Category: NSW News

A new report from Geoscience Australia, in collaboration with the Geological Survey of New South Wales, has found elevated levels of natural hydrogen and helium in locations throughout New South Wales.

This research is an example of the benefits from the Australian Government’s $3.4 billion investment over 35 years into the Resourcing Australia’s Prosperity initiative, under its Future Made in Australia plan. 

The report provides Australian explorers with geological information and a comprehensive methodology for testing soil gas samples for natural hydrogen, bringing scientific rigour to this emerging field. 

Australia is considered one of the most prospective locations for natural hydrogen because of our ancient geology. 

Since the discovery of a 98 per cent pure natural hydrogen gas field in Mali in 2018, explorers around the world are looking for accumulations of natural hydrogen. This is because natural hydrogen holds the potential to be a new, emission-free energy source, especially if it can be recovered at low cost from the earth directly for use. 

In Australia, hydrogen gas is primarily used for industrial processes including ammonia and fertilizer production, while helium is used in medical equipment, manufacturing, research, and the space sector.

Hydrogen can also be used to reduce carbon emissions from hard-to-abate industries, like remote power applications, heavy vehicle transportation, and industries like iron and steelmaking. 

Minister for Resources, the Hon. Madeleine King MP:

“The economics of our geology is undeniable and presents us with an enormous opportunity.

“The Albanese Government is committed to unlocking our minerals potential and discovering opportunities for alternative energy and storage. 

“This report is just one example of how our government is working with our state and territory colleagues to help build a Future Made in Australia.”

Acting NSW Minister for Natural Resources, the Hon. John Graham MLC:

“This new data grows the wealth of knowledge about NSW’s geological potential, as well as our understanding of natural hydrogen and helium. 

“Natural hydrogen has potential as a new energy source and can support the economy’s shift to a net-zero future. 

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to exploring new ways to innovate and create a clean energy future using NSW’s natural resources.”

The Minns Labor Government is abandoning NSW’s most vulnerable as more than 200 of the state’s 260 psychiatrists prepare to resign amid a fractured pay dispute. This implosion of the mental health system will leave people in desperate need – including those at risk of self-harm or harming others – without the care they urgently require.
 
While NSW grapples with the biggest mental health crisis in decades, Mental Health Minister Rose Jackson is holidaying overseas. This comes as the government has resorted to posting helpline numbers on social media.
 
In the shadow of the Bondi Junction coronial inquest, Labor’s response to this crisis is nothing short of shameful. Instead of resolving the situation, they’ve doubled down on failed “efficiency pilot” schemes and dragged the matter into industrial arbitration – a process that will leave the system in chaos for months.
 
The Minns Labor Government promised industrial harmony yet all we see are industrial dispute after industrial dispute across the public sector, with no leadership or solutions in sight. The government’s so-called “mutual gains bargaining” has become a cruel joke, forcing psychiatrists to endure untenable working conditions while patients suffer the consequences.
 
Shadow Minister for Industrial Relations Damien Tudehope said the impending resignation of over 200 of the State’s 260 psychiatrists is yet another sign of the massive failure of Labor’s so-called ‘mutual gains bargaining’ system.
 
“Having blown the budget giving their friends in the NSW Teachers Federation a massive multi-billion pay rise, there is no money left in the kitty. Labor’s idea of ‘mutual gains bargaining’ is a new wages cap of 3.5% for 2024-25 and compliance with unilateral efficiency savings,” Mr Tudehope said.
 
Shadow Minister for Mental Health Robyn Preston said the State’s mental health system is in crisis. Rose Jackson spoke in November of her optimism that no resignations would take place.
 
“Now, with over 200 resignations looming, she’s on holiday, leaving the biggest mental health crisis in NSW’s history in the hands of Minister Harrison. This is leadership failure at its worst,” Ms Preston said.
 
Shadow Minister for Health Kellie Sloane said the implosion of the mental health system in NSW is happening in the shadow of the Bondi Junction coronial inquest, where support for those with acute mental health issues will come under scrutiny.
 
“Labor must fix this mess as a matter of urgency – not just for the sake of the psychiatrists but importantly for the patients and their families and the broader community,  who are all at risk if a solution is not brokered,” Ms Sloane said.
 
Shadow Minister for Regional Health Gurmesh Singh said regional communities are being left behind once again, with the Minns Labor Government failing to secure the mental health services they desperately need.
 
“This mass resignation of psychiatrists will have devastating consequences for vulnerable people in the bush who rely on these critical services,” Mr Singh said.
 
Premier Chris Minns himself has admitted the care provided to vulnerable people will decrease, yet his government continues to waste time and deflect blame onto the psychiatrists’ union, ASMOF. It’s a classic Labor tactic: when they can’t solve a problem, they point the finger elsewhere.
 
NSW is worse off under the Minns Labor Government.

The latest Australian-made Parramatta River Class ferry has arrived in Sydney after a fast-tracked sailing up the coast from Hobart to Sydney Harbour.

The vessel is the fourth of seven new Northern Beaches-designed Parramatta River Class ferries being built by ship builder Richardson Devine Marine.

The vessel’s namesake is University of New South Wales global solar technology pioneer, Professor Martin Green.

The Martin Green covered her 630 nautical mile journey in just three days, stopping at Flinders Island, then briefly in Eden for fuel before sailing through the night to Sydney, with a crew of four expert mariners.

She passed through Sydney Heads at 3am on Tuesday morning and is now being thoroughly cleaned before the first passengers hop on board in the next few weeks.

Martin Green will predominantly run in the calm river conditions of the F3 route, between Parramatta and Circular Quay.

The Parramatta River Class ferries will be a significant improvement on the River Class ferries procured by the former government that did not fit under some bridges with passengers on the top deck, contained asbestos, were a potential fire risk and had wheelhouse windows that made night operations dangerous.

The seven new vessels are gradually replacing the RiverCat and SuperCat vessels which are retiring after 30 years of service.

Each vessel in the new Parramatta River Class fleet has a 200-person capacity, while using 40 per cent less diesel and are also future proofed for conversion to electric propulsion when the technology and network infrastructure become available.

They are more reliable and include more comfortable seating, upgraded safety systems and provide greater accessibility.

A team of 60 people are working to build the remaining three vessels which are expected to enter passenger service by the end of the year.

The next ferry in the new Parramatta River Class fleet is due for delivery by April 2025.

Premier Chris Minns:

“Passengers in areas like Parramatta, Meadowbank and Drummoyne will soon have access to another brand-new ferry for their commute.

“These are state-of-the-art vessels, designed in Sydney and made in Australia.

“We have now taken delivery of most of the new fleet, giving commuters along the Parramatta River the reliable and comfortable services they deserve.”

Transport Minister Jo Haylen:

“It’s exciting to see the fourth ferry in our new Parramatta River Class fleet enter the Sydney heads and prepare to serve passengers in the coming weeks.

“This state-of-the-art fleet was designed in Sydney’s Northern Beaches and built in Hobart.

“It is fitting that this vessel is named after solar pioneer Martin Green. This ferry has arrived ready to be converted to electric operation in the coming years, so one day, The Martin Green could be charged at a wharf using the very solar cell technology that Professor Martin Green played such a key role in developing.”

Professor Martin Green:

“I never imagined I would one day have a ferry named after me—what an incredible honour!

“I take great pride in knowing that this ferry is designed and built in Australia. It’s fulfilling to see such a magnificent and more sustainable vessel serving as transportation for thousands of people in our beautiful city every day.

“The Sydney to Parramatta route is one of my favourite ferry journeys, and I am thrilled to see a vessel bearing my name traverse this route daily.”

About Professor Martin Green

Professor Martin Green is Scientia Professor at UNSW Sydney and Director of the Australian Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics.

Professor Green pioneered solar technology development in Australia and is often described as “the father of modern photovoltaics”.

Over a 50-year career at UNSW Sydney he has led the development of the Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell (PERC) – the world’s most commercially viable and efficient silicon solar cell technology. Today, his PERC technology is used in the production of more than 90% of the world’s solar energy.

There would be no modern solar industry as we know it today without Prof. Green’s work developing the PERC. Prof. Green and his UNSW colleagues are credited with making solar power a prime weapon in the battle to control climate change.

Fifty years on from when he started, Prof. Green is still at the forefront of clean energy technology, continuing to work on new ways to drastically improve the efficiency of solar cells.

The Minns Labor Government is boosting support for truckies travelling on regional roads as part of an $11.9 million investment to improve rest areas.

To increase the number of identifiable safe rest stop options for heavy vehicle drivers and improve road safety in the state’s south, Transport for NSW has marked 14 new green reflector sites.

These sites serve as an informal heavy vehicle rest area and are marked by green dot style reflectors placed on guideposts.

The green reflectors mounted on roadside guide posts are a simple tool to help heavy vehicles drivers easily identify appropriate informal heavy vehicle rest stop opportunities, particularly at night or when visibility is poor.

Work is complete on the delivery of new green reflector sites along the following important freight routes:

• Burley Griffin Way: 4, 8 and 10 kilometres north of Binalong.
• Lachlan Valley Way: 17 kilometres north of Yass.
• Snowy Mountains Highway: 3 kilometres south of Bemboka.
• Princes Highway: 5 kilometres south of Cobargo.
• Olympic Highway: 8 kilometres south of Cootamundra and 5 kilometres north of Bethungra.
• Mid-Western Highway: 4 kilometres west of Weethalle.
• Newell Highway: 2 kilometres north of Narrandera and 18 kilometres south of Ardlethan
• Hume Highway: 4 kilometres south of Bowning/7 kilometres north of Yass and 10 kilometres north of Little Billabong.
• Monaro Highway: 13 kilometres north of Cooma.

Delivery of the new green reflector sites has come through the $11.9 million Heavy Vehicle Rest Stop Minor Works Program which is part of the NSW Government’s ongoing efforts to improve road safety.

In addition to this investment, the NSW Government will also continue to roll out around $1 billion in lifesaving road infrastructure upgrades through its Towards Zero Safer Roads Program and the joint federal/ state funded Road Safety Program.

The NSW Government also introduced a number of measures in 2024 which will continue or expand in 2025. They include:

• The trial of average speed cameras for light vehicles in 2025
• Doubling roadside enforcement sites used for mobile speed cameras, with an additional 2,700 new sites where a camera can be deployed. Total enforcement hours will remain the same
• Seatbelt enforcement via the state’s existing mobile phone cameras
• The demerit point return trial that encourages safe driving
• Releasing more ratings for bicycle helmets as part of its star rating system
• Removing a loophole to force all motorists driving on a foreign licence to convert to a NSW licence within six months
• Implementing recommendations from the Demerit Point Integrity Taskforce to stamp out rorting of the system by mainly visiting foreign nationals
• Signing the National Road Safety Data Agreement with the Commonwealth

Transport is also exploring opportunities to establish additional new green reflector sites and industry feedback is guiding this work. 

Find out more information about green reflector sites and more details about heavy vehicle rest area improvements.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“Heavy vehicle drivers have told us how important green reflectors are in helping to easily identify a safe place to park, rest and check their loads.

“The Minns Labor Government is listening and acting in response to the feedback we’ve received.

“Green reflector sites are an important part of providing heavy vehicle rest stopping opportunities along NSW’s State Road network. 

“Marking these sites with green reflectors is a practical measure that supports the wellbeing of our truck drivers who play a crucial role in keeping our supply chains moving.

“The 14 new green reflector sites will go a long way in enabling truck drivers to stop and rest on what can be very long journeys, particularly at night.”

Road safety advocate and Past National Road Freighters Association President Rod Hannifey said:

“The rollout of more green reflect sites is a big win for heavy vehicle drivers.

“Green reflector sites have made a real difference out on the road. Another driver told me it had saved their life. It’s such a simple idea, but it’s already saving lives.

“There just aren’t enough rest stops for truck drivers across Australia, so this initiative in NSW is a huge help. It gives drivers a clear signal of where they can safely pull up and take a break.

“This project is definitely welcomed by the industry, and we’re looking forward to seeing more of these sites rolled out over time.”

The community is being invited to view and provide feedback on the Cessnock Hospital Redevelopment planning documents, with the Review of Environmental Factors (REF) on public exhibition from Monday 20 January 2025.

The Minns Labor Government is investing $138 million in the Cessnock Hospital Redevelopment, to deliver a new two-storey acute services building at the hospital campus, enhancing health services for the region.

The REF and hospital designs have been informed by extensive consultation with staff, stakeholders and the community, including recent community information sessions on the schematic design of the new acute services building held in October last year.

Key features of the redevelopment include an expanded emergency department, two inpatient wards with single and two-bed rooms, all with ensuite bathrooms, a new medical imaging service and day surgery spaces.

In the 2024-25 NSW Budget, the Minns Labor Government allocated an additional $26.5 million to the original $111.5 million project, to support the delivery of additional new facilities including an operating theatre, procedure room, Central Sterilising Services Department, and a modern pharmacy department.

The contemporary health facilities will support best-practice models of care and improve campus accessibility for patients and staff by better integrating healthcare services.

Main works construction is expected to start in mid-2025, following the planning approval and the appointment of a building contractor.

The Review of Environmental Factors and supporting technical documents will be available from 9.00am Monday 20 January 2025 on the Health Infrastructure website. 

Feedback can be provided until midnight on Monday, 17 February 2025.

Hunter New England Local Health District will continue to work closely with community stakeholders and staff to ensure the redevelopment meets the future health needs of the growing Cessnock community.

For further information, visit the project website.

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:

“The investment in the Cessnock Hospital Redevelopment project will enable delivery of modern hospital and healthcare facilities to support the current and future health needs of communities in Cessnock and the Lower Hunter region.

“This is a significant milestone for the redevelopment project and we’re grateful for the input provided by staff and community into the planning process for the project.”

Member for Cessnock, Clayton Barr:

“I’m delighted to see planning for the Cessnock Hospital Redevelopment reach this significant milestone, which will boost health services for patients, families and their carers across the lower Hunter region.

“We encourage the community to provide their feedback on the plans while they are on public exhibition.”

Executive Director of Infrastructure, Planning and Sustainability, Hunter New England Local Health District, Dr Ramsey Awad:

“This important step in the $138 million redevelopment will mean we are one step closer to delivering a state-of-the-art hospital for the Cessnock community.”

The Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment has taken an important step forward, with a portion of the former Grafton Gaol set to be acquired from Property and Development NSW to support the upgrade of the hospital.

The Minns Labor Government is investing $263.8 million in the Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment to improve health outcomes and meet the growing needs of Grafton and surrounding communities.

In addition to the site acquisition, a Development Application has been approved by the Northern Regional Planning Panel to refurbish two administration blocks within the former minimum-security portion, on the north-eastern corner of the gaol, to provide contemporary administrative, office and training support facilities.  

Clinical services will remain on the existing Grafton Hospital site.

The former Grafton Gaol operated between 1893 and 2020, it was closed following the opening of the new Grafton Correctional Centre in Lavadia. The former Grafton Goal was added to the state’s Heritage Register in 1999.

The adaptive reuse of a portion of the former gaol site aligns with the conservation management plan prepared for the site in 2021, to ensure areas of heritage significance within the site are preserved and activated.

Work is underway on the planning and design for the main works of the $263.8 million Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment, which will deliver a new three-storey acute services building, including a new Emergency Department, Emergency Short Stay, Medical Imaging and MRI, and inpatient unit.  

The current Day Surgery and Operating Suite will be expanded to provide two additional operating theatres, increasing overall capacity. Construction timeframes for the full redevelopment will be confirmed once planning has been finalised and a builder has been appointed, with the refurbishment works at the former gaol site expected to start this year.

Find out more information.

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

“The acquisition of this section of the old Grafton Gaol will provide critical new space to support the redevelopment of Grafton Base Hospital.

“This multi-million dollar redevelopment will improve healthcare capacity and ensure the hospital has the best, most up to date models of care for the residents of Grafton and the surrounding communities.”

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper:

“The transfer of this part of the subdivided site to NSW Health ensures the Old Grafton Goal doesn’t remain an unused relic.

“This great outcome enables new uses for this important community asset, while also providing a major economic benefit for the Grafton community.”

Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong: 

“We have delivered another important milestone to revitalise and reuse one of our state’s key former correctional centres. 

“Grafton Gaol is an iconic place with a somewhat dark history, so it is wonderful we are delivering a positive new chapter that will ensure this monument serves the local community for years to come.” 

Labor Spokesperson for Clarence, Emily Suvaal MLC:

“This is a fantastic outcome for the Grafton and Clarence communities as it secures the future use of this historic site, which will really benefit the local residents.”

Expressions of Interest (EOI) are now open for the new Housing Delivery Authority (HDA), set to speed up the delivery of well-located homes to NSW.

The newly established HDA will help deliver the homes that young people, families and key local workers need – a major reform which will streamline the development of major housing projects.

The HDA will lead a new State Significant Development (SSD) pathway and State Significant Development with a concurrent rezoning process for major residential developments.

The EOI process will remain open with proposals submitted to be reviewed monthly, giving industry ongoing opportunities to have their proposals considered.

Established on the 19th of December, only a month after it was announced, the HDA includes Simon Draper, Secretary of the Premier’s Department; Kiersten Fishburn, Secretary of the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure; and Tom Gellibrand, CEO of Infrastructure NSW. 

Before a proposal is recommended to be declared a State Significant Development project, the Department will assess it against criteria that meet the objectives of this EOI process, which are: 

• Identify high-yield housing proposals by focusing on known high-yield types of residential accommodation.
• Identify housing projects that can be assessed and constructed quickly by focusing on more compliant, major housing proposals that can commence construction quickly.
• Drive quality and affordable housing by focusing on housing development proposals that are well-located, have enabling infrastructure and contribute to affordable housing supply.
• Complement the State Significant Rezoning Policy by providing a potential pathway for major housing proposals that are seeking concurrent rezoning.

This new assessment pathway will reduce the number of large complex Development Applications (DA) councils are required to assess each year, freeing up resources for councils to assess less complex DAs faster.

Delivering well-located homes close to transport, jobs and community amenity has been a priority for the Minns Government, and this pathway will streamline the assessment of these projects.

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

For more information visit Housing Delivery Authority | Planning

Acting Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“The Minns Labor Government is pulling every lever to tackle the housing crisis and encourage developers to build and boost housing supply and overall affordability.

“The NSW Government will do everything possible to build a better future for NSW so young people, families and key local workers have somewhere to live and in the communities they choose.”

The Albanese and Minns Labor governments are investing $40 million to upgrade key intersections in Gilgandra to make them safer for heavy vehicle drivers and locals.

Four existing intersections on Hargraves Lane and Federation Street, where they intersect with the Newell, Oxley and Castlereagh highways, will be upgraded to increase freight productivity, reduce travel delays and improve safety.

The Australian Government is contributing $32 million towards the project, with the NSW Government contributing the remaining $8 million.

The upgrades will be designed to open up bypass access for all heavy vehicles and reduce the number of heavy vehicles passing through the Gilgandra CBD.

Currently, some larger heavy vehicles are unable to use Gilgandra’s heavy vehicle bypass because these intersections can’t be safely navigated, meaning some of the biggest and heaviest vehicles need to travel along the Castlereagh Highway (Miller Street) through the town centre.

The NSW Government has carried out preliminary investigations to determine the requirements for each of the key intersections and is currently consulting with Gilgandra Shire Council and other key stakeholders to refine the proposed improvements.

A Review of Environmental Factors (REF) and concept designs for the proposed intersection upgrades are expected to be placed on display for public feedback by late 2025.

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

“These intersection upgrades will be really significant for both Gilgandra locals and the truckies who transport goods through and around the town.

“We’re proud to partner with the NSW Government on strategic investments like this that make our roads safer and more efficient.”

NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison:

“Right across regional NSW, we are building better road and transport infrastructure.

“We look forward to continuing to engage with Gilgandra Shire Council, the local community, the heavy vehicle industry and other interested stakeholders to deliver the freight, safety, efficiency and amenity objectives of the project.”

Senator for NSW Deborah O’Neill:

“This $40 million investment demonstrates our government’s commitment to improving the safety and efficiency of our roads.

“These upgrades will improve traffic flow and road safety, as well as deliver long-term benefits to residents and businesses alike.”

State Member for Barwon Roy Butler:

“This investment will be warmly welcomed by the Gilgandra community. Taking heavy vehicles out of the main streets of town will improve safety, make the town more liveable, decrease wear and tear on the roads and generally improve the efficiency of truck routes in the area.

“It’s good to see both levels of government recognising the strategic importance of the Gilgandra Shire and the benefits that unlocking more investment in our regional network will bring.”

NSW Labor’s spokesperson for Barwon Stephen Lawrence:

“The upgrades we’re investing in will improve safety for truck drivers, pedestrians and all other road users.

“I am pleased to see this important work progressing and look forward to hearing what the community thinks of the proposed upgrades.”

Today over 250 Elvis Presley fans, many dressed in blue suede shoes, are climbing aboard the NSW TrainLink Elvis Express embarking on the seven-hour pilgrimage to the annual Parkes Elvis Festival.

During the 365km train service, passengers will engage in a little less conversation as they’re treated to singalongs and live performances by Elvis tribute artists, and taking in the beautiful scenery through the Blue Mountains and central western NSW farming country.

The Parkes Elvis festival runs from, January 8 – 12 and is the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest celebration of TheKing with over 350 events, many with free entry. Since the first event in 1993 the Parkes Elvis, this regional festival has grown to attract around 25,000 people and injects $11 million into the local economy.

The Minns Labor Government is backing the Parkes Elvis Festival through Destination NSW event funding, the Transport for NSW Open Streets program and the NSW TrainLink Elvis Express service.

Events like the Parkes Elvis Festival are a key part of Minns Labor Government’s plan to grow the NSW visitor economy by supporting communities to host events that reflect the local character and create authentic experiences that attract visitors and drive expenditure for local businesses.

Tourism Research Australia figures from the year ending September 2024 show regional NSW contributed a record $26 billion (49%) of the overall NSW visitor economy. A key strategy for continuing growth in regional tourism is supporting events like the Parkes Elvis Festival.

In 2024/2025 Destination NSW is investing in more than 85 regional events, including:

• Tamworth Country Music Festival
• Great Southern Nights
• Bluesfest
• Narooma Oyster Festival
• Mundi Mundi Bash
• Bathurst 1000
• Deni Ute Muster
• Ultra-Trail Kosciuszko

In October the Government released its review into the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2030 and committed to a new 2035 target of $91 billion in annual expenditure, a 40% increase on the previous goal. The review projected that regional NSW tourism will account for $44 billion of that 2035 state-wide target.

For more information about travelling to events in regional NSW with NSW TrainLink go to https://transportnsw.info/regional or call 13 22 32.

John Graham, Minister for Jobs and Tourism said:

“The Parkes Elvis Festival is a cracking example of a NSW regional town doing its own thing and creating a multi-decade success story that attracts thousands of visitors from around Australia and the world.

“Regional communities will play a vital role in growing our state’s visitor economy. Of our 2035 $91 billion growth target, regional NSW will attract a very large proportion of that spending.

“Visitors Can’t Help Falling In Love with regional NSW which is why the government is backing towns like Parkes to host events that put their communities on the map and drive expenditure for local businesses.

“The Elvis Express is one of the most scenic and hilarious train journeys in the country. We wish all the hound dogs a great trip.”

Jenny Aitchison, Minister for Regional Transport and Roads said:

“The NSW Government is very proud to provide a fun-filled transport option for Elvis fans heading to the festival. The NSW TrainLink Elvis Express offers fans the chance to immerse themselves in Elvis culture from the moment they board.

“This event is a key tourism event in the Central West and it’s great to support it through our regional rail services.

“The festival’s global reach and the enthusiasm it inspires highlight the power of regional tourism to bring people together while supporting local communities and businesses.”

Independent Member for Orange, Phil Donato MP said: 

“Now in its 32nd year, the Parkes Elvis Festival has grown beyond founders’ Bob and Anne Steele’s wildest imagination, and it’s now a permanent fixture in our state’s marquee event calendar.

“NSW Trainlink’s Elvis Express is unique element of the festival, and this themed travel service enriches the experience for those travelling by rail from Sydney to attend this 5-day event.”

TrainLink Chief Executive, Roger Weeks said:

“Passengers can enjoy the live entertainment all while travelling in comfort, with access to amenities such as air-conditioned carriages, comfortable seating, our buffet car service and onboard toilets.”

Elvis Express Driver, Peter White said:

“The Elvis Express is truly a one-of-a-kind journey because it’s not every day that you’re at the helm of a train filled with hundreds of passengers singing, laughing, and dressed like Elvis.

“The atmosphere is always ‘next level’ especially when you come into Central, and you see everyone from all over the world and from different backgrounds dancing and enjoying themselves.

“I absolutely love this time of year because as someone who was born and raised in Parkes, I really enjoy the atmosphere that both the festival and the train bring to our community.”

Mayor of Parkes Shire, Council Neil Westcott:

“The Parkes Elvis Festival continues to go from strength to strength, and we are excited to be presenting an action-packed 354 shows throughout the five days.

“There is also a lot of excitement building as thousands head down to Parkes Railway Station to welcome the NSW TrainLink Elvis Express.”

The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to ensure public schools across New South Wales are great places to learn and work, with tradies subbing in for teachers and students in classrooms to work on 1,200 vital maintenance and upgrade projects, across more than 800 public schools over the summer break.

This is part of the NSW Government’s historic $1.08 billion investment in minor works, which includes $600 million to deliver essential school maintenance projects.

These annual projects are essential for ensuring that schools are fit for purpose.

This year, NSW schools will see more than 3.4 million square metres of buildings painted and 46 Sydney Cricket Grounds worth of new floor coverings to be installed.

Work undertaken over this summer has included:

• $180,000 in carpet and vinyl flooring upgrades at Kensington Public School
• $3,000,000 to create a new special education learning unit at Lismore Heights Public School
• $730,000 to upgrade the science labs at Morisset High School
• More than $345,000 to upgrade metalwork classrooms at Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College
• $655,000 to demolish an aging Covered Outdoor Learning Area and replace it with a new facility at Terrigal Public School
• $237,000 to re-landscape and improve the school oval at St Helens Park Public School
• $221,000 to upgrade and refurbish the library at Sir Joseph Banks High School

While hundreds of schools will return to completed maintenance work on Day 1, Term 1 2025 there is still much more to be done.

The former Liberal National Government committed to clearing the school maintenance backlog, but instead allowed it to balloon.

As students and teachers head back to school in 2025, the Minns Labor Government will continue work to ensure that no matter the postcode, every family across the state has access to a quality, free public education with high quality, fit-for-purpose infrastructure.

Building, maintaining and improving essential services like public schools is part of our plan to build a better NSW.

Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns said:

“We are committed to ensuring that NSW public schools are quality places to work and learn.

“They may not be the most exciting upgrades, but they are essential to keeping our schools safe and running smoothly.

“We know there’s still work to be done, but it’s fantastic that hundreds of schools will be returning on day one to completed works.”

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

“Our public schools are key to building better communities, and we are continuing work on our commitment to keep our schools and equipment in the good condition that our communities deserve.

“Since being elected, we have been working on a comprehensive plan to invest in and rebuild public education in NSW.

“This is not just about building new schools in communities where they are needed, but also ensuring that our schools are kept at a high standard with up-to-date facilities.”