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Labor leaves women escaping violence with nowhere to go

Data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) shows Specialist Homelessness Services (SHS) are receiving on average 350 requests for help each day that they can’t meet.

SHS are buckling under the pressure of the worsening housing crisis and epidemic of violence against women, and having to turn people at risk of homelessness away.

Women and children made up over 7 in 10 requests for SHS help, with people who had experienced domestic and family violence the largest cohort seeking help – 40 per cent of all SHS clients.

First Nations women, older women, women of colour and women with disabilities are on the very front line of this crisis.

Leaving a violent relationship requires secure housing, and violence against women can not be stopped without addressing the housing crisis.

Leader of the Australian Greens, Senator Larissa Waters:

“The National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children recognises the growing intersection between violence and housing insecurity. The Albanese Labor government continues to fail women by fiddling at the edges of the housing crisis.

“By refusing to fully fund frontline services the government is forcing SHS workers to ask ‘who is most in danger?’ when prioritising where their help goes. No woman or child seeking help should be turned away.

“Labor’s inaction on the housing crisis is forcing women to choose between violence and homelessness.

“Cancelling just one nuclear submarine could see everyone fleeing violence able to be homed, and an end to homelessness for all.

“Labor can properly address the housing crisis but is shamefully choosing not to.”

Greens spokesperson for housing and homelessness Senator Barbara Pocock:

“Australia is in a housing crisis that is spiralling out of control.

“Homelessness in Australia is the worst in living memory, having increased by 10 percent since Labor was elected. We’re seeing nine potentially avoidable deaths of homeless people on our streets every day which is unacceptable. We still don’t have a national plan to end homelessness.

“If Labor can spend $181 billion on wealthy property investors, they can build homes and provide services for people sleeping rough. They can put a roof over the head of thousands of women and children escaping violence. This government needs to start treating housing as a human right instead of a game of monopoly.

“Labor must address the root causes rather than turbocharge our housing and homelessness crises through minor interventions that make things worse.

“High rents, unaffordability in the private rental market, insufficient public housing stock, and the greed of property developers and investment housing are all causes of homelessness. Without tackling the structural drivers the crisis will only worsen.

“We can end homelessness in Australia – by building enough public housing, adequately funding homelessness services and the wrap-around supports we need to break the cycle of recurring homelessness. We can put a roof over everyone’s heads, and limit rent increases to stop any more evictions into homelessness.”

Greens secure community housing, nature and cultural heritage protections into Labor’s Territory Priority Projects Bill

ACT Greens Deputy Leader Jo Clay successfully moved amendments to add community housing projects under the ACT Government’s proposal to waive third party appeal rights for public housing projects listed as a Territory Priority Project.

The legislation passed yesterday in Parliament with all Greens amendments adopted, which also include provisions for nature conservation and First Nations cultural protection before Government can declare a development as a Territory Priority Project.

Ms Clay said that now the legislation has passed, the Labor Government needs to step up, deliver more homes and drastically increase public housing stock to support the more than 3,500 Canberra households facing homelessness.

“These changes provide a real opportunity for the ACT Government to push ahead and deliver the public housing stock Canberra needs,” Ms Clay said.

“The amendments passed yesterday ensure that public, community and social housing is prioritised. It’s a move which upholds the principles of housing as a human right – which is now enshrined in legislation following the passage of an ACT Greens bill earlier this year.

The ACT Greens took an ambitious program to increase public housing numbers at the last election and since, under a Labor minority Government, we’ve only seen the waiting list rise.

“While at the same time we’ve seen funding pools for community housing from the Commonwealth and Territory Government increase. Community housing providers have told us that certainty on timing is a critical factor that Government’s consider when allocating funding.

“The ACT Greens know we can have both homes and the environment.  We cannot and should not sacrifice nature for development – we’ve seen the government agree after community advocacy to protect places like Bluetts Block and Coombs Peninsula as nature reserves.

“We are also pushing Government to establish urban growth boundaries, which includes finalising the future of the Western Edge and Eastern Broadacre areas.

“As our city continues to densify, we also need to ensure people have access to green spaces and nature. Our amendments also ensure there is a degree of scrutiny without delaying new public and community homes from being built.

“Community input is important and should be considered. While these changes take away third party appeal rights through the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal for some developments, Canberrans can still make submissions on Development Applications, which will be considered by the Minister with advice from the independent Territory Planning Authority.

“We have also set a timeframe to review these changes and put a sunset clause end date on them so future Parliaments can consider what worked well, what needs to change and assess whether the Government have delivered the right outcomes.”

The ACT Greens consulted with the housing industry, community housing providers, environment organisations, Labor, Liberals and the Independents on the amendments before the amendments and legislation passed yesterday.

Chief Executive Officer of YWCA Canberra, Frances Crimmins:

“YWCA Canberra welcomes the ACT Greens’ decision to support sensible planning reforms that will facilitate the delivery of much-needed social, community and public housing in Canberra. 

“Our city is facing an unprecedented housing and homelessness crisis, and meaningful change is long overdue to address the critical need for housing for low-income earners.

“Canberrans now face a clear choice: do we continue to see people experiencing homelessness on our streets, or do we choose to ensure they have a place to call home in our neighbourhoods?

“We can no longer afford to overlook practical and effective legislative reforms that will expedite the construction of public, social and affordable homes. 

“This amendment makes sense. It supports low-income Canberrans and brings us closer to a community where everyone has a safe place to live.”

Ms Clay’s amendments and explanatory statement are available on the ACT Legislative Assembly website.

JACINTA ALLAN’S LABOR GOVERNMENT IS PUTTING SHORT-TERM POLITICAL INTERESTS ABOVE THE HEALTH OF VICTORIANS BY CLOSING VICHEALTH SAY GREENS

The Victorian Greens are alarmed by the abolition of VicHealth as part of Labor’s sweeping public sector cuts. A move that the Greens believe is political cover for Labor’s own budget mismanagement at the cost of Victoria’s essential public services.

VicHealth has been a world leader in public health promotion for almost 40 years. Their work on tobacco harm reduction is historic, and included the extraordinary step of buying out tobacco company sponsorship of sports and the arts in 1988.

It has support from across the political spectrum, with protected ongoing funding, its abolition and absorption into the Department of Health is a shock for workers and for the health sector and will compromise the efficiency of Victoria’s health services.

VicHealth’s independence from government has been a critical pillar of its success, enabling it to take on massive commercial interests that cause harm to the health of Victorians, including the food and beverage industry, big tobacco and alcohol, and gambling.

VicHealth can say things that governments too often don’t want to hear. They provide a voice to counter the corporations plugging junk food, alcohol and cigarettes – corporations that often capture Labor and Liberal governments.

Without VicHealth, Victorians will once again be at the mercy of these powerful corporations without proper scrutiny.

Dr Sarah Mansfield, Victorian Greens Health Spokesperson:

“The Allan Labor government’s decision to absorb VicHealth into the department of health spells the death of its independence, and undermines a key strength of this vital public health institution.

“VicHealth has always been willing to take on the big corporate interests that harm Victorians’ health, like the junk food industry, big tobacco and alcohol, and gambling – something the Allan Labor government has repeatedly demonstrated they’re too afraid of doing.

“The Allan Labor government is putting short-term political interests ahead of health promotion and prevention, which ironically, will just end up costing our health system even more.”

After-hours event to celebrate more to come at Newcastle Art Gallery

Christmas will come early for local art lovers on December 19 when City of Newcastle unveils iconic pieces of Australian art valued at more than $30 million as part of the opening of the fourth new exhibition space in the expanded Newcastle Art Gallery.

Colonial-era classics and modern icons by Joseph Lycett, William Dobell, Grace Cossington Smith and Margaret Preston will be among the highlights of more than 130 works of art on show in this gallery space.

Sneak peek at Gallery 4, which will open at Newcastle Art Gallery on 19 December. Installation view, Iconic Loved Unexpected: Newcastle Art Gallery Collection, Newcastle Art Gallery, Australia, 2025 © the artists and their estates. Photo: Matt Carbone

The opening will be celebrated by the return of the Gallery’s popular Friday Night Sounds after-hours event, featuring live music by Newcastle singer-songwriter Nina Romeru and a wildlife drawing workshop with local artists.

Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton OAM said it was exciting to be able to reveal another new space as preparations continue for the full reopening in February 2026.

“We have been overwhelmed by the support shown since we opened the doors to the community on September 26 for their first look at some of our new galleries,” Ms Morton said.

“Almost 11,000 people have already visited the Gallery and been treated to a taste of our nationally significant collection alongside major First Nations commissions and new acquisitions.

“We’ve had visitors coming from across Australia and around the world including Austria, Canada, Finland, France, India, Mongolia and Switzerland.

“At the same time, we’ve been continuing to meticulously prepare the rest of the Gallery’s spaces in line with the strict environmental conditions required for the long-term presentation of works of art.

“We’re thrilled to be able to open our fourth new gallery space later this month, but this is still just the beginning, with more art and another nine exhibition spaces to come next year.”

The Gallery is open Friday to Sunday each week from 10am to 4pm. The free Friday Night Sounds event will be held on 19 December from 5pm to 8pm.

Visit https://newcastleartgallery.nsw.gov.au/ to stay up to date with the Newcastle Art Gallery expansion project.

The entire Gallery will be reopened in February next year, in conjunction with a major collection exhibition and the unveiling of a commission by internationally renowned artist Fayen d’Evie.

The expansion project is supported by $5 million from the Australian Government under the Regional Recovery Partnerships and $5 million from the New South Wales Government under the Regional Recovery Package, as well as $12 million from the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation made possible through the Valerie and John Ryan bequest, Margaret Olley Trust, and community fundraising over many years. A further $1 million is currently being sought through the Foundation’s public fundraising campaign.

Construction underway on new schools for Wilton’s growing community

The Minns Labor Government is continuing its work to rebuild public education across NSW, with construction underway on the much-needed new high school, public school, and public preschool for Wilton.

The new schools will ensure families in this rapidly-growing suburb have access to a world-class public education from preschool to Year 12 after more than a decade of poor planning and broken promises under the Liberals and Nationals.

The new high school is the first high school to be built in Wilton and only the second public high school for Wollondilly, despite the region experiencing substantial housing growth in recent years and a corresponding increase in student numbers.

The new high school will be built in stages, with a three-storey building comprising 12 classrooms opening on Day 1 Term 1 2027, along with a modern library, full-sized sports field, and a sports court.

Additional buildings with modern permanent classrooms, a school hall, vocational education facilities, and two more sports courts will open on Day 1 Term 1 2028, with the school having capacity for 1,000 students.

High school students in Wilton must currently travel up to 16 kilometres to attend Picton High School, which needed new walls installed after the Liberals and Nationals botched an upgrade in 2021 and installed new classrooms without walls at the school.

The public primary school will feature 27 modern permanent classrooms, a library, school hall, and a covered outdoor learning area. The public school will have capacity for 550 students and the co-located public preschool will cater for 120 children per week.

The Minns Labor Government is continuing its work to rebuild public education, delivering a record $9 billion in school infrastructure.

Every new public primary school is being delivered with a co-located public preschool, as part of the Government’s commitment to deliver 100 new public preschools by 2027.

The investment doubles the number of public preschools in the state, the largest expansion of early learning in NSW history.

Once complete up to 9,000 children will benefit from access to fee-free, quality early education in their community, prioritised in areas of the highest need based on a rigorous selection process.

The Minns Labor Government’s work to deliver universal preschool access across the state is in sharp contrast to the Liberals and Nationals, who failed to build a single public preschool during their 12 years in government.

In addition to building new schools where they are needed, the Minns Labor Government’s work to rebuild public education includes ensuring each NSW classroom has a qualified teacher.

Since March 2023, the Minns Labor Government has reduced teacher vacancies by 61 per cent across the state, leading to the number of cancelled classes in NSW nearly halving.

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:

“The Minns Labor Government is delivering new schools for growing communities across NSW.

“Wilton’s new public preschool, public school, and high school ensure local families will have access to a world-class public education from preschool through to Year 12, close to home.

“The Deputy Premier worked hard to progress these projects, with strong advocacy from the local member, Judy Hannan.”

Independent Member for Wollondilly Judy Hannan MP said:

“It’s fantastic to see construction begin on these much-needed schools for Wilton, it’s been a long time since the Wollondilly Shire received brand-new infrastructure.

“I’d like to thank the Deputy Premier, Prue Car, for working with me to deliver these schools for my community.

“The Minns Labor Government’s investment means every child in Wilton can access a world-class public education, close to home.”

Wilton new high school principal Hala Ramadan said:

“As foundation principal, my goal is to establish a school culture while acknowledging and honouring the rich cultural heritage of the area.

“Together, we will build a school that not only delivers outstanding academic outcomes, but also prepares young people to lead purposeful, fulfilling lives, grounded in respect, inclusion and shared responsibility.”

Wilton new primary school principal Karen Sellick said:

“It’s a rare and exciting opportunity to establish a new primary school from the ground up.

“I look forward to building an educational setting of excellence, equity and inclusion, together with Hala Ramadan and the Wilton community, to empower all children to reach their potential.”

New $1.9 million-dollar eco-tourism holiday hotspot opens at Belmont Wetlands

The Minns Labor Government has unlocked the latest eco-tourism holiday offering with a new $1.9 million campground at Belmont Wetlands in the Lake Macquarie region, giving visitors the option to stay overnight at this iconic destination.

One hundred campsites nestled close to the sand dunes will be available. Visitors will be able to pitch a tent or pull up their camper trailer beneath the stars and use facilities including two new BBQs, covered seating areas, hot and cold showers and an accessible bathroom.

A new underground water system has also been installed to service the campground’s water needs and support emergency services in the event of a bushfire.

An additional $910,000 has been invested to upgrade the reserve’s entrance road and carpark provided by the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund. These upgrades will increase parking capacity, reduce traffic congestion and encourage more people to visit the reserve. Work is planned to commence early 2026.

Belmont Wetlands was acquired by the NSW Government from BHP in 2002 after sand mining ceased. The beautiful Crown reserve stretches over 554 hectares of bushland, sand dunes and wetlands, providing a haven for walking, bird watching, cycling, surfing, fishing, camping, horse riding and four-wheel driving.

The wetlands are less than two hours’ drive from Sydney and just over half-an-hour from Newcastle. It makes it the perfect weekend getaway for families and intrepid travellers looking to spend a night camping out in one of NSW’s most diverse natural reserves.

Minister for Lands and Property, and Tourism Steve Kamper said:

“The new and upgraded Belmont Wetlands Campground is set to become one of the Hunter region’s standout eco-tourism drawcards. A place that celebrates the natural beauty of NSW and actively boosts local jobs, small businesses, and the visitor economy.”

“With more travellers seeking nature-based experiences, this revitalised campground will encourage longer stays, greater local spending, and stronger support for cafés, shops, tour operators, and accommodation providers right across the region.”

“The Minns Labor Government is focused on building better communities and backing our regions.”

Minister for the Hunter and Member for Swansea Yasmin Catley said:

“Belmont Wetlands is one of our region’s natural treasures, and these new campgrounds will make it even more accessible for locals and visitors who want to experience it up close.”

“These new facilities mean families, school groups and travellers can stay overnight at a really affordable price, surrounded by some of the most spectacular coastline and bushland in the state.”

“The campground will also help create a sustainable future for the park, supporting the incredible volunteers who work so hard to protect this beautiful piece of coastal paradise.”

Belmont Wetlands Administrator, Nicole Dunn said:

“The campground offers families a safe, welcoming place to reconnect with nature and each other. It’s the perfect spot to experience the joy of camping, whether it’s a weekend adventure, a first family trip, or a chance for locals to try out their new camping gear close to home.

“Revenue from the campground will be reinvested to maintain and improve park infrastructure, support conservation efforts, and protect the park’s unique natural environment.”

Iron Arena expansion a gold medal win for the Manning region

In a slam dunk for regional sport, Taree now boasts a state-of-the-art basketball facility with the expansion of the Iron Arena now complete.

The Albanese and Minns Governments have provided $12,979,285 to the Taree Basketball Association from the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund under the jointly funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

This significant investment has transformed the former Saxby Stadium into the larger Iron Arena, featuring two new multi-purpose courts suitable for basketball, futsal and other indoor sports.

The spectator experience will be enhanced through upgrades to the seating arrangements, creating a show court capable of hosting major sporting and entertainment events.

This revitalised venue is not only a hub for athletic excellence but also a vital space for promoting health, wellbeing and community connection.

Taree Basketball Association has ambitious plans to host an international team visiting for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

The Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund supports bushfire impacted regions by funding projects that strengthen community resilience and reduce the impact of future natural disasters.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain:

“The expanded Iron Arena shows how disaster recovery funding can deliver lasting community assets that help regions like Manning rebuild stronger, healthier and more connected.

“By transforming the stadium into a modern multi-sport venue, we are supporting Taree’s recovery with facilities that bring people together and create new opportunities for local sport and events.

“Investments like this ensure that recovery is not just about replacing what was lost but also giving communities the chance to grow, thrive and look to the future with confidence.”

Federal Senator for NSW Deborah O’Neill:

“Whether you’re learning to shoot your first hoop, playing at the Olympic level, or coming along to watch a great game, the Iron Arena is a place the whole community can enjoy.”

“This arena shows what can be delivered for regional communities when all levels of government work together.”

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty:

“This is an incredible achievement for Taree and the wider Manning region, a project that shows just how powerful sport can be in bringing people together and building stronger communities.

“The Iron Arena is now a world-class facility that will inspire the next generation of athletes, from kids picking up a basketball for the first time to elite players training for international competition.

“Sport continues to play a powerful role in Taree’s recovery from multiple natural disasters, including this year’s devastating floods.

“As the community rebuilds, sport is helping to restore confidence, create opportunities and bring people together in shared purpose and pride.”

NSW Minister for North Coast Janelle Saffin:

“We are building back better, where we can, to ensure our vital community facilities are more resilient to future disasters.”

“We are investing in our communities too by ensuring they have the recreational facilities they need to stay connected, active and thrive.”

Iron Arena project advocate Steve Atkins:

“The opening of Iron Arena marks a significant step toward achieving our core goals of enhancing health and wellness within our community.

“By encouraging greater participation in sports, we aim to uplift community spirit and strengthen our shared ambition to improve local circumstances.

“In the long term, I am confident this facility will boost the local economy through sports tourism and event-driven growth.”

Work begins on new public preschools for Berkeley and Kanahooka

Wollongong families can look forward to more fee-free early learning as shovels hit the ground on new Public Preschools for Hayes Park Public School and Berkeley West Public School.

The co-located preschools will offer a high-quality play-based early learning program, support childrens’ transition into kindergarten and schooling, as well as ease pick up and drop off for parents with older students at the same school.

In addition to state-of-the-art learning areas, each new preschool will include staff facilities, a kitchen, toilet facilities and landscaped outdoor areas.

Both new public preschools will be open for the first term of the school year in 2027, and will each accommodate up to 80 children per week.

The delivery of both preschools has been fast tracked thanks to the Minns Labor Government’s planning changes which last year scrapped the need for development applications for the construction of new public schools and preschools.

These are among six public preschools that the Minns Labor Government is delivering in the Illawarra by 2027, including Cringila and Lake Heights public schools in the Wollongong electorate, as part of the NSW Government’s $769 million commitment to build 100 new public preschools.

The investment doubles the number of public preschools in NSW, the largest expansion of public early learning in NSW’s history.

Once complete more than 9,000 children will benefit from access to fee-free, high quality early education in their local community. Of the 100 new public preschools, 51 are in metropolitan Sydney and 49 in regional NSW, prioritised in areas of highest need based on an independent selection process.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said:

“It’s great to see work under way to deliver new public preschools for both Hayes Park Public and Berkeley West Public.

“Once complete these preschools will provide fee-free early learning for 160 children, helping hundreds of families each year to access education to give their children the best possible start in life.

“The construction of these preschools are in addition to preschools being delivered at Cringila and Lake Heights public schools.

“These fee free public preschools are a huge boost to local public education and will give our littlest learners a lifelong boost to their education.”

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:

“The Minns Labor Government is delighted to be kicking off construction on these new public preschools, marking a historic expansion in access to early learning for families across NSW.

“For far too long, families in Western Sydney and Regional NSW had limited access to quality early childhood education, especially public early childhood education. Despite being in government for 12 years, the Liberals and Nationals failed to deliver for them.

“The Minns Labor Government, with the leadership of Deputy Premier Prue Car, made this historic commitment because we strongly believe all children should have access to high-quality early education, no matter their postcode.”

Berkeley West Public School Principal Andrew Attard said:

“At Berkeley West, we’re incredibly proud to be part of this important investment in early learning. Our new preschool will give local children the very best start—right here on Country.

“This facility is not just about early education; it’s about honouring place, nurturing belonging, and building strong foundations for future learning and wellbeing.”

Hayes Park Public School Principal Lisa Matthes said:

“This is a wonderful opportunity for our families across the Dapto and Kanahooka region to access high quality early learning for their children.

“With the public preschool on school grounds, it will help smooth children’s transition to kindergarten.

“We are very excited about being able to welcome our youngest learners, supporting the beginning of their school journey at our new public preschool.”

BOOSTING THE CAPACITY OF THE CHARLESTOWN MEDICARE URGENT CARE CLINIC

The Albanese Government is delivering on its election commitment to boost funding for the Charlestown Medicare Urgent Care Clinic.

The additional funding will boost the capacity of the Charlestown Medicare Urgent Care Clinic with additional funding to extend its operating hours and to employ more doctors and nurses in periods of high demand.

By increasing the capacity of the Charlestown Medicare Urgent Care Clinic, even more patients will be able to receive free, high-quality urgent care without congesting the Emergency Departments of local hospitals, including the John Hunter Hospital.

Since opening in November 2024, there have been over 17,500 visits to the Charlestown Medicare Urgent Care Clinic.

The largest proportion of patients to the Charlestown Medicare Urgent Care Clinic have been children, with over 1 in 4 visits from individuals aged under 15 years old.

More than 1 in 4 visits have taken place on the weekend, and of the visits that took place during weekdays, 1 in 4 have taken place at 5pm or later.

Health Minister Mark Butler:

“The Albanese Government is delivering on its election commitment to provide more funding to the Charlestown Medicare Urgent Care Clinic.

“For the Charlestown Medicare Urgent Care Clinic this means increasing staff numbers in peak periods, and extending opening hours.

“With over 17,500 visits to the UCC we know how much the local community values this service.”

Member for Shortland, Pat Conroy MP:

“A year ago today, we opened the Charlestown Medicare Urgent Care Clinic – and with over 17,500 visits, it’s proved to be one of the busiest in the country.

“That’s why we’re delivering more doctors and nurses during peak hours so that you can get the free urgent care you need, even quicker.

“That means it’s not only open every day of the week and after hours too – but it now has additional capacity to look after you and your family.”

Member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon MP:

“In just 12 months, over 17,500 people in our community, have been able to access vital health care at the Charlestown Medicare Urgent Care clinic, thanks to the Albanese Labor Government’s commitment to improving healthcare accessibility in our region.

“I’ve heard firsthand from community members how transformative the free Medicare Urgent Care Clinic has been, with some telling me that the service has been genuinely lifesaving for them.

“The Albanese Government’s funding boost means even more Novocastrians will be able to get the urgent and quick care they need, while taking even more pressure off our local hospitals.”

Heatwave Alert – Metropolitan, Hunter, Illawarra, Southern Tablelands and Snowy Mountains

NSW Ambulance is urging people to monitor conditions with the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) forecasting severe heatwave conditions for Metropolitan Sydney, the Hunter, the Illawarra, Southern Tablelands and Snowy Mountains from Thursday 4 December.

NSW Ambulance Chief Superintendent Steve Vaughan, Associate Director Emergency Management said people need to plan ahead and stay informed with maximum temperatures predicted to reach the mid thirties to low forties later in the week in locations such as the Sydney metropolitan area, Newcastle, Gosford, Camden, Mona Vale, Nowra, Richmond and Wollongong.

“Stay hydrated, avoid the heat where possible, and check in on vulnerable people especially as it gets warmer over the next few days,” Chief Superintendent Vaughan said.

NSW Ambulance has issued an Advice warning for this severe heatwave. Stay up to date in case the situation changes.

Stay hydrated – make sure you drink plenty of water and carry a water bottle with you.
Keep cool – seek air-conditioned buildings, draw your blinds, use a fan, take cool showers and dress in light and loose clothing made of natural fabrics.
Avoid the heat – schedule activities in the coolest part of the day and avoid exercising in the heat.
Check in on vulnerable people – hot weather can affect everyone, but some people are at greater risk of heat-related health problems. This includes people aged 65 years and older, babies and young children, and people with some medical conditions.  
Never leave children or pets in a vehicle – leaving children or pets unattended in a car can be fatal. The temperature inside a parked car can double in minutes.

Signs of heat-related illness can include headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, fatigue and cramps. People with these symptoms should move out of the sun and seek shade or use a fan or air conditioning, take a cool shower or bath if possible and take sips of water.  

People who do not respond to these steps or who show symptoms suggesting a more severe illness, including a sudden rise in body temperature, who are no longer sweating, showing aggressive or strange behaviour or who are fitting, should seek urgent medical attention or call Triple Zero (000).  

For further information, updates and advice go to the NSW Ambulance website or follow NSW Ambulance on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn and X .

For the latest weather forecasts and heatwave warnings go to the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) website .