Category: NSW News

The NSW Innovation and Productivity Council has outlined a set of recommendations to gain more value from the state’s thriving innovation sector and to better measure the effectiveness of government support.

While the report finds that innovation ecosystems help lower the risks for startups, there’s much more to do when it comes to understanding effective ways to support them.

Accelerating NSW: the impact of coworking spaces, accelerators, incubators, and startup hubs (CAISH entities) finds that NSW is already the centre of the nation’s startup economy.

Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology Anoulack Chanthivong said the report was a welcome contribution.

“We have a thriving community of innovators and their supporters in NSW, with a 325 per cent increase since 2013.

“NSW now has a vibrant ecosystem of innovators.

“Not enough has been done to measure their value or to examine if there are more cost-effective ways to support this part of the economy.

“While the NSW Government wants to support an environment that lets entrepreneurs learn and grow, it’s important that we can be confident that the infrastructure and programs are delivering results.

“We look forward to working with the sector to build an evidence base that measures the effectiveness of public and private interventions in this space.”

The framework can be applied to NSW Government funded programs and CAISH entities and will be integrated into the Council’s NSW Innovation and Productivity Scorecard to provide estimates on the value of CAISH entities to the NSW economy.

Council Chair Charlie Taylor said that despite significant growth in startups and support organisations over the last two decades, there is limited understanding of their impact and value to the economy.

“For the first time ever, we’ve been able to map all of NSW’s CAISH entities, and through the 64 interviews and 27 case studies conducted for the report, paint a comprehensive picture of the state’s CAISH ecosystem,” Mr Taylor said.

“Using the new framework developed by the Council in partnership with experts from the University of Technology Sydney, we can utilise data to measure the impact of these entities and their programs, to effectively measure their success and identify areas for potential improvement.”

The Council report can be viewed online. launch

All bus drivers will be able to travel for free on public transport, as part of a major overhaul by the NSW Government to support the industry and improve services by incentivising more drivers to get behind the wheel.

The NSW Government is moving forward in delivering another of the key recommendations of the Bus Industry Taskforce Interim Report, which called for action to support driver recruitment and retention, including free Opal cards for workers.

Transport for NSW is now consulting with operators, employees and unions on the rollout of these cards, which drivers and other workers will be able to use to travel across the Opal-enabled public transport network and access all staff facilities on the Opal network throughout their shift.

This will ensure bus drivers have public transport travel benefits in line with Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink employees. Consultation will take place over the coming months.

Last month, the NSW Government kicked off a new recruitment campaign in an effort to address the bus driver shortage to help improve reliability for passengers. 

Since the start of the recruitment drive, around 450 new bus driver authorities have been issued and there have been more than 56,000 visits to the Transport for NSW recruitment webpagelaunch.

The NSW Government has already made it quicker, easier, and cheaper for drivers to get their bus driver authority by waiving the $70 application fee for the next 12 months.

Bus operators are also working to recruit more drivers, with incentives like referral bonuses of up to $6,000 and reimbursing driver onboarding costs – such as the cost of Driver Authority training and licence upgrades.

Transport Minister Jo Haylen said: 

“We’re giving bus drivers a ticket to ride, with a staff Opal card so they can travel for free on the public transport network.”

“We are doing everything we can to attract new bus drivers and support our current workforce in NSW.”

“This is a no-brainer. We are taking action to address a key recommendation out of the Bus Industry Taskforce’s interim Report and support our hard-working frontline staff.”

“Drivers and operational staff like our mechanics have told us this is what they want, and we’re going to deliver on it.”

“Staff will be able to use these cards to travel across the Opal-enabled public transport network, including to and from work, and to access other facilities like train station bathrooms while they’re out on the road.”

“We want drivers to be able to comfortably take breaks between shifts, before getting back on the road and fulfilling their vital roles connecting the community.”

“The Bus Industry Taskforce will consult with employees, unions and operators over the coming months to help ensure a smooth rollout of the cards.”

“The rollout of these cards will mean every bus and train driver will be able to travel freely on the public transport network they proudly operate every day.”

The NSW Government is delivering on its commitment to get Maitland moving again by investing $15 million into the next stage of the Thornton rail bridge duplication.

After 12 years of a Liberal-National Government prioritising building massive toll roads in Sydney at the expense of regional roads, the Minns Government is determined to get important infrastructure projects back on track.

This funding will kick off initial works and planning to duplicate the rail bridge at Thornton.

When delivered, the project will ease congestion and expand access to Thornton Road which offers a flood-free route for local residents during natural disasters.

Over the next 20 years, it’s expected Maitland will experience an increase of nearly 7000 residents and 3500 jobs, making it the fastest growing regional city in NSW.

The NSW Government is focused on providing a safe and reliable road network to this fast-growing East Maitland area to keep pace with growth.

The NSW Government will begin consultation with community members and key stakeholders over some key issues including tie in points to the north and the south of the bridge, construction over an operational rail line, utility, and property impacts.

The duplication project initially started under the former Labor Government. The former Liberal-National Government gave many commitments that the project would be delivered but it never fully eventuated.

Instead, the former government removed the cap on development north of the bridge, allowing more homes to be built in the Thornton and Chisholm without committing more funding to regional infrastructure.

The NSW Government is determined to end the failed promises of past governments and deliver for regional NSW.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“The NSW Government is determined to end the previous government’s legacy of letting regional infrastructure fall behind while prioritising toll roads in Sydney.

“The NSW Government is delivering on our commitment to take the Thornton rail bridge duplication to the next stage and finally get the wheels turning on this much-needed project.

“Thornton and the surrounding areas are key to the Maitland region’s success. We must invest in key infrastructure projects to support a growing area of regional significance.

“Over the next 20 years it’s estimated we will see an increase of nearly 7000 residents and 3500 jobs, which is why we need to start work now to ensure traffic flows smoothly.

“I’m pleased to be able to be here in Thornton today, to show locals the Minns Labor government delivers on its promises.”

NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison said:

“Today’s announcement is the culmination of the hard work we’ve done to ensure Thornton residents will enjoy smooth and safe travel in future.

“NSW Labor committed $15 million during the election towards planning and early works for the duplication of Thornton rail bridge.

“This is just 1 of the many vital road projects that the former government failed to complete in 12 years. In fact, the Liberals and Nationals removed the cap on developments in Thornton North and Chisholm to enable them to avoid this essential work for more than a decade.”

“The precinct is so congested during peak periods and flooding that it may as well double as a bumper-to-bumper car park sometimes.

“This will be a game changer for essential workers who are constantly stuck in traffic and are spending hours in the car to get to work, education and medical appointments.

“As 1 of the flood-free routes connecting the northern parts of Maitland to the M1, Pacific Highway and the Hunter Expressway, the duplication of this bridge is vital for our community.

NSW Regional and Western NSW Minister Tara Moriarty said:

“This announcement is the first step in delivering a crucial infrastructure project to the Thornton region to ensure the area continues to thrive as it grows into the future.

“Over the last few years, we’ve seen people flock from the cities to our regions, with this trend continuing it’s important that we invest in projects like this that support connectivity across regional and rural NSW.

“The NSW Government will continue to invest in projects just like the Thornton rail bridge duplication to ensure that as our regions continue to grow, they have the infrastructure they need to thrive and stay connected.”

The NSW Government is unveiling the Tomaree Coastal Walk, showcasing the magnificent coastline of Tomaree National Park and offering a 27km walking adventure in the heart of Port Stephens.

The $6.7 million project funded by the NSW Government will enhance tourist opportunities in the Port Stephens region beyond the traditional summer season and encourage visitors to experience new sections of Tomaree National Park.

Tomaree Head already attracts over 300,000 visitors per year and this upgrade will significantly improve the visitor experience, allowing more people to enjoy this spectacular area comfortably and safely. 

The Tomaree Coastal Walk will offer these outdoor adventurers a multi-day experience, turning day-trips into overnight stays, and providing a boost to local tourism and hospitality businesses, including cafes, restaurants, and accommodation providers.

The Tomaree Coastal Walk is the latest in a network of national park upgrades being established in NSW national parks, as part of a plan to transform the state into a bushwalking attraction for domestic and international visitors.

The central focus of the Tomaree Coastal Walk project is to create a continuous track linking Tomaree Head to Birubi Point.

The walk has been carefully designed and constructed so a wider range of people can access and enjoy the beauty of the Port Stephens coast. The upgrades allow wheelchair and mobility restriction.

Starting at Tomaree Head, with unparalleled views of idyllic Port Stephens and its coastline, the multi-day walk hugs the coastline of the national park, guiding visitors across rock ledges, along secluded beaches and through angophora forests via boardwalks and easy-to-navigate walking tracks.

Visitors can do self-guided walks of the entire route or tackle shorter sections of track in any direction, supported by expanded parking along the length of the walk.

The Tomaree Coastal Walk traverses the traditional lands of the Worimi people, an ancient volcanic landscape that has unique cultural, natural and historic values.

New lookouts offer panoramic views of the ocean, as well as providing ideal spots for whale watching during the annual migration of Humpback whales along Australia’s east coast.

Upgraded visitor precincts include improved parking, seating, stairs and walkways, as well as signage and artwork celebrating the cultural heritage of Worimi Country.

Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:

“This new Coastal Walk add to the NSW Government’s deep commitment to showcasing our state’s spectacular natural beauty and boost tourism in our regional communities.

“This enhancement of Tomaree National Park adds another breathtaking experience befitting this region’s fantastic landscape and our state’s environmental character.

“The Coastal Walk will entice local and tourists to come and enjoy the natural surrounds while taking the opportunity to stay overnight at local accommodation, dine in local restaurants and stop by local cafes. It’s a win-win for visitors and local businesses.

“We’re excited to see this project boost the region’s tourism economy and for visitors to enjoy this new iconic coastal experience.”

Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe said:

“The new Tomaree Coastal Walk will provide a first-class nature-based tourism attraction for Port Stephens, promote the natural and Aboriginal cultural heritage of Tomaree National Park, and build a valued legacy for future generations.

“This area is steeped in history, with ancient volcanic peaks, deep and on-going connection with Worimi People, rich World War 2 heritage, whales, wildflowers, and wildlife just waiting to be discovered.

“Offering a series of short, half- or multi-day walk options, walkers can choose their own adventure, with a range of accommodation options available in nearby coastal villages.

“As we enter spring, now it’s the perfect time to lace up your walking shoes and hit the trails of the Tomaree Coastal Walk.”

Minister for Families and Communities and Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington said:

“Tomaree National Park is one of the most special places in Port Stephens, and on the planet!

“From the iconic headland to the sensational sand dunes which are part of the culturally significant Worimi Conservation Lands, the Tomaree Coastal Walk transports you somewhere stunning at every turn.

“Locals and visitors alike, will absolutely fall in love with our amazing new Tomaree Coastal Walk.”

Related information

• Tomaree Coastal Walklauncheast
• Walks Near Meeast

The Secretary for Digital and the NSW Department of Customer Service, Emma Hogan, will leave her role with the NSW Government later this year. 

Miss Hogan joined the NSW Government as the Public Service Commissioner in May 2018 and was appointed as Secretary of the Department in October 2019.

Miss Hogan will remain in the role until the end of November, unless a new Secretary is appointed earlier.  

Minister for Customer Service Jihad Dib said:

“Emma Hogan has led the department through a period of significant challenges in NSW, including natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“Through her time as Secretary, she has demonstrated her absolute commitment to delivering digital innovation and improved customer outcomes for the NSW community.”

“The NSW Government thanks Miss Hogan for her skill, service and dedication in leading the Customer Service team, and I am personally grateful for her assistance during this transition to the Minns Labor Government. I wish her all the very best for the future.”

Secretary Emma Hogan said: 

“It has been the greatest privilege of my professional career to have worked for NSW.”

“After 4 years as Secretary, I have decided the time is right to step aside, take a break, and make space for a change of leadership and some fresh energy during the next era for the department.”  

“I couldn’t be prouder to have worked with my 13,000 teammates across the department during some unprecedented times, and I’m excited to see what they do next for and with our community under our new government’s agenda.”  

Flood-impacted medium-size businesses across the central west and southern NSW can now apply for up to $200,000 in support through a jointly-funded Albanese and Minns Government grant program, delivered by Service NSW.

The Medium Business Support Grant is available to business and non-profit organisations with more than 20 and less than 200 full-time equivalent employees who were directly impacted by storms and floods from August to September 2022.

Funds can be used to help offset the costs of recovery and re-establishing a business, including for safety inspections, building repairs, cleaning equipment, materials needed to resume trade, disposing of debris and spoiled stock or leasing temporary space.

The Medium Business Support Grant will be available in the local government areas (LGAs) of Balranald, Berrigan, Bogan, Bourke, Brewarrina, Cabonne, Carrathool, Central Darling, Cobar, Cowra, Dubbo Regional, Edward River, Federation, Forbes, Griffith, Gunnedah, Hay, Junee, Lachlan, Leeton, Moree Plains, Murray River, Murrumbidgee, Narrabri, Narrandera, Parkes, Wagga Wagga, Walgett, Warren, Warrumbungle and Wentworth.

The grant is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

For more information and to apply, visit the Service NSWlaunch website or call Service NSW on 13 77 88launch.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt said:

“By expanding the Medium Business Support Grant to an additional 31 flood-affected LGAs, both levels of government are directly supporting flood-affected businesses to get back on their feet and help with the costs of clean-up.

“We know that these businesses play an important role in driving regional economies. Supporting them to get back up and running as soon as possible will benefit the broader community.

“This support is now available, and we encourage businesses to apply.”

Minister for Regional NSW and Western NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“From Dubbo to Bourke and Wentworth to Wagga Wagga, the Medium Business Support Grant will deliver more support and security for businesses and communities across the central west and southern NSW to reopen or continue operating through the recovery process.

“We know how badly regional communities have been impacted by storms and floods and this grant will complement the support already available to small businesses, primary producers and non-profit organisations and help get local economies moving again.”

NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib:

“The NSW Government is committed to the long-term recovery of flood-affected communities and the $200,000 Medium Business Support Grant will help ensure these businesses bounce back stronger than ever.

“Service NSW business concierge staff will be proactively reaching out to business owners to provide support with applications and help ensure funds are provided where they are needed as quickly as possible.”

The NSW Government has begun work to deliver a heavy vehicle rest area in Sydney for truck drivers to rest, park, shower and access services.

Currently there are very limited rest areas that are fit for purpose for truck drivers between Pheasants Nest to the south of Sydney and Wyong to the north – a distance of 180km and nearly 2 hours driving.

There are other minor rest areas that provide single direction opportunity to stop but have limited facilities, including some with no toilet and wash facilities or capacity to host larger trucks.

This means truck drivers need to take significant detours off the motorways in order to take a break.

The NSW Government is calling for feedback from the freight industry and truck drivers to inform the development of the new proposed rest area for Western Sydney. This area will provide heavy vehicle drivers with a safe and accessible area to rest as part of their journey.

Roads are the workplace for heavy vehicle drivers, and rest areas are important facilities that support driver wellbeing and compliance with mandatory rest breaks.

Options for a rest area are being considered across 6 local government areas: Blacktown City, Penrith City, Fairfield City, Liverpool City, Camden and Campbelltown City.

Transport for NSW will be engaging with the road freight industry and heavy vehicle drivers, including the potential location, services and facilities, as well as consideration of oversize and dangerous goods requirements.

Heavy vehicle drivers and the road freight industry are invited to participate in an online survey to provide their insights and advice.

Have your saylaunch. Consultation will be open until Sunday 1 October 2023. 

The NSW Legislative Council Transport and Arts Committee has also commenced a parliamentary inquiry into pressures on heavy vehicle drivers. The inquiry will explicitly consider how these pressures impact on the use of rest areas and other fatigue management practices.

To make a submission to the parliamentary inquiry visit the NSW Parliamentlaunch website.

Submissions to the inquiry will be accepted until Monday 18 September 2023.

NSW Minister for Roads John Graham said:

“Truck drivers have said to me Sydney is the least friendly city for truckies on the east coast. That’s partly because there is nowhere to rest. We are determined to change that.

“We are committed to providing a new heavy vehicle rest area in Sydney for truckies travelling the 2 hours between Pheasants Nest and Wyong.

“Truckies are the backbone of our economy; we all rely on our goods getting to us in a timely, efficient, and safe manner.

“Current arrangements are simply not good enough for drivers, and we are working with the industry to do better.

“The Western Sydney area needs more parking facilities so our truckies can rest, stage their longer journeys, or if they are early for their timeslot and simply need a place to park.”

Member of the Transport and Arts Committee Dr Sarah Kaine MLC said:

“The parliamentary inquiry is examining the pressures on heavy vehicle drivers. This is a critical issue as freight volume are expected to rise 56% by 2061 in Greater Sydney alone.

“There has been decades-long research into the relationship between pay and conditions and wellbeing of heavy vehicle drivers and mortality rates, for not just heavy vehicle drivers but also other road users. Understanding the pressures on heavy vehicle drivers in NSW is a step in the right direction to decreasing the fatalities in this industry, and our community.”

“This year alone there have been 28 fatal vehicle crashes resulting in 40 fatalities in NSW. A large body of established research shows the wellbeing and pay and conditions of truck drivers is intimately linked to safe driving and reducing fatalities on our roads – providing adequate rest areas has an important part to play in the wellbeing of drivers.

“We look forward to helping shape a positive way forward for drivers and the industry.

“Western Sydney is the perfect spot to service the industry due to its proximity to major freight routes across Sydney, connecting the north-south, east-west axis between ports and where freight needs to go.

“A new rest stop would remove semi-trailers parked in Western Sydney streets and would also provide essential facilities between Pheasants Nest and Wyong where there are limited rest stops for truckies.”

Related information

• Have your say: Western Sydney heavy vehicle rest arealauncheast
• Heavy vehicle parliamentary inquiry | Parliament of NSWlauncheast

downloadDownload as PDFprintPrint this pages

The Minns Labor Government is giving more time back to teachers and principals to focus on helping their students in the classroom by scrapping the need to re-demonstrate their accreditation practice to the regulator every 5 years.

The burdensome task of accreditation maintenance will be simplified under the changes, bringing NSW into line with other states and territories. From November, teachers will simply need to declare to the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA), that they have completed the required professional development aligned to the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers.

Principals will no longer need to sign off on a teacher’s practice every 5 years under the revamp, but schools must continue to notify NESA if they have determined a teacher fails to meet the necessary Australian Professional Standards for Teachers.

The move is part of the Minns Labor Government’s drive to ensure teachers in government, Catholic and independent schools are spending more time teaching and less time on administrative tasks.

Since coming to office the Government has halved more than 70 mandated changes to policies and processes in public schools, put on hold new pilots, and hired more than 400 new administrative staff to relieve teachers of some of the tasks that were taking them away from the classroom.

Teachers still need to complete the 100 hours of professional development every 5 years. Completing professional development ensures teachers are up to date with relevant content, skills and pedagogy, and supports their professional growth.

The changes place a greater emphasis on the importance of ongoing professional development and recognise that fully accredited teachers are qualified, meet child safety requirements and have already met tough standards to be accredited.

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

“It is vital that we set high benchmarks for teachers entering the profession, but once they are in the classroom we also play a role in ensuring they want to stay. Removing unnecessary tasks from teachers’ to-do lists is one way we are doing that.

“Under the previous Liberal National Government teachers were overburdened with admin tasks which took them away from what their core role – to bring education alive in the classroom.

“This is sensible policy that is based on respect for the profession, where appropriate verification and standards are in place.

“We want teachers who have already demonstrated they meet rigorous standards to focus on doing their job – not spending unnecessary extra hours proving that they are doing it.”

The Minns Government has taken a significant step forward in delivering its commitment to repair the budget to help rebuild essential services by signing a memorandum of understanding with the NSW Nurses and Midwives Association to progress the roll-out of Safe Staffing Levels in NSW public hospitals, starting with emergency departments. The implementation of Safe Staffing Levels means more nurses and midwives working in our hospitals.

This is a once-in-a-generation long-term reform to how we deliver essential hospital services and will be rolled out in staged way working with frontline workers and their representatives.

As part of this staged approach, Safe Staffing Levels will be implemented across emergency departments, intensive care units, maternity services, regional and community hospitals, and wards currently covered by the existing Nursing Hours Per Patient Day system.

Safe Staffing Levels will improve health outcomes, reduce waiting times, take pressure off NSW hospitals and help retain experienced nurses and midwives in the NSW Health workforce.

This is another step in the Minns Government’s plan to turn around 12 years of Liberal National Government neglect that saw the on-time commencement of treatment in NSW Emergency Departments fall to all-time record lows just last year (BHI April to June 2022) – with commencement of on-time treatment (combined figure across all triage categories) at just 62.8%.

The MOU sets out an agreement for both parties to work in good faith to develop a process and timeframe to implement Safe Staffing Levels, which will be enshrined in the Public Health System Nurses’ and Midwives’ (State) Award. It also includes important principles around data sharing and access to information.

The MOU builds on the Minns Government’s announcement in April of the Safe Staffing Levels Taskforce to chart a pathway forward on this major reform.

The Minns Government has committed to hiring an additional 1200 nurses and midwives during our first term in order to implement this important reform in our hospitals.

These changes build on the NSW Government’s abolition of the wages cap for frontline workers, delivering the largest pay increase for the workforce in over a decade.

We can make these important changes to support frontline workers because the Minns Labor Government is making the difficult but responsible decisions with spending.

NSW faces rampant inflation, rising interest rates and the largest debt in the state’s history, but we are committed to ensuring that the state is prepared to get on top of these challenges.

It’s why the Minns Labor government is setting out a long-term plan to gradually repair the budget in a sustainable way, to reprioritise spending to where it is needed most, and to rebuild the essential services that we all rely on.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“We made a promise to the people of NSW to implement Safe Staffing Levels in NSW public hospitals, and that’s exactly what we’re delivering.

“This will make a world of difference for health workers like Suzie who I met in Penrith. She became a midwife after a career change but was already burnt out as a result of understaffing on her shifts.

“Our government is getting on with the job of implementing our commitment to repair the budget while rebuilding our essential services.”

NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“By managing our finances responsibly, we can deliver the essential healthcare services our community deserves and reinvest in our frontline workers.

“The former government left NSW with a record level of debt and more than $7 billion worth of promises they could not pay for.

“The Minns Labor Government is making the prudent and necessary decisions to fix the fiscal mess left by the former government and ensure we can fund the essential services people rely on.”

Health Minister Ryan Park said:

“We are focussed on fixing wait times for healthcare and improving health outcomes for our community.

“We are also committed to supporting the more than 53,000 nurses and midwives who form the backbone of the NSW health system.

“Safe Staffing Levels will support better health outcomes for patients while also attracting and retaining more skilled nurses and midwives in the NSW health system.”

Nominations for the 2024 NSW Women of the Year Awards open today.

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said the NSW Government was looking for the most empowering and inspiring women and girls in the state.

“These awards recognise the invaluable contribution to community, industry and society that women in NSW have made through their hard work, dedication and passion. The awards honour our inspirational women with the recognition they truly deserve,” Minister Harrison said.

“We want to continue to empower the next generation of young women to be limitless in delivering positive changes through fortitude in their fields of expertise. We can only achieve this by shining a light on the contributions and achievements of women in our communities.”

The annual awards will put the spotlight on women and girls whose determination, bravery, skill and passion should be celebrated and shared, inspiring others to achieve great things. They celebrate the role models who challenge inequality, innovate and inspire.

The 2024 award categories are:

• Premier’s NSW Woman of Excellence
• NSW Community Hero
• NSW Young Woman of the Year
• NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year.

Nominations are also open to recognise and honour young girls in the Ones to Watch Showcase. It will put the spotlight on the rising stars of our community, showcasing 10 exemplary young girls between the ages of 7 to 15 years old.

Minister Harrison said: “The Ones to Watch showcase will spotlight the next generation of inspiring young women by recognising the potential, resilience and determination of girls who are shaping the future.”

The winners of the awards will be announced at the NSW Women of the Year Awards ceremony on 7 March 2024 as part of NSW Women’s Week 2024. Nominate someone now.

Nominations close 11:59pm, Sunday 8 October.

Where are they now? Spotlight on 2023 Winners

Premier’s Award and Aboriginal Woman of the Year Award winner, Lynda Edwards

Since winning the 2023 Premier’s Award for Woman of the Year and Aboriginal Woman of the Year Award, Lynda Edwards, has dedicated her time to volunteering and advocating for fairness, inclusion and the financial rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The awards have opened opportunities for Ms Edwards to continue to advocate for improvement in the way financial services engage with, assist and support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

“The awards gave me a better platform with which to talk about financial literacy in our communities. Not only with key stakeholders and politicians but also with the general community,” Ms Edwards said

“Since the awards, I have had many requests for speaking opportunities, such as the Ruby Hutchison Lecture in Sydney and a National Indigenous Consumer Strategy (NICS) meeting, attended by ACCC, ASIC, and the state and territory fair trading agencies on how regulators can work most effectively with financial counsellors.

“It is important that we recognise women in our communities. No matter how big or how small, or how hard or easy it is, almost everything a woman does for her family or community makes a huge difference.

“By acknowledging our women, we are letting our women, and also our communities, know that they are valued and important. We are setting the scene for many women and girls in the future.”

One to Watch winner, Haniya Syed

Haniya Syed continues to advocate for and inspire girls to consider STEM studies, including recently delivering a robotics club at her school and competing at a robotics competition for the First Tech Challenge. Ms Syed continues to excel in her technological expertise, recently releasing a first prototype that aids the dental health of children.

“I encourage everyone who knows a remarkable young woman to nominate them for the One to Watch Showcase. This showcase is excellent in acknowledging their work, achievements, and contributions, as it is perfect in inspiring and supporting them to do more for the future,” Ms Syed said.

“It is important to acknowledge the contributions and achievements of girls in NSW for empowerment, promoting gender equality, and overcoming stereotypes to create a more inclusive community that promotes women in STEM.”

Community Hero Award winner, Mary Hollingworth

Mary Hollingworth was Chair of the NSW Rural Women’s Gathering and a long-time volunteer with the Rural Women’s Network. She is an active member of multiple organisations and has delivered hundreds of events in regional NSW.

Ms Hollingworth said her award has opened new pathways to further volunteer work through a range of women’s conferences, speaking opportunities and deepening links with valuable community networks.

“The Community Hero Award validates the role of willing, dedicated community volunteers, especially in rural areas. This acknowledgment has given me confidence in the ongoing role of volunteers in the wider community,” Ms Hollingworth said.

“So many wonderful women contribute willingly and generously every day through NSW. They are mostly flying under the radar, unappreciated and rarely acknowledged.”

Young Women of the Year Award winner, Chanel Contos

Leader of the Teach Us Consent movement, Chanel Contos said winning the award gave her the opportunity to spread her work across borders, working with state and federal governments in Australia and with teachers internationally.

Her grassroots education in schools aims to significantly reduce sexual violence towards young girls and women. Her new book, ‘Consent Laid Bare’, will be released next month.

“I have continued to work closely with governments at a state and federal level to eradicate normalised sexual violence. I have also had the opportunity to present the work that has been going on in Australia at some schools in the UK and at teacher conferences in London,” Ms Contos said.

“Almost all the work I do aims to amplify the voices of young women, so I felt privileged to be recognised in such a special way. Women and young girls often involve themselves in community action, social good and volunteering with little to no recognition or pay for this extra work. Young women are such a passionate group who deserve to have their voices amplified.”