country Music Festival  
February 2027  
  • 20th The Rainbow Mile Block Party at the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras   

For more information, visit the Open Streets Program website.  

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“By supporting free street parties at these iconic events, we’re making sure everyone can join in the fun, no matter their budget.  

“We’ve scrapped the lockout laws, cut red tape and boosted local street events to bring back fun to NSW in a way that supports local businesses and helps families face the cost-of-living challenge.   

“These street parties where everyone feels welcome, have proven that they increase revenue for local business, they also harness one of our most important public spaces – our streets.  

“If you were on the fence about coming to one of these events, cost will no longer be an excuse! Come on down!”  

MC-55A Peregrine: a first-of-type capability strengthening Australia’s Defence

The first of four MC-55A Peregrine – Australia’s inaugural airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Electronic Warfare (ISREW) aircraft – has arrived, marking a major milestone in strengthening the nation’s sovereign defence capability.

The Albanese Government is pleased to announce the first MC-55A arrived at RAAF Base Edinburgh, South Australia, late last week. Modelled on the Gulfstream G550 airframe and extensively enhanced by L3Harris Technologies, the MC-55A is a long-range, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft designed to deliver multiple sources of intelligence in support of Defence operations.

This advanced capability reinforces Australia’s national defence posture and contributes to deterrence. Integrated within a focused and agile force, the MC-55A ensures the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) is ready to detect, disrupt, deter, and if necessary defeat threats – underpinning the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) commitment to readiness and resilience.

The MC-55A will be a key component of Australia’s broader ISR enterprise, complementing platforms such as the P-8A Poseidon and MQ-4C Triton, and forming a critical link in the nation’s sovereign network of surveillance and electronic warfare assets.

Operated by Number 10 Squadron, the MC-55A Peregrine will be based at RAAF Base Edinburgh, South Australia.

the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon. Richard Marles MP:

“The introduction of the MC-55A Peregrine represents a significant step forward in strengthening Australia’s ability to monitor and protect its strategic interests, including key maritime approaches.

“This capability will integrate seamlessly with allied and partner systems, enabling the Air Force and ADF to share intelligence with security partners like the United Kingdom and United States – reinforcing our collective security and enhancing regional stability.”

Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon. Pat Conroy MP:

“This investment strengthens Australia’s sovereign intelligence, surveillance, and electronic warfare capability and ensures our Defence Force is prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.”

Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Stephen Chappell DSC, CSC, OAM: 

“The introduction of the MC-55A to Air Force’s fleet will ensure we have a critical enabler for advanced ADF capabilities and, as identified in the 2024 Integrated Investment Program, provide important intelligence information to support ADF missions.  

“The MC-55A Peregrine is more than an aircraft—it is a strategic capability that reinforces our ability to protect national interests in an increasingly complex security environment.”

Strengthening partnerships with Pacific Island Leaders

Today, we welcome Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manele, Tongan Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua, Palaun President Whipps and the Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Baron Waqa to Australia for a meeting of the PIF Troika in Brisbane.

The Albanese Labor Government will strengthen our commitment to backing Pacific-led climate solutions by investing a further $550 million for the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP).

At the invitation of the PIF Secretariat, Minister Bowen will join the PIF Troika, consisting of the current PIF Chair (Solomon Islands), incoming Chair (Palau) and outgoing Chair (Tonga), to discuss progress on arrangements for a special pre-COP hosted in the Pacific.

Minister Bowen will sign a Memorandum of Understanding on a Renewable Energy and Climate Partnership with Tonga, and meet with President Whipps to discuss climate solutions and progress of the Palau-Australia Renewable Energy Partnership.

Minister Wong will welcome Lord Prime Minister Fakafanua for his first visit to Australia since his election as Prime Minister in December 2025, and since Australia and Tonga committed to elevate our partnership through the Kaume’a Ofi agreement.

Minister Wong will also meet with Prime Minister Manele to discuss Australia’s commitment to our economic, development and security partnership with Solomon Islands.

In discussions with President Whipps, Minister Wong will confirm Australia’s support for Palau to deliver a successful and impactful PIF Leaders meeting later this year.

The AIFFP, Australia’s major critical infrastructure provider, is already delivering 58 projects across 11 countries, including ports, airports, renewable energy infrastructure and undersea cables. For more information visit: The Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP)

Foreign Minister Penny Wong:

“Australia is backing Pacific-led climate solutions – investing in the Pacific Resilience Facility and in new energy partnerships.

“At a time of major global uncertainty, Australia’s additional $550 million investment will deliver further critical infrastructure projects, with a particular focus on digital infrastructure development.

“As a founding member of the PIF, Australia is a reliable partner for the Pacific, working to shape a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.”

Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen

“We are bringing the world to the Pacific to see climate impacts and solutions through the COP process.

“Climate action remains the greatest lever to protect the livelihoods, security and wellbeing of the people of the Pacific.

“Today Australia and Tonga strengthened our collaboration on renewable energy and climate action, delivering on Pacific priorities to cut emissions while cutting the cost of energy.”

GREENS SAY THINGS WILL ONLY GET WORSE WITH NEW COAL AND GAS AS AUSTRALIA SET TO BE THE HOTTEST PLACE ON EARTH TODAY AND RECORD TEMPERATURES TO HIT VICTORIA

The Greens are calling for an end to new coal and gas projects as record temperatures are set to hit Victoria today and Australia is forecast to be the hottest place on earth.

The Victorian town of Ouyen is expected to hit 49 degrees, which would set a new record for Victoria while Melbourne is forecast for 45 degrees. 

With a total fire ban, regional communities are anxiously watching for new fires as an out of control fire burns in the Otways. 

Meanwhile over the last 9 months, Victorian Labor approved 5 new coal and gas projects. Labor cleared fossil fuel giant ConocoPhillips to start drilling the Otway Basin early last year, and hit gas in November.

Labor continues to fast-track new fossil fuel projects in Victoria. In December alone, the Allan Labor government opened parts of Gippsland and the Otways for gas drilling, a day before the Albanese government opened five new areas for offshore exploration.

The Greens say with Labor opening up new coal and gas projects, we should expect to see more extreme heat days and unpredictable weather. 

Acting Leader of the Victorian Greens, Sarah Mansfield. 

“Every week since the start of this year, Victorians have experienced a catastrophic climate event. In my electorate, along the Great Ocean Road the same communities have faced devastating fires, floods, and now fires again. Yet just offshore from them last month, Labor has approved multiple new gas projects in the Otway Basin. Labor’s disconnect is astounding.


“It’s unconscionable that Labor is continuing to approve new coal and gas. What we’re experiencing is what climate scientists have warned us about for decades – it’s terrifying that those warnings have become our reality, and with Labor’s new coal and gas projects in the pipeline, things will only get worse. 

“Meanwhile, the fossil fuel corporations who are causing this are being allowed to rake in billions while CFA volunteers risk their lives to protect communities and we’re left to clean up the mess. It’s completely unjust.

Ministers must answer why Social Services keep breaking the law

Today’s Commonwealth Ombudsman Report finding that Services Australia and the Department of Social Services has been non-compliant with social security law regarding child support for the past six years shows a Department which has learned nothing from Robodebt and is seemingly incapable of administering the law.

As the Ombudsman notes in their report today, “Knowingly and deliberately not complying with the law was at the heart of Robodebt.”, yet the Government has persistent issues with following social services law, often to the harm of welfare recipients.

Last year, two separate Commonwealth Ombudsman inquiries and an external review from Deloitte could not assure the lawfulness of the Targeted Compliance Framework, under which over a hundred thousand welfare payments are withheld from recipients every month under the system known as ‘mutual obligations’. 

Despite Labor Ministers being unable to assure the lawfulness of the mutual obligations system, the government continues to suspend vast numbers of payments each month (learn more).

The Government was also forced to introduce legislation last year to retrospectively legalise the collection of over $1 billion of welfare debts after it was found that the method used to calculate debts for years was unlawful.

Regarding the child support law issue raised in the Ombudsman’s report, the Greens have sought a briefing from the government on legislation planned to be introduced to the Parliament in February.

Senator Penny Allman-Payne, Greens spokesperson for Social Services:

“This will be the second time in just six months that the government has sought to rush through retrospective laws to cover the fact they can’t administer the welfare system legally.”

“Labor can’t even say if a core part of their welfare system is lawful, yet they continue to use that system of ‘mutual obligations’ to unlawfully suspend over a hundred thousand welfare payments from people who need them every month.”

“How can anyone trust that our welfare system is being administered correctly and fairly when the government keeps on breaking its own laws, and can hide it for six years?”

“When families on income support break the rules, they get the book thrown at them, but when the government does it it’s like it never happened.”

“Robodebt showed us what happens when the government breaks its own laws without consequence, and it’s clear the Department has not learned its lesson.”

“It’s time Labor took responsibility for their own Departments and brought them in line with the law, including abolishing the unlawful mutual obligations system now.”

Two selfless seniors share City of Newcastle Senior Citizen of the Year award

For the first time in history, City of Newcastle has honoured two seniors as joint winners of a top award, acknowledging their decades of service to vulnerable communities.
 
 John Cross is honoured for his quiet, dedicated support for Newcastle residents experiencing homelessness, and Wanda McInnes-Fogg has been recognised for her long standing, vital role at Zara’s House where she supports refugee settlement in Newcastle.

From L-R Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge joins the 2026 Citizen of the Year award recipients Peter Sleap, Wanda McInnes-Fogg, Alyssa Wharton, Jenny’s Place representative Dawn Walker and John Cross. Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge said the joint award recognises the extraordinary dedication of two seniors who have spent decades strengthening the city’s social fabric.

“John and Wanda have each dedicated countless hours, often unnoticed to supporting people doing it tough,” Cr Kerridge said.

“John’s consistent advocacy for rough sleepers to access care and Wanda’s work supporting refugee women and children with settling and education both contribute to a stronger community cohesion across Newcastle. We are incredibly proud to honour two people who give so much of themselves to others.”

One of John’s most cherished achievements was helping reclaim the identity of Vietnam veteran Alwyn “Shorty” Craig, from decades of anonymity on the streets to long‑term housing, medical care and reunion with his family.

Over the last five years, Wanda has served as the Secretary and Public Officer for Zara’s House, forging key partnerships with the Red Cross, University of Newcastle and TAFE NSW, to build disaster resilience and create skills and employment pathways for refugee women.

She has also assisted numerous refugees to eliminate debt and serves as the coordinator of a bilingual early education program, providing teachers with age‑appropriate activities tailored to each child.

City of Newcastle also announced its Citizen of the Year, honouring a community champion whose personal adversity has driven him to create meaningful change for local families.

Peter ‘Sleapy’ Sleap is a well-known character in Newcastle who has been recognised for transforming his own stage‑four throat cancer survival into a powerful force for good.

Since 2019, Peter’s charity Sleapy’s Foundation has delivered immediate financial relief, meaningful experiences and practical programs for cancer victims and their families, with 99 percent of all funds going directly back into the community. 

In the past year, Sleapy’s Foundation raised $250,000 at its annual Sleapy’s Day event, supported more than 160 local families, provided Cancer Care Bags for patients at Calvary Mater Hospital and led a $500,000 project to establish a courtyard at the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit at John Hunter Hospital.

Rounding out this year’s honours, City of Newcastle has also named its Young Citizen of the Year and Community Group of the Year, acknowledging the contributions of emerging leaders and vital community organisations.

Young Citizen of the Year went to 21-year-old Alyssa Wharton, who was acknowledged for her leadership in cricket, where she mentors young players, organises cricket carnivals and serves as the Cricket Blast Coordinator, growing the program from eight to 50 participants in just three years.

As the only female umpire in the Newcastle Junior Cricket Association, she pushed for junior girls’ games to encourage visibility and representation and was named Cricket NSW’s 2025 Young Leader of the Year.

Community Group of the Year went to Jenny’s Place Women’s Refuge for its long-standing commitment to assist women and children experiencing domestic violence and homelessness.

In the past year, Jenny’s Place Women’s Refuge supported more than 1200 women and children through crisis accommodation, outreach casework and early‑intervention programs.

The organisation continues to enhance its support model, establishing the Community Transport Program in 2025 to help clients without access to a vehicle or who have difficulty affording public transport.

City of Newcastle’s annual Citizen of the Year awards formally recognise the outstanding contributions of exemplary Novocastrians over the past year.

$2.5m Lung Bus tour of NSW begins in Newcastle to protect workers against dust diseases

The Minns Labor Government maintains its commitment to protect workers from dust diseases with its $2.5 million state-of-the -art Lung Health Mobile Clinic which is providing lung health checks to thousands of people across New South Wales.

This year, the lung bus begins its journey in Newcastle to provide free lung screening checks. These lung health checks can be lifesaving by ensuring early detection and treatment of dust diseases like asbestosis, silicosis and mesothelioma.

The lung bus program provides free lung screening checks to more than 5,000 workers annually in regional NSW.

In collaboration with SafeWork, icare also supports the NSW Silica Worker Register (SWR), which helps identify and monitor workers who have been exposed to respirable crystalline silica across their working lives.

By linking registry data with services such as the mobile clinic, icare is helping ensure workers most at risk are prioritised for screening, follow-up care and specialist referral where needed.

Data from SafeWork NSW shows there have been 12,214 workers registered on the SWR from 597 businesses as at 31 December 2025, most of which are in the construction and manufacturing industries. Close to 3,850 workers are listed as working in tunnelling-related roles.

Launched on 1 October 2025, the SWR is used to help monitor and track the health of at-risk workers undertaking high-risk processing of crystalline silica substances (CSS).

In Newcastle, 44 workers are currently on the Register, and are being prioritised for screening due to potential occupational silica exposure.

Lung health checks are painless and only take around 30 minutes. The process includes chest X-rays to detect abnormalities or damage, lung function testing to assess respiratory performance, consultation with a specialist doctor, who interprets results and provides tailored advice and referral for a CT scan, if required, to get a better image of the chest and lungs.

The Lung Health Mobile Clinic will be located at The Station, Corner of Watt st and Scott st, Newcastle on Tuesday 27 January.

The Lung Bus will return to the Hunter when it visits Singleton on 20 April and then Newcastle on 29 June and 26 October.

Eliminating the risks associated with silica is a high priority for the Minns Government and the Lung Bus is one of several measures which have been introduced to reduce the risks of working with CSS in NSW.

These include:

  • Strengthening workplace safety through a Silica Worker Register (SWR) which monitors and tracks the health of at-risk workers undertaking high-risk processing of crystalline silica substances (CSS).
  • Leading the ban on engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs containing one per cent or greater crystalline silica. This included a national ban on its importation from January 1, 2025.
  • Establishing the Tunnelling Dust Safety Taskforce to help address silica related health risks for workers in tunnelling projects. The Taskforce is made up of Government, medical, industry and union representatives and provides expert guidance to prevent and manage silica and other dust related disease associated with tunnelling projects in NSW.
  • Establishing a dedicated silica unit within SafeWork NSW which includes a Silica Compliance Team to enforce strengthened regulations, including proactive visits to sites conducting high-risk CSS processing.
  • Allocating $5 million in critical funding for silicosis research and a patient support program for individuals and their families navigating the health risks associated with exposure to silica dust. The grant funding, administered collaboratively by icare and the Dust Diseases Board, will be provided over three years to the Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute (ADDRI).

Workers can also arrange a free lung screening at icare’s Sydney Kent st clinic, or with local providers regionally when the lung bus is not in that part of the state. To book a free lung health check, contact icare on 1800 550 027.

Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said:

“The icare Mobile Clinic underscores the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to removing barriers like cost and location, ensuring workers across NSW have access to the critical support and care they need to safeguard their health.

“The Lung Bus is another important step towards protecting workers from dust diseases and builds on the Government’s recent actions including the Silica Worker Register, the ban on engineered stone, the establishment of the Tunnelling Dust Safety Taskforce and a dedicated Silica unit within SafeWork NSW.

“Every worker has the right to go to work and return home safely.”

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“The $2.5 million icare Lung Bus plays an important role providing thousands of health checks for people living in regional NSW.

“Our regional communities remain front and centre when it comes to ensuring early detection and treatment of dust diseases like asbestosis, silicosis, and mesothelioma.”

Icare Group Executive of General Insurance and Care Sarah Johnson said:

“A lung health check could save your life.

“Early detection is critical to effective treatment, and we’re here to make sure every worker, no matter where they live, has access to world-class care.”

Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said:

“I welcome the launch of the 2026 icare Lung Bus tour of NSW in Newcastle. This is a terrific initiative that plays a vital role in keeping workers safe and healthy.

“These health checks can be lifesaving by enabling the early detection and treatment of dust-related diseases.

“By bringing these essential services directly to the communities that need them most, the icare Lung Bus is helping to protect the health and futures of our workers.”

Parliamentary Secretary for Work Health and Safety Mark Buttigieg said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to protecting workers from deadly dust diseases, and the $2.5 million state-of-the-art Lung Health Mobile Clinic is a powerful example of that commitment in action.

“By bringing free, lifesaving lung health checks directly to communities across New South Wales, starting in Newcastle, we are making early detection and treatment more accessible than ever.

“These screenings save lives, particularly for regional workers who may otherwise miss out, and ensure thousands of people each year get the care they need before it’s too late.”

NSW Seniors Festival Comedy Show serving up laughs in Sydney

A line-up of six comedians will deliver a barrel of laughs as the New South Wales Seniors Festival Comedy Show returns to Sydney in 2026.

The free show, which is an annual feature of the NSW Seniors Festival, will commence at 11am on Tuesday 3 March, at Sydney Town Hall, in partnership with City of Sydney.

Master of Ceremonies Cam Knight will join Jake Howie, Anisa Nandaula, Fiona Cox, Mick Meredith, Chris Wainhouse, and Peter Berner to headline entertainment for hundreds of New South Wales seniors.

For the first time, Shoalhaven City Council will also be hosting a Seniors Festival Comedy Show at Ulladulla Civic Centre at 11am and 1.30pm on Thursday 5 March. The line-up for the Ulladulla comedy show will feature Mat Wakefield alongside Jake Howie, Anisa Nandaula, Fiona Cox, Chris Wainhouse and Peter Berner.

Tickets will be available from 10am, Tuesday 3 February 2026 via the NSW Seniors Festival website: NSW Seniors Festival Comedy Show | NSW Government

Seniors are encouraged to get in early to secure a ticket before they run out.

Seniors Festival Comedy Show

  • Sydney Town Hall, in partnership with City of Sydney at 11am, Tuesday 3 March
  • Ulladulla Civic Centre, in partnership with Shoalhaven City Council at 11am and 1.30pm, on Thursday 5 March.

The NSW Seniors Festival runs from 2-15 March and showcases a variety of events, from entertainment to educational activities.

Highlights of the festival include the popular Premier’s Gala Concerts and NSW Seniors Festival Expo, held at Darling Harbour on Wednesday 11 March and Thursday 12 March.

Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison said:

“The NSW Seniors Festival Comedy Show has a proud history of bringing together some of the nation’s best comedians to spread laughter and joy.

“The NSW Government is building more inclusive communities for older people through recreational, cultural and social participation, a key priority of the government’s Ageing Well in NSW Strategy.

“That’s why we are proud to support this popular event each year and urge our seniors to get together with friends and families to ‘live life in colour’.”

Member for Sydney Alex Greenwich said:

“The NSW Seniors Festival Comedy Show is an annual highlight for so many in our community as it’s a great way for people to come together, share a laugh and meet some friendly new faces.

“Not only is this a wonderful event for seniors, but it is another opportunity for them to stay socially connected. Sharing a laugh is a great way for everyone to boost their wellbeing and to bring people together.

“Laughter really is the best medicine, and a great way to brighten someone’s day. Not only are events like this fun, they help to keep people feeling connected to their community.”

Comedy show Master of Ceremonies Cam Knight said:

“I’m absolutely excited to be hosting this event for the NSW Seniors Festival.

“There’s something special about making people happy, and I can’t wait to share some laughs with our seniors.

“It’s going to be a fantastic time and I’m sure everyone will leave with a big smile on their faces.”

Comedian Jake Howie said:

“I am thrilled to part of this year’s Comedy Show, sharing the stage with some of the country’s funniest people.

“We’ve got some hilarious material lined up which is sure to have the audience in stitches.”

Singleton Bypass on track to open in 2026

The Singleton Bypass is on track to open to traffic later this year, with construction teams back from the break and hard at work, delivering an extraordinary project for the Hunter.

The project is being delivered with a $560 million investment from the Albanese Labor Government and a $140 million investment from the Minns Labor Government.

This region-changing project will take 15,000 vehicles a day off Singleton’s main street, improving travel times, freight efficiency and safety for local and interstate motorists, allowing them to avoid five sets of traffic lights.

The eight kilometre bypass starts near Newington Lane in the south and rejoins the highway just past Magpie Street in the North. The project features a full interchange at Putty Road and connections to the New England Highway at the Southern and Northern ends and at Gowrie.

A host of major milestones were achieved in 2025, with crews opening two bridges which allowed trucks to shift material within the project corridor, without going through the CBD, helping to reduce the impact of construction traffic.

Construction of all six bridges is now nearing completion, including the largest on the Hunter Floodplain, which is 1.6km long. 

The bridge construction has involved the installation of 435 girders and 207 bridge piles and pouring of 161 concrete columns and 78 concrete bridge decks. Only the finishing works remain, including the installation of safety rails, deck joints, placement of asphalt, noise walls and safety screens.

Road pavement construction has recently commenced across the corridor.

To date, a total of 500,000m³ of earthwork material has been placed across the project alignment, equivalent to 200 Olympic sized swimming pools of material.

Construction activities continuing in early 2026 include:

  • drainage and earth works
  • continued pavement construction including asphalting and line marking
  • the relocation and connection of water, electrical and sewer services
  • the construction of interchanges, and
  • the start of landscaping.

The bypass is expected to be open to traffic in late 2026, weather permitting.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

“The 1,300 workers on this project are making some incredible progress, and I know Hunter motorists, and anyone regularly passing through Singleton, can’t wait to enjoy smoother, safer and more reliable journeys when the bypass opens later this year.

It’s one of the many projects across NSW being delivered by the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments together that will be a real game-changer for the community.”

NSW Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison:

“I am delighted to be able to say for the first time that Singleton Bypass will be open to traffic this year!

“The bypass is going to make a massive difference for road users across the Hunter.

“We are ensuring mums and dads spend less time in traffic and more time with their family.

“We are cutting five sets of traffic lights, and ensuring Singleton locals can reclaim their CBD – with 15,000 fewer vehicles passing through it each day.

“This is a win-win outcome for Singleton residents, visitors and freight operators.”

Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi:

“The bypass will ease congestion and improve safety for the more than 25,000 vehicles that use this section of the New England Highway every day.

“The town is already enjoying a taste of the benefits the Singleton Bypass will bring, with project haulage trucks using two new bridges enabling them to avoid CBD streets.

“The completion of this project will absolutely transform the town centre, improving amenity and safety for Singleton while delivering enhanced journey reliability and travel time for vehicles using the New England Highway.”