Category: NSW News

The NSW Government is opening Recovery Centres in flood-impacted parts of the Hunter and Mid North Coast beginning from Tuesday.

As floodwaters recede, the NSW Reconstruction Authority is working with partner agencies to support communities and ramp up recovery operations.

Reconstruction Authority staff are on the ground with the SES assessing impacts in key locations like Taree.

Recovery Centres will begin opening from Tuesday, offering a range of support services to help impacted communities get the assistance they need, including:

• help with replacing ID and personal documents such as birth and marriage certificates, Medicare card, vehicle and vessel registrations and licences, and citizenship documents
• legal assistance
• insurance support and guidance on claims, policy coverage, and clean-up
• mental health support as recovering from a natural disaster can take a toll on mental and physical health.

Recovery Centre locations:

• Taree, Taree Manning Uniting Church, 29 – 35 Albert Street
  • Tuesday 27, Wednesday 28 and Thursday 29 May from 10am to 6pm
  • Friday 30 May from 10am to 4pm
• Port Macquarie, PCYC, 12 Owen St, Port Macquarie NSW 2444
  • Wednesday 28 and Thursday 29 May from 10am to 6pm
  • Friday 30 May from 10am to 4pm
• Kempsey, Showground, 19 Sea Street, West Kempsey
  • Wednesday 28 and Thursday 29 May from 10am to 6pm
  • Friday 30 May from 10am to 4pm
• Macksville, Senior Citizens Centre, 39 Princess Street, Macksville
  • Wednesday 28 and Thursday 29 May from 10am to 6pm
  • Friday 30 May from 10am to 4pm
• Maitland, Town Hall, 263 High Street
  • Wednesday 28 May and Thursday 29 May from 10am to 6pm
  • Friday 30 May from 10am to 4pm

There will also be mobile community outreach to ensure that smaller communities are also able to connect with supports and access financial and other assistance. Information on dates and times will be available in coming days via nsw.gov.au/floodrecoveryupdates.

Information on Recovery Centres and support services will be shared through local radio stations, social media and online, with posters and flyers to be distributed across impacted areas.

People who need immediate help are encouraged to visit nearby Evacuation Centres for food support, social support and emergency accommodation.

The NSW SES website lists the nearest Evacuation Centre and opening hours.

Individuals and communities that remain isolated and need food or medical supplies should contact the NSW SES on 132 500 for assistance.

Critical information about recovery support is updated daily on the Flood recovery information web page.

The NSW Government is working hard to make sure support is available at every stage, through Evacuation Centres now and Recovery Centres as they open, to help individuals and communities get back on their feet.

Quotes to be attributed to NSW Minister for Recovery and Small Business Janelle Saffin:

“People are doing it tough but I want them to know that the Government is here to lend a helping hand. That’s what our Recovery Centres are here for, so communities can access the support and services they need to start getting back on their feet.

“We are going to be here the long haul, not just for the immediate clean-up, but for the months ahead as people begin to rebuild their lives. It’s going to be a tough process but I want the community to know that we will be here with you.”

NSW Reconstruction Authority CEO Mal Lanyon said:

“We’re moving quickly to stand up Recovery Centres in the hardest-hit areas to ensure communities have access to the support they need.

“This is a coordinated effort across local, state and federal agencies, working together to provide a one stop shop for people without delay.

“Information and access for support is currently available on the Flood recovery information web page.”

The Pacific Highway will be entirely open throughout NSW by early this evening with access to be restored at the major route’s only closed section near Taree. 

Lane and speed restrictions will be in place on the highway between Purfleet and Coopernook as water recedes and crews continue to remove debris from the road.

Motorists will initially have single lane access at this section of the Pacific Highway, with a plan to restore full access over next couple of days. We ask motorists to take extra care while driving through this part of highway, which is an active worksite.

Transport for NSW crews have worked tirelessly to reconnect communities and get freight moving again through this major freight and transport corridor.

Many roads across the North Coast remain impacted by floodwaters. Motorists should never drive through floodwaters – if it is flooded, forget it.

Please check the Live Traffic NSW website at livetraffic.com or download the app to get the most up-to-date information on road closures before heading out.

We thank the community and the freight industry, who we have worked closely with, for their patience while we restore access to roads across the network. 

Until the Pacific Highway reopens (between Purfleet and Coopernook near Taree), the detours outlined below remain in place:

• Northbound: use the New England Highway at Beresfield towards Maitland (do not cross Hexham Bridge) and follow until Glen Innes, join the Gwydir Highway at Glen Innes towards Grafton, join Big River Way at South Grafton towards Tyndale, rejoin Pacific Highway at Tyndale. If you need to head south from South Grafton, follow directions to Glenugie. 
• Southbound: exit the Pacific Highway at Tyndale, take Big River Way to South Grafton, join the Gwydir Highway at South Grafton towards Glen Innes, join the New England Highway at Glen Innes towards Armidale, join the Pacific Motorway at Beresfield. 

Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell today issued a firm warning following the arrest of two men for looting following the devastating floods on the Mid North Coast.

Mr Thurtell said stealing from families and local businesses wiped out by some of the worst floods on record is unforgivable.

“We have additional police on the ground and if we find anyone taking advantage of this community we’ll throw the book at them,” Deputy Commissioner Thurtell said.

“The impact of this weather event has been unimaginable and to think they now have to be concerned about hanging on to whatever property they have left is a disgrace.

“Stealing from people vulnerable during hard times like these is un-Australian.”

About 8.40pm yesterday (Sunday 25 May 2025), police stopped a 20-year-old man on Pulteney Street, Taree, when he was allegedly found picking through property in the street.

Police allege that when the man was stopped, he was in possession of two hunting knives, first aid kits, a defibrillator, several fishing rods and other medical items and tools.

The 20-year-old man was taken to Taree Police Station where he was charged with goods in personal custody suspected being stolen, and custody of knife in public place.

The man was refused bail to appear before Taree Local Court today (Monday 26 May 2025), where he was formally refused bail to appear before Forster Local Court on Tuesday 10 June 2025.

In an unrelated incident, police stopped and searched a 4WD on Albert Street, Taree, about 10.40pm yesterday (Sunday 25 May 2025).

When personal documents, tools, and a knife were allegedly located inside the vehicle, the driver – a 29-year-old man – was arrested and taken to Taree Police Station.

He was charged with goods in personal custody suspected being stolen, custody of knife in a public place, licence expired within the last two years, and stealing.

He was granted conditional bail to appear at Taree Local Court on Tuesday 17 June 2025.

As floodwaters recede, officers attached to Manning/Great Lakes Police District – with assistance from PolAir – have increased proactive patrols to target theft and property offences in the region.

Manning/Great Lakes Police District Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Natalie Antaw, would like to assure the public that police are performing additional patrols around the clock, and extra resources have been assigned to prevent and disrupt further offending.

“We encourage the public to report any suspicious behaviour to police as soon as possible so that we can take action.”

“I’d also like to remind people that taking any goods that are not yours, no matter where they are found, is an offence – even if the items have been moved from their original place by floodwaters,” she said.

Residents of Griffith and surrounding communities are being invited to be among the first to tour the new $250 million Griffith Base Hospital redevelopment at a Community Open Day on Saturday, 14 June 2025.

With construction of the new hospital now complete, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the new Clinical Services Building, the centrepiece of the redevelopment, and tour key areas including the expanded emergency department, maternity and medical inpatient unit, and specialist clinics.

The Griffith Base Hospital redevelopment will provide new and enhanced services including a new day surgery unit, expanded medical imaging department, more inpatient beds, mobile cardiac monitoring units and improved technology throughout the hospital. 

The hospital also includes an expanded emergency department and intensive care unit, three palliative care rooms, and expanded perioperative unit featuring two theatres and one procedure room, equipped with the latest digital technology.

Expanded ambulatory care facilities will provide the community with improved access to a wider range of specialist clinics, including renal, cancer care, rehabilitation, and Hospital in the Home, further enhancing outpatient services.

Work is now underway to ensure the new building and staff are prepared and ready to welcome patients, ahead of its opening. This includes installing furniture, fixtures, and equipment, completing clinical cleaning, stocking departments with medical consumables, and training and orientating staff.

The Griffith Base Hospital’s opening date will be announced in the coming weeks.

The Community Open Day is a free event. To register to attend, and to find out more, visit https://www.trybooking.com/DAVYX

Griffith Base Hospital Community Open Day
Saturday 14 June 2025
9.00am – 3.00pm
Noorebar Avenue, Griffith

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:

“I had the pleasure of touring the construction site late last year with the Member for Murray, and it is great to hear it’s almost ready to open to patients.

“The open day is a fantastic opportunity for the community to tour this wonderful new facility and have a behind the scenes look before it opens to the public.

“The purpose-built Clinical Services Building will bring all major health services together under one roof, transforming the experience for patients, carers, and staff.”

Member for Murray, Helen Dalton:

“The new Griffith Base Hospital will increase access to healthcare for patients and is a key part of providing the high-quality services the community of the Murrumbidgee deserves.

“The open day is wonderful chance to showcase this world class health facility to the local community and give people the opportunity to explore some of the areas in the redeveloped hospital they may not usually get to see.”

A major funding boost for not-for-profit charity Little Wings will support families in regional NSW with sick children to access lifesaving treatment.

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park today announced $600,000 in funding for Little Wings. This funding is in addition to $600,000 provided in 2024.

Little Wings provide free air and ground transportation to medical treatment for children living in rural and remote areas. Little Wings also transport clinicians to rural and remote areas to provide health services to children in those areas.

In 2024/2025, with the support of the Minns Labor Government, Little Wings has to date:

• Transported 439 children from regional, rural and remote NSW to receive medical treatment
• Transported 64 medical specialists to rural and remote NSW who have delivered 170 clinics which have assisted an estimated 3,250 children
• Flown to 51 locations across rural, regional and remote NSW.

Services provided by the charity are available to eligible families living in rural, regional and remote NSW whose children are receiving treatment or support at health services including:

• Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick
• The Children’s Hospital at Westmead
• John Hunter Children’s Hospital
• Royal Far West in Manly.

Children are referred to the Little Wings service by hospital staff with consideration to the child’s medical condition, geographical location and regularity of travel.

For more information visit the Little Wings website.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“I am so pleased to support Little Wings in their work which is helping to ease the emotional and financial strain placed on families when they are accessing lifesaving medical treatment for a sick child.

“This important service supports families living in rural, regional and remote areas of NSW to more easily attend ongoing medical appointments, and also offers a welcome break to children during their treatment, by bringing them home for some much-needed quality time with family and friends.

“Little Wings is staffed 100 per cent by volunteer pilots and drivers and I’d like to extend my sincere gratitude to those dedicated staff for their ongoing commitment to supporting these families in their time of need.”

Clare Pearson, CEO Little Wings:

“Little Wings has been operating for 13 years, working in the background to support regional families caring for a seriously ill or injured child in accessing lifesaving medical treatment that is only available at tertiary hospital.

“With the changing landscape of regional health, it is the support and funding of the NSW Health Minister, Ryan Park, and his vision to partner with purpose to ensure equitable care for families, that will transform healthcare for NSW.

“Little Wings is a proud and deeply grateful part of this vision, providing FREE air and ground transport for regional families, this grant will allow our team to work with urgency and to increase services in line with community needs and to ensure that children in regional NSW have the access to healthcare that they need to thrive.”

The Minns Labor Government is continuing its record investment in rebuilding public education, with a new primary school and co-located public preschool for Grantham Farm to meet the needs of families in the rapidly growing region of North-West Sydney.

The new primary school in Grantham Farm, located on the corner of Hamilton and Crown Street, will cater to the suburb’s increasing student population, with 24 modern classrooms, three support learning rooms, a multipurpose hall, a covered outdoor learning area, and outside of school hours care facilities.

The new primary school will open for at least 500 students on Day 1, Term 1, 2028 and will be masterplanned for future expansion. It will also include a new library, a canteen, administration facilities and staff parking. The public preschool will cater for up to 60 children per day.

As part of long-term planning for growth and infrastructure development in the area, Vineyard Public School will transition to the new school in Grantham Farm once built, to mitigate future impacts to its site from the planned Bandon Road upgrade by Transport for NSW. The new school at Grantham Farm will accommodate five times the number of students that are currently at Vineyard Public School.

Student learning will continue at Vineyard Public School until the new facilities at Grantham Farm are built. All families, students, and staff will be supported during their transition to the new school, with updates for families to be shared as the project progresses.

As the project progresses, consultation with the community will be undertaken to determine the name for the new school.

This project adds to the significant number new and upgraded schools already delivered or on the way that are adding more than 600 new permanent classrooms across Sydney’s North West, including:

• Melonba Public School
• Melonba High School
• Tallawong Public School
• Nirimba Fields Public School
• Box Hill Public School
• Box Hill High School
• Gables – new primary school
• Schofields and Tallawong – new high school
• Rouse Hill High School upgrade
• Castle Hill Public School upgrade
• Matthew Pearce Public School upgrade
• Excelsior Public School upgrade
• Glenwood High School upgrade
• John Palmer Public School upgrade
• Riverbank Public School and The Ponds High School upgrade

This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s record $8.9 billion investment to deliver new and upgraded schools across NSW, including a record $3.6 billion to upgrade and build new schools in Western Sydney.

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

“This new school at Grantham Farm is part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to rebuild public education and ensure every child has access to a modern, high-quality learning environment close to home.

“For over a decade, families in Grantham Farm were ignored by the former Liberal National Government as the suburb grew without a school.

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to delivering world-class schools for families across North West Sydney, and this new school will be a game-changer for the growing Grantham Farm community. 

“North West Sydney is one of the fastest-growing regions in NSW, and this new school and preschool will support local families for generations to come.”

Member for Riverstone Warren Kirby said: 

“I’m proud to be part of a government that is committed to investing in our schools, particularly in areas experiencing rapid growth.

“Investing in our children’s future means creating spaces where students and teachers can excel, which is why it’s so exciting to see plans progressing for this much-needed new school.

“This is an exciting milestone for our families in Grantham Farm and surrounding areas, and I look forward to seeing plans progress for a modern and inclusive school that meets the needs of our growing communities.

“I also want to reassure our Vineyard Public School community that student learning will continue uninterrupted at the existing site while the new school is built, and we will continue to keep you updated as plans progress.”

Disaster assistance is now available in the Gunnedah, Gwydir, Moree Plains and MidCoast, Local Government Areas (LGAs) following widespread severe weather, including strong winds, heavy rainfall and floods.

Support has been made available under the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) – with assistance for the Narrabri Local Government Area already in place.

Assistance measures that may be provided to communities include: 

• Assistance for eligible residents to help meet immediate needs like emergency accommodation and essential items generally provided from evacuation or recovery centres.
• Grants for low-income, uninsured residents to replace lost essential household items to maintain basic standard of living.
• Grants for low-income, uninsured residents to undertake essential structural repairs to restore their homes to a basic, safe and habitable condition.
• Support for affected local councils to help with the costs of cleaning up and restoring damaged essential public assets.
• Concessional interest rate loans for small businesses, primary producers, and non-profit organisations and grants to sporting and recreation clubs to repair or replace damaged or destroyed property.
• Freight subsidies for primary producers to help transport livestock and fodder.
• Financial support towards counter disaster activity undertaken by emergency service organisations to keep communities safe.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said this assistance would support families, local businesses, sporting clubs, and local councils in the North West of NSW continue to recover from this year’s floods and strong winds.

“I know how distressing extreme weather events and the damage they leave behind are for our communities, which is why the Albanese and Minns governments are ensuring support is available for the on-going clean-up and recovery,” Minister McBain said.

“This extension will support more impacted communities in the North West of NSW – a region that’s had more than its fair share of extreme weather events, with the costs of cleaning up and restoring damaged local roads and other essential public assets.”

NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said the extension of the natural disaster declaration to include Gunnedah, Gwydir, Moree Plains and MidCoast is critical to ensuring the community can get back to their daily lives as soon as possible. 

“We know that people’s daily lives were seriously disrupted by the flooding which has put significant pressure on local councils. That’s why we have unlocked this funding support, so they’ll have the resources to clean up and restore any public assets impacted by the flooding,” Minister Saffin said.

“We will continue to work closely with council to make sure the community is getting the support it needs, and we will work with the Commonwealth Government to ensure no one is left behind in the recovery.” 

More information on disaster assistance can be found at https://www.nsw.gov.au/emergency/recovery and www.disasterassist.gov.au

There are widespread issues on the rail and roads networks today due to flooding and extreme weather. People who need to travel are urged to leave plenty of additional time and plan ahead, as impacts are expected for the remainder of the day.

This is a fast-moving situation, rail passengers are advised to check www.transportnsw.info or live travel apps, and motorists are advised to check www.livetraffic.com before travelling.

Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink passengers travelling on the T8 Airport & South, and Central Coast & Newcastle Lines, are advised to avoid non-essential travel as heavy rain is causing localised flooding on the rail network.

Sydney Trains Chief Executive Matt Longland said, “We have emergency crews deployed across the network to address rising flood waters. We are monitoring key locations and intervening to reduce impacts to passenger services.”

Passengers on the T8 Airport & South Line between Revesby and Turrella, and the Central Coast Line between Newcastle and Morrisett are advised to seek alternative travel if possible as buses are replacing trains.

10 replacement buses are in operation between Revesby and Turrella to assist with passenger movements due to flooding between Bardwell Park and Bexley North.

Trains in or near the affected area will stop on platforms or between stations for longer than normal while the incident is ongoing. Trains departing Macarthur heading to the city will be diverted via other lines to the city.

On the Central Coast & Newcastle Line, Cockle Creek has continued to flood, with water over the rail and affecting signal equipment.

Between Kotara and Cardiff, there has been a substantial landslip. We have crews on the ground now assessing the damage.

Buses are replacing trains from Newcastle to Morrisett and Wyong in both directions.

Passengers on the T2 Leppington & T3 Liverpool and Inner West, T4 Eastern Suburbs & Illawarra Lines, Hunter Line, Southern Highlands Line and South Coast Lines are also seeing impacts from the extreme weather.

Hunter Line

Sandgate is flooded, we have limited buses replacing train services between Maitland, Dungog and Scone. Nine buses are in operation.

Southern Highlands Line

Train services are currently suspended between Picton and Moss Vale in both directions due to reports of flooding near Mittagong. Shuttle trains are operating between Campbelltown and Picton.

South Coast Line

At Helensburgh the rainfall monitors there are in warning mode, we are watching this, trains are being warned and slowing down through the area, resulting in minor delays.

T4 Eastern Suburbs & Illawarra

Trains are experiencing minor delays due to water over the track earlier at Oatley, minor delays in both directions as a result.

T2 Leppington & T3 Liverpool and Inner West Lines

Passengers on these lines are experiencing flow on delays and some service gaps travelling away from the city, due to the flooding on the T8.

Blue Mountains

A failed freight train on the Blue Mountains line has been removed but passengers may experience some flow-on delays.

Roads

There are widespread impacts across the road network, with several major closures in place on the Mid North Coast, in the Hunter and across parts of Sydney.

In addition to state managed roads, many local roads managed by councils are also affected.

Floodwater is extremely dangerous, especially for drivers. If the road is flooded, forget it. Roads can close and reopen at short notice. Motorists should continue to avoid non-essential travel in flood-affected areas and visit www.livetraffic.com for the latest information.

Vivid Sydney

Transport for NSW Coordinator-General Howard Collins said, “If you are heading in tonight to see Vivid Sydney please allow plenty of extra travel time and check your transport apps before heading out.

“The city is no place for cars during Vivid Sydney with road closures and parking restrictions in place each night on roads around the Harbour and surrounding Vivid Sydney precincts.”

For the latest public transport information, visit www.transportnsw.info or download a live travel app like the Opal app.

As severe weather continues to impact the NSW Mid-North Coast, communities are being urged to remain on high alert.

Heavy rainfall is forecast to continue throughout today, and flash flooding is a risk in the Mid-North Coast region and adjacent Northern Tablelands and the Hunter, with a particular focus between Kempsey and Dorrigo.  

While heavy rainfall continues, the impacts remain wide-reaching, with communities being strongly advised to evacuate when asked to do so by the NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES).

To stay up to date with the latest warnings and advice, download the Hazards Near Me app. The number of people using the Hazards Near Me app has quadrupled in the past week from around 26,000 to more than 100,000 active users.

More than 2,500 personnel, 500 boats and vehicles and a fleet of helicopters have been deployed to support ongoing rescue efforts.

The NSW SES has responded to around 4,000 incidents since the severe weather began.

Rescues are continuing with around 300 people already brought to safety over the past 24 hours including dozens of overnight rescues.

Conditions remain challenging with fast flowing rivers, continuous rainfall and flooded roads making it difficult for emergency services to safely access some isolated areas. 

While authorities continue to work around the clock, emergency service crews can never guarantee an immediate rescue of those who remain in impacted areas.

In total, more than 500 flood rescues have been completed with the support of specialist flood and in water crews from the NSW SES, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Police, Marine Rescue NSW and VRA Rescue NSW. 

Personnel from Ambulance NSW, the NSW Rural Fire Service and Surf Life Saving NSW are also assisting in the natural disaster response, along with the Australian Defence Force.

14 evacuation centres remain open across the region where hundreds of people have taken emergency shelter overnight.

The community is being urged to heed the advice of emergency services and always avoid driving through floodwaters.

NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib has signed a protection order for volunteers involved in responding to this weather event ensuring their employment will not be affected while they assist in the response. 

As this situation continues to unfold, the ongoing support of volunteers will be crucial over the coming days and weeks.

If you are an individual or part of a group who is ready and willing to help, consider partnering with the NSW SES, local authorities and endorsed community groups.

Your support could be invaluable for urgent tasks such as sandbagging, sharing information, and participating in clean-up activities.

For evacuation centre locations and more information, visit the NSW SES website. 

Visit the Live Traffic NSW website for the latest road closures and traffic conditions. 

If you need assistance during floods and storms, call the NSW SES on 132 500. In a life-threatening situation, call Triple Zero (000).

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“We are sending in all our available emergency service resources to support the impacted region. Please check the NSW SES website and Hazards Near Me app and follow public safety advice.

“I want to thank all the amazing volunteers who are currently supporting flood-affected communities across the Mid-North Coast.

“I’ve signed a protection order for volunteers from the NSW SES and other emergency service organisations, providing employment protection while they’re undertaking vital assistance work supporting flood impacted communities.

“I encourage people to download the Hazards Near Me App which includes the latest warnings and information for impacted communities.”

With an increase in winter illnesses expected over the coming months, people across NSW are being reminded free and instant health advice and treatment is available 24/7 by calling Healthdirect on 1800 022 222.

A new campaign, launched by NSW Health this week, is encouraging all NSW residents to save 1800 022 222 in their phone, to be ready for when illness strikes over winter.

An increasing number of people are turning to the service to get the advice and reassurance they need to recover quickly.

Last winter, nearly 20,000 people across NSW called Healthdirect seeking care for their cold and flu symptoms, almost double the number of people from 2023.

Of these, four in five people avoided an unnecessary trip to the emergency department, instead managing their symptoms at home with virtual care or through an appointment with a GP or at a local urgent care service.

When people call Healthdirect, a registered nurse will ask some questions about their health. Depending on their condition, the nurse will recommend the right healthcare option. This may include a nearby doctor, pharmacist or urgent care service, connecting them with specialist virtual care, or calling an ambulance if it is life-threatening.

If you need support in your language, you can call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) on 131 450 and ask to be connected to healthdirect.

If you or someone you are with is experiencing a medical emergency, please continue to call Triple Zero (000) immediately. For example, you have difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe bleeding, sudden collapse or are seriously injured.

The Minns Labor Government has invested half a billion dollars into ED relief, which includes:

• $189 million in tax relief to incentivise GPs to maintain bulk-billing rates, meaning people with non-life-threatening conditions don’t need to present to the ED;
• $171.4 million to expand statewide virtual care services helping 180,000 avoid a trip to the ED;
• $100 million to continue urgent care services for a further two years to June 2027 providing a pathway to care outside of our hospitals for an estimated 114,000 patients;
• $70 million to expand emergency department short stay units to improve patient flow to reduce ED wait times by nearly 80,000 hours;
• $15.1 million for an Ambulance Matrix that provides real time hospital data to enable paramedics to transport patients to emergency departments with greater capacity and reducing wait times;
• $31.4 million to increase Hospital in the Home across the state allowing over 3,500 additional patients each year to be cared for in their home rather than a hospital bed
• $53.9 million to improve patient flow and support discharge planning by identified patients early on that are suitable to be discharged home with the appropriate supports in place.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“If you or someone you care about needs health advice, treatment or care Healthdirect should be your first call. 

“Whether it’s a tumble in the playground or a bad bug keeping you up through the night – free, instant health advice is only a phone call away.

“Have the number handy for those times when you need professional and reassuring health advice.

“Don’t wait, save the Healthdirect number 1800 022 222 today and share the number with those you love. This simple call has saved thousands of people a needless trip to the ED and has ensured people can access the right care at the right time – and fast.”