Key to the City marks 60 years of the University of Newcastle’s impact

The University of Newcastle has been presented with the Key to the City in recognition of the Institution’s historic and ongoing contribution to Newcastle’s cultural, economic and social life. 

The civic honour was formally conferred during a special graduation ceremony at City Hall today, celebrating the University’s 60th anniversary and its enduring partnership with City of Newcastle.

The University of Newcastle has been presented with the Key to the City in recognition of 60 years of impact. From L to R: Aunty Cheryl Newton, 
University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alex Zelinsky AO, Chancellor, the Hon. Patricia Forsythe AM, Lord Mayor, Dr Ross Kerridge 
and Aunty Amanda Kelly at the official presentation during the University’s graduation ceremony at City Hall today.

Image: University of Newcastle

Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge said City of Newcastle is proud to recognise the institution’s six decades of service and its profound impact on generations of Novocastrians.

“The University and its students have played a pivotal role in transforming Newcastle into a city of learning, aspiration and progress. Their influence is woven through our city and communities,” Cr Kerridge said.

“Over the past 60 years, the University has transformed lives and opened doors for tens of thousands of people in our city.

This honour particularly recognises the University’s role in enabling so many ‘first in family’ students to go to university, and the University’s ongoing commitment to providing educational opportunities for all.”

The motion to bestow the Keys to the City was initiated by Cr Declan Clausen and supported by the elected Council in May, acknowledging the transformational power of education and the University’s leadership in fostering access and equity through programs such as Yapug and Open Foundation.

“The University has long been a leader of inclusive education, with a deep commitment to equity that has delivered lasting benefits to our city, region, state, nation and beyond,” Cr Clausen said.

“Our ongoing collaboration continues to be a cornerstone Newcastle’s progress, from community health and sustainability to First Nations engagement and urban innovation.

“The University’s central role in Newcastle’s urban renewal, through developments like NUspace and the City Campus, has helped shape the vibrant city we are today.”

The Key was accepted on behalf of the University by Chancellor, the Hon. Patricia Forsythe AM. The ceremony also featured Aunty Cheryl Newton and Aunty Amanda Kelly, Elders in Residence at the University’s Wollotuka Institute, alongside students and special guests from the University’s 60-year history, including some who have been part of the community since its earliest days.

University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor Alex Zelinsky said the honour reflected the collective efforts of the entire University community.

“This is a proud moment for our institution. For 60 years, our staff, students and alumni have worked to deliver meaningful change, for Newcastle and across the world,” Professor Zelinsky said.

“We’re honoured to accept the Key to the City and will continue to be ambassadors for Newcastle and the values we share.”

The City of Newcastle ambassador program was established in 2017 to highlight individuals and organisations making a significant contribution to Newcastle. The University now joins 13 other recipients who have been honoured with the Key to the City.

Visit the website for more information on the City of Newcastle Ambassador Program.

Pedestrian and cyclist bridge installed at Newcastle Inner City Bypass northern interchange

Another key milestone has been achieved on the Rankin Park to Jesmond section of the Newcastle Inner City Bypass with the installation of a steel arch pedestrian bridge at the northern interchange. Once the interchange at Jesmond opens to traffic, this new bridge will connect shared paths on Newcastle Road and Illoura Street, providing pedestrians and cyclists an uninterrupted journey over the on- and off-ramps and under the bypass. Transport for NSW Regional Director North Anna Zycki said the installation was carried out overnight. “A 400-tonne crane lifted the steel bridge into place, with the installation completed in just a few hours,” Ms Zycki said.” “The pedestrian and cyclist bridge installation follows other significant recent progress at the northern interchange”. “May saw the opening of the permanent right-hand turn for motorists travelling west on Newcastle Road onto the northern lanes of the bypass towards University Drive. This has removed one of the sets of traffic lights, helping improve traffic flow in the area as construction continues”. “Work on the southern interchange for the project has also progressed significantly, with the recent shift of the Lookout Road and McCaffrey Drive intersection onto the new bridge structure. “This has seen traffic switched to the new signalised intersection and use of what will be the final northbound off-ramp until the bypass is open to traffic.” “The final section of the Newcastle Inner City Bypass from Rankin Park to Jesmond is just part of a massive package of road projects across the Hunter region. “Along with the M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace, Hexham Straight Widening and Singleton Bypass, Hunter motorists can look forward to safer, more reliable journeys for all road users, and saving businesses time and money.” These changes can be seen by viewing fly-through videos on the design map at the project portal https://caportal.com.au/tfnsw/rankin-park-to-jesmond

Bankstown on the brink of transport transformation as Metro station takes shape

New metro platforms lined by 36 safety screen doors have been installed at Bankstown as the first major Sydney Metro-Sydney Trains transport interchange in south west Sydney enters the final straight to completion.

Due to commence services in 2026, passengers at Bankstown and along the former T3 line will have a new air-conditioned metro train every four minutes in the peak – 15 trains an hour compared to eight trains an hour in the morning peak previously.

Metro conversion work at Bankstown Station has reached 80 per cent completion, with new platforms lined by safety screen doors now finished and train testing up and down the former T3 line progressing.

The former railway platform at Bankstown has been rebuilt to create a central plaza between the Sydney Metro and Sydney Trains stations.

Work nearing completion includes at Bankstown:

  • The Sydney Metro station building, with paving of the concourse underway and installation of 19 new Opal gates;
  • Tiling and installation of glazed balustrades on the 170-metre long metro platforms
  • New platforms and entrance to Bankstown train station directly opposite the new metro entrance

Major work will soon commence on the 90-metre plaza featuring dining and retail options which will provide a pedestrian connection between north and south sides of Bankstown.

More than 100 workers are on-site daily at Bankstown delivering what will be an historic transformation to the station that first opened to trains in 1909.

The conversion will mean the metro network is separate from the existing Sydney Trains network between Sydenham and Bankstown, improving the reliability of services on the line which had been a bottleneck for the train system.

The program of works to transform the 130-year-old line, between Sydenham and Bankstown, for modern metro trains has been a complex and difficult task.

But across all ten south west stations, site works are progressing, with testing and commissioning of key communication systems underway.

Train testing is also continuing, with the critical ‘kinematic envelope test’ underway. This test confirms the train has sufficient clearance from surrounding infrastructure, including station platforms.

More than 700 kilometres of testing has taken place across different parts of the Southwest line, at speeds between 5km/h and 25km/h.

Next year when the final section of the M1 Line opens, Sydney will have a 66-kilometre fast and reliable metro network and Sydney’s south west will have fast metro journey times, including:

  • Bankstown to Central: 28 minutes – saving six minutes
  • Bankstown to Gadigal: 30 minutes – saving 15 minutes
  • Bankstown to Chatswood: 43 minutes saving 25 minutes
  • Bankstown to Macquarie University: 54 minutes – saving of 25 minutes

The Southwest metro conversion is part of the Minns Labor Government’s plans to deliver more housing where people want to live, near public transport, and closer to jobs.

The Minns Labor Government is turbocharging the delivery of new housing along the Southwest Metro line by supporting transport-oriented development at a majority of stations on the line including an accelerated precinct at Bankstown Station.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“First off, I absolutely acknowledge this has been a very disruptive time for the people of Canterbury Bankstown, and I want to thank them for their patience as we complete this upgrade.”

“Once this is up and running, it will be a game changer as to how people move around Sydney.”

“Every element of this project is about delivering faster, safer and more reliable public transport, while creating vibrant new public spaces like the pedestrian plaza and upgraded station entrances.”

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“Just as this conversion work is transformational for Bankstown Station, the metro when it opens is going to be transformational for the entire south west Sydney region.

“The speed and efficiency of Sydney Metro means more employment and education opportunities within reach for the community here.

“Today is an exciting day for people in south west Sydney who have accepted major disruption to their trains services as we deliver this conversion work.

Member for Bankstown Jihad Dib said:

“Bankstown has an exciting future ahead as the NSW Government continues to deliver Sydney’s biggest ever transport project.

“A trip from Bankstown to Sydney’s CBD will only take 30 minutes, saving a full 15 minutes off the previous rail journey.

“I know it’s been hard on the community, and they’ve shown great understating and patience but, in the end, we will have a world class metro, and it will be well worth it.”

A minister’s plea: seatbelts save lives, but only if worn correctly

Today marks 200 days into the year, and already more than 200 lives have been lost on NSW roads. That’s more than one death a day and as your Roads Minister, that statistic haunts me.

Every one of those people was someone’s child, parent, sibling or friend. They left for work, school, or to see loved ones, and never made it home. Their families are now living a nightmare no one should face.

As Minister, road safety is my top priority, but saving lives will take all of us working together.

In 2024, 34 people who died on our roads were not wearing a seatbelt. So far this year, another 11 people have died for the same reason. Over five years, 163 people have lost their life, with 85 per cent of those deaths in regional NSW.

Last year, the Minns Labor Government expanded mobile phone detection cameras to include seatbelt offences.

Since then, over 140 million vehicles have been checked, and seatbelt compliance has improved by 60 per cent. In July 2024, one in every 735 drivers was fined. By June this year, it was down to one in every 1,712.

Most importantly, we are seeing fewer seatbelt related deaths in 2025. That’s progress. Compliance is working.

But there’s more work to do. Of the 125,000 infringements issued, 88 per cent were for incorrectly worn seatbelts.

Let me be clear: wearing a seatbelt incorrectly can be nearly as dangerous as not wearing one at all. It puts your life at risk and can cause significant and lifelong injuries. It puts other lives at risk. It’s a foolish gamble.

A seatbelt must sit low and flat across your hips, and the sash must cross the middle of your chest and shoulder, not under your arm, not twisted, not behind your back. These aren’t just bureaucratic guidelines, they can mean the difference between walking away from a crash, dying or experiencing lifelong trauma.

Our Centre for Road Safety’s CrashLab testing shows an incorrectly worn seatbelt in a crash at just 60km/h can cause fatal injuries to the liver, spleen or abdomen.

The Minns Government will always invest in road safety and this year’s Budget saw $2.8 billion put toward road safety over the next four years. But no amount of infrastructure can replace personal responsibility.

We’ve come a long way since 1971 when NSW became one of the first jurisdictions to mandate seatbelts. But too many people still aren’t wearing them properly and too many families are paying the price.

Seatbelts save lives, but only if they’re worn correctly and I make no apologies for doing everything we can to keep NSW road users alive. Road trauma is absolutely preventable and not inevitable.

Buckle up properly, and let’s work together so no more families have to lose a loved one on our roads.

Construction to begin on 21 new and upgraded schools this term as the latest NSW school upgrade is unveiled

As students return to school for Term 3, the Minns Labor Government is unveiling a newly delivered $20 million upgrade to Punchbowl Public School while powering ahead delivering better schools for our children including 21 new and upgraded schools that will begin construction this term.

The state-of-the-art upgrade at Punchbowl Public School that was promised by the Liberals in 2018 but never delivered, features a new two-storey building with eight permanent classrooms, creating space for an additional 100 students.

This boost to the schools capacity will help it to meet local population growth, while also delivering new staff and administration facilities, a new secure entryway and additional support classrooms.

Students and teachers at 21 additional schools can also look forward to seeing work commence this term on brand new facilities for them to learn in.

This is part of the Minns Labor government’s record pipeline of new and upgraded schools, with 21 major capital works projects representing a $1.4 billion investment set to get underway across NSW this school term.

It follows more than a decade of neglect under the Liberals and Nationals that promised new schools and upgrades to communities that were never delivered.

Projects set to commence construction before the end of Term 3 include six brand new high schools – four in Western Sydney and two in regional NSW.

Additionally, major upgrades will begin at five high schools and 10 primary schools across both Sydney and the regions.

Together these projects will deliver more than 400 new classrooms to booming suburbs, plus new halls, libraries, performance spaces, science labs, VET facilities, wood and metal workshops, and sports facilities.

Four of the 10 primary school upgrades will also include a new public preschool as part of the Minns Labor Government’s historic commitment to build 100 public preschools by 2027.

The Minns Labor Government is delivering these projects as part of a record $9 billion investment in school infrastructure over four years in the 2025-26 Budget.

This follows the government’s delivery of more teachers for our children by reducing teacher vacancies by 40 per cent, resulting in the number of cancelled classes recorded in NSW nearly halving since the government took office.

This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s ongoing work to deliver better schools and more teachers across NSW by investing in the essential infrastructure that the Liberals and Nationals failed to provide – like state-of-the-art public schools and public preschools which ensure families can access a world class local public education regardless of their postcode.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“Right across NSW we are delivering a record number of new and upgraded schools for growing suburbs that haven’t had access to world class schools for far too long.

“We aren’t just investing in new and upgraded schools, we’re also delivering more teachers through a 40% drop in teacher vacancies that has nearly halved the number of cancelled classes recorded each week in NSW since we were elected.”

“From this state-of-the-art upgrade to the 21 new and upgraded schools we’re beginning construction on this term, we’re not slowing down delivering the largest investment in public schools in NSW history.”

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:

“I am incredibly excited for us to be commencing construction on more than 20 major school projects, including six brand new, much needed high schools, during this school term.

“As a Labor government, we believe in the transformative power of a high quality public education and that is why we are committed to providing world class schools for every NSW family.

“Deputy Premier Prue Car has driven the Minns Labor Government’s work on this record pipeline of new and upgraded schools in booming suburbs that were neglected by the Liberals and Nationals, and these upcoming milestones are a testament to her commitment to delivering the world class schools families deserve as quickly as possible.”

Member for Bankstown Jihad Dib said:

“This $20 million investment in Punchbowl Public School demonstrates this government’s commitment to providing high-quality education and modern facilities for students in south west Sydney.

“As a former local Principal, I know how important the school experience is in helping our children reach their full potential.

“We’re building a brighter future for current students and those in our community who will attend Punchbowl Public School in years to come.”

Punchbowl Public School Principal Donna McGeary said:

“This significant investment in our school will enhance the learning environment for all students, now and in the future.

“Our students have a new sense of pride in our school. It’s been transformational for them and there’s a great vibe.

“The upgrade provides our students with the best possible setting to explore, learn, and grow and strengthens our partnerships with parents and the school community.”

$2.5 million boost to revitalise CV Kelly Park

Athletes of all ages and sporting codes have scored a win as outdated amenities at CV Kelly Park in Girraween are set to be replaced with the help of $2.5 million from the Minns Labor government.

CV Kelly Park, home to Girraween Athletics Club, Girraween Little Athletics Club and the All Saints Toongabbie Tigers Rugby League Club, will receive a much-needed upgrade.

The new building will break down barriers to female participation by providing gender-inclusive and accessible facilities and further add to the park’s role as a sporting hub for the community with the addition of a multi-purpose meeting space.

The Minns Labor Government’s is focused on building better communities. Our investment in new, gender-inclusive changerooms and accessible toilets and showers will ensure that all members of the local grassroots sporting community will be able to play and train in an inclusive environment.

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“By providing more accessible and inclusive facilities, the Minns Labor Government is breaking down the barriers that have traditionally prevented many underrepresented groups from participating in sport.

“CV Kelly Park already serves many members of the community of all ages.

“Upgrading the facilities, will ensure that CV Kelly Park reaches its full potential, supporting the growth of community sport, and providing long-term benefit to the many sporting groups that use the ground.”

Member for Prospect, Dr Hugh McDermont said:

“It’s great that we are delivering vital upgrades to CV Kelly Park to support our local school and sporting clubs.

“These inclusive and accessible facilities will be a game-changer for our amazing local athletes, across multiple sports and year-round.

“Funding for CV Kelly Park is another great example of how the Minns Labor Government is building a better Western Sydney community for all of us.”

Tim Moggridge, Secretary, All Saints Toongabbie Tigers JRLFC;

“All Saints Toongabbie Tigers is thrilled with the $2.5 million investment from Dr Hugh McDermott, on behalf of the NSW Labor Government, Cumberland Council and with support from the Parramatta Eels.

“This upgrade to CV Kelly Park is a game-changer for our club and the wider community – thank you to all involved.”

Karen Farrugia, President, Girraween Little Athletics

“Girraween Little Athletics is deeply grateful for the NSW Government’s support to upgrade CV Kelly Park, helping us provide a safer, more inclusive space for young athletes, families, and volunteers.

“This funding will transform CV Kelly Park into a more accessible and functional venue, strengthening our ability to deliver grassroots sport and foster community pride.”

Minister to hear from hospitality industry on Central Coast

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris will today outline the NSW Government’s vibrancy reforms to revitalise the hospitality sector and hear from licensed businesses at an industry forum on the Central Coast.

The Entertainment Grounds at Gosford Race Club is hosting the Hospitality and Racing Regulatory Roadshow that is expected to attract more than 100 industry participants with the aim to build closer ties between businesses across the region and government organisations. 

Attendees will hear from senior officials on a range of topics, including licensing, policy and compliance requirements, as well as the NSW’s Government’s continuing measures to stimulate the state’s night-time economy and programs to assist businesses. 

Some of the vibrancy reforms that will be outlined include:

  • An 80 per cent reduction on annual liquor licence fees for venues that host live music, as well as two hours of extended trading
  • Reduced costs and a faster, streamlined consultation process for liquor licence applications and community feedback
  • Simpler process for noise complaints and the number of people required to make a statutory disturbance complaint against a licensed premises increased from three to five
  • Making permanent a limited takeaway authorisation for restaurants and small bars
  • Easier training requirements for former licensees re-entering the industry
  • Recognition of interstate digital driver’s licences as evidence of age in NSW licensed premises.

Minister Harris launched the first Hospitality and Racing Regulatory Roadshow program in Newcastle in 2023 and since then, more than 800 participants have attended roadshows across 12 regions in NSW, including at Broken Hill, Wagga Wagga, Coffs Harbour and Tamworth.

There will be two further roadshows this year, in the Ballina Byron region in September and Bega in November.

Minister for Gaming and Racing and Minister for the Central Coast David Harris said:

“This roadshow is an opportunity for us to hear from industry stakeholders about their experiences working in the hospitality sector on the Central Coast and how the NSW Government can make it easier for them to do business.

“The Central Coast has a population of nearly 350,000 and is a rapidly growing region that is a desirable place to live, work and play and hospitality venues make a valuable contribution to the local community and the state’s economy.

“The roadshows offer an important opportunity to learn about support services the NSW Government is offering to help businesses grow and thrive, as well as to bring people together to discuss issues, make connections and learn from each other.”

To find out more about Hospitality and Racing Regulatory Roadshow, go to: https://www.liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au/events/regulatory-roadshows

To learn more about the NSW Government’s Vibrancy Reforms, go to: https://www.liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au/resources/vibrancy-reforms-whats-changing

Labor waters down protections for renters

The Minns Labor Government has been caught quietly watering down its rental reforms weeks after they came into effect and without notice or consultation.
 
Amendments to the Residential Tenancies Regulation made on June 20 have removed the requirement for landlords to provide supporting evidence when evicting a tenant on the grounds that the property needs to be empty for significant repairs or renovations.
 
The previous requirement that only came into effect on 19 May required landlords to submit a signed statement and at least one piece of additional evidence, such as a builder’s quote or development consent.
 
Acting Leader of the Opposition Damien Tudehope said renters deserve better.
 
“Labor made much of its promise to end no-grounds evictions, but now it’s quietly winding back those very reforms,” Mr Tudehope said.
 
“An eviction for renovations now relies solely on the landlord’s word. This has the potential of undermining the integrity of the reforms.”
 
The Opposition will consider moving to disallow the regulation when Parliament returns.
 
Renters are continuing to face soaring rents and a tightening rental market, yet the Minns Labor Government is now watering down one of the few protections it has put in place.
 
Shadow Minister for Fair Trading Tim James said the move creates uncertainty for both tenants and landlords.
 
“Everyone deserves clear, stable rules they can rely on,” Mr James said.
 
“Changing the law without notice or consultation damages trust and causes confusion.”
 
The Opposition supported an end to no-grounds evictions and is concerned to see that reform now being backtracked on.

Appeal to locate teen missing from Thornton

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

Nullan Quinn, aged 13, was last seen in Thornton (approximately 4km north west of Beresfield) about 12pm on Wednesday 16 July 2025.

When he could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Port Stephens/Hunter Police District were notified at 11pm yesterday, Monday 21 July 2025 and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

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

Nullan is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, about 155cm tall, of large build and brown hair.

Nullan is known to frequent the Thornton, San Remo, Newcastle and Central Coast areas.

Anyone with information into his whereabouts is urged to contact Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

M1A1 Abrams tanks delivered to Ukraine

The Albanese Government continues its steadfast support for Ukraine, with the transfer of the first tranche of Australian-gifted M1A1 Abrams tanks to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

In response to a request from the Government of Ukraine, Australia is providing 49 Abrams tanks to help bolster its fight against Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion.

Ukraine has now taken possession of the majority of these tanks, with delivery of the final tranche to occur in the coming months.

The Abrams tanks will add to the mobility and firepower of Ukraine’s Armed Forces, and complement other partners’ support for Ukraine’s armoured brigades.

This support package, valued at approximately $245 million, is part of the $1.5 billion in assistance Australia has committed to Ukraine since the start of this conflict.

In August, Australia will deploy a Royal Australian Air Force E-7A Wedgetail aircraft to Europe to help protect a vital international gateway for assistance to Ukraine.

The Australian Defence Force also continues to contribute to multinational efforts to train Ukrainian military personnel under Operation Kudu.

Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles:

“The M1A1 Abrams tanks will make a significant contribution to Ukraine’s ongoing fight against Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion.

“I was pleased to meet the Australian Army personnel who helped facilitate the delivery of these tanks from Australia to Ukraine.

“Australia remains steadfast in our support for Ukraine and seeing a just and lasting peace.”

Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy:

“Australia stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Ukraine.

“These modified M1A1 Abrams tanks will deliver more firepower and more mobility to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

“They meet a direct request from the Ukrainian Government and form part of Australia’s unwavering commitment to protect the global rules-based order.”