93% satisfaction: Regional bus trial informing statewide shift to more sustainable transport

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.”

Blayney Police Station refreshed with $2 million in upgrades

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.”

Working With Children Check reforms keep kids safe

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.”

Albanese Government cuts 20 per cent off all student debts

The Albanese Labor Government has today cut all student debts by 20 per cent.

We are wiping more than $16 billion in debt for more than three million Australians.

Our number one focus is continuing to deliver cost of living relief for the Australian people.

Cutting student debt by 20 per cent will ease pressure on workers and students across the country.

For someone with the average debt of $27,600, this will see $5,520 wiped from their outstanding Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) loans.

Backdated to 1 June, this is lifting the burden for Australians with a student debt – including all HELP, Vocational Education and Training (VET) Student Loans, Australian Apprenticeship Support Loans, Student Startup Loans, and other student loans.

In addition to cutting student debt by 20 per cent, we are raising the minimum amount before people have to start making repayments from $54,435 to $67,000 and reduces minimum repayments.

For someone earning $70,000 it will reduce the minimum repayments they have to make by $1,300 a year.

This builds on our reforms to fix the indexation formula, which has already cut more than $3 billion in student debt.

This means, all up, the Albanese Labor Government will cut close to $20 billion in student debt for more than three million Australians.

The ATO will now begin the work of processing the cut.

This will take a little while but the 20 per cent cut to student debt is guaranteed.

Most people will see their balance reduced before the end of the year, backdated to June.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“This is another way my Government is continuing to deliver cost of living relief to Australians.

“We promised cutting student debt would be the first thing we did back in Parliament – and that’s exactly what we’ve done.

“Getting an education shouldn’t mean a lifetime of debt.

“No matter where you live or how much your parents earn, my Government will work to ensure the doors of opportunity are open for you.”

Minister for Education Jason Clare

“We promised we would cut your student debt by 20 per cent and we have delivered.

“This is a big deal for 3 million Australians.

“This will save millions of Australians thousands of dollars.

“The average student debt today is $27,600, this will cut that debt by $5,520.

“Just out of uni, just getting started, this will take a weight off their back.

“We are also cutting annual repayments. For someone earning $70,000 a year, it will cut the amount they have to repay every year by $1,300.

“That’s real help with the cost of living. It means more money in your pocket, not the government’s.”

Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles

“At the election, students and apprentices sent a resounding message of support for our Government’s plan to cut student debt by 20 per cent.

“Now, we’ve delivered on this commitment, making a real difference to the lives of students and apprentices – including nearly 300,000 TAFE students and apprentices.

“The Albanese Government is backing Australians with cost of living relief, and backing them to pursue an apprenticeship or qualification that sets them up for their future.”

Newcastle community called to help improve the outcomes for women with gynaecological cancer

What if your story could save someone else’s life? 
Newcastle community called to help improve the outcomes for women with gynaecological cancer  

Every day in Australia, 19 women are diagnosed with a gynaecological cancer including ovarian, uterine/endometrial, cervical, vulvar or vaginal cancer, and tragically six lose their lives. For women living in areas such as Newcastle, the path to diagnosis and treatment can often be challenging, with delays that can have devastating consequences for individuals and families. 1 

The Australia New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group (ANZGOG) is working to change this through its powerful Survivors Teaching Students®(STS) program.  

This deeply impactful national initiative brings the voices of women who have experienced gynaecological cancer directly into university classrooms. These courageous volunteers share their personal stories with medical and nursing students to help shape a more compassionate, informed and responsive generation of healthcare professionals. 

Since launching in 2017, STS volunteers have reached more than 20,000 students across 22 universities in Australia and New Zealand. Their stories help future doctors and nurses better understand the signs and symptoms of these diseases to reduce delays in diagnosis, and embed empathy, good communication and respect into the care of every woman affected.  

“Survivors Teaching Students was by far one of the most memorable and impactful experiences I had during medical school. The program not only provided me with important clinical knowledge about gynaecological cancers but also emphasised the profound and life-altering impacts the diseases have on those diagnosed and their families,” said Nikita Rosendahl, Medical student at the University of Queensland. 

With plans to expand the program’s reach, ANZGOG is now calling on women from regional and rural communities, including Newcastle, to join the STS network, in a volunteer capacity and help change outcomes for women with these cancers. 

“We’re inviting women to be part of this remarkable initiative. Your story could be the one that helps a future doctor or nurse recognise the signs of gynaecological cancer and save a life.” said Alison Evans, CEO ANZGOG. 

No public speaking experience is required, just a willingness to share your personal story in a safe, supportive environment. Volunteers consistently report that participating in STS is not only rewarding but empowering, giving meaning to their experience and creating lasting impact.  

STS is made possible through ANZGOG’s fundraising arm, WomenCan, and supported by a network of over 100 community volunteers across the country, who are determined to change the future for women diagnosed with gynaecological cancer.  

To learn more or register your interest, visit: www.anzgog.org.au/sts or to support STS, you can make a donation by visiting WomenCan.org.au.   

About ANZGOG: The Australia New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group (ANZGOG) is the peak national gynaecological cancer research organisation for Australia and New Zealand. Our mission is to improve outcomes and quality of life for everyone with a lived experience of gynaecological cancer by conducting and promoting clinical trials and multidisciplinary research. 

** The Survivors Teaching Students program is under license to ANZGOG from the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance in the USA. 

  1. www.anzgog.org.au/GCTI  

Appeal to locate a teenage boy missing from Hunter Valley

Police are appealing for assistance to locate a teenage boy missing from the state’s north.

Dominic Short, aged 13, was last seen on Mathieson Street, Bellbird, about 7.30pm on Tuesday (29 July 2025).

When he was unable to be located or contacted, he was reported missing to officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District, who commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police and family hold concerns for his welfare due to his age.

Dominic is described as being of Caucasian appearance, of medium build, about 120cm tall, with dark blonde hair.

He was last seen wearing a camouflage jacket, grey track pants and white joggers.

Dominic is known to frequent the Hunter Valley area.

Anyone with information in relation to his whereabouts is urged to contact Hunter Valley Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Blockbusters Await: Premier League Grand Finals to Deliver Unmissable Action

It’s all come down to this.

After a season of thrilling clashes, fierce rivalries and showstopping performances, the 2025 Netball NSW Premier League Grand Finals are set to light up Ken Rosewall Arena this Sunday 3 August 2025.

The Open division final is a battle of titans, as ladder leaders North Shore United take on second-placed Manly Warringah Sapphires in a rematch that has all the makings of a classic. These two sides split their regular season meetings—with the Sapphires claiming a narrow 48–46 win in Round 11 and North Shore United edging them out by just one goal in the semi-final. With only a single point separating the teams on the final ladder, the Grand Final is anyone’s game.

For North Shore United, this Grand Final is more than just a shot at silverware—it’s a celebration of consistency, commitment, and culture. Sarah Corfield has been with the franchise since its Premier League inception, proudly marking 10 years of service in 2025, while captains Eliza Burton and Charlotte Raleigh have been members for eight years.
“Making a grand final is always a privilege but also a testament to the hard work we have put in,” said North Shore United Captain Eliza Burton.

“I think this year was extra challenging given we had a lot of people in and out with other representative honours which makes getting into a grand final extra special. Now in its 10th year, the competition has reached new heights—testing our limits and showcasing the resilience, dedication, and unity that define NSU.”

United have been tested this season. From a tight Round 8 win over South Coast Blaze to a 49–46 loss against eventual minor premiers South West Mounties MAGIC in Round 10, the road has been far from smooth. But their ability to respond under pressure and share responsibility across a dynamic team of 12 has been their trademark.

“We are all really excited and feeling positive heading into the grand final,” Burton added.

“We are lucky that we have a strong team of 12, that each person brings something different which has been a real asset to us this season and I think this is a strength of ours for the final. At North Shore United, when one commits, we all do—because above all, we are a team.”
As for their opponents, the Manly Warringah Sapphires bring with them not just form, but legacy.

Premiers in both 2017 and 2023, and finalists in almost every season since the league’s inception, the Sapphires are one of Premier League’s most consistent forces. The team began their 2025 campaign by winning the HeartKids Cup, setting the tone for a confident and composed season.

Sapphires Head Coach Mel Clarke credits her team’s resilience as a driving force.

“I think that the belief has certainly been present within the team from the beginning, and the challenges we have overcome together throughout the season have contributed to the resilience and positive mindset that has driven our momentum leading into the finals series, giving us the confidence to play our best netball on Sunday.”

As the pressure of Grand Final week intensifies, Clarke is keeping her team grounded.

“Leading into the grand final we have focused on the importance of trusting the work we have done throughout the season and the things we can control. It is about confidence in our preparation and in each other, so we can enjoy the occasion and perform at our best.”

A last-round draw saw them finish the season just one point behind NSU, before an extra-time thriller in the preliminary final helped them avenge their Round 11 loss to Sutherland Stingrays and earn another shot at glory.

“Strong fan support from MWNA junior teams helps energise our senior squads, often travelling to home and away matches to cheer on their local stars within the MW Sapphires,” said Sapphires Captain Latika Tombs.

“Reaching the Grand Final represents the culmination of years’ worth of hard work within our local pathways and is deeply meaningful for our Manly Warringah community.”

2025 is particularly special for three Sapphires stalwarts—Latika Tombs, NSW Swifts player Teigan O’Shannassy and Manager Lisa Eady—who are all celebrating 10 years with the franchise. Tombs, alongside Coach Mel Clarke and Eady, has been part of both championship-winning teams and is now eyeing a third title.

In the 23U division, it’s a showdown between top-placed Panthers and second-ranked GWS Fury—two sides who have been neck and neck all season.

GWS Fury took the direct route to the final, securing a heart-stopping one-goal win over Panthers in the semi-final to book their ticket. Panthers, the minor premiers, responded with a dominant preliminary final performance to secure their spot and set up a third meeting with the Fury.

The teams split their regular season results—Panthers winning the first clash by 3, and Fury responding in Round 9 with a thrilling one-goal win, sealed with just seconds on the clock.

With history, rivalry and redemption on the line, the 23U Grand Final promises to be just as gripping as the main event.

Don’t miss a minute of the action as the state’s best athletes compete for Premier League glory. Grand Final night will be a celebration of talent, tenacity, and the future of netball in NSW.

Tickets are available to purchase here.

And if you can’t watch in person, watch the livestream at Netball NSW TV.

Council’s Secret Appointments Spark Outrage Amid Casual Workforce Crisis

The United Services Union (USU) has slammed the City of Newcastle over its questionable and inconsistent recruitment process for two newly created Executive Manager roles at the Civic Theatre and City Hall, positions reportedly valued at over $200,000 per annum each.

USU Official Luke Hutchinson said the process lacked transparency, fairness, and any genuine merit-based selection which is seemingly in breach of the Local Government Act and Council’s own policies.

“This is a slap in the face to the hundreds of casual workers who keep these venues running,” Mr Hutchinson said.

“Over 70% of staff at the Civic Theatre and City Hall are employed casually, many are young, lower-paid workers who’ve dedicated years to these spaces. 

“Yet Council appears to be quietly handing out permanent, high-paying roles to select individuals without a proper process.

“Casualisation is a big issue amongst our venue staff, they’d love to have permanent or permanent part-time roles but the Council insists they must stay casual, but here we have a situation where people are getting permanent full time roles on big money with no due process, it’s unfair and it doesn’t pass the pub test.”

The USU is demanding answers after Council failed to advertise the roles externally, instead conducting a brief six-day internal “Expression of Interest (EOI)” process overseen by a single executive. 

The union says this contradicts previous Council practices where external advertising was deemed essential to attract a suitable pool of applicants.

“Council’s hypocrisy is staggering,” Mr Hutchinson added.

“They’ve insisted on external advertising for other roles, including lower-paid ones, but now they’re bypassing that entirely for senior positions. It reeks of favouritism and undermines the principles of equal opportunity.”

The Union has raised concerns that the EOI process is merely a formality, designed to rubber-stamp  pre-selected appointments. With no formal consultation or reporting to the USU, the union is now preparing to escalate the matter to the NSW Industrial Relations Commission.

“This isn’t just a union issue, it’s a community issue,” Mr Hutchinson said.

“Our theatres and venues thrive because of passionate, hardworking staff. They deserve respect, transparency, and a fair go, not backroom deals.”

The USU calls on the City of Newcastle to halt the current process and recommit to a fair, open, and merit-based recruitment approach.

Summit held to support Collins Class Sustainment

A Project of Concern Summit was held in Canberra today to support the sustainment of Australia’s Collins class submarines.

Minister for Finance, Senator Katy Gallagher, and Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy, convened the Summit, which was attended by government and industry representatives.

The Albanese Government has committed up to $5 billion over the next decade to extend the life of the Collins class and ensure there is no capability gap until Australia transitions to its future conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines. With Collins class submarines required to operate beyond their original design life, an appropriate sustainment plan is also required to ensure they remain among the most capable, conventionally powered submarines in the world.

Defence and the contractor, ASC Pty Ltd, have continued to work on the sustainment plan since Collins class was listed as a Product of Concern in 2024. This includes undertaking activities to build the submarine sustainment workforce and enhance productivity.

Collins class submarine sustainment has previously been a Product of Concern spanning successive governments, from November 2008 until October 2017. 

Since coming to office, the Albanese Government has strengthened and revitalised Defence’s Projects and Products of Concern framework. This is helping to fix challenging projects by providing enhanced Ministerial oversight and bringing Defence and industry together in the national interest.

This is the ninth overall summit held by the Government under the Projects of Concern process.

Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:

“The former Coalition government did not value this process. Labor has delivered much needed stability to the Defence portfolio which is helping to drive cultural change and deliver capabilities to keep Australians safe.

“This is the ninth overall summit held under the Albanese Government in just over three years, compared to the former Coalition government which only managed to hold four in almost a decade in office.

“ASC is committed to working with Defence to improve Collins class submarine sustainment performance and to effectively deliver safe and high-quality sustainment of Collins class submarines.”

Israel / Palestinian Territories : Joint statement of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs – New York Call

We, Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Andorra, Australia, Canada, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Slovenia and Spain,

Condemn the heinous and antisemitic terrorist attack of October 7th, 2023;

Demand an immediate ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages of Hamas, including the remains, as well as ensuring unhindered humanitarian access;

Reiterate our unwavering commitment to the vision of the two-State solution where two democratic States, Israel and Palestine, live side by side in peace within secure and recognized borders, consistent with international law and relevant UN resolutions, and in this regard stress the importance of unifying the Gaza Strip with the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority;

Express grave concern over the high number of civilian casualties and humanitarian situation in Gaza and emphasize the essential role of the United Nations and its agencies in facilitating humanitarian assistance;

Welcome the commitments made by the President of the Palestinian Authority on June 10th where he (i) condemns the October 7th terrorist attacks (ii) calls for the liberation of hostages and disarmament of Hamas (iii) commits to terminate the prisoner payment system (iv) commits to schooling reform, (v) commits to call for elections within a year to trigger generational renewal and (vi) accepts the principle of a demilitarized Palestinian State;

Ahead of the meeting of the Heads of State and Government that will take place during the high-level week of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 80) in September 2025, we, Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Andorra, Australia, Canada, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Slovenia and Spain,
Have already recognized, have expressed or express the willingness or the positive consideration of our countries to recognize the State of Palestine, as an essential step towards the two-State solution, and invite all countries that have not done so to join this call;

Urge countries who have not done so yet to establish normal relations with Israel, and to express their willingness to enter into discussions on the regional integration of the State of Israel;

Express our determination to work on an architecture for the “day after” in Gaza which guarantees the reconstruction of Gaza, the disarmament of Hamas and its exclusion from the Palestinian governance.