Category: NSW News

Central Coast Labor MPs are supportive of moves to help ensure the Central Coast Mariners Football Club has a long-term future in the region.

Negotiations are underway to secure a long-term owner for the Mariners following recent events that have put the club’s viability at risk.

Member for Wyong David Harris, Member for The Entrance David Mehan and Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch support the Australian Professional League (APL) negotiating an outcome to secure a new owner as soon as possible to give certainty to players, staff, fans and the broader Central Coast community.

As a minimum, fans need a guarantee that the Mariners’ licence will remain on the Central Coast and that the club’s name and colours are protected, the local members said.

They ask that any new owners consider an ownership structure which could include elements of a fan-based partnership model to help address financial and governance challenges and continue to grow the club’s supporter base.

It is also imperative that any new ownership structure retains the Mariners Women’s team.

The Mariners breakthrough win of the 2024/25 A-League Women’s championship was testament of the popularity and growth of women’s football on the Coast, which needs to be harnessed and fostered.

It is also important the club’s youth academies are retained to continue to enable pathways for talented local youngsters into professional football and help continue the club’s growth.

The MPs acknowledge that fellow A League clubs the Newcastle Jets and Perth Glory have both been bought by new owners in recent years in moves that have strengthened their clubs.

Minister for the Central Coast and Member for Wyong, David Harris said:

“The Central Coast Mariners is a crucial and well-loved part of the Coast’s sporting fabric and any decision made about its ownership should consider the best interests of the stakeholders, supporters and the community.

“I join my fellow Coast MPs in hoping new owners are secured as soon as possible to give everyone the certainty that is needed to secure the club’s future on the Coast.”

Member for The Entrance, David Mehan said:

“My community wants to see the Mariners remain a Central Coast team participating in both the women and men’s football leagues with greater involvement of its fans in the future of our club.”

Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch said:

“I’m right there with all the other fans and Coasties getting behind our great Mariners teams.

“Let’s push forward and kick a successful and speedy negotiation into the back of the net to secure the future of our beloved club at their home here on the Coast.”

Stephen Dametto has been appointed as the new Commissioner of the NSW Crime Commission, to lead its important work of tackling serious and organised crime.

Mr Dametto has almost three decades of policing experience, holding senior positions in the Australian Federal Police, working in the UK Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command and providing operational leadership in numerous joint taskforces targeting terrorism and organised crime.

The incoming Commissioner is currently the Assistant Commissioner, Eastern Command with the Australian Federal Police. Eastern Command is the AFP’s largest regional command and Mr Dametto oversees almost one thousand staff.

Prior to his appointment as Assistant Commissioner, Mr Dametto was the AFP’s Commander Counter Terrorism Investigations East – overseeing AFP’s role within counter terrorism joint teams across Australia’s eastern states.

He has also practiced as a barrister in NSW, practicing in the areas of criminal law, proceeds of crime and inquests, and has practiced as a chartered accountant.

The key role of the NSW Crime Commission’s is to investigate serious crime and criminal activity in NSW.

It also administers the Criminal Assets Recovery Act 1990 – investigating and confiscating the ill-gotten proceeds of crime.

Mr Dametto’s appointment follows an extensive recruitment process and is for a five-year term.

He will begin the role on 24 February 2026.

Acting Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Paul Scully said:

“I would like to congratulate Mr Dametto on his appointment. His exceptional law and order expertise make him a strong choice to lead the Crime Commission into its next chapter.

“He brings decades of high-level experience across complex investigations and senior leadership skills which are invaluable to the ongoing work of the Commission in preventing and disrupting organised crime in our community.

“On behalf of the NSW Government, I want to thank outgoing Commissioner Michael Barnes for his significant contribution and service over the past five years.”

Incoming NSW Crime Commission Commissioner Stephen Dametto said:

“It’s a great honour to be appointed as the next Commissioner of the NSW Crime Commission.

“I look forward to working with the Commission’s dedicated investigators and experts to disrupt serious and organised crime.”

The Minns Labor Government is building a better New South Wales for women by empowering them to start and grow their businesses through programs funded under the Supporting Women in Business Grants 2025/26.

Two organisations – Unkya Local Aboriginal Land Council and The Social Outcomes Lab – have in total received $500,000 in NSW government funding to support more than 90 women across New South Wales increase their skills and confidence to achieve their business goals.

Small businesses are the lifeblood of the state’s economy, comprising 97 per cent of all NSW businesses and employing 1.7 million people.

The 2021 Census shows approximately 34 per cent of NSW small business owners are female. In comparison, 66 per cent of the state’s small business owners are male.

One of the key focus areas of the NSW Women’s Strategy is to empower women and boost their participation. Supporting women entrepreneurs and business owners start and run successful businesses helps drive economic growth and increase gender equality in business ownership through to leadership.

The 2025/26 grants program focuses on supporting women from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Unkya Local Aboriginal Land Council

Their program “Empowering Nyamis in Business and Culture, Strengthening Skills, Confidence and Economic Independence” will provide tailored support to women starting or growing their micro or small business. Supports include mentoring, business training, networking, and access to finance.

The program will be run in Nambucca Valley, Bellingen Shire, and Coffs Harbour.

The Social Outcomes Lab

The “Business incubator for migrant women foodpreneurs” program is focused on supporting migrant and refugee women, providing them with business training, culinary training and empowerment training to run a food business.

The program will be run in Cumberland, Campbelltown, Parramatta and Queanbeyan-Palerang.

For more information on the Supporting Women in Business Grants, go to: https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/2025-26-supporting-women-business-grants

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“I’ve met many women across New South Wales who have shared fantastic ideas for a small business – they just need a bit of support to get them off the ground.

“These grants are one of the ways the government is partnering with local organisations, to provide women with that additional help, such as business training plus mentoring, so they feel confident and have the right guidance to grow their idea into a thriving business.

“Women-run businesses, especially micro-businesses, are on the rise, and the Minns Government is working hard to empower women across the state to fulfil their ambitions of running their own business.”

Minister for Small Business Janelle Saffin said:

“These grants are about backing women who are creating opportunity not just for themselves, but for their families, their communities and their local economies.

“I’m especially pleased to see funding going to an Aboriginal-led organisation on the North Coast, where women are driving economic strength while preserving culture and community connection.

“Supporting a migrant women-led organisation through this program recognises the incredible contribution migrant women make to our small business sector, often overcoming significant barriers to build successful enterprises.

“When we invest in women-led small businesses, we invest in more resilient, inclusive and innovative communities.”

Unkya Local Aboriginal Land Council CEO Michele Donovan said:

“The program will benefit Aboriginal women from regional New South Wales, in Coffs Harbour, Bellingen Valley and Nambucca Valley with tailored support, mentoring and business training.

“Utilising their strong cultural connections, stories and language to develop a sound tourism product, or cultural tourism experience, Aboriginal women will gain skills, confidence and resources needed to start or grow micro and small businesses, from ideation to a developed product or business which will showcase the Gumbaynggirr Cultural experience for tourists who visit our region.

“This holistic approach ensures Aboriginal Women receive comprehensive support from business ideation to securing finance and launching their business.”

The Social Outcomes Lab Managing Director Nazia Ahmed said:

“This accelerator program has the potential to transform lives while strengthening social cohesion across New South Wales. It will support culturally and linguistically diverse women to build sustainable food businesses through practical training, confidence-building, and access to professional networks and investment pathways.

“By sharing the stories of these food entrepreneurs, the program will foster greater understanding and connection across communities. In the longer term, this initiative also creates a pathway to develop a global social franchise model that improves livelihoods, builds hope, and supports women to realise their entrepreneurial aspirations.”

Free public transport will connect Western Sydney International Airport when it opens its doors later in the year.

The free bus service, to be in place to meet the first passenger flight that lands, will take passengers and airport workers to and from the new airport at Luddenham and St Marys train and bus interchange.

The interim service will provide the connection to the wider Sydney public transport network that will be delivered by the new Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport when it opens next year.

The free airport buses will run every 30 minutes between 4.30am to midnight Sunday to Thursday and 4.30am to 1am Friday and Saturday, with an expected journey time of about 30 minutes in normal traffic.

Transport for NSW will be able to adjust frequency depending on demand as activity at the airport increases after opening.

The free airport buses will complement the Minns Labor Government’s comprehensive bus plan for Western Sydney, which is set to provide new services every 30 minutes linking the airport to Penrith, Leppington, Liverpool, Campbelltown and Mount Druitt.

These new services will begin prior to the airport opening and run every 30 minutes from 5am to 10pm, seven days a week, connecting people to local education and health precincts, retail and leisure.

The new 23-kilometre Metro line, jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Government, will have capacity to move up to 7,740 passengers every hour in each direction.

Interim buses will be phased out when metro services begin.

The six-stop line will connect Western Sydney International Airport to St Marys in just 15 minutes where passengers can join services on the T1 Western Line that run direct to stations including Blacktown, Parramatta, Strathfield and Central Station.

Once complete, the new line will feature a rail and bus interchange at St Marys, with stops at Orchard Hills, Luddenham, Airport Business Park, Western Sydney International Airport and Bradfield.

Track laying on the line is now 70 per cent complete and station construction reaching key milestones.   

The new metro will provide an infrastructure spine that will help the growing region develop, with 120,000 new jobs expected around Bradfield by the mid-2030s.

The toll-free M12 motorway that will link the airport to the Sydney motorway network is due to open in coming months before flights at the airport.

Minister for Transport John Graham said:   

“Australia’s newest international airport is going to be transformational for Western Sydney, and it is important to have connectivity to our public transport network from the moment the first bit of airline rubber hits the tarmac.

“Free interim buses will give passengers and airline operators the certainty that an onwards journey on public transport is in place alongside the new M12 motorway for road access, taxis and rideshare, as we complete the equally transformational metro line between the airport and St Marys.

“At Western Sydney International Airport, we are building a world-class metro that will allow this airport and this part of Western Sydney to develop rapidly over the coming years and decades.

“While the free, interim buses will phase out when the metro opens, the new bus services between the airport and Penrith, Oran Park, Campbelltown, Liverpool, Mount Druitt and Leppington will be a permanent upgrade for public transport.”

Western Sydney International Airport CEO Simon Hickey said:  

“These services will offer an additional, essential transport connection for workers and passengers using Sydney’s new 24-hour international gateway, and complement the toll-free M12, ride share, taxis, tour buses and other private transfer services available, all of which will be supported by more than 6,000 car spaces at our precinct.  

“We will continue to work with Transport for NSW to deliver the best transport options for our passengers that keep pace with the airport’s anticipated growth in demand over the years ahead.   

“Critical transport investments can truly connect the west to the west and the west to the rest for the first time and deliver transformational economic opportunities that will benefit all of Sydney.”

Member for Leppington Nathan Hagarty said:

“For families and workers in our community, these services mean a direct, reliable connection to Western Sydney International Airport and to key centres like Leppington, Liverpool and Campbelltown from day one, with rapid buses running every 30 minutes.

“As Leppington continues to grow, it’s critical that our public transport grows with it, and these new links are a strong step towards a more connected, accessible and opportunity-rich future for our community.”

Member for Liverpool Charishma Kaliyanda said:

“The Minns Labor Government is investing in Liverpool with the $302.7 million New Bus Services for Western Sydney project, linking our electorate directly to the new airport and creating better access to jobs, education, and travel opportunities.

“The people of Liverpool will be among the first in Western Sydney to benefit from the interim free bus service, connecting the new airport at Luddenham to St Marys from the very first passenger flight.”

Member for Campbelltown Greg Warren said:

“I welcome this vitally important public transport connection which will support workers and passengers to access the new Western Sydney International Airport.”

“This is a tangible step towards delivering the effective and efficient public transport connections that our region needs and deserves.”

Member for Camden Sally Quinnell said:

“I’m excited to welcome new connective services into our area. Regular, accessible transport will provide critical connection for the Camden community, linking residents with employment and travel opportunities at the new airport.

“I’m proud to be working with the Minns Labor Government to deliver these great upgrades for our community. While there’s more work to be done in terms of connecting Camden residents to transport, this is a great start.”

Member for Penrith Karen McKeown said:

“I applaud this public transport link that will enable the community to reach the new Western Sydney International Airport from day one.

“This free interim bus service will complement the comprehensive bus plan for Western Sydney, linking Penrith residents to the airport.”

Member for Mount Druitt Edmond Attalla said:

“This is welcome news for Mount Druitt residents, the interim bus service will deliver free, reliable public transport to Western Sydney International Airport from day one, connecting locals to jobs and opportunities while paving the way for the metro to come.”

A Villawood man is expected to appear before Sydney Downing Centre Local Court today (20 January 2026) charged for his alleged role in defrauding $3.5 million from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

An investigation by the Australian Government Fraud Fusion Taskforce (FFT) – encompassing members of the AFP, National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) and the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission – began in February 2025 after the ACIC detected anomalies with the man’s finances.

It will be alleged enquiries undertaken by FFT investigators later found the man to be involved in laundering $3.5 million in cash defrauded from the NDIS.

The 31-year-old director of a NDIS provider is accused of withdrawing significant amounts of cash from various bank accounts and different banks repeatedly between 2022 and 2025 to aid himself and others in the laundering of suspected proceeds of crime.

It will be alleged the money was derived from fraudulent claims submitted to the NDIS, including in circumstances where supports and services were not provided to participants.

AFP officers, in concert with NDIA fraud investigators, executed a search warrant at a home in Villawood, NSW, in December 2025, where police located and seized $35,000 cash alleged to be the proceeds of crime, along with air guns and gel blasters.

The man was subsequently issued with a court attendance notice and is expected to appear before Downing Centre Local Court today charged with one count of dealing with money reasonably suspected of being proceeds of an indictable crime to the value of $1,000,000.00 or more, contrary to section 400.9 (1AB) of the Criminal Code (Cth).

The maximum penalty for this offence is four years’ imprisonment.

The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission issued a notice of intention to ban the individual and provider from the NDIS.

Both the NDIA and the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission’s investigations are continuing, and further regulatory action is expected.

AFP Detective Inspector Aidan Milner said the AFP and its FFT partners were committed to stamping out criminal exploitation of Commonwealth payments designed to help those in genuine need.

“Fraud of Commonwealth programs is an area of key focus for the AFP and its partners, and we will be relentless in pursuing any people who seek to exploit our welfare system,” Det Insp Milner added.

“The AFP will not stop in its pursuit of these groups who chop and change companies in a cynical effort to hide their criminal behaviour from law enforcement.”

NDIA Chief Executive Graeme Head said the benefit of strong intelligence and collaboration between FFT partners was clear.

“We act without apology to protect the interests and wellbeing of participants in the NDIS,” Mr Head said.

“Most providers do the right thing, but for the small number who don’t, expect a knock on the door.”

NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commissioner Louise Glanville said the regulator is focused on protecting the integrity of the Scheme and the human rights of people with disability.

“Fraud against the NDIS will not be tolerated. By working together with our FFT partners, we are removing bad actors and ensuring those who abuse the Scheme are held accountable,” Commissioner Glanville said.

ACIC National Manager Chris Davey highlighted the critical role of the Fraud Fusion Taskforce in disrupting organised crime within the NDIS.

“The ACIC will continue to equip our Fraud Fusion Taskforce partners with unique, actionable and insightful intelligence to target and disrupt organised crime syndicates who prey on the most vulnerable within our communities.”

This arrest follows a joint crackdown by the Australian Government Fraud Fusion Taskforce (FFT) and the Financial Crime and Money Laundering Working Group (FCML) which saw more than 250 staff from FFT and FCML agencies execute 33 search warrants as part of an AFP-coordinated period of action in November 2025.

Search warrants were executed in Western Australia, South Australia, New South Wales and Queensland with more than 43 terabytes of data seized by forensic investigators across the disruption operations.

The FCML is a joint working group comprised of Commonwealth, State and Territory law enforcement, intelligence and regulatory partners focussed on tackling serious financial crime and money laundering.

The FFT is a multi-agency taskforce comprising 24 agencies, co-led by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) and Services Australia, and also includes the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (NDIS Commission), the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) and the AFP, focusing on high-risk and serious criminal activity targeting government programs designed to help those most in need.

Anyone with information about suspected fraud involving the NDIS should contact the NDIS fraud reporting and scams helpline on 1800 650 717, email fraudreporting@ndis.gov.au, or fill out the online NDIS Fraud reporting form.

The Minns Labor Government today announced that this year’s Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony will be held at the iconic Sydney Opera House forecourt, a setting that reflects the significance of the unique celebration where we proudly welcome new Australians into our vibrant multicultural society.

The new location offers a powerful and symbolic backdrop as more than 350 new citizens officially join the Australian community. From 10.30am on Monday 26 January, a grand ceremony and celebration of our country will take place as hundreds of people from all backgrounds and ethnicities along with their loved ones will gather to officially call Australia home.

Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns and Minister for Multiculturalism, Jobs and Tourism, Steve Kamper will speak at the event along with special guests, which will culminate in an emotional rendition of Advance Australia Fair.

Polish-born professor Mark Spigelman, who arrived in Sydney as a refugee, will also deliver an address. A child survivor of the Holocaust, professor Spigelman, along with his family, would go on to make a large impact in science, medicine, law and the nation’s human rights landscape.

Governor of New South Wales, Her Excellency, The Hon. Margaret Beazley will lead new citizens in their Pledge and Affirmation with proceedings hosted by Australia Day Council of NSW Board Member Joseph Carrozzi AM.

The ceremony will provide a meaningful moment to recognise those who are formally joining the Australian community, reinforcing a shared sense of belonging, civic responsibility and national identity.

The NSW Government Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony joins an extensive program of events across Sydney and the state for Australia Day 2026, the largest in the country.

More details are available at www.australiaday.com.au

Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said:

“The iconic Sydney Opera House forecourt is a fitting location for such a significant celebration where we proudly welcome new Australians into our vibrant multicultural society.

“The Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony will be a vibrant and uplifting moment, honouring our newest citizens and the diverse, dynamic society they join.

“It’s an opportunity to honour what unites us, our shared values, our diversity and the spirit of mateship that strengthens our nation.”

The Minns Labor Government is delivering on its election commitment to better protect animals by progressing the review of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 (POCTAA) with a set of proposed law changes.

The NSW Government’s review of POCTAA and these proposed changes represent the most comprehensive reform to the state’s animal welfare laws in years, recognising the need for modern legislation to align with community expectations. 

Among the proposed changes include offences for leaving dogs in hot vehicles, tougher animal fighting laws and banning the use of painful prong collars.

While there is no one register of complaints, in the six years to 2024/25 RSPCA NSW data identifies more than 500 reports from the public of dogs being ‘locked in cars’.

The proposed changes have been informed by extensive stakeholder consultation, animal welfare data and scientific evidence.

More than 7,000 submissions have been received through a range of consultation processes – including feedback on the re-make of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Regulation in early 2025, and from recent parliamentary inquiries.

The Minns Government’s proposed changes aim to strengthen animal welfare protections and set clear expectations on acceptable practices. They include:

• Strengthening animal fighting offences to address potential loopholes and support NSW police in addressing their links to organised crime
• New offences for:
  • leaving a dog unattended in a hot vehicle
  • using or possessing prong collars which are a discredited and painful dog training tool that is currently illegal to import
  • possessing glue traps that are already illegal to set in NSW
• Strengthening enforcement powers and penalties to send clear signals to perpetrators of animal cruelty
• Removing barriers to humane intervention in critical situations – allowing POCTAA inspectors to administer pain relief to animals where necessary and allowing appropriately trained Local Land Services personal to euthanise animals in emergencies.

Feedback from the community strongly indicates a desire for this modernisation of the state’s animal welfare laws.

The Government will discuss these proposed changes with key stakeholders and expects to present a bill to Parliament in the first half of 2026.

The proposals are part of the Minns Government’s commitment to delivering important animal welfare reforms and build on achievements already delivered over the last two years including:

• Banned puppy farms by passing legislation in 2024
• Delivered over $25.3 million in funding across 2024-26 for approved charitable organisations to carry out animal welfare enforcement activities
• Improved financial and performance reporting for approved charitable organisations receiving taxpayer funds to carry out animal welfare enforcement
• Reformed legislation to prevent people convicted of animal cruelty offences from keeping and breeding animals

The NSW Government is ensuring modern, evidence-based animal welfare laws are in place and supports effective enforcement of the laws and regulations.

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

“The Minns Government is committed to protecting animals from harm and promoting their welfare.

These proposed changes mark the most significant reform to the state’s animal welfare laws in years, delivering modern legislation that reflects contemporary community expectations.

“Leaving dogs in locked cars on hot days is not acceptable, and neither is the use of collars with prongs that spike into the necks of puppies and dogs.

“I’ve heard firsthand community views that put expectations on our government to take action and set these matters right.

“Fair minded people and industry stakeholders are requesting improved compliance and enforcement of animal welfare laws.

“There has been a significant volume of feedback from the public on animal welfare and that feedback has informed the policy positions we have set out.

“Now we are getting on with the job of drafting a bill to change the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.”

Animal Welfare League NSW chief executive officer Stephen Albin said:

“These proposed new laws address significant gaps in animal welfare.

“This package of proposed laws addresses some of the worst examples of animal cruelty

“Laws for leaving a dog in a hot car and using prong collars are critical – they are two examples of animal cruelty that require legal action given the harm they cause.

“Our inspectors on the front line are often called out to animals in distress, and it is important that they can provide pain relief.

“Our inspectors also spend a lot of time educating people about animal welfare, but the new laws provide much-needed new powers to deal with the worst cases and offenders.”

Lyn Brown, member of the DOGS NSW Media & Government Legislation Committee said:

“As the peak body representing all canines, we are supportive of positive welfare outcomes for all animals.

“DOGS NSW supports law changes that promise to deliver added protections for animals by setting clear expectations on acceptable practices pertinent to leaving dogs in hot cars, the use of prong collars, and measures to strengthen animal fighting offences by addressing potential loopholes.

“We are looking forward to continuing to be part of the deliberations and look forward to seeing them become law.”

A glittering lineup of performers are set to grace the stage for the NSW Seniors Festival Premier’s Gala Concerts at Darling Harbour.

Free tickets to the concerts, billed as a highlight of the Seniors Festival, will be available to all New South Wales Seniors from Tuesday 27 January. The theme for the 2026 NSW Seniors Festival is ‘Live life in colour’. 

Internationally acclaimed talent Dami Im, celebrated singer Nathan Foley, beloved entertainer Jay Laga’aia, rising star Olivia Fox and powerhouse performer Tarryn Stokes will round out the lineup and deliver spectacular entertainment.

Four performances will be held at the TikTok Entertainment Centre Darling Harbour (formerly ICC Sydney Theatre) on 11 and 12 March at 11am and 2.45pm.

Concerts will be live streamed to ensure seniors unable to attend in person can still enjoy festivities.

Last year, the Premier’s Gala Concerts sold out with close to 32,000 tickets issued.

PREMIER’S GALA CONCERTS

Location: Tik Tok Entertainment Centre (formerly ICC Sydney Theatre), Darling Harbour

Dates: 11 and 12 March

Times: 11am and 2.45pm

The NSW Seniors Festival Expo will also be returning in 2026 with exhibitors offering services and support to seniors, including interactive workshops, food and fitness tips.

Free tickets for the Premier’s Gala Concerts will be available from 9am on 27 January 2026 at: https://seniorsfestival.info/galaconcert  

Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison said:

“The Premier’s Gala Concerts always generate significant excitement from seniors across New South Wales and this year’s event is shaping up to be unforgettable.

“Older people in New South Wales make an outstanding contribution to our communities and these concerts are about giving back and valuing them.

“The Seniors Festival expo is only a stone’s throw away from the concerts, with exhibitors offering everything from health and travel information to hands-on activities, technology support, and creative workshops.”

Dami Im, performer said:

“I’m absolutely thrilled to be part of this year’s Premier’s Gala Concerts. The NSW Seniors Festival is such a special occasion, and I’m excited to perform for this beautiful audience. It’s going to be a wonderful couple of days filled with music, fun, and celebration!”

Jay Laga’aia, performer said:

“What an exciting time of the year! Seniors are such a valuable part of our community and it’s an honour to bring joy to so many at the Premier’s Gala Concerts. We’ve got amazing performers, a brilliant band, beautiful dancers, and more. I can’t wait to bring a little old school vibe to a beautiful gathering.”

Sydney is now home to the world’s best fish market following the Minns Labor Government completing the new Sydney Fish Market that officially opens for business today.

Rising from the water on Sydney Harbour, the new Fish Market is the third major landmark on Sydney Harbour joining the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, and is set to attract more than six million local and international visitors each year.

This globally recognised architectural marvel combines world leading engineering with state-of-the-art technology bringing together a fully operational wholesale fish market, where retail, dining, education and public space all come together under the one spectacular fish scale inspired roof.

Seafood lovers, fishers and the broader community can now enjoy double the retail space of the old fish market, with the spectacular new building offering 40 food and retail operators, from casual takeaway to premium waterfront restaurants.

The new Sydney Fish Market also includes modern facilities for wholesalers including ice-making systems capable of producing more than 50,000 kilograms of ice daily, live crustacean tanks, and a brand-new auction room, visible to the public.

In addition to the building, the precinct features 6,000 square metres of public domain including a water play art feature, creative installations and a waterfront promenade where locals and visitors can connect, relax or stroll through.

Additional light rail services will support the new Sydney Fish Market with even more public transport options to follow, including a new ferry wharf, upgrades to Wentworth Park light rail and the upcoming metro at Pyrmont.

The Minns Labor Government has also partnered with Mirvac to revitalise the old fish market site at Blackwattle Bay, where 1,400 new homes will be built, along with 2.6 hectares of public space as well as a new promenade completing the 15 kilometre foreshore walk from Rozelle Bay to Woolloomooloo.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“Today Sydney opens the doors to what is undoubtedly the best fish market in the world — a new iconic Sydney landmark rising straight out of our harbour, showcasing world-class Australian seafood that gives locals and visitors another must-see destination in our city.”

“The old fish market attracted around three million visitors a year, and we expect this new one to double that to more than six million, making it a magnet for tourism, jobs and spending, and a powerful boost for the NSW economy.”

“It will be boosted by a new ferry service, additional light rail services and a brand new metro station at Pyrmont, all while unlocking huge public spaces and 1,400 new homes on the old fish market site.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“With a unique mix of wholesalers, retail and dining all housed in a state of the art building the new Sydney Fish Market is a landmark and world leading destination you simply can’t miss.

“Whether you’re a foodie, fisher or architecture enthusiast Sydney Fish Market has something for everyone from fresh seafood, to take-away fish and chips,  fine dining overlooking the Western Harbour and opens up fantastic new public spaces for the community to relax and enjoy.

“The new facility also helps to unlock more housing, with the old fish market site already rezoned to enable the delivery of 1400 new water front homes.”

Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty said

“The new Sydney Fish Market is a magnificent development that will give an enormous boost to the NSW commercial seafood industry.

“For years to come will support the more than 1000, mostly small family businesses, that make up our commercial seafood industry.

“This market represents the future, showcasing our state’s seafood to the world and it is a powerful platform for the future of the industry.”

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“The new Sydney Fish Market is set to become one of Australia’s must‑visit destinations, ready to welcome up to six million visitors a year and deliver a major boost to Sydney’s tourism economy and jobs sector.

“As the state’s newest landmark and a striking new icon to Sydney Harbour, it is set to achieve global recognition on par with the Sydney Opera House.

“An architectural and engineering triumph, the Sydney Fish Market features state‑of‑the‑art systems, cutting‑edge facilities and a purpose‑built design that supports a fully operational wholesale and retail hub, built to serve generations of seafood lovers.

“With waterfront dining, fresh seafood experiences and vibrant public spaces, it’s designed to draw locals and travellers back time and again.”

Sydney Fish Market CEO Daniel Jarosch said:

“As of today, Sydney can proudly lay claim to the best fish market in the world.

“From watching live auctions, oyster shucking at Sydney Seafood School to tasting your way through its multitude of cuisines, the market delivers a multi-layered destination that locals and visitors will want to return to time and again.

“Beyond food and beverage, the market also features a selection of specialty retailers, adding to its dynamic and diverse atmosphere.

“The new Sydney Fish Market is a proud masthead for the Australian seafood industry, showcasing spectacular produce to the world.”