Category: NSW News

Southwest Metro is a significant step closer to opening, with the successful completion of the intensive five-week Trial Running program involving more than 130 operational scenarios.

The program tested the Southwest line under a wide range of operating conditions, including multi-agency emergency response exercises, to confirm the network can perform safely and reliably when passenger services commence.

As part of the testing there was a major emergency exercise, more than 12 months in the planning, which simulated a fire on a moving train that came to a controlled stop near Bankstown Station. The exercise involved Fire and Rescue NSW, Police and Transport for NSW resulted in the safe evacuation of around 300 volunteers.

The successful completion of Trial Running now allows the operator to continue refining systems including mechanical gap fillers and management of corridor protection in response to a range of scenarios.

In the lead up to first passenger services, testing will include running driverless trains over set periods to assess how the network performs under different operating and journey time scenarios.

As this work continues, Sydney Metro and the operator MTS will finalise documentation for the independent regulatory assessment ahead of the formal accreditation process.

At the ten upgraded stations from Marrickville to Bankstown, final completion works are underway including remaining asphalting on platforms, fencing remediation work, signage installation, along with plaza and concourse finishes.

The rigorous testing and commissioning program for Southwest Metro has been underway since the first metro train moved onto the converted line in April 2025. Since then, more than 5,800 of the required 9,000 testing hours have been completed, along with 24,235 of the required 30,000 kilometres of testing.

To support opening preparations, there will be a number of planned closures of the M1 line in the coming weeks. These include:

• Sunday 6 September – full line closure
• Monday 7 September and Wednesday 9 September – overnight closures from 10pm
• Sunday 13 September – full line closure
• Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September – between Chatswood and Sydenham

Replacement buses will operate between Tallawong and Chatswood during relevant closure periods, with customers able to connect to Sydney Trains services from Chatswood into the city.

Acting Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:

“This is a significant step towards bringing world-class metro services to communities in South-West Sydney.

“This testing puts training and procedures to the test in a realistic environment before passengers begin using the new metro.

“I want to thank the local communities who have been incredibly patient while their existing train line was converted. The experience in the North West and City shows that this will be worth the wait.

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“This is a big step forward that demonstrates the Southwest Metro can move into its final operational readiness testing ahead of opening.

“Over the coming weeks, the operators will continue working on key operational issues including gap filling on platforms and corridor protection. These are some of the unique challenges that have come with the conversion of a 130-year-old above ground rail line.

“Now that trial running is complete we look forward to continuing the work with the independent regulators, and providing a firmer guide on the opening timeline, as we get closer to final accreditation.”

Sophie Cotsis MP, State Member for Canterbury

“The end of trial running means we are another step closer to delivering transformational infrastructure that will change the lives of people across Canterbury and Sydney’s inner south west.

“The Southwest Metro will provide local families, workers and students direct connections and faster public transport to jobs, education and tourism across Sydney.

“Our community has patiently waited for the completion of this project, and it is so exciting to see the final stages of testing successfully completed as we move closer to opening day.”

Member for Summer Hill Jo Haylen said:

“We are getting incredibly close to saying goodbye to the pink buses and hello to Southwest Metro. Our metro staff are working hard to make sure everything is running smoothly and, most importantly, safely for passengers before services begin.

“I know how much our communities have been looking forward to this, and we’re nearly at the point where they can jump on board and enjoy better connections, easier journeys and more time back in their day.”

Kylie Wilkinson MP, State Member for East Hills

“For my community, particularly those in the north of my electorate, the Metro will provide new opportunities to connect with other parts of Sydney and make travelling across the city easier.

“Thorough testing across a range of different scenarios is an integral part of making sure the service is safe, reliable and ready for the community when it opens.

NSW Premier Chris Minns and Treasurer Daniel Mookhey have continued the NSW Government’s official visit to India, pushing for more Indian investment in NSW and new opportunities for NSW businesses in technology, critical minerals, tourism and other fast-growing industries.

NSW is only at the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the potential of the economic relationship with India, with significant opportunities to grow investment and trade.

The visit has already delivered new opportunities for NSW-developed technology, exporters and creative industries, while opening discussions with some of India’s biggest companies about investment in NSW.

The Premier and Treasurer met senior executives from NMDC, NTPC Mining, Hindustan Copper Limited and Coal India to discuss Indian investment in NSW’s critical minerals sector and opportunities for NSW to supply the minerals needed by India’s growing manufacturing economy.

The meetings focused on NSW’s significant deposits of critical minerals and the state’s mining expertise, technology, strong safety standards and stable investment environment.

Earlier, the Premier and Treasurer witnessed the signing of an agreement between Transport for NSW’s Sydney Coordinated Adaptive Traffic System (SCATS) and HCLTech to explore using AI to make NSW-developed traffic technology easier to use across India’s diverse language markets.

SCATS is already used around the world and the partnership creates an opportunity to sell more NSW-owned technology into India, generating revenue that can be reinvested in transport back home.

The economic program follows meetings with senior Indian political leaders on the first day of the mission, including Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.  

A reception hosted by Australia’s High Commissioner to India, His Excellency Mr Philip Green OAM, brought together government representatives, business leaders and NSW exporters.

During the evening, the Premier announced the internationally renowned Jaipur Literature Festival will be hosted at Powerhouse Parramatta in August 2027, bringing writers and cultural figures from Australia, India and around the world to Western Sydney.

The reception also marked the launch of 14 NSW food, beverage and consumer brands into the Indian market, connecting NSW businesses with importers and distributors in one of the world’s fastest-growing consumer markets.

Also announced was The Indian Cowboy, a new feature film to be set and filmed in NSW, produced and directed by NSW filmmaker Anupam Sharma and written by Victoria McIntyre Wharfe, with Satish Sharma as co-producer from India. The film tells the story of Bobby Cash, India’s country music singer whose international career took off after performing at the Tamworth Country Music Festival.

Alongside the economic program, the delegation visited Gurudwara Bangla Sahib and Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple, reflecting the strong connections between India and the Sikh and Hindu communities in NSW.

The official mission will now continue in Mumbai, with further business, investment, education and government engagements.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“We’re just at the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the opportunities between NSW and India.”

“India is growing quickly and there are huge opportunities for NSW in critical minerals, technology, education and tourism, but we have to work for it. We have to be here making the case for NSW.

“NSW has the minerals India needs, world-class mining expertise and the safety, environmental and legal standards that major investors are looking for.

“We want Indian companies investing in NSW, and we want NSW businesses taking their technology and expertise into this enormous market.

“SCATS is a great example. It’s NSW technology already being used around the world and there’s a real opportunity to take it further in India.

“And we start with a huge advantage, with more than 200,000 Indian-born people call NSW home and those family, cultural and business connections give us a head start that other places would love to have.”

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“It’s clear from being here, just how ambitious India is. This is a country that wants to grow and wants to grow fast.”

“With 1.4 billion people, demand isn’t the problem. The opportunity for NSW is supplying what this growing economy needs, whether that’s critical minerals, technology, education or tourism.

“NSW has a lot of expertise to offer and India is looking to Australia as a trusted partner.

“SCATS is one of those great NSW success stories that most people probably don’t know about. We own world-leading traffic technology and we’re already selling it around the world.

“If we can sell more NSW-owned technology into cities like Delhi and Mumbai, that’s more revenue we can put back into better transport at home.

Australian High Commissioner to India Philip Green OAM said:

“The relationship between Australia and India continues to grow in strength and depth, supported by strong business, education, community and cultural connections.

“NSW plays a vital role in that relationship, and this mission demonstrates the breadth of opportunities available through closer collaboration between India and New South Wales.” 

The Minns Labor Government is doubling the Christmas cheer this festive season with the popular Seniors Regional Christmas Concerts set to hit the stage across south-east NSW.

For the first time since launching in 2013, the Seniors Regional Christmas Concerts will tour six regional communities this year from 24 November to 9 December. Last year, Seniors Regional Christmas Concerts were held in three communities.

Free concerts will be performed at venues across Dubbo, Gunnedah, Narrabri, Cooma, Bega and Batemans Bay with a combined capacity for more than 2000 seniors to enjoy the shows.

Featuring Glen Innes-born country music artist Darren Coggan and his indie songwriter daughter Olivia, this year’s concerts will evoke a Country Meets Christmas vibe. 

The family duo will blend their country music flair with traditional Christmas favourites in a 90-minute show guaranteed to inspire audiences to sing along in delight.

Guests will be treated to a selection of renowned songs including Take me Home, Country Roads from John Denver, Happy Xmas from John Lennon and some of Darren Coggan’s own masterpieces like Always Believe in Love and This Christmas.

Free local concerts will be held at:

• Bega Valley Commemorative Civic Centre at Zingel Place on Tuesday, 8 December at 11am
• Yuin Theatre at Bay Pavilions on Wednesday, 9 December at 11am

Tickets will be available online from 9am on Tuesday, 8 September and can be booked at: nsw.gov.au/arts-and-culture/seniors-festival/whats-on/christmas-concerts

Group bookings for 10 to 20 people are encouraged from aged care facilities, retirement villages, seniors social groups and additional seniors organisations.

High demand for tickets is expected, and locals are encouraged to apply fast to avoid disappointment.

The Seniors Regional Christmas Concerts form part of the NSW Seniors Festival series of events this year.

The 2027 NSW Seniors Festival will run from 1 March to 14 March under the theme Discover. Connect. Celebrate! 

The NSW Seniors Festival is a key initiative targeted to strengthen social inclusion and celebrate the contribution of seniors across the state.

Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison said:

“Seniors across south-east NSW make an outstanding contribution to their community and the Regional Seniors Christmas Concerts is the NSW Government’s Christmas gift to them.

“The feedback from seniors who attend these concerts each year is overwhelmingly positive, which is why we are spreading the joy far and wide by doubling the number of concerts this year to six regional communities.

“We are excited to see Christmas celebrations kick off early and I encourage local seniors to join in the festivities and sing along.”

Performer Darren Coggan said:

“The love of Christmas is family and what a beautiful gift it will be for me to share the stage and harness all the whimsical magic of the Australian Christmas season with my daughter Olivia on this wonderful tour.

“There has always been something infinitely special about Christmas in our house, a cherished time of togetherness, catching up with friends, family and those whom we hold close.

“We hope to bring that same sense of joy and reflection to the stage in these Country Meets Christmas concerts, performing for seniors across regional NSW.”

Member for Bega Michael Holland said:

“Christmas is a wonderful time to come together, and I’m delighted that seniors across my electorate have the opportunity to enjoy two fantastic concerts in Bega and Batemans Bay.

“The annual concerts are always a wonderful celebration, and I know local seniors are looking forward to an amazing morning of great music, laughter and Christmas spirit.

“It’s also fantastic to see the Regional Seniors Christmas Concerts expanding from three communities to six this year, ensuring more seniors across regional NSW can share in the festivities.

“I encourage everybody to get in early and secure their tickets. With Darren Coggan and his daughter Olivia bringing their Country Meets Christmas shows to our region, it promises to be a terrific celebration of the festive season.”

The number of entertainment precincts in NSW has now reached 12, with Cronulla the latest community to boost its night-time economy by extending trading hours and relaxing noise settings in its CBD.

Commencing today the new precinct includes the bars, pubs, cafes, restaurants, clubs and shops between Gerale Street and Wilbar Avenue, and supports Sutherland Council’s vision to extend daytime visitation into night-time activity and deliver more vibrant entertainment options like the popular Cronulla Jazz and Blues Festival.

Since the Minns Labor Government came to office Special Entertainment Precincts have been established in Tamworth, Dulwich Hill, Marrickville, Balmain, Leichardt, Rozelle, Marrickville, Canley Vale and Canley Heights.

Over 20 more councils are preparing to establish entertainment precincts including Goulburn, Burwood, Parramatta, City of Sydney, Ryde, Hornsby, Northern Beaches, Waverley and Canterbury-Bankstown.

Following community consultation on trading hours and sound settings, all Special Entertainment Precincts begin with a 12-month trial, giving the community opportunity to monitor impacts, provide feedback and make changes ahead of any precincts being made permanent.

Sutherland Shire Council received $187,000 funding under the NSW Government’s SEP Kickstart Grant program to establish a SEP trial in the Cronulla CBD.

Since coming to office in 2023, the Minns Labor Government has introduced three tranches of vibrancy reforms that have banned single-neighbour noise complaints, reformed the noise complaints system, enable outdoor activation and removed unnecessary regulations that increased the cost and administrative burden for hospitality operators and decreased the enjoyment of patrons.

Live music is at the centre of the night-time economy revival with more than 596 venues now taking up the government’s extended trading hours for programming music, which is almost four times the number of venues than when the government took office

For more information, visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/business-and-economy/office-of-24-hour-economy-commissioner/vibrancy-reforms/seps

Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham said:

“Already one of Sydney’s best day time destinations, Cronulla’s night-time economy will start to catch up, as it becomes the state’s first ever beachside Special Entertainment Precinct.

“Congratulations to Sutherland Shire Council for all the consultation and planning they’ve done to set up this precinct and boost their night-time economy.

“We’ve come a long way since the lockouts and lockdowns. We now have 12 Special Entertainment Precincts and many more on the way.”

24-Hour Economy Commissioner Michael Rodrigues said:

“The great thing about the Special Entertainment Precinct model is that it has been designed to be adaptable to different settings. Councils are best placed to work out what makes sense in their context.

“Cronulla is well placed to embrace a SEP trial and encourage visitors and locals to visit the beach and stay for the nightlife.

“Consultation is key, and this trial will help Sutherland Shire Council work with local businesses, creatives, residents, police and other local leaders to get the settings right.”

Sutherland Shire Council mayor Jack Boyd said:

“Cronulla is already one of the best places in New South Wales to enjoy a meal, catch up with friends, listen to live music or spend time by the beach, and is also the only beach with direct train access, and this trial gives us the opportunity to build on those strengths.

“As NSW’s first beachside Special Entertainment Precinct, Cronulla is leading the way in showing how a thriving night-time economy can coexist with a great lifestyle, strong local businesses and a vibrant community.

“This important initiative will provide local businesses with greater certainty and opportunities to grow while creating more reasons for residents and visitors to stay local and enjoy everything Cronulla has to offer after dark.

“Importantly, this is a 12-month trial. We will closely monitor its implementation and any unintended impacts to ensure the precinct continues to deliver positive outcomes for businesses, patrons and residents alike.”

Another damning NSW Ombudsman report has exposed that the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) routinely closed reports about unborn children suspected to be at risk of significant harm after birth because it had “no capacity to allocate” a caseworker.
 
Shadow Minister for Families and Communities, Natasha Maclaren‑Jones, said Minister Kate Washington has presided over scandal after scandal and is now failing expectant parents and unborn children by allowing pre‑natal risk reports to be logged and ignored.
 
“Just months after the Ombudsman exposed DCJ for closing hundreds of thousands of ROSH reports because it had no capacity, we now find that when it comes to pre‑natal reports, the pattern is even more disturbing, warnings about unborn children are being logged, and close because there is no caseworker.” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said
 
“The Minister has lost sight of the purpose of pre‑natal reporting. She has failed unborn children at the very point early intervention is meant to occur, because she has failed to properly resource the child protection system.”
 
“Pre‑natal reporting exists to connect families with support before a crisis and due to under resourcing by the Minister thousands of reports were closed without allocation or referrals to support services. This is not child protection.”
 
“Minister Washington must end these unlawful practices immediately and ensure there are enough caseworkers to assess and support vulnerable expectant parents and unborn children.”
 
The report, The Department of Communities and Justice’s practice of responding to pre-natal reports, found DCJ routinely closed pre-natal reports due to “no capacity to allocate”, failed to consistently refer expectant parents to support services, and unlawfully made child protection determinations before children were even born.
 
In 2023–24, DCJ received 5,007 pre‑natal reports. Of these, 37% were closed due to “no capacity to allocate”. Nearly half of those screened as risk of significant harm were also closed for the same reason.
 
The report can be accessed here: https://www.ombo.nsw.gov.au/reports/report-to-parliament/final-report-dcj-management-of-pre-natal-reports

The collapse of more than 1,500 NSW construction businesses in the past financial year is further evidence that the Minns Labor Government’s taxes and charges are making it harder to build the homes NSW needs.
 
While ASIC data shows 1,540 NSW construction firms became insolvent, industry leaders warn that 98 per cent of developments in the pipeline are not being financed.
 
Leader of the Opposition Kellie Sloane said the Minns Labor Government will also not meet its National Housing Accord target until March 2032, almost three years late.
 
“Businesses are drowning in taxes and charges under Labor, and construction companies are collapsing while NSW falls further behind on housing,” Ms Sloane said.
 
“How many more Bathla style collapses will it take before Chris Minns takes action to reduce state government fees, taxes, and charges in the construction sector?”
 
“NSW needs business tax settings that reward growth, investment and job creation, which is exactly what our payroll tax reforms are designed to deliver.”
 
Shadow Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Chris Rath said Labor’s approach was making housing projects increasingly unviable.
 
“Industry leaders are warning that projects in the areas where homes are needed most simply do not stack up, yet the Minns Labor Government continues to pile on taxes and charges including its $13,000 tax on every new home in Greater Sydney,” Mr Rath said.
 
“Every building company that closes means jobs lost, projects abandoned and fewer homes for families already struggling with the housing crisis.”
 
“Labor could’ve addressed their taxes and charges in the recent budget, but they should at least be announcing much needed relief today.”
 
The Liberals and Nationals have a clear and decisive plan to boost housing supply and invest in infrastructure across NSW. It includes:

• Pausing Labor’s $13,000 tax on every new home until 30 June 2029.
• Cutting payroll tax rates for small and medium construction businesses.
• Working with communities to develop tailored local plans for housing.
• Repurposing the Long Bay Jail site for 12,000 new homes.
• State-led rezoning in Erskineville, Macdonaldtown, Newtown and St Peters for over 10,000 new homes.
• Delivering the Camellia-Rosehill Place Strategy for a further 10,000 new homes.
• Negotiating a new Western Sydney City Deal to provide a long-term plan that delivers the essential infrastructure our growing city needs.

This week, 10 highly skilled Intensive Care Paramedics (ICPs) have been deployed across NSW after successfully completing a 27-week specialist training program, further strengthening the state’s frontline critical care capability.

Throughout the program, the ICPs undertook education and supervised clinical training, building the advanced knowledge and practical skills required to provide specialist care to some of the state’s most critically ill and injured patients.

As specialist emergency clinicians, ICPs are trained to perform complex medical procedures in challenging, high-pressure environments. Their role requires exceptional clinical judgement, technical expertise and close collaboration with other emergency services and healthcare professionals.

ICPs are qualified to deliver advanced airway management and provide life-saving interventions for patients suffering severe trauma, brain injuries, major cardiac emergencies and other life-threatening conditions that require advanced pre-hospital care.

These specialist paramedics come from various locations across the state, including Alice Hollowood, who has spent most of her nine-year career serving regional communities in the Hunter New England area after relocating from the Sunshine Coast to join NSW Ambulance.

The Minns Labor Government is rebuilding essential services by recruiting more health staff, including paramedics, doctors, nurses, and allied health workers.

There are currently 878 trained ICPs operating across NSW, 431 of which are in regional areas of the state.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“Becoming an Intensive Care Paramedic is a significant achievement that reflects years of dedication, resilience and clinical excellence.

“These clinicians have developed the advanced skills needed to care for our most critically ill and seriously injured patients, and they should be incredibly proud of what they have accomplished.

“Our health system grows stronger with the addition of these highly trained specialist paramedics.”

NSW Ambulance Interim Chief Executive Clare Beech:

“These clinicians are now equipped to provide a broader range of advanced interventions, improving outcomes for patients experiencing the most serious medical emergencies and traumatic injuries.

“Their expertise not only benefits patients but also strengthens the capability of our frontline workforce through clinical leadership, mentoring and collaboration.

“I am incredibly proud to welcome these new specialist paramedics, providing world class skills that contribute to better patient outcomes.”

Intensive Care Paramedic Alice Hollowood:

“Completing this course has been a highlight of my career so far. I have gained invaluable skills, formed lasting friendships with colleagues who supported each other every step of the way, and have been lucky enough to share the experience with my best mate.”

“I wanted to challenge myself to take the next step in my career and pursue training to become an intensive care paramedic. Working in regional areas has shown me how important advanced clinical skills truly are, and I wanted to be able to provide that high level of care.”

The NSW Government has referred emerging forms of combat and collision sports to the NSW Parliamentary Standing Committee on Social Issues for inquiry. The inquiry will examine whether NSW’s regulatory framework is keeping pace with emerging activities and whether the Combat Sports Act 2013 (NSW) remains fit for purpose.

The referral comes as new and emerging forms of combat and collision-based activities gain attention in Australia, including bareknuckle boxing, power slap and other formats.

Recent reports of organised underground and backyard fight events in NSW have also highlighted questions about whether existing laws are able to effectively regulate these activities and protect participants.

The Committee will consider:

• whether emerging activities including collision sports, bareknuckle boxing and power slap should be characterised and regulated as combat sports, or another category, to ensure appropriate participant protections and public safety;
• whether the Combat Sports Act 2013 (NSW) remains suitable to regulate emerging activities, underground fight clubs and other comparable activities;
• regulatory approaches adopted in other Australian and international jurisdictions;
• legislative and regulatory reforms needed to improve participant safety, strengthen harm minimisation and ensure appropriate oversight;
• reforms needed to improve the investigation and regulation of organised underground and backyard fight clubs, including activities that seek to circumvent the Combat Sports Act 2013 (NSW); and
• any other related matter.

The inquiry will provide an opportunity to consider whether changes are needed to ensure NSW has a clear and effective regulatory framework as new forms of combat and collision-based activities emerge.

Submissions to the inquiry can be made via the NSW Parliament website here.

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“We need to make sure our laws keep pace with the way collision and combat sports are evolving.

“This inquiry will look at the activities emerging in NSW, how they are regulated elsewhere and whether our current framework provides the protections participants and the community expect.

“Importantly, it will also examine underground and backyard fight clubs and whether organisers are finding ways around existing regulation.

“The safety of participants and the public must remain the priority of how we regulate combat sports in NSW.”

The Minns Labor Government is backing live music and local businesses in Wollongong, with major event funding confirmed for Yours & Owls Festival for a second year.

More than 15,000 music fans are expected to descend on Wollongong over the October long weekend, bringing millions of dollars in spending to the city’s pubs, restaurants, hotels and local businesses.

Over 80 artists will take over Flagstaff Hill and venues across the city, with G Flip, Ball Park Music and PNAU on the bill, alongside an Australian-exclusive appearance from bbno$.

The two-day festival is expected to inject more than $4 million into the local visitor economy.

It’s a huge evolution for an event that started as a small community festival in 2014.

The Minns Labor Government is backing Yours & Owls as it continues that growth, helping turn a home-grown Wollongong festival into an event capable of attracting music fans from across Australia.

Yours & Owls has previously received support through the Destination NSW-managed Regional Event Fund and is now receiving major event funding for the second year, along with support from Sound NSW’s Contemporary Music Festival Viability Fund.

The investment is part of the Minns Labor Government’s push to build a strong calendar of major events across NSW, supporting live music while giving people more reasons to visit regional communities and spend with local businesses.

And Wollongong is showing exactly why that investment matters.

The city hosted 26 major events in 2025-26, attracting more than 42,800 visitors and generating $41.4 million in direct economic impact.

Destination NSW-supported events in Wollongong in 2026 include the Women’s NSW Open Championship, Wings Over Shellharbour and the Rugby League World Cup.

Yours & Owls Festival will take place from 3-4 October 2026 at Flagstaff Hill and venues across Wollongong. For more information and to book tickets, go to the Yours and Owls Festival website.

Minister for the Illawarra and South Coast and Member for Keira Ryan Park:

“Yours & Owls is a great example of what can happen when a home-grown festival is given the opportunity to grow. What started as a small community event is now attracting some of Australia’s biggest artists and thousands of visitors from across the country.

“Labor is proud to be backing the festival for a second year and helping put Wollongong on the map as a destination for live music and major events.

“With more than 15,000 people expected to attend and more than $4 million forecast to flow into the local visitor economy, this is about supporting the vibrancy of our city and creating opportunities for local businesses.

Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper:

“Labor backs live music, and we back events that bring people into our regional cities and put money through the doors of local businesses.

“Yours & Owls is a great Wollongong success story. It started as a small community festival and has grown into a major event attracting thousands of music fans to the Illawarra.

“When 15,000 people come into town for a festival, they’re not just buying a ticket. They’re booking hotel rooms, grabbing dinner, heading to the pub and spending with local businesses.

“That’s why the Minns Labor Government is backing events like Yours & Owls. They create a great weekend for music fans while supporting local jobs and businesses at the same time.

Member for Wollongong Paul Scully:

”The Yours & Owls Festival has grown from a backyard idea into one of the best weekends on the calendar for our city, and this is something the whole community can be proud of.

“Locals know what this festival means for our city. It fills our pubs, cafes and hotels, it gives our hospitality workers a boost, and it shows off everything that makes Wollongong a great place to live and visit.

“I want to thank Adam, Ben and the Yours & Owls team for everything they do to bring this festival to life, and I encourage everyone in Wollongong to get behind it and show our visitors why this is such a special part of the world – I’ve already bought my ticket.

Member for Heathcote Maryanne Stuart:

“Yours & Owls has become one of the Illawarra’s biggest entertainment drawcards, bringing thousands of visitors into the region.

The major event funding helps the festival keep growing while boosting the local economy through the increase in visitor spending during the festival.

It’s a major win for the whole Illawarra community, strengthening the region’s reputation as a home for major events, and offering an opportunity for our amazing local Illawarra artists to showcase their talent.

For local artists, Yours & Owls is a springboard to national and international stages, helping them reach new audiences and build their careers.”

Adam Smith, Director of Yours & Owls:

“Yours & Owls has always been about bringing great live music to Wollongong and giving people another reason to visit our city.

We’re incredibly grateful for the NSW Government’s continued support in helping us do that.

This year we’re excited to bring together an incredible lineup and welcome music fans from across NSW and Australia to Wollongong for a huge weekend of live music over the October long weekend”

From Trundle to Tambar Springs, and Broken Hill to Bourke, the NSW Government has provided almost 300 quality new homes in regional communities that need them most, helping ease staffing pressures and support essential services across NSW.

Housing is the number one issue for the people of New South Wales, which is why the Minns Labor Government is building more homes to buy and rent right across the state.

The $165 million Key Worker Housing (KWH) Program is delivering vital accommodation for teachers and police officers in more than 90 regional towns, including some of the most remote areas in the state.

Working in partnership with the Department of Education and the NSW Police Force, Homes NSW is delivering 221 teacher homes and 69 police homes, with more than 80 per cent of the homes already complete.

By partnering with local builders and suppliers, the program has injected more than $55 million into regional economies across the state.

Innovation has also been at the forefront of the program, with Homes NSW using Modern Methods of Construction to build 58 of the 290 homes, helping deliver teacher and police housing faster and more efficiently in some of NSW’s most remote and hard-to-reach communities.

With the final projects in the program now underway, Homes NSW has begun consulting with key agencies and Government departments to identify future housing needs and ensure communities continue to have the housing infrastructure needed to attract and retain essential workers.

This work complements the Minns Labor Government’s historic $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW program, which is delivering 8,400 new public homes, 21,000 affordable and market homes, and upgrades to 30,000 existing social housing properties across NSW.

Deputy Premier of New South Wales and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“Ensuring public schools in regional communities have the teachers they need is essential to providing students with the high-quality education they deserve, right where they live.

“Supporting teachers in regional NSW wasn’t a priority for the Nationals and Liberals, whose hands-off approach to regional education left communities playing catch-up.

“The Minns Labor Government is reversing that approach and building modern, affordable homes to help reduce teacher vacancies across regional NSW.”

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:

“NSW Police officers do an incredible job serving regional communities, and they deserve access to safe, secure and affordable housing wherever they are posted.

“When we invest in housing for police officers, we’re investing in safer communities. This program is helping regional towns attract and keep the officers who work every day to keep local people safe.

“This is just one of the ways we are helping to rebuild the NSW Police across regional areas; our investments in housing, coupled with our ‘Be a cop in your hometown’ initiative are helping to make Regional NSW safer by ensuring more boots on the ground.”

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“This program not only houses essential police and teachers but injects millions of dollars into regional economies with funds flowing to local builders and suppliers.

“The use of new innovative methods to get the housing delivered quicker and more cost effectively demonstrates our regional businesses and workers are highly skilled and driving solutions for our statewide housing issues.”

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:   

“Regional communities are struggling to attract and retain essential workers, and housing is a big part of the challenge. You can’t recruit police officers and teachers if there’s nowhere for them to live. That’s why this program is so important.

“To deliver 290 homes teacher and police homes across regional NSW in just over four years, including in some of the most remote parts of the state, is a significant achievement and shows what’s possible when government invests in the infrastructure communities need.

“With the final projects now locked in, we’re working with agencies across government to make sure we continue to deliver much-needed housing in regional communities that attracts and keeps these key workers they heavily rely on.”