Category: NSW News

The Minns Labor Government’s EV strategy is a step backward for New South Wales and does nothing to safeguard the state against future fuel shocks.
 
Labor has put forward a carbon copy of the strategy put forward by the Liberal and Nationals when in Government but has walked away from the previous target of 30,000 chargers and has cut overall investment.
 
Opposition Leader, Kellie Sloane, said the Minns Labor Government has done nothing for the last three years.
 
“This is yet another example of Labor playing catch-up. Without a long-term plan we can’t safeguard against global shocks meaning families, households and businesses pay the price,” Ms Sloane said.
 
“This is not a strategy. It is a smokescreen. A classic Minns Labor Government attempt to distract from three years of missed opportunities on EV infrastructure while families are paying through the nose at the bowser.”
 
“The Liberals and Nationals have put forward a proposal to protect NSW against future shocks by looking at additional fuel storage and domestic fuel production which the Minns Labor Government could back today.”
 
Shadow Minister for Energy and Climate Change, James Griffin, said Labor had recycled Liberals and Nationals initiatives such as transitioning the bus fleet and installing chargers at commuter carparks.
 
“They have taken the Coalition’s world-class framework, committed less funding, and dumped the ambitious targets that would have actually moved the needle for NSW drivers,” Mr Griffin said.  
 
“In 2023, we promised 30,000 chargers by this year. Labor has delivered barely 10 per cent of that figure. This isn’t a strategy; it’s another example of this lazy government being caught out.”
 
“Labor hasn’t had a new idea on electric vehicles in three years.”

Today we pause to remember the six innocent lives taken at Westfield Bondi Junction two years since the senseless tragedy.
 
We continue to remember Jade Young, Dawn Singleton, Ashlee Good, Pikria Darchia, Yixuan Cheng, and Faraz Tahir and extend our love to all those who live with the trauma of that day.
 
With the pain still raw, today will not be easy for many families, survivors, first responders and those that were at the shopping centre that day. It is important they know New South Wales has not forgotten them.
 
We welcome the decision by Governor-General Sam Mostyn to recognise Silas Despréaux, Ashlee Good, Damien Jean Guerot, Detective Inspector Amy Scott, Muhammad Taha, Faraz Tahir, Noel McLaughlin and Catherine Ann Molihan.
 
These eight extraordinary human beings showed us the very best of humanity. Their recognition is deserved and will long be remembered.
 
There is no right way to mark this day. What matters is that as a community, we continue to support one another through it, that is what Bondi showed us two years ago, and it is what carries us forward.

NSW motorists have wasted no time stepping up as Bowser Busters, with consumer intelligence now turbocharging NSW Fair Trading’s fairer fuel price compliance blitz.

The Minns Labor Government kicked off Bowser Busters’ less than two weeks ago and it has been responsible for a significant uptick in Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) being issued to service stations each day.  Reports submitted by motorists through FuelCheck about price mismatches between FuelCheck and the bowser are rapidly translating into enforcement outcomes.

Since 18 March, NSW Fair Trading has carried out over 2,300 field inspections and re-inspections covering around 90% of the state, and has issued over 140 PINs. This includes around 90 PINs issued by inspectors in the field for matters relating to price mismatches, failures to comply with information requirements and service stations found not registered with FuelCheck.

Meanwhile, Bowser Busters have supported inspectors to issue a further 57 PINs since 30 March, including 56 for price mismatching and one other station not registered with FuelCheck – sending a strong signal that the state’s five million motorists are backing NSW Fair Trading inspectors’ effort to deliver fair fuel pricing. Bowser Busters has already doubled NSW Fair Trading’s enforcement outcomes when it comes to price mismatching.

For retailers who fail to meet their obligations, the message remains clear, with on-the-spot fines of $1,100 and court penalties of up to $110,000 applying depending on the offence.

With motorists supporting NSW Fair Trading by having eyes and ears on the ground, inspectors are now able to spend less time travelling and more time taking enforcement action, helping to improve fuel price transparency and prevent repeat breaches.

FuelCheck remains central to the program, with around 350,000 motorists using the platform each day to confidently check prices, track availability and ensure the price they see is the price they pay.

On-the-ground and desktop compliance inspections will continue to occur seven days a week to maximize coverage and presence in every corner of the state. NSW Fair Trading will also continue to re-inspect sites demonstrating abnormal or misleading behaviour.

To explore FuelCheck, please visit: www.fuelcheck.nsw.gov.au/app

Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“The Minns Labor Government knows families are feeling the pressure with petrol prices adding to the cost of living during these uncertain times.

“Our NSW Fair Trading inspectors are out on the ground every day checking service stations are not charging more at the pump than the price they put on FuelCheck.

“With Bowser Busters we have over five million motorists backing our inspectors on every street and road across the state.

“Misleading motorists is never acceptable, and Bowser Busters has supercharged our crackdown on inaccurate pricing.

“Our message to service stations is simple: do the wrong thing and you will be caught.”

NSW Fair Trading Commissioner Natasha Mann said:

“This milestone shows what’s possible when motorists, industry and government all work together for the same goal of transparency at the bowser, especially at a time when every dollar counts for families.”

“Our Bowser Busters are making a real difference by using FuelCheck to stay informed and speak up when something doesn’t look right, proving fairness works best when everyone takes part.

“I want to thank the many service station operators who are doing the right thing every day, updating prices accurately and working constructively with inspectors to keep fuel pricing fair.”

The Minns Labor Government has confirmed that Western Sydney and Hunter football fans, will be able to enjoy a full-strength beer as they watch the action unfold.

Previously, fans attending venues in Western Sydney and the Hunter could only buy mid-strength beer, while fans at the Sydney Cricket Ground and Allianz Stadium in Moore Park could buy full strength beer.

The Labor Member for Riverstone, Warren Kirby MP launched a campaign to change this, calling out how unfair this “East versus West” divide is.

Following the Member for Riverstone’s campaign, the Minns Labor Government’s undertook a six-month trial into the service of full-strength beer which was held during last year’s NRL and A-Leagues seasons.

It was the first time since 2011 that full-strength beer had been served at Accor Stadium, while CommBank Stadium had only served mid-strength beer in general admission areas since it opened in 2018.

At the two Western Sydney venues, last year’s trial saw intoxication as a percentage of attendance remain steady at 0.013%, despite a near 13% increase in crowds year-on-year.

Following consultation with NSW Police and sport and entertainment partners, patrons will be able to purchase a maximum of four full-strength beers per transaction.

Bars in general admission areas at Accor and CommBank stadiums will officially be stocked with full-strength, mid-strength and zero-alcohol beer this footy season.

The service of full-strength beer will also continue at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle and WIN Stadium and WIN Entertainment Centres in Wollongong.

Attendees of major events are encouraged to drink responsibly and make appropriate travel arrangements, to always have a Plan B and to make the most of public transport included with all event tickets to Accor and CommBank stadiums.

Minister for Sport and Tourism said:

“All footy fans are winners this weekend with bars in general admission areas to stock full-strength beer all-season long.

“This is a commonsense decision and it’s about time fans get a choice of full-strength, mid, light and zero-alcohol beer while cheering on their team at the footy.”

Venues NSW CEO Kerrie Mather said:

“Its important patrons have a choice and access to a variety of food and beverage options while attending events at our venues and now they can.

“Delivering the best event day experience remains our key priority, and we can continue to do so through valuable feedback from our fans.”

Member for Riverstone Warren Kirby said:

“This is great news for sports fans who love beer equality as much as they love a full-strength beer.

“It’s a credit to the Minister for Sport and the Premier who both recognised the injustice that was being experienced by fans in Western Sydney stadiums and acted swiftly to ensure everyone is being treated equally when it comes to buying beer.

“Congratulations to the many fans who came out to support the campaign for equal beer rights at all Venues NSW stadiums – Cheers!

Almost a million public transport passengers are getting a much more convenient way to claim their concession, pensioner or seniors fares – and their lower weekly cap – under a digital upgrade to the Opal network.

Concession Opal or Gold Senior/Pensioner Opal fares can currently only be accessed by tapping on with a physical Opal concession card.

In many cases, those eligible to claim a concession fare are instead using contactless payments for the convenience and forgoing the discount.

Under changes announced today by the Minns Labor Government, 40,000 TAFE students and apprentices, 130,000 university students and jobseekers and 800,000 seniors and pensioners, will soon be able link a credit or debit card to their travel concession to enjoy discounted fares using their phone, watch or digital device.

Modelling by Transport for NSW, predicts 70 per cent of TAFE and university students, apprentices and jobseekers will use contactless concessions and between 30-40 per cent of seniors and pensioners.

The upgrades will be rolled out gradually from 16 April.

Amid higher petrol prices and other cost-of-living pressures, there has been a recent spike in public transport patronage, and this upgrade will make it easier for seniors, pensioners and concessions to access the reduced fares they are entitled to claim.

Adult fares are capped at $50 weekly, Concessions and Child/Youth at $25, and a $2.50 daily cap is in place for Senior/Pensioner travellers – meaning once you hit those caps, your trips are free.

On Fridays, weekends, public holidays and outside peak times, fares are 30 per cent cheaper on metro, train, bus and light rail services.

Table of Opal fares for Adult and Concession holders:

	Daily Fare Cap		Weekly Fare Cap
Card Type	Mon-Thu	Fri-Sun & Public holidays
Children 3 and under	Free	Free	Free
Child/Youth	$9.65	$4.80	$25.00
Concession	$9.65	$4.80	$25.00
Adult	$19.30	$9.65	$50.00
Senior	$2.50	$2.50	$17.50

The upgrades are part of the NSW Government’s major public transport ticketing overhaul – Opal Next Gen.

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“As cost-of-living pressures bite hard, and more people are using the public transport system, this is a timely tech innovation that will make getting through the ticket gates or past the Opal reader that much more convenient for close to a million people and help them save on fares.

“Our modelling suggests the majority of apprentices, university and TAFE students and jobseekers will switch to contactless concessions which shows the appetite out there for digital payments.

“The daily and weekly fare caps are a very real saving for passengers on our network. Adults don’t pay more than $50 a week, concession fares are capped at $25, and seniors don’t pay more than $2.50 a day – or $17.50 a week if they travel seven days a week.”

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said:

“This is a practical change that will make a real difference to thousands of TAFE and university students and apprentices across NSW. When you’re studying, training or starting out in your career every dollar counts and this upgrade makes it easier to access the concessions people are entitled to.

“Our government is focused on making life easier and more affordable for people gaining skills and training for the jobs of the future. This is a smart and modern reform that puts convenience and cost savings directly into the hands of students and apprentices.”

Transport for NSW Secretary Josh Murray said:

“This is an exciting upgrade that means Sydney will soon surpass other world cities like London, Paris and New York as leading the way in advanced contactless payment options for more passenger groups.

“It means 970,000 more passengers, including tertiary and TAFE students, trainees and apprentices, seniors, and pensioners will soon have the choice to tap into the ease of Contactless Concessions and ditch their physical Opal card, without losing their discount.

“We know plenty of our passengers still love their physical Opal card – and it’s not going anywhere. This is about giving people more options, so they can choose public transport more often.”

Five weeks after the closure of Victoria Pass on the Great Western Highway, the Liberals and Nationals are demanding transparency around the reopening of this critical transport corridor. 
  
Transport for NSW first reported surface damage and then structural movement at Mitchell’s Bridge, known as the Convict Causeway, in early March which led to a minimum three-month closure.  
 
Traffic has been diverted via a winding tourist drive and through the Lithgow CBD, placing significant strain on local roads and communities, with heavy traffic reported over the Easter long weekend. 
  
Opposition Leader, Kellie Sloane, said business, freight operators and residents impacted deserved timely answers. 
 
“The Minns Labor Government said they wouldn’t hold back information and yet five weeks on there is no clarity as to how long these repairs will take amid speculation it will be much longer than the three months indicated,” Ms Sloane said.  
 
“Local businesses, freight operators and residents living in the Blue Mountains and Central West deserve transparency around timelines and reassurance about what support they will receive if it is not fixed soon.” 
 
“The Great Western Highway plays a critical role in keeping goods moving to Sydney and the coast. Disrupt it, and it impacts jobs, prices and economic stability across the whole state.” 
 
Shadow Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the community’s patience has run out and they want answers. 
  
“This isn’t a minor inconvenience, it impacts locals, businesses, freight operators and families each and every day. They’re being ignored by a city-centric Labor Government which is hiding behind ‘investigations’ while real people are paying the price every single day,” Mr Toole said. 
  
“If this was Sydney, the fix would be underway. We’re a third of the way through the estimated closure period and no further ahead – no solution, no answers. Regional communities are fed up with being treated like second-class citizens.” 
 
“As commuters sit stuck in traffic, it is an important reminder that both the Federal and State Labor Governments made the decision to cut the long-planned road project through the mountains.” 
 
According to Destination NSW, Central West Tourism alone brings in around $4.9 million every single day to the Central West and supports more than 2,300 local businesses. 

The Minns Labor Government is funding and delivering better communities, with investment through the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund helping complete a $2.1 million upgrade of the Griffith Park boardwalk at Collaroy, now open to the public.

Part of the iconic Long Reef Headland coastal loop loved by walkers, families and visitors year-round and a well-known whale-watching spot. The project replaced and realigned around 110 metres of boardwalk and bridge and upgraded a 20-metre beach access ramp. The work restores a vital link previously vulnerable to storm damage and erosion, improving safety and access for the community.

Delivered by Northern Beaches Council, the project included relocating the structure further inland, along with design, site investigations and construction.

From Griffith Park and the adjacent Long Reef Headland, visitors can take in dramatic 230‑million‑year‑old red claystone cliffs, often known locally as ‘chocolate shales’, sweeping panoramic views across the Northern Beaches including Dee Why and Collaroy beaches, and at low tide, extensive rock platforms rich with fossils and marine life.

Long Reef Reserve is a popular destination for walking, whale watching and enjoying the coastline, as well as swimming and surfing. The upgraded boardwalk supports continued enjoyment of this remarkable headland for locals and visitors alike.

Crown reserves play an important role in providing access to valued public places, and the NSW Government continues to invest in maintaining and improving these shared spaces so communities can enjoy them now and into the future.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“This upgrade is a fantastic boost for the local community, making it safer and easier for people to enjoy one of the Northern Beaches’ most loved coastal walks.

“It’s great to see NSW Government funding delivering real improvements that help locals and visitors make the most of these incredible public spaces.”

Local Member for Wakehurst, Michael Ragan said:

“I am wrapped with the result and the positive feedback I’ve received thus far. A great partnership that had Council and State Govt working closely together on this worldclass destination. Glad to have played my part in delivering this for all to enjoy.”

Northern Beaches Council Mayor Sue Heins said:

“Long Reef Headland remains one of our best-loved coastal walks, and this upgrade ensures it is now safer, more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

“We have worked closely with our community and stakeholders to deliver a solution that protects the environment, honours cultural heritage, and enriches the experience for all who enjoy this stunning stretch of coastline.”

Frontline emergency care in the Northern Rivers is set for a major boost, with the location for a new purpose-built ambulance station in Lismore confirmed and plans progressing for a rebuild of the Mullumbimby ambulance station.

In 2025, the Minns Labor Government invested $9.97 million through the Infrastructure Betterment Funding Grants to build a new, flood-resilient ambulance station in Lismore. A further $3.4 million was committed to rebuild the Mullumbimby Ambulance Station on its existing site to modernise facilities and improve flood resilience.

Both stations suffered extensive structural damage during the devastating Northern Rivers floods in March 2022, the third major flood event to impact the region in a decade.

The former Lismore Ambulance Station was decommissioned after the floods, with operations temporarily located to a facility at Southern Cross University’s Lismore campus. With a long‑term land lease now secured, the new Ambulance Station will be constructed on Cynthia Wilson Drive, also within the University grounds.

A principal design consultant has been appointed to develop the design of both Ambulance Stations, with staff and key stakeholders to be consulted throughout the process.

Community members and staff will be kept informed as planning and delivery progress, with both new Ambulance Stations expected to be completed by mid-2027.

These new stations will support local NSW Ambulance paramedics to continue delivering high-quality and mobile medical care to the growing Northern Rivers communities.

Following a thorough evaluation process, new ambulance stations are built at locations which optimise ambulance response performance and meet the needs of local community.

The Infrastructure Betterment Fund is a $200 million joint initiative by the Commonwealth and NSW Governments to strengthen community resilience by investing in more durable infrastructure.

As part of the Minns Government’s Strategic Workforce and Infrastructure Team (SWIFT) program, 51 additional paramedics are now working in Northern NSW zone including 12 additional paramedics for Lismore.

The SWIFT program is delivering 30 additional ambulance stations and 2,500 additional NSW Ambulance staff, including 500 paramedics to rural and regional areas.

The third intake of the 500 regional paramedics has already started rolling out, following 125 paramedics who commenced in regional NSW last year and another 125 who began work in 2024.

Labor is making the long-term investments into recruiting more staff and building more health infrastructure, including ambulance stations, to better meet the growing health needs of our community and relieve pressure on our health system.

NSW Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“The announcement of the new Lismore Ambulance Station site and progress on the Mullumbimby Ambulance Station rebuild mark important steps in strengthening emergency care for communities in the Northern Rivers.

“These projects will deliver modern, resilient facilities that support our paramedics to provide high-quality care to communities that have endured repeated natural disasters.

“We are delivering more infrastructure and recruiting more staff, so we can continue to deliver the essential services our regional communities rely on.”

Minister for Recovery and Minister for the North Coast, Janelle Saffin:

“Securing the site on Cynthia Wilson Drive and progressing the Mullumbimby rebuild are critical  milestones in providing our community with the durable, flood-resilient infrastructure we need and deserves.

“Our paramedics have been on the frontline through this region’s toughest days, and these new stations ensure they finally have the permanent, modern facilities required to support the community.”

NSW Ambulance Interim Chief Executive, Clare Beech:

“The new Ambulance Stations at Lismore and Mullumbimby will provide first‑class workplaces for our paramedics and improve the resilience of our emergency response network.

“Investing in these health facilities ensures our teams can continue delivering safe, timely emergency care across the Northern Rivers, now and into the future.”

Millions of residents along the future Metro West line are getting their first look at stations that will help deliver reliable public transport and unlock new homes across Sydney, with the release of early design images for stations at Westmead, North Strathfield, Burwood North, Five Dock, The Bays and Hunter Street.

With major tunnelling works now complete, the focus for Metro West is turning to the construction of the train line and the stations.

Early station works will begin this month, including delivery of machinery and equipment, setting up site offices, utilities investigations and survey works. Construction is due to commence by the end of the year.

This project is about more than new stations, it is about delivering the reliable, high-capacity transport Sydney needs as the city grows.

Each station is being designed to speak to the character of the neighbourhood to create welcoming, and functional community transport hubs.

Gamuda as principal contractor with Laing O’Rourke and DT Infrastructure will build five stations of the nine stations

Architecture firms Bates Smart, SAA Architects, John McAslan + Partners, Neeson Murcutt Neille, Stewart Architecture and Aileen Sage Architects will design the five stations, with final design completion expected in early 2027.

Lendlease, Mirvac and Coombes Property Group were awarded the contract to design and construct Sydney Metro West’s flagship city station at Hunter Street. Their work will begin later this year once cavern excavation is complete.

Remaining contracts for Sydney Metro West stations at Parramatta, Sydney Olympic Park, and Pyrmont will be announced by the end of the year.

As the Minns Labor Government delivers new Metro stations, it also planning for the homes that should be built around this world-class transport network.

The new Metro West stations will form the backbone of some of the Government’s most significant rezonings and housing reforms, including:

• Bays West, delivering up to 8,500 homes on government-owned land, including a minimum of 10 per cent affordable housing
• Pyrmont, unlocking up to 7,300 new homes around Wentworth Park while delivering new multipurpose community sporting facilities for the wider precinct
• Sydney Olympic Park, delivering 15,000 homes with up to 20 per cent affordable housing
• Burwood North, delivering up to 18,000 homes around the new station, with 5–10 per cent affordable housing
• North Strathfield, supporting the Homebush Transport Oriented Development Accelerated Precinct, delivering 18,000 homes

These new stations and homes are being planned alongside new jobs, active transport links and great public spaces – building better communities and giving Western Sydney more choice in where to live and work.

When it opens in 2032 Sydney Metro West will double rail capacity between Parramatta and the Sydney CBD, moving 40,000 people an hour in each direction during the morning peak.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“Sydney Metro West is a city shaping project, which has the potential to transform the lives of millions of people by connecting them with world class transport close to where they live.

“We’re delivering an unprecendent amount of new homes along the Metro West corridor at The Bays, Burwood North, Sydney Olympic Park and North Strathfield, so that people can live very close to public transport.

“This line will transform how Sydney operates connecting two of our major work hubs the Sydney CBD and Parramatta with a 20 minute journey.”

Deputy Premier of New South Wales and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:

“For too long Western Sydney communities have taken on the lion’s share of development without much-needed local infrastructure following.

“Unveiling these brand-new designs means that we’re a step closer to better connecting Western Sydney with the CBD.

“Metro West will transform our communities bringing transport, jobs, and services close to where people live.”

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“These stations will be more than just places to catch a train, these will be gateways to their communities and the rest of the Metro West line.

“We are literally shaping the city with these stations by building tens of thousands of well located homes around them. This is the public’s first chance to get a sense of how these stations will look.

“As construction ramps up, this city-shaping project will continue creating jobs while delivering faster, more reliable metro travel for millions of people.”

Member for Strathfield Jason Yat-sen Li said:

“These new stations will be a game-changer for the Strathfield community, delivering faster, reliable connections to jobs, schools and services.”

“We are not just increasing housing supply, but creating beautiful, vibrant, well-connected communities where people want to live.”

Wagga Wagga will be on show as footy fever hits the Riverina during NRLW Magic Round in August, with tickets going on sale from today.

The 12 NRLW teams will battle it out over two days at Geohex Park in front of up to 10,000 locals and visitors and broadcast live on television and streaming services.

The Wagga Wagga NRLW Magic Round marks the second of a three-year partnership between the Minns Labor Government and the NRL, strengthening regional economies and promoting women in sport.

Following last season’s inaugural NRLW Magic Round in Newcastle, this year’s Festival of Magic will showcase Wagga Wagga and the wider Riverina to a global audience, as well as provide an economic boost to local accomodation, hospitality, tourism and retail.

The partnership between NRLW Magic Round and the NSW Government’s Make the Move campaign highlights the benefits of regional living, using the event to showcase the lifestyle and career opportunities available in regional communities.

Since 2023, the NSW Government has helped more than 6,000 essential workers and their families relocate to regional NSW, including police officers, paramedics, firefighters, teachers, doctors, nurses, veterinary, aged care, disability support and early childhood workers.

Footy fans are encouraged to support their team and use the event as an opportunity to discover more of regional NSW and enjoy what the Riverina has to offer.

As NSW’s largest inland city, Wagga Wagga goes beyond its vibrant CBD – there’s the 42 kilometre Wiradjuri walking and cycling trail which takes in part of the Murrumbidgee River, the famous Dog on the Tuckerbox at Gundagai, Sir Donald Bradman’s Birthplace Museum in Cootamundra, the Temora Aviation Museum, the Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory, the National Art Glass Collection and the Rail Heritage Station Museum.

Two-day passes go on sale to NRL football club members today, and to the general public at 10am AEST tomorrow (Friday 10 April) offering fans the opportunity to see all 6 matches with tickets available from just $58 for a family.

Full ticketing information is available at: NRL.com/tickets

NRLW Magic Round 2026 will be held at Wagga Wagga’s Geohex Park on 1-2 August.

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“I’m thrilled that Wagga Wagga is hosting the second NRLW Magic Round, after a wonderful two days of Rugby League in Newcastle last year.”

“Whether you’re a diehard Rugby League fan or an upcoming young female player, this family friendly event is sure to inspire the next generation of sporting stars.”

“Buying tickets now locks in your opportunity to see your favourite players in action, support regional communities and lock in a great weekend away.”

“Who knows, taking the opportunity to visit Wagga Wagga for a full weekend of womens rugby league while experiencing what the city and the wider Riverina has to offer could open doors for a lifestyle change.”

Minister for Sport and Tourism Steve Kamper said:

“NSW is the home of the NRL, and it’s great to see Wagga Wagga host the 2026 NRLW Magic Round, where locals and those travelling from across NSW and beyond will have the opportunity to witness the NRLW’s biggest names.”

This is a big win not just for NSW sports fans, but for our regional business community. By hosting the NRLW Magic Round in our regional centres, we’ll inject millions of extra dollars into local pubs, hotels and restaurants.”

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“Women’s sport is a driver of confidence, opportunity and equality. By travelling to regional NSW to support elite female athletes, fans are helping to elevate women’s profiles in sport and ensure young girls can see a future where their ambition is matched by opportunity.”

“When communities get behind elite women athletes, it strengthens pathways, builds belief and puts women’s sport exactly where it belongs — in the spotlight.”

Member for Wagga Wagga Dr Joe McGirr said:

“Events like this are a great way to introduce people to Wagga Wagga, and we hope fans take the time to enjoy the city, support local businesses and see why the region is such a popular destination for both visitors and residents alike.”

“I would encourage visitors to use their stay in Wagga Wagga to get out and experience the cultural attractions, retail, and selection of wonderful cafes and eateries we have in town.”

“As well as showcasing the beautiful Riverina, hosting NRLW Magic Round is a fantastic opportunity to display the capabilities we have to host elite sporting events – having a strong sporting history is something Wagga Wagga is renowned for and we are very proud to continue that legacy on a national stage.”