Category: NSW News

NRL fans will be able to enjoy footy fever together for longer after this weekend’s grand final with pubs, clubs and bars to stay open later, thanks to the NSW Government’s special event extended trading.

Fans of the Penrith Panthers and Melbourne Storm will be able to celebrate or commiserate until midnight on Sunday 6 October, at all eligible licensed premises which show a live broadcast of the season finale.

Special event extended trading hours are made available under the Liquor Act 2007 for events that are of “regional, state or national significance.”

The initiative is designed to supports the state’s venues and encourages a vibrant nightlife for residents and visitors.

The additional opening hours apply only to drinks sold on premises, not takeaway alcohol sales or the operation of gaming machines.

Any individual trading restrictions or special conditions that apply to a venue’s liquor licence also remain in place for these events.

The full list of special events and more information on extended trading can be found at Special Event Extended Trading – Liquor & Gaming NSW.

For more information on the NSW Government’s Vibrancy reforms, please visit Vibrancy Reforms.

Patrons should check with their local venue for specific opening hours on Sunday.

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:

“Grand final fever will grip our state this long weekend and the NSW Government’s Vibrancy Reforms are in place to cater for fans wanting to make the most of it on Sunday night.

“In 2023, we expanded the special event extended trading incentive to apply to small bars, general bars and live music and performance venues, as well as pubs and clubs, so people could head out and celebrate events like the NRL Grand Final.

“We want people to be able to enjoy the post-game celebrations but also stay safe.

“Eligible venues must ensure they continue to adhere to Responsible Service of Alcohol requirements and have appropriate measures in place to ensure the safety of their patrons.”

Fans of the Central Coast Mariners FC will continue to enjoy A-League games with less sports betting advertising thanks to a new Reclaim the Game partnership with GambleAware.

Under the new partnership, the Club will turn down sports betting sponsorships and eliminate sports betting advertising at their home games across both the men’s and women’s A-League teams.

The Mariners will also work to educate fans, players and staff about the risks and harms which can arise from gambling.

Reclaim the Game launched in 2020 and has grown to include 19 teams across six codes in NSW. It has reached millions of sports fans, both on TV and in stadiums.

The Mariners, who continue to grow in popularity, particularly off their back-to-back men’s A-League titles over the past two seasons, are the first Central Coast sporting club to sign on for this awareness initiative.

The Central Coast has a high rate of gambling participation and Reclaim the Game will remind fans that they can enjoy watching their team without spending their hard-earned money on betting.

A recent survey conducted by Reclaim the Game suggests that Mariners’ fans are on board with the new partnership. In the survey, 85% of fans agreed that there is too much gambling advertising.

As well as the new Mariners’ partnership, GambleAware has extended its partnerships with the Western Sydney Wanderers, and Cricket NSW which includes Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder.

For more information on Reclaim the Game visit: www.gambleaware.nsw.gov.au/resources-and-education/awareness-campaigns/reclaim-the-game.

The Minns Labor Government has a strong track record on reducing gambling harm since coming into office, including:

• Committing $100 million to harm minimisation – investing in research, treatment, services and reform
• Establishing an Independent Panel of experts overseeing a cashless gaming trial
• Banning all external gambling signage in venues and introducing Responsible Gambling Officers for venues with more than 20 machines
• Forbidding political donations from clubs with electronic gaming machines.

For free and confidential gambling support 24/7 call GambleAware on 1800 858 858.

Minister for Gaming and Racing and Minister for the Central Coast David Harris said:

“Sports betting advertising and sponsorship is just about everywhere. We see it across most codes and many fans don’t know sport without it.

“The NSW Government, through Reclaim the Game, is partnering with sporting clubs to take a stand and challenge the impact that sports betting advertising has on fans.

“All our partners are committed to eliminating sports betting advertising at their home games, and to take action in educating their fans, players and staff about the potential harms of sports betting.

“It’s no secret I’m a big fan of the mighty Mariners, so I am absolutely delighted by this new partnership, which will have a positive impact on the Central Coast.”

Mariners CEO Alyssar Narey said:

“We are proud to partner with the NSW Government’s Reclaim the Game initiative.

“This collaboration underscores our commitment to promoting a healthy and positive environment in sports, where our players and fans can thrive without the influence of gambling.

“Together, we can create a stronger community and ensure that the joy of the game remains at the forefront.” 

About Reclaim the Game:

Reclaim the Game was launched in 2020. 19 teams from six codes are partners in the program:

Rugby League:
1. Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
2. South Sydney Rabbitohs

Basketball:
3. Illawarra Hawks
4. Sydney Kings
5. Sydney Flames

Football (Soccer):
6. Western Sydney Wanderers (A-League men’s)
7. Western Sydney Wanderers (A-League women’s)

8. Central Coast Mariners (A-League men’s)

9. Central Coast Mariners (A-League women’s)

Cricket:
10. Sydney Sixers (BBL)
11. Sydney Sixers (WBBL)
12. Sydney Thunder (BBL)
13. Sydney Thunder (WBBL)
14. NSW Blues
15. NSW Breakers

Australian Football League (AFL):
16. Sydney Swans (AFL)
17. Sydney Swans (AFLW)

Netball:
18. NSW Swifts
19. GIANTS Netball

Thousands of children can help their families ‘Beat the Bite’ with the statewide distribution of books that help teach the importance of mosquito bite prevention.

‘Jack & Angie – Beat the Bite’ is an entertaining story about two youngsters who love playing in and exploring the great outdoors while staying safe from mosquito bites.

More than 77,000 books have been printed and are being delivered to schools, early childhood and education centres and local councils across NSW, with 430 public and independent schools, 103 early childhood and education centres, 66 councils already having opted in to receive books. Other services such as Aboriginal health and immunisation services, scouts and guides across NSW have also ordered books.

The statewide distribution is an expansion of a popular Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) initiative which saw more than 43,000 books distributed across Murrumbidgee, Southern and Western NSW.

Mosquitoes can transmit diseases that are spread to humans through mosquito bites. In NSW they can carry viruses such as Japanese encephalitis (JE), Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE), Ross River, and Barmah Forest virus.

These viruses may cause symptoms ranging from tiredness, rash, headache, and sore and swollen joints to rare but severe symptoms of seizures and loss of consciousness.

Protective measures to avoid bites, include:

• Wear light, loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts, long pants and covered footwear and socks
• Avoid being outdoors at dawn and dusk
• Apply repellent to all areas of exposed skin, especially those that contain DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus which are the most effective against mosquitoes
• Reapply repellent regularly, particularly after swimming. Always apply sunscreen first and then apply repellent
• Use insecticide sprays, vapour dispensing units and mosquito coils to repel mosquitos. Mosquito coils should only be used outside.

A vaccine is available to protect against Japanese encephalitis virus, which is available for free to those at greatest risk of exposure. For more information on eligibility visit https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/jevaccine

Services interested in receiving ‘Jack & Angie – Beat the Bite’ can contact the Surveillance and Risk Unit, Environmental Health Branch at HSSG-EHBSurveillance@health.nsw.gov.au

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“This is a fun and informative way of helping youngsters understand the risk mosquitoes pose and ways to protect themselves and their families.

“The best way to avoid infection by mosquito borne diseases is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, and this creative children’s book explains to children and their families four simple steps to take to stay bite free; spray up, cover up, screen up and clean up.

“Through this story, we hope children can encourage their families, peers, and even the community to take simple actions to protect themselves from mosquito-borne diseases.”

MLHD Senior Environment Officer and Author, Tony Burns:

“I am really excited that Jack and Angie are going to be helping spread the message about mosquito bite prevention to a much wider audience.

“We know mosquitoes can transmit a range of diseases, so we want to make sure as many people as possible get this important message. We’re keen to see youngsters get the message early, so they can develop good habits around taking precautions against mosquito bites.”

The Palestinian Action Group has withdrawn their Form 1 for a public assembly on Sunday 6 October 2024 and submitted a new Form 1 following negotiations with the NSWPF that focused on public safety concerns.

The location and route of the protest has now changed, and protest organisers have agreed that no flags, portraits or symbols connected to a prohibited terrorist organisation will be displayed.

The NSWPF has not opposed the new Form 1 and will work with organisers to conduct a high visibility policing operation on Sunday to ensure the safety of the community. Police will not hesitate to take appropriate action against anyone who commits a criminal offence.

The Palestinian Action Group has also withdrawn their Form 1 for a public assembly on Monday 7 October 2024 and has not proposed a new Form 1, making that public assembly unauthorised if it goes ahead.

As a result of these negotiations the Supreme Court dismissed the NSWPF’s application by consent and noted the above agreement. No order on costs was made.

The Central Coast Regional Business Awards showcases and celebrates the innovation, resilience and dedication of the region’s businesses and their staff.

It is crucial to recognise the work done by businesses because they play a vital role in driving economic growth, creating jobs and contributing to the overall well-being of the Central Coast.

Wyong-based tech logistics business 4id Solutions was crowned the region’s Business of the Year in recognition of both its contribution to the local economy and innovative leadership in the international market.

The winners will now represent the Coast against the rest of the state at the 2024 State Business Awards Gala on 30 October.

2024 Winners:

Employer of Choice (21+ Employees): Pacific Link Housing

Employer of Choice (Under 20 Employees): Seton Family Lawyers

Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion: Allcare Nursing & Community Services

Excellence in Innovation: Signarama Tuggerah

Excellence in International Business: 4id Solutions

Excellence in Large Business: Central Coast Mariners Football Club

Excellence in Micro Business: Key2 Realty

Excellence in Small Business (Hall of Fame): LEP Digital

Excellence in Sustainability: Signarama Tuggerah

Outstanding Business Leader (20 Employees and Under): Suzy Miller, Suzy Miller Leadership Development Specialists

Outstanding Business Leader (21+ Employees): Paul Chapman, Central Coast Sports College

Outstanding Community Organisation: Allcare Nursing & Community Services

Outstanding Employee (Hall of Fame): Melinda McCrone, LEP Digital

Outstanding Local Chamber: CTBC – Coastal Towns Business Chamber

Outstanding New Business: Renew Projects

Outstanding Visitor Experience: Australian Reptile Park

Outstanding Young Business Leader: Robert O’Donoghue, CCTS

Business of the Year: 4id Solutions

Minister for the Central Coast David Harris said:

“I want to congratulate all the nominees and the winners of this year’s Central Coast Regional Business Awards.  

“Local businesses are the backbone of our region which is why it’s important we celebrate all the fantastic work they do and their staff that make it all happen.

“I look forward to seeing the winners represent our region at the state awards in October.”

Riverina residents are being invited to have their say on local roads and transport priorities as part of the Minns Labor Government’s planning for future growth.

Transport for NSW is investigating predicted areas of industrial and residential growth in the north of Wagga Wagga as part of a new strategy to help build better future transport networks.

The Wagga Wagga Northern Access Strategy will build on previous consultation with the community and focus on the transport network connecting the city, in particular the Sturt and Olympic highways including major intersections on both corridors.

Insights gained through development of the strategy will feed into the broader Riverina-Murray Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan (SRITP) which is being developed.

Two drop-in sessions for community members to meet with Transport for NSW to discuss the Wagga Wagga Northern Access Strategy will be held at:

• Wagga Wagga Marketplace, 87 Baylis Street, Saturday 12 October 9am to 12pm
• Wagga Wagga Civic Centre arcade, 243 Baylis Street, Wednesday 16 October 10am to 1pm

To share ideas that will help shape the Northern Access Strategy, Riverina residents can also take part in a survey until it closes on 28 October.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to building better roads and transport links in Wagga Wagga.

“Feedback from the community is critical to ensuring the Wagga Wagga Northern Access Strategy best guides Transport for NSW decision making around future planning priorities and investment opportunities.

“Investigations will look at multimodal opportunities to improve access between the growth area in the north and the CBD and identify ways to reduce commuter delays and support freight movements while catering for future traffic growth.”

Independent Member for Wagga Wagga Dr Joe McGirr said:

“I am working closely with the community and the government to ensure we have the right infrastructure in place to meet the needs of the booming northern suburbs, including intersection improvements on the Olympic and Sturt Highways.

“We know that a second river crossing is a very high priority so now is the time to step up our advocacy for the structures and services we’ll need in the future.

“This is an important opportunity to help Transport for NSW understand where future investments are needed most, and I encourage all community members to take part in the survey and share their thoughts on our current and future transport needs.”

Australia’s first Statewide Health Literacy Hub has been officially launched, marking a pivotal step towards improving health experiences and outcomes for NSW residents.

NSW Health is investing $3.7 million over three years and partnering with Western Sydney Local Health and the University of Sydney to launch the Statewide Health Literacy Hub which is designed to address the challenge of low health literacy in NSW.

Health literacy refers to how people access, learn from, and use health information and services, to look after themselves. Low health literacy affects more than half of all Australians.

The Hub will serve as a centre for online training, practical tools and resources and translational research aimed at improving healthcare staff’s communication skills, empowering patients to manage their health, and promoting equity throughout the state’s health system.

The Hub will foster partnerships between healthcare providers and community organisations to help people navigate the NSW healthcare system so they can access the right care when they need it.

Through helping people access, understand and use healthcare services, the Hub will aim to alleviate pressure on Emergency Departments, reduce hospital readmissions, and improve patient health experiences and outcomes.

Further information on the Statewide Health Literacy Hub can be found at https://www.healthliteracyhub.org.au/

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“The Hub is about more than just information. It is about ensuring that every person in NSW, no matter their background, has access to clear, compassionate, and effective healthcare.

“By equipping our health workforce with the tools and strategies for clear communication, the Health Literacy Hub is poised to transform how healthcare is delivered and experienced, leading to better, more equitable outcomes for all.

“Clear, respectful and empathetic communication can help people better understand their health conditions and treatment options, and help patients follow post care instructions, resulting in fewer hospital readmissions.”

Minister for Medical Research David Harris:

“The Health Literacy Hub has a key role in turning research into real-world solutions, ensuring that new knowledge drives meaningful change across our diverse communities.

“Low health literacy affects more than half of Australians, and we know that is leading to poorer health outcomes and increased pressure on the healthcare system.

“This Statewide Health Literacy Hub is a great initiative which will empower staff to provide clear and easy to understand information to everyone.”

Chief Executive, Western Sydney Local Health District, Graeme Loy:

“Having started right here at Western Sydney Local Health District the Statewide Health Literacy Hub is something we are incredibly proud of. This Hub began as a local initiative and it’s inspiring to see it now being expanded statewide.”

Greater accessibility, upskilling communities and building resilience for the future are at the heart of the Minns Labor Government’s new digital roadmap for New South Wales.

The NSW Digital Strategy launched today sets out how the state will deliver innovative, inclusive and secure digital services to improve the lives of residents. For the first time, the new strategy includes a way to track progress on digital as a state.

The NSW Digital Strategy is built around five key missions:

• Accessibility: Make digital services accessible, inclusive and connected for all people in NSW
• Productivity: Use digital to advance service delivery, support the local economy and drive productivity
• Trust: Build trust through reliable, stable government services and sustainable digital infrastructure
• Resilience: Keep NSW safe and resilient for emergencies online and in-person
• Digital Skills: Uplift digital capability in our public sector workforce​.

This provides a roadmap for how NSW will harness digital transformation to support economic growth, improve service delivery and create more connected communities.

NSW is home to 32 per cent of Australia’s population and is one of the most diverse states in the world, with the Government committed to making digital services inclusive by supporting all NSW communities on their digital journey.

People responding to a NSW Government survey to understand the challenges faced when engaging with digital technologies and services found 1 in 5 people (22 per cent) feel they lack the necessary skills to perform important online tasks such as job searching, working, studying or accessing government services.

The feedback also found those aged 65+, from low-income households or whose highest education level is high school are less likely to feel confident in performing these tasks.

The strategy leverages leading technology and builds on large-scale projects already underway, including ongoing work to deliver a secure and privacy-preserving NSW digital identity and verifiable credentials system for use across the public and private sectors.

Key initiatives under the strategy include:

• Delivery of the NSW Digital ID and NSW Digital Wallet to enable a safer, more inclusive digital economy by streamlining services and providing a secure way to prove who you are.
• The state’s first Digital Inclusion Strategy, informed by community input which shows that key barriers to inclusion include not just location, physical challenges and economic factors, but also confidence in digital skills and trust in digitalisation.
• Better coordination of information and communications technology spending across government to reduce duplication and an enhanced approach to cyber security coordination, governance and investment.
• Supporting housing delivery by improving the NSW Planning Portal and developing the Digital Housing Pipeline, an initiative that offers access to information on the delivery of new homes, facilitating improved collaboration among developers, government agencies and homeowners to streamline the process from planning to occupancy.
• Delivering secure and resilient critical communications for emergency services and supporting communities during disasters by building on projects like the Hazards Near Me app which includes fire, storm, tsunami and flood information.
• Updating strategies to leverage data and use artificial intelligence to enhance the response to natural disasters and emergencies through tools like RFS Athena which predicts fire behaviour.

The NSW Digital Strategy puts people at its heart by targeting practical benefits, powered by community insights and formulated through extensive collaboration with industry and academic partners. For more information, read the strategy at www.digital.nsw.gov.au/strategy

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said:

“The NSW Digital Strategy lays the foundation for a future for digital services that are more secure, inclusive and accessible, and is a commitment to improving people’s daily lives.”

“This strategy is about more than just technology— it’s about people and how we build world-class digital services that strengthen our communities while supporting economic growth.”

“Our key missions of accessibility, productivity, trust, resilience and skills will help ensure we deliver with purpose on the things people need, like increasing access to government services.”

“We are already bringing our strategy to life, through initiatives like our new EasyRead hub and updated AI frameworks, by ensuring digital infrastructure is front of mind for government projects, and by improving cyber security coordination and investment.”

“From Western Sydney to regional and remote NSW, our vision is for a more connected state and a government that embraces new technologies and brings everyone on the journey.”

“The NSW Digital Strategy will help ensure we continue to innovate and build digital services that are both forward-thinking and responsive to the needs of the community we serve.”

A new temporary photography exhibition has launched at the Anzac Memorial, showcasing rare glimpses into life in military service as captured by ex-serving personnel.

Accompanied with stories from veterans, the Point & Shoot exhibition honours a range of modern conflicts, peace operations and service from the Second World War onwards. 

The purpose of the exhibition is not to display perfectly captured photos but to share raw moments frozen in time that ex-service personnel thought were worth remembering.

Point & Shoot is the concept of Point Assist founder Mark Direen, a former Infantry and Special Forces soldier with over 20 years military service including six overseas deployments. 

Mark took a plethora of photos to document what he saw during service. His experiences became the impetus for this project, which launched onto the national stage in 2022 and continues to grow.

The exhibition is open for a limited time only – until Sunday 6 October. Entry is free. The Memorial’s opening hours are 9am to 5pm, seven days per week.

Find out more about the Point & Shoot exhibition.

Minister for Veterans David Harris said:

“For Australians who have not served, it can be difficult to understand what military life looks like, including the unique sights and encounters that come with conflict or peacetime operations.

“Point & Shoot is an intimate opportunity to see through the eyes of our veterans and to reflect on their experiences during service.

“Thank you to Mark Direen and the other ex-service men and women who so candidly contributed their personal photos to this exhibition.”

Veteran and photographer Mark Direen said:

“Operating in remote, high threat environments as a combat soldier was both physically and mentally demanding.

“It was behind the lens of a camera that I found stillness and meaning and it was then I wondered, maybe others do this too and so the concept of this exhibition began.

“Through this collection of images, I also hope to shine a light on the sacrifices of the many that allow these stories to be told.” 

The Minns Labor Government is inviting regional councils to apply for a share of $3 million in funding for projects that will support the delivery of more well-located and affordable homes.

From today, regional councils will be able to apply for between $20,000 and $250,000 for individual projects as part of the NSW Government’s Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund.

Delivering more well-located homes near transport and services has been central to the NSW Government’s planning reforms so far and we’re not done.

As regional NSW plans for and delivers more homes to its growing communities, the Minns Government is supporting that growth by funding strategic planning projects.

Councils can use the funds to speed up new housing strategies, prepare infrastructure and servicing plans and make local planning amendments for the delivery of more diverse and affordable housing supply.

These projects will support regional NSW work towards its housing target of 55,000 homes during the National Housing Accord.

The first round of the program funded 20 projects across 19 councils to support the delivery of 40,000 homes. Among them was $107,400 for Port Stephens Council’s partnership with Homes NSW on a sub-precincts masterplan to support the delivery of affordable housing in Raymond Terrace.

The second round allocated $2.9 million to 16 councils to support the delivery of nearly 23,800 homes across regional NSW, including $230,000 to Federation Council to undertake a stormwater-servicing plan supporting 5,600 homes across the Murray region.

All NSW councils outside Greater Sydney are eligible for funding. Round three opens today and closes at 12pm on Friday 22 November 2024.

To learn more about the fund visit https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/policy-and-legislation/housing/regional-housing/regional-housing-strategic-planning-fund

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“The housing crisis is hitting regional communities just as hard as it is hitting Sydney, and the Minns Government wants to make sure they have the resources to plan for and deliver more homes in all parts of the state.

“As regional communities grow and evolve, this funding will help deliver the important planning work needed to boost housing supply, affordability, and diversity.

“The NSW Government is working with regional councils on a coordinated planning approach to deal with regional housing challenges.”

Minister for Regional NSW and Western NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“We really encourage councils to apply and help us unlock the delivery of thousands of new regional homes sooner.

“This funding will support more homes, which means more jobs and better communities in regional NSW.

“Their submissions will then be assessed by an independent panel using a published criteria.”