Category: NSW News

A new website to help South-East New South Wales communities prepare for natural disasters has been launched at NSW Parliament by Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty.

Developed by the Canberra Region Joint Organisation (CRJO), the website supports the Blueprint for a Resilient South East NSW, a practical guide for councils and communities to build resilience in the face of natural disasters and a changing climate.

The website helps its users understand the disaster risks facing their local area and provides access to resources on how to prepare, from ensuring households have an emergency response plan to building more resilient homes, infrastructure and adapting land management practices.

The Blueprint covers the ten local government areas within the CRJO – including Bega Valley, Eurobodalla, Queanbeyan-Palerang, Snowy Monaro and Yass Valley – as well as associate members from the ACT Government, Wagga Wagga City Council and Canberra Airport.

To promote the Blueprint, CRJO will run hands-on workshops with council staff to embed resilience planning into everyday operations.

The project received $2,780,632 from the jointly funded Australian and NSW Governments Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain:

“Communities like ours know too well the importance of being prepared for natural disasters.

“It’s great to see more resources out there providing advice on how to prepare and respond when disaster hits.

“We know that our climate is changing, and Australians can expect to experience more intense and more frequent natural disasters, which is why the Albanese Government is acting to prepare and protect communities from natural disasters and their impacts.

“I’m pleased to see all levels of government working together to reduce the risks and impacts Australians face during disasters. This means better outcomes for our communities.”

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty:

“We all have a role to play in strengthening the disaster resilience of regional communities, including increasing their capacity to recover after a disaster strikes.

“The Blueprint is a practical starting point for anyone involved in building stronger, more disaster-ready communities.”

“It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach – it offers a range of actions and ideas that councils, communities and organisations can adapt to suit their own needs and responsibilities.”

“I congratulate the CRJO on making these resources accessible to the public, supporting a shared approach to resilience where people are empowered to take action and work together on practical solutions that make a real difference.”

Canberra Region Joint Organisation Chair and Bega Valley Shire Council Mayor Cr Russell Fitzpatrick:

“The Blueprint focuses on climate risks, disaster history and how events like bushfires, floods and storms are expected to become more frequent in the future.

“We’ve looked at local experiences and data to understand what different communities might face – and how councils can plan for that.”

“Even though this came from the bushfire recovery program, it takes an all-hazards approach. It’s about being better prepared for whatever comes next.”

“The Blueprint helps councils take steps toward better practice in areas like land use, infrastructure and emergency planning.”

“It also helps clarify roles in disaster preparedness and recovery, while supporting smarter investment in resilient infrastructure and services.”

This weekend more than 220 teams and thousands of passionate players, coaches, officials and supporters will descend on Camden and Campbelltown for one of the largest community sporting events in the Southern Hemisphere – the 2025 HART Senior State Titles.

At its heart, the Senior State Titles is more than a competition – it’s a celebration of spirit and resilience. Associations from across NSW bring their finest 15s, 17s and Opens players to vie for pride and points in what many describe as “the annual derby” of community netball.

“It’s an incredible display of not only competition, of agility, of skills, but also of wonderful spirit,” said Sallianne Faulkner, Chair of Netball NSW. “Players wear their association colours with pride. They’ve trained hard all season, played local carnivals, and now take the stage to test themselves against the best.”

The HART Senior State Titles is a flagship event within the Netball NSW pathway. The three-day tournament showcases the strength of grassroots netball, with players from across the state coming together to play the game they love – many representing their associations for the very first time at this level. The event is an opportunity for emerging athletes to be talented identified for the Netball NSW pathway.

“Our high-level netballers have put in a significant amount of training in the lead-up to this event. The State Titles are a pivotal part of the journey,” Faulkner added. “It’s a moment where grassroots meets greatness – and we’re proud of how our pathways support that.”

Also taking centre stage at the 2025 HART Senior State Titles is the Male Open divisions, showcasing the growth of male athletes within the netball community. In addition, six Male 17U teams and five All Abilities teams will compete in their State Challenge – a powerful reminder of netball’s commitment to inclusion, where players of all abilities can shine on the same stage.

A beloved feature of the event is “Tent City” – a temporary village of marquees where teams set up camp between matches.

“Tent City becomes the homes of all of these teams,” said Faulkner. “Whilst they’re competitive on the court, back in the tents they mix, laugh, and bond. It’s an amazing way to meet like-minded people from all over the state – and for many, friendships that start here last a lifetime.”

The off-court experience is just as vibrant. With sausage sizzles, lollies, merchandise stalls and even parents in costume, the atmosphere is equal parts sporting contest and community carnival.

“This netball facility becomes a little town over the weekend,” Faulkner smiled. “There are incredible volunteers running food outlets and cheering louder than anyone. Last year, I had a photo with a group of dads in fancy dress supporting their daughters – it’s that kind of energy that makes the State Titles so special.”

The Senior State Titles mark the first of Netball NSW’s two major representative weekends each year, with Junior State Titles to follow in July – a testament to the sport’s enormous footprint and inclusive spirit across New South Wales.

“About 4,000 participants, families and visitors swell the local area. That’s really valuable not just for the economy, but for our whole netball ecosystem,” Faulkner said. “It showcases what netball is all about – connection, community, and courage.”

The 2025 HART Senior State Titles will be held across venues in Campbelltown and Camden from Saturday 7 to Monday 9 June. Entry is free and spectators are encouraged to come and experience one of Australia’s most vibrant community sporting events.

The Minns Labor Government has this week announced an investment of $2 million in the upcoming NSW Budget to start rolling out the State’s first Aboriginal Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Plan to better support victim-survivors of domestic and family violence.

It responds directly to calls from the Aboriginal community for a dedicated response to domestic, family and sexual violence in Aboriginal communities.

Aboriginal women in New South Wales are eight times more likely to be recorded as a victim of domestic violence than non-Aboriginal women.

Co-designed and developed in partnership with the Aboriginal Legal Service NSW/ACT, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, Aboriginal community stakeholders and the broader domestic violence sector, the standalone Plan will elevate and integrate the voices and lived experiences of Aboriginal children, women, and communities impacted by domestic, family and sexual violence.

The NSW Aboriginal DFSV Plan will support the Government’s commitments under the National Agreement to Closing the Gap, including Target 13 – to bring about a significant and sustained reduction in all forms of violence and abuse against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children towards zero.

The Plan will be released in late 2025.

Today’s funding announcement is in addition to the $20 million allocated from the Commonwealth National Partnership Agreement on Domestic and Family Violence to progress Target 13 initiatives.

It is also part of the Minns Labor Government’s $272.7 million domestic and family violence package to strengthen and build a more robust system to support victim-survivors of domestic and family violence.

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:

“We know that Aboriginal communities experience domestic and family violence at much higher rates than other communities and this funding is another vital step in helping to keep more Aboriginal women and children safe.

“All the evidence tells us that when Aboriginal communities drive change in partnership with Government, better outcomes are achieved, and we’re fully committed to that.

“We are continuing to turn our Closing the Gap commitments for shared decision making into action, by working with Aboriginal organisations to lead the way in keeping families safe.”

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:

“Family violence wreaks devastation throughout the community. The number of Aboriginal families experiencing domestic and family violence is tragic and unacceptable.

“We are working closely with Aboriginal organisations in developing our first dedicated Aboriginal Domestic and Family Violence Plan, and will continue to do so as we roll out programs to address domestic violence in Aboriginal families and communities.

“We know that co-designed initiatives and approaches lead to better outcomes for Aboriginal women and children, supporting self-determination, healing and recovery.”

Premier Chris Minns and NSW Minister for Veterans David Harris today announced the 20 NSW students awarded a NSW Government scholarship to participate in an international history tour to the Republic of Korea and Singapore in September.

The Premier’s Anzac Memorial Scholarship (PAMS) students come from all corners of the state from Armidale in the north, Jindera in the south and Orange in the west. They will visit a number of sites significant to the war history of both nations.

The tour of the Republic of Korea will include Gapyeong – the site of the Battle of Kapyong; Maryang San, the Incheon landing site and the UN First Battle Memorial. In

Singapore, the tour will include sites such as the Kranji War Memorial, Changi Prison Chapel and Museum and the Fort Siloso and Surrender Chambers.

More than 150 students from 112 NSW high schools throughout New South Wales applied for the scholarship, from a range of government and non-government schools in cities and the regions.

Applicants submitted a personal essay and a letter of recommendation from their school, initially assessed by current and former history teachers. A shortlist was then reviewed by representatives from NSW Government, the History Teachers Association of NSW, and two former PAMS accompanying teachers.

The tour takes place in the Term 3 school holidays from 29 September to 10 October 2025. Accompanied by a military historian, students will receive insights into our nation’s military past and develop their understanding of the importance of commemoration.

Minister Harris will formally welcome the students at the Anzac Memorial in July alongside two Korean War veterans for a comprehensive tour briefing. The students will also receive their research tasks, meet with the tour historian and accompanying teachers and attend a commemorative service in the Hall of Memory.

More information about the Premier’s Anzac Memorial Scholarship is available on the Premier’s Anzac Memorial Scholarship (PAMS) web page.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“A huge congratulations to our scholarship recipients.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to learn first-hand about Australia’s military history.

“It is heartening to see how many young people applied for this scholarship and are engaged in our nation’s military history.”

Minister for Veterans David Harris said:

“As a former school principal I am a big supporter of this program and know how important it is our government continues to support the current generation to continue to learn about the military history of our state and our nation.

“More than 15,000 Australian soldiers were captured in Singapore, more than 7,000 would die as prisoners of war. Only five years after the end of the Second World War, Australia became involved in the Korean War; sadly there are only a small number of Korean War veterans still with us.

“This trip will be a deeply meaningful experience for these students as they visit such important historical sites and learn more about the service and sacrifice of our veterans.”

2025 PAMS Accompanying Teacher, Helen Rook, Coffs Harbour Senior College said:

“There is no substitute for standing where history was created – to feel its weight. Immersive journeys bring the past alive, allowing us to glimpse the truths of war, pay respect to our service men and women and learn deeply, alongside the privilege of guiding the bright minds shaping tomorrow.”

Syedda Nazeeya from Macarthur Girls High School said:

“This opportunity is a powerful way to honour the sacrifices of those who served, and reflect on how they shaped the history and values of our country. I’m excited to stand where history unfolded and deepen my understanding of Australia’s role in each region we visit.”

Angus Jeffery from James Sheahan Catholic High School said:

“I am really looking forward to the opportunity to travel overseas to past Australian battlefields and learn more of our military history. My great-grandfather was a prisoner of war in WW2 and spent time in Changi. This trip will not only expand my knowledge of Australian history but I’m looking forward to representing my family, my school and Central West NSW.”

List of the 2025 Premier’s Anzac Memorial Scholars

Student name	School name
Hannah Buckpitt	St Patrick’s College for Girls Campbelltown
Tiare Ceran-Jerusalemy	Burwood Girls High School
Isabella Cheng	Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College
Grace Gallaher	Karabar High School
Rachel Gooley	Armidale Secondary College
Flynn Greenow	Narrabeen Sports High School
Oliver Griffin	Saint Mary Mackillop College Albury
Liam Harrison	Merewether High School
Matilda Hawkins	St Benedict’s Catholic College
Angus Jeffery	James Sheahan Catholic High School
Benji Loh	Sydney Grammar School
Daniel Morozov	Edmund Rice College
Syedda Nazeeya	Macarthur Girls High School
Bianca Nguyen	St George Girls High School
Hilary Nguyen	James Ruse Agricultural High School
Vanessa Rutkowska	Batemans Bay High School
Nicholas Seibright	Nowra Christian School
Scarlett Sheridan	Green Point Christian College
Matilda Webb	Our Lady of Mercy College, Parramatta
Alice Zhang-Kim	Pymble Ladies College

The Minns Labor Government is continuing its work to keep communities safe with the NSW Police Force Marine Area Command to benefit from modern, cutting-edge capability and infrastructure with a new vessel funded in the 2025-26 Budget.

$46.3 million will fund a new Class 1 Vessel (Nemesis) – replacing the current vessel which is approaching end-of-useful-life after almost 20 years on the water.

The Nemesis is invaluable to the NSWPF’s marine operations. It can operate in the harshest offshore maritime environments – with a patrol range of 1500 nautical miles or 2800kms – for extended periods.

The vessel gives officers the capability to conduct extended offshore operations including search and rescue, maritime and counter-terrorism protection and target maritime crime and illegal drug importation.

It protects NSW’s economic interests, assists marine counter-terrorism operations, polices major water events – including New Year’s Eve on Sydney Harbour – and is the response vessel to Lord Howe Island for emergency management.

Since becoming operational in 2008, the Nemesis has intercepted and seized 8.1 tonnes of narcotics including one tonne of methamphetamine, seven tonnes of cocaine and interrupted the shipment of 240 tonnes of illicit tobacco.

The Nemesis has completed countless major rescues, including in September 2024 when two stricken sailors were rescued off the Shoalhaven area in eight metre seas.

The new vessel will have an extended patrol range, allowing for 12-day patrols, advanced satellite communications, military-grade surveillance and infrared camera, seven metre boarding vessel, along with emergency management capabilities to support Lord Howe Island.

This investment builds on the Minns Labor Government’s work to deliver better frontline services and rebuild the NSWPF.

The former Liberal-National Government had no plan for police recruitment, no plan for police retention and sent wages backwards for 12 years. As a result, thousands of experienced officers left the force.

We are turning that around by:

• securing a historic pay rise for officers
• paying recruits to train resulting in applications to join the NSWPF soaring by 70 per cent
• creating a pathway for recruits to serve in or near their hometown after attesting the Goulburn Police Academy
• establishing the Professional Mobility Program for serving officers across Australia and New Zealand to join the NSWPF and keep their equivalent rank up to Senior Constable
• introducing the Health, Safety and Wellbeing Command to look after officers.

The 2025-26 Budget builds on the strong foundations we have already laid to build a better, safer NSW for all – work which the Minns Labor Government will continue to do.

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:

“The Nemesis is absolutely critical when it comes to the capability of our Marine Area Command to keep our waterways and streets safe.

“The role of this vessel cannot be overstated – from intercepting illegal drugs, to policing major events and conducting offshore rescues – the Nemesis does it all.

“Today’s announcement builds on our work to invest in our hardworking police and ensure they have the resources, equipment and capability to continue to keep us all safe.”

NSW Police Force Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell said:

“We are the only police force in Australia with this capability.

“This new vessel puts us even further in front in the fight against drugs and other serious crime.

“Marine Area Command officers are trained to deal with everything from significant drug detections, and terrorism to major boating emergencies.

“This new vessel is a major weapon for our Marine Command, and its’ team of elite officers, in the fight against what can be some very serious crimes right across their patrol.”

The Minns Labor Government is getting on with delivering the Western Harbour Tunnel Project, with the largest tunnel boring machines (TBMs) in the Southern Hemisphere set to arrive in Sydney later this year, to excavate the final stage of the first harbour road crossing in almost three decades.

The 6.5 kilometre Tunnel is set to open to traffic in 2028 and importantly, will remain in public hands. These enormous tunnel boring machines will excavate 1.5 kilometres of the twin motorway tunnels with three lanes in each direction.

Once launched tunnelling will be 24/7 with 40 people working on them at any one time.

The TBMs are expected to take around a year to complete their work.

In a sneak peek, footage of the TBMs rolling off the assembly line shows the extraordinary complexity of these state of the art machines that will link northern, inner western and southern Sydney via the Western Harbour Tunnel.

The mega machines are 102 metres long and 15.7 metres in diameter, each weighing 4,350 tonnes. They will work under Sydney Harbour, between Birchgrove and Waverton, up to 50 metres below sea level.

A 500-tonne crane will be used to assemble the TBMs in their launch chambers deep underground Birchgrove. Around 13,000 concrete segments, set to be precast in Western Sydney, will line and support this section of the tunnel.

The TBM cutterheads are adorned with artwork to honour their namesakes – Aboriginal women Barangaroo and Patyegarang – in a tribute to Sydney’s past as the TBMs prepare to shape its future.

When completed the Western Harbour Tunnel will provide a seamless connection from the Warringah Freeway and North Sydney to WestConnex at Rozelle Interchange.

For more information visit the Western Harbour Tunnel web page.

Fast facts

Using Western Harbour Tunnel will save drivers:

• up to 20 minutes from Sydney Olympic Park to North Sydney
• up to 20 minutes from Leichhardt to North Sydney
• up to 15 minutes from North Sydney to Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport.

Western Harbour Tunnel will reduce traffic:

• on the Western Distributor by 35 per cent
• the Sydney Harbour Tunnel by 20 per cent
• the Sydney Harbour Bridge by 17 per cent.

Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“The Minns Labor Government is getting on with projects that are transforming our city and delivering the infrastructure our community needs.

“These magnificent machines are going to deliver on the Future Sydney vision by carving out our second under-harbour road crossing.

“These are the largest TBMs in the Southern Hemisphere – which gives you a sense of the magnitude of this project that will revolutionise the way our city moves.

“Three whole Sydney Metro tunnels could fit within the diameter of the Western Harbour Tunnel, and each TBM is around the same weight as four Freshwater ferries.

“When complete, the Western Harbour Tunnel will link the northside and city, inner west and airport while taking pressure off the Harbour Bridge and Tunnel, Anzac Bridge and Western Distributor.”

Workers compensation reform in NSW has overcome a key hurdle, with legislation passing the parliament’s lower house despite the Coalition teaming up with the Greens to try and block its progress.

The Workers Compensation Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 is now expected to go before the upper house on Thursday.

The NSW Government is calling on the Parliament to pass this legislation so workers compensation can be protected for future generations.

The current system isn’t working, and it is not sustainable. It is failing injured workers, failing businesses and failing the state.

Since 2018, the number of psychological claims has doubled. Since 2020, the average cost of psychological injury claims has almost doubled.

Under the status quo, just 50 per cent of workers with psychological claims are back at work within a year. For physical injuries, the rate is 95 per cent.

The Government’s reforms will ensure businesses are not hit with an unnecessary $1 billion per year insurance premium increase. Without the reform, the premiums paid by businesses are set to increase by 36 per cent over three years to 2028.

Governments of both persuasions have put $6.1 billion since 2018 into bailing out the Treasury Managed Fund, which insures public sector workers.

The Bill currently before the Parliament has been informed by consultation with unions and experts, including through the release of an exposure draft and a parliamentary inquiry.

It includes a range of refinements to proposals that were contained in the exposure draft and is complemented by $344 million in new funding for a Workplace Mental Health package.

The legislation before Parliament will reform the way workers compensation system deals with psychological injury by addressing:

• the lack of focus on preventing psychological injury at work
• the low rate of recovery and return to work for psychologically injured workers
• the sharp rise in premiums for business and cost explosions for the NSW public.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“The Government has been able to get the workers compensation bill through the Legislative Assembly. This is despite the Liberals teaming up with the Greens to block this important reform.

“They should now unite to pass this legislation in the upper house.

“This Bill is about creating a modern system that will better protect workers from psychological injury and provide better help when they need it. I want to ensure that future generations of workers have a workers compensation system they can rely on.”

Industrial Relations Minister Sophie Cotsis said:

“The workers compensation system has failed injured workers. In particular it has failed workers with psychological injuries. It is designed to keep workers in the system.

“We are building a better system, one that supports workers to not only get help as soon as possible, but to return them back to a safe workplace as soon as they are able and not left languishing for many years.”

Minister for Customer Service Jihad Dib said:

“We are putting in place widespread reforms for workers that ensure those with the greatest need continue to receive support, and those who can return to work are supported.

“We need a workers compensation scheme that can serve injured workers into the future – that means it needs reform now, supported by greater effort on preventing injury, treating the injury and supporting the worker to make sure it can be sustainable.”

The community is invited to have their say on a new state-led rezoning proposal to transform Riverstone Town Centre into a flood-resilient community, with the potential for new homes and a new main street.

The proposal includes upgrades along George Street, and new housing located on nearby higher ground to reduce flood risk and support a more resilient town centre.

It features an upgraded transport hub with improved connections, surrounded by new open space, shops and services, which will support the creation of up to 1,200 new jobs.

The NSW and Commonwealth Governments are also investing $276 million to upgrade Garfield Road East and $520 million to widen nearby Richmond Road to six lanes, supporting traffic connections to Riverstone Town Centre.

In September 2024, the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure commenced a state-led rezoning proposal under the State Significant Rezoning Policy, following an earlier proposal from Blacktown City Council which did not proceed due to flood risk and traffic management concerns.

The State Significant Rezoning Policy aims to shorten the rezoning timeframe to better meet the housing and employment needs of NSW’s growing population. The new proposal will provide a long-term planning blueprint for Riverstone Town Centre over the next 30 years.

This is all part of the Minns Government’s plan to build a better NSW with more homes, jobs and services, so young people, families and key local workers have somewhere to live and in the communities they choose.

The community and industry are invited to have their say on the rezoning proposal, which is on exhibition until 2 July 2025. For more information, visit the NSW Planning Portal.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“We introduced the State Significant Rezoning Policy to make it easier for projects to move through the planning pipeline and deliver the homes that NSW needs.

“This proposal allows us to connect to create more homes and jobs, connected to open space, while creating a flood-resilient town centre in Riverstone.

“This rezoning proposal is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when the State Government brings together council and agencies to solve complex planning issues such as flooding and evacuation.”

Member for Riverstone Warren Kirby said:

“I want to thank the residents in my electorate for their patience and assure them this rezoning proposal is worth the wait.

“We know that parts of Riverstone are flood prone so it’s good to see the consideration and planning that has gone into reimagining the town centre while respecting the environmental constraints and the community’s desire for increased greenspace.

“I’m confident the community will share my excitement about this vision for Riverstone’s future and encourage everyone to provide feedback during the exhibition.”

The NSW Opposition will support sensible reforms to the workers compensation scheme but Labor needs to agree to smart, fair amendments that protect small business, working families and people with genuine psychological injuries.

The Workers Compensation Legislation Amendment Bill 2025, dropped into Parliament just last week, is being rushed through by the Minns Labor Government under the false claim it must be passed by 1 July.

In fact, premiums for the 2025–26 financial year are already locked in at an 8% increase, and the next premium filing isn’t due until March 2026.

NSW Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said we support reform, but we won’t support a system that kicks severely injured people off support at 2.5 years with no justification or shifts public costs onto small business.

“These are serious changes, and they deserve serious scrutiny. We’re offering alternative amendments to make the scheme fair, sustainable, and focused on the people it’s meant to serve,” Mr Speakman said.

NSW Nationals Leader Dugald Saunders said in the regions, we see what pressure does to frontline workers, small business owners and communities.

“The last thing they need is a government making it harder to get help or asking them to pay for problems in Macquarie Street. These reforms need to be realistic and that’s what we’re pushing Labor to deliver,” Mr Saunders said.

Shadow Treasurer Damien Tudehope said the numbers don’t stack up. There’s no modelling showing how the harshest parts of this Bill save money—just spin.

“We back responsible cost savings, but not at the expense of the people who hold up our economy,” Mr Tudehope said.

The Opposition will move amendments to:

• Scrap the proposed 31% impairment threshold for psychological injury.
• Make savings instead by tightening bullying claims and removing vague or unworkable claim triggers like “excessive work demands”.
• Keep independent assessments with the Personal Injury Commission.
• Retain Parliament’s oversight of how injuries are assessed.
• Stop private business from subsidising public sector disputes.

If there is no satisfactory outcome of these amendments, the Opposition will seek to refer the Bill to an upper house inquiry for proper scrutiny.

Workers deserve dignity. Businesses deserve fairness. The public deserves better than a rush job.

The Minns Labor Government has unveiled the next chapter of the ‘Feel New’ campaign that showcases Sydney beyond the postcard-perfect icons, and asks Australians to rediscover the city and experience a new side of Sydney.

According to the Destination NSW Brand Engagement Monitor in April 2025, 79% of all Australian travellers have visited Sydney before. Sydney is currently ranked third for consideration to travel amongst domestic travellers in the next 12 months.

Qualitative research undertaken by The Lab has showed that people know Sydney for its incredible icons. But there’s a sense that once travellers have seen the well-known icons, Sydney doesn’t offer anything significantly different from other cities. They couldn’t be more wrong.

The next chapter of the ‘Feel New’ campaign targets ‘new experience seekers’ from around the country who want busy, full days when travelling.

The new campaign showcases the unique offering our city has to offer beyond the icons. World class food offerings, stunning natural beauty, exhilarating adventures, international sporting events and a vibrant arts and music culture.

The campaign showcases the depth and breadth of experiences on offer to visitors, from oyster farms to rooftop bars, hot air balloon rides to snorkelling in Sydney’s unique coastal locations like the Great Southern Reef at Shelley Beach.

Backed by ongoing investment in aviation, events, and experiences, the campaign is just one of several initiatives to grow domestic visitation and grow the local visitor economy.

Research has shown that audiences who have engaged with the Feel New brand are more likely to book a trip or extend their stay and have injected an additional $323 million into the NSW visitor economy to date.

Destination NSW has also partnered with six NSW ‘icons of culture’ who have curated their own emotion-led personal itineraries to help visitors live like a local. The NSW ‘icons of culture’ all live in Sydney or were born in NSW and include Olympian Jess Fox, celebrated chef Dan Hong, writer, broadcaster and comedian Lucinda Price (Froomes), ultra-marathon runner Nedd Brockmann, award winning musician Budjerah and comedic duo The Inspired Unemployed.

The campaign will roll out across TV, outdoor, radio, digital and social channels until 30 August 2025.

Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said:

“Sydney was just ranked as one of Time Out’s top five global cities for culture, but when you ask Australians about Sydney they’ll say “I’ve already seen the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.”

“What is clear in the research is that our icons alone are not enough to get people to visit and revisit Sydney. We need to do a better job at showcasing all our city has to offer, we need to be more than our icons.

“We have the Blue Mountains, the best beaches, award-winning vineyards, and world-class snorkelling, and all within a couple hours. Sydney is home to world leading restaurants, an exciting blend of food cultures, the largest sporting events and a vibrant arts and music scene.

“We have so much to offer, which is why we are asking Australians to explore our beautiful city, dive deeper and feel a new side of Sydney.

“There are infinite combinations of experiences on offer, and I think this campaign puts them top of mind for potential visitors.”

Business Sydney Executive Director Paul Nicolaou said:

“This next phase of the ‘Feel New’ campaign is exactly what Sydney needs. As an international and global city, we’ve long been defined by our stunning icons—but what keeps people coming back are the stories, the communities, and the experiences that can’t be captured in a postcard.

“By spotlighting the vibrant layers of local culture, food, art, and nature that exist beyond the usual landmarks, this campaign not only diversifies the visitor experience but also supports the small businesses and local creatives who are the lifeblood of our city.”

“Post-pandemic travel habits have shifted, with more Australians seeking meaningful, immersive experiences over traditional sightseeing. Campaigns like ‘Feel New’ respond directly to this change by encouraging travellers to go beyond the surface.

“Whether it’s discovering a hidden laneway bar, attending a local festival, or hiking coastal trails that locals love, this initiative repositions Sydney as not just a destination, but an experience that evolves with every visit.”

Transport and Tourism Forum CEO Margy Osmond said:

“It’s fantastic to see the NSW Government investing in Sydney’s unique tourism offering, from world-class culinary options, nightlife, cultural experiences and more, well beyond the bridge and the sails.

“This campaign is about inviting the world to see beyond Sydney’s icons and why locals love living in this evolving and exciting destination – a city bursting with energy, culture and creativity at every turn. We see enormous potential to increase visitation and deliver long-term economic benefits for Sydney’s communities and businesses”.

Chef, restaurateur and author Dan Hong said:

“The driving force behind this new marketing campaign for Sydney is to attract more visitors who will have the opportunity to discover Sydney’s world-class food scene. Increased visitation directly benefits the hospitality sector and creates a ripple effect that supports local jobs and stimulates the economy. I’m proud of the quality of food that Sydney serves up and want more people to know about what we have on offer.”