Category: NSW News

The Minns Government is cracking down on the illegal abalone and seafood trade in restaurants and other outlets, completing a three-day compliance blitz across Sydney.

Joint covert and overt operations were undertaken over 14-16 February to disrupt the black-market seafood trade, when restaurants and other seafood outlets purchase abalone, fish and other seafood outside the legal supply chain.

Fisheries officers and food inspectors from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) inspected 15 restaurants across the city, from the CBD and inner west to the north shore, western suburbs and southern Sydney.

The inspections were carried out to ensure all seafood for sale in each premises was purchased from legitimate sources, such as commercial fishers, co-ops and fish markets, or other licenced fish receivers, with premise owners required to provide purchase records.

The sale of illegal seafood undermines legitimate operators and commercial fishers who work hard to provide consumers with safe and premium quality seafood.

The three-day compliance operation primarily focused on black market abalone illegally poached from fisheries on the NSW South Coast and sold to restaurants wanting to bypass the legal supply chain because of monetary gain. During the operation:

• 15 premises were inspected by NSW Fisheries Officers and Food Authority Compliance Officers in locations where abalone is sold in restaurants, including the CBD, Marrickville, Burwood, Hurstville and Eastwood.
• Seven of those premises were found to be selling abalone that was not labelled in accordance with the NSW abalone labelling regulations. The offences will be dealt with by way of formal written caution, and penalty infringement notice.
• A total of 106 abalone were seized from four separate premises, including frozen black lip abalone and a quantity of dried abalone.
• The total weight of abalone seized was approximately 15kg. The average price these abalone were being sold for was $120/kg for frozen black lip, while dried abalone can retail more than $1000/kg.

The estimated total illegal, unreported and unregulated catch for abalone in 2025/26 was 30 tonnes.

Due to the impact of illegal poaching of abalone this year the Government had to reduce the total allowable catch for commercial fishers by 12%, based on scientific advice that was concerned by the depletion occurring.

The Government is progressing the introduction of new regulation that will strengthen the requirement of restaurants to only buy from the legal commercial supply chain.

The penalties for involvement in the black-market seafood trade are severe, with fines and possible imprisonment for both sellers and buyers.

In NSW, legally harvested abalone is labelled to show it meets regulatory requirements, while Eastern Rock Lobsters are tagged to prove they have been legally caught.

The public are urged to report illegal or suspected illegal fishing activities to the Fishers Watch Phoneline on 1800 043 536 or via the online report form.

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“I have instructed Fisheries Compliance officers to undertake this major seafood crackdown so that we are able to guarantee the sustainability of our seafood industry now and into the future.

“We are working hard to undermine the black market for abalone and lobster by going after the restaurants and markets that think they will be able to get away with buying illegal product.

“These compliance activities are going to continue, and restaurants and illegal sellers are on notice that NSW fisheries officers could soon be walking through their doors.

“The NSW commercial fishing and aquaculture industries are a cornerstone of our regional economy, supporting thousands of jobs and delivering premium produce to tables across the state.

“I have moved to introduce new regulation to close a loophole, so that restaurants and buyers of abalone can only buy from the legal commercial supply chain. We are moving to sideline the black-market supply chain and close it down.”

The NSW Government has released a new guide to support councils in undertaking their own land audits to identify vacant operational council land that could be used to deliver affordable housing projects. 

The Council Led Affordable Housing on Operational Land Guide released by the Office of Local Government provides step-by-step guidance for councils on identifying and managing affordable housing sites utilising operational land – from planning through to construction and delivery.

A major barrier to building more affordable housing is the high cost of acquiring well-located land. Council owned sites such as former depots or unused facilities that are well serviced and close to public transport can be ideal locations for affordable housing to support low-income households.

The guide provides detail on delivery options available to councils to release and manage operational land for affordable housing and how councils can form partnerships with entities such as government agencies and housing providers to maximise the impact of affordable housing.

It also includes case studies showcasing successful affordable housing projects led by councils to meet the needs of their communities. For example, Shoalhaven City Council transformed surplus council land in Bomaderry into 39 affordable housing units, while Lismore City Council is partnering with Landcom, Homes NSW and a community housing provider to construct 56 new affordable housing units.

The NSW Government has set five-year housing completion targets for 43 local government areas in Sydney, the Illawarra-Shoalhaven, the Lower Hunter and Central Coast, and a single housing target for Regional NSW. In the draft Sydney Plan, out on exhibition at the moment, local affordable housing contribution schemes have been mandated for all councils in Sydney to increase the delivery of affordable homes within their communities.

This guide also supports the objectives of the National Housing Accord by encouraging councils to increase housing supply and affordability at the local level.

By harnessing under-utilised operational land in partnership with the NSW Government and community housing providers, councils can make a substantial impact in addressing the state’s housing crisis and deliver access to homes for people in need.

The guide is available here: https://www.olg.nsw.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Guide-for-Council-Led-Affordable-Housing-on-Operational-Land.pdf

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“All levels of government need to play their part to help address the housing shortage.

“The Minns Labor Government’s land audit has identified several sites that are no longer being used that can deliver thousands of new homes, with the support of this new guide, we’re asking councils to do the same.

“This builds on the work of our successful Infill Affordable Housing Scheme, the delivery of 400 build-to-rent homes for essential workers on land audit sites in Annandale and Chatswood and mandated minimum affordable housing inclusions for new developments in Transport Oriented Development areas.”

Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said:

“Former council depot sites and other surplus buildings often sit on valuable land that could be better utilised for much-needed housing.

“This new guide provides councils as key partners in delivering housing, with the information and tools to address housing affordability in their area.

“Affordable housing is critical for fostering community diversity, boosting local economies and promoting long-term sustainable housing, and councils can help free up unused land to create homes for our key workers and future generations.”

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“This is what solving the housing crisis looks like – it means looking at it from every angle, pulling down barriers at every turn.

“We’re working constructively with many councils who want to build more affordable housing for their communities, but sometimes it can be hard to know where to start.

“That’s where this guide comes in. We’re providing the tools to help councils get more projects off the ground, doing their bit to build a future for young Australians.”

A campaign to boost the number of on-call firefighters across NSW is set to commence as the Minns Labor Government today announced it will continue to build on a record recruitment of 648 firefighters.

The record intake graduating through the Fire and Rescue NSW training academy last year follows increases in recruitment since 2023 as part of ongoing efforts to restore essential services.

Investment to rebuild Fire and Rescue’s training resources has led to 219 permanent firefighters commencing in 2025, almost double the 112 recruited in 2022, along with 429 on-call fire fighters.

The boost in new recruits shows the Minns Labor Government’s efforts to attract frontline workers and end 12 years of wage suppression under the former Liberal and Nationals government is working.

The Government has also provided ongoing funding for 286 firefighters – 1 in 12 of the permanent firefighting force – whose jobs were left unfunded by the Liberals and Nationals.

Fire and Rescue’s ranks are made up of permanent and on-call firefighters, depending on the firefighting needs of the community they serve.

A recruitment campaign will begin this weekend to further boost on-call firefighters, targeting areas across the state including the regional areas of Dungog, Bingara, Walgett, Balranald, Barham, Batlow, Berrigan, Boggabri, Bombala and Warren.

The “Become an On-Call Firefighter” drive urges people to join FRNSW to help their communities and learn new skills while being paid an hourly rate to supplement their income.

Minister Dib and Commissioner Fewtrell launched the recruitment drive while inspecting the newly renovated Blacktown Fire Station, one of three stations across the state that have undergone upgrades.

These upgrades are part of our $98.5 million statewide investment in fire stations and fleet this financial year, including the recently completed $4.2 million Dungog fire station.

Work has just been completed on fire station upgrades at Blacktown ($2 million), Gladesville ($1 million) and Glenbrook on-call station ($1.36 million), delivering improved amenities, bathrooms, equipment and personal protection clothing rooms. 

Emergency Services Minister, Jihad Dib:

“We are boosting firefighter numbers to record levels and investing in modern fire stations and firefighting fleet. Our investment in Fire and Rescue NSW not only protects communities, it also makes a worthwhile profession even more attractive.

“We’ve scrapped the former government’s unfair wages cap to pay essential workers properly. A record number of graduates shows we’re attracting more firefighters who will be in place to protect growing communities.

“In some small communities it can be challenging to attract new fire station recruits, which is why we are launching a campaign to encourage even more people to join Fire and Rescue NSW as an on-call firefighter.

“We have had to rebuild training services and secure the roles of 286 firefighters that were not funded by the former government. We will continue to invest in the emergency services to ensure communities have the protection they need and to rebuild firefighting services.”

the Member for Blacktown, Stephen Bali:

“The $2 million upgrade to Blacktown fire station and new graduates enhance firefighting services in our area, something that will improve the working environment for future firefighters so they can continue to serve and protect our community.

“The upgrade includes new bathrooms, an improved layout, better engine bay extraction fans and improved amenities for breathing apparatus. On top of the station upgrade, Blacktown has also received a new Class 3 Rescue fire truck to assist in firefighting response, showing the Government’s commitment to improving essential services in Western Sydney.”

the Member for the Blue Mountains, Trish Doyle:

“The $1.36 million upgrade to Glenbrook fire station will support firefighters well into the future, providing new bathrooms, improved protective clothing and laundry facilities, as well as general work to improve an important community facility.

“I would encourage anyone who wants to join FRNSW to apply as an on-call firefighter to join a great team and make a difference to our Blue Mountains community. Our focus on improving essential services extends across the Blue Mountains and beyond to protect communities across NSW.”

Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner, Jeremy Fewtrell:

“This is a terrific opportunity for people across the state to consider a part-time role with Fire and Rescue NSW. We will work around your availability and welcome you into a close-knit team.

“Please visit the FRNSW website for more information. We would love to have you on our team, helping to protect regional communities.”

Fire and Rescue NSW Dungog Captain, Cassandra Sermon:

“I wanted to be part of a team again, to have that camaraderie but also help the community. That’s what I’ve grown to love, helping Dungog and its surrounding areas.

“I like educating people about home fire safety.  Also to be there with the crew, to help, lead and support during incidents as well. It’s also a lot of fun. We’d love to have you join us.”

The Minns Government will restore controlled one-lane access to Waterfall Way within six weeks, following extensive engineering assessment of the Gordonville Cutting landslip.

More than 250 tonnes of rock and debris have fallen at the site since the initial failure, with a 26-metre-high slope continuing to shift in the days that followed. The scale and ongoing movement made the site unsafe and required complex geotechnical investigation, 24-hour monitoring and specialist stabilisation work before any reopening could be considered.

After weeks of expert assessment by specialist engineers from Transport for NSW, working alongside local council crews, protective shipping container barriers will be installed to shield motorists from potential rockfalls.

Independent geotechnical advice confirms the road can operate under strict controls while permanent remediation is designed.

Under the interim traffic arrangement:

• One lane will reopen on the northern side of the road.
• Temporary traffic lights will manage alternating traffic flow.
• A 40 km/h speed limit will apply.
• Vehicles wider than three metres will not be permitted.

The site remains active and will operate under strict monitoring. The road may close without notice in response to rainfall or further slope movement. These precautions are based on expert risk assessment and are necessary to protect motorists and crews.

Restoring controlled access will reconnect communities between Bellingen and Dorrigo – but reopening the road does not mean the job is done.

Engineers will continue planning the permanent stabilisation design and risk mitigation work at the Gordonville Cutting site, with options being considered similar to those proposed for Myers Bluff.

The Government will continue to progress a full corridor assessment of Waterfall Way and surrounding routes to identify alternative access improvements and long-term resilience measures.

More than $100 million has already been invested in Waterfall Way, including over $50 million between Bellingen and Dorrigo.

Nothing is off the table as the Minns Government considers how to strengthen this regional lifeline and improve reliability during extreme weather events.

Transport for NSW continues to work closely with Bellingen Shire Council, Coffs Harbour City Council, NSW Farmers, freight operators, local producers and schools – including operating dedicated minibus services via Summervilles Road to support students during the closure.

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:

“This wasn’t a minor slip; it was a significant geotechnical failure – more than 250 tonnes of material came down and the slope continued moving.

“Safety had to come first. We could not reopen this road until expert engineers were satisfied it could operate safely under controlled conditions.

“I appreciate how disruptive this closure has been for families, farmers, freight operators and local businesses. Having owned a small business myself, no one underestimates the impact.

“But reopening prematurely would have put motorists and workers at risk – and that was and never will be an option.

“We’ve worked closely with Bellingen Shire Council on this solution which will restore access in a controlled way while permanent stabilisation works are properly designed and delivered.

“I also want to thank everyone who has worked with us constructively throughout this process – including residents, community and industry groups like NSW Farmers.

“We are not just responding to an emergency. We are making sure this corridor is stronger and more resilient for the long term.

“I will keep the community updated on the status of our review of Mid-North Coast roads – nothing is off the table.”

Minister for the North Coast, Janelle Saffin said:

“North Coast communities, and none more so than Bellingen and Dorrigo locals, know just how serious this landslip was. When you see more than 250 tonnes of rock come down, you understand why this road could not simply reopen overnight.

“This closure has affected school runs, freight deliveries, farm operations and small businesses. People have felt it every single day.

“That’s why restoring access safely matters – but doing it properly matters even more.

“We are rebuilding this connection carefully and responsibly, and we are planning beyond this event so our region is better protected when the next severe weather system hits.

“This is about resilience, reliability and making sure communities between Bellingen and Dorrigo aren’t left exposed.”

Member for Oxley, Michael Kemp MP said:

“The willingness of the government to implement a more permanent solution to the repeated land slips at Gordonville cutting is welcomed and supported by the community.

“I look forward to working with Transport to ensure the longer-term fix is put in place as our community cannot continue to be cut off.”

Bellingen Shire Council Mayor, Cr Steve Allan said:

“After weeks of disruption for residents and businesses, the Bellingen Shire welcomes confirmation that works are commencing to enable the reopening of Waterfall Way.

“Our community has been asking for a clear timeframe for the road to reopen, and we understand it has been a long four weeks for the people who rely on Waterfall Way in their everyday lives.

“Safety has to be our first priority, and I appreciate the care that specialist engineers and geotechnical experts have taken in assessing the slip and developing both temporary and permanent solutions under these exceptional circumstances.

“It is likely to be months before a full solution is implemented. I am very aware of the struggles of residents, businesses and support organisations who depend on this road to do their jobs and feed their families.

“We want to assure people that we are working to ensure alternate routes including Summervilles Road are fit for purpose, and that people across the region know the Bellingen Shire is open for business and operating as usual.

“Meanwhile, we will continue to advocate strongly for permanent, fully funded and implemented solutions for this vital connecting road.”

The NSW Liberals and Nationals ongoing call for the Minns Labor Government to provide more support for community preschools has been backed up by the Fair Work Commission’s recommendation to lift the pay and conditions of teachers and educators.
 
Community preschools have been asking the Minns Labor Government for months and months to provide funding for higher wages for early childhood educators who, despite having to undertake similar training, are paid less than teachers.
 
Shadow Minister for Early Education, Felicity Wilson, said that the Minns Labor Government must accept the Fair Work Commission’s recommendation to boost funding for community preschools to enable them to lift the wages of our state’s early childhood educators in line with their colleagues in public preschools.
 
“The Minns Labor Government likes to talk the talk on early learning, but has been missing in action on the workforce crisis facing the more than 700 community preschools providing an incredible service for our children across NSW,” Ms Wilson said.
 
“Entry level primary school teachers are currently on a higher wage than a community preschool director, a widening gap which this Government has failed to address.”
 
“This pay disparity limits the ability of our community preschools to attract and retain highly qualified staff when they can’t offer anywhere near as much pay as their competition.”
 
“It says everything about the Minns Labor Government’s arrogance that early childhood educatorshad to take the Premier and Minister for Education to court to settle the request for fair remuneration.”
 
“The independent umpire has now spoken and the Minns Labor Government need to take this recommendation seriously and properly value our community preschool educators.”
 
“I call on the Premier and Minister for Education to accept the Fair Work Commission’s recommendations and finally value our community preschool educators and the families they serve.”
 
“The NSW Liberals and Nationals have stood alongside our community preschool educators and championed fair funding and fair pay. It’s time for the Government to finally step up and act.”

The people of Sydney are once again being confronted with deeply disturbing incidents of violent crime.
 
In just the past week, a grandfather has been kidnapped from North Ryde, a former rugby league player has been shot in Greenacre, and a man has been killed, with others fighting for life, following a stabbing attack in Merrylands.
 
These are not isolated events.
 
They are the latest signs of a government that is failing to maintain confidence and control over law and order in New South Wales.
 
Community safety is the first responsibility of any government.
 
Yet under Labor, Sydney residents are seeing more violence, more instability, and less reassurance that the system is keeping pace with the threat on our streets.
 
At a time when serious crime is escalating, the Minns Government has offered no clear plan, no meaningful action, and no sense of urgency.
 
Instead, the community is left with media distractions while families across Sydney ask a simple question:
 
Who is in charge of keeping our streets safe?
 
The people of New South Wales deserve a government that is focused on preventing crime, supporting police, and restoring confidence in public safety – not reacting after the fact.
 
Labor must stop the excuses and start delivering the leadership and action that community safety demands.

Construction has officially begun on the new $910 million Rouse Hill Hospital, finally turning more than a decade of Coalition announcements into real construction on the ground.

The Minns Labor Government, in partnership with the Albanese Government, is delivering the new public hospital which will provide world class, comprehensive, integrated health care to the growing region of north west Sydney now and into the future.

Located on the corner of Commercial and Windsor roads, close to the Rouse Hill Metro Station and Rouse Hill Town Centre, the new hospital is located at the heart of the community.

For more than a decade, people across north western Sydney were promised a hospital under the former Coalition Government, who took it to three elections.

Today, construction is underway providing certainty to local families that the project is finally being delivered.

The new Rouse Hill Hospital, to be delivered by the Minns Labor Government, will include:

• an emergency department
• comprehensive birthing services including birthing rooms and a maternity inpatient unit
• inpatient beds and day surgery services
• short stay medical assessment services
• pathology, pharmacy and medical imaging services
• outpatient and ambulatory care services including paediatrics and renal dialysis
• virtual care and hospital in the home services
• prehabilitation, rehabilitation and lifestyle medicine.

The State Significant Development Application for main works construction was recently placed on exhibition and submissions are currently being assessed. This next stage of work is expected to begin this year, following formal planning approval.

The Rouse Hill Hospital forms part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to end Western Sydney’s infrastructure drought, delivering infrastructure and the essential services growing communities need, all at once.

Because for too long, Western Sydney carried the weight of rapid growth without the matching investment in hospitals, schools and essential services. That is now changing.

The Minns Government’s 2025-26 NSW Budget included $3.4 billion of funding to support the delivery of health facilities and services across Western Sydney including:  

• an additional $700 million for the new Bankstown Hospital, increasing the total investment to $2 billion
• $120 million for additional beds for Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals

Other projects in the Western Sydney region include upgrades at Nepean, Liverpool, Canterbury, Fairfield, Camden and Campbelltown hospitals, and the new Integrated Mental Health Complex at Westmead.

Lendlease has been engaged as the ECI contractor for Rouse Hill Hospital, following a competitive tender process.

For more information on the Rouse Hill Hospital project, visit: http://nsw.gov.au/rouse-hill-hospital

Premier Chris Minns:

“For years, people in Rouse Hill and the north-west were told a hospital was coming. Today, construction is underway, and that gives this community the certainty it deserves.

“But this isn’t just about one hospital, it’s part of a much bigger shift in how we invest in Western Sydney.

“Communities here have grown fast, but without the hospitals, schools and essential services to match. We’re changing that by building the infrastructure communities were promised and delivering it properly.

“When we say we are going to do something we follow through, and Rouse Hill Hospital will transform the delivery of healthcare in one of the fastest growing regions in the country.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car:

“Every family in our community deserves access to world-class health care close to where they live, and that is why we are delivering Rouse Hill hospital with the services they have been asking for.

“For 12 years the residents of North-West Sydney were neglected and ignored by the former Liberal National government who failed to deliver even the basic services for our community.

“Labor is building a better NSW, and together with our $1.5 billion investment in new and upgraded schools in North-West Sydney, we’re delivering infrastructure that puts Western Sydney communities first.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park: 

“Today, we begin to rectify one of the single largest Liberal healthcare failures in our state’s history.

“Because of the Liberals’ broken promises, Western Sydney has had an entire hospital missing for almost a decade.

“The Minns Labor Government will deliver Rouse Hill Hospital – and we will deliver it with an ED; with birthing suites; and we will protect it from Liberal privatisation.

Federal Attorney General and Member for Greenway Michelle Rowland:

“The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are working together to provide world-class health services right here in North-West Sydney.

“I’m proud to have fought alongside the community to ensure this hospital opens with an emergency department, and full maternity services backed by $120 million in funding from the Albanese Government.”

Member for Riverstone Warren Kirby:

“This is a huge moment for our community. People here have backed this hospital for years, and now we can finally see it becoming a reality.”        

“This is something our community has fought hard for.

“It means mums don’t have to travel across Sydney to give birth, and families can get emergency care close to where they live.”

Labor Spokesperson for Kellyville Peter Primrose:

“Our growing community needs and deserves this new hospital. The Minns Labor Government is building and delivering the Rouse Hill Hospital, as well as new schools and other services throughout North-Western Sydney.”

Communities across regional NSW will benefit from a strategy to support arts and culture, and grow cultural tourism in regional NSW.

The Minns Labor Government is delivering Heartland: A Plan for Regional NSW Arts, Culture and Creative Industries, backed by a $5.2 million investment, to boost regional creativity and vibrancy.

Regional creativity is already a powerhouse for NSW, employing 52,520 people and contributing over $6.2 billion in cultural tourism spend.

The first of its kind, the plan came from extensive consultation with communities from Lismore to Bega, Wollongong to Wagga Wagga, the Hunter to Broken Hill, and beyond.

Across the state, regional communities emphasised the role of arts and culture in bringing people together, of keeping young people in their communities, and as an important way to support those struggling with disasters ranging between drought, flood and fire.

An investment of almost $3.2 million will build partnerships, strengthen investment, activate networks, and expand creative opportunities:

• $1 million for a Regional NSW Strategic Partnerships Fund, supporting co-funded initiatives with arts and cultural organisations, councils, universities, philanthropists and business.
• $500,000 toincrease support for regional touring programs, with a focus on activity that contributes to skill development for arts practitioners and the growth of new audiences.
• $400,000 over two years to work with First Nations creative and cultural communities to exploreopportunities tobring arts and cultural practitioners together.
• $250,000 to fund 16 paid internship positions delivered by regional art and cultural organisations to build skills and career pathways.
• $250,000 to support the employment of producer and touring brokerage roles in regional NSW to develop and deliver touring programs that support the Regional Touring Fund.
• $250,000 to establish a Local Government pilot program to encourage place-based philanthropy in regional NSW for arts and cultural activity.
• $200,000 to deliver an Arts and Cultural Tourism Program for NSW First Nations practitioners and communities.
• $200,000 for new creative and community hubs through the Creative Heritage Rail program.
• $100,000 to invest in capacity building for regional touring framework organisations, starting with Music in the Regions.
• $50,000 for regional community bands to support youth participation and engagement.

A $2 million investment to deliver the Regional Night-Time Economy Program pilot will support 10 regional town business collectives to develop their local economies from the day into the night.

Additionally, in recognition of the importance of the Regional Arts Development Organisation (RAD0) network, establish the RADO sustainability fund to restore funding levels, ensuring the stability of the network and providing a safety net for RADOs going through the process of restructure and revitalisation.

This builds on the NSW Government’s ongoing commitment to regional NSW, including $14 million in 2024-25, through the Arts and Cultural Funding Program.

Read Heartland: APlan for Regional NSW Arts, Culture and Creative Industries  here.

Minister for the Arts John Graham said:

“Regional artists, creative organisations and cultural festivals play a critical role in their local communities – culture brings people together and boosts local economies.

“From artists in small towns to cultural festivals that define their communities, this Plan gives regional creatives better support, and the opportunities they deserve – strengthening the creative life of regional NSW for generations to come.

“That is why we’re investing in regional artists and cultural organisations to do what they do best – tell local stories, bring communities together, and contribute to the economic life of the regions.”

Regional Plan Working Group said:

“Regional NSW represents nearly 40% of the state’s population and is rich with creative talent, distinctive cultural traditions and stories that deserve to be seen and celebrated.

“This Regional Plan is an exciting step forward in a decade-long process of investment, research and co-design, prompted by the NSW Government’s Creative Communities policy. 

“The Plan recognises the strength, diversity and cultural vitality of regional NSW, with actions that will carefully address the needs and strengths of communities large and small, across a range of artforms and sectors.

“It will support artists, creative groups and community cultural organisations to hum with activity, connection and pride, and will help bring regional stories to life where culture thrives.”

BACKGROUND

Heartland: A Plan for Regional Arts, Culture and Creative Industries identifies six key priorities to address the unique opportunities and challenges faced by regional NSW. These include:

• Champion Regional First Nations Arts and Culture: advancing the profile and economic potential of First Nations arts and cultural practitioners and Aboriginal-led organisations.
• Strengthen Regional Partnerships and Networks: strengthening capacity and investment in regional arts and culture, improving connections and nurturing new partnership and philanthropic models.
• Unlock Regional Creative Spaces: collaborating across government, universities and vocational education providers to deliver new creative spaces and hubs in regional NSW.
• Open Doors to Regional Creative Careers: developing new career pathways for regional creative workers, volunteers and young people, supporting retention and skills development.
• Showcase Regional Storytelling and Creative Innovation: expanding access to arts and culture in regional NSW, incentivising and supporting touring.
• Amplify Statewide Arts and Cultural Tourism: driving arts and cultural tourism development

One of NSW’s most cherished country race meetings, the Yass Picnic Races, will mark its 125th anniversary on February 28 on the back of significant upgrades to Marchmont Racecourse, which have improved safety and access for local, regional and interstate visitors.

The upgrades come as part of a $270,000 grant from the Minns Labor Government’s Crown Reserves Improvement Fund, and futureproofs the iconic course for racing enthusiasts, locals and visitors alike.

The races draw thousands of visitors to the Yass Valley for a vibrant late-summer weekend that blends sport with the region’s renowned food, wine, and heritage experiences, and this year’s quasquicentennial celebration is set to be one of the most special yet.

NSW, interstate and overseas visitors are expected to flock to the valley on February 28, boosting the region’s visitor economy, and supporting local jobs and businesses.

The $270,000 grant funded upgrades to energy infrastructure, with new power poles, lines, and a substation installed as well as a solar water pump. New power circuits now service sheds and the camping area, improving safety, reducing noise, and enhancing accessibility for extended, multi-day events.

The revitalised venue has already secured a major coup, with the Yass Polocrosse Club returning to Marchmont on 26–27 April 2026 after more than 40 years of playing in the ACT. Their two-day carnival is expected to attract over 200 horses and riders from across the region, marking a milestone for one of

Australia’s oldest continuously active polocrosse clubs.

These improvements build on a previous grant – which cleared waste material, and repaired internal roads and fencing – and these new upgrades ensure Marchmont remains a vibrant hub for sport, tourism, and community connection in the Yass Valley.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“The Yass Picnic Races and the return of polocrosse to Marchmont are a testament to regional pride, tradition and community spirit. These upgrades are about more than infrastructure; they support volunteers, stimulate tourism, and guarantee Marchmont remains a lively venue for generations to come.

“Fantastic events like the Picnic Races draw thousands of visitors to the area and support local businesses, helping us reach our ambitious target of $91 billion in annual visitor expenditure by 2035 – the key goal of our new Visitor Economy Strategy, which regional NSW is a huge part of.”

Marchmont Racecourse Secretary Catherine Bennett said:

“I am proud of the work the Trust has done in recent years to bring the asset back to a quality state and to develop a vision for future use. Bringing polocrosse back to Marchmont after four decades is an honourable milestone for our club and community.

“We’re honoured to contribute to Marchmont’s legacy and to welcome riders and racegoers to a safer, more accessible venue. This year’s celebrations are especially meaningful as we mark the 125th anniversary of the Yass Picnic Races.

“We look forward to celebrating this historic occasion with the entire Yass Valley community and our visitors.”

The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are building a safer New South Wales for older women, with the launch today of new training and resources to improve supports for those who have experienced sexual violence.

The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are building a safer New South Wales for older women, with the launch today of new training and resources to improve supports for those who have experienced sexual violence.

Developed with over $500,000 funding from the Sexual Violence Project Fund, the Older Women’s Network NSW has created a package of resources, including four moving videos to raise awareness of sexual violence experienced by older women, and tools and guides to assist specialist sexual assault services respond to reports of abuse.

The 2021-22 Personal Safety Survey by the Australian Bureau of Statistics estimated that 3.2 per cent of women over 65 years had experienced sexual harassment in the last 12 months, and 0.5 per cent of those over 55 had experienced sexual violence in the last two years.

Sexual violence is often under-reported usually due to shame, fear, or guilt. Older women face similar barriers, as well as those related to ageism, positioning them as asexual, less credible and less valuable, creating a context in which disclosures are minimised or never made.

The “Hear Our Voices” initiative challenges this, and includes resources to support reporting:

• A report documenting key themes and barriers to help-seeking
• A ‘body mapping’ gallery documenting older women’s experiences of sexual violence, disclosure, healing and resilience
• Practitioner fact sheets
• An audit and planning tool
• Guides for frontline services and specialist workers
• Guide for trainers, educators and facilitators to deliver training safely and effectively.

The resources and training package were co-designed with older women, putting victim-survivor voices at the centre and ensuring a trauma-informed approach that is responsive to the needs of older women.

The training package is available to all service providers at: https://voices.ownnsw.org.au/

The $10 million Sexual Violence Project Fund is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and NSW Governments for one-off, time-limited early intervention and response projects that address sexual violence.

It is part of the NSW Government’s wider effort to address sexual violence and elder abuse in our community. This includes funding for the NSW Sexual Violence Helpline and the NSW Ageing and Disability Commission.

Federal Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence Ged Kearney said:

“Women have fought for decades to have sexual violence addressed at every life stage. This funding recognises that older women deserve specialised, trauma-informed supports tailored to the unique barriers they face when accessing care.

“We know that sexual violence is underreported and under recognised, and this is especially true for older women. Age does not protect women from harm, often it can hide it and exclude them from supports. I want older women to know that we are determined to change that.

“The Albanese Labor Government has made the largest investment in Australia’s history to end family, domestic and sexual violence, $4 billion, and that commitment includes support for older women. We will continue to work in partnership with state and territory governments so that no women are left behind.”

NSW Minister for Seniors and the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:

“Sexual violence has a devastating impact on victim-survivors and those around them. Early intervention is critical to reducing the prevalence of sexual violence and improving responses.

“The Older Women’s Network project will close a gap in raising awareness in our community about elder sexual abuse, as well as making sure that frontline services are in a position to respond in a trauma-informed way.

“Thank you to the Older Women’s Network for its thorough approach to addressing this issue with the ‘Hear our Voices’ project.”

CEO Older Women’s Network NSW Yumi Lee said:

“For too many older women, sexual violence has been carried alone, dismissed because of their age, doubted because of stereotypes, or shamed into silence.

“This project says clearly and publicly: we hear you, we believe you, and we are building systems that will respond properly.

“I encourage all services to access these resources so older women can be better seen, heard and supported as they navigate their journey following sexual assaults, whether perpetrated in the distant past or now.”

Support:

If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call the Police on Triple Zero / 000.

If you or someone you know is experiencing sexual violence, call the 1800 FULLSTOP for free counselling and referrals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For support for elder abuse, call the NSW Ageing and Disability Commission on

For confidential advice, support, and referrals, contact 1800 ELDERHelp, 1800 RESPECT or 13 YARN.