Permanent BreastScreen NSW service for Blacktown

A new permanent BreastScreen NSW clinic will soon be available in Blacktown, providing women in the community with access to free breast screening services all year round.

Minister for Health Ryan Park today announced the new location, which will better support the almost 60 per cent of eligible women in the Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) who are overdue for their two-yearly breast screen.

The new clinic at Warrick Lane, Blacktown, will be open in of the middle of 2025, seven days a week and will deliver vital breast screening services to more than 80,000 women who live and work in the Blacktown area.

A mobile screening van is currently active at various locations across the Blacktown Local Government Area, including the Blacktown Workers Sports Club and Blacktown City Council to service the Blacktown community.

Other western Sydney screening sites can also be found at Mount Druitt Hospital, Castle Towers Shopping Centre and Parramatta Westfield. There is capacity available at all of these clinics and mobile sites, with no delays for screening appointments.

You can find details of these locations as well as more screening centres near you at BreastScreen NSW or by calling 13 20 50.

For women aged 50-74 years, a breast screen every two years is the best way to detect breast cancer early, before it can be seen or felt. Breast screening is available from the age of 40.

BreastScreen NSW recommendsAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have a mammogram every two years from age 40.

Anyone with breast symptoms should contact their GP or health worker without delay.

Any woman with a family history of breast cancer should discuss their needs with their GP. To book a mammogram with BreastScreen NSW, call 13 20 50 or visit BreastScreen NSW – Online booking.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park

“We encourage all eligible women in western Sydney to make breast screening a priority.

“Early detection is the key with breast cancer, and a mammogram is one of the most important things eligible women can do for their health and I strongly urge women in Blacktown to visit the team when the new service opens.

“It takes just 20 minutes of your time, with no doctor’s referral required, and could save your life.”

Member for Blacktown, Stephen Bali

“Having a permanent clinic at Blacktown will enable more western Sydney women to have this life-saving screening in a convenient location.

“This new clinic with comfortable surroundings will treat women with dignity and increase screening participation, which is lower for many multicultural communities, often due to barriers like language, health literacy and trauma.”

NSW Chief Cancer Officer and Cancer Institute NSW Chief Executive Officer Professor Tracey O’Brien AM

“Breast cancer affects far too many women in our community and detecting it in its earliest stages is key to saving lives.”

“I know life gets busy, but I urge all women in western Sydney to not delay and book in their breast screen today.”

Nirmala Pathmanathan, Director, Westmead Breast Cancer Institute

“I’m so pleased women in the Blacktown community will benefit from this new permanent clinic. We know a screening mammogram can pick up cancers well before you can feel them, so having a mammogram every two years for women should be a priority and part of their routine health checks.”

Boost for Faith community safety with $5 million funding

The NSW Government has announced an additional $5 million investment in the Safe Places for Faith Communities Grants program furthering efforts to improve safety and security for faith groups across the state.

This funding comes after a successful first round, where $5 million was distributed to 103 community and faith organisations addressing security needs at places of worship, and congregation.

This funding is part of a $15 million program focused on creating secure, resilient and cohesive spaces for NSW’s diverse faith communities. This new grant round provides new applicants a chance to apply for $5,000 to $250,000 to be used anywhere in NSW at eligible faith-based centres including places of worship, seminaries, religious museums, religious community centres, religious retreats and places of religious significance.

The program takes a holistic approach to safety and security by supporting community preparedness, wellbeing and resilience, as well as more traditional protective security measures at places where faith communities gather.

An information session will be held online on Monday, 18 November 2024 at 4pm. To register for the information session email safeplacesgrants@multicultural.nsw.gov.au by Friday 15 November.

To apply, visit multiculturalnsw.smartygrants.com.au/SafePlacesforFaithCommunitiesGrants2024-25. Applications close 3pm, Thursday 19 December 2024.

NSW Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said:

“In NSW we are proud of our reputation as a safe place for people to practice their faiths and come together without fear of harm.”

“This funding will assist faith communities to maintain and improve the security of their places of worship so they can continue to be places of guidance and peace for attendees.”

Childcare places expanded in Far West NSW

Almost 200 additional childcare places will be created across far western New South Wales, as the Minns Labor Government continues work to increase the local workforce and ensure children across the state have access to high-quality education and care.

Over the next 18 months, 44 additional childcare places will be created in Broken Hill, 40 in Bourke and 102 in Cobar – a total of 186 additional places

Broken Hill, Bourke and Cobar have some of the highest gaps in childcare services statewide. Not only does this impact local children but creates a barrier to parents returning to work and prevents skilled workers with young families moving to these areas.

Delivered through the Minns Government Regional Development Trust Fund’s Western NSW Workforce Activation Package, $5.6 million will be made available to successful service providers immediately.

A further $4.4 million will be made available to further expand childcare places across western New South Wales early next year.

Busy Kids Childcare – Broken Hill

Over $1.4 million will be invested in Busy Kids Broken Hill to double the childcare’s existing capacity from 44 to 88 places for children aged 0 to 6 years old, creating 9 additional full-time jobs.

This investment will support the construction of a new adaptable daycare classroom as well as other necessary centre upgrades to increase its capacity and service delivery.

Further, this money will allow for the employment of additional staff and programs to support their professional development, wellbeing and retention.

Cobar Shire Council

102 additional childcare places, and 18 additional jobs will be created in Cobar, with over $1.3 million being provided to Cobar Shire Council to support locally run childcare services.

This funding will support relocating Cobar Out of School Hours care from a shared hall to a dedicated facility at the Kubby House Childcare Centre.

Currently, the service operates in a rented church hall, causing frequent interruptions to the service to accommodate other users.

Cobar Shire Council will also undertake work to expand the number of Family Day Care Operations. Family Day Cares are trained and registered educators who provide childcare from their homes. The Council will use this Government funding to cover the costs associated with these operations including, CPR and First Aid training, working with children checks, public liability insurance and professional development sessions.

A comprehensive attraction and retention package will also be developed, which will include relocation assistance, rental assistance and formal training plans.

Bourke and District Children’s Services

$1.85 million will be utilised by Bourke & District Children’s Services to created 20 additional childcare places for children aged 0-3, and 4 full time jobs.

This work will include the construction of a new childcare room to accommodate the children, with three child accessible bathrooms and two craft sinks.

To support staff recruitment and retention, relocation support will be offered to attract new staff and retention bonuses will be available to encourage long term service.

Bourke & District Children’s Services – Out of Hours Care

More than $900,000 is being invested to support Bourke & District Children’s Services establish a 20-place Out of School Hours Care program, operational five days a week for 40 weeks of the year.

Out of hours care offers care to school aged children before and after school.

Infrastructure improvements will be made to the services facility to ensure it is fit for purpose. This includes replacing the roof and installing a new kitchen for child food preparation.

A professional early childhood consultant will also be retained to ensure this new service is established to operate at the highest possible standard.

Comprehensive training and development programs will be provided to upskill staff, as well as relocation expenses offered to attract staff and retention bonuses for long term care providers.

Chris Minns, Premier of New South Wales said:

“This program is a win-win, and one of the best things a government can invest in.

“Not only does it increase access for children in our state to quality care and education, it also removes one of the barriers facing parents who may want to re-enter the workforce or enter it for the first time.

“I’ve heard countless stories of essential and skilled workers with young families who had considered making a move to one of our fantastic regional communities but were concerned about being able to access childcare. My genuine hope is that news of these extra places helps them to take that leap.”

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

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring children across NSW can kick-start their education in high-quality facilities – no matter their postcode.

“Improving equity in access to early education and care in the regions is vital for young families, and ensures our youngest learners are given every opportunity to thrive.

“The Minns Labor Government is delivering a plan to build a stronger, more accessible education system, for families across the state.”

Tara Moriarty, Minister for Regional NSW, Minister for Western NSW said: 

“This investment from the Regional Development Trust will change lives in Western NSW.

“Not only will this package improve the lives of families in Broken Hill, Bourke, and Cobar, it will also unlock local economic opportunities by enabling workforce participation in organisations that are keen for workers.

“Our Government is focused on growing regional economies through smart, targeted investments that deliver positive and real outcomes in a short time.”

Roy Butler, Independent Member for Barwon said:

“Access to childcare is often a choke point for people returning to work or who choose to live in regional NSW. I know professionals who have chosen not to move to these communities because of the lack of access to childcare. This funding will go some way towards ensuring that places are available for professionals to move to our regions, and I thank the NSW Government.”

Jenny French, Director of Busy Kids Childcare, Broken Hill said:

“We are thrilled and incredibly grateful to receive this grant, which with our existing plans will assist Busy Kids to more than double our childcare capacity and support even more families in our community.

“This funding will help us to create up to twelve new staffing positions, build a flexible new daycare classroom, and make improvements to our facilities.

“It will also support ongoing professional development and well-being initiatives for our staff, helping us maintain a nurturing and high-quality environment for the children in our care.”

Jarrod Marsden, Mayor of Cobar Shire Council said:

“We are very excited and appreciative to the State Government for providing these funds that will allow us to attract families to Cobar and support the liveability of the town.”

Prue Ritchie, General Manager of  Bourke & District Children’s Services said:

“Bourke and District Children’s Services is delighted by the investment of the NSW Government to increase the number of Early Childhood and Out of School Hours Care places available in Bourke.

“The provision of high-quality Early Childhood Education and Care services has multiple benefits for the community, as an economic enabler for workforce participation in remote communities,  addressing social disadvantage, linking to health and family supports, and creating employment opportunities.

“We are excited for the children, parents and carers and collaborative partners through Maranguka, and look forward to getting started!”

Free travel for veterans and serving ADF personnel this Remembrance Day

Transport for NSW will honour our veterans and serving personnel in the Australian Defence Force with free public transport this Remembrance Day.

On Monday 11 November, Australians across the country will take the opportunity to stop and remember, honouring the memory of the men and women who have served and are currently serving.

Those in uniform, wearing their medals or with proof of military service, can travel for free on public transport on Remembrance Day.

Veterans’ families and carers can also receive free travel to attend services on Remembrance Day if they are displaying service medals, carrying a letter of accreditation on letterhead from an RSL branch or other recognised ex-services organisation, or with a Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card marked War Widow/Widower.

Transport for NSW Coordinator General Howard Collins said it’s one small way to honour the brave men and women who have served our country.

“Eligible passengers will not need to tap on or off with their Opal cards or contactless payment devices,” said Mr Collins.

“Transport operator staff will let them board free or open the gates for gated stations.

“Free travel will apply to all train, bus, light rail, and ferry services in Sydney, Intercity and outer metropolitan services.

“For NSW TrainLink regional services, veterans and their families can travel to/from Remembrance Day services from November 10-12 for half the applicable fare, available in both First and Economy class.

“Reservations must be booked in advance over the phone on 13 22 32 or in person at selected NSW TrainLink stations and sales agents.”

Passengers who are not eligible for free travel are reminded that regular Opal ticketing applies, even if you are travelling to a commemorative event.

A number of bell towers across the state will ring their bells at 11am and we can all observe one minute of silence to remember the service and sacrifice of our veterans.

For more information on Remembrance Day commemorations, visit Remembrance Day 2024 | NSW Government and to plan your trip, visit transportnsw.info.

Funding for war memorials throughout NSW

Minister for Veterans David Harris announced $128,358 in NSW Government funding for care and upkeep of 15 war memorials across the state.

The $2,000 to $15,000 grants have been awarded to local councils, RSL sub-Branches and community groups throughout metropolitan, regional and rural NSW from Round 1 of the 2024/25 Community War Memorials Fund.

The recipients range from all four corners of the state, from Broken Hill to Bland, Port Stephens to Sussex Inlet, Tamworth to Thirroul.

Minister Harris was in Broken Hill today to announce $10,000 has been awarded to Broken Hill City Council for conservation work on the town’s Great War Memorial.

Dubbed ‘the Bomber’, the memorial comprises an imposing bronze sculpture of an Australian First World War soldier throwing a Mills bomb.

The memorial was unveiled by Lt. General Sir John Monash on 11 October 1925 where it has since stood as an iconic feature of Broken Hill and remains the largest free-standing war memorial action sculpture in Australia.

Twenty-six applications were received in this round, which closed on 24 July. Round 2 of the grant program will open on Remembrance Day, 11 November 2024.

Changes will be made to the Community War Memorials Fund schedule in 2025, and more details will be released closer to that time.

For more information visit https://www.veterans.nsw.gov.au/heritage/community-war-memorials-fund/

Minister for Veterans David Harris said:

“Our communities are proud of their military history, and it is wonderful to announce this funding for local war memorials across the state.

“Local war memorials like the Great War Memorial here in Broken Hill, are a vital part of our culture. Ensuring they are supported with appropriate conservation and upkeep will help us to continue to reflect on over 100 years of service and sacrifice by our veterans.

“I encourage all communities to review the status of their local war memorials and to apply for funding for any restoration work that is needed.”

Broken Hill City Mayor Tom Kennedy said:

“I’d like to thank the NSW Government for this funding, which will contribute to much-needed conservation work on our War Memorial statue in Argent Street.

“The Bomber statue is an iconic Broken Hill landmark and a great tribute to all the brave locals who have lost their lives fighting for Australia over the years.

“I commend the NSW Government for helping to ensure their sacrifice is not forgotten.”  

Legal matters made easier with new Legal Aid NSW client portal

The Minns Labor Government is making it easier for Legal Aid NSW clients to access information about their case with a $1.6 million investment in a new digital one-stop-shop for the legal provider.

The new platform will provide clients with real-time updates, access to correspondence and easy document uploads, as well as information about preparing for court appearances and other legal appointments.

The client portal provides a secure digital tool optimised for mobile phone use, helping people without computers or with changing or non-permanent residential addresses. Using the new portal, clients will be able to photograph and upload documents via their mobile phone.

The new portal will also minimise the need for clients to call Legal Aid NSW because they will be directly notified of updates to their case.

In 2022/2023, Legal Aid NSW provided half a million client services, with 35 per cent of these in regional and rural areas.

The Minns Labor Government is investing in the new portal under new focus areas for the Digital Restart Fund which prioritise accessible government services, enhanced cybersecurity and frontline worker support.

Legal Aid NSW expects the portal to be fully operational by late 2025.

For more information on the DRF, visit https://www.digital.nsw.gov.au/funding/digital-restart-fund

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said:

“Navigating the legal process can be stressful and it can be difficult for people in rural or remote communities or those in crisis accommodation to keep track of their case.

“The new Legal Aid client portal will make it easier for people to access key information, receive timely updates and securely upload documentation on the go from their mobile phone.

“Supported by the Digital Restart Fund, this portal uses digital services to help communities and is in line with the Minns Labor Government’s focus on inclusion in the way digital services are designed and delivered.”

CEO of Legal Aid NSW Monique Hitter said:

“This portal is a game-changer for our clients.”

“It enables them to easily view information about their cases, their lawyers, their appointments and court dates. That helps people to keep track of their legal matter and reduces the need for phone calls.

“By providing this secure digital communication channel, and delivering 24/7 access to key information, this portal makes it easier for people to deal with their legal problems.”

International education celebrated at state’s top awards

NSW’s top international students, education providers, businesses and community groups have been named and celebrated at the prestigious 2024 NSW International Education Awards.

The awards, now in their 11th year, recognise the success and contributions of international students across NSW and celebrate organisations for their outstanding support for international education.

Two types of awards were presented:

The NSW International Student of the Year Awards recognise the contributions made by individual students to their education and broader community.

The winners across three categories were:

  • Schools – Minh Thiem (Evelyn) Lieu from Vietnam, studying at Canley Vale High School.
  • Vocational Education and Training (VET) and English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) Cristina Gabriela Tacuri Garcia from Ecuador, studying at Greenwich College.
  • Higher Education – Aradhana Grover from India, studying at The University of Newcastle.

The NSW International Education Industry Awards recognise the contributions of education providers and organisations that support international students through programs and initiatives.

The winners across two categories were:

  • Education Provider – UNSW Sydney Water Safety Program
  • Partnership Excellence – Redfern Legal Centre International Student Legal Service NSW

Winners were announced on Wednesday night at an awards ceremony held at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney.

For more information about the 2024 NSW International Education Awards, including a full list of the finalists and winners, visit Study NSW: https://www.study.nsw.gov.au/news-and-events/nsw-international-education-awards/

Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“I congratulate all of this year’s winners and finalists who are helping to make NSW an even better place for international students to further their education.

“International education showcases Australia as an attractive destination, and NSW is the nation’s leading exporter of education services.”

NSW International Student of the Year, Higher Education Winner Aradhana Grover said:

“Being recognised for this award fills me with immense joy and gratitude.

“Winning this award is a personal honour but also a reflection of the meaningful connections we can foster.

“It’s a reminder of the importance of our collective efforts to uplift each other and drive positive change, reinforcing the belief that every act of kindness makes a difference.

“This award also recognises the dedication and passion that international students contribute to communities.

“Awards like this are important because they celebrate the diverse contributions of international students, highlighting their unique perspectives and experiences.

“These awards create a platform for sharing the stories and accomplishments of international students, fostering a sense of community and belonging.”

NSW International Education Industry Awards, Partnership Excellence Winner Sean Stimson, Redfern Legal Centre said:

“We are deeply grateful and humbled to win this award.

“Winning is a wonderful recognition of our team for their collective efforts to improve the educational experiences and legal protections of international students in NSW.

“This award will no doubt strengthen our ability to continue advocating, to ensure the safety and well-being of all international students.

“Awards like this shine a spotlight on the critical issues facing international students, who contribute so much to the cultural and economic fabric of NSW.

“It also encourages greater collaboration between education providers, government, and legal services to continue innovating and improving the support offered to international students.

“These awards celebrate not just individual achievements, but the collective effort to create a safer and more inclusive environment for students, which in turn strengthens NSW’s position as a global leader in international education.”

Major work to transform the new city-shaping Southwest Metro powers ahead

Major works to transform the 130-year-old T3 Bankstown line to a modern metro and deliver more housing for Sydney are in full swing, with significant progress being made across the line as part of the city-shaping Southwest Metro conversion.

This progress includes Canterbury Station, where the first full set of Sydney Metro’s platform screen doors have been installed to create a 180-metre-long barrier along both of the station’s platforms

A total of 160 out of 360 platform screen doors have been fitted across the 10 Southwest stations being upgraded to ensure public safety with the remainder to be installed by the end of November.

Each of the state-of-the-art glass doors take approximately six hours to prepare and install, before being connected with electrical cables, powered on and prepared for testing and commissioning.

Since major construction commenced following the closure of the T3 Bankstown line a month ago, between 400 and 800 people have been working on the Southwest conversion every day.

Work completed to date as part of the Southwest conversion includes:

  • Track adjustments, overhead wiring and signalling work at Sydenham to disconnect the future Sydney Metro tracks from the adjacent Sydney Trains and ARTC networks.
  • Commissioning of the new T6 line to provide a four-car shuttle service from Bankstown to Lidcombe.
  • 20.21 kilometres of 21.34 kilometres of security and rail segregation fencing installed.
  • 160 of 360 platform screen doors installed at Bankstown, Canterbury, Campsie, Marrickville and Dulwich Hill stations.
  • 105 of 170 mechanical gap fillers installed at Marrickville, Canterbury, Hurlstone Park, Campsie, Dulwich Hill Stations, with installation works underway at Belmore, Punchbowl and Lakemba stations. 

The Minns Labor Government is also turbocharging the delivery of new housing along the Southwest Metro line by supporting transport-oriented development at a majority of stations on the line including an accelerated precinct at Bankstown Station.

We need more well-located homes near well-connected transport infrastructure, so people have a place to call home, where they can move around our city easier. Southwest Metro is a critical part of this.

This new metro will also allow thousands of people to live next to a high-frequency metro line with a train every four minutes during the peak. Prior to the shutdown, some stations along the Southwest line only had four trains an hour in the peak.

Additionally, a new 17km walking and cycling path will be built along the Sydenham to Bankstown alignment, giving people even more travel options.

Once the final section of this line is open, Sydney will have a 30-kilometre fast and reliable metro network from Sydney’s North West, under the harbour and below the Sydney CBD and out to Bankstown in the city’s South West.

This is all part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to build more housing close to infrastructure such as metros, jobs and essential services, building well-connected communities for NSW.

During the conversion period, free and frequent pink Southwest Link buses have carried over million passengers impacted by the closure of the T3 Bankstown line.

For more information on T3 replacement services: Southwest Link | transportnsw.info.

For more information on Southwest Metro: City & Southwest project overview | Sydney Metro.

Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns said:

“This new Metro will completely reshape how people across South Western Sydney travel around our city, providing world class public transport options that have been missing for far too long.

“NSW is losing twice as many young people as we’re gaining, and building new homes near public transport with major projects like this is a critical part of the solution to making housing more affordable.

“I want to thank the thousands of workers who have worked around the clock on this conversion and the many more who will deliver this converted line.”

Minister for Transport, Jo Haylen said:

“Platform screen doors are an essential part of delivering a modern new transport system and it is fantastic to see them standing proudly at Canterbury, where passengers will soon be able to jump on board a metro train with ease.

“We are making every second of this closure count so that people living in Sydney’s southwest will have access to game-changing fast, reliable and safe metro services.

“We have hit the ground running to ensure safe and reliable metro services are a reality for hundreds of thousands of people in Sydney’s inner west and southwest sooner rather than later. 

Member for Canterbury, Sophie Cotsis said:

“This is a transformational project and one that will leave an important legacy in the area.

“The Minns Labor Government invested $1 billion to ensure that this long-promised project became a reality.

“When the conversion is complete, passengers will have access to a 21st century high-tech metro line with a train every four minutes during the peak, along with fully accessible stations and services.

“This is a huge win for commuters in the southwest who can expect faster travel times to destinations around Sydney, including Canterbury to Central in just 16 minutes.”

NSW Government launches Australia’s first operational Seasonal Drought Forecast

The Minns Labor Government’s groundbreaking drought forecasting system will make its debut in this month’s State Seasonal Update, published online today.

The Government is committed to growing and protecting the state’s primary industries and assisting farmers prepare for and better understand drought is a key goal.

The innovative online web-based tool will provide essential insights for farmers and other key agricultural stakeholders across NSW, allowing them to make informed decisions for drought preparedness, produce production and management.

The new service will provide vital insights for farmers and other key agricultural stakeholders allowing them to make better informed decisions for drought preparedness and management.

The forecast uses rainfall and temperature data from the Bureau of Meteorology’s seasonal forecast in the existing Enhanced Drought Information System (EDIS) to generate the most likely drought status for up to three months ahead. 

The drought forecast will be provided along with valuable information about the certainty of the forecast and its historical performance, allowing users to better anticipate and prepare for potential drought conditions.

The drought forecast is underpinned by extensive scientific evaluation of its accuracy over the past 40 years of overlapping observations and model runs.

Future enhancements to the forecast will include location-based information and interactive online tools for accessing data.

The NSW Government remains committed to drought preparedness, by working with communities and our agricultural industry to safeguard the State against the effects of drought. 

To view the operational Seasonal Drought Forecast, please visit this website

To view the October State Seasonal Update, please visit this website  

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to empowering NSW farmers with innovative technology and resources to tackle climate challenges, ensuring sustainable practices and food supplies for future generations.

“The launch of this seasonal drought forecast is a significant step forward in our ability to support farmers across NSW.

“By providing timely information, we can help our agricultural community prepare for and respond to the challenges of drought.

$6.4 million for local community infrastructure projects

Communities from Inverell to Albury and Bathurst to the Northern Beaches will benefit from $6.4 million funding under the NSW Government’s latest round of Infrastructure Grants.

A women and children’s refuge, musical society, marine rescue organisation and Aboriginal youth gym are among 46 recipients to share a total of $12.75 million this financial year.

Infrastructure Grants are funded by ClubGRANTS Category 3, which directs profits from registered clubs’ gaming machines into community projects, while clubs receive a tax concession in return.

The grants support local community projects across four categories: sport and recreation, disaster readiness, community infrastructure, and arts and culture.

Key projects supported in this latest funding round include:

  • $200,000 to Tumbarumba Equine Club near the Snowy Mountains for roofing, power, lighting, water troughs and an additional disaster evacuation stock holding area for large animals
  • $270,100 to Ngarabal Aboriginal Corporation in Inverell to upgrade a gym facility to provide year-round boxing, martial arts and self defence programs for youth at risk
  • $51,600 to Wagga Wagga Art Gallery for new exhibition spaces, a print workshop, expanded storage and improved environmental and safety equipment
  • $55,300 to Western Suburbs Lawn Tennis Association in Ashfield to install new lighting to two synthetic tennis courts
  • $70,000 to Parkes Musical & Dramatic Society for an upgrade of digital microphones
  • $187,600 to Marine Rescue Cottage Point on Sydney’s Northern Beaches to replace engines and electronics on two rescue vessels
  • $50,000 to Margaret House Refuge in Young for refurbishment of a cottage that provides a safe and welcoming environment for women and children fleeing domestic violence and/or experiencing homelessness.

See the complete list of Infrastructure Grants Program recipients.

Applications for the next round of Infrastructure Grants are open until Monday 25 November. For more information visit Clubgrants Category 3 fund.

The NSW Government’s review into the effectiveness of ClubGRANTS is ongoing amid continuing work across government to improve integrity and public trust in grants. This is the first formal review into the scheme since 2013.

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:

“I’m pleased to see this round of Infrastructure Grants go to many worthy groups who work hard for their communities across the state.

“I am impressed by the many and varied ways organisations are working to benefit their communities. 

“Infrastructure Grants improve local facilities that bring people together, help them prepare for and recover from disasters, and promote participation in sport, recreation and the arts.”