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The Minns Labor Government has released new detailed artist’s impressions as it forges ahead with delivering Box Hill’s first public schools, with the construction contract now awarded to build the permanent home for Box Hill High School and Box Hill Public School, and a new public preschool.

Richard Crookes Constructions will build the new permanent schools, co-located on Terry Road, Box Hill, set to open on day one, Term 1, 2028.

The new permanent Box Hill Public School will cater for 1,000 students and feature 44 classrooms, three support classrooms, a multipurpose hall, library, canteen, a sports court, play areas and covered outdoor learning areas.

Box Hill High School will open for 1,000 students with 50 modern classrooms and be the first high school built in The Hills since 2009, when Labor was last in government. It will include specialist science, arts and technology spaces, seven support classrooms, a hospitality kitchen, a multipurpose hall, library, and a sports field and courts.

The new preschool will be co-located with Box Hill Public School and accommodate up to 120 children every week, in addition to the new public preschool being delivered at The Gables.

Box Hill Public School and Box Hill High School are currently operating out of purpose-built temporary facilities fast-tracked and delivered by the Minns Labor Government as an urgent measure to address enrolment demand while these permanent facilities are built, after the former Liberal and National government failed to properly plan or deliver a single public school in the area.

Families in Box Hill have long advocated for expanded public education offerings, with student enrolment growth in the area increasing by more than 1,000 per cent between 2018 and 2023, according to the NSW Enrolment Growth Audit.

The delivery of these new permanent schools is part of the Minns Labor Government’s record $9 billion school infrastructure investment, which includes $3.9 billion for new and upgraded schools across Western Sydney.

Across The Hills, the NSW Government is delivering more than 240 new permanent classrooms for 5,500 students through new school builds and upgrades, including the new Gables Public School, upgrades to Excelsior Public School and Rouse Hill High School, and the recently completed upgrades to Matthew Pearce Public School and Castle Hill Public School.

Minister for Education and Early Learning and Minister for Western Sydney, Deputy Premier Prue Car said:

“The Minns Labor Government is getting on with delivering Box Hill’s first permanent public schools, having already fast-tracked the delivery of the temporary public school and high school in record time.

“Parents in Box Hill waited far too long for local public schools because the Liberals failed to listen to families or plan for their needs. The Minns Labor Government listened, and we are wasting no time to deliver the much-needed schools for this rapidly growing community.

“We are working hard to deliver these schools for local families because they deserve local access to high-quality public schools.”

Box Hill High School Principal Suada Bilali said:

“The progress on this project is exciting news for our Box Hill High School community.

“Our students and families are looking forward to the day we move into our new permanent home and continue building a strong school community together.”

Box Hill Public School Principal Melanie Mackie said:

“It’s wonderful to see another significant milestone achieved in the delivery of our new permanent school facilities.

“We’re excited to see our shared vision come to life and look forward to welcoming our school community into the completed facilities in 2028.”

NSW magistrates will be known as judges from tomorrow to better reflect the nature and volume of crucial work done in the Local Court.

The Minns Labor Government last year amended the Local Court Act 2007 to change the title of magistrates to judges.

This is more than just a name change. It’s a proper acknowledgement of the important work done in Australia’s busiest court jurisdiction which hears a growing number of and increasingly complex cases each year.

Over the past decade, the number of matters commenced in the Local Court have risen by a third with nearly half a million begun in 2024.

The title of magistrate is a historical one stemming from a time when judicial officers were appointed from the public service and sat in the Court of Petty Sessions.

Local Court judicial officers have been required to hold legal qualifications for more than 70 years.

NSW joins the Northern Territory’s Local Court and Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia where the title of magistrate has been changed to judge.

The title change does not affect existing powers, functions or protections of Local Court judicial officers.

Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“The role of magistrates has changed significantly in recent decades, but their title hasn’t kept pace with the volume and complex of matters they hear. They perform a judicial role, and their title should reflect that.

“Judicial officers in the Local Court do the same things as their counterparts in other courts in NSW. Not only is there no reason not to make this change; it is absolutely deserved.”

$183.2 million is being invested by the Minns Labor Government to transform key parts of the state’s road network, delivering lasting infrastructure and economic benefits for regional NSW. 

The funding will deliver critical road upgrades to support the safer movement of oversize and overmass vehicles transporting components for wind and solar projects, helping drive the renewable energy transition in regional NSW.

Regional communities are at the centre of the renewable energy transition, with areas like the Central-West Orana playing a critical role as the powerhouse of the state’s future energy system. 

The investment recognises that as these regions drive the transition, they must also be backed with the infrastructure to support their communities, industries and future growth. The funding will be shared across three of the five designated Renewable Energy Zones (REZ): 

• $50 million for Central – West Orana REZ for safety and capacity upgrades primarily along the Golden Highway, as well as between the Port of Newcastle and the Central West
• $65 million for South – West REZ to start work on six intersection upgrades to allow components to be moved through the western Riverina region between the Dinawan and the Buronga substations) 
• $68.2 million for New England REZ to begin upgrades at Rix’s Creek Bridge and Liddell Interchange, plan for safety and capacity upgrades between Muswellbrook and Armidale and develop an OSOM route around Tamworth on the northern end. 

Design work is already underway for critical upgrades on the Sturt and New England highways and started delivery of town entry safety treatments on the Golden Highway at Dubbo, Dunedoo, Jerrys Plains Denman and Sandy Hollow. 

In coming months, Transport for NSW will complete community consultation and provide more information and expected timelines as the program develops, while fast tracking project concept design so that this vital road work can move ahead quickly.   

Extensive planning is already underway to minimise impacts on local communities and road users, with oversize and overmass movements carefully coordinated – typically departing ports at night and travelling along designated Renewable Energy Zone routes under pilot or escort where required.

The previous green energy joint funding commitment of $128.5 million has crews already working to upgrade 19 areas along the Central-West Orana REZ route.  

These upgrades and road treatments are at identified pinch points and vary from road widening, relocating traffic signs, installing new turn lanes and extending drainage and culverts.  

With this new $183.2 million in funding, there is a total of $216.9 million available ($211.9 million NSW Government funding, $5 million Australian Government funding) for REZ road upgrades across regional NSW.

This includes $10 million for the development of infrastructure upgrades associated with the Central- West Orana REZ project, which is funded 50/ 50 with the NSW and Federal governments, and $23.7 million to deliver an overtaking lane west of Merriwa.

 Minister for Energy, Penny Sharpe: 

“The Minns Labor Government is delivering a ‘once-in-a-generation upgrade’ of the state’s electricity system.   

“As part of this, we are upgrading our road network to help deliver the renewable energy zones and a once in a generation road upgrade.

“NSW has the most advanced plan for the rollout of renewable energy in Australia – today’s investment in our road network is the next stage of that. 

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison: 

“These upgrades recognise a simple reality. Our regional communities are at the heart of our renewable energy future and for too long they’ve had to bear the brunt of the transition without the infrastructure to support it.

“The Central-West Orana and surrounding regions are the powerhouse of our state’s energy transition. They have long powered NSW through a mix of energy sources. As we transition, they will continue to play that critical role. 

“I know how important the Golden Highway is for both communities and industry alike. These upgrades will ensure it can safely and efficiently support the movement of energy infrastructure, while continuing to serve the people who rely on it every day.

“This $183.2 million investment is about recognising the role regional NSW plays in powering the state – and making sure communities see lasting benefits through stronger, safer and more resilient roads.”  

Mayor of Temora Shire, Rick Firman: 

“Our remote and rural communities often carry the load of work when it comes to major transitions like this, so this investment is a very welcome commitment to making sure we are properly supported. 

“As large renewable energy components are transported across our region, these upgrades will help keep people safe, maintain vital connections, and leave a lasting legacy of better infrastructure for our community.

“Regional councils look forward to continuing to work productively with the Minister on corridor planning for upcoming REZ movements in their local government areas.” 

“This is about making sure our communities are not only part of the transition, but benefits from it as well.” 

Mayor of Dubbo Regional Council, Josh Black: 

“This significant investment in the Golden Highway will provide a lasting legacy for residents of the Dubbo Region, particularly when travelling to Newcastle and the Hunter.

“In regional areas like ours, roads are the connections between towns – essential to keeping people, goods and services moving seamlessly. These upgrades will improve safety, support local businesses and industry, and ensure our community can continue to grow and thrive.”

Mayor of Muswellbrook, Jeff Drayton: 

“Muswellbrook has long been at the centre of NSW’s energy story and as that story evolves, it’s essential our community is supported. 

“As a key hub in the Upper Hunter, we’re seeing firsthand the increased demand on our local roads as large renewable energy components move through the region. For our community, that means balancing this important work with keeping our community connected and safe. 

“This investment will strengthen our road network, reduce pressure on key routes and ensure Muswellbrook continues to play a leading role in powering the state.” 

Mayor of Warrumbungle Shire, Kathryn Rindfleish: 

“In small regional communities like those across Wurrumbungle Shire, our road network is our lifeline and connection to the rest of the state. It’s how we access services and keep our local economy running. 

“The roads are placed under significant pressure from the transportation of renewable energy infrastructure – impacting safety, accessibility and day-to-day life for our community. 

“The $183.2 million investment in roads in Renewable Energy Zones acknowledges those challenges, and I’m very pleased to see regional communities recognised and supported through the transition.” 

Port of Newcastle CEO, Craig Carmody:

“The Minns Labor Government’s renewable energy rollout is a generational, nation building, freight and logistics task.

“The Port of Newcastle is the only port on the East Coast of Australia capable of handling such a massive and complex operation, and as the entry point for these components, we recognise and welcome the unprecedented scale of works and investment the government is making to ensure the road network is equally ready.

“Recognising the critical role the Port of Newcastle will play in the government’s successful rollout, we are laser focused on ensuring the Port is capable and ready to receive the first REZ components in 2027.”

The Minns Labor Government is continuing to rebuild essential education infrastructure in regional NSW, with a milestone reached in the recovery of Lismore South Public School and Lismore South Public School Ngulliboo Jarjums Preschool following the devastating 2022 Northern Rivers floods.

This week the school’s first building modules are lifted into place, as construction continues on the new permanent, flood-resilient facilities at the schools’ Phyllis Street site.

The modules are being craned in and installed onto a flood-resilient steel platform. The first school spaces will be assembled in 47 separate crane lifts, with installation of the preschool and remaining classrooms to follow. The rebuild is expected to be completed in late 2026.

The new flood-resilient public school and co-located public preschool will include 13 state-of-the-art classrooms, a library, a multipurpose hall, administration areas, landscaping and outdoor learning areas, and dedicated indoor and outdoor learning spaces for Lismore South Public School Ngulliboo Jarjums Preschool.

The flood-resilient buildings have been designed to meet the long-term needs of preschool and primary school students in South Lismore and minimise potential disruption from any future flood events.

Enhanced planning powers under section 68 of the NSW Reconstruction Authority Act 2022 have been used to fast-track the rebuild of the school. This is the third time these powers have been exercised by the Minister for Recovery to accelerate the reconstruction of a flood-affected public school, supporting the NSW Government’s commitment to deliver safer, more resilient learning environments for local communities. The Minns Labor Government is committed to rebuilding flood-affected schools in the Northern Rivers, ensuring schools are built back better for local communities.

Since 2022, 18 flood-damaged schools have been repaired or rebuilt in the Northern Rivers, including Tumbulgum Public School and Condong Public School, where students returned late last year.

Funding to rebuild nine extensively damaged schools, including Lismore South Public School, has been provided through the Infrastructure Betterment Fund, which is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and NSW Governments through Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

As part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to rebuild public education in NSW, the 2025-26 Budget is delivering $2.1 billion for new and upgraded schools in regional NSW.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“This is an exciting milestone for the Lismore South community, with students, staff and families seeing their new school begin to take shape.

“The Minns Labor Government is getting on with the job of rebuilding schools in the Northern River better, and the new, flood-resilient Lismore South Public School will better serve local students and families for decades to come.

“These new facilities will give students in South Lismore access to the high-quality learning environments they deserve.”

Minister for Recovery and Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said:

“Recovery looks different for every family in our community, but for the students of Lismore South it looks like a new school taking shape, module by module.

“We are committed to ensuring our local schools are built back better. By using a flood-resilient steel platform and modern design, we are making sure this school stays at the heart of South Lismore for the long term.

“Our community deserves a school that is built for the future. Seeing these modules lifted into place is a massive step forward in providing our students and teachers with the modern, purpose-built facilities they need and deserve.”

Lismore South Public School Principal Larissa Polak said:

“It is a real turning point to see the first modules of our new school going up. Students, teachers, and local families are so excited to see this progress.

“This new building represents stability and continuity of learning in the face of future challenges. It will be a safe, modern school, built to give every child here the best possible learning environment.

“We are so proud to be on this journey, especially after everything our community has faced, and we cannot wait to call this new school our home.”

The NSW Minister for Energy has issued formal information notices to a number of liquid fuel companies, as NSW responds to fuel distribution challenges arising from the conflict in the Middle East.

Last week the NSW Government sought voluntary information from major fuel companies about historical stocks and sales as well as future orders and forecasts.

The Minister has now issued formal notices to those companies, as well as several smaller providers, compelling them to provide a wide range of information. The information notices have been issued under s 27 of the Energy and Utilities Administration Act 1987.

The companies are required to provide information to the NSW Government to help the state determine if the supply of liquid fuel to NSW is, or is likely to be, significantly disrupted.

The information will help form a more complete view of how the NSW Government can work with the fuel industry, as well as prepare for the exercise of emergency powers if needed.

A Liquid Fuel Emergency Operations Centre is now operational in Parramatta, acting as headquarters for the operational response.

The NSW Government’s message remains that people should only buy as much fuel as they need.

Motorists are encouraged to download the NSW FuelCheck app or visit www.fuelcheck.nsw.gov.au/app for daily information on fuel prices as an indication of availability across the state.

Minister for Energy, Penny Sharpe said:

“We need a clear picture of the situation to best support people and communities as we navigate the challenges posed by this global conflict.

“To ensure the NSW Government has complete and accurate information, I have issued formal notices compelling these fuel companies to hand over all requested information.”

Allied health professionals across NSW have been celebrated for their outstanding work and dedication at the annual NSW Health Excellence in Allied Health Awards, held at the Art Gallery of NSW last night.

The annual awards recognise the compassion, commitment, and contributions of allied health clinicians and support staff across the NSW public health system, with 35 finalists considered in seven award categories.

Awards were presented by Minister for Health Ryan Park, Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson, and NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce AM.

The winners in each of the seven categories are:

• Allied Health Professional of the Year Helen McGregor, Podiatrist, Northern NSW Local Health District
• Allied Health Leader of the Year Tia Croft, Speech Pathologist, South Western Sydney Local Health District
• Early Career Allied Health Professional of the Year Nicole Gregoriou, Social Worker, Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District
• Aboriginal Allied Health Professional of the Year Ryan Taylor, Physiotherapist, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District
• Allied Health Assistant / Technician / Support Person of the Year Deanna Stenhouse, Allied Health Assistant, Murrumbidgee Local Health District
• Allied Health Researcher of the Year Meegan Shepherd, Radiation Therapist, Northern Sydney Local Health District
• Allied Health Educator of the Year Georgia Lloyd, Pharmacist, Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network

For more information on the winners and a full list of finalists, visit 2026 NSW Health Excellence in Allied Health Awards.

The Minns Labor Government understands the important role our workforce plays in the health system and has committed to long-term investments in staff recruitment and retention by:

• Abolishing the wages cap and delivering the largest wage increase to healthcare workers in a decade;
• Implementing ratios in our emergency departments;
• Saving 1,112 nurses which the Liberal Government planned to sack;
• Supporting our future health workforce through providing them with study subsidies.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“Every day allied health staff are there for people at every stage of life by stepping up to meet complex challenges, delivering care that exceeds expectations and strengthens our health system.

“The Allied Health Awards help recognise excellence and acknowledge the dedication of all allied health professionals and their support staff across our entire health system. I want to thank all finalists for their contribution to our health system and extend my congratulations to this year’s award winners.

“It was an honour to present the award to NSW’s Allied Health Professional of the Year Helen McGregor. Helen has played an instrumental role in the High Risk Foot Service at Lismore Base Hospital and fostered innovative programs like the Pedorthics multidisciplinary clinic, improving access to custom footwear for local community members. Helen has also been a great support to her colleagues – recognised as a dedicated mentor and educator by her peers.”

Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson:

“The Allied Health Awards reflect the strength of our allied health workforce, whose expertise across many settings- including mental health – plays an important role in improving patient outcomes.

“I want to extend my sincere gratitude to all of our allied health staff for their commitment towards driving the highest standards of care for our communities.”

Minister for Medical Research David Harris:

“Across NSW, allied health professionals and their support staff consistently go above and beyond, supporting patients, families and communities.

“I congratulate all the finalists and would particularly like to highlight the achievements of Meegan Shepherd, winner of the Allied Health Researcher of the Year. Meegan is a radiation therapist with nearly 20 years of experience working in cancer care. Meegan leads and contributes to multiple clinical trials across gastro-intestinal, adaptive-radiotherapy and AI-enabled radiotherapy. Her research has directly improved cancer treatment protocols in NSW, improving outcomes for patients.”

NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce AM:

“I want to thank all of our nominees, finalists, and winners for the incredible work they do in a wide variety of roles, right across the state.

“Allied health professionals, assistants, and support staff make a profound impact and enrich health every day in many ways through their professionalism and dedication towards delivering outstanding patient centric care.”

NSW Health Chief Allied Health Officer Andrew Davison:

“The Excellence in Allied Health Awards are a celebration of individual achievement and recognition of the vital role allied health professionals play in the public health system, across 23 unique professions.”

Shellharbour City Council has completed a major upgrade to Bass Point Tourist Road, delivering a safer, more reliable access to one of the City’s most significant natural and cultural areas.

The project has sealed approximately two kilometres of Bass Point Tourist Road, from the main entrance gates to Bushrangers Bay car park, replacing the previous unsealed surface and upgrading key drainage infrastructure.

The project is jointly funded by the Albanese and Minns Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements through the Infrastructure Betterment fund, with additional funding provided by the Shellharbour City Council.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain, said all levels of government were providing support to ensure communities could withstand future severe weather events.

“Through the Infrastructure Betterment Fund, our focus is to provide opportunities to local governments like Shellharbour so they can identify priority projects that will make their communities more resilient to natural disasters,” Minister McBain said.

“This upgrade was a massive undertaking, and I’d like to thank council for this achievement.”

NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin, said this critical investment by the NSW and Federal Governments will ensure Bass Point can be safely enjoyed for years to come.

“Bass Point Reserve is a special place, both environmentally and culturally, and this major upgrade will not only assist with keeping community connected during severe weather events, but will preserve access to important landmarks,” Minister Saffin said.

“Bass Point also plays an important role when it comes to the local economy and this investment in infrastructure improvements will make it easier for locals and visitors to enjoy the area more easily.”

Member for Whitlam, Carol Berry MP, said: “Bass Point is a place of deep cultural significance for the local community and a vital asset for the Shellharbour visitor economy.

“I am proud to be associated with this project where all levels of government have partnered to deliver this important project at Bass Point for the local Shellharbour community.

“These upgrades are helping future-proof the area against severe weather events and will protect this iconic landmark for locals and visitors alike.”

Member for Shellharbour, Anna Watson MP said “This is the kind of practical infrastructure upgrade that strengthens our community, improves the visitor experience and helps protect one of Shellharbour’s iconic coastal destinations and I welcome this important improvement for Bass Point, which balances better public access with the need to respect and preserve the unique environmental and heritage values of the Reserve.”

“Bass Point holds a special place in the heart of our community, and this project ensures future generations will continue to enjoy safe and reliable access to this remarkable local landmark.”

Shellharbour City Mayor, Chris Homer, said the upgrade makes a real difference for locals and visitors who value Bass Point, improving safety and access while protecting what makes this place so special.

“Sealing the tourist road and improving drainage will make a noticeable difference to safety and reliability, particularly in wet weather, and reduce ongoing maintenance needs,” Mayor Homer said.

“The project was carefully designed and managed to preserve the Reserve’s important environmental and heritage values, and we thank the community for their patience while the works were underway.”

The upgrade addressed long-standing issues with erosion and poor surface condition, while maintaining the existing road footprint to safeguard the sensitive vegetation and heritage features of Bass Point Reserve.

The Reserve is home to rare littoral rainforest, diverse marine life and important Aboriginal and European heritage sites.

Signage across the reserve has also been upgraded to clearly identify designated parking areas, shared zones and speed limits, helping guide visitors near car parks and stopping points, discourage verge parking and improve safety for all road users.

For more information on this project visit: www.shellharbour.nsw.gov.au/council/council-works-and-projects/current-projects/bass-point-tourist-road-improvements

The NSW Liberals and Nationals have criticised the Minns Labor Government over another child protection failure, following revelations that more than 550 children in the care of the Minister for Families and Communities are barely going to school.
 
Shadow Minister for Families and Communities, Natasha Maclaren-Jones, and Shadow Minister for Education, Mark Speakman, expressed alarm that hundreds of children in out-of-home care are routinely missing school, warning that the government’s inaction is jeopardising their safety, development, and long-term opportunities.
 
“Every child in NSW deserves a safe home and access to a proper education, yet this government is failing on both fronts,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.
 
“When children are taken into the care of the state, the Minister becomes the parent, and that parent is now failing to get hundreds of kids through the school gate.”
 
Mrs Maclaren-Jones said the reports highlight a growing pattern of neglect across the child protection system under Minister Washington. 
 
“From children in care regularly missing school, to cases of young people being placed with violent offenders, and repeated safety warnings from frontline staff and whistleblowers, the problems are widespread,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.
 
Shadow Minister for Education, Mark Speakman, emphasised there must be improved coordination between the Department of Education and the Department of Communities and Justice. 
 
“No child should be left behind in their learning. Missing school can set children back for life. It’s essential the government act now to coordinate services properly and get these vulnerable children into the classroom,” Mr Speakman said.