16 News

The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to build a safer New South Wales for women and children escaping violence in regional communities, with the development of a new Aboriginal-led refuge in the Walgett Shire.

With an investment of more than $6.2 million, the refuge will be built by Murdi Paaki Regional Housing Corporation Ltd as part of the government’s Core and Cluster program.

The project proposal will be for six, two-bedroom self-contained units, including one wheelchair accessible unit and pet-friendly spaces. The refuge will promote cultural safety and independent living for women and children fleeing violence in the region.

Through the ‘core’ service on-site, residents will have access to culturally responsive and trauma informed supports such as individual counselling, legal assistance, family therapy and employment services.

Common areas will include child-friendly spaces such as an indoor and outdoor play area, teen space, study nooks, and a multipurpose room, fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for residents as they heal and rebuild their lives.

The NSW Government has invested $426.6 million over four years in the Core and Cluster program, which provides women and childing fleeing violent situations with crisis accommodation and on-site specialist domestic and family violence support services. Once completed, the program will help more than an additional 2,900 victim-survivors of domestic violence each year.

This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s wider effort to address domestic and family violence in the state. It includes an historic $5.1 billion investment in social and affordable housing, with at least half of new builds prioritised for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence.

It also includes funding to expand our Staying Home Leaving Violence program, strengthening bail laws, earlier intervention and rolling out our first dedicated primary prevention strategy to stop the violence before it starts.

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“Domestic and family violence is a leading cause of homelessness for women and children in New South Wales.

“This Core and Cluster refuge in Walgett Shire – and the 48 others we’re building across the state – will deliver much-needed emergency housing and specialist support for women and children fleeing violence.

“This safe haven will support its residents towards rebuilding their lives, healing from trauma, and reconnecting with community.”

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:

“The NSW Government is proud to partner with an Aboriginal-led organisation, Murdi Paaki, to deliver this refuge for women and children fleeing domestic and family violence.

“We know that the refuge’s culturally responsive design will ensure victim-survivors feel culturally safe and supported as they rebuild their lives after violence and abuse.

“This Core and Cluster refuge is just one way the NSW Government is investing in efforts to meeting the Closing The Gap target to halve rates of family and domestic violence in Aboriginal communities over the next five to six years.”

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

“The Minns Labor Government is proud to partner with Murdi Paaki on the construction of this refuge for domestic and family violence victim-survivors in Walgett Shire.

“There is a great need for crisis accommodation and specialist support services across the state, including in regional, rural and remote New South Wales. We are committed to providing appropriate support and safe housing to victim-survivors irrespective of their postcode.

“Walgett Shire is the LGA with the highest rate of recorded domestic violence assault in NSW.

“This refuge will ensure domestic and family violence victim-survivors in the local community have a safe place to receive culturally appropriate and trauma informed support so they can recover to live free from violence.”

Independent Member for Barwon Roy Butler said:

“I welcome this announcement from the NSW Government. Domestic violence is a scourge on society, and one of the biggest challenges women and children face in escaping a violent situation is having somewhere safe to go. Facilities like this allow women and children subjected to family or domestic violence to remove themselves from the threat and stay in a safe, supportive environment while they can recover and plan for the future.”

General Manager of the Murdi Paaki Regional Housing Corporation Ltd Paul Kemp said:

“Murdi Paaki Regional Housing Corporation is proud to be leading the development of this refuge with our service partner Mission Australia and the NSW Government, to ensure there will be a safe place where women and children can escape violence and abuse”.

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.

Southern NSW Local Health District (SNSWLHD) is inviting Eurobodalla residents to attend a community forum for an update on local health services including the new $330 million Eurobodalla Regional Hospital and $20 million Batemans Bay Community Health facility.

The session will be held from 5.00pm to 6.30pm on Thursday 7 August at Moruya Golf Club.

Panel members will provide project updates and answer questions submitted by the community in advance, as well as share information about health services in the Eurobodalla. 

Everyone is welcome to attend the meeting, and community members are encouraged to send questions in before the meeting via the email link below.

Event details:

Eurobodalla health planning update

Where: Moruya Golf Club, 28A Evans Street, Moruya

When: 5.00pm to 6.30pm, Thursday 7 August

Questions should be submitted by 5.00 pm Tuesday 5 August by emailing SNSWLHD-YourFeedback@health.nsw.gov.au

No registration or RSVP required.

For more information on the Eurobodalla Hospital project visit: nsw.gov.au/new-eurobodalla-regional-hospital

For more information on the Batemans Bay Community Health project visit: nsw.gov.au/new-batemans-bay-community-health

Ryan Park, Minister for Regional Health:

“This invitation is an opportunity for the community to receive clear, up-to-date information on the progress of health-related projects happening across the Eurobodalla as we work together to strengthen health services for our community.

“I encourage everyone who can to attend and help shape the great work being done across the region.”

Member for Bega, Dr Michael Holland:

“Once complete, the purpose-built health facilities in Batemans Bay and at the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital will support the specific health needs of our growing community.

“This forum is a valuable opportunity for residents to hear firsthand about progress on these major health projects and to contribute by submitting questions and sharing local perspectives.”

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) staff who lost their lives protecting the community and the environment have been remembered at a service in the Blue Mountains.

The 11 names on the NPWS Honour Roll were read in front of family, friends and colleagues at the NPWS memorial at George Phillips Lookout, near Govett’s Leap in Blue Mountains National Park.

Special mention was made of the 25^th anniversary of a hazard reduction burn in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, which claimed the lives of four staff members, seriously injured three others, and changed the way NPWS undertakes fire management.

World Ranger Day, held each year on 31 July, honours the people who dedicate their life’s work to protecting our environment for future generations.

This year’s theme – Rangers, Powering Transformative Conservation – highlights the role rangers play as protectors of nature as well as partners in community-led conservation.

Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe:

“Our dedicated NPWS staff show courage and commitment every day, protecting and defending our natural environment and cultural heritage on behalf of the people of NSW.

“We honour those who have lost their lives in this pursuit and thank them for their service. We also acknowledge those injured at work, as well as those who mourn the loss of their friends and colleagues.

“Twenty-five years on from the tragedy at Mt Ku-ring-gai, we especially remember those staff, families and friends who were affected.”

The Minns Labor Government is marking a major milestone in the transition to cleaner, quieter and more sustainable transport and proving that Zero Emission Buses (ZEBs) are ready for all terrains and regions.

An electric bus trial in Tweed Heads has not only delivered standout results, but the data collected is offering valuable insights to support the statewide rollout of ZEBs.

After more than a year in operation, the two electric buses trialled in Tweed Heads have:

• completed 42,000 passenger journeys
• travelled over 56,000 kilometres
• accumulated more than 50,000 kilograms of potential tail pipe emissions reductions.

And to top it all off, the trial has achieved a remarkable 93% passenger satisfaction rate.

The results are part of the Minns Government’s 18-month Zero Emission Bus trials across five regional centres, giving planners and policymakers the critical data they need to support the broader decarbonisation of the NSW bus fleet.

These real-world trials are testing how electric buses perform over long distances, in varied terrain and regional conditions, helping to future-proof public transport in every corner of the state.

Passengers in Tweed Heads have embraced the new technology, praising the whisper quiet ride, smooth handling and enhanced travel experience.

The NSW Government has made decarbonising the transport sector a key focus of its forthcoming Net Zero Plan.

Bus operator Kinetic has managed the Tweed Heads trial, which is part of a 12-bus trial program also underway in Armidale, Queanbeyan, Deniliquin and Narrabri.

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“These regional trials are helping us understand how electric buses can work across NSW – not just in cities, but in the regional communities that also rely on public transport every day.

“These insights will guide our transition to a cleaner bus fleet, helping us decarbonise transport and deliver quieter streets and better journeys.

“Feedback from the community has been overwhelmingly positive, with passengers reporting a noticeably more comfortable journey. We’re excited to be working with local operators to help shape the future of sustainable public transport in NSW.”

Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said:

“Tweed Heads and other regional communities are helping to shape the future of public transport in NSW.

“Regional NSW is not just participating in this transition, it’s leading it.

“These trials are giving us the confidence and evidence we need to expand Zero Emission Buses right across the state.

“Passengers are voting with their feet. They are clearly enjoying the benefits of a quieter, smoother and more sustainable ride.

“In places like Armidale, Tweed Heads, Queanbeyan, Narrabri and Deniliquin, we’re seeing electric buses perform reliably over long distances, tough terrain, and in challenging weather. This is giving us valuable insights into how we can scale this technology across regional NSW.”

Government spokesperson for Tweed Emily Suvaal said:

“It’s great to see the Tweed region playing such an important role in shaping the future of transport in NSW. These trial results show just how ready the region is to lead the charge on clean, quiet and reliable public transport.

“The Minns Labor Government know regional areas face unique challenges and this trial shows electric buses can meet that test.

“The Minns Government is delivering a transport future that’s better for passengers and the planet.”

The Minns Labor Government has today officially opened the newly upgraded Blayney Police Station, following a $2.05 million investment to modernise the facility and support frontline officers with fit-for-purpose infrastructure to continue their important work keeping the community safe.

Originally built in 1975, the Blayney Police Station has now been brought into the 21st century with substantial internal refurbishments, improved security features and enhanced amenities for officers working in the region.

Key features of the completed upgrade include:

• A new secure gun storage and cleaning room;
• Upgraded security system and new front security gates;
• Refurbished muster room, interview room, and public-facing foyer; and
• Improved bathroom and kitchenette facilities.

The modernisation works began in March 2025 and have now been finalised.

The station is home to general duties police and rural crime investigators and is a resource for other specialist police when required. The NSW Police Force Rural Crime Prevention Team was created to prevent, disrupt, and respond to crimes that impact specifically on the agricultural, pastoral and aquaculture industries.

When not based at the station, officers are out in the field in vehicles, on patrol and ready to respond quickly to calls for assistance.

This investment builds on the Minns Labor Government’s ongoing work to deliver better frontline services, support the NSWPF and keep the community safe.

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

We know we have a long way to go, but we are working hard to turn that around by:

• Securing a historic pay rise for officers;
• Paying recruits to train, resulting in applications to join the NSWPF soaring by 70 per cent;
• Creating a pathway for recruits to serve in or near their hometown after attesting at the Goulburn Police Academy;
• Establishing the Professional Mobility Program for serving officers across Australia and New Zealand to join the NSWPF and keep their equivalent rank up to Senior Constable; and
• Introducing the Health, Safety and Wellbeing Command to better look after the mental and physical health of officers.

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley said:

“This $2 million upgrade is about giving Blayney’s police the facilities they need to do their job well and to meet the demands of modern policing.”

“Officers working in regional communities like Blayney face unique pressures and they deserve infrastructure that supports them, not holds them back.”

“Our police show up every day to protect and serve, often in challenging and unpredictable situations. The Minns Labor Government is backing them with the resources, technology and support they need to do their job and keep our communities safe.”

“We’ve introduced paid training, delivered a historic pay rise, and created new career pathways – and it’s working. Applications to join the NSW Police Force are up by 70 per cent, and we’re continuing to build momentum.”

Assistant Commissioner Andrew Holland APM, Western Region Commander said:

“The upgrades to the police station will help police as they serve the Blayney and surrounding community.”

“These refurbishments have modernised this regional police station, making it fit-for-purpose for policing requirements in Blayney.”

“Enhancements include an upgraded security system, refurbished muster room, amenities and foyer, as well as a new gun storage facility.”

“The station is will now operate as a central regional point for general duties, rural crime investigators and, when required, for other specialist resources.”

The Minns Labor Government will next week introduce legislation into Parliament to strengthen Working with Children Checks (WWCC) to better protect children from harm.

The reforms will ensure that only the independent child safety regulator – the Office of the Children’s Guardian – will be responsible for reviewing WWCC decisions, removing external appeal pathways through the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT).

Currently, even people with serious convictions – including for sexual assault – can appeal a WWCC refusal to NCAT.

In some cases, this has resulted in the granting of ‘enabling orders’ that allow individuals previously deemed ineligible or disqualified to work with children.

Under these new laws, the Office of the Children’s Guardian will become the sole decision-maker and reviewer of WWCC applications, ensuring that child safety remains in the hands of the specialist regulator best equipped to assess risk.

These changes will also move NDIS Worker Checks appeals to the OCG, who issue NDIS Worker Checks and have expertise in safety for people with disability.

To strengthen protections nationally, the NSW Government will also lead calls at National Cabinet for a searchable national register of WWCC holders, so parents can be confident that individuals working with children have been properly cleared – no matter which state or territory they’ve previously worked in.

NSW will work with the Commonwealth and other jurisdictions to integrate WWCC systems and close information gaps that offenders may exploit by moving interstate.

This legislation builds on the Minns Labor Government’s broader reform agenda to improve child safety in early education and care, including:

• Higher fines for service breaches;
• A new, standalone regulator with stronger enforcement powers;
• Greater transparency for families on the safety record of providers;
• A CCTV trial to improve oversight of underperforming services.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“Keeping children safe — whether they’re in a classroom, an early learning centre or the care of adults in any setting must be a national priority.

“These reforms send a clear message that the safety of children comes first.”

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:

“NSW is pressing ahead with reforms we announced in June. Our Government is prepared to lead the way when it comes to reforming the sector.

“The Liberals and Nationals took a back seat on regulation, allowing for-profit providers to grow to two-thirds of the sector without proper oversight.

“Reforming early childhood education and care regulation across the country is a matter of urgency and I will be meeting with Education Ministers in the coming weeks to push for progress on these reforms.”

Minister for Families and Communities, and Disability Inclusion, Kate Washington said:

“We’re strengthening the system so it works as intended – to keep children safe.

“Our message to convicted sex offenders is clear. Don’t bother applying for a Working with Children Check, because you won’t be getting one.”