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NSW residents are being encouraged to adopt from their local council pound or animal shelter rather than shopping if they’re considering getting a pet this Christmas.

The Christmas period is a prime time when many families welcome a new, furry family member into their homes.

But with councils and rehoming organisations reporting an increase in surrendered or abandoned animals recently, there are many loving pets across the state waiting to find their forever home.

In the 12 months to 30 June 2023, there were 21,580 dogs and 14,370 cats in the NSW pound system, including 5680 dogs and 5030 cats which were released to organisations for rehoming.

Adopting a pet provides a safe home to animals in need of a second chance while also reducing the demand on the state’s facilities. This includes 100 approved rehoming organisations and 98 council pounds across NSW.

Current and prospective pet owners are also being reminded about responsible pet ownership and the importance of microchipping, desexing and registering their pet via the NSW Pet Registry.

Sadly, summer is a peak time of year for pets to go missing, whether they’re spooked by New Year’s Eve fireworks or escape into unfamiliar surroundings when taken on the family holiday.

Ensuring your pet’s details are up to date on the NSW Pet Registry can make all the difference in the chance of a happy reunion if your pet goes missing.

Registration via the NSW Pet Registry is free for desexed cats and dogs adopted from pounds, animal shelters and approved rehoming organisations.

To adopt a pet this Christmas, visit your council pound, RSPCA, Animal Welfare League, Cat Protection Society or another approved rehoming organisation in your local area.

See the full list of rehoming organisationslaunch, or contact your local councillaunch for information on council pounds.

Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said:

“Dogs and cats are beloved members of the family in homes across NSW.

“They can provide love and companionship and adopting a pet which might’ve had a rough start to life can be an incredibly rewarding experience.

“If you’re welcoming a new pet into your family this Christmas, please think about visiting a council pound, animal shelter or rehoming organisation to see if there’s a dog or cat that would suit your household.

“More than 3480 dogs and 3690 cats were adopted from NSW pounds in the year to 30 June 2023, showing just how generous the people of NSW can be.

“While pets can bring a lot of joy, it’s also important to remember they are a big responsibility.

“So before adopting a pet ensure you’re in the best position to give them the life and home they deserve.”

The NSW Government has identified St Andrew’s Village Ballina Ltd as the new preferred operator for the site of the Feros aged care village at Byron Bay.

Submissions have been assessed and discussions are now underway with the preferred proponent St Andrew’s Village Ballina Ltd to provide a long-term lease on the site.

St Andrew’s is a community-based, not-for-profit organisation with significant industry experience and financial capabilities.

It submitted a comprehensive proposal which reflected a good understanding of aged accommodation needs in the Byron area, and has committed to:

• Deploy experienced staff to commence operations at the Byron site quickly and seamlessly.
• Maintain the existing 40 residential aged care beds at the site.
• Invest an initial amount of almost $3 million to refurbish facilities at the site, to provide comfortable and functional accommodation and ensure compliance with aged accommodation standards.

In February 2023, Feros Care announced its intention to close the Feros Care Village at Byron Bay.

In response to feedback from residents and the community, Crown Lands conducted an Expression of Interest (EOI)  process to invite potential operators of the Feros Village facility to be considered for a long-term lease on the Crown land reserve.

The (EOI) attracted a number of submissions from potential operators to provide aged care accommodation at the Marvell Street site.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“The identification of a strong and committed aged accommodation provider with local roots in the Byron region is fantastic news for the residents of the Feros village and for the local community.

“Our first priority has always been the welfare and well-being of the residents. Discussions are underway to lock in a long-term lease with St Andrew’s to ensure we have a seamless transition to a new aged accommodation and care operator by the end of January.”

Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot said:

“This is a massive community victory and together we’ve secured the long-term future for this important aged-care facility for our area. Thanks to everyone for all your great efforts.

“After the devastating news that Feros Care would close Byron Bay’s Feros Village, State and Federal Labor Governments worked to find a new provider to keep the site open for residents.

“After months of work, we’ve secured St. Andrew’s, an established provider of aged care services, to run the current Feros Village site and continue to provide high-quality care. All residents will be able to remain on the site. I’m proud to be your strong voice in the Albanese Government delivering a long-term home for the residents of Feros.

“A big thank you also to the Byron Shire Council and our community for your work in helping us make this happen.”

Chief Executive Officer of St Andrew’s Todd Yourell said:

“St Andrew’s is delighted to be awarded this opportunity to take on the management of this facility.

“With the current residents being our primary focus, we look forward to meeting with them as soon as possible to consult and listen to them regarding the future of their home.”

A tram has travelled through Western Sydney for the first time in 80 years, with on-track testing for Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 officially kicking off on 18 December as the project powers forward, reaching a number of major milestones.

The NSW Government has ensured the project is on track to service tens of thousands of commuters by mid-2024, providing a vital additional transport link between key precincts in Western Sydney.

The community will notice a light rail vehicle moving slowly along the track from Dundas towards Carlingford this week, before testing ramps up in the new year through Parramatta CBD.

Major construction is now complete on all 16 light rail stops along the 12-kilometre alignment from Westmead to Carlingford, while the 7 substations that will power the network have been installed and energised.

The new state-of-the-art stabling and maintenance facility in Camellia is almost complete, housing the vehicles for upkeep and cleaning, and creating more than 150 jobs in Western Sydney.

All 13 new light rail vehicles are currently on site in the stabling yard and ready for testing, after the final 2 were delivered earlier this month.

A recruitment campaign is currently underway for more than 80 operational staff including drivers, network controllers and customer service personnel.

Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 will connect Westmead to Carlingford via the Parramatta CBD and Camellia.

For more information, visit the Parramatta Light Rail websitelaunch.

Transport Minister Jo Haylen said:

“Parramatta Light Rail is progressing, with major milestones giving locals and visitors an exciting glimpse of what is to come: more safe, reliable and connected public transport in Western Sydney.

“The last time trams moved through Parramatta was in 1943. Now we’re finally seeing tram testing on this transformational project for Western Sydney.

“Stage 1 will mean key health precincts like Westmead and Cumberland are more accessible, students at Western Sydney Uni and local schools have more travel options, and businesses along Church St will enjoy increased foot traffic of around 16,000 people daily.

“I want to thank everyone who helped us get to this point, especially the light rail operators who worked overnight to test Parramatta’s new tram.

“200 people have been working day and night to build the stabling and maintenance facility, fit out and test the light rail stops, install overhead wiring, and deliver this city-shaping light rail network for our west.”

Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said:

“This is a momentous day for Parramatta as the first light rail vehicle begins testing on the tracks.

“Our government is delivering a vital public transport link that is essential to the support Parramatta’s growth, and work is underway to extend Parramatta light rail even further.

“Trams are testing along the old Carlingford rail line corridor first, before testing in Parramatta’s CBD in the first half of next year.

“I urge pedestrians, cyclists and motorists to be alert as light rail vehicles commence testing along the line.” 

The new-look Mascot Station has officially opened to the public following a multi-million-dollar upgrade to improve customer access, reduce congestion and future-proof facilities.

Transport for NSW worked with Bayside Council, businesses, local residents and the public to design and build a new station entry that improves access to the station on both sides of Bourke Street.

Improvements at Sydney’s 35th busiest station include the new station entrance, four new escalators, a new lift, bathrooms, additional ticket gates and hearing loops.

The new Bourke Street entry is complimented by a surrounding plaza that includes seating and landscaping.

The new entrance on Bourke Street west is a win for train passengers and road users, as the underpass will reduce the number of commuters using nearby pedestrian crossings.

These vital improvements mean Mascot Station will be able to accommodate more passengers in the future, making commuting from Mascot to the city, a fast, comfortable and efficient experience. 

Minor works will continue at Mascot Station in early 2024.

Transport Minister Jo Haylen said:

“More than 1000 people have been hard at work, significantly improving access to Mascot Station from both sides of Bourke Street.

“The new entry, lifts and escalators will make everyone’s walk in and out of the station a little easier, and the improved plaza will be a great little public space in the heart of Mascot.  

Member for Heffron, Ron Hoenig MP said:

“This is a necessary upgrade that will create a much-needed second entrance to Mascot Station.

“Until now, everyone had to cram into the same set of escalators and through the same entry.

“This upgrade will do two things – allow pedestrians to access the station without having to cross Bourke Street, and free up the congestion of traffic on Bourke Street which was obstructed by the volume of pedestrians crossing the road to use the station.

“Mascot Station is on the network’s busy Airport Line and services one of the fastest-growing residential areas of Sydney.

“Now we’ll have two, safe and accessible entrances and exits, making it easier for everyone to catch the train.”

The NSW Government has today released the final report by the Special Commission of Inquiry into LGBTIQ hate crimes, concluding the landmark review.

The final report contains seven recommendations relating to specific cases, as well as 12 recommendations relating to investigative and record management practices and procedures, including: 

• Establishment of a review or audit by NSW Police of all unsolved homicides for the period 1970 to 2010, including review of exhibits and those that should be submitted for forensic testing in light of possible technological advances. 
• Several recommendations relating to the enhancement of the Unsolved Homicide Team (UHT) including a review of practices, procedures and resourcing of the UHT, and provision of training.
• Implementation of mandatory and ongoing training for NSW Police officers concerning the LGBTIQ community, including in relation to LGBTIQ bias crime, conscious and unconscious bias in investigations, and the engagement of appropriately qualified experts to ensure international best practice in NSW.

Led by the Honourable Justice John Sackar (the Commissioner) and first launched in April 2022, the Inquiry looked into the unsolved deaths of LGBTIQ people that may have been hate crimes between 1970 and 2010 that had been the subject of previous investigation by the NSW Police Force. 

In particular, the Inquiry looked into the 88 deaths or suspected deaths of men potentially motivated by gay hate bias that were investigated by Strike Force Parrabell.

In a series of public hearings, the deaths of 32 people were examined in detail.

The Inquiry also looked at social, legal and cultural factors affecting the LGBTIQ community, as well as the nature of the relationship between the LGBTIQ community and the NSW Police Force over the 40-year period.

In the course of this work the Inquiry examined more than 150,000 documents, issued more than 400 summonses, made public appeals for information, and held public and private hearings.

The final report comprising almost 3,500 pages is reflective of the extensive work undertaken by the dedicated team of barristers, solicitors and investigators.

The NSW Government will thoroughly consider the contents of the Commission’s report and will respond in due course.

Read the Inquiry Report

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“I thank all of those who came forward with information or otherwise assisted the Inquiry – for your contributions and staunch advocacy for partners, family members, friends and community.”

“It takes courage to relive the traumatic experiences you have shared as partners, family and friends who have lost loved ones, and as a community that has suffered unimaginable injustice.”

“Thank you also to Commissioner Sackar and the entire Inquiry team for your tireless work in pursuing justice for the victims of these crimes.”

“The Government will now take the time required to thoroughly consider the Commission’s report.”

NSW Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“The comprehensive work undertaken by the Inquiry has shone a light on some of the darkest events in our states history.”

“I know many members of our community have been deeply impacted by the events examined by the Inquiry and the reopening of wounds that has been a difficult but necessary part of this process.”

“We hope that in a small way this process will have provided some level of closure and healing.”

“Our work here is far from over and our focus now shifts to ensuring we deliver a meaningful and decisive response., We owe nothing less to victims, their families and friends.”

“I would also like to thank Judge Sakar and his team for their work.

Support services

The Inquiry engaged ACON Pride Counselling to offer free and confidential counselling to LGBTIQ people participating in the Inquiry.  Find out morelaunch.

The following services are available for immediate support:

• Emergency assistance: (triple zero) 000
• Lifeline: 13 11 14
• Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
• NSW Mental Health Access Line: 1800 011 511
• QLife (3pm to midnight): 1800 184 527
• Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
• Rainbow Sexual, Domestic & Family Violence Service Help Line: 1800 385 578
• Alcohol and Drug Information Service: 1800 250 015
• TransHublaunch (external link)
• Pivot Pointlaunch (external link) – (for information & self-assessment of alcohol and drug use).

People who display aggressive behaviours in retail settings are being warned to think twice, with tougher penalties in NSW for anyone caught abusing or harming a worker.

As the Christmas rush for shopping gets into full swing, the likelihood for workers to be assaulted increases.

The NSW Government is reminding everyone to behave respectfully towards people who serve you in retail outlets.

Workplace violence has significant impacts on a person’s physical and psychological health, and includes any incident where a person is abused, threatened or assaulted at work, including physical assault, sexual assault, harassment or aggressive behaviour.

All retail workplaces should have in place systems outlining standards of behaviour for all staff and visitors onsite, as well as clear polices on how individuals and workplaces should respond when faced with violence and aggression from customers.

Everyone in the state is being reminded of new laws that passed parliament earlier this year which make it an offence to:

• assault, throw a missile at, stalk, harass or intimidate a retail worker in the course of the worker’s duty, even if no actual bodily harm is caused to the worker, with a maximum penalty of 4 years’ imprisonment
• assault a retail worker in the course of the worker’s duty and cause actual bodily harm to the worker, with a maximum penalty of 6 years’ imprisonment
• wound or cause grievous bodily harm to a retail worker in the course of the worker’s duty, being reckless as to causing actual bodily harm to the worker or another person, with a maximum penalty of 11 years’ imprisonment.

Videos of retail workers being assaulted have been widely shared on social media with many shocking and violent abuses caught on camera.

For more information on safety in the retail sector, visit the SafeWorklaunch website.

Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said:

“As a former retail worker myself, I know how busy the Christmas period is. I want people to take a moment to remember that the people who serve you deserve respect.

“For people thinking about doing the wrong thing, think twice, you can and will be charged for assaulting a worker in NSW.”

The great Aussie road trip is an integral part of our culture, especially over the festive season. Self-drive holidays are popular with families looking to hit the road, covering long distances while enjoying vast landscapes and experiences in between.

Our regional towns may not always be the final destination but play an important role in a visitor’s journey and experience. Stopping for lunch in a small town’s main street, the parks and open spaces provide necessary amenities and facilities to reset and get visitors back on the road safely.

These holidays, we encourage you to Break, Play and Stay at one of more than 17,000 Crown reserves across the state. Managed through community partnerships with councils, corporations and volunteer boards, the Crown land estate supports recreation and tourism from parks and sporting facilities to community halls caravan parks, surf clubs, showgrounds, walking trails and campsites.

Playgrounds become temporary destinations, allowing children to burn off energy before the next stage of the trip. The myriad of green spaces on Crown reserves offer adults tranquillity, while providing time to learn about the communities they visit as they make their way to their destination.

When it’s time to stop and rest after a long drive, a range of accommodation options are available on Crown land to provide a perfect backdrop to pause and explore what the State has to offer.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“Crown land is held by the NSW Government on behalf of the public. These public spaces cater for all kinds of travellers whether you’re looking for a quick bathroom break on a long drive, congregating at a community meeting place like a showground or reserve, or stopping overnight.”

“The stories of NSW and its people are woven into the tapestry of culture and heritage showcased on Crown land. These summer holidays are the perfect time to explore our state, and I encourage everybody to get out and enjoy all the incredible sights and sounds NSW has to offer.”

Here are a few great spots to break, play and stay in NSW this holiday season.

Break in NSW

Break at Ryrie Park in Braidwood. Perched in the Southern Tablelands, Braidwood is a halfway point between Canberra and the NSW South Coast. Equipped with a basket swing, rope bridge, double flying fox, BBQ and picnic tables this is a perfect spot for families. 

Break at Fingal Foreshore Parklaunch. A short drive from the Queensland border at Fingal Head you will find a narrow peninsula shaped by hot lava flows which formed massive rock pillars as they reached the cool sea. At Fingal Foreshore Park a new inclusive space awaits, focussed on nature play with water elements that reflects the area’s history and character. 

Break at Urunga Wetlandslaunch. Formerly an antimony processing plant this rehabilitated freshwater paradise is now home to over 120 bird species. Stretch your legs and explore the wetlands on a 150-metre accessible boardwalk or other walking tracks in the park. 

Play in NSW

Play at the Wiradjuri Walking Traillaunch. See a different side of Wagga-Wagga on this 42-kilometre loop of the Riverina city. Perfect for walking or cycling, the Wiradjuri Trail explores riverbanks, hills and everything in between. 

Play at Bathurst Adventure Playgroundlaunch. Adventurers both big and small can swing, fly and climb at this recently upgraded adventure playground just four blocks from Bathurst’s CBD. Featuring a dual flying fox, accessible swings, climbing structures and rock walls, this reserve can be enjoyed by all. 

Play at Bidjigal Reservelaunch. With towering eucalypt forest, weathered sandstone cliffs, sparkling creeks cascading over rocks and sheltered rainforest gullies, Bidjigal Reserve provides an island of natural habitat. Spend a day explore this extensive nature reserved in the Hills area of Sydney. 

Stay in NSW

Stay at Diggers Camplaunch. This off-the-grid primitive campground in the Northern Rivers region is a gorgeous, secluded spot on a headland overlooking the beach and is accessible only via a dirt road.

Stay at Belmont Lakeside Holiday Parklaunch. Belmont Lakeside Holiday Park prides itself as an inclusive holiday destination with a focus on accessible accommodation and facilities. Their brand new swimming pool features hoist access and concrete pathways connect most areas of the park, including an all abilities access BBQ where wheelchair users can access cooking facilities

Stay at Penrose Parklaunch. Just a 20-minute drive from Broken Hill you’ll discover the historic town of Silverton, and Penrose Park recreation reserve. Whether you’re after a quiet camping spot, family BBQ, an eventful weekend, or week away, Penrose Park has something special for the whole family.

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Clean, renewable energy to power up to 700,000 homes a year has been given the green light with the NSW Government’s approval for the Yanco Delta wind farm in the state’s South West Renewable Energy Zone (REZ).

The 1500MW wind farm will be developed by Virya Energy around 10km north-west of Jerilderie on a 33,000 hectare site in the Murrumbidgee and Edward River Local Government Areas.

The project will involve the construction of 208 wind turbines with a maximum tip height of 270m, an 800MW battery energy storage facility and grid connection infrastructure.

Public exhibition of the project’s environmental impact statement saw overall support, and the Department of Planning and Environment has been engaging closely with local councils, residents and government agencies.

The project is estimated to save between 2.8 million and 5 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions every year, making a significant contribution to the state’s net zero targets and Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap.

Potential impacts would be managed through strict conditions including road upgrades and maintenance, implementation of management plans and a range of mitigation and adaptive management measures.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe said:

“This is fantastic news for NSW and for the South West of the state. It means more clean energy, more jobs and local investment and we’re another step closer to achieving our Net Zero targets.

“Over the next decade, 3 of the 4 remaining coal fired generators in NSW are scheduled to retire, removing around 7400 megawatts of dispatchable electricity generation from the system.

“Renewable energy developments like this one in the South West Renewable Energy Zone are critical to our energy future, so we can ensure there is enough renewable energy to replace aging coal-fired power stations.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Local residents and stakeholders have played a vital role in the work to get this project over the line, and it’s set to deliver positive local benefits including up to 300 jobs in construction and 30 jobs in operation.

“Two hundred and eight wind turbines producing around 1500 megawatts is more than the entire generating capacity of the Mt Piper coal fired power station near Lithgow, west of the Blue Mountains. 

“This is a great way to end to 2023. With 18 renewable energy projects under assessment that could provide enough energy to more than 2,740,000 households a year, 2024 will likely be an event stronger year for adding more renewable energy to the NSW grid.”

As the new year approaches, the NSW Government is asking the community to give a brighter future to a child in need by becoming a foster carer.

Currently, there are 480 children living in emergency placements because there aren’t enough foster carers.

Emergency placements include hotels, motels and caravan parks where children are looked after by shift workers 24/7.

The government relies on foster carers to provide support to some of the 15,000 children in out-of-home care in NSW.

Without additional community support, more vulnerable children will end up in emergency living placements.

There are many types of fostering arrangements available, including short-term emergency and long-term care options.

Carers receive training, support and an allowance to help them throughout their care journey.

To learn more about becoming an authorised carer with a non-government organisation visit myforeverfamily.orglaunch

To learn more about becoming an emergency foster carer with DCJ email fosteringwithdcj@dcj.nsw.gov.aulaunch

Minister for Families and Communities and Minister for Disability Inclusion Kate Washington said:

“Right now, there are 480 vulnerable children living in emergency care arrangements, including hotels and motels, with 24/7 shift workers, because there aren’t enough foster carers.

“Without loved ones or somewhere safe to call home, just think what Christmas will be like for these kids.

“Across NSW, there are many wonderful foster carers putting up a Christmas tree with the young people in their lives, but we desperately need more.

“There is no better gift that anyone could give than a safe place to call home, especially to children who’ve seen the worst and need it the most.

“If you’re wondering how you can make a difference in the new year, please consider becoming a foster carer and giving a brighter future to a child in need.”

On the last working day before the NSW public service Christmas closedown the Labor Government has left a long list of key planning and housing initiatives undelivered and unresolved.
 
“The Premier has made housing his top priority, but the Government has failed to deliver on many of the key initiatives they promised in 2023 to support the delivery of more homes,” Mr Farlow said.
 
“With the Government failing to deliver on their promises, they must be hoping that Santa will come down the chimney and they will find them wrapped underneath the tree on Christmas Day.”
 
The list of key initiatives the Government has left unresolved and undelivered in 2023, includes:
 
1.     Audit of government land with potential to provide housing.
2.     Housing and Productivity Contribution – Infrastructure Opportunities Plan.
3.     Housing and Productivity Contribution – Works-in-kind agreement framework.
4.     Housing and Productivity Contribution – Local government grant funding guidelines.
5.     Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan.
 
“The Premier has signed NSW up to a target of delivering 377,000 new homes over the next five years with no advice from planning and many of the key planning initiatives to support this growth have been left unresolved.”
 
“While the Government is quick to put a tax on new homes, they’ve failed to outline their plans for the infrastructure the tax is supposed to support.”
 
“It’s no wonder that the NSW Planning Performance Dashboard has shown that Development Applications lodged continues to drop and there are 4,656 less than the cumulative figure at the same point last year – a drop of 23.4%.”
 
“The Government talks a big game on planning, but they need the detail to back it up to both inform the community and give industry the certainty and security to invest,” Mr Farlow said.