Category: NSW News

The Minns Labor Government is today launching a new evidence-based Pave app to help more young people quit vaping.

It comes as new data shows NSW Health’s youth-targeted campaign has supported or persuaded almost 40,000 young people in NSW to quit vaping.

Meanwhile, the latest seizure data suggests a severe disruption to product availability following the introduction of laws stopping vapes at the border.

New Pave app to support quitting vaping

The new Pave app being launched today will provide users with helpful tips, motivation, tracking tools, distractions for when cravings hit, as well as activities and information to navigate common barriers to quitting vaping.

It provides a daily check-in feature supporting users to reflect on their progress and a click-to-call function to connect with Quitline counsellors.

The app was developed by the Cancer Institute NSW, and designed together with young people who vape or had recently quit vaping.

Their experiences informed the content and user interface of the app.

It’s free and available to download on iOS and Android.

Campaign supports or persuades 40,000 to quit

In January 2024, we launched the ‘Every vape is a hit to your health’ behaviour change campaign to reduce the health impact of vaping among 14 to 24 year olds in NSW – the campaign running across TV, public transport and social media.

The campaign connects young people to information about vaping and quit support, including telephone support through the Quitline, general practitioners and now digital apps such as Pave.

New research shows the campaign motivated 24,000 young people in NSW to quit vaping, and persuaded a further 15,000 to consider quitting.

Research also shows that 80 per cent of young Aboriginal people who vape felt motivated to try to quit after being exposed to the campaign.

The campaign is now entering a new phase which will highlight the health harms of vaping including nicotine addiction, lung damage, breathlessness, nicotine poisoning and burns from exploding vapes.

These health materials are available in Cantonese, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Nepali and Arabic, and can be accessed here.

Tens of thousands of illegal products removed from community

Between 1 October 2024 to 31 December 2024, over 47,000 vaping products were seized from 300 inspections.

This is compared to the same period the previous year, when just under 80,000 vaping products were seized from 238 inspections.

Despite the higher number of inspections, the lower number of products seized is likely the result of the disruption in product availability in the market following the introduction of the commonwealth vaping laws.

Health Minister Ryan Park:

“I am very concerned about the prevalence of illegal vapes in our community.

“In particular, I’m worried about the impacts it will have on the community’s health, and ultimately, our health system, long into the future.

“This is a once-in-a-generation moment to prevent a ticking timebomb in public health.

“Our efforts against vaping cannot be solely about enforcement – we’ve got to persuade young people to take ownership of their health, as well as clean our streets of illegal products.

“I am encouraged by our efforts to create awareness among young people of the dangers of vaping, as well as to instil in them a desire to say no, or to quit.

“What I’m determined to see as minister is the requisite supports to help them do it.”

Chief Cancer Officer and CEO of Cancer Institute NSW Professor Tracey O’Brien AM

“It’s encouraging to see that tens of thousands of young people are trying to quit vaping or thinking about doing so.

But vaping remains a significant public health issue and the new Pave app is another option we can provide to encourage young people to seek help and stay on track on their quit journey.

“Vaping can cause significant health harms and can be highly addictive.

“Like cigarettes, vapes are also full of harmful chemicals that have been known to cause cancer and there is growing evidence that young people who vape are more likely to take up smoking, which can significantly increase their cancer risk.”

“It’s important that people avoid taking up vaping or seek help to quit. While quitting can be hard, with support, taking that first step can be life changing.”

former vaper Jillie Clarke

“The craziest thing about vaping is that I genuinely don’t believe anyone wants to be a vaper.

“I didn’t realise I was addicted until I tried to quit and I couldn’t.

“But quitting vaping is 100 per cent possible, it’s a journey but every step is progress and you can do it.

“Vaping had a noticeable impact on my breathing, it felt like my lungs were working harder than they used to and I ended up getting really sick with a lung infection.

“What was really scary for me was learning that the impacts of vaping go beyond respiratory issues, with other damage not being felt until it’s too late – I didn’t want to risk getting to that stage.”

Thirteen highly skilled design practices have been commissioned by the Minns Labor Government to contribute additional low and mid rise designs to the NSW Pattern Book.

This is the second tranche of designs to be added to the NSW Pattern Book to make the delivery of homes in NSW faster, providing more homes for those who need them.

Six designs for terraces, semi-detached dual occupancy and manor houses or low-rise apartment buildings will be produced alongside six designs for mid-rise residential flat buildings.

Additionally, one landscape design practice has been commissioned to develop design guidance for the low-rise and mid-rise patterns, for both private and shared open spaces.

Once complete, these designs will become part of the NSW Pattern Book alongside the five winners from the professional category of the NSW Housing Pattern Book Design Competition that were announced in November last year.

The NSW Pattern Book will provide families, builders and developers with a collection of pre-approved, architecturally designed and cost-effective patterns to choose from. Those that use the designs will have access to a fast-tracked planning pathway.

Restoring choice and diversity is at the centre of the Minns Government’s housing reforms. This means building more homes that offer people at different stages of life more options.

The Pattern Book builds on the Minns Government recent reforms to the planning system to speed up the delivery of more homes, including:

·       Establishment of the Housing Delivery Authority to allow for major housing projects to be prioritised by being assessed directly by the NSW Government.

·       The largest rezoning in NSW history around transport hubs.

·       The largest ever investment in the delivery of social and affordable housing in NSW.

·       $200 million in financial incentives for councils that meet the new expectations for development applications, planning proposals and strategic planning. 

·       $450 million to build new apartments for essential workers including nurses, paramedics, teachers, allied health care workers, police officers and fire fighters. 

For more information on the Pattern Book please visit https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/government-architect-nsw/housing-design/nsw-housing-pattern-book.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Sydney is currently the second most expensive city in the world and has less housing diversity than it did a century ago. This means less optionality and less opportunity for our families, young people, workers and downsizers to live in NSW.

“As we see the average household change and evolve, we want to make sure there are homes to suit everyone, and this means more than just single dwellings and high-rise apartments.

“We’re not sacrificing quality for quantity as we deliver more homes, the NSW Pattern Book will have the stamp of approval from the NSW Government Architect.

“We want new homes to be built faster, but the Pattern Book will mean those homes are good quality, sustainable and cost-effective.”

Northwest communities around the Lightning Ridge opal fields are now better protected from bushfires following the Minns Labor Government’s completion of more than $1.35 million in fire trail upgrades and other protection works.

At Lightning Ridge, a network of 34 fire trails spanning approximately 28 kilometres has been established through upgrades to existing access tracks on a Crown land reserve managed by the Lightning Ridge Area Opal Reserve.

A further 6 fire trails at Grawin covering about 6.7 kilometres, and 13 fire trails at Glengarry covering about 17 kilometres upgrades were also undertaken.

Work included hazard reduction burns, the removal of excess vegetation, and improving fire trails to meet Rural Fire Service standards. Upgrades involved grading, drainage improvements to prevent erosion, and compacted gravel surfacing of some trails for year-round access. Turning and passing bays were also installed to support firefighting efforts. 

Separately, Crown Lands and the Rural Fire Service collaborated on a $34,500 project to install and fence a 110,000-litre water supply tank to support firefighting at Grawin and surrounds.

These critical upgrades undertaken by Crown Lands, with the support of the Soil Conservation Service, Rural Fire Service, Lightning Ridge Area Opal Reserve land manager, Walgett Shire Council, and community members will improve emergency access and help safeguard residents, businesses, and the local environment from the threat of bushfires.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“These critical fire trail upgrades enable firefighters to do their job battling bushfires.

They are imperative to improving emergency access to help keep communities protected against bushfires.

There are over 1,180 fires trails on Crown land across NSW covering over 2,120 kilometres and over 660 hectares of bushfire asset protection zones, with Crown Lands delivering projects each year to help guard against bushfires.”

Member for Barwon Roy Butler said:

“Following the recent bushfires in the Lightning Ridge area and the massive effort from firefighters to contain it, this is incredibly welcome news from the NSW Government, and I hope this work continues throughout NSW.

Firefighters rely on a network of roads, trails, and tracks to prevent, manage, and contain bushfires. Maintaining NSW’s fire trails by removing excess fuel loads is critical to keeping firefighters safe and helping them reduce the risk and impact of fires on people, property, and the environment.

Reducing fuel loads also significantly reduces the severity and impact of bushfires and assists emergency services in controlling and managing them.”

The NSW and ACT Governments are taking important steps towards developing the first joint water trading framework to deliver an extra 6.36 gigalitres (GL) of water to the environment.

Both jurisdictions are working closely together to develop a robust water trading framework that will help them meet their commitments to the Commonwealth’s Murray-Darling Basin Plan.

Once in place, the framework will enable environmental water from the ACT to be released into the Murrumbidgee River in NSW through Burrinjuck Dam, supporting healthier rivers, ecosystems and communities.

Currently, there is no way that water can be transferred into NSW from the ACT under the Murrumbidgee Regulated River Water Source Water Sharing Plan, so the NSW Government is proposing to amend these rules by 1 July 2025.

Targeted information sessions and consultation that will provide more detail on the amendments to establish a water trading framework will be carried out in late February 2025.

To learn more, visit the web page about the Murrumbidgee region.

NSW Minister for Water Rose Jackson said:

“As a fellow signatory to the Murray-Darling Basin Plan, we want to support the ACT in meeting its environmental water targets and ensuring everyone is doing their bit to restore our rivers.

“The reality is the national capital is landlocked by our state, and they can’t deliver this water back to the system without our help.

“The proposed water trading framework will not only be good news for the environment – it will also allow us to explore how we can work together to improve access and support greater regional development in the future.”

ACT Minister for Water Suzanne Orr said:

“This is an important step which will benefit our local waterways and fulfill our commitment to return water to the system.

“Improving river flows within the Murrumbidgee River catchment not only helps support the Murray-Darlin Basin but also catchment health, the environment and regional communities.

“I look forward to continuing to work closely with the NSW Government to progress this critical work.”

Mr Speaker, over summer, we have witnessed scenes of depravity and hatred most of us thought we would never see in New South Wales.

A holy synagogue defiled by a hateful swastika.

A childcare centre deliberately set on fire. 

Nazi slogans – copied from the darkest pages of history – spraypainted across Jewish cars and Jewish property.   

To a person, these have been cowardly acts, conducted under the cover of darkness, designed to bully and intimidate and threaten the Jewish people of our great state.

But we are here today, as a parliament, as representatives of this open and tolerant state, to say in an unambiguous way that this campaign of hatred will fail.

It will fail – because the Jewish community is strong.

It will fail – because our Jewish friends have an entire state behind them – with the laws and the resources and the solidarity needed to destroy the poison of antisemitism wherever it takes root.

Mr Speaker, the Jewish people of New South Wales are proud, but they are understandably exhausted.

As one parent told the media earlier this month: “I’m just tired. I want it to stop. I am sick of waking up to find out something else has happened.”

Some of the stories we are hearing will break your heart.

Of schoolkids – who are now afraid to wear their uniforms in public as they walk down the street to their local school.

Or of parents – who have started driving their kids everywhere – so they don’t have to risk a trip on the bus or the train. 

We will not be a state where someone feels like they have to remove their yarmulke just to walk down the street.

Where people are made to hide their heritage – because of the ignorance, the bigotry, the racism of other people – people they’ve never met before.

Mr Speaker, that has never been New South Wales. 

And today – and in coming sessions of parliament – we will introduce new and stronger laws that target this kind of antisemitism and racial hatred.

These laws we hope will send the clearest possible message.

These are serious crimes.

And if you’re going to commit these acts – if you are thinking about spreading racial hatred on our streets –you will face these full penalties.

These changes include:

• A new offence targeting the display of Nazi symbols on or near a synagogue.
• An act to create an aggravated offence for graffiti on a place of worship.
• Laws designed to stop people from harassing other people, or intimidating other people from recognising their religion and worshipping at religious buildings.

We’re also backing these laws in as well, Mr Speaker, with more funding for the Hate Crime Unit in the NSW Police.

More training and support for local councils. 

We believe they’re strong laws, that will be a genuine deterrent, and we want to put resources behind them.

And send a message that if you’re going to get involved in this kind of bastardry: the police will track you down – they will find you – and you will be punished. 

Mr Speaker, one public act of antisemitism is too many.

A summer of rolling hatred is obviously intolerable.

Operation Shelter, stood up by the NSW Police, has arrested 173 people – with over 460 charges.

Strike Force Pearl is now targeting vandalism and arson, and we’ve doubled the number of detectives on the case.

But we do recognise that no one in this place will be judged by the laws we pass, or the taskforces that are established.

We’ll be judged by the crimes that are stopped – and the feeling of safety that can return to our community as a result.

I know David Ossip is here today as President of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies. I’d like to acknowledge his guidance and support as well as his personal strength and leadership throughout these very difficult times.  

Mr Speaker, for as long as modern Australia has existed, Jewish people have made their home in this state.

In 1788, there were eight Jews on the First Fleet.

They were victims of poverty in East London, like later Jewish migrants who were fleeing pogroms in Eastern Europe, and those who settled here after the great evil of the Shoah.

For generations of Jewish people, Australia has offered a promise.

And that promise has been very simple.

Despite centuries of horrifying violence – Australia would be different.

Australia would be safe.

This would be a country that accepts and celebrates these ancient people – a place where this community could live and prosper in peace.

In the 1860s, a Rabbi travelled here from Jerusalem, Rabbi Jacob Levi Saphir, and he was amazed at what he found: “The Jews live in safety and take their share in all good things of the country.

“In this land, they have learnt that the Jews are good people, and hatred towards them has entirely disappeared.”

This is in 1860, Mr Speaker.

I think it’s important we observe that the vast, vast majority of Australians of different ethnicities, nationalities, faiths, religions celebrate and love our Jewish friends and fellow citizens.

We work together – we often send our kids to the same schools – we live side by side.

In a democratic country like Australia there will be debate about foreign policy issues, wars, conflicts, rights.

And of course that includes the Middle East.

I have to say Mr Speaker, I’ve found that most Australians – regardless of their race, religion or perspective – want, would argue for, and indeed many pray for, Israeli and Palestinian children to live in peace in that holy land – and an end to all wars.

We must, however, make it absolutely clear that nothing that happens overseas, in any context can ever be used as a pretext for hate, antisemitism or division here in Australia.

People have come from around the world – from different races and religions – because we are a peaceful, tolerant country that has been free of this kind of racial or religious division and ancient hatreds.

And we can’t bend on this principle. 

No one is entitled to bring their bigotry to our country – and we won’t tolerate it.

In New South Wales – we will never harbour the poison of antisemitism.

Antisemitism is a particularly sinister, shape shifting in form, and the bigotry is widespread. 

So often – what has begun as hate speech against the Jewish people has led to violence, it has led to persecution, it’s led to murder, and it’s led to genocide.

That is the reason we’re here today.

As a state – as a community – as a Parliament – as friends and neighbours – so that we can root out this kind of behaviour – and end this shameful chapter of the history of the state.

More than 30 women and children fleeing abusive relationships each year will benefit from the expansion of The Orchard in Bathurst, with three new emergency refuge units opening today.

The first five units at The Orchard, Bathurst were developed and built by Housing Plus and opened in January 2023, with service delivery funded by the NSW Government’s Core and Cluster program.

Since then, it has provided accommodation for over 100 women and children escaping violent and unsafe homes.

An additional $1.95 million under the Core and Cluster program has enabled an additional three units to be built on the site.

The Core and Cluster refuge model promotes independent living by providing self-contained accommodation located next to a ‘core’ of support that facilitates access to services such as counselling, legal assistance, education, and employment support.

Plus Community, the community service arm of Housing Plus, will deliver tailored, on-site support to help victim-survivors rebuild their lives and heal from trauma.

The Minns Labor Government is building a safer New South Wales by addressing domestic and family violence at all stages, including through primary prevention, early intervention, crisis responses and recovery.

Ensuring women and children have access to safe housing and support when they leave violence is critical to helping them rebuild their lives.

The NSW Government has invested $426.6 million over four years in the Core and Cluster program to support an additional 2,900 women and children fleeing domestic and family violence across the state each year.

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“No woman should have to choose between staying in an abusive relationship or becoming homeless.

“This expanded refuge will help more domestic and family violence victim-survivors in the Bathurst region feel safe and supported as they leave violent situations and rebuild their lives.

“Under the Core and Cluster program, the NSW Government has committed to building 49 new refuges across the state by 2026, helping to ensure that all women and children fleeing violence can find a safe place to call home.”

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

“Securing safe housing remains a critical hurdle to overcoming domestic and family violence.

“The NSW Government is supporting women and children escaping domestic and family violence by making sure they have access to housing and support services, particularly in regional areas like Bathurst.

“The Core and Cluster model not only provides safe and secure accommodation, but also tailored support on-site to help victim-survivors recover.

“Emergency refuges like The Orchard are crucial in helping women and children take their first step towards escaping violence, regaining their confidence, and rebuilding their lives in their community.”

Labor spokesperson for Bathurst Stephen Lawrence MLC said:

“The funding for and opening of three new emergency refuge units at The Orchard today is welcome support for women and children fleeing abusive relationships in my duty electorate of Bathurst.

“This a vital program funded by the Minns Labor Government securing the safety of victim survivors and supporting their recovery.”

Justin Cantelo, CEO of Housing Plus and Plus Community, said:

“The need for safe, supportive housing has never been more urgent.

“We are proud to play a part in helping women and children find safety and start the journey towards healing in the aftermath of domestic violence.”

Jenna Hattersley, Domestic Violence Services Manager at Plus Community, said:

“The addition of these three units means more women and children will have the chance to escape violence and find refuge in a place where they feel safe and supported.

“Every day, we see the difference that safe housing can make in helping people rebuild their confidence and their lives.”

A resident of The Orchard Bathurst, said:

“Thank you for everything.

“Your dedication and support to women in need of help is where The Orchard stands out.”

Support:

If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call the Police on Triple Zero / 000.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, call the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63 for free counselling and referrals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For confidential advice, support, and referrals, contact 1800 RESPECT or 13 YARN.

At least 88,000 additional public school students can start their school day right, with a nutritious, free breakfast, as the Minns Labor Government continues its work to double the number of schools participating in Foodbank’s School Breakfast 4 Health program.

The Minns Labor Government made a commitment in the lead up to the last state election to increase the number of participating public schools to 1,000 by 2027.

It is investing $8 million in partnership with Foodbank to give public school children the best possible start to their day, with the program having grown by over a third from 500 to 676 schools in less than two years.

New schools to take on the program in the last two years include Blacktown Girls High School, Birrong Public School, Melonba High School, Villawood North Public School, Whalan Public School, Nepean Creative and Performing Arts High School, Narellan Public School, Miller Public School and Maryland Public School.

Every day Foodbank staff and volunteers undertake a huge logistical exercise to supply high-quality breakfast foods including milks, juices, breakfast cereals, fruits and breads, so that every child enters the classroom well-fed, energised, focused and ready to learn.

Foodbank data indicates:

• 80 per cent of schools in the program reported an increase in attendance and;
• 89 per cent saw an increase in class engagement

The program improves students’ nutrition, eating habits, boosts their mental and physical health and can increase learning. Schools have also reported improvements in school attendance and engagement.

The program runs in schools across NSW, including rural and regional areas, and as the cost-of-living continues to affect many, this is one way Minns Labor Government is helping families make ends meet.

As work continues to grow the program further, the Minns Labor Government has been working closely with Foodbank to simplify and accelerate the onboarding process for schools, so they can access the program as quickly and seamlessly as possible. 

Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“Parents and families are continuing to struggle with the cost-of-living, which is why this program has been so important, particularly over the past two years.

“Across NSW, thousands of students are benefitting from free breakfasts at their school every day and starting the day full of energy, and ready to learn, thanks to the hard work of Foodbank staff and volunteers.

“The Foodbank program helps ensure children are given the best chance to be ready to learn when they enter the classroom while helping families with cost-of-living pressures.”

Federal Member for Greenway Michelle Rowland said:

“Knowing your child will have a healthy breakfast at school is a fantastic thing for all families, and sets our public school children up for success.

“It is fantastic to see this simple and effective program continue to be so successful at so many schools across NSW.”

Chief Executive Officer, Foodbank NSW and ACT John Robertson said:

“We know that children learn their best when they have full bellies. We thank the Minns Labor Government for their continued support to help us get this vital program into more schools around NSW to ensure our future leaders have the best possible start to the day.”

Lalor Park Public School principal Dee Taylor said:

“We’re really grateful for our strong partnership with Foodbank. We have students from Preschool to Year 6 who know they can come to school and start the day with a nourishing breakfast.

“I can’t overstate the positive impact breakfast has on our students’ positive behaviour and ability to stay focused and engaged in the classroom throughout the morning. 

“The program also helps teach life skills at Lalor Park – clearing your own plate, using manners and helping those around you are key values of breakfast club.” 

NSW Ambulance has today welcomed 91 paramedics in training who were officially inducted into the service in a ceremony held at the State Operations Centre in Sydney, providing a further boost to frontline health services across the state.

This marks the first induction ceremony of the year, with this cohort part of a Post Employment Tertiary Pathway (PETP) course. The paramedics in training are employed by NSW Ambulance while they complete a degree in paramedicine at university.

They have just completed a comprehensive 12-week induction program at the NSW Ambulance Education Centre and begin their on-road training as paramedic students from tomorrow.

The PETP course is facilitated over four years and provides an alternate pathway for people with no prior medical experience to become a paramedic with NSW Ambulance. Once these paramedics in training have completed their degree qualification, they can apply to be registered paramedics.

Natalie Saridakis, formerly an emergency medical call-taker with NSW Ambulance, is one of 19 paramedic students who have joined this class after working in NSW Ambulance Control Centres.

Brad Carr also starts his career as a paramedic student today, following in the footsteps of his paramedic father Dominic, who works as an educator for NSW Ambulance.

Starting tomorrow, the paramedics in training will initially be posted across metropolitan and regional locations in NSW for the on-road training component of their course and will return to the NSW Ambulance Education Centre and their university regularly for additional training over the four-year course.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“I’m thrilled to welcome 91 new paramedic students into the NSW Ambulance service, boosting frontline health services and playing a critical role in the health and wellbeing of the community.

“By aspiring to join the paramedic ranks, these paramedics in training will become part of a legacy of service and dedication. The work they do not only changes lives but will uphold the values and standards of a profession that is deeply respected and admired.”

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan:

“These paramedic students join an incredible team that is united by a shared commitment to provide emergency medical care and comfort to members of our community when it matters most.

“Paramedics are not only healthcare providers but also trusted and respected individuals in our community.”

Natalie Saridakis:

“For many years I was a carer for my mum, having frequent contact with the local paramedics.

“I was always impressed by their compassion and kindness that it really inspired me to join NSW Ambulance.

“I started out as an emergency medical call-taker which was a great start, but right now I am so excited to begin this new chapter.”

Brad Carr:

“I am proud to continue a family legacy in becoming a paramedic.

“My father has had a lengthy career, and I am looking forward to forging my own path.”

For many couples, planning and paying for a wedding can feel overwhelming, but happily ever after doesn’t always have to break the bank.

With the typical cost of a wedding rising, more couples are opting to tie the knot with the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages, a simple and stunning alternative, at just a fraction of the cost.

In 2024 alone, the Registry helped 3,306 newlywed couples turn their dream day a reality, with wedding packages starting at just $479.

The number choosing to celebrate their love with a Registry wedding each year is steadily rising, with 2024’s figure a 32 per cent increase on the 2500 registry weddings held in 2023.

With a recent survey conducted by the Department of Customer Service revealing more than 80 per cent of people living in NSW are concerned about the cost of living, it’s no wonder Registry weddings are surging in popularity.

Couples can say ‘I do’ in some of the most beautiful locations the state has on offer, like the breathtaking Pyrmont Wedding Registry, the historic Old Wollongong Court House, and the iconic Sydney Opera House, available exclusively on Valentine’s Day.

Registry weddings are easy to plan and customise, with couples able to opt for a simple affair or choose to add all the bells and whistles like photography and flowers.

From intimate, legal-only ceremonies to vow renewals and premium ceremonies for up to 70 guests, there’s an option to suit every couple’s needs, style, and budget.

To find out more about getting married with the Registry, visit the BDM website: https://www.nsw.gov.au/family-and-relationships/marriages/get-married-by-registry

Bookings must be made at least one month prior to the wedding date.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government, Jihad Dib said:

“Getting married is one of life’s most memorable moments, and should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their budget. Big memories don’t need a big price tag.

“The NSW Government offers couples the chance to make their dream day a reality, without breaking the bank.

“With beautiful, unique locations to choose from for a wedding, these Registry options have evolved into a great alternative for those celebrating their special day.”

Registrar for NSW Births, Deaths, and Marriages, Theresa Fairman said:

“When the team speaks with brides and grooms, one of the main key concerns is cost. We are always looking at ways to make the perfect day achievable for every budget.

“Whether it’s an intimate, no-fuss ceremony or something a little more extravagant, we’re here to make your special day memorable without the financial strain.”

City of Newcastle is progressing the development of its plans for the final stage of the Newcastle Ocean Baths upgrade following feedback from the community.

A comprehensive engagement campaign conducted between 17 June and 5 August last year generated significant interest, with the community engaging with project information almost half a million times.

Following a recent workshop to bring newly elected Councillors up to speed on this priority project, City of Newcastle has published the outcomes of these community engagement activities on its website.

City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath acknowledged the importance of the Newcastle Ocean Baths.

“The Baths are a much-loved heritage icon for our city, with so many memories created and celebrated by both residents and visitors, making community engagement on the site integral to its upgrade,” Mr Bath said.

The concept plans incorporate the revitalisation of the pavilion buildings including the Art Deco façade, while also enhancing the upper promenade and surrounding areas.

The project involved an extensive social media campaign, as well as a series of in-person events. More than 500 pieces of feedback were received, representing a wide range of views and suggestions from the community.

Executive Director City Infrastructure Clint Thomson reflected on the value of the feedback provided by a broad cross section of the local community.

“The community feedback we received included a broad range of views on the proposed design, with themes of interest including provision of seating and shade, the layout of change rooms, and calls for both changes to and support of the proposed roof design,” Mr Thomson said.

“The detailed design phase will explore the results of this consultation in combination with technical studies, to inform how, what, and where refinements and enhancements can be facilitated.

“Our team is exploring a north – south split within changerooms in the northern pavilion building following feedback from the community about the proposed east – west layout, as well as ways to incorporate natural lighting and ventilation through the roof space of the change rooms.”

Prepared by highly regarded Principal Design Consultant Tonkin Zulaikha Greer, the design continues to be informed by community engagement and feedback as well as industry leading heritage expertise, with input from environment, engineering and architecture professionals.

The baths site is protected as a heritage item of local significance by the Newcastle Local Environmental Plan 2012 in accordance with the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979. 

The design for both stages of the upgrade takes this, and the requirements of a possible State Heritage Listing, into account.

Following revisions to the design based on the engagement campaign, City of Newcastle will seek planning approval through a development application process, which includes Heritage NSW. This will be followed by detailed design for Stage Two, with the aim of having the project tendered and construction commenced within the current Council term.

A quality experience for swimmers remains a core focus for City of Newcastle, with upcoming inspections and a deep clean planned later this month.

“It’s been just over a year since the pool re-opened for swimming following the Stage One upgrade, and since the peak holiday period has passed, it’s now time to take a closer look at the pool to see how it has fared in its first year,” Mr Thomson said.

“On Monday 24 February our team will close and drain the Baths, and use machinery to move large volumes of sand that has built up to enable inspection of the pool floor and walls.

“While we are there, we will also take the opportunity to complete a deep clean of the Baths to maintain water quality for swimmers in the months ahead.”

The Baths are expected to be closed for up to a week, depending on weather conditions. 

Swimmers are able to enjoy Merewether Ocean Baths, nearby beaches or our inland pools during this short-term closure of Newcastle Ocean Baths.

The Engagement Report can be viewed at newcastle.nsw.gov.au/yoursay

The latest information about cleaning and closures of our Ocean Baths can be found at newcastle.nsw.gov.au/oceanbaths