Category: NSW News

The Minns Labor Government is continuing to work to improve road safety by providing truck drivers in the state’s south access to upgraded rest areas as part of a statewide $11.9 million improvement initiative.

Five rest areas that cater to heavy vehicles have recently been completed at Berry Jerry rest area on the Sturt Highway, as well as Beckom, Bundure, and the Marsden northbound and southbound rest areas on the Newell Highway.

The upgrades provided solar-powered lighting for the toilet blocks and surrounds to improve safety for all users, and new picnic shelters to allow truckies to take a short break.

Transport for NSW also installed improved roadside signage at a number of service centres along the Hume, Sturt and Newell highways to assist heavy vehicle drivers to better identify rest stops.

The upgrades have been delivered as part of the governments $11.9 million Heavy Vehicle Rest Stop Minor Works Program. Earlier this year Transport also completed upgrades to Seven Trees and Curlwaa rest areas on the Silver City Highway and Bundjalung rest area on the Pacific Highway as part of the statewide program.

More information is available at www.transport.nsw.gov.au/hvrsimprovements

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“Driver fatigue is one of the top four contributing factors to fatal crashes on NSW roads, highlighting the importance of adequate rest and rest stop facilities for all drivers.

“The Minns Labor Government is working closely with, and listening to the road freight industry, as we improve the quantity and quality of heavy vehicle rest stops.”

Independent Member for Murray Helen Dalton said:

“When our heavy vehicle drivers are safe, it contributes to safer roads for all road users.

“It’s good to see investments going to upgrade facilities for truckies in the Murray region.

“Rest areas support truck driver health, safety and wellbeing, and compliance with mandatory rest breaks for fatigue management.”

NSW Labor’s spokesperson for Cootamundra, Stephen Lawrence MLC said:

“These upgraded facilities will go a long way in supporting truck drivers to find safe and reliable areas to park, rest, and access services on what can be long trips in this part of the state.

“I’m pleased to be part of a government rolling out these investments in our regional communities.”

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The Minns Labor Government is delivering $1.5 million in grants to empower young people to design and deliver a range of unique community projects across NSW.

Thirty-five organisations were successful in securing grants of up to $50,000 under the 2024 Youth Opportunities program. The funding supports the delivery of youth-led projects that aim to address the needs of marginalised young people in their communities.

Each project will involve young people at every stage – from identifying local needs and developing a project proposal through to its design, delivery and final review.

The innovative projects will increase young people’s connection to their communities and give them the chance to develop essential leadership, communication and management skills – helping them to achieve their full potential.

Marginalised youth can include people aged between 12 and 24 who are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness, are from lower socio-economic backgrounds, are transitioning from out-of-home care, live with a disability, are young carers or have contact with the justice system.

Since it was first launched in 2012, the Youth Opportunities program has provided $18.3 million in funding to 399 projects across NSW.

The program funds a diverse range of projects from across NSW, including in rural and regional areas, and encourages applications from Aboriginal and culturally and linguistically diverse organisations.

The projects announced today will commence in 2025.

Minister for Youth Rose Jackson said:

“The Youth Opportunities grants are a fantastic and important program for NSW communities and marginalised young people.

“The 35 successful projects are from diverse areas across the state and include hands-on workshops, running markets and showcases, sharing Aboriginal cultural knowledge and helping young people to develop essential skills.

“When young people feel empowered to bring their ideas and opinions to the table and feel that these contributions are respected, it fosters personal confidence and professional growth.

“This program allows NSW youth to take the lead on a range of innovative projects, overcoming barriers and creating a greater sense of belonging within their local area.”

Firefighters in key parts of Sydney will soon be reaching new heights, with two new 45-metre aerial ladder trucks set to boost firefighting capabilities.

The new $2 million Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) appliances have enhanced rescue capabilities and can move up to 500 kilograms in a ‘bucket’ that can carry up to five firefighters, while also supporting wheelchair and emergency stretchers if needed.

The flagship trucks are the equal tallest in the FRNSW fleet, allowing our firefighters to reach emergencies up to 15 storeys in height.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib joined FRNSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell, a former aerial ladder platform truck driver, to unveil the appliances which will be based at the City of Sydney and Kogarah fire stations.

Replacing existing ladder trucks, the new vehicles will see the City of Sydney’s tallest truck increase from 44 metres in reach, whilst the truck based in Kogarah will see an increase from 27 metres to 45 metres.

Enhanced technology on the vehicles includes the option for remote control from 100 metres and thermal imaging cameras to detect heat signals and transmit live images of an emergency to a central location.

The new trucks complement an expanded inner Sydney aerial fleet with two new 32-metre turntable ladder trucks also now in operation at Woollahra and Darlinghurst fire stations.

FRNSW has strategically located its ladder fleet across metropolitan and regional NSW and this investment supports growth as our urban skyline reaches new heights.

The updated trucks ensure the agency can continue to respond to large scale and intricate operations, including major fires in commercial buildings such as shopping centres, industrial complexes and multi-storey residential buildings.

Upgraded aerial ladder platform trucks are part of the NSW Government’s $18.6 million investment in 2024-25 for FRNSW’s annual Fleet Replacement Program.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“These new fire trucks reflect our commitment to keeping the people and property of NSW protected from the dangers of fire.”

“These new vehicles are a more modern and capable version than the platforms they are replacing and are packed with new technology.”

“As the city’s skyline grows taller with new business and residential development, we are enhancing our ladder fleet and providing firefighters with new equipment to deal with high-rise emergencies.”

“The Minns Labor Government continues to provide our firefighters with modern vehicles, ensuring firefighters are prepared for anything, including elevated emergencies.”

FRNSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell said:

“Our priority is to ensure our fleet and equipment is best suited for the communities we serve, and these high-tech trucks provide firefighters with the best tools to protect the irreplaceable.”

“These modern aerial ladder platform trucks are the best when it comes to dealing with high-rise emergencies.”

“FRNSW deployed three of these specialised fire trucks to tackle the Surry Hills inferno in 2023, utilising their reach and manoeuvrability during the emergency.”

“These appliances can also be used to undertake rescues and conduct other non-fire operations such as evacuations, if needed.”

A third of the surface of the Sydney Harbour Bridge will be repainted and areas of rust treated as part of a focused, eight-year maintenance program to bring the iconic arch up to scratch in time for the 100^th anniversary of its opening.

About 150,000 square metres of steel will be repainted by the centenary in 2032, with 12 new full-time painters to be recruited in coming weeks to help the push.

The new recruits will boost the dedicated Sydney Harbour Bridge team to more than 130 painters, riggers, electricians, fitters and engineers.

The Bridge, which weighs 52,800 tonnes and is the widest and tallest arch bridge in the world, takes thirty years to paint and involves four coats of paint, each a slightly different shade. The final coat is the heritage-listed Sydney Harbour Bridge Grey.

The bolstered workforce will allow painting targets to be raised by 30 per cent over the next eight years. Some of the hardest sections to access, including lateral pieces of steel high in the arch, have not been painted in three decades.

Rust patches have become increasingly visible to the public, with the target for rust treatment going unmet in recent years.

Transport for NSW is assessing a longer-term maintenance plan which includes the delayed use of an arch maintenance unit that was procured under the former Liberal National government.

The NSW Government has asked Transport to present a plan for its implementation.

The uplift in work will be scheduled to minimise impacts on BridgeClimb visitors.

Minister for Roads John Graham said:

“Sydneysiders could not be prouder of the Harbour Bridge and it is critical that it is looking its best for the centenary of its opening in 2032, but also in the best condition to serve the city for the next 100 years.

“I was not satisfied that the current maintenance plan would deliver that in time for 2032 and beyond and today we outline a much more intensive program for the treatment of rust and painting.

“This is tough, intricate and time-consuming work. The 12 new permanent full-time workers join one of the best, most-experienced maintenance teams in the country.

“The Bridge remains the city’s most critical road and rail corridor, but it is also a priceless tourism asset which makes this work that much more critical.

Transport for NSW Secretary Josh Murray said:

“It’s no easy feat to balance the need for maintenance on the arches above with the needs of the traffic and train corridor below, so much of the work on the visible sections will be carried out at night.

“The Bridge is a one-of-a-kind asset – there’s no instruction manual for keeping it in world-class condition for another 100 years. Our dedicated teams need to design all approaches from scratch.

“Designing and implementing bespoke technology for our one-of-a-kind icon has proved to be a complicated process. We don’t want to leave anything to chance, so we’re putting in place a program for rejuvenation now.

“Safety is our number one priority at Transport for NSW and we are always on the hunt for new technologies to make our work safer and more efficient.

“It is critical we get in and get this work done, and that we do not rush the testing and roll out of new technology before we know it is reliable and safe for our people and the community.”

Sydney Harbour Bridge by the numbers:

• Officially opened 19 March 1932
• Excavation work began in January 1925
• The arch was joined just before midnight 19 August 1930
• The Bridge weighs 52,800 tonnes and spans 1,149 metres
• More than six million hand-driven rivets
• Road deck is 49 metres above the water
• Highest point 134 metres above sea level
• Arch can rise or fall 18 centimetres due to heating or cooling
• Total painted surface of the steel structure is 485000m²
• 272,000 litres of paint is needed for the initial 3 coats.

As part of the Minns Labor Government’s election commitment to make fishing available and welcoming for people living with disabilities, theGovernment will be hosting community events across the state to celebrate International Day of People With Disability.

International Day of People With Disability, held annually on December 3, is dedicated to increasing awareness, understanding, and acceptance of individuals living with disabilities.

The Government’s The Fish For Life program, using funds from the Recreational Fishing Trust, provides, among other things, fishing workshops specifically for people with disabilities.

This year International Day of People With Disability fishing events were held at Greenwell Point, Ballina, Gosford, Balmain, Chaffey Dam Boat ramp and Lions Park, Forbes.

The Minister for Primary Industries, Tara Moriarty, attended the Fish For Life workshop at Greenwell Point on the South Coast where she met with local disability fishers, NDIS support workers, carers and family members and inspected an accessible fishing platform.

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Fishcare education officers and Volunteers work with fishing groups and disability providers to promote the benefits of fishing.

Other activities to promote fishing among people with disabilities include: 

• Recreational Fishing Trust funding for Accessible Fishing Platforms, as well as a new interactive map on the DPIRD website detailing locations and facilities available at more than 350 accessible fishing platforms and locations, in NSW
• The $2 million recreational fishing small infrastructure grants program which is available for fishing clubs, community groups and other organisations to apply for funding for small projects to enhance recreational fishing opportunities for communities 

For more information on Fish For Life.

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“Fishing is a wonderful, inclusive activity that brings people, their families, and carers together.

It encourages physical activity, fosters social connections, and provides a peaceful way to connect with nature. 

“The Minns Labor Government promotes recreational fishing as an inclusive activity for everyone to enjoy. It is a fun, healthy, outdoor activity that people of all abilities can participate in. 

Minister for Disability Inclusion Kate Washington said:

“As a government, we want to break down barriers for people with disability to live full lives.

“That’s why we’re improving access to recreational activities like fishing, so everyone can participate in this time-honoured Australian tradition.”

State Member for South Coast, Liza Butler said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to making recreational fishing a more inclusive and welcoming activity for everyone, especially people with disabilities.

Initiatives like the ‘Fish For Life’ program highlight the Governments dedication to creating opportunities for all communities to enjoy the joys of fishing.”

NSW’s new Building Commissioner James Sherrard has officially started in his role leading the state’s first dedicated building and construction regulator.

In his first week in the job, as the Building Commission NSW marks its one-year anniversary, Mr Sherrard has set out his priorities to underpin industry oversight and compliance, backed by a growing team of more than 450 people.

His focus builds on the success of the regulator in restoring quality and public confidence, while looking towards further industry reform:

• Developing and introducing building reforms to support strong regulation, industry productivity, and consumer protection.
• Increasing construction compliance and building quality to support the 2029 National Accord housing target.
• Support further education on how quality construction can save practitioners time and money.
• Setting clear expectations of ‘what good looks like’ through industry education, and examples of rated developers and good standard projects.

Building Commission NSW was established by the Minns Labor Government on 1 December 2023 and is marking its first anniversary by reflecting on 12 months of compliance, innovation, and reform including:

• Inspecting around 1,400 buildings across metropolitan and regional NSW, focusing on home building and residential apartments.
• Publishing a library of the most common defects to help practitioners identify and fix issues early, better protecting consumer investments and saving builders time and money.
• Building a more dedicated regional presence, starting with inspectors based locally in the Illawarra.
• Using data and intelligence to focus attention on riskier licence renewals and applications.

A prime example of the Building Commission NSWs work was a recent concrete quality safety blitz which unearthed defects in 12 buildings across four major metropolitan regions.

Inspectors targeted specific sites in Sydney, Newcastle, the Central Coast and Wollongong, which was guided by intelligence suggesting 20 Class 2 (apartment) buildings under construction may be at higher risk of poor-quality construction.

Building Commission NSW inspectors used Schmidt Hammer tests, which measure the elastic properties or strength of concrete, to identify risks in quality of formed concrete and variations in strength across column and slab structures at these sites.

While all the defects identified can be rectified with none posing a public safety risk, Building Commission NSW has responded quickly by issuing orders to ensure defects are resolved before the buildings are finished and residents move in.

Building Commission NSW will continue to monitor these projects through to completion, while the concrete audit program hits the road and targets more regions across NSW. 

These ‘Anywhere, Anytime’ inspections are part of a wider campaign of regular audits that will focus on the quality of work related to the five key building elements of structure, fire safety, waterproofing, building envelope, and key services like electrical, plumbing, and lifts.

These activities are designed to reinstate consumer confidence in the building industry by getting on top of defects early and ensuring early intervention and education to builders and site managers.

Since 2021/22 alone, NSW has seen a 20 per cent reduction in waterproofing defects and a seven per cent reduction in structural defects.

Find more information on the work of the Building Commission NSW.

Minister for Building Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“Building Commission NSW is in safe hands as Mr Sherrard takes over the helm of the state’s first dedicated building regulator.

“Commissioner Sherrard will lead an exciting new chapter for compliance and change in the building and construction industry.

“Building Commission NSW was established in December 2023 with the core goal of turning the state’s construction industry around.

“Public confidence in the building and construction was low, standards were not up to scratch, and there were too many horror stories of building defects.

“Building Commission NSW has made significant progress in turning negative perceptions of the building industry around.

“Commissioner Sherrard has all the tools and experience to make a lasting effect on NSW’s construction landscape, and I have no doubt he will continue to raise the bar for the industry and restore public confidence.”

Building Commissioner, Building Commission NSW James Sherrard said:

“I look forward to leading the dedicated and passionate Building Commission NSW team as we all push the construction industry to be better, build quality homes, and take compliance seriously.

“There is a housing shortage in NSW and we need to play our part meeting important housing targets without compromising on quality.

“Building Commission NSW was set the challenge to lift industry standards, and momentum is already shifting.

“Most developers, builders, designers, and engineers are onboard with the changes.

“Notwithstanding this approach, we will still enforce the legislation, where necessary, without fear nor favour.

“We will continue to get on with the job to restore industry integrity and give NSW residents peace of mind that their home is safe and secure.”

James Sherrard Bio:

Mr Sherrard has more than 30 years of experience, spanning global construction projects with specialist expertise in strategy, commercial, and infrastructure areas.

His previous role was Head of Commercial, Performance and Strategy at Transport NSW, where he led a team responsible for contract frameworks, the acquisition of property for major infrastructure projects, procurement for several multi-billion dollar projects, and an analytics team.

Mr Sherrard has been a project manager on civic, residential, and sporting infrastructure projects across metropolitan and regional NSW, and globally, including the Sydney and London Olympics.

He has worked at senior levels in professional services consulting, focused on infrastructure and urban renewal, and has formal qualifications in building, business, and law. 

Mr Sherrard’s experience in international construction projects between 2004 and 2015 spanned time working in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

Noise cameras have been installed in Bayside Council areas today as part of Australia’s first ever noise camera trial to tackle vehicle noise pollution.

The NSW Government committed to trialing noise cameras to crack down on hoon behaviour.

Trials will occur in Bayside following community concerns about excessively noisy vehicles and locations that are popular with drivers who engage in anti-social car behaviour.

Locations for the cameras in these areas were chosen based on feedback from the community, councils and technical experts.

UK company Intelligent Instruments has provided the emerging technology, the SoundVue Noise Camera System, which has been used in global cities including London and New York.

The weatherproof system includes a microphone array and dual cameras to monitor and record roadside noise, capturing high quality audio and video. 

The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is working with Bayside Council, Transport for NSW and NSW Police on the trial, which will determine how effective the cameras are at identifying noisy vehicles.

As well as the Bayside field trial, the EPA is also working with the University of Technology’s Centre for Audio, Acoustics and Vibration to test the technical capabilities of an additional camera in their controlled environment. 

Fines will not be issued during the trial period, but a review will help determine if the cameras can be used for regulatory purposes in the future.

The trial will conclude by December 2025.

Member for Rockdale Steve Kamper said:

“We are delivering on our election commitment, the Minns Labor Government is cracking down on hoons by conducting Australia’s first ever trial of vehicle noise cameras.

“The impact of ‘hooning’ behaviour on residents in the Bayside community should not be underestimated. Local residents and businesses have had enough.

“The locations of the cameras were chosen after consultation with the local community, councils and experts. Feedback on the locations saw some of the highest ever engagement on the EPA ‘have your say’ website.

“We are committed to finding solutions that make our community safer, and this trial will help us better understand the potential of noise cameras to identify and respond to anti-social behaviour and reckless driving.”

The NSW Nationals have today publicly announced their opposition to the Minns Labor Government’s Great Koala National Park, an election commitment to help save koalas from extinction.

Deputy Leader of the NSW Nationals and Member for Coffs Harbour, Gurmesh Singh, held a press conference with National Member for Clarence, Richie Williamson and Member for Oxley Michael Kemp today, where they were asked whether they supported the Great Koala National Park,

JOURNALIST: For the three of you, obviously just a really simple yes or no question, do you support the Great Koala National Park?

GURMESH SINGH: No.

MICHAEL KEMP: No.

RICHIE WILLIAMSON: No.

Today’s comments are just latest in the National’s damning record when it comes to Koalas, which saw the beloved native animal, or as former National Party Leader John Barilaro called them ‘tree rats’, on track to be extinct in the wild by 2050.

In the wake of these comments from the leadership of the NSW National Party, NSW Labor Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe is calling on the Liberal Party to publicly state if they agree with their Coalition partners and will be taking a commitment to end this project to the next election.

In 2019 and 2020, National Party members threatened to leave the Party room and end the Coalition Agreement over efforts to rehabilitate the koala population.

NSW Liberal Party Leader, Mark Speakman must today come clean with the public and answer:

Do the NSW Liberal Party support the Great Koala National Park?

Does he condemn the National Party Deputy Leader’s position?

Have the Koala wars been reignited?

The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to deliver on their election commitment to establish the Great Koala National Park, with approximately 12,000 koalas living in the area under assessment for inclusion in this essential project.

Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe, said:

“While I’m not surprised, I am immensely disappointed. If we do not take this urgent action, there is a very real possibility that our grandchildren will never get the chance to see koalas in the wild.

“Mark Speakman urgently needs to come clean with the communities of New South Wales if the future of Koala’s will be on the line at the next election – or have the koala wars been reignited?”

The Snowy Mountains Special Activation Precinct projects are progressing across Jindabyne including important works underway to enhance Barry Way road to deliver a new purpose fit approach for the new Jindabyne high and primary schools plus sport precinct.

The Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty and State Member of Parliament for Monaro Steven Whan were on-hand to inspect the progress of projects this week.

The Barry Way upgrades, which commenced in November this year include landscaping, levelling the road for safer driving, replacing utilities pipes and conduits, and a safer and easier drop off section for parents, children and staff when the new schools open in early 2025.

This complex road construction project is a priority and the Minns Labor Government stepped in to find the $47 million in funding when discovering the former Nationals/Liberal government had not funded the necessary road works for the new schools.

The $47 million commitment to enhancing Barry Way is in addition to the previously announced $196 million for the special activation precinct announced by Ministers Moriarity and Whan earlier in 2024. This increases the special activation precinct funding to a $242 million program of works for the Snowy Mountains.  

In addition to the Barry Way upgrade the projects announced in April 2024 by the Minns Labor Government have progressed as follows:

Foreshore design

• The key elements of the foreshore design include a 3.5km shared user path upgraded between Banjo Patterson Park and Widows Creek, a new playground in the park, a pump track, improved lawn areas and improved drainage
• Community consultation related to the foreshore design wrapped up in November and feedback will be considered, and the final design completed by mid-2025.

Bike precinct

• This project will see 500 hectares of land within the Snowy Mountains precinct become home to a Mountain Bike Adventure Park
• Planning work is underway and will inform what features, facilities and amenities the adventure park will include. Further details are expected to be announced by mid-2025.

Sewer and water

• The Jindabyne wastewater treatment plan is being upgraded to increase capacity, to meet the long-term needs of the growing population, ensuring the future amenity needs of the community are met. The detailed design for the wastewater treatment plant is underway.
• A new water treatment plant will be constructed to ensure compliance with drinking water standards. The project is currently in the concept design phase, with a construction tender expected to be issued in 2025.

Electrical upgrades

• The scope of the electrical upgrades is being finalised, these upgrades will future proof the precinct and provide reliable electrical supply to the growing Jindabyne community.

Land development

• Planning work is underway that will inform how the staged release of land will be rolled out to support a diverse mix of housing.

NSW Public Works has been engaged to lead the delivery of the water and sewer projects across the precinct. NSW Public Works are well equipped to plan and deliver water supply and wastewater infrastructure that meets the Council’s and community needs and protects public health and the environment.

The Snowy Mountains precinct is also facilitating the supply of a diverse mix of housing to benefit the community, support workers and the transition to a year-round economy.  

For more information: www.nsw.gov.au/snowySAP.

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

“The Snowy Mountains special activation precinct is playing an important role in creating long-term economic prosperity in the region and I am pleased to expand the precinct commitment by $47 million to include important upgrades to Barry Way around the new school precinct.”

“These projects are progressing but there is more to be done and I am ensuring this happens appropriately and in a timely manner.

“The water and sewerage works, the foreshore design plus bike precinct and opening further housing development are important for a future Snowy economy and our Government is keen to see it underway.”

Member for Monaro Steve Whan

“When I was elected, I told the electorate that my focus would be on the essentials. Essentials which were neglected by the previous government when considering how Jindabyne and the Snowy Mountains area is growing.

“Now that public consultation is closed, design works are progressing on the foreshore design, roadworks are underway to finish the Jindabyne School Precinct, and a new sewerage and water treatment plant will help ensure the town’s growth is sustainable.

“There is more work to be done, and I will keep the region updated and time goes on.”

The NSW Government will donate $25,000 in funding support for the Ballina Hot Meal Centre from the Premier’s Discretionary Fund.

The Ballina Hot Meal Centre has been serving hot meals to people who are sleeping rough and other vulnerable people in Ballina Shire for over 27 years.

The Ballina Hot Meal Centre has only seen an increase in demand for its sit-down, take-away, and meals-on-wheels service for the most vulnerable in the community with 600 meals prepared by a purely volunteer staffed service across the 2 days per week it is open.

Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:

“We know people are doing it tough and now more than ever, organisations like the Ballina Hot Meal Centre are a lifeline in our regional communities.

“I’m pleased to provide the hard-working volunteers with this funding so they can continue serving hundreds of meals each week, making life a little easier for those who may be struggling or need some extra support.”

Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said:

“Providing this service for nearly 30 years relying solely on donations is a testament to the spirit of the volunteers at the Ballina Hot Meal Centre and the generosity of the Ballina community.

“I was grateful to meet with Dawn and the volunteers who provide not only a meal but a friendly face, offering comfort and support to those who need it most.”

Member for Ballina Tamara Smith said:

“Incredible and selfless volunteers have been running Ballina’s only soup kitchen for nearly 3 decades without government assistance. As well as the amazing local businesses that donate food and money, our community stepped up where previous governments did not deliver.

“I am very grateful to the Premier Chris Minns for his humane response to the funding needs of the service, and for recognising the incredible work that this community run organisation is doing to improve vulnerable people’s lives. This funding not only keeps the centre open for another year but it lifts the morale of the volunteers who keep it going.

“I would like to thank the volunteers and every person and organisation that have donated over many years and who have not given up on this service – the only organisation that remained open and provided meals to people in our community throughout COVID 19. The volunteers, most of whom were vulnerable and at risk of infection themselves, did not step down but instead modified their service delivery to provide takeaway meals.

“Today’s announcement recognises the unbelievable effort of volunteers in our community who have fundraised every year, volunteered to collect and cook and serve meals every year, and kept going. You are absolute heroes in my eyes and in the eyes of our community.”

General Manager of Ballina Hot Meal Centre, Dawn Sword said:

“The Ballina Hot Meal Centre is operated and run entirely by volunteers, some who have been here since its inception, and all of whom help provide a warm and welcoming environment where they feed those in need not just with food but with kindness and hope.

“We are so grateful for the continual support and advocacy from our local Member Tamara Smith MP who has helped us to secure this much needed funding from the Premier, and thank his representative Minister Hoenig for joining us today.

“Without this funding it would have been a struggle to keep our doors and kitchen open to continue servicing the community at a time when it is most needed.”