$46 million budget boost to fund new police vessel

The Minns Labor Government is continuing its work to keep communities safe with the NSW Police Force Marine Area Command to benefit from modern, cutting-edge capability and infrastructure with a new vessel funded in the 2025-26 Budget.

$46.3 million will fund a new Class 1 Vessel (Nemesis) – replacing the current vessel which is approaching end-of-useful-life after almost 20 years on the water.

The Nemesis is invaluable to the NSWPF’s marine operations. It can operate in the harshest offshore maritime environments – with a patrol range of 1500 nautical miles or 2800kms – for extended periods.

The vessel gives officers the capability to conduct extended offshore operations including search and rescue, maritime and counter-terrorism protection and target maritime crime and illegal drug importation.

It protects NSW’s economic interests, assists marine counter-terrorism operations, polices major water events – including New Year’s Eve on Sydney Harbour – and is the response vessel to Lord Howe Island for emergency management.

Since becoming operational in 2008, the Nemesis has intercepted and seized 8.1 tonnes of narcotics including one tonne of methamphetamine, seven tonnes of cocaine and interrupted the shipment of 240 tonnes of illicit tobacco.

The Nemesis has completed countless major rescues, including in September 2024 when two stricken sailors were rescued off the Shoalhaven area in eight metre seas.

The new vessel will have an extended patrol range, allowing for 12-day patrols, advanced satellite communications, military-grade surveillance and infrared camera, seven metre boarding vessel, along with emergency management capabilities to support Lord Howe Island.

This investment builds on the Minns Labor Government’s work to deliver better frontline services and rebuild the NSWPF.

The former Liberal-National Government had no plan for police recruitment, no plan for police retention and sent wages backwards for 12 years. As a result, thousands of experienced officers left the force.

We are turning that around by:

  • securing a historic pay rise for officers
  • paying recruits to train resulting in applications to join the NSWPF soaring by 70 per cent
  • creating a pathway for recruits to serve in or near their hometown after attesting the Goulburn Police Academy
  • establishing the Professional Mobility Program for serving officers across Australia and New Zealand to join the NSWPF and keep their equivalent rank up to Senior Constable
  • introducing the Health, Safety and Wellbeing Command to look after officers.

The 2025-26 Budget builds on the strong foundations we have already laid to build a better, safer NSW for all – work which the Minns Labor Government will continue to do.

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:

“The Nemesis is absolutely critical when it comes to the capability of our Marine Area Command to keep our waterways and streets safe.

“The role of this vessel cannot be overstated – from intercepting illegal drugs, to policing major events and conducting offshore rescues – the Nemesis does it all.

“Today’s announcement builds on our work to invest in our hardworking police and ensure they have the resources, equipment and capability to continue to keep us all safe.”

NSW Police Force Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell said:

“We are the only police force in Australia with this capability.

“This new vessel puts us even further in front in the fight against drugs and other serious crime.

“Marine Area Command officers are trained to deal with everything from significant drug detections, and terrorism to major boating emergencies.

“This new vessel is a major weapon for our Marine Command, and its’ team of elite officers, in the fight against what can be some very serious crimes right across their patrol.”

Sneak peek at mega machines heading deep below our harbour

The Minns Labor Government is getting on with delivering the Western Harbour Tunnel Project, with the largest tunnel boring machines (TBMs) in the Southern Hemisphere set to arrive in Sydney later this year, to excavate the final stage of the first harbour road crossing in almost three decades.

The 6.5 kilometre Tunnel is set to open to traffic in 2028 and importantly, will remain in public hands. These enormous tunnel boring machines will excavate 1.5 kilometres of the twin motorway tunnels with three lanes in each direction.

Once launched tunnelling will be 24/7 with 40 people working on them at any one time.

The TBMs are expected to take around a year to complete their work.

In a sneak peek, footage of the TBMs rolling off the assembly line shows the extraordinary complexity of these state of the art machines that will link northern, inner western and southern Sydney via the Western Harbour Tunnel.

The mega machines are 102 metres long and 15.7 metres in diameter, each weighing 4,350 tonnes. They will work under Sydney Harbour, between Birchgrove and Waverton, up to 50 metres below sea level.

A 500-tonne crane will be used to assemble the TBMs in their launch chambers deep underground Birchgrove. Around 13,000 concrete segments, set to be precast in Western Sydney, will line and support this section of the tunnel.

The TBM cutterheads are adorned with artwork to honour their namesakes – Aboriginal women Barangaroo and Patyegarang – in a tribute to Sydney’s past as the TBMs prepare to shape its future.

When completed the Western Harbour Tunnel will provide a seamless connection from the Warringah Freeway and North Sydney to WestConnex at Rozelle Interchange.

For more information visit the Western Harbour Tunnel web page.

Fast facts

Using Western Harbour Tunnel will save drivers:

  • up to 20 minutes from Sydney Olympic Park to North Sydney
  • up to 20 minutes from Leichhardt to North Sydney
  • up to 15 minutes from North Sydney to Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport.

Western Harbour Tunnel will reduce traffic:

  • on the Western Distributor by 35 per cent
  • the Sydney Harbour Tunnel by 20 per cent
  • the Sydney Harbour Bridge by 17 per cent.

Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“The Minns Labor Government is getting on with projects that are transforming our city and delivering the infrastructure our community needs.

“These magnificent machines are going to deliver on the Future Sydney vision by carving out our second under-harbour road crossing.

“These are the largest TBMs in the Southern Hemisphere – which gives you a sense of the magnitude of this project that will revolutionise the way our city moves.

“Three whole Sydney Metro tunnels could fit within the diameter of the Western Harbour Tunnel, and each TBM is around the same weight as four Freshwater ferries.

“When complete, the Western Harbour Tunnel will link the northside and city, inner west and airport while taking pressure off the Harbour Bridge and Tunnel, Anzac Bridge and Western Distributor.”

Workers Compensation reform passes key hurdle

Workers compensation reform in NSW has overcome a key hurdle, with legislation passing the parliament’s lower house despite the Coalition teaming up with the Greens to try and block its progress.

The Workers Compensation Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 is now expected to go before the upper house on Thursday.

The NSW Government is calling on the Parliament to pass this legislation so workers compensation can be protected for future generations.

The current system isn’t working, and it is not sustainable. It is failing injured workers, failing businesses and failing the state.

Since 2018, the number of psychological claims has doubled. Since 2020, the average cost of psychological injury claims has almost doubled.

Under the status quo, just 50 per cent of workers with psychological claims are back at work within a year. For physical injuries, the rate is 95 per cent.

The Government’s reforms will ensure businesses are not hit with an unnecessary $1 billion per year insurance premium increase. Without the reform, the premiums paid by businesses are set to increase by 36 per cent over three years to 2028.

Governments of both persuasions have put $6.1 billion since 2018 into bailing out the Treasury Managed Fund, which insures public sector workers.

The Bill currently before the Parliament has been informed by consultation with unions and experts, including through the release of an exposure draft and a parliamentary inquiry.

It includes a range of refinements to proposals that were contained in the exposure draft and is complemented by $344 million in new funding for a Workplace Mental Health package.

The legislation before Parliament will reform the way workers compensation system deals with psychological injury by addressing:

  • the lack of focus on preventing psychological injury at work
  • the low rate of recovery and return to work for psychologically injured workers
  • the sharp rise in premiums for business and cost explosions for the NSW public.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“The Government has been able to get the workers compensation bill through the Legislative Assembly. This is despite the Liberals teaming up with the Greens to block this important reform.

“They should now unite to pass this legislation in the upper house.

“This Bill is about creating a modern system that will better protect workers from psychological injury and provide better help when they need it. I want to ensure that future generations of workers have a workers compensation system they can rely on.”

Industrial Relations Minister Sophie Cotsis said:

“The workers compensation system has failed injured workers. In particular it has failed workers with psychological injuries. It is designed to keep workers in the system.

“We are building a better system, one that supports workers to not only get help as soon as possible, but to return them back to a safe workplace as soon as they are able and not left languishing for many years.”

Minister for Customer Service Jihad Dib said:

“We are putting in place widespread reforms for workers that ensure those with the greatest need continue to receive support, and those who can return to work are supported.

“We need a workers compensation scheme that can serve injured workers into the future – that means it needs reform now, supported by greater effort on preventing injury, treating the injury and supporting the worker to make sure it can be sustainable.”

Community invited to have their say on Riverstone Town Centre

The community is invited to have their say on a new state-led rezoning proposal to transform Riverstone Town Centre into a flood-resilient community, with the potential for new homes and a new main street.

The proposal includes upgrades along George Street, and new housing located on nearby higher ground to reduce flood risk and support a more resilient town centre.

It features an upgraded transport hub with improved connections, surrounded by new open space, shops and services, which will support the creation of up to 1,200 new jobs.

The NSW and Commonwealth Governments are also investing $276 million to upgrade Garfield Road East and $520 million to widen nearby Richmond Road to six lanes, supporting traffic connections to Riverstone Town Centre.

In September 2024, the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure commenced a state-led rezoning proposal under the State Significant Rezoning Policy, following an earlier proposal from Blacktown City Council which did not proceed due to flood risk and traffic management concerns.

The State Significant Rezoning Policy aims to shorten the rezoning timeframe to better meet the housing and employment needs of NSW’s growing population. The new proposal will provide a long-term planning blueprint for Riverstone Town Centre over the next 30 years.

This is all part of the Minns Government’s plan to build a better NSW with more homes, jobs and services, so young people, families and key local workers have somewhere to live and in the communities they choose.

The community and industry are invited to have their say on the rezoning proposal, which is on exhibition until 2 July 2025. For more information, visit the NSW Planning Portal.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“We introduced the State Significant Rezoning Policy to make it easier for projects to move through the planning pipeline and deliver the homes that NSW needs.

“This proposal allows us to connect to create more homes and jobs, connected to open space, while creating a flood-resilient town centre in Riverstone.

“This rezoning proposal is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when the State Government brings together council and agencies to solve complex planning issues such as flooding and evacuation.”

Member for Riverstone Warren Kirby said:

“I want to thank the residents in my electorate for their patience and assure them this rezoning proposal is worth the wait.

“We know that parts of Riverstone are flood prone so it’s good to see the consideration and planning that has gone into reimagining the town centre while respecting the environmental constraints and the community’s desire for increased greenspace.

“I’m confident the community will share my excitement about this vision for Riverstone’s future and encourage everyone to provide feedback during the exhibition.”

Workers and business deserve better than a rush job

The NSW Opposition will support sensible reforms to the workers compensation scheme but Labor needs to agree to smart, fair amendments that protect small business, working families and people with genuine psychological injuries.

The Workers Compensation Legislation Amendment Bill 2025, dropped into Parliament just last week, is being rushed through by the Minns Labor Government under the false claim it must be passed by 1 July.

In fact, premiums for the 2025–26 financial year are already locked in at an 8% increase, and the next premium filing isn’t due until March 2026.

NSW Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said we support reform, but we won’t support a system that kicks severely injured people off support at 2.5 years with no justification or shifts public costs onto small business.

“These are serious changes, and they deserve serious scrutiny. We’re offering alternative amendments to make the scheme fair, sustainable, and focused on the people it’s meant to serve,” Mr Speakman said.

NSW Nationals Leader Dugald Saunders said in the regions, we see what pressure does to frontline workers, small business owners and communities.

“The last thing they need is a government making it harder to get help or asking them to pay for problems in Macquarie Street. These reforms need to be realistic and that’s what we’re pushing Labor to deliver,” Mr Saunders said.

Shadow Treasurer Damien Tudehope said the numbers don’t stack up. There’s no modelling showing how the harshest parts of this Bill save money—just spin.

“We back responsible cost savings, but not at the expense of the people who hold up our economy,” Mr Tudehope said.

The Opposition will move amendments to:

  • Scrap the proposed 31% impairment threshold for psychological injury.
  • Make savings instead by tightening bullying claims and removing vague or unworkable claim triggers like “excessive work demands”.
  • Keep independent assessments with the Personal Injury Commission.
  • Retain Parliament’s oversight of how injuries are assessed.
  • Stop private business from subsidising public sector disputes.

If there is no satisfactory outcome of these amendments, the Opposition will seek to refer the Bill to an upper house inquiry for proper scrutiny.

Workers deserve dignity. Businesses deserve fairness. The public deserves better than a rush job.

New campaign shows Sydney is so much more than our icons

The Minns Labor Government has unveiled the next chapter of the ‘Feel New’ campaign that showcases Sydney beyond the postcard-perfect icons, and asks Australians to rediscover the city and experience a new side of Sydney.

According to the Destination NSW Brand Engagement Monitor in April 2025, 79% of all Australian travellers have visited Sydney before. Sydney is currently ranked third for consideration to travel amongst domestic travellers in the next 12 months.

Qualitative research undertaken by The Lab has showed that people know Sydney for its incredible icons. But there’s a sense that once travellers have seen the well-known icons, Sydney doesn’t offer anything significantly different from other cities. They couldn’t be more wrong.

The next chapter of the ‘Feel New’ campaign targets ‘new experience seekers’ from around the country who want busy, full days when travelling.

The new campaign showcases the unique offering our city has to offer beyond the icons. World class food offerings, stunning natural beauty, exhilarating adventures, international sporting events and a vibrant arts and music culture.

The campaign showcases the depth and breadth of experiences on offer to visitors, from oyster farms to rooftop bars, hot air balloon rides to snorkelling in Sydney’s unique coastal locations like the Great Southern Reef at Shelley Beach.

Backed by ongoing investment in aviation, events, and experiences, the campaign is just one of several initiatives to grow domestic visitation and grow the local visitor economy.

Research has shown that audiences who have engaged with the Feel New brand are more likely to book a trip or extend their stay and have injected an additional $323 million into the NSW visitor economy to date.

Destination NSW has also partnered with six NSW ‘icons of culture’ who have curated their own emotion-led personal itineraries to help visitors live like a local. The NSW ‘icons of culture’ all live in Sydney or were born in NSW and include Olympian Jess Fox, celebrated chef Dan Hong, writer, broadcaster and comedian Lucinda Price (Froomes), ultra-marathon runner Nedd Brockmann, award winning musician Budjerah and comedic duo The Inspired Unemployed.

The campaign will roll out across TV, outdoor, radio, digital and social channels until 30 August 2025.

Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said:

“Sydney was just ranked as one of Time Out’s top five global cities for culture, but when you ask Australians about Sydney they’ll say “I’ve already seen the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.”

“What is clear in the research is that our icons alone are not enough to get people to visit and revisit Sydney. We need to do a better job at showcasing all our city has to offer, we need to be more than our icons.

“We have the Blue Mountains, the best beaches, award-winning vineyards, and world-class snorkelling, and all within a couple hours. Sydney is home to world leading restaurants, an exciting blend of food cultures, the largest sporting events and a vibrant arts and music scene.

“We have so much to offer, which is why we are asking Australians to explore our beautiful city, dive deeper and feel a new side of Sydney.

“There are infinite combinations of experiences on offer, and I think this campaign puts them top of mind for potential visitors.”

Business Sydney Executive Director Paul Nicolaou said:

“This next phase of the ‘Feel New’ campaign is exactly what Sydney needs. As an international and global city, we’ve long been defined by our stunning icons—but what keeps people coming back are the stories, the communities, and the experiences that can’t be captured in a postcard.

“By spotlighting the vibrant layers of local culture, food, art, and nature that exist beyond the usual landmarks, this campaign not only diversifies the visitor experience but also supports the small businesses and local creatives who are the lifeblood of our city.”

“Post-pandemic travel habits have shifted, with more Australians seeking meaningful, immersive experiences over traditional sightseeing. Campaigns like ‘Feel New’ respond directly to this change by encouraging travellers to go beyond the surface.

“Whether it’s discovering a hidden laneway bar, attending a local festival, or hiking coastal trails that locals love, this initiative repositions Sydney as not just a destination, but an experience that evolves with every visit.”

Transport and Tourism Forum CEO Margy Osmond said:

“It’s fantastic to see the NSW Government investing in Sydney’s unique tourism offering, from world-class culinary options, nightlife, cultural experiences and more, well beyond the bridge and the sails.

“This campaign is about inviting the world to see beyond Sydney’s icons and why locals love living in this evolving and exciting destination – a city bursting with energy, culture and creativity at every turn. We see enormous potential to increase visitation and deliver long-term economic benefits for Sydney’s communities and businesses”.

Chef, restaurateur and author Dan Hong said:

“The driving force behind this new marketing campaign for Sydney is to attract more visitors who will have the opportunity to discover Sydney’s world-class food scene. Increased visitation directly benefits the hospitality sector and creates a ripple effect that supports local jobs and stimulates the economy. I’m proud of the quality of food that Sydney serves up and want more people to know about what we have on offer.”

Rosalind Croucher appointed NSW Information Commissioner

Emeritus Professor Rosalind Croucher AM, distinguished lawyer, educator and human rights advocate has been appointed the NSW Information Commissioner. 

In her role as Information Commissioner, Professor Croucher will lead the Information and Privacy Commission NSW (IPC), an independent statutory authority administering NSW legislation dealing with privacy and access to government information. 

Professor Croucher brings extensive experience from a distinguished career spanning senior executive roles in both the private and public sectors. She previously served as President of the Australian Human Rights Commission and as President and Commissioner of the Australian Law Reform Commission where she led several major law reform inquiries. 

Professor Croucher was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2015 for significant service to the law as an academic, to legal reform and education, to professional development and to the arts. 

The Information Commissioner’s statutory roles include promoting public awareness and understanding of the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA Act); providing information, advice, assistance, and training to agencies and the public; dealing with complaints about agencies; investigating agencies’ systems, policies and practices; and reporting on compliance with the GIPA Act. 

Find out more about the Information and Privacy Commission NSW here: https://www.ipc.nsw.gov.au/ 

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said: 

“I welcome the appointment of Rosalind Croucher AM as NSW Information Commissioner. 

“Professor Croucher has extensive experience across highly respected and important programs of work which are testament to her capabilities and values. 

“Her appointment reflects the NSW Government’s commitment to promoting trust and transparency, with the role of Information Commissioner essential in strengthening the relationship between government and the public.” 

Attorney General Michael Daley said: 

“I congratulate Rosalind Croucher AM on her appointment as NSW Information Commissioner. She is an eminently qualified appointee who brings significant government, private sector and legal experience to the role.” 

NSW Information Commissioner Rosalind Croucher said: 

“It’s an honour to be appointed to the role of NSW Information Commissioner, and I look forward to working with the Privacy Commissioner, NSW Government agencies and the community to promote the important work of the Information and Privacy Commission NSW. 

“The people of NSW deserve full confidence in how government information is handled and protected. They should also understand their rights to access information and how to exercise those rights.” 

Digital deal delivers boost to Bradfield innovation ecosystem

The Minns Labor Government is making sure Bradfield will be a fully digital city from day one, equipped to support high-tech industries, institutions, and technologies, after a digital infrastructure partnership was formed with Australian telecommunications company and internet service provider Superloop. 

Under the commercial deal, Superloop and partner OneWiFi will deliver critical infrastructure services to support the city as an innovation hub and great place to live and work. 

The Minns Labor Government are building better communities by delivering critical supporting infrastructure, including roads, transport, open spaces and digital connectivity.

The City Centre will offer free public Wi-Fi in streets and parks to enhance digital coverage and convenience for residents, workers, students, and visitors.  

As part of the deal Superloop will deliver a network of serviced Multi-Function Poles around the city with CCTV cameras, electric bike charging, environmental sensors and banner space for public art, providing both convenience and safety.  

The streets of Bradfield will be free of bulky telecommunications cabinetry with the necessary infrastructure hidden in high-quality urban design.  

The digital infrastructure will activate the precinct ahead of the development of the first 4.8 hectare mixed-use Superlot that will see homes, a hotel, retail, food and beverage, as well as commercial, research, education and other services at its heart. 

This is all part of the Minns Labor Government’s $1.2 billion dollar investment to deliver Bradfield City Centre, with 20,000 new jobs and advanced industries building a stronger future for Western Sydney.  

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:   

“Bradfield is Australia’s first new city in 100 years and this agreement will make sure it has the digital infrastructure required to support future businesses and residents from day one. 

“With abundant digital capacity for high-tech industries today and in the future, we’re laying the foundations for 20,000 high value jobs and 10,000 new homes in the new city. 

“We need to get the digital capability of Bradfield right for generations to come.” 

Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:  

“We are working to ensure the new Bradfield City Centre supports its residents with quality infrastructure and technology, so this new Western Sydney community can flourish. 

“The Bradfield area stands to create fantastic opportunities for its residents and the people of Western Sydney, particularly as we draw closer to the opening of the new Western Sydney Airport. 

“Ensuring the residents of this new city are digitally connected from day one is part of our broader commitment to build better communities for the people of Western Sydney.” 

Superloop CEO Paul Tyler said:  

“It’s fitting that one of Australia’s fastest growing internet providers has been tapped to enable one of Australia’s fastest growing regions.   

“We share an ambition to create an intelligent, connected community that benefits from high-speed internet that opens up opportunities and unlocks a better quality of life. 

“Designing equitable, high speed, reliable network solutions with capacity to scale is core to our DNA and our wholesale roots. Partnering with the Bradfield Development Authority now means Superloop can build a future-ready network for the community that serves as a springboard for innovation and growth.  

“We’re thrilled that Superloop has been chosen to set this once in a generation new city up to thrive. It’s a fantastic endorsement of the Superloop network, and we can’t wait to see the people of Bradfield enjoying truly great internet.”  

Background:  

  • Superloop is a major Australian telecommunications company with a reputation for providing high-speed internet connections.  
  • Founded in 2014, this ASX-listed telecommunications company has a current market capital value of $995 million.
  • Superloop employs over 600 people and provides telecommunication services to residential, business and wholesale markets with a reputation for competitive pricing across the faster speed tiers.  
  • Established in 2012, OneWiFi is delivering best-in-class solutions to over 1,200 locations across Australia, including retail precincts, shopping centres, hospitality venues, commercial buildings, and regional communities.  
  • Under the commercial deal Superloop will:
    • operate the first 18km of pit and pipe infrastructure built in the city as the new asset owner and provide high-speed fibre and wholesale internet services to the many retailers serving end customers.
    • operate the first 101 Multi-Function Poles in the city, including providing services to create a vibrant and safe place with seasonal banners, CCTV and environmental sensors.
  • Access to the pit and pipe infrastructure owned by Superloop will be available to other telecommunication providers and business and residents will have their choice internet retailers. 

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Newcastle making waves on the world surfing stage

Newcastle is making waves like never before, officially stepping into the global spotlight as the first stop of the prestigious 2025/26 World Surf League (WSL) Challenger Series.

For the first time ever, Australia’s oldest and most iconic surfing festival, Surfest, has been elevated to the WSL Challenger Series calendar, propelling Newcastle to the forefront of the international surfing scene.

This announcement marks a landmark moment not only for Newcastle but for the wider Hunter region, signalling a new era for tourism and global recognition.

With Surfest now headlining a world-class professional surfing competition, Newcastle is set to attract thousands of visitors, from elite athletes to passionate fans, putting the city firmly on the world map as a premier coastal destination.

Supported by the NSW Government through Destination NSW, the event’s return has been confirmed for 8–15 March 2026, where the WSL Challenger Series will once again close out its season on Newcastle’s shores.

This ongoing commitment ensures that Newcastle will continue to build on the momentum generated in 2025, reinforcing its reputation as a world-class surfing hub.

The 2026 Surfest will also celebrate its incredible 40th anniversary, marking four decades of showcasing grassroots, amateur and professional surfing competitions along Newcastle and the Hunter’s coastline.

With more than 80 elite male surfers and 48 elite female surfers competing for coveted spots on the WSL Championship Tour, the event promises thrilling competition and unforgettable moments.

Projected to attract a global broadcast audience of 3.5 million viewers, Surfest will shine an international spotlight on Newcastle’s rich surfing heritage, vibrant culture and spectacular coastline.

This event is expected to inject significant economic and tourism benefits into the Hunter region, drawing visitors and media from across the globe.

Adding to Newcastle’s surfing surge, the imminent August opening of Newcastle Airport’s international terminal will provide direct access for international athletes, media and fans, further cementing the city’s status as a key destination on the world surfing circuit.

As Newcastle rides this exciting wave, the city is poised to become a must-visit destination for surfers and tourists alike, showcasing the best of Australia’s coastal lifestyle on a truly global stage.

Minister for Tourism Steve Kamper said:

“Surfest is more than just a sporting event – it brings thousands of visitors, boosts local businesses, and showcases the talent and spirit of Newcastle’s incredible surfing community.

“This is an exciting time for Newcastle. Surfest is riding a wave of momentum and the NSW Government is proud to support its growth into an even bigger international event.”

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:

“Hosting the WSL Challenger Series puts the Hunter on the map and shows off what makes this place so special – great waves, amazing scenery and a laid-back lifestyle.

“This event means more visitors, more business for our local shops and cafes and more jobs for people right here in the Hunter.

“We’re building the Hunter into a place people want to visit again and again – with must-see events, beautiful beaches and a real sense of community.”

Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said:

“Surfest is part of the fabric of Newcastle. It brings our community together, celebrates our beautiful coastline and showcases the passion and talent of our local surf scene.

“It’s fantastic to see the NSW Government backing this iconic event, and I look forward to welcoming visitors from around the world to experience the best of what Newcastle has to offer.”

Moama to receive new ambulance station

Moama and surrounding communities will benefit from a new ambulance station which will boost frontline emergency and mobile medical care for the region.

NSW Ambulance is hosting a drop-in session for community members to find out more about the new station from 10.00am to 2.00pm on Thursday 5 June at Service NSW, Murray River Council, 52 Perricoota Road, Moama.

The new ambulance station is proposed to be located in a new building at Wild Avenue, Moama. The new ambulance station will be fitted out to provide a safe working environment which meets the operational needs of paramedics. Three NSW ambulances have been allocated to the new Moama ambulance station.

The new station will be staffed by 5 paramedics as part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to deliver 500 additional paramedics to regional and rural areas of the state.

These paramedics are in addition to the extra 15 paramedics allocated to Deniliquin and 10 paramedics allocated to Albury announced in March 2025.

NSW Ambulance identified Moama area as a high priority location for a new ambulance station following a comprehensive service planning process to enhance cross border resilience with Victoria.

New ambulance stations are located at places which optimise ambulance response performance and meet the emergency and mobile medical care needs of the local community.

The new Moama Ambulance Station is planned to commence operations later this year, serving as a critical hub for paramedics responding to emergencies across the region.

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:

“A new station for Moama station means our highly skilled paramedics will have a local base to deliver life-saving care when and where it’s needed most.

“This is a significant investment in the health and safety of the Moama community and surrounding districts. This is about making sure people in Moama and nearby communities can continue to count on timely, high-quality emergency care by NSW Ambulance paramedics.”

Member for Murray, Helen Dalton:

“Ensuring rapid emergency response capabilities for the growing community and those in the district has been long awaited and is welcome news.

“This infrastructure ensures immediate access to life-saving services for residents and visitors. It also releases the strain on jurisdictional complications that could mean the difference between life and death.”

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive, Dr Dominic Morgan:

“As demand for services continues to grow, the new station at Moama will ensure we have redundancy to support cross-border arrangements.

“I encourage Moama locals to drop in to Service NSW this Thursday to learn about the new service, ask questions, and share what matters most to them before we finalise operational arrangements.

“The new ambulance station will support NSW Ambulance paramedics in the Murray River region to provide the best emergency and mobile health care for this growing region, now and into the future.”