Category: Australian News

The Australian Government is today launching the next phase of its alcohol awareness campaign as part of efforts to help protect young Australians travelling overseas.

In partnership with DrinkWise, the youth-focused safety push, ‘Drinking? Drink Mindfully’, aims to equip school leavers with the tools to travel safely, make informed decisions about alcohol, and celebrate with confidence. 

Resources are being rolled out online, at airports and are available to schools, providing students and their parents with practical advice on topics such as moderating alcohol consumption, looking after friends, the risks of methanol poisoning and knowing what to do if things go wrong. 

As part of this partnership, Australian parents and students can expect to see:

• video content for both school-leavers and parents to support conversations around partying, drinking and celebrating safely overseas – featuring messages from the families and friends of Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, who tragically died overseas last year from methanol poisoning;
• digital advertising targeting school-leavers nationally, including at all international airports across Australia, via multiple social media platforms; and
• promotional events at Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne international airports to reach young people as they depart for popular overseas Schoolies.

This will also be supported by broader Smartraveller activities including:

• release of new Schoolies ‘cheat sheets’ tailored to popular destinations for school-leavers on the Smartraveller Partying Safely Hub;
• in-flight videos onboard Jetstar international flights from December, delivering key safety messages as school leavers head overseas; and
• youth media engagement and partnerships with other non-government organisations such as Schoolies.com and Unleashed travel.

We want young people to enjoy their experience but to stay vigilant. Watch your mates and watch your drinks. And please travel safe over summer.

Visit Smartraveller.gov.au to check travel advice, explore the Partying Safely Hub, and access resources.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong:

“As we approach one year since the tragic deaths of Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, we are reminded of the dangers that can confront young people when travelling abroad.

“We want every young Australian celebrating Schoolies, whether here at home or overseas, to have the tools to do so safely.”

Minister for Education Jason Clare: 

“Schoolies is a time to celebrate the end of school and the hard work it took to get here.

“You’ve earned it but you’ve also got to look out for yourself and your mates. That’s what this campaign is about. Having fun and staying safe.

“We know the sense of freedom at the end of school can sometimes lead to risky choices, especially when alcohol is involved.

“My Department has shared these resources with our State and Territory counterparts. I encourage schools, students and parents to take a look at them.

“We want the end of school to be remembered for the right reasons.”

Assistant Foreign Minister Matt Thistlethwaite:

“We know Schoolies is an exciting time for young Australians, but things can go wrong if you’re not prepared.

“This partnership with DrinkWise demonstrates the Government’s continued work to help protect young Australians travelling overseas and throughout Australia.”

DrinkWise, Chief Executive Officer Simon Strahan:

“DrinkWise research shows school-leavers are making safer choices at Schoolies, but timely reminders remain critical.

“This is why we have joined the Australian Government, and the Jones and Bowles families to develop advice and tips to help keep school-leavers safe, and empower parents to have the pre-Schoolies conversations with their children.”

Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, Greens spokesperson for communications and Chair of the Senate Inquiry into Triple 0 service outage:

“It is tragic to hear that another Australian has died after being unable to connect to Triple 0 and my thoughts are with the family and friends of the person who has died.

“Australians clearly can’t trust the big telcos to safely deliver the Triple 0 service.

“There is no excuse for Triple 0 calls to fail and ultimately it is up to the government to ensure that all Australians are able to connect to emergency services when they need them.

“Triple 0 being privatized and outsourced to big corporations that are driven by their profits is making Australians unsafe.

“The fact that this latest incident has occurred so soon after the Optus Triple 0 outage shows that the Triple 0 system is clearly not fit-for-purpose. There are serious systemic issues that need close scrutiny and action from government.

“ACMA cannot be left to carry out the investigations into these issues alone. They have already demonstrated that they are not up to regulating the big telcos and that they have been asleep at the wheel when it comes to issues with Triple 0. 

“The Senate inquiry into Triple 0 service outage will hold another hearing in December and will be closely looking at this latest issue.

Today, the UN Security Council voted to support a ‘Gaza peace plan’, while establishing both the Board of Peace (BoP) and International Stabilisation Force (ISF).

Actions that help end the genocide are welcome, as are statements about rebuilding Gaza. However, for an enduring peace, there must be justice, self-determination, and an end to apartheid. 

This UN resolution must not hide the fact that the bloodshed in Gaza has not stopped, with Israeli forces killing and injuring hundreds of Palestinians since the ‘ceasefire’ began.

Senator David Shoebridge, the Greens spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, said: 

“There must be an end to the genocide in Gaza and Israel’s ongoing illegal occupation of Palestinian land, and countries must continue to work together to achieve this. 

“There are still serious unanswered questions around this agreement and its implementation. 

“Much of what will happen over the coming months will hinge on whether Palestinians lead the reconstruction and governance of Gaza. 

“Palestinians have a right to self-determination and to live equally. We have seen the obscene violence in Gaza and Israel’s apartheid system deny these fundamental human rights for decades. 

“If the Board of Peace installs politicians who started the Iraq War, for example, or if Trump appoints himself, this would be a clear indication that the best interests of the Palestinian people are not being respected. 

“The unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza through organisations, including the United Nations, Red Cross and the Red Crescent, is essential, and it is welcome that this was underscored in the resolution. 

“There must be an immediate withdrawal of Israeli forces, not just from Gaza, but all occupied Palestinian territory, including the West Bank. This resolution does not seek to do this.

“Many are rightfully concerned that, having watched the Western world fund and arm a genocide for the past two years, the US and its allies cannot be trusted to lead reconstruction. 

“Countries like Australia have allowed Israel to commit this violence on an unimaginable scale for the past two years by providing diplomatic cover and engaging in the two-way arms trade. There is a moral obligation now not only to stop the genocide but to ensure there is peace with justice and that people who directed and enabled  war crimes are held to account.”

Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Greens Deputy Leader and Spokesperson for International Aid & Global Justice, said:
“The UN’s approval of this so-called plan for Gaza is not a blueprint for peace. A blueprint for peace should have accountability, justice and self-determination of Palestinians at the heart of it.”

“While the world’s eyes are on the UN, Israel has not ceased its bombardment. The  international community must stop pretending that Israel and the US are good faith actors in bringing peace after perpetrating a genocide. This looks more like a surrender to injustice.”

“A real peace plan would take the perpetrators of genocide to the Hague. It would guarantee unimpeded aid, open Gaza to journalists, provide full reparations, and centre the voices of Palestinian people. Anything less is a continuation of oppression under another name.”

“Yes, the world is desperate to see a genuine ceasefire and get food to starving families. But justice, accountability and self-determination should never be the price Palestinians are forced to pay for the bombs to stop falling.”

“We reaffirm our call for an immediate, permanent ceasefire and the unimpeded flow of aid. But lasting peace and justice are only possible by dismantling the systems of domination that brought us here, and with Palestinian self-determination at their core.”

The Greens implore the Albanese government to commit funding to the CSIRO to avoid hundreds of job cuts across Australia’s leading scientific research organisation.

Greens spokesperson for Science, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson:

“At a time when it has never been more important for governments to invest in science and research, it is shameful that our nation’s premier science and research organisation is cutting hundreds of jobs to make ends meet. 

“It’s critical that Minister Tim Ayres does not pass the buck on this. With MYEFO just around the corner and Senate Estimates only a few weeks away, the Minister must explain how the CSIRO has ended up cutting hundreds of jobs in order to find cost savings. 

“This Government can find billions for controversial nuclear submarines and subsidising big mining companies so why hasn’t it already committed to fixing funding gaps at our nation’s premier science, industry, and research organisation?

“The Tasmanian community, economy and its reputation is particularly vulnerable to CSIRO job cuts given the number of scientists employed in the state – especially ocean and climate researchers. 

“Australian scientists are already warning of a crisis in Antarctic research due to the impact of an impending funding cliff. It’s time for the Albanese government to remove the uncertainty, protect jobs and increase funding to science.

“The Greens have written to Minister Ayres to seek an urgent briefing on this critical matter.”

The Minns Labor Government is ensuring people can continue attending their places of worship without being blocked, harassed or intimidated.

A Bill will be introduced into NSW Parliament today confirming police have the power to move on protesters who affect someone’s ability to enter or leave their place of worship.

No one deserves to be blocked, harassed or intimidated while trying to attend their church, synagogue, temple or mosque.

The change follows a recent Supreme Court decision affecting the move on powers.

Importantly, this decision did not affect the offence of intentionally blocking, impeding, harassing, intimidating, or threatening a person accessing a place of worship.

The Government is acting quickly to ensure police can still use move on powers to protect individuals trying to access their place of worship.

The amendments in the Bill balance community protection with the freedom of political expression.

They are complemented by the suite of legislation the Government has introduced to protect the community from racial hatred, intimidation and harassment.

Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“It is not acceptable that someone is harassed or intimidated simply for attending their church, synagogue, temple or mosque.

“We are ensuring the NSW Police Force retains appropriate move on powers.
“This change strikes the right balance between protecting the community and the right to protest.”

The Minns Labor Government is continuing to plan and deliver the critical infrastructure regional NSW needs and deserves, today announcing that planning is underway to rebuild the State Heritage-listed Crankies Plain Bridge, increasing its load limit while protecting its heritage charm.

Dating back to the early 1890s, Crankies Plain Bridge is one of only four remaining McDonald timber truss road bridges in NSW and continues to play an important role in the local transport network.

While the bridge remains safe for traffic, the rebuild is necessary to improve its safety and resilience, preserving its heritage significance for future generations.

Funded by the High Priority Bridge and Slopes and Bridge Maintenance programs, the upgraded structure will increase the bridge’s load limit, strengthening freight connections to the Monaro Highway and nearby towns and supporting local industry and jobs.

The first stage of planning has focused on identifying a suitable detour route to maintain access for motorists while construction is underway.

The rebuilding of the Crankies Plain Bridge is an important part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to build better-connected regional communities across Regional NSW.

The preferred detour route would use Black Lake Road, an existing approved heavy vehicle corridor with no significant environmental or heritage impacts.

While the preferred option would see a detour time of up to 30 minutes during the project, Black Lake Road would be upgraded and improved for the long-term benefit of the local community.

Two other options were considered, an upgrade to Crankies Plain Road and a temporary bridge on either side of the existing bridge, but investigations found these would create greater environmental, property and construction challenges, longer delivery timeframes and higher costs.

Transport for NSW will continue to keep the community informed as planning progresses and will host three drop-in sessions for locals to ask questions and provide feedback.

Community drop-in sessions:

• Bombala and District Markets from 8am to 2pm, Saturday 22 November
• Bombala Community Centre from 4pm to 7pm, Tuesday 25 November
• Maybe Street, Bombala (near IGA) from 10am to 2pm, Wednesday 26 November

To provide feedback online, visit Have your say, Rebuilding of Crankies Plain Bridge. 

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:

“This is an important project to ensure regional NSW gets the critical infrastructure it needs and deserves.

“There is no perfect time to rebuild Crankies Plain Bridge, but this work is essential to keep our roads safe and our communities connected.

“I encourage everyone in the community to have their say on how they use the bridge and local roads, and how the preferred detour route might affect them.

“We understand some people would prefer to see a completely new bridge, but as a State Heritage-listed structure, we must respect its historic value and meet heritage requirements through a rebuild.”

Member for Monaro, Steve Whan said:

“Crankies Plain Bridge has been part of Bombala’s history for more than a century, and this project will make sure it continues to serve the community safely for generations to come.

“This rebuild strikes the right balance between preserving our local heritage and delivering modern safety and freight improvements.”

“I want to thank the community for their patience and engagement throughout this process — their feedback is vital in helping shape the final design and delivery of this important project.”

The Minns Labor Government will introduce new laws into NSW Parliament today to give NSW Police and the courts stronger tools to interrupt youth offending earlier and keep communities safe, including long-overdue reforms to the way doli incapax operates.

These reforms address a major gap where some children are engaging in offending that puts themselves and others at risk, yet face no consequences, intervention or support to stop the cycle of reoffending.

The Government will improve the ability for prosecutors to rebut doli incapax – the legal presumption that children aged 10 to 13 lack capacity to be criminally responsible.

The Government will also strengthen and modernise the Young Offenders Act 1997 to provide NSW Police and courts with additional tools to respond to youth offending.

The Government understands the community’s concerns about youth crime – especially in rural and regional NSW – and continues to take strong action to improve community safety.

While there is still work to do, we are seeing encouraging signs. The June 2025 BOCSAR quarterly update on NSW Recorded Crime Statistics revealed that, in the two years to June 2025, young people proceeded against to court declined significantly by 12.3 per cent in regional NSW.

Putting doli incapax into legislation for the first time in NSW

The Government will change the Children (Criminal Proceedings) Act 1987 to put the current doli incapax test into law and give courts clearer rules for deciding whether a child understood their actions were seriously wrong.

To rebut doli incapax and secure a conviction for children aged 10 to 13, prosecutors need to prove the child knew their actions were seriously wrong.

Proven rates for this age group collapsed under the former Coalition state government. Following a High Court decision in 2016, convictions fell from 76 per cent in 2015-16 to just 16 per cent in 2022-23.

Some other states with doli incapax codified in legislation did not show a similar decline.

Earlier this year, the NSW Government commissioned an independent review into doli incapax amid concerns about its operation.

This was undertaken by State Parole Authority Chair and former Supreme Court Justice, the Honourable Geoffrey Bellew SC, and former NSW Police Deputy Commissioner, Mr Jeffrey Loy APM.

The independent review included a recommendation to codify doli incapax.

The Government will amend the Children (Criminal Proceedings) Act 1987 to legislate the current common law threshold for rebutting doli incapax, with new mandatory considerations for courts. This will give prosecutors and courts clearer guidance about how to rebut doli incapax.

The changes will ensure courts must consider what the child is alleged to have done, and the surrounding circumstances, when deciding if the child knew their conduct was seriously wrong.

For example, this would allow prosecutors to point to steps taken to plan or conceal the crime.

The reforms will also make it clear it is open for the court to find doli incapax has been rebutted on the facts and circumstances of the alleged offending alone – without or despite other evidence.

The legislation will be complemented by additional training for agencies regarding the legislative reform.

Giving NSW Police and courts more tools to intervene earlier – before offending gets more serious

The Young Offenders Act 1997 will also be amended to expand access to important intervention and diversionary measures for children.

Early intervention is critical because it gives young people a chance to change course before their behaviour becomes more serious or entrenched.

Currently, young people need to admit the offence to be eligible for these diversion options.

These diversion options can include formal cautions or youth justice conferences, which can link to behaviour change programs, mental health counselling or drug and alcohol rehabilitation to address underlying drivers of offending.

Under these changes, children will be able to access diversionary options if they make a statement that they do not deny, or admit, the elements of the offence and the time and place of the offending.

The review into doli incapax found that diversion is likely to be the best response for less serious offending by 10-13-year-olds, and that constraints on access to diversion should be addressed.

For young people who commit less serious offences, diverting them away from court has been found to reduce future offending.

Eligibility for diversion does not guarantee diversion – NSW Police and courts will retain discretion to charge and convict if the offending is inappropriate for diversion. This gives authorities another tool in their fight against offending.

The Government will also begin consideration of a voluntary diversionary pathway for children who interact with police and the justice system, as well as a mandatory treatment pathway for high-risk children.

Working hard to build safer communities

The Government’s reforms build on significant investments to address youth crime including:

• $23 million to continue and expand targeted response in Moree, Tamworth and Kempsey and support young people on bail.
• Introducing and extending a strict bail test for young people accused of repeat car theft and break and enter offences.
• Criminalising performance crime through a new ‘post and boast’ offence.
• $26.2 million to increase community safety in the regions announced last year.
• More than $100 million in additional youth justice funding.
• Ongoing NSW Police efforts under Operation Soteria and Operation Regional Mongoose.

the Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns:

“These reforms are about stepping in earlier, giving police and the courts clearer tools, and making sure young people who are putting themselves and others at risk don’t simply fall through the cracks.

“For too long, the system has left a gap where some children were offending without any real consequence, support or intervention. That isn’t good for those young people and it certainly isn’t good for the community.

“These changes are practical, responsible and designed to stop a pattern of behaviour before it becomes entrenched.”

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley:

“Police are doing everything they can to keep communities safe. They are in the community every day, not only arresting offenders but working with kids to steer them onto the right path.

“We all want our community to be safe and better outcomes for young people, but police can’t do this alone – which is why we’re announcing this reform.

“We’re expanding the Young Offenders Act to give more kids access to diversionary options to help steer them away from a life of crime.

“This builds on the Minns Labor Government’s substantial investments to address youth crime. We are working hard to support communities and break this cycle of offending.”

Minister for Youth Justice Jihad Dib:

“Part of our work to reduce youth crime across the state includes investing in appropriate community-led interventions to ensure young people at risk of criminal involvement get the right supports at the right time to keep their lives on track.

“There’s not a one size fits all approach when it comes to diverting young people away from the youth justice system. We will work with communities, the police, courts, community service providers and Youth Justice NSW to help young offenders change their behaviour and keep communities safe.”

Attorney General Michael Daley:

“These important, considered reforms will ensure doli incapax operates in the best interests of children and the broader community. It will also allow for the presumption to be applied more consistently by police and the courts.

“Importantly, it will make clear the circumstances of the alleged offending must be considered by the courts when determining if the presumption has been rebutted.

“The reforms to the Young Offenders Act will also ensure police have more tools for young people to be engaged in diversionary options where appropriate.

“We do not want a situation where children are left without any intervention when charges are dismissed or withdrawn, only to come back before the courts because they were not supported to change their behaviour.

“That’s why we are investing in intervention and diversion measures to break the cycle of youth offending and keep communities safe.”

The Albanese Government, in partnership with the NSW Government and Port Stephens Council, has established the Williamtown Working Group (WWG), the first community-based group to be formed under the per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) National Coordinating Body.

As recommended by the Independent PFAS Review of land uses around key Defence bases impacted by PFAS contamination, the WWG will bring together representatives from the community, and across government, to support practical, place-based actions to mitigate PFAS contamination.

Following a public expression of interest process, the following community members have been selected to join the WWG, alongside representatives from the Commonwealth, NSW Government, Port Stephens Council and the Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council.

• Mr Lindsay Robert Clout
• Mr Justin Scott Hamilton
• Ms Susan Hirsch
• Mr Graeme Boyd
• Ms Meryl Swanson MP
• Ms Kate Washington MP
• Mayor Leah Anderson
• Mr John Maretich

Those selected bring a strong understanding of the local PFAS-related issues that affect the Williamtown area and will provide valuable insights. They each demonstrate a commitment to working constructively with government to identify and implement solutions.

While the WWG will progress local initiatives, including a whole-of-catchment flood action plan, to improve drainage management in areas to the south of RAAF Base Williamtown, the PFAS National Coordinating Body will provide oversight and progress the national approach to combat PFAS contamination.

Through their representatives at both a local and national level, Assistant Minister for Defence, Peter Khalil and NSW Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe will continue to work closely to monitor outcomes and advice to progress action.

The WWG will meet for the first time on Thursday, 20 November and, as outlined in the Independent Review, will serve as a pilot to inform further PFAS working groups set to be established in the Northern Territory and Queensland in due course.

Further information on Defence’s work to remediate PFAS contamination in Williamtown and across Australia can be accessed here.

Assistant Minister for Defence, Peter Khalil:

“The establishment of this Working Group is a practical step forward in delivering local solutions for those impacted by PFAS contamination here in Williamtown. I commend the community members who have put themselves forward to contribute to this important work.

“I’d like to thank the NSW Government and Port Stephens Council for getting on board so we can foster a new approach that bring all levels of government together to engage on PFAS related issues in this community.”

State Member for Port Stephens, Kate Washington:

“I welcome the establishment of the Williamtown Working Group and thank all the local residents who’ve put up their hand to play a part in finding practical solutions.

“On behalf of the Minns Labor Government, I remain willing to work with the Commonwealth Government to get meaningful outcomes for local families who’ve been stuck in this PFAS nightmare for far too long.”

Mayor of Port Stephens Council, Leah Anderson:

“Port Stephens residents deserve clarity and answers. This collaborative approach will help their voices be heard directly at the decision making table.

“This is an important step towards finding solutions that support landowners and helping to unlock the growth potential in the area.”

Federal Member for Paterson, Meryl Swanson:

“For far too long, our community has lived with the uncertainty and frustration caused by the PFAS contamination. Establishing the Williamtown Working Group is a practical step forward and I want to thank everyone who put their hand up to join the group.

“This is about bringing everyone to the table – residents, the Worimi people, all levels of government – to make sure we’re working together on real solutions for Williamtown and the surrounding areas. My office will continue to meet with all those impacted to ensure there is alignment.”

The Minns Labor Government is the only government in Australia without a Minister for Infrastructure. It shows they have no infrastructure vision and no real plan for the future. Infrastructure is not a luxury. It is the foundation of a growing, modern state. Yet under Labor, it is treated like an afterthought.
 
Today’s Metro West update is just another reminder that real progress in NSW still relies on projects conceived, funded, and started by the NSW Liberals and Nationals. Labor is standing on our shoulders and pretending they built the ladder.
 
In 2012, just one year after coming to Government and ending 16 years of Labor chaos and cancelled commitments, the NSW Liberals and Nationals launched a bold infrastructure blueprint. We announced more than 700 major projects as part of a 20-year plan.
 
By 2018, more than 430 of those were completed. Two hundred were under construction. The rest were being advanced through planning.
 
Back then, then NSW Labor Leader Luke Foley and his big red bus sneered and said we had the wrong priorities. But here we are. Labor still does not have a long-term infrastructure plan. They do not have a Minister for Infrastructure because they do not have the courage to build a vision for 2032. They have a Minister for Building, but building what is a question for Chris Minns and Anoulack Chanthivong.
 
The Coalition foresaw a better NSW. We backed it with funding and delivery. Labor inherited the plans and is now trying to claim the progress.
 
NSW Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said the progress on Metro West is only happening because the NSW Liberals and Nationals had the vision and commitment to get it started.
 
“We know how to plan and deliver. Labor only knows how to announce and take credit. NSW is the only state without a Minister for Infrastructure. That speaks volumes. If Labor cannot even appoint someone to shape the future, how can they be trusted to deliver it,” Mr Speakman said.
 
Shadow Minister for Transport and Roads and Shadow Minister for Infrastructure Natalie Ward said the Coalition built new metros, reshaped train travel, built better roads, more schools and hospitals.
 
“Labor is performing announcements on projects they did not plan and did not start. The people of NSW deserve a government that takes infrastructure seriously, not one that treats it as a political prop,” Ms Ward said.

Dingley Village in Melbourne’s south-east is home to new, world-class sporting facilities with the opening of the Kennedy Community Centre.

Opened today, the first stage of the sporting complex includes elite facilities for south-east Melbourne’s AFLW athletes and aspiring girls and boys participating in pathway football programs.

The complex also includes the Harris High Performance Centre, which has a fully flood-lit oval, an indoor training field, aquatic facilities and unisex change rooms.

The new three-level pavilion features covered seating, doctors’ rooms, player rooms, coaching boxes, radio and TV broadcast boxes, areas for umpires and timekeepers, change rooms and community areas – ensuring it’s immediately fit for spectator sports at the highest levels. 

The complex also features a function centre including a servery area, kitchen, storage facilities, public amenities, first aid area and capacity for 140 guests. 

Stage 1 of the Kennedy Community Centre has been funded through all three levels of government, with the Australian Government contributing $15 million to construction. 

The $113 million complex was also funded through the Victorian Government, Kingston City Council, the AFL and Hawthorn Football Club.

Construction of the Kennedy Community Centre supported 500 jobs and will create 10 ongoing roles across the Football Club and wider Dingley Village community to service the demand generated by these new world-class facilities.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“To all of you who have worked so hard to deliver this project, you have done something extraordinary.

“Our Government is proud to have supported the work of the Hawthorn Football Club, the Victorian Government and the Kingston City Council. 

“I am so pleased this is a place that belongs to the community because that is what sport in Australia is all about – bringing people together and building that sense of community.” 

Premier of Victoria Jacinta Allan:

“Victoria is the home of the AFL, and this is a landmark moment for Hawthorn Football Club and for women’s sport in Victoria. These elite facilities will give the Hawks a home to train, play, and inspire the next generation of players for many years to come.”

Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

“The Hawk’s new nest in Dingley Village won’t just be the administrative base for the AFLW and AFLM teams, but a key match day ground for the women’s Hawks, shared green space and facilities for the local community. 

“Our co-investment ensures the budding superstars of tomorrow can lace up their first set of footy boots at quality facilities, close to home and kick goals for years to come.”

Minister Housing, Homelessness and Cities Clare O’Neil:

“As a proud Melburnian and Hawks fan this is a tremendous project that will help develop a new generation of AFL and AFLW stars.”

Member for Isaacs Mark Dreyfus:

“The kids, families and the wider community in my electorate of Isaacs love their AFL footy. Having these new facilities in their own backyard will make a real difference for so many locals.”