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A vital Aboriginal community health service severely impacted by the 2022 Lismore floods has reached a major recovery milestone, with the opening of a new, flood-resilient facility to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families across the Northern Rivers.

Rekindling the Spirit’s new community services building has been delivered through a $4.4 million investment from the Australian and NSW governments, helping restore essential health, mental health, counselling and social support services disrupted by the floods.

The project is part of the ongoing recovery and rebuilding of flood-affected Aboriginal community infrastructure across the Northern Rivers, with funding delivered through the Aboriginal Owned Assets Program under the jointly funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Rekindling the Spirit is a collaborative primary health care service created by, and for, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Its mission is to ensure First Nations peoples have the support, care, and culturally safe environment they need to heal, recover, and celebrate good health.

In addition to the new facility, Rekindling the Spirit’s existing site at 92 Uralba Street, providing early intervention, child, and family health services, is also being rebuilt and restored through a separate $2.4 million grant under the Aboriginal Owned Assets Program. These restoration works are scheduled for completion later this year.

The $44 million Aboriginal Owned Assets Program, administered by the NSW Reconstruction Authority, is dedicated to helping flood impacted First Nations communities recover, rebuild, and build long-term resilience.

Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said:

“The 2022 floods had a devastating impact on Rekindling the Spirit’s services in Lismore. This new facility marks a major recovery milestone, restoring culturally safe health services and providing a welcoming space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families to connect and access support.

“Through the Aboriginal Owned Assets Program, the Albanese and Minns Governments are helping communities recover stronger by investing in the infrastructure and services needed to support future generations.”

NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:

“We know it’s crucial that we support Aboriginal-owned assets, especially in rural and regional communities.

“By supporting groups like Rekindling the Spirit we are ensuring that Aboriginal people can receive culturally appropriate services closer to home.

“This is another example of the Australian and NSW governments working together on their commitment to Closing the Gap, in partnership with Aboriginal organisations to make a positive impact on Aboriginal communities.”

NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said:

“I have worked closely with CEO Chris Binge on flood recovery since 2022, and that shared commitment continues today. We wanted to ensure Rekindling the Spirit could not only recover, but re-establish an even stronger, more resilient service – and they have done just that.

“This joint government funding delivers the vital social and health infrastructure our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities desperately needed following the floods.

“Delivering this new, flood-resilient facility restores essential care while strengthening that vital sense of belonging, identity, and resilience across Lismore.”

Rekindling the Spirit CEO Chris Binge said:

“I had the pleasure of officially opening the Rekindling the Spirit Health Service at 25 Uralba Street on Friday, 9 October 2026. The event was well attended by community members, key stakeholders, dignitaries, Elders, and families, marking a significant milestone in the history of the RTS organisation.

“This achievement represents more than 35 years of advocacy, commitment, and determination by the Widjabul Wia-bal community and its people, who have long fought for a dedicated health service to support the health and wellbeing needs of the Lismore community.

“I extend my sincerest thanks to everyone involved in bringing this remarkable facility to life. Special recognition is given to Reconstruction Authority for their partnership through the Aboriginal-Owned Assets Program following the 2022 floods, as well as to our project management team, Marcon, construction partner Alders, and lead architectural firm Maeve for their expertise, collaboration, and commitment throughout the project.

“This landmark development sets a new benchmark for community infrastructure in Lismore, both architecturally and in construction excellence. More importantly, it reflects the rich Indigenous story, culture, and legacy embedded within the building and represents a lasting commitment to delivering accessible, culturally safe health and wellbeing services for our community and the wider region for generations to come.”

A direct bus between Balmain East Wharf and Leichhardt via Rozelle will be reintroduced, delivering on an election commitment, while helping locals get from A to B by improving connectivity and creating easier access to ferries.

As part of timetable improvements to Inner West bus services, Transport for NSW will introduce the new 444 route, with the service kicking off on Monday 16 November 2026.

The new 444 route delivers on the NSW Government’s commitment to investigate options to bring back the former 445 connection to Balmain East Wharf. The reintroduction of a service along that route fulfils a long-standing community push to restore the link.

This new route will provide a direct link between Balmain East Wharf and Leichhardt Marketplace via Darling Street and makes it easier for residents to access local shops, services, community facilities and ferry connections.

Operating approximately every 60 minutes between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Saturday, the service will add 54 trips each week and help residents link up with Sydney Ferries services at Balmain East Wharf.

During the 444’s operating hours, passengers travelling along key sections of the corridor will have access to a Route 444 bus approximately every 60 minutes, with Routes 442 and 445 continuing to provide services every 15 and 10 minutes respectively.

Easier connections with Balmain East Wharf will help residents catch ferries to Circular Quay, Pyrmont Bay and Barangaroo.

Transport for NSW will review patronage and community feedback after the new route is introduced and make further timetable adjustments if required.

Key changes from Monday 16 November 2026:

• New route 444 between Leichhardt Marketplace and Balmain East Wharf
• Services every 60 minutes between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Saturday
• 54 additional bus trips per week
• Improved connections to Balmain East Wharf

Minister for Transport, John Graham said:

“This is a great example of community consultation delivering a real outcome for local residents. People told us they wanted a direct bus between Balmain and Leichhardt, and now they’re getting one.

“The Inner West is a tight-knit community, and delivering on the public transport services which communities asked for means residents feel heard and stay connected with one another.

“Good public transport is about making it easier for people to get where they need to go, whether that’s work, school, local shops or to link up with other modes of transport like our ferries. This new route gives people more choices and helps them move around our amazing city.”

Philippa Scott, Labor candidate for Balmain said:

“Getting around our suburbs, as well as into the city, is important and this is a real win for the Balmain East and Leichhardt communities.

“For many residents, particularly older people and those who rely on public transport, having a direct connection between these communities will make everyday travel much easier.

“The community strongly supported restoring the former connection to Balmain East Wharf, and it’s fantastic to see that advocacy translated into a new service that will benefit residents and visitors.

“The new route 444 will provide a direct public transport link between two important Inner West destinations while improving access to the wider transport network through connections with ferry services at Balmain East Wharf.”

The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments and Muswellbrook and Lake Macquarie councils have worked together to unlock more than 7,000 jobs for the Hunter, as major post mining land use controls are finalised to enable new industrial precincts that will drive economic growth across the region for decades to come.

The new planning controls at the Mt Arthur Coal Mine site near Muswellbrook and the Macquarie Coal Complex at West Wallsend will allow former mining land to become home to new industries including renewable energy, advanced manufacturing and warehousing.

Momentum is already building at the sites with the Minns Labor Government just days ago announcing former mining land at the Macquarie Coal Complex as the preferred location for the new state-owned facility that will build the next generation of NSW passenger trains.

The new land use controls will allow industry to make the most of both the Hunter’s skilled workforce and these sites existing rail, road, power and water infrastructure to enable new enterprises and new jobs in the region.

It provides an opportunity for land that has provided thousands of jobs in the past to provide thousands more jobs in the future.

The finalisation of these pilot post mining land use rezonings delivers on the Commonwealth Government’s $5 million investment, alongside in-kind support from the NSW Government.

Mt Arthur coal mine, Muswellbrook

The Mt Arthur Coal Mine near Muswellbrook is owned by BHP and is set to end its mining operations in 2030. Two areas have now been zoned for new industry with access to major highways and the existing rail loop.

Key features of the finalised proposal include:

• An increased total area of 5,700 hectares
• Around 800 hectares of land in the two priority areas identified for early activation
• Up to 5,900 new jobs
• Close to 4,600 hectares of rehabilitated land for agricultural and environmental use

Macquarie Coal Complex, Teralba/West Wallsend

The Macquarie Coal Complex, which has already been identified as the preferred location for the new state-owned train building facility, is ideally positioned to become a major employment precinct for renewable energy, advanced manufacturing and warehousing.

Located just 20 kilometres south-west of Newcastle the former mine site is directly linked to the M1 and the Main Northern Railway.

Key features of the finalised proposal include:

• total employment precinct of 1,142 hectares
• at least 500 hectares of developable land
• up to 1,130 new jobs
• around 36 hectares of new open space
• 22 hectares of residential land in Barnsley West and Teralba Southgate.

Next Steps

These pilot projects will create a model for the reuse of mining land and the economic opportunities that come with it, as Australia shifts towards a Net Zero Economy.

Importantly the rezonings won’t switch off rehabilitation requirements. Land will only be released for development once it’s been rehabilitated by the mining company and confirmed safe, stable and non-polluting.

All future projects on these sites will still go through their own development assessment, which will ensure the development has considered any constraints.

These rezoning proposals were on exhibition between 14 July 2026 and 11 August 2026 and received a total of 177 submissions.

For more information visit Mt Arthur Mine or Macquarie Coal Complex.

Federal Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science Tim Ayres said:

“The Hunter is an industrial powerhouse with the skilled workforce, infrastructure and industrial capability to drive Australia’s next wave of economic growth.

“These plans support the future of the Hunter’s industrial opportunities, putting former mining land back to work and backing new industry and jobs across the Hunter.”

NSW Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:

“The Hunter has powered NSW for generations and these rezonings enable new jobs and industry so it can remain one of NSW’s economic powerhouses.

“Through these rezonings and plans for a new train manufacturing facility the Minns Labor Government is cementing the Hunter as a major industrial hub.”

NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“This is a practical and commonsense step to support thousands of jobs and new industries in the Hunter including a clear pathway to set up a new state owned train manufacturing hub.

“The Hunter has the infrastructure and the skilled workforce, this rezoning makes the most of that, unlocking thousands of hectares of serviced industrial land that is ripe for new investment and thousands of new jobs.”

NSW Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison:

“The Hunter region has been the industrial backbone of this country for generations before it was unfairly stripped away, but we’re bringing it back and are incredibly proud to be doing so.

“By unlocking this land, we’re giving families across the Hunter certainty that they will be able to find secure work in their own communities for decades to come.”

NSW Minister for Natural Resources and Domestic Manufacturing Courtney Houssos said:

“We’re making sure the coal mines which have sustained communities and families for generations can continue to support jobs even after mining ends.

“These rezonings build on the passing of our legislation this week to establish the Future Jobs Investment Authority, which will support the long-term economic development of NSW’s coal-producing regions.”

Federal Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi said:

“We’ve got the workers, the skills and the infrastructure right here in the Hunter. These changes open the door to new industries and give the next generation more opportunities to learn a trade and build a future close to home.

“We put $5 million on the table to help turn these opportunities into reality. With plans to build trains here in the Hunter, we’re already seeing what that investment can deliver for local workers and businesses.”

NSW Member for Cessnock Clayton Barr said:

*“*We’re backing jobs and industry in the Hunter, giving workers, families and communities confidence and certainty for the future as our region prepares for planned mine closures.

“Today we have locked in a brighter future for the Hunter, unlocking thousands of jobs and a new wave of industry and economic growth.”

NSW Chair for Inquiry into Beneficial and Productive Post-Mining Land Use Emily Suvall said:

“We’re not leaving the Hunter’s future jobs, industries and investment to chance. We’re actively planning for the region’s future and backing its workers, families and communities every step of the way.

“This rezoning brought all levels of Government and industry together to map out a clear pathway not only for these sites, but for mining sites across NSW to ensure they remain productive for future industries and decades to come.”

Muswellbrook Shire Council Mayor Jeffrey Drayton said:

“This is another significant step forward for our community as we navigate the greatest economic challenge our society faces, moving from coal mining to new industries. This is more than just a plan; it’s a vote of confidence in Muswellbrook and our future beyond coal.

“I thank both the Federal and State Governments for their support in getting us to this point. The next important step is turning this plan into real investment, jobs and opportunities for our community.”

Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz said:

“The proposed train manufacturing facility is a game-changing opportunity for Lake Macquarie and the broader Hunter Region. Just as exciting is the potential this rezoning unlocks across the broader site, with hundreds of hectares of employment land that can support new industries, attract investment and create jobs for decades to come.

“This is about securing the region’s economic future, creating opportunities for future generations and ensuring former mining land remains productive long after mining has ceased.”

One year after passing landmark child-safety reforms, the Minns Labor Government is delivering on its commitment to put children first, crack down on poor-quality early learning operators and rebuild trust in the sector.

NSW was the first state to act with stronger laws to protect children following a series of harrowing cases of alleged abuse in early learning services.

Following an independent review commissioned by Deputy Premier Prue Car in early 2025, the Government introduced legislation that passed Parliament in October 2025.

The reforms strengthened penalties for providers, expanded powers to suspend educators and services, and introduced restrictions on personal mobile devices in early learning services.

The Government also established the independent NSW Early Learning Commission, which commenced operations in December 2025, to enforce the strengthened laws and improve child safety.

Since its establishment, the Commission has:

• Suspended 53 educators, staff or volunteers considered to pose a risk to children’s safety
• Cancelled eight services and suspended a further 10
• Conducted 8,776 regulatory visits, 71 per cent of which were unannounced
• Taken 876 compliance actions against approved providers, services and educators — an increase of 108 per cent compared with the same period in 2025
• Imposed $324,290 in fines on providers for breaches of their obligations.

Recent penalties include a $17,220 fine issued to Western Future Group Pty Ltd in August for issues relating to staff qualifications, and a $20,610 fine issued to Guardian Community Early Learning Centres Pty Ltd on 3 September for failing to notify the Commission of alleged inappropriate conduct involving an educator at The Rumpus Room Warabrook, in breach of the National Law.

Other significant penalties include a combined $45,180 in fines issued to Guardian Community Early Learning Centres Pty Ltd in June for failing to notify the Commission of complaints and inform parents of an alleged incident involving a child. Affinity Education Group Pty Ltd was fined a combined $67,770 for failing to notify the Commission of serious incidents and inform parents of an alleged incident involving a child.

The reforms have also delivered stronger protections for children and greater transparency for families, including:

• Children’s safety comes first: A paramount duty requires services and the Commission to prioritise children’s safety, rights and best interests in every decision.
• Greater transparency for families: Since November 2025, services have been required to display a short-form compliance and quality history, giving parents clearer information about their service. The Commission also publishes information about enforcement actions, including prosecutions, suspensions and cancellations.
• Stronger protections for children: Expanded powers allow the Commission to suspend individual educators, including volunteers, and impose supervision requirements where necessary to protect children.
• Enhanced child-safe recruitment: Mandatory child-safe recruitment requirements strengthen safeguards for children by ensuring appropriate standards are met when recruiting educators and staff.
• Restrictions on personal devices: A Ministerial Direction prohibits the use of personal devices capable of taking, storing or transmitting images or videos while staff are working directly with children, strengthening safeguards against inappropriate recording and use of images.

The crackdown on poor quality providers has not impacted the overall supply of childcare to families: applications for service approvals in the last quarter have increased by 26% compared to the same quarter last year.

The reforms are backed by an additional $55 million investment over four years to boost frontline regulatory staff, increase service visits and fund CCTV to better protect children in early learning.

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

“One year ago, we made it clear that children’s safety and wellbeing would come before the interests of providers when it came to regulating the early learning sector.

“We have backed that commitment with stronger laws, tougher penalties and a regulator with the powers to act. We make no apologies for driving poor-quality operators out of the sector.

“Every operator knows what is expected of them: providing a safe, high-quality environment for children. Parents deserve confidence that when they drop their child off in the morning, their child will be safe.

“Almost 9,000 regulatory visits in a single year and a significant increase in enforcement action show that our reforms are holding providers accountable. When services fall short, there must be consequences.”

Landmark legislation to create the Great Koala National Park has passed NSW Parliament, delivering on a key election commitment of the Minns Labor Government and securing lasting protection for one of the state’s most significant koala populations.

The passage of the legislation, combined with the Clean Energy Regulator’s approval of the park’s carbon project, clears the final hurdles to establishing the Great Koala National Park, which is on track to open before the end of the year.

The National Park Estate (Great Koala National Park Reservations) Bill 2026 adds 178,000 hectares of state forest and other Crown land, home to around 12,000 koalas and more than 100 other threatened species, to the national parks estate.

This precious forest will be added to existing national park reserves on the NSW Mid North Coast, creating one of the largest protected areas in NSW, spanning more than 475,000 hectares.

The creation of the Great Koala National Park continues the proud Labor conservation legacy of the Wran and Carr governments, which protected vast areas of NSW’s native forests and secured their conservation for future generations.

The park will protect important environmental and cultural values while allowing visitors to continue enjoying activities including camping, canoeing and mountain-bike riding. It will also create opportunities for nature-based tourism and local businesses.

The NSW Government is supporting workers, businesses and communities affected by the transition of this land, with a comprehensive assistance package including redundancy payments, support, retraining, upskilling and other financial assistance.

Around 100 new NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) roles are being created to strengthen park operations, fire management and conservation. The Bill provides for affected Forestry Corporation of NSW employees to transition into suitable NPWS roles if they choose.

The creation of the park follows extensive consultation with industry, community and Aboriginal groups. The Minns Labor Government is incredibly grateful for their time and expertise.

The Gumbaynggirr and Dunghutti people have helped shape the Great Koala National Park and will continue to guide its management. Eight Aboriginal rangers will be employed through community-controlled organisations and some park roles will be identified for Aboriginal people.

It is also the culmination of decades of campaigning by environmental groups.

The Clean Energy Regulator’s registration of the carbon project associated with the Great Koala National Park under the Improved Native Forest Management method provides a pathway for carbon revenue to support the long-term conservation and management of these forests. Carbon credits generated through the project will not be available to coal and gas projects.

Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe said:

“This is a defining moment for conservation in NSW. After more than a decade of campaigning and years of detailed assessments, consultation and planning, we have cleared the final hurdles to delivering our biggest environmental commitment.

“We are protecting extraordinary forests that are home to thousands of koalas and more than 100 threatened species, while ensuring future generations can enjoy these incredible places.

“I want to acknowledge the Traditional Owners, conservation groups, local communities and everyone who has worked so hard for so many years to see these forests protected.”

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“We know creating the Great Koala National Park means significant change for forestry workers. We have been clear from the start that affected workers and businesses will receive practical support through this transition, and that will continue.

“We have a comprehensive assistance package in place, including financial support and retraining opportunities. This legislation also gives eligible Forestry Corporation workers a pathway to move into a role with national parks if they want to take their valuable skills and local knowledge.”

Minister for Small Business and the North Coast Janelle Saffin said:

“Like so many in our region, I just love our native wildlife and iconic koalas. This is a historic day for our North Coast community, who helped shape a national park that protects our environment while keeping the outdoor activities we love accessible.

“This milestone isn’t just a win for conservation – it’s also an economic driver. Opening the Great Koala National Park will attract visitors from around the world, creating fresh opportunities, vibrant town centres and lasting growth for our hard-working local small businesses.”

The Minns Labor Government must urgently improve school bus services across south western Sydney, as rapid population growth and rising school enrolments place increasing pressure on families, local roads and public transport networks.

Independent Schools NSW has called for an urgent review of school bus services before the 2027 school year, warning that inadequate transport is restricting schools’ ability to meet growing demand from local families.

South western Sydney’s population grew by 15.3 per cent between 2020 and 2025, while student enrolments across government, Catholic and independent schools increased by around 13,000 or 13 per cent, equivalent to the opening of 12 new K-12 schools. Despite this growth, bus services have failed to keep pace, forcing more parents onto already congested roads for daily school drop-offs and pick-ups.

Shadow Minister for Transport Natalie Ward said transport planning must keep up with the needs of growing communities.
“Families should not be spending more time in traffic because school bus services have failed to keep pace with population growth,” Ms Ward said.

“The Minns Labor Government must work with schools, councils and local communities to ensure bus routes reflect where students live and learn, rather than waiting for overcrowding and congestion to worsen.”

Shadow Minister for South Western Sydney Mark Coure said better school transport options would provide practical relief for families.

“As communities grow, transport infrastructure must grow with them,” Mr Coure said.

“More direct routes, increased service frequency and improved connections to train stations would help reduce congestion and give families real transport choices.”

Shadow Minister for Education Mark Speakman said the issue reflects the need for better coordination between housing growth, school planning and transport infrastructure.

“When bus services don’t adequately cater for local schools, the burden falls on parents to find alternative transport, often at significant cost and inconvenience,” Mr Speakman said.

“Schools that have capacity to enrol more students should not be constrained by inadequate transport links.

“The Minns Labor Government must act now to ensure services are planned and delivered ahead of the 2027 school year, rather than leaving students and families stranded.”

One example is Al-Faisal College’s Liverpool campus at Austral, serving around 1,700 students but supported by just one direct school bus route. The school reports regular overcrowding, while students using alternative services face long walks along roads lacking adequate footpaths and safe crossing points.

Another example is Macarthur Anglican School in Cobbitty. It has also identified limited public transport access as a barrier to growth, with the school operating eight privately funded bus services at significant cost to families.

The NSW Liberals are calling on the Minns Labor Government to urgently review school bus services across south western Sydney, introduce additional direct and frequent routes where needed, improve connections to major train stations and work with councils to deliver safer footpaths and crossings around schools.