Category: NSW News

Artist’s impressions showcasing new ambulance stations at North Sydney, Oran Park and South Windsor have been unveiled, providing a first look at the modern, purpose-built facilities that will soon bolster emergency and mobile medical care in Sydney.

The new ambulance stations are part of the NSW Government’s $615.5 million NSW Ambulance Infrastructure Program, which will deliver 30 additional ambulance stations and support paramedic infrastructure over the coming years.

The new stations will significantly enhance emergency care capacity, and support paramedics to deliver timely and high-quality emergency and mobile medical care to local communities.

Each purpose-built station will include internal parking for emergency ambulance vehicles, a dedicated vehicle wash bay, a multipurpose area for paramedics, a gym, meeting and training rooms, administration areas, logistics and storage facilities, and on-site parking.

With excellent access to the major road network, the sites are ideally situated to complement existing ambulance stations in the network, and will help meet the growing health needs of local communities.

Construction is expected to begin on the new stations in 2026, following planning approval and appointment of building contractors.

The planning and design stage is nearing completion, and communities will be kept informed as the projects progress.

Locations for the new ambulance stations:

• North Sydney Ambulance Station – 224-230 Falcon Street, North Sydney
• Oran Park Ambulance Station – 1-3 Porter Street, Oran Park
• South Windsor Ambulance Station – 7-11 Acacia Close, South Windsor

To progress planning for the North Sydney Ambulance station, the community is encouraged to attend drop-in information sessions to learn more:

• Thursday, 4 December, 4.00pm-6.00pm, Outside Victoria Cross Metro Station, Miller Street
• Saturday, 6 December, 8.00am-12 midday, Northside Produce Market, Ted Mack Civic Place

The planning application for the North Sydney ambulance station is expected to be placed on exhibition in early 2026.

The Minns Labor Government is recruiting 2,500 additional NSW Ambulance staff, including 500 paramedics in rural and regional areas, to boost emergency and mobile healthcare for our metropolitan and regional communities.

For more information visit: www.nsw.gov.au/ambulance-infrastructure-program

Premier Chris Minns:

“These new ambulance stations will give our paramedics the modern facilities they need to care for our communities.

“This investment is about improving response times and making sure people get the care they need, when they need it.

“We’re backing our frontline workers with the infrastructure and resources required to deliver high-quality emergency care across NSW.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“Our top priority is to ensure that our growing communities can access the health care they need, where they need it and when they need it.

“We’re committed to ensuring our hardworking paramedics have high-quality, purpose-built facilities to support them while they deliver world-class emergency mobile medical care to local communities well into the future.

“With design well underway and builders soon to be appointed to commence construction, it’s exciting to know these new stations are a step closer for the Lower North Shore and Western Sydney communities.”

Member for Camden Sally Quinnell:

“For too long, Camden’s healthcare has been neglected, with under-funded resources spread thin over a growing population.

“The new Oran Park ambulance station will take the pressure off our Camden healthcare system.

“The Oran Park ambulance station will significantly boost emergency care and provide the facilities our hardworking paramedics need to deliver lifesaving care in our communities.

“I’m exceptionally proud to be a part of a government which is delivering the healthcare that we need, and very excited to see construction of the new station getting underway in 2026.”

Quotes attributable to Labor Spokesperson for Willoughby Courtney Houssos:

“The new North Sydney Ambulance Station is a great addition for the communities of the Lower North Shore. When emergencies happen, help will be closer and faster, supported by a modern facility designed to meet the health needs of our growing community.

“Our paramedics do an extraordinary job under immense pressure, and the Minns Labor Government is supporting this by planning for the future. With excellent access to major roads and state-of-the-art facilities, the North Sydney Ambulance Station will strengthen emergency care for decades to come.”

Quotes attributable to Labor Spokesperson for Hawkesbury Peter Primrose:

“This is great news for the Hawkesbury region – this new station will bolster existing emergency and mobile care as well as significantly enhance emergency care capacity.

“The South Windsor Ambulance Station, once built, will also support our committed paramedics to deliver timely and high-quality emergency and mobile medical care in the Hawkesbury region.”

The Minns Government has returned its workers compensation bill to the parliament and is preparing for associated reforms.

The Government will:

• Pass the Workers Compensation Legislation Amendment Bill 2025.
• Amend the Workers Compensation Legislation Amendment (Reform and Modernisation) Bill 2025 to reflect the compromise offered by independent members of the cross bench.
• Commission the Chief Psychiatrist to devise a better system for psychiatric assessment in workers compensation claims.
• Ask icare to provide the state’s policy holders with early advice about their upcoming premium rises.
• Ask icare to alert policy holders of existing hardship provisions.

These actions have become necessary after the Liberals and Nationals, Mark Latham and the Greens teamed up to force the state’s employers to carry the burden of a broken workers compensation system.

They did this despite a sensible compromise position having been offered by independent cross benchers in both houses.

Workers compensation in NSW can still be put back on a path to stability to properly serve workers, employers and taxpayers.

The Government stands ready to continue this reform once its opponents in the parliament agree to support jobs, community organisations and businesses.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“The Government will shift its attention now to getting the community ready to deal with some very steep rises in premiums, following the Liberal Party’s decision to block reform.

“Businesses and charities will be slugged with the worst premiums in the country.

“This situation could have been avoided if the Liberal Party had spent more time working towards a solution and less time playing politics on an issue.”

NSW public servants have been recognised for their outstanding service and community impact at the 2025 Premier’s Awards presentation last night at Parliament House.

This year’s eight award categories reflect outstanding work of public sector teams and individuals who drive innovation, deliver exceptional services, strengthen communities, and uphold integrity.

From advancing education and healthcare to creating economic opportunities and fostering workforce excellence, these awards highlight the commitment to building a safer, fairer, and more prosperous NSW.

This year’s awards celebrated a strong field of finalists who represent the highest standards of integrity, inclusivity and service that lie at the heart of the NSW public sector.

Glenn George from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water is the recipient of the 2025 NSW Public Servant of the Year. This award recognises an individual who demonstrates a commitment to shaping an exceptional public service.

Mr George is a highly respected leader in the sector, whose work has resulted in measurable improvements in water quality, operational efficiency, and emergency preparedness. His perseverance, adaptability and commitment to outcomes have supported more than 40,00 people, redefining the partnership between government and community to deliver lasting, meaningful change.

Each year, the Anthea Kerr Award is presented to a future leader, a person who displays outstanding achievement and a deep commitment to public sector values in their work. This year’s Anthea Kerr Award recipient is Jayla Nix from the Murrumbidgee Local Health District.

Ms Nix, a proud Wiradjuri woman, stepped into senior executive leadership following the passing of a valued colleague, and despite personal grief went beyond the expectations of her role to create a supportive environment for all levels of staff.

Through her work, Ms Nix is building a health system where Aboriginal leadership and lived experience drive decision-making and accountability, embedding cultural safety throughout the organisation.

The 2025 Premier’s Awards individual and team recipients are:

• Anthea Kerr Award: Jayla Nix, Murrumbidgee Local Health District
• NSW Public Servant of the Year: Glenn George, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
• Driving public sector workforce excellence and integrity: NSW Health Pathology Aboriginal & Disability targeted traineeships, NSW Health Pathology
• Delivering world-class education and training: Life-changing pathways for students with disability, TAFE NSW
  • Partner: Woolworths Group
• Creating safe and thriving communities: Broadband Cells on Wheels for emergency community Wi-Fi, NSW Telco Authority
• Delivering innovative economic opportunities for the community: Australia’s first family-friendly Healthy Higher Density Living Guide, Western Sydney Local Health District
  • Partners: City of Parramatta Council and Cities for Play
• Excellence in service delivery: Language+ App – Connecting Communities with Emergency Services, Multicultural NSW
  • Partner: NSW Police
• Providing world-class healthcare: All Together Now: Coordinating Care for Kids, Hunter New England Local Health District

For more information on the recipients and finalists, visit NSW Premier’s Awards Winners and Finalists.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“I’m pleased to recognise the recipients and finalists of the 2025 Premier’s Awards.”

“These awards highlight the important work done every day by public sector employees across NSW, often behind the scenes, to deliver essential services and improve outcomes for communities.

“The finalists represent the best of our public service — people who show professionalism, care and a genuine commitment to making NSW a better place to live.

“On behalf of the NSW Government, I thank all public sector employees for their ongoing dedication and hard work. Congratulations to this year’s recipients and finalists.”

Premier’s Department Secretary Simon Draper said:

“Our public service agencies are at the heart of this state’s delivery and innovation, inspiring positive change across our communities.

“The Premier’s Awards highlight the incredible leadership and commitment of public sector employees, week in and week out, as they serve the people of NSW.

“We are privileged to have such a dedicated public service. Thank you to our unsung heroes that work tirelessly for NSW, and congratulations to our well-deserved recipients.”

A total of 18 projects will receive funding across NSW as part of Round Three of the Albanese Government’s flagship Disaster Ready Fund (DRF), helping to make the state more resilient to natural hazards. 

NSW communities will be more resilient to increasingly frequent and intense severe weather events, with $69.46 million to be invested in projects including flood protection, levee infrastructure, emergency evacuation facilities, ecological restoration, and support for community resilience groups to strengthen disaster readiness across NSW.

Funding of $37.18 million has also been committed by partners bringing the total combined investment to $106.64 million.

Australian Government funding of $46.12 million will go towards 10 infrastructure projects and $22.3 million will go towards eight disaster resilience and risk reduction projects that will deliver enduring benefits for communities at risk of future natural disasters.

The Albanese Government established the $1 billion Disaster Ready Fund to reduce risk and build resilience in communities across Australia.

Examples of successful DRF Round Three projects include:

• Narrandera Urban Stormwater Upgrade is improving flood protection for the community, with funding of $14.2 million.
• Raising the North Wagga Levee with matched funding of $9.1 million.
• Wytaliba and Weilmoringle Levees Enhancement and Pumping Infrastructure Project is strengthening levee infrastructure for local flood resilience in Brewarrina, supported by $8.4 million.
• Baryulgil Evacuation Centre and Community Resilience Project is providing vital facilities for emergency evacuation and resilience, with $2 million awarded.
• Mountains to Sea – Nature-based Ecological Restoration is rehabilitating 43 km and 128 hectares along NSW North Coast, helping to reduce disaster risk and build resilience to floods, storms and cyclones, with $2.7 million in funding.
• Enabling Regional Readiness will deliver tailored support to 60 volunteer-led resilience groups across the Northern Rivers, with $1.5 million provided.
• Deliver the Resilience Homes and Preparedness Program providing 2000 home assessments to the most at risk properties in the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley, with just over $2 million in funding.
• Complete the design and construction for $2.1km of flood prone section of a vital emergency connection route for the town of Iluka with just over $3 million of matched funding. 

The full list of successful projects supported by DRF Round Three is available at Disaster Ready Fund.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain:

“This third round of investment builds on the work delivered by the Australian Government to make Australia more resilient to natural hazards.

“People across NSW are no stranger to floods, bushfires, and severe storms – that’s why we established the flagship Disaster Ready Fund.

“Round Three will benefit all 128 NSW local government areas and support state and local authorities including non-government organisations to protect themselves and their communities.

“Crucially, Round Three brings our investment to make Australia more resilient through the DRF to $600 million – and I’d like to thank many of the project proponents for matching our funding.”

NSW Minister for Recovery, Janelle Saffin:

“This investment is about building safer, stronger, and more resilient communities right across NSW.”

“Through the Disaster Ready Fund, we’re working with councils, communities and recovery partners to deliver practical projects that reduce risk and protect lives and livelihoods.”

“From upgraded evacuation routes to strengthened levees and community preparedness programs, these projects are a vital part of our ongoing recovery and resilience effort.”

This latest investment builds on the previous two rounds of the Disaster Ready Fund in NSW, with over $72 million in Australian Government funding awarded to 49 projects. Of these projects, just under half are in planning and design or pre-construction phase, with five projects already nearing completion or complete. 

This morning, the mask slipped. On live radio, Premier Chris Minns admitted that the NSW Labor Government wants to introduce two-way tolling on the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Harbour Tunnel, just to fund the $60 toll cap they promised wouldn’t be needed long-term.
 
They campaigned on “no new tolls”, but now they’re going to slug drivers twice to cross the same bridge.
 
This is the latest in a long line of Labor’s broken promises.
 
We know of the 19 Labor Ministers who broke their pledge to protect injured workers, and today they broke their promise on no new tolls, without even a media release to explain it.
 
They quietly dropped it into a breakfast radio chat. No transparency. No accountability.
 
Chris Minns helped build the toll network when he worked for Labor’s former Roads Minister Carl Scully. Now he’s doubling down on it. He wants drivers to pay more just to fund a toll cap his government can’t afford, because instead of investing in infrastructure or even an infrastructure minister, they spent millions on another toll review that delivered nothing and even continues to pay the consultants.
 
Labor governs by ambush, not by integrity. And it’s costing people more every day.
 
What really goes on in this Government, when issues hit too close to home, their instinct is to ignore the substance, attack the messenger and pretend the problem doesn’t exist.
 
Today’s revelation shows that it’s not just one broken promise. It’s a pattern. And it’s life under Labor.
 
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said Chris Minns campaigned on no new tolls.
 
“Now he’s taxing people twice to cross the Harbour Bridge or use the Harbour Tunnel. Labor had a choice to cut waste, or new tolls. They chose new tolls and more broken promises,” Mr Speakman said.
 
Shadow Minister for Transport and Roads and Shadow Minister for Infrastructure Natalie Ward said this two-way tolling is sneaky, costly, and dishonest.
 
“Labor is using Sydney drivers as a cash machine to cover their own failures. Chris Minns broke faith with voters today, and every driver in this city will pay for it.”

New data released by the NSW Ageing and Disability Commission (ADC) highlights the prevalence of reported abuse, neglect and exploitation of older people and adults with disability across NSW local government areas and regions.
The ADC receives reports about older people and adults with disability who are subject to, or at risk of, abuse, neglect and exploitation in their family, home and community in NSW. The new localised data provides a snapshot of the 18,896 reports received by the ADC over a five-year period between 1 July 2019 and 30 June 2024.
Commissioner Jeff Smith said the community data profiles, compiled from reports to the ADC’s Ageing and Disability Abuse Helpline and combined with key Census data, underscore the need for increased awareness and early action across communities.
“The data provides an important window into the experience of many older people and adults with disability in our communities,” said Commissioner Smith. “Abuse, neglect and exploitation, typically by family and other people they trust, is widespread. It is happening in our neighbourhoods, to our relatives and neighbours, and we need to act as a community to address it.”
“This data is concerning and shows the ongoing exposure of older people and adults with disability to abuse and neglect, including coercive control and other domestic violence, often for financial benefit,” the Commissioner said.

“What is particularly troubling is that these are just the matters we know about. The true scale of the abuse and neglect is hidden as it is not adequately identified and there can be barriers to the adults themselves speaking up, including social isolation.”
The Commissioner emphasised that preventing and responding to abuse is a shared community responsibility. “People need to know the signs, understand how to respond, and have access to the right tools and services to act when they suspect something is wrong,” said Commissioner Smith.
“It is also critical that older people and adults with disability understand their rights, including fundamental rights that we all take for granted – to make their own decisions, manage their finances, and maintain personal relationships,” the Commissioner said.
“Staying informed and connected is key to staying safe. This includes knowing who to turn to for support, whether it is a family member or friend, trusted support worker, local community group, a GP, or the Ageing and Disability Abuse Helpline. When individuals are empowered, communities become stronger and can work together to actively prevent abuse and protect those at risk.”
The community data profiles can be found on the ADC website, along with more detailed data on reports to the ADC.
The ADC’s website also provides resources, information, and guidance on preventing, detecting, and responding to abuse, neglect and exploitation of older people and adults with disability.

The Minns Labor Government is one step closer in delivering the $30 million Marshalls Creek Bridge replacement, with construction of the new bridge foundations to kick off on in late November.

The milestone marks a major step forward in delivering a stronger, safer crossing for the 20,000 vehicles that use the Sturt Highway through Wagga Wagga every day.

Partial demolition on the northern side of the bridge is now complete, paving the way for piling work that will form the new bridge’s deep foundations, which has been designed to withstand floods, winds and heavy traffic for many decades to come.

Temporary retaining walls will also be installed this month to protect the road embankment before work begins to dig the bridge supports, known as abutments, at each end of the bridge.

Piling on the northern side of the bridge is expected to be completed by the end of the year, with construction of the first bridge deck to follow. Once that section is complete, traffic will be detoured onto the new structure while the remainder of the existing bridge is demolished.

The Sturt Highway is a vital freight and commuter link between Sydney, Victoria and South Australia, providing local and regional access for businesses, residents and visitors across Wagga Wagga.

During the project, Transport for NSW will maintain traffic flow through the work zone wherever possible to minimise disruption to the local network. For safety, right-hand turns in the work zone will be restricted. Motorists visiting nearby businesses are encouraged to use the Kooringal Road and Norton and Mason Street roundabouts to safely turn and access the businesses in the area.

To stay up to date with project stages and upcoming closures, visit nswroads.work/marshallscreek to subscribe for email and SMS updates.

Minister for Roads and Minister for Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison said:

“Wagga Wagga is an important regional centre and it’s exciting to see this important project powering ahead since we turned the first sod just a few months ago.

“The installation of the temporary pedestrian bridge and new  traffic signals has kept the community moving safely while allowing work  to progress.

“Once complete, this project will remove a key bottleneck, improve traffic flow, and make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists with new paths on both sides of the bridge.”

Member for Wagga Wagga, Dr Joe McGirr said:

“This is a really important project for Wagga Wagga, and it’s great to see progress continuing despite the challenges of working on such a busy corridor.”

“We know how vital the Sturt Highway is for local businesses, freight operators and families, and I want to thank the community for their patience as this work continues.”

“Once complete, the new bridge will make a real difference to safety and connectivity right across the city.”

The Minns Labor Government is delighted to announce a new round of the Stronger Together Local Council Major Festival Grants program for councils to deliver large-scale multicultural festivals that bring communities together and celebrate the state’s diversity.

Councils across NSW are invited to share in $3 million of funding, which illustrates the Minns Labor Government’s unwavering commitment to promoting, celebrating and reinforcing the state’s vibrant multiculturalism.

With grants between $100,000 to $250,000 available, the program helps councils deliver inclusive events that foster cross-cultural understanding and celebrate the traditions, stories, and contributions that make our communities so diverse and vibrant.

Previous recipients have delivered festivals that left a lasting impact on their communities.

In October, Wagga Wagga City Council brought the city to life with the FUSION BOTANICAL Multicultural Festival – a vibrant mix of music, food, art, and culture. Locals and visitors enjoyed performances, art installations, storytelling, and even a Latin silent disco walking tour that filled gardens with energy.

Looking ahead, the City of Parramatta will use a grant to double the scale of its 2026 Lunar New Year Festival. The Year of the Horse program will feature traditional workshops, mouthwatering street food, and cultural activities, expanding beyond Parramatta to include new events in Epping, bringing even more communities together in celebration.

Administered by Multicultural NSW, applications for the Stronger Together Local Council Major Festival Grants close Friday, 19 December 2025.

NSW Local Government Councils are encouraged to apply at https://multicultural.nsw.gov.au/stronger-together-major-festival-local-council-grants/

Minister Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said:

“The Minns Labor Government is proud to once again be supporting our state’s multicultural communities, with this new round of grant funding ensuring that local councils have the support they need to deliver vibrant events that bring people together.

“Multicultural festivals showcase the traditions, stories, and shared values that connect communities and strengthen the sense of belonging across cultures.

“Important events like these empower our diverse communities and ensure that they can share their amazing cultures, traditions and stories with our entire state.”

Central Coast communities in and around Wyong are set to benefit from new key health worker accommodation with Wyong Hospital campus selected as the site for the units, which will help attract and retain more healthcare workers to the region.

The new accommodation is planned to include eight single bed and two double bed self-contained units, located on the Wyong Hospital campus.

Wyong is one of more than 20 key health worker accommodation projects being delivered in rural, regional and remote NSW, as part of the Minns Labor Government’s $200.1 million program.

The Minns Labor Government’s investment will support the building of new accommodation, refurbishment of existing living quarters, and the purchase of suitable properties such as residential units.

The Key Health Worker Accommodation Program will deliver fit-for-purpose, comfortable and convenient accommodation for healthcare workers across nine local health districts, including the Central Coast.

This investment builds on the $45.3 million in accommodation for key healthcare workers in the Murrumbidgee, Southern NSW, and Far West Local Health Districts, which is now complete with all new accommodation delivered and fully operational.

Construction of the new Wyong accommodation is expected to begin in 2026, following the appointment of a main works contractor.

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park said:

“Providing affordable, safe and convenient accommodation for essential health workers is critical to attracting and retaining skilled staff, especially in regional and rural areas.

“By investing in high-quality and modern accommodation, close to workplaces, we’re helping to remove barriers to working in a regional setting and supporting a stronger workforce.

“It’s exciting to see the rollout of the Key Health Worker Accommodation Program in the Central Coast, with Wyong being one of the health services to benefit. “

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

“It is great news that the Minns Labor Government is delivering dedicated accommodation at Wyong Hospital to provide our region’s health staff with more certainty and flexibility.

“In order to strengthen our regional, rural and remote health workforce, we need to invest in housing.

“Investing in suitable, local housing is not only a practical step for essential workers but it also strengthens continuity of care, trust and the overall health and wellbeing of our communities.”

Central Coast Local Health District Chief Executive Scott Mclachlan said:

“We are pleased that Wyong Hospital is part of the Key Healthcare Worker Accommodation program.  

“Ensuring we have a dedicated and skilled workforce here on the Central Coast is important in supporting our community to live healthy and fulfilling lives.  

“The ability to offer affordable accommodation solutions will help us address a key challenge healthcare workers face when moving into our region.”

The finish line for tunnelling on the eastern end of the Sydney Metro West project is in sight after two tunnel boring machines passed the deepest part of Darling Harbour on their way to Hunter Street.

The tunnel from Pyrmont has reached 35 metres below the water’s surface, passing under the Australian Maritime Museum and now heading towards King Street Wharf on the eastern shore of Darling Harbour.

The 1,100-tonne tunnel boring machines Jessie and Ruby each have less than 700 metres left to finish their job at rate of advance of 90 metres a week.

The machines are designed to dig in the high-pressure conditions beneath Sydney Harbour. They move at a slower pace than traditional tunnel boring machines due to the wetter conditions and geological environment they are navigating.

The next section of tunnel will be under some of Sydney’s busiest and best-known streets, including York, George and Pitt streets and pass closely underneath Wynyard Station to reach the Hunter Street cavern.

When Sydney Metro West opens in 2032, passengers will have fast, high-frequency and reliable metro services connecting the Sydney CBD with Parramatta in a 20-minute trip – doubling the rail capacity between those two centres.

Sydney Metro West will transform journeys west from the Sydney CBD, with travel times of:

• Hunter Street to Parramatta in 20 minutes
• Hunter Street to Sydney Olympic Park in 15 minutes
• Five Dock to Parramatta in 12 minutes
• Pyrmont to Hunter Street in 2 minutes

More than 5.87 million tonnes of earth will be excavated to build the Sydney Metro West tunnels, equivalent to filling the entire volume of the Sydney Opera House 2.6 times over.

In total, tunnelling is now 97% complete on the project. The first tunnel boring machine finished its work on the western end at Westmead in September.

Track laying and station construction will follow tunnelling, bringing Sydney another step closer to the opening of the new line.

Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:

“We are well on the way, and real, substantial progress is being made on this project underneath the city.

“This is one of the biggest public transport projects in the country, and it will have a major impact on how people get in and out of the city – to Westmead, Parramatta and Olympic Park.”

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“This section of tunnel will provide a two-minute connection between Hunter Street and Pyrmont in future, with Sydney Olympic Park just another 13 minutes from there – a quantum leap for east – west public transport.

“I want to thank the professional team of 210 who are safely guiding these tunnel boring machines through some of the most challenging underground conditions to complete the job.”