Category: NSW News

Millions of renters across the state will soon be able to move homes and transfer their bond with them with the Minns Labor Government investing $6.6 million to develop and deliver the nation’s first Portable Rental Bonds Scheme.

There is a turnover of more than 330,000 tenancies every year across the state, with the average tenancy 1.6 years.

As residents juggle high rents, low vacancy rates and general cost-of-living pressures, they’re also faced with an average moving cost of $4,000 and the prospect of having to pay a new bond before their old one is returned.

The Portable Rental Bonds Scheme will be a financial relief measure which makes it easier for renters when moving by allowing eligible tenants to digitally transfer their existing bond to their new rental home.

This new scheme maintains the integrity of the bond system ensuring homeowners have security while improving cashflow and reducing financial stress for renters.

The Rental Commissioner is leading the development of the Scheme which is currently out to public tender.

Development will involve an upgrade of the existing rental bonds system and work is expected to be completed in 2025.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“Moving house is one of the most stressful things you can do, not to mention expensive for many renters.”

“The process can leave renters out of pocket, for up to several weeks.

“The NSW Government’s portable bonds scheme will give cost of living relief to renters moving homes, by making sure they don’t have to set aside extra money while they wait for their bond to be refunded.”

Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“This scheme will be the first of its kind in the nation.

“Once in place, renters won’t have to think twice about how they’ll pay their bond on top of moving costs.

“The NSW Government is committed to working towards a fairer rental marketplace. This Scheme is a win for renters and owners.”

Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Minister for Youth Rose Jackson said:

“Amid a housing and cost of living crisis we must explore every option to alleviate the financial pressure renters face when moving house.

“The harsh reality is that the high cost of moving, especially having to pay a new bond before the old one is refunded, can push people to the brink of homelessness.

“The portable bonds scheme is an important and practical way to help ease this pressure renters feel.”

People in NSW are encouraged to consider organ donation and have conversations with their family about their decision this DonateLife Week.

There are approximately 1,800 people currently on the organ transplant waitlist in Australia, with 14,000 more on dialysis for kidney failure who need help.

In 2023, more than 47,000 people in NSW registered as an organ and tissue donor. There were 142 people in NSW who died and became organ donors, giving the gift of life to 392 transplant recipients, including 12-year-old Osman Akel.

Osman was diagnosed with congenital heart disease while in utero and needed three heart operations before he was five. Last year, Osman went into heart failure and his family were told he needed a heart transplant to save his life.

Osman became the first patient to undergo a paediatric heart transplant at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead since the Paediatric Heart Transplant (PHT) service was officially established and funded by the Minns Labor Government in 2023. Osman is now back at school and doing well.

Five-year-old Ari Ladd’s life was also saved by organ donation after receiving a lifesaving liver transplant at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead in 2020. Ari was born with biliary atresia, a condition that impacts the body’s ability to drain the bile from the liver. The energetic toddler is now happy and healthy, enjoying his new lease on life

As the biggest paediatric liver transplant centre in Australia, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead performs around 25 lifesaving liver transplants for patients like Ari every year.

Sadly, more than 50 Australians died last year while on the organ transplant waitlist.

Families are always asked to support someone’s decision to be a donor before donation goes ahead. Families are much more likely to agree if their loved one is registered on the Australian Organ Donor Register, and their family knew they wanted to be a donor.

Anyone aged 16 and over can register online to become an organ donor in just one minute at donatelife.gov.au, or with three taps in the Medicare app. For those who think they’re already registered, it only takes one minute to double-check.

NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“Organ donation saves lives and increasing awareness and consent is critical to lifting our donation rate. We encourage NSW residents to go online and pledge to give the gift of life to those in need.

“Opportunities for transplants are missed because families are uncertain of their loved one’s wish to be a donor. It is important for people in NSW to not only register, but to tell their families they want to be a donor.

“We know 4 in 5 Australians say they support donation but only 36 per cent are registered. It only takes one minute to register and give more people like Osman and Ari the gift of life.”

Elena Cavazzoni, DonateLife NSW Co-State Medical Director:

“Our dedicated organ donation teams across NSW work tirelessly to maximise every opportunity to save a life through transplant. But there simply aren’t enough donors in NSW to match the waitlist.

“This DonateLife Week, I’m urging everyone in NSW to please register as an organ and tissue donor.”

Dr Joanne Ging, Director of Clinical Operations at Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network (SCHN):

“We are proud to celebrate the first anniversary of our Paediatric Heart Transplant service and to welcome our new cardiothoracic surgeon, Dr Johann Brink, to the service. Across Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network, we are now able to perform liver, kidney and heart transplants for some of the sickest children in the state.

“Organ donation is critical in allowing our teams to perform these lifesaving transplants. We simply wouldn’t be able to offer these services if it weren’t for the generosity of the community and their loved ones at such a tragic time in their lives.

“For Osman and Ari, their transplant has given them a new lease on life, and that is an incredible thing to see.”

Member for Parramatta, Donna Davis:

“Today is a powerful reminder about the importance of signing up to be an organ donor and I’m honoured to meet with some of the families whose lives have been changed by organ donation.

“For someone who is seriously ill, an organ or tissue transplant can mean the difference between life and death, being healthy or sick, seeing or being blind.

“One organ donor can save the lives of up to 7 people and help many more through eye and tissue donation.”

The NSW Government is supporting not-for-profit organisation Pink Sari Inc. to deliver much needed support to people from South Asian communities impacted by cancer through a new pilot program.

The CanInfo and Care project, supported by a $42,100 grant from the Government, aims to ease the personal burden on people with cancer. It does this by providing individuals with access to culturally sensitive information sessions, as a safe space to voice their needs specifically associated with their South Asian origin, religious and cultural beliefs.

Through these sessions, cancer patients are also directed to existing resources and services that best meet their needs, such as counselling, transport, dietary and financial assistance.

This valuable support is provided by volunteers from diverse backgrounds who have a unique understanding of cultural context and can help bridge the gap between the health care system and people from South Asian communities.

In the past 12 months, CanInfo and Care has already assisted around 70 people from South Asian communities on various aspects of their cancer journey.

The CanInfo and Care project is being delivered in partnership with Western and South Western Sydney Local Health Districts as part of Cancer Institute NSW’s multicultural grant program. The project builds on Pink Sari’s strong history of supporting multicultural communities to engage in cancer screening.

To further improve cancer outcomes in culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, the Cancer Institute NSW has now awarded more than $500,000 to deliver 20 cancer control programs in areas such as Liverpool, Far West NSW, the Illawarra and Newcastle.

Multicultural communities face significant barriers accessing cancer screening services and care, often due to language barriers, poor health literacy, trauma, and cultural stigma and beliefs. These grants support local community groups and health services to roll out targeted initiatives that will help provide people with multilingual information to reduce their cancer risk, in a way that is aligned with their cultural beliefs.

To further help boost breast cancer screening rates in NSW, particularly for CALD communities and other at-risk populations in NSW, a new and improved  BreastScreen NSW website has been launched.

The website has pages tailored to women from priority populations, including CALD backgrounds , with translated resources soon available in 26 languages.

Featuring an enhanced location finder and mobile first design, the new website makes it simpler for women to locate their closest BreastScreen site and book in their two-yearly breast screen from any device.

Health Minister Ryan Park
“The NSW Government is committed to improving cancer screening rates and outcomes for multicultural communities.”

“NSW is a global leader in cancer care, but we recognise unfortunately some people still face barriers and disadvantage for varied and complex reasons.”

“Together with multicultural communities and fantastic organisations like Pink Sari, we’re working to ensure all people across NSW have access to timely and culturally appropriate care and support.”

Member for Liverpool, Charishma Kaliyanda
“We need to break down barriers to screening and care that exist in multicultural and CALD communities. This is essential to deliver higher cancer screening rates and better outcomes.

“It’s great to see support channels like CanInfo and Care helping to ease the burden on cancer patients and their families.”

NSW Chief Cancer Officer and CEO, Cancer Institute NSW Professor Tracey O’Brien
“Reducing the inequitable cancer outcomes experienced by CALD communities can only be achieved by listening to and partnering with passionate community organisations like Pink Sari.

“Understanding and breaking down the barriers to cancer care and support is a team effort. I thank Pink Sari and the countless other community members and organisations for their exceptional work in supporting people impacted by cancer.”

Pink Sari President Shantha Viswanathan
“We can’t underestimate the power that relevant and supportive information can have in making a consumer’s cancer journey less stressful and confusing.”

“Often the information provided to patients relies on the health literacy of individuals and this can be quite challenging for those with language difficulties, so a support channel like CanInfo and Care is vital in helping to bridge this gap.”

consumer advocate Madhavi Nair
“Support services like CanInfo and Care ensure that individuals receive not only medical care but also the emotional, linguistic, and practical support necessary to navigate the healthcare system effectively.”

“By providing tailored resources and a supportive network, these programs help reduce the isolation and stress often experienced by those undergoing treatment in a foreign country, thereby improving their overall wellbeing and treatment outcomes.”

More than $296 million in fast tracked new funding has flowed to regional NSW councils to repair roads and transport infrastructure damaged during natural disasters in just three months.

The money flowed between April and June after the NSW Labor Government announced the delivery of a series of new pilot funding agreements between councils, the NSW Reconstruction Authority and Transport for NSW.

Before the introduction of Tripartite Agreements, Councils had to spend their own money repairing infrastructure before they could reimbursed with the disaster funding which has come from the Australian and NSW Governments through Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

In March eight councils signed up to the NSW Government’s new disaster funding Tripartite Agreement pilot, enabling them to access advance funding at the beginning of each stage of reconstruction works.

The Tripartite Agreements mean less financial pressure on councils, faster repairs for communities after natural disasters and better collaboration between state and local government agencies.

Following the success of the initial pilot Tripartite Agreements, the NSW Government signed up more councils to help them unlock faster funding.

Under tranche two of the program, eight councils have already signed up and three more councils are in the process of signing up.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said: 

“When a region is hit by a natural disaster, the last thing councils need to worry about is coming up with the cash to restore essential road and transport infrastructure.

“The new pilot agreement the NSW Government has struck with councils will now help more councils get on with the job faster, knowing they have the funds they will so desperately need.”

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“The Tripartite Agreements are a great example of government working with communities to develop new solutions that improve disaster response.

“We are committed to building on the success of these agreements and rolling out more support to help communities rebuild faster after disasters.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“Prior to the 2022 natural disasters, state budgets only allocated around $190 million per year for disaster recovery for roads. It is fantastic that the Minns Labor Government has rolled out more than $296 million in just three months. With our record-breaking investment in this year’s budget of $3.3 billion for natural disaster road recovery, faster support is on the way for flood affected councils.

“The Minns Labor Government’s new approach to disaster relief funding has been created to quickly support people in impacted communities by getting the money flowing quicker, and the road repairs delivered as fast as possible.”

Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery and Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said:

“The Tripartite Agreement pilot is a major advance in disaster recovery, and importantly, it paves the way to better procedural preparedness.

“It’s a first in that local councils get money upfront and don’t have to wait months or years for funding. It also means that all parties signed up to the agreements clearly understand and adhere to an assessment and acquittals process.

“I’ve received extremely positive feedback from Lismore City, Kyogle, Tweed Shire and Byron Shire councils who are already taking full advantage of the new arrangements, and now Tenterfield Shire Council is one of 11 councils coming onboard in tranche two. 

“As Parliamentary Secretary I interact closely with most of these councils so I know what a difference it is making and will continue to make. I commend the NSW Reconstruction Authority and Transport for NSW for leading this new way of rebuilding roads and transport infrastructure.”

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt said:

“The Albanese Government welcomes the efforts of the NSW Minns Government to streamline support and get disaster funding to where it’s really needed.

“The last Higher Risk Weather Season saw 190 Local Government Areas nationally impacted – many in NSW and many more than once. We understand that intense, compounding natural disaster events can be a challenge for Councils, and can lead to financial strain.

“All levels of Government are working in lockstep to get disaster recovery funding where it needs to go. That’s why last year the Albanese Government provided nearly $900 million in advance disaster recovery payments to the NSW Government, to help fast track payments to councils following multiple, devastating events.

“It’s great to see various levels of government working together to find solutions that puts communities first.”

Tranche one councils (all finalised)	Tranche two councils (all finalised)
Ballina Shire Council	Blue Mountains City Council
Byron Shire Council	Cabonne Shire Council
Clarence Valley Council	Weddin Shire Council
Kyogle Council	Forbes Shire Council
Lismore City Council	Lachlan Shire Council
Lithgow City Council	Parkes Shire Council
Richmond Valley Council	Shoalhaven City Council
Tweed Shire Council	Tenterfield Shire Council

Barangaroo’s newest precinct around the new Barangaroo Metro Station will open to the public on Monday 29 July, ahead of the new M1 Line launching in August.

The target opening date for Barangaroo Station and Sydney Metro is August 4, subject to approval by the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator, successful completion of trial running exercises and system performance tests.

Barangaroo Station will see an estimated 14,400 commuters pass through each weekday, unlocking this key part of the city with greater connections and faster travel times.

A trip from Barangaroo to Martin Place will take two minutes, and under the harbour to Victoria Cross in the city’s north just three minutes.

People travelling from the city’s northwest will have direct, fast and reliable access to this part of the city for the first time, including from Chatswood to Barangaroo in nine minutes, Epping in 11 minutes and Macquarie Park in 18 minutes.

The area surrounding Barangaroo Station is lined with new footpaths, nearly 200 trees and plants, 38 new streetlights and new bike parking facilities.

Around the precinct, 13 long concrete benches, each weighing 12 tonnes, have been installed for people to enjoy the harbour views, as well as new bus stops, and drop-off points for taxis and vehicles, close to the station entry.

Next to the Nawi Cove station entrance stands a nine metre long, cast iron statue replica of the historic Barangaroo Boat, marking the location where the 200-year-old artefact, which archaeologists believe was used for cargo in the 1800s, was found during excavation

This is the first section of the precinct to be opened for public use. The remainder will be handed over by the end of the year and includes road surface works on and around Dalgety Bridge, the car park at 25 Hickson Road and the paths on the eastern edge of Hickson Road. In the coming years, an additional southern entrance will be added to the station as part of the future Central Barangaroo development.

When metro services start, Barangaroo Station will improve access to the Walsh Bay Arts and Culture precinct as well as providing easy access to the public, residential, commercial and entertainment areas of the city and the new ferry hub.

For more information visit: sydneymetro.info/station/barangaroo-station

Transport Minister Jo Haylen:
“We’re excited to open this beautiful public space as we get ready to deliver Barangaroo’s brand-new metro station and make this growing waterfront precinct even more accessible for Sydneysiders and visitors.

“The work that’s been done here doesn’t just deliver a brand new metro station, but also a functional and modern pedestrian precinct with new parkland for everyone to enjoy some of our harbour’s most stunning vantage points.

“This is a sign of what’s to come across the city this year, as we continue to work towards the opening of Sydney Metro.”

The NSW Government will turn the state green and gold in support of the Australian Olympic Team and the Australian Paralympic Team as they compete at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

With nearly a third of the 460-member Australian Olympic Team, and a significant number of Paralympians, hailing from NSW, showcasing our state’s significant representation on the global sporting stage, the NSW Government is backing our athletes all the way.

To demonstrate our support, the NSW Government will transform its website and social media profiles green and gold during both the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Service NSW screens across the state will also bear messages of encouragement for our athletes.

The Sydney Opera House shells will be illuminated green and gold on the evening of Thursday, 1 August 2024 in celebration of the dedication and achievement of our Olympians and Paralympians.

This comes ahead of what has been dubbed ‘Green & Gold Day’ by the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) on Friday, 2 August. Everyone is encouraged to wear our nation’s colours on this day to show their support for our sporting stars and their inspirational efforts in Paris.

Throughout both the Olympic and Paralympic Games, fans will be able to gather at Sydney’s Darling Harbour free Live Site to cheer on our athletes. Giant screens will broadcast live and replayed coverage from 12pm to 11pm daily.

The Live Site is part of Olympics & Paralympics LIVE, an initiative by the AOC and Paralympics Australia, aimed at fostering celebrations at live sites and watch parties around the nation.

Matildas fans can watch live screenings of matches against Zambia and the United States of America next week for free at the Sydney Opera House Playhouse. Tickets are available online until allocation is exhausted.

In a historic first, the NSW Government is proud to have provided equal funding of $750,000 each to the Olympic and Paralympic Teams to help them with the costs of supporting athletes at the Paris Games.

To book tickets for the Sydney Opera House screenings, visit the Sydney Opera House website.

For more information about the Live Site and scheduled activities, please visit the Darling Harbour website.

For more information about Green and Gold Day, please visit the Australian Olympic Committee website.

Fans are encouraged to use public transport to travel to and from the Live Site. Visit transportnsw.info to plan your trip.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“We’re getting behind our athletes as they take on the world and bring us together as a state and a nation.

“NSW is a proud Olympic and Paralympic state, and there’s no better way to show support for our inspirational athletes in Paris than by lighting up our most iconic landmark, the Sydney Opera House, in green and gold.”

Acting Minister for Sport Rose Jackson said:

“We are extremely proud of the NSW athletes, and all Aussies competing, at the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Their dedication and commitment are inspiring the next generation of sporting champions.

“This government is incredibly proud to have played a part in making dreams come true by providing equal funding of $750,000 to both the Olympic and Paralympic Teams to help with their preparation for Paris.”

Minister for the Arts John Graham said:

“There is nothing like cheering on our Australian athletes together with friends and community.

“The chance to do that at the Sydney Opera House for these two Matildas games will make those moments even more special for some.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“The free Live Site at Darling Harbour offers everyone the opportunity to come together and cheer on our athletes every day and night during the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“I encourage everyone to don their best green and gold outfits and gather with family and friends to watch sporting history unfold.”

Chief Executive Officer Australian Olympic Committee Matt Carroll AM said:

“We welcome and thank NSW Premier Minns and his Ministers for their support of the Australian Olympic Team, it is appreciated by the athletes and their sports.

“The support of the Olympic and Paralympic LIVE sites and now getting behind ‘Green and Gold Day’ by lighting up the Sydney Opera House will be an inspiration to our Team and encourages all Australians to wear the Green and Gold with pride.”

Paralympics Australia CEO – Interim Cameron Murray said:

“The support of the NSW Government for the Australian Paralympic Team is deeply appreciated as we finalise preparations for Paris 2024.

“I encourage the people of NSW to get behind our team through attending or hosting Paralympics LIVE events or welcoming our Olympians and Paralympians home at Tumbalong Park.”

Rugby Sevens Olympian Maurice Longbottom said:

“It’s great to get the support from back home. It’s a special moment for the sails to be lit up – it doesn’t happen every day.

“People need to know that the athletes here in Paris really do feel all the passion coming from everyone back in Australia, so it’s an exciting gesture.

“We wear green and gold every day over here and with great pride. We look forward to seeing the images when it happens, it’ll be a buzz!”

Boccia BC3 Paralympian Jamieson Leeson said:

“Paralympics LIVE is a great way to support the Australian Paralympic Team and bring us closer together, despite the distance.

“As an athlete who grew up in regional NSW, knowing we will have the support from home while we chase our goals and show what is possible in Paris will mean the world to us.

“We want to inspire and engage Australians, with or without an impairment, to be the best versions of themselves and to meet life’s challenges.”

Local Olympics fans will be able to watch many of the major events at the Paris Games live at pubs, clubs and bars across the state, thanks to the NSW Government’s Special Event Extended Trading.

Venues can trade during the early hours of the morning if they screen selected 2024 Olympics events for patrons.

With an eight-hour time difference between Paris and Sydney, the extended trading will give more fans the chance to cheer on their favourite athletes and teams.

The NSW Government’s Special Event Extended Trading supports the state’s venues and encourages a vibrant nightlife for residents and tourists.

Under the extensions, venues can open their doors longer for special cultural and sporting events, helping to boost local night-time economies.

Patrons should check with their local venue for specific opening hours during the games.

Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham said:

“Olympic fever only strikes once every four years and as Australians we know this means late nights and some sleep deprivation to enjoy it properly.

“There is nothing like cheering home a gold medal winner with friends and community. Special event extended trading will support that – as well as an economic boost and more jobs at night.

“All NSW pubs, clubs and bars are eligible venues for the Olympics extended trading hours, and do not need to apply individually to open when they screen the Games live.”

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:

“The Olympics is the biggest show on Earth, and Australia is one of its most sport-loving nations, so it’s appropriate that NSW residents will be able to come together at local venues to cheer on our athletes competing in these major events.

“The extended trading will allow our pubs, clubs and bars to benefit from the Games while patrons soak up the Olympics atmosphere.

“Enabling venues to trade later during major sporting events is a key part of the NSW Government’s commitment to creating a safe, inclusive and vibrant night-time economy across NSW.

“I look forward to joining the late-night crowds to cheer on our Olympians during the coming weeks.”

Electrical Trades Union

Electrical Trades Union (ETU) Ausgrid members across Sydney and parts of regional NSW will take strike action, outraged by the company’s refusal to offer a wage rise that recognises the rise in the cost of living.

Up to two million Ausgrid customers could face inconveniences as part of the industrial action, which could kick off as soon as this week.

Around 1600 ETU members have voted overwhelmingly in favour of a range of actions including work stoppages, overtime bans, switching bans and locking bans.

Households and businesses could experience maintenance delays and other inconveniences unless Ausgrid offers workers a serious pay rise that helps them keep up with the soaring cost of living.

Electrical contractors rely on switching to turn the power off to do major work and maintenance, or connect power to properties.

A whopping 93% of union members rejected Ausgrid’s offer earlier in the month, paving the way for industrial action.

Any emergency work will not be affected by the action.

The poles and wires company services around two million customers, which equates to more than four million people, across most of Sydney’s east, north and inner-city, as well as the Central Coast and Hunter Valley.

Ausgrid is the third major power company in NSW in a dispute about giving workers the pay and conditions they deserve, joining Transgrid and Endeavour Energy.

ETU NSW/ACT Secretary Allen Hicks said:

“The millions of Australians who rely on the east coast’s largest electricity distributor should be alarmed to learn how Ausgrid is treating its staff, who keep their power running and their lights on day in and day out,” he said.

“Ausgrid’s insulting pay offer has left workers with no choice but to launch industrial action including work stoppages.

“Ausgrid could instantly prevent any maintenance delays or inconveniences to the community with a serious offer that helps workers keep up with the spiralling cost of living.

“Ausgrid workers’ real wages have gone backwards with the cost-of-living crisis eroding the value of their last pay rise. Their experience is not recognised or rewarded, despite their critical role providing a safe and reliable electricity network for millions of NSW homes, businesses, schools, hospitals and infrastructure.

“ETU members haven’t yet received an offer that will allow them to keep up with cost of living increases. They have no choice but to continue to exercise their legal right to withdraw their labour until they get an offer that doesn’t send their wages backwards.”

Background:

ETU members are seeking annual pay rises of 8% for the next three years, plus a 1% superannuation increase over two years in addition to the federal super guarantee of 0.5% increase in years one and two

Ausgrid offered a 7% pay increase in the first years, followed by 2.7% (or CPI if it is higher) in years two and three, and the federal super guarantee of 0.5% increase in years one and two

ETU members put a counteroffer of a one-year agreement of 8% with other allowances which was rejected by Ausgrid

Bargaining started in May

The NSW government owns 49.6% of Ausgrid with the rest in the hands of AustralianSuper (8.4%), IFM Investors (25.2%) and APG Asset Management Group (16.8%)

Netball NSW is delighted to announce the athletes selected to represent New South Wales at Netball Australia’s inaugural First Nations National Tournament scheduled to be held in Melbourne this September.

With the support of FDC, the NSW First Nations Team will contest the Tournament which aims to provide accelerated and equitable opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants in netball.

The Tournament will take place at the State Netball Centre in Melbourne from Friday to Sunday, 13-15 September.

The Tournament will feature Under-23 aged teams from every State and Territory who will compete across three days of competition.

Alongside NSW the Tournament will also have teams representing Victoria, ACT, Tasmania, South Australia, Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory.

“The 2024 pilot First Nations Tournament marks the first step of a national First Nations netball competition,” Netball Australia CEO Stacey West said.

“It will provide the opportunity for Netball Australia and its Member Organisations to develop what an ongoing First Nations tournament can grow to become as our sport moves forward on its collective First Nations journey.”

First Nations coaches, umpires and officials from around the country will also take part in the inaugural event, further showcasing the depth of Indigenous talent that exits across the netball landscape.

Leading the NSW team in Melbourne will be Colleen Mitchell (Head Coach) and Kellyanne Huggins (Assistant Coach), while Emerging Umpire Ryan Ahearne will also be participating.

The Tournament follows several national First Nations programs established this year including a pilot First Nations Coaching Course, as well as the formation and debut of Netball Australia’s First Nations Invitational Netball Team, the Black Swans, at the 2024 Pacific Netball Series.

Netball Australia’s First Nations Engagement Lead Ali Tucker-Munro expressed the importance of the inaugural Tournament.

“I cannot wait to see our girls in action, as well as the opportunity to connect with mob from across Australia who share the same passion and love for our great game that I do,” Tucker-Munro said.

“The introduction of this First Nations Tournament demonstrates the commitment from Netball Australia and all Member Organisations to take the required steps to ensure our sport is a safe inclusive space for First Nations Australians, whilst recognising and nurturing the First Nations talent we know exists within our communities across Australia.

“I’d also like to thank our partners who have demonstrated a deep understanding of what it means to invest in programs that create opportunities specifically for our strong staunch First Nations women and girls.”

Russell Grady, Managing Director of FDC, who are supporting the NSW team, said:

“As long-term supporters of women’s sport and GIANTS Netball, FDC were thrilled to be offered the opportunity to assist Netball NSW in participating in the pilot First Nations Tournament. We would like to thank Netball Australia for introducing this great initiative.

“The impact that such an event will have on encouraging and developing the talents of First Nations netballers across the country, and contributing to the overall strength of our game, cannot be underestimated.

“FDC are very proud to be able to support such a worthwhile event and look forward to its future successes”.

Netball NSW CEO Tracey Scott said:

“Netball NSW firmly believes that there should be an annual First Nations National Tournament in the high-performance calendar and we confirmed our commitment to this initiative immediately upon it being raised as a possibility.

“I would like to sincerely thank FDC for their support to enable us to participate and Netball Australia for working collaboratively with its Member Organisations to ensure the tournament commences this year.”

The 2024 First Nations Tournament will be free for patrons to attend.

NSW FIRST NATIONS TEAM

Acacia Elers (Newcastle/Worimi)
Alirah Watton (Dubbo /Gamilaroi )
Ayla Clark (Sutherland Shire /Worimi)
Charlotte Ryan (Randwick/Dharawal)
Ellie Stacey (Maitland/ Wonnarua)
Jayda Grant (Wyong District/Wiradjuri)
Jaylah Boney (Charlestown /Ngemba/Barkinji)
Mia Evans (Illawarra Distrit/Kamilaroi)
Sarah Graham (Newcastle/Biripi)
Tahlia Robertson (Sutherland Shire/Noongar)
COACHING TEAM
Colleen Mitchell (Head Coach / Ku-Ring-Gai/Worimi)
Kellyanne Huggins (Assistant Coach/Maitland/Gomeroi)
OFFICIALS
Ryan Ahearne (Umpire/Randwick/Wiradjuri)

Netball NSW is proud to introduce the organisation’s Aboriginal Artwork, Harmony on the Court, which will be integrated into all elements of Netball NSW going forward.   

Designed by Chloe Eastwood and Tay-la Shearley of Bindi Bindi Art, the design depicts vibrant hues and intricate Aboriginal designs, transforming a netball court into sacred ground.

Harmony on the Court embraces the colours of Netball NSW while reflecting the land, waterways, and natural fauna found across the state. It showcases the unity and diversity of Associations and Clubs, engaging participants, creating community and life-long connections.

The court’s markings intertwine with Dreamtime symbols, signifying a rich cultural tapestry and profound land connection. The regions across NSW are connected like players on the court, working together towards common goals, demonstrating the power of teamwork and unity, where everyone’s role is crucial to the success of the team.

Intricately placed symbols represent the connection between players on a court, and the regions across NSW that play their part in the landscape of netball, each a tribute to the ancestral pathways, connecting the Aboriginal community to their land and heritage.

The artists, Chloe and Tay-la, are proud Ngemba and Wiradjuri women who have a strong connection to the Darug community and also consider it home.

“Our connection to Netball NSW is deeply rooted in our personal experiences and a shared passion for the sport’’ say Chloe and Tayla

“Both of us grew up playing netball, fostering a love for the game that extended beyond the court. Whether actively participating or avidly spectating, netball has been an integral part of our lives.

“Now, as parents, we are excited to further nurture this connection by enrolling our daughter in her first year of playing netball. This marks not only a continuation of our family’s involvement in the sport but also a new chapter in our shared journey with Netball NSW, as we pass on the legacy of our love for netball to the next generation.”

The design radiates Netball NSW’s core values:

• Creating an inclusive, welcoming environment
• Fostering teamwork and unity
• Striving for excellence
• Promoting fun and passion for the game

These elements merge to form a dynamic representation of a community rooted in tradition, excellence, and a shared love of the game.

Netball NSW CEO Tracey Scott thanked Chloe and Tay-la for showing through their art netball’s connection to community and land.

‘’Harmony on the Court certainly embodies netball in NSW through the lens of Aboriginal culture and pays homage to the Netball NSW Vision, Purpose and Values,’’ she said.

‘’We are excited to showcase the artwork through our pathways, programs, competitions and the Netball NSW brand.’’

Netball NSW thanks all the artists who put forward an Expression of Interest to design the organisation’s First Nations artwork.