Category: NSW News

Thousands of families across NSW will benefit from expanded access to early childhood education as the NSW Government unveils the locations for 100 new public preschools.

This is the biggest expansion of public preschools in NSW history.

Co-located at public primary school sites, the new public preschools will be built over the next 3 years in areas of greatest need across NSW.

After more than a decade of decline in education outcomes, the NSW Government will prioritise quality education in the early years, giving every child the best start for success.

The NSW Government is investing a record $769 million to deliver 100 new public preschools by 2027, including delivering preschools at new public primary schools.

This includes in Western Sydney, South West Sydney and North West Sydney, as well as throughout regional NSW, in the South Coast, the Hunter, Illawarra, Mid North Coast, New England, Southern NSW, Northern Rivers, Far West, Riverina, South-West Slopes and Central West regions.

The public preschools will improve access for families across NSW, with sites selected by a NSW Department of Education Panel, overseen by an independent chair and probity advisor, based on rigorous assessment criteria which considered educational need, child development and socioeconomic data, preschool demand, infrastructure feasibility and insights gained through consultation.

Co-locating public preschools with existing schools will ensure children are ready for kindergarten and will assist busy working families with cost-of-living pressures, help avoid the double drop off, and make the transition to school as seamless as possible.

The NSW Government’s election commitment to deliver 100 public preschools is in sharp contrast to the Liberals and Nationals’ unrealistic claim it would build 500 preschools– a last minute announcement made on the eve of an election, with zero consultation and no proper planning.

The announcement of the complete list of preschool locations comes after the locations of the 49 regional public preschools were announced on Saturday. Late last year, the NSW Government announced the initial 10 public preschool sites.

This is part of the NSW Government’s historic investment in early childhood education, which includes a $60 million commitment to build and upgrade 50 preschools on non-government school sites in areas of greatest educational need. The NSW Government has also committed up to $29.4 million to expand the number of early childhood workers in NSW through a scholarship program, which has seen a record number of applications. The NSW Government has also provided $17 million to support capital works for early childhood services in areas of need.

Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:

“Children who receive high quality early childhood education can benefit throughout their life, and it is so important families are able to access good quality services wherever they live.

“This investment is an important step towards delivering expanded preschool access for all families across NSW.”

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

“I am delighted the NSW Labor Government will deliver 100 new public preschools over the next 3 years, a key election commitment made to the people of NSW.

“This investment in public preschools is the largest made by any Government in NSW’s history.

“This significant investment reflects the NSW Labor Government’s commitment to high quality public education, and our belief that access to early childhood education before school should not be defined by your postcode.”

NSW Department of Education Secretary Murat Dizdar said:

“This major step towards delivering 100 public preschools has involved work and consultation with our educators, teachers and local communities.

“We are committed to working hard to deliver high quality education and closing equity gaps, so more families and children in NSW can access early childhood public education.”

Locations for 100 new public preschools

• Albury Thurgoona – new primary school
• Barrack Heights Public School
• Beelbangera Public School
• Berkeley West Public School
• Birrong Public School
• Blackett Public School
• Blacktown North Public School
• Blairmount Public School
• Blaxcell Street Public School
• Bomaderry Public School
• Booragul Public School
• Boorowa Central School
• Bourke Public School
• Bowraville Central School
• Bradbury Public School
• Cabramatta West Public School
• Carramar Public School
• Carter Street Precinct near Sydney Olympic Park – new primary school
• Cartwright Public School
• Cecil Hills Public School
• Cessnock Public School
• Chullora Public School
• Crawford Public School
• Cringila Public School
• Curran Public School
• Deniliquin South Public School
• Edensor Park Public School
• Ellalong Public School
• Emerton Public School
• Eschol Park Public School
• Fairfield West Public School
• Gables in North West Sydney – new primary school
• Gillieston Public School
• Governor Philip King Public School
• Granville East Public School
• Granville South Public School
• Greenway Park Public School
• Greenwell Point Public School
• Guildford Public School
• Guildford West Public School
• Gulyangarri Public School
• Hanwood Public School
• Harcourt Public School
• Hayes Park Public School
• Hebersham Public School
• Heckenberg Public School
• Hillvue Public School
• Jindabyne Public School
• Kearns Public School
• Kearsley Public School
• Kingsgrove Public School
• Kurri Kurri Public School
• Lake Heights Public School
• Lake Illawarra South Public School
• Lansvale East Public School
• Leeton Public School
• Lennox Head Public School
• Leppington Public School
• Leumeah Public School
• Lynwood Park Public School
• Maryland Public School
• Melonba Public School
• Melrose Park Public School
• Menindee Central School
• Miller Public School
• Moorland Public School
• Morgan Street Public School
• Moss Vale Public School
• Mount Pritchard Public School
• Nirimba Fields Public School
• Nowra – new public school
• Nulkaba Public School
• Parkes East Public School
• Parkview Public School
• Prairievale Public School
• Queanbeyan East Public School
• Queanbeyan South Public School
• Robert Townson Public School
• Ruse Public School
• Sackville Street Public School
• Sanctuary Point Public School
• Shalvey Public School
• Sherwood Grange Public School
• Shortland Public School
• Tacking Point Public School
• Taree Public School
• Tenambit Public School
• Teralba Public School
• Thomas Acres Public School
• Toomelah Public School
• Tuggerawong Public School
• Umina Beach Public School
• Villawood North Public School
• Warialda Public School
• Weston Public School
• William Stimson Public School
• Wilton Junction – new primary school
• Wollongbar Public School
• Woodland Road Public School
• Yagoona Public School.

The NSW Government is reminding everyone to ‘Be Bus Aware’ as Bus Safety Week for 2024 kicks off on Monday 19 February.

Focussing on bus safety across the entire road network, this crucial initiative aims to highlight a culture of safety among all road users when walking, riding or driving around, or travelling on buses.

Sadly 41 people have died in crashes involving buses (including mini-buses) in NSW in the 5-year period between 2019 and 2023. This includes the tragic crash in the Hunter Valley last year, where 10 people died and 11 more were seriously injured.

As part of the safety initiative, Transport for NSW will be sharing a series of bus safety videos to different audiences across social media. A series of live radio reads in metropolitan and regional areas of NSW will help reach motorists at the point of behaviour.

The extension to the original Rural and Regional Bus Seatbelt Program, to ensure buses travelling on outer metropolitan roads with higher crash risk ratings are fitted with seatbelts, is almost complete. Seventy-nine out of 82 dedicated school buses have now been fitted with seatbelts in the Hunter. The program is due to be completed in late March 2024.

Road safety stakeholders and partners, including bus operators and schools, will be provided with a communications toolkit to share with their networks and communities to further extend the reach of these important messages.

Buses are large, heavy vehicles and can take a longer time to stop. All road users are reminded to give buses space and to be visible, follow road rules and exercise caution around buses’ blind spots.

Bus Safety Week will run from Monday 19 to Sunday 25 February 2024. For more information, please visit the Be Bus Aware website.

Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said:

“Bus drivers have a big job, moving thousands of people across our city and our regions safely every day.

“The road conditions outside their office window change minute by minute, day by day. It’s vital everyone shares the road safely and courteously so our drivers and everyone who’s caught the bus can get home safely.

“Buses are big and don’t stop as quickly as cars, so they’re not worth taking risks around. It’s better to be a little late, and to take your time, than not arrive at your destination at all.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“Bus Safety Week is a chance to reflect and act to save lives and reduce road trauma. Let’s make safety a priority both on and off the bus and ensure that everyone arrives at their destination safely.

“We must all commit to wear a seat belt every time we get on a bus and teach our children to do the same.

“To help keep our most vulnerable road users – our children – safe, the NSW Government is continuing to install seatbelts on dedicated school buses, with a roll out of upgrades to a further 82 buses in the Hunter Valley now almost complete.

“Older passengers or those with mobility issues should always use the handrail and use the front door when getting on or off the bus, as the entry is lower or has ramps and is closer to the kerb. Use the accessible and courtesy seating at the front of the bus.

“Drivers must remember to slow down and be alert for students and families around buses and school zones, particularly on country roads and in our regional communities.

“Give buses more space when driving near them, remembering they take longer to stop than lighter vehicles, and that visibility may not be as clear around the bus.”

Families across the Hunter region are set to benefit as the NSW Labor Government reveals the biggest expansion in childhood education in NSW history.

The NSW Labor Government is investing a record $769 million investment to build 100 new public preschools across NSW, including 12 in the Hunter region.

New public preschools to be built in the Hunter:

• Booragul Public School
• Cessnock Public School
• Ellalong Public School
• Gillieston Public School
• Kearsley Public School
• Kurri Kurri Public School
• Maryland Public School
• Nulkaba Public School
• Shortland Public School
• Tenambit Public School
• Teralba Public School
• Weston Public School

Co-located at public primary school sites, the new public preschools will be built over the next three years in areas of greatest need across NSW.

After more than a decade of decline in education outcomes, the NSW Government will prioritise quality education in the early years, giving every child the best start for success.

The public preschools will improve access for families across NSW, with sites selected by a NSW Department of Education Panel, overseen by an independent chair and probity advisor, based on rigorous assessment criteria which considered educational need, child development and socioeconomic data, preschool demand, infrastructure feasibility and insights gained through consultation.

Co-locating public preschools with existing schools will ensure children are ready for kindergarten and will assist busy working families with cost of living pressures, help avoid the double drop off, make the transition to school as seamless as possible.

The NSW Government’s election commitment to deliver 100 public preschools is in sharp contrast to the Liberal and Nationals’ unrealistic claim it would build 500 preschools– a last minute announcement made on the eve of an election, with zero consultation and no proper planning.

This is part of the NSW Labor Government’s historic investment in early childhood education, which includes a $60 million commitment to build and upgrade 50 preschools on non-government school sites in areas of greatest educational need. The NSW Government has also committed up to $29.4 million to expand the number of early childhood workers in NSW through a scholarship program, which has seen a record number of applications. The Government has also provided $17 million to support capital works for early childhood services in areas of need.

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

“I am so proud that the NSW Labor Government will deliver these 100 public preschools for the people of NSW, and it is fantastic to see 12 of these preschools will be built across this wonderful region.

“Our government is committed to providing high quality public education to the people of NSW, and having access to early education should be accessible to families all across the Hunter.”

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:

“I am delighted to see new public preschools will be delivered in the Hunter.

“Our region is growing and as Minister for the Hunter it’s a priority for me that young working families are supported with equitable access to childcare.

Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison said:

“This investment in pre-school education in the fast growing area of Maitland is vital to preparing our children for success at school and will be well used by local families in the Tenambit and Gillieston Heights areas.”

“This significant investment will give our local children that vital first step up in their education journey.”

Member for Cessnock Clayton Barr said:

“I am thrilled to see my local community will be gaining expanded access to public preschools.

“This is an incredible boost to the education of our youngest students and is a massive assist to families in the area who need every bit of support they can get especially during this cost-of-living crisis.”

Member for Lake Macquarie Greg Piper said:

“Access to early learning is something we can all support.

“This historic investment will benefit young families across NSW.”

NSW Department of Education Secretary Murat Dizdar said:

“This major step towards delivering 100 public preschools has involved work and consultation with our educators, teachers and local communities.

“We are committed to working hard to deliver high quality education and closing equity gaps, so more families and children in NSW can access early childhood public education.”

Today’s comments from the Minister for Planning attacking Labor-led Waverley Council and misleading the community over Labor’s one-size-fits-all planning policies is further evidence of the ‘get out of the way’ approach to planning, which has become a hallmark of the Government.
 
“Communities from Bondi to the Blue Mountains are working out what the Government’s one-size-fits-all planning approach means for their community and every time they raise legitimate questions, the Government attacks them and tells them to “get out of the way”, Mr Farlow said.
 
“Today we have another Labor-led Council that is questioning the State Labor Government’s ‘biggest re-zoning in Australia’s history’ and rather than engaging with their concerns, the Minister has chosen to mislead, rather than listen to the legitimate concerns of the community.”
 
“Chris Minns said that a fight with councils was “the last thing we want”, yet every time a Council raises legitimate concerns over his planning agenda, his Ministers are deployed to attack the councils and their communities.”
 
“The Minister is either misleading the community or ignorant of his policy when he says, “The Government’s reforms simply require councils to consider these housing types.”
 
“The fact is that the Government’s changes will override Council’s requirements, increase height and bulk, reduce tree canopy and parking requirements and allow apartments, townhouses and dual occupancies in areas where they are currently not permitted.”
 
“The Minister takes exception to Waverley Council’s assessment of Bondi Beach, but let’s take the example of Roscoe Street Bondi Beach, where R3 properties have a height control of 12.5m and Floor Space Ratio of 0.9:1 – under the Government’s proposals and in-fill affordable housing provisions, the building height will more than double to 27.3m and the Floor Space Ratio will more than quadruple to 3.9:1.”
 
“Council’s hands will be tied in assessing these developments because of the non-refusal standards the State Government are implementing that will override local council’s controls.”
 
“From day one in Planning this Government has told communities to ‘get out of the way’. As the wheels start to come off the Government’s plans, it’s time they listened to what the Opposition has said from the beginning and sit down with councils, work with local communities to set housing targets and formulate their local controls to deliver more housing.”

The NSW Government is considering $18 million in fines and lengthy prison sentences for employers responsible for industrial manslaughter.

The Government last year announced it would introduce an industrial manslaughter offence.

The proposed tough measures are contained in a consultation paper as the Government invites feedback on how to best introduce the new laws and which elements will make up the offence.

Industrial manslaughter laws will allow for a business or individual to be held responsible for the death of a person due to negligent or reckless behaviour in the workplace.

Feedback from this survey will be used to inform the government on key elements to include within the NSW Work Health and Safety Act and any other relevant considerations for introducing an industrial manslaughter offence in NSW.

SafeWork NSW has developed the paper, which provides an overview of what industrial manslaughter is, and outlines the offences and penalties already in place in other Australian jurisdictions.

NSW is the last mainland state without an industrial manslaughter offence. 

The NSW Government invites submissions from the community, including work health and safety experts, business groups, unions, legal stakeholders and families of people who have been killed at work.

To have your say, please visit the Have Your Say website launching Monday 19 February 2024.

Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said:

“We never want to have to use these laws.”

“Any workplace death is a tragedy and in cases where a person with a duty of care has been careless or irresponsible, they must be held accountable.

“It is important the views of members of the community, including business, industry, representative bodies and workers are considered before the introduction of industrial manslaughter laws.”

The NSW Government’s feral pig control program has culled 33,277 feral pigs in just 4 months, making it one of the largest feral pig programs in the nation’s history.

Already 2,035 property owners have participated in the Government’s $13 million Feral Pig Program, working with Local Land Services to target pest populations.

Biosecurity is a central commitment of the NSW Government and adequately resourcing the Local Land Services team to get the job done properly has been a priority for the Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty.

Central to the program’s effort is the three priority control zones along western NSW where baiting, trapping and shooting, have been expanded and intensified.

Highlights of the NSW Feral Pig Program to date include:

• 33,277 feral pigs culled
• 4.69 million hectares protected through aerial and ground control efforts
• 77,904 kg of free bait issued to landholders
• 51 sessions with groups of landholders focused on feral pig management
• Establishment of the state’s first Feral Pig Coordinator

A critical part of the feral pig program has been equipping farmers with the tools, education and support needed to get on top of the problem.

Local Land Services staff offer on the ground support in paddocks as well as at community and industry events. Farmers and land managers are being urged to continue to work with Local Land Services and their neighbours to focus on ongoing control efforts.

This should include a combination of methods such as baiting, trapping and shooting to ensure best results are achieved.

For more information visit Feral Pig Program 2023-2024 – Local Land Services.

Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty said:

“Farmer feedback on our $13 million NSW Government investment into the feral pig program has been positive and 2,035 farmers are involved in the program.

“We now have one of the largest coordinated feral pig control programs ever, supporting farmers on the ground to reduce the impacts of pest animals.

“Tackling the feral pig problem requires government and farmers to work side by side, and the Government is making sure this program is doing exactly that.”

Nearly half of 100 new public preschools to be delivered by the NSW Government over the next three years will be located in regional and rural communities.

The NSW Government is today unveiling the regional and rural preschool locations that will be built over the next three years as part of its record $769 million investment to build 100 new public preschools co-located at public primary schools by 2027, including building preschools at new public primary schools.

This is part of the NSW Government’s mission to boost access to early childhood education.

49 new public preschools will be in locations including the South Coast, the Hunter, Illawarra, Mid North Coast, New England, Southern NSW, Northern Rivers, Far West, Riverina, South-West Slopes and Central West regions. 

Today’s announcement of the expansion of public preschool services will improve access for regional families.

Co-locating public preschools with existing schools will ensure children are ready for kindergarten, help busy working families with cost-of-living pressures, and avoid the double drop off, making the transition to school as seamless as possible. 

Sites were selected by a NSW Department of Education Panel, overseen by an independent chair and probity advisor, based on rigorous assessment criteria which considered multiple factors, including:

• Educational need;
• Child development and socioeconomic data;
• Projected preschool demand;
• Infrastructure feasibility; and
• Insights gained through consultation with industry and stakeholders

This is in stark contrast to the former government who after 12 years in power only delivered one new public preschool.

Despite this record, during the election they claimed they would deliver 500 preschools over the next four years, equating to one every three days. This commitment was made without a proper planning or consultation.

Late last year the NSW Government announced the initial 10 public preschool sites, which included four regional public preschool sites.

The NSW Government has also committed up to $29.4 million to expand the number of early childhood workers in NSW through a scholarship program, which has seen a record number of applications.  The Government has also provided $17 million to support capital works for existing early childhood educators in areas of need.

A full list of regional and remote locations can be found below. 

Chris Minns, Premier of New South Wales said:

“We are committed to universal access to preschool, and today’s announcement is an important step towards that.

“Investment in quality early childhood education has lifelong benefits for our young kids and is key to getting parents back into the workforce.

“No matter where you live in NSW you should have access to this essential infrastructure and service, our government is getting on with the job of ensuring that.”

Prue Car, Minister for Education and Early Learning said:

“We made a commitment to build 100 public preschools because we understand the value of public education – and we believe that equity in education starts in the early years.

“Postcodes should not act as a barrier to accessing the best start in life and every child should have access to high quality resources from a young age, including having access to preschool. 

“This investment is the biggest spend on public preschools in NSW history, and I am proud that close to half these new preschools will be in the regions.”

Tara Moriarty, Minister for Regional NSW said:

“We have been listening to and learning from families, communities and expert educators and teachers as we work towards universal preschool for every child in NSW. 

“This is a long-term commitment, and we will work with the whole ECEC sector to support quality, equity, and access in a range of settings so that every child gets a strong start in life and learning.”

Regional locations where a new public preschool will be delivered:

Regional and remote Locations

• Wollongbar Public School
• Cessnock Public School
• Ellalong Public School
• Kearsley Public School
• Nulkaba Public School
• Boorowa Central School
• Moss Vale Public School
• Bomaderry Public School
• Deniliquin South Public School
• Taree Public School
• Moorland Public School
• Tacking Point Public School
• Greenwell Point Public School
• Sanctuary Point Public School
• Hillvue Point Public School
• Morgan Street Public School
• Beelbangera Public School
• Hanwood Public School
• Leeton Public School
• Parkview Public School
• Toomelah Public School
• Warialda Public School
• Parkes East Public School
• Bowraville Central School
• Jindabyne Public School
• Bourke Public School
• Menindee Public School

Regional Metropolitan Locations

• Kurri Kurri Public School
• Weston Public School
• Umina Beach Public School
• Booragul Public School
• Teralba Public School
• Tenambit Public School
• Queanbeyan East Public School
• Queanbeyan South Public School
• Barrack Heights Public School
• Lake Illawarra South Public School
• Maryland Public School
• Shortland Public School
• Berkeley West Public School
• Cringila Public School
• Hayes Park Public School
• Lake Heights Public School
• Tuggerawong Public School
• Gillieston Public School

Previously Announced

• Nowra – new public school
• Lennox Head Public School
• Albury Thurgoona – new public school
• Wilton Junction School

Are you a passionate veterinarian looking for a change of scenery? Fancy swapping the hustle and bustle of city life for the beautiful outback of Western NSW?

Western NSW offers the perfect mix of an active or laid-back lifestyle, affordable property and housing and a true sense of community – making it the perfect place to call home.

To highlight the benefits of living and working in one of the most unique places in Australia, Local Land Services is launching the ‘West is Best’ campaign.

With the aim of attracting new staff to the region, the campaign will tell the stories of several employees who call the Western region home and why they wouldn’t want to live or work anywhere else.

Local Land Services offers meaningful career options across several areas of expertise, from customer service to biosecurity, veterinary to agriculture, as well as project support, human resources, finance and administration.

Whether you are looking for the next step in your career, ready for a change or new opportunity, or just at the beginning of your working life, why not do it against the backdrop of Western NSW?

Local Land Services is currently hiring two District Veterinarian positions in its Western region, which covers 40% of NSW and includes locations such as Broken Hill, Bourke, Cobar and Tibooburra.

In this role, you will tackle vital tasks such as livestock disease surveillance, biosecurity, animal emergency management, and animal welfare in the stunning Western region of NSW.

To find out more about the veterinarian positions, visit the I work for NSW website: District Veterinarian (Western NSW).

Applications close on Tuesday 25 February.

Local Land Services staff support landholders to make better decisions about the land they manage and assist rural and regional communities to be profitable and sustainable into the future.

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

“Western NSW is a great place to live and work, regardless of what stage of your career you’re at.

“It is the gateway to the Australian outback, boasting wide open spaces, unique and beautiful landscapes and is home to important historical and cultural sites,

“The ‘West is Best’ campaign highlights the great opportunities on offer in the Western region.

“Living and working Western NSW will open a world of adventure, new experiences, closeknit and supportive communities and important purposeful job opportunities. “

Western Local Land Services General Manager Erlina St Vincent said:

“Local Land Services is a great place to develop your career, and I would encourage anyone thinking about a tree change to apply for a role in our beautiful Western region.

“We offer excellent working conditions, competitive salaries, a flexible and supportive work culture and extensive development and promotion opportunities.

“Moving to a remote location has given me more opportunities to build my career as a manager and I’ve been able to better connect with the landholders we work with.

“There’s nothing you really can’t do to build your career in the west. Live your best (West) life with Western Local Land Services.

“Stay tuned to the Western Local Land Services social media channels to hear these stories from our staff.”

The NSW Government will provide a $5 million boost to deliver an additional 10 dwellings for the South Coast Build to Rent project, helping to increase housing supply and deliver more rental housing.

The NSW Government will provide a $5 million boost to deliver an additional 10 dwellings for the South Coast Build to Rent project, helping to increase housing supply and deliver more rental housing.

The additional $5 million in funding increases the NSW Government’s investment in the project to $35 million – delivering a total of 60 dwellings.

As part of Landcom’s design and planning for the Bomaderry site, it became evident additional dwellings could be delivered for a small increase in funding. The additional funding will allow delivery of new architecturally designed homes for approximately 130 people.

Work is underway to finalise the design and planning in preparation for the lodgement of the development application. Subject to approvals, construction is expected to begin in 2025 with residents to move in 2026.

Landcom will be holding a community engagement session on 29 February 2024 at Bomaderry Bowling Club between 5pm and 7.30pm. The session is an opportunity for locals to hear from the project team, receive details on the project and share their thoughts.

For more information about the project, visit Landcom.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“We’re working on building as many houses and units as possible to alleviate housing shortages and make renting an option for people in regional NSW.

“The truth is we don’t have enough well-located, well-designed or well-built homes for people in NSW, which is why we’re making investments in Build to Rent and getting Landcom on the job.

“The additional $5 million will see Landcom deliver 10 more well located, architecturally designed homes for people on the South Coast which are desperately needed.”

Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips said:

“All levels of Government are committed to tackling the housing crisis and this is a welcome investment from the NSW Government that will have a meaningful impact in our community.

“This is a great example of a simple, sensible change that will deliver significant improvements to the lives of those doing it tough on the South Coast, and I’m pleased to see Landcom and the NSW Government putting these projects first.

“I am hearing from too many local people who cannot find a place to rent and this small but important investment will mean even more affordable homes for the people of the South Coast.”

Member for South Coast Liza Butler said:

“The injection of additional funds for another 10 homes is welcome news and will be of great benefit to many families in the area.

“Long term, secure rental housing is important now, more than ever. This $5 million in funding will allow Landcom to deliver even more for the community and I am proud to be part of the Minns Labor Government that is taking action to address the housing crisis in NSW.”

Landcom CEO Alex Wendler said:

“We are delivering an outstanding development, backed by responsible investment of government money, to boost housing supply, and tackle the housing crisis head on.

“Community feedback will be a critical component of the project and I encourage locals to attend the engagement session so we can share our vision and hear your thoughts about the development.”

Educators in the early childhood sector have been given a $17.1 million boost after a NSW Labor Government scholarship program designed to strengthen the workforce attracted a record number of applications.

The Early Childhood Education and Care Scholarships program, which financially assists people wanting to enter the workforce, and existing staff looking to boost their skills, was a key election promise of the NSW Labor Government.

The program aims to create a reliable pipeline of early childhood education and care (ECEC) educators for NSW’s youngest learners.

The program received a record 2,328 applications – well exceeding an initial target of 1,700 applicants. Of the 2,328 applicants, 1,875 are early childhood educators looking to upskill, and 453 are looking to enter the ECEC sector.

Up to $29.4 million will be available to support this year’s scholarship program as the NSW Labor Government assigns up to $17.1 million on top of the $12.3 million committed in the 2023-24 budget.

For the first time, those looking to secure Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) qualifications have also been able to apply.

Successful scholars will receive:

• Up to $25,000 for early childhood teaching (ECT) qualifications.
• Up to $5,000 for diploma and certificate III ECEC and OSHC qualifications.

Investing in strengthening the early childhood education and care workforce is a priority for the NSW Labor Government. The ability to both attract and retain staff is a long term issue affecting the viability of early childhood education and care, and was highlighted in the recent Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s Childcare inquiry report.

This program is just part of the NSW Government’s commitment to boosting the early childhood education and care workforce, and comes in addition to the $20 million invested to expand access to ECEC through the Flexible Initiatives Trial, and $6.5 million to help ECEC businesses engage with a business capability development program, improving the viability of their offering.

The NSW Department of Education is currently assessing applications. It has already notified some successful scholars and will continue to notify others in the coming months.

Prospective applicants can visit the department’s website for more information.

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

“Workforce shortages continue to be a challenge in early childhood education and care, and it is vital the Government make support available to encourage educators to continue their careers, and to make it easier for people to enter the sector.

“These scholarships give people financial support while they are studying, offering them a chance to learn new skills without taking on additional strain during a cost of living crisis.

“Investing in this workforce is essential to support ECEC services around the state and give our littlest learners the best start in life.”