Four NSW Stars Named in Australian 21/U Team for Netball World Youth Cup

Netball NSW is celebrating the selection of four of its brightest young stars in the Australian 21/U Team to contest the 2025 Netball World Youth Cup, announced today by Netball Australia.

Named in the 12-strong national team are Frederika Schneideman (NSW Swifts Training Partner), Hope White (GIANTS Netball), and Grace Whyte (NSW Swifts), who will all make their debut wearing the green and gold for Australia, along with reserve Monika ‘Otai (GIANTS Netball).

Netball NSW General Manager of Performance and Pathways, Mardi Aplin, said the selection was a proud moment for the state.

“To have four athletes in this team – each with such unique journeys – is a credit to their hard work and to the strength of our pathway. We’re thrilled to see them take on the world stage and know they’ll inspire the next generation back home.”

Frederika “Freddie” Schneideman – GD/GK
A Randwick junior, Schneideman rose through the Netball NSW Pathway and QBE Swifts Academy, starring for ERNA Hawks in Premier League. She was named MVP at the 2024 19/U National Netball Championships, which NSW won, and gained her first Suncorp Super Netball experience in 2025 as a Temporary Replacement Player for the Swifts.

“She is a formidable defence who reads the game perfectly. After an amazing performance in 2024 at the National Netball tournament she was awarded player of the tournament and has always been nationally identified as an underage athlete,” said Aplin.

Hope White – WA/C
Originally from Maitland, White developed her game playing at Newcastle Netball Association. She is a GIANTS Academy product whose sharp playmaking earned her a spot as a permanent replacement player in 2025. She was named MVP of the 2024 19/U National Championships Grand Final at only 17 and has impressed at both state and Super Netball level with her dynamic attacking game.

“This year she was elevated into a full-time contract with the Giants. She’s a really strong and dynamic mid-court wing attack and her vision into the circle is next-level. The commitment, dedication and endless hours driving to Sydney for training has been rewarded with this selection,” Aplin said.

Grace Whyte – GA/WA
Hailing from Tumut in the Riverina, Whyte’s talent was first spotted at a 17/U regional trial in Wagga Wagga. A dual basketball and netball representative for NSW as a teenager, she joined the QBE Swifts Academy in 2022, debuting for the Swifts in 2024, to then be selected as the 11th player the following year and becoming a regular during the season. Her rise has been marked by flair, athleticism and a competitive edge that saw her win multiple national tournament MVP awards.

“I saw Grace out at a regional trial for 17U state team in Wagga Wagga,” recalls Aplin. “She was this really amazing athlete with lots of flair.

Monika ‘Otai – GS/GA (Reserve)
A Tongan heritage shooter and GIANTS Academy graduate, ‘Otai is regarded as one of Australian netball’s most exciting young prospects. After starring in 2024 as a first-time training partner, she toured Fiji with the Australian 21/U squad in preparation for the World Youth Cup.

“Monika is an amazing athlete that is strong under the post and her movement and long range shot sets her apart from others. A St George District junior, she has been captain of multiple teams, and made her debut for Giants this year,” Aplin said.

Australia will head to Gibraltar in September aiming to reclaim the world title in a tournament featuring 20 nations over ten days. The 2025 Netball World Youth Cup will run from Friday 19 to Sunday 28 September 2025.

THREE LANES NOW OPEN ON PART OF HEXHAM STRAIGHT, REDUCING CONGESTION ON A CRITICAL HUNTER CORRIDOR

Hunter motorists are getting a taste of the future, with the first widened section on the Hexham Straight now open to traffic with three lanes in each direction.

The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are collectively investing $2.2 billion in the M1 to Raymond Terrace extension and the Hexham Straight Widening to reduce congestion and improve safety for all road users.

The Australian Government is contributing over $1.79 billion towards the project, with the NSW Government contributing $448 million.

Motorists turning left onto Maitland Road from the Newcastle Inner City Bypass are now benefiting from an additional lane for about 650 metres, including an extension to the turning lane from the bypass.

There is also an additional lane for inbound traffic on Maitland Road from about 650 metres north of the bypass, including more space for traffic turning right onto the Newcastle Inner City Bypass.

The latest works also include an upgrade to the traffic lights at the intersection of the Newcastle Inner City Bypass and Old Maitland Road, while the U-turn facility there is also complete.

In addition, a new pedestrian crossing and bus stops in front of St Joseph’s Calvary Aged Care will also be put in place.

When complete, the Hexham Straight will comprise three lanes in each direction for its entire six-kilometre length, from the Newcastle Inner City Bypass to Hexham Bridge.

This will deliver more reliable travel times for freight and improve safety for all road users, including cyclists and pedestrians.

The project is expected to open to traffic in 2026. `

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

“This is a significant milestone for the Hexham Straight Widening project, with motorists getting access to three lanes in each direction, even if only for part of the journey.

“This is a taste of things to come, with the project still on track to be completed and open to traffic in 2026.

“The Australian Government is getting on with the job of delivering for the Hunter, not only through this project but also the broader M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace, the Singleton Bypass, and plans for the Muswellbrook Bypass and the westbound flyover at Maitland.”

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon:

“This is a milestone moment for our region and the more than 50,000 motorists who travel this stretch of road every single day.

“For too long, Hexham straight has been a notorious bottleneck. Today, we are opening the first stage of a safer, smoother, and more efficient journey for commuters.

“This project is a great example of how government investment in infrastructure can change lives and support local economies – reducing congestion, cutting travel times, boosting road safety, and unlocking freight routes.

“I am proud to be part of an Albanese Labor Government that is delivering the infrastructure that Novocastrians deserve.”

State Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley:

“The Hunter is the economic powerhouse of NSW, and this project demonstrates our government’s commitment to ensuring our region has the world-class infrastructure it deserves.

“The Hexham Straight is a vital link in our broader Hunter transport network, connecting our growing residential areas with major employment hubs, the Port of Newcastle, and key industrial precincts.

“This $2.2 billion investment shows what can be achieved when governments work together with a shared vision for the Hunter’s future.”

State Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison:

“The Hexham Straight Widening is part of a suite of road projects that are transforming the Hunter road network.

“This project will help thousands of people get where they’re going more quickly and easily, helping improve their quality of life and underpinning economic growth.

“The Minns and Albanese Governments are working together to deliver infrastructure that will meet the needs of the community and motorists now and into the future.”

State Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp:

“Maitland Road is a vital local artery that’s used by about 50,000 vehicles each day.

“This project will reduce congestion and improve journey times and safety for all road users, including local businesses and freight operators travelling to and from the Port of Newcastle.

“Congratulations must go to Transport for NSW and contractors – SMEC, Georgiou and Daracon – for their great work on the project to date.”

State Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery:

“This is fantastic news for residents in Wallsend and across the Hunter who rely on this busy corridor every day to get to work, school and essential services.

“The opening of the first widened section shows real progress on a project that will transform how people move around our region.

“With 50,000 vehicles using this stretch daily, these improvements will make a meaningful difference to families in Wallsend who depend on reliable transport connections to Newcastle and beyond

Australia and PNG continue to strengthen defence cooperation

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles has concluded his visit to Papua New Guinea with the official opening His Majesty’s Papua New Guinea Naval Base (HMPNGS) Tarangau – reflecting the growing defence cooperation and interoperability between our two countries.

HMPNGS Tarangau, also known as the Lombrum Naval Base, is the largest security infrastructure project delivered by Australia in the Pacific and will enable the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) to grow and develop its sovereign capabilities, and respond to PNG’s security priorities.

Delivered under the Lombrum Joint Initiative, the new naval base includes:

  • Working and living accommodation for the PNGDF;
  • A medical centre that will serve the base and local community;
  • Water and sewerage services to supply the base;
  • Upgraded maritime infrastructure, including barge landing ramps;
  • Office infrastructure, including a guard house and headquarters building; and
  • Combined mess facilities, able to accommodate around 200 sailors and officers.

The completion of HMPNGS Tarangau will also provide further opportunities for Australia and PNG to increase interoperability and cooperation through joint training, exercises and ship visits.

During his visit to PNG, the Deputy Prime Minister also handed over 12 up-armoured LandCruisers to the Papua New Guinea Defence Force.

These lightweight vehicles will allow PNGDF personnel to move securely and respond with agility across diverse terrain, further enhancing PNG’s ability to respond to domestic security challenges.

Our defence cooperation with PNG is stronger than ever – underpinned by our shared history and future and our strategic trust as neighbours, partners and friends.

This visit comes just one week after the conclusion of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025, which marked the first time a component of the Exercise was held outside Australia, in Papua New Guinea.

Australia and PNG are further strengthening ties through the ongoing negotiation of a defence treaty, announced by the Deputy Prime Minister and Papua New Guinea Minister for Defense, Dr Billy Joseph, in February 2025.

Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles:

“Australia is committed to partnering with Papua New Guinea to build their sovereign capabilities and enable them to respond to their own security needs.

“Our shared geography and history interests make Papua New Guinea and Australia natural partners, and Australia is pleased to see this partnership growing even further in 2025. 

“The Australian Defence Force and Papua New Guinea Defence Force continue to work together to enhance the interoperability between our two countries, respond to our shared strategic challenges in support of a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.”  

Joint statement on the humanitarian situation in Gaza

The humanitarian suffering in Gaza has reached unimaginable levels. Famine is unfolding before our eyes. Urgent action is needed now to halt and reverse starvation. Humanitarian space must be protected, and aid should never be politicised.

However, due to restrictive new registration requirements, essential international NGOs may be forced to leave the OPTs imminently which would worsen the humanitarian situation still further. We call on the government of Israel to provide authorisation for all international NGO aid shipments and to unblock essential humanitarian actors from operating. Immediate, permanent and concrete steps must be taken to facilitate safe, large-scale access for the UN, international NGOs and humanitarian partners. All crossings and routes must be used to allow a flood of aid into Gaza, including food, nutrition supplies, shelter, fuel, clean water, medicine and medical equipment. Lethal force must not be used at distribution sites, and civilians, humanitarians and medical workers must be protected.

We are grateful to the US, Qatar and Egypt for their efforts in pushing for a ceasefire and pursuing peace. We need a ceasefire that can end the war, for hostages to be released and aid to enter Gaza by land unhindered.

This statement has been signed by:

The Foreign Ministers of Australia, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK.

The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, the EU Commissioner for the Mediterranean and the EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management.

The Question of a Palestinian State

The Coalition has serious concerns about the Albanese Government’s decision to unilaterally recognise a Palestinian state outside of a proper peace and two-state process.

This decision, at this time, puts Australia at odds with the United States of America, our most important ally, and the most consequential player in the conflict in Gaza.

The United States will have an essential role to play in brokering a viable peace process and establishing a sustainable Palestinian state. It is critical to note that the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that decisions to recognise a Palestinian state ahead of a proper peace process scuttled ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas.

Until today it has been a bipartisan position that the question of recognising Palestinian statehood should come at the end of the peace negotiation process, not at the start or during it.

Until today it was a bipartisan position that there should be no recognition of a Palestinian state with Hamas still in control of Gaza.

Despite his words today the reality is Anthony Albanese has committed Australia to recognising Palestine while hostages remain in tunnels under Gaza and with Hamas still in control of the population of Gaza. Nothing he has said today changes that fact.

Recognising a Palestinian state prior to a return of the hostages and defeat of Hamas, as the Government has today, risks delivering Hamas one of its strategic objectives of the horrific terrorism of October 7.

Australians all want the war in Gaza to end. Ending this war is the only way to save lives and safeguard a two-state solution. The clear advice of our most important ally is this decision will not expedite that outcome.

As it stands today the decision by the Albanese Government does not appear to make the world a safer place, expedite the end of the conflict, deliver a two-state solution, see the free flow of aid, support the release of hostages or put an end to the terrorist group Hamas.

Youth take a seat in Council Chambers for Local Government Week

Students from seven high schools across Newcastle were given a chance to go behind the scenes to get a taste of life on the elected Council as part of Local Government Week. 

The next generation of civic leaders took part in City of Newcastle’s annual Youth Mock Council event, which was held 6-7 August as part of an education initiative designed to amplify young voices and deepen their understanding of how they can contribute to their communities. 

Hosted by the Youth Council Standing Committee and supported by City of Newcastle, the program offers young people an authentic glimpse into local government, from understanding Council processes to debating the issues that matter most to them. 

Over two days, students participated in workshops alongside current Councillors, learned from inspiring keynote speakers, and collaborated in small teams to draft Notices of Motion – the formal mechanism Councillors use to propose solutions to local issues. 

The program culminated in a simulated Council meeting within the historic City Hall Chambers, where students presented their motions, honed their public speaking skills, and engaged in spirited debate, all before an audience of real Councillors and peers. 

The Youth Mock Council goes beyond role-playing. Last year’s Youth Mock Council motion to create a new youth centre has since been endorsed by Council in October 2024 and led to tangible action, with the Youth Council Standing Committee now investigating options for its implementation. 

Council confirms decision on Rising Tide event

The elected Council has voted to approve an amended motion to allow Rising Tide’s application to use community land for its People’s Blockade event in November.  

Councillors voted at tonight’s Extraordinary Council Meeting to endorse an event authorisation for Camp Shortland and in-principle support for Foreshore Park, pending public notification and a requirement for a Form 1 from NSW Police consistent with the event licence application. 

Rising Tide applied for a licence to utilise Hamilton North’s Richardson Park from 25 November to 2 December, and Camp Shortland from 28 November to 1 December. 

The application included the erection of temporary structures, amusement rides, live performances and amplified sound at both Camp Shortland and Richardson Park, along with the provision for camping at the Hamilton North site. 

City of Newcastle manages community land on the behalf of the NSW Government and licences events in line with the Local Government Act. Public notice is required for events that occupy community land for longer than three consecutive days. 

A total of 1,855 submissions were received by City of Newcastle during the public notice period, which were submitted through the formal Have Your Say online portal, along with paper and email correspondence.  

A subsequent request was received from Rising Tide to amend their application to transfer the activities at Richardson Park to Foreshore Park. 

Lord Mayor Dr Ross Kerridge called an Extraordinary Council Meeting to ensure the proposed use of community land by Rising Tide could be considered and debated by Council. 

Progress on Western Sydney Airport Metro Station

Passengers using the new metro line into Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport will have the smoothest of transits, with extra-wide platforms and a range of luggage-friendly features to make it a first-class public transport experience.

The first look inside Airport Terminal Station reveals the widest platforms on the entire Sydney Metro network – twice the width of the platforms at Gadigal Station in the Sydney CBD.

At ten metres wide, the large platforms are among design features to facilitate the high-volume movement of travellers with luggage in and out of the city’s newest airport.

Airport Terminal Station will also have larger lifts and wider ticket gates to smooth the connection.

The new 23-kilometre Metro line, jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments, will move up to 7,740 passengers every hour in each direction.

The six-stop line will connect Western Sydney International Airport to St Marys in just 15 minutes where passengers can join services on the T1 Western Line that run direct to stations including Blacktown, Parramatta, Strathfield and Central Station.

A 60-tonne crane is being used to lower precast concrete segments 25 metres below ground to the station floor, with segments then pieced together side-by-side and secured in place with bolts and concrete to create the platform.

The high-precision work will take about 25 days to complete, with work starting next at Airport Business Park and Orchard Hills stations. Bradfield Station is the first station box where the platform installation work is complete.

Construction progress on Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport comes amid a rush of milestones in recent weeks across the Sydenham to Bankstown metro conversion and Sydney Metro West mega-projects. These include:

  • 80 per cent completion at Bankstown, with platforms and screens in place
  • The breakthrough of two tunnel boring machines into Pyrmont on their way to Hunter Street
  • Breakthroughs at Parramatta as those TBMs head to Westmead
  • 90 per cent completion of all tunnelling on Sydney Metro West

The $10.5 billion Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments, each contributing $5.25 billion.

Premier of NSW Chris Minns: 

“Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport is taking shape, and it will be a welcome addition to what will be a thriving new city around the Western Sydney Aerotropolis.

“Having the right transport infrastructure in place for this new airport will connect people with jobs, leisure, and enable businesses to thrive.

“We’re investing in infrastructure like Metro to ensure essential services are up and running when this brand-new city comes to life.”

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

“Western Sydney International will be Australia’s most technologically advanced airport, so it’s apt that it will be served by a fast, frequent and high-tech driverless Metro.

“This milestone is an exciting step toward delivering the new metro connection that will serve as a key gateway for airport passengers, workers and residents across Greater Western Sydney.

“Sydney’s new airport has been talked about for decades, and soon it will be a reality. Sydney’s new airport will have room to expand as demand for flights grows over the coming decades. This metro will play an important role in linking growing suburbs to their new airport.

NSW Minister for Transport John Graham:

“The Airport Terminal Station will be among the busiest on the line and play a major role in the success of our city’s new international airport. We are making sure that every design feature is tailored to a smooth journey from air to rail.

“Bradfield and the airport precinct will grow rapidly around this world-class infrastructure, providing the employment growth close to home that the millions of people in Western Sydney deserve.”

“I want to thank the 3000 workers currently on site across this project.”

Federal Member for Werriwa Anne Stanley:

“The Albanese and Minns Governments are delivering incredible investments in roads and rail across our region, that will change the way workers and passengers can travel to the Airport and surrounds.

“It’s an exciting time for south west Sydney, as we look forward to a new airport and a fantastic new metro service.

state Member for Leppington Nathan Hagarty:

“Western Sydney International Airport and Bradfield City Centre will reshape our region — bringing new jobs, new industries, and new opportunities closer to home. It’s great to see the metro line that will connect it all coming to life.

“As one of the fastest-growing parts of the state, Greater Western Sydney deserves world-class infrastructure that supports local jobs, new housing and better connections for our communities.”

Recovery Assistance Point for New England communities underway

A Recovery Assistance Point (RAP) will open in Gunnedah this week to support communities in the storm-impacted New England following the recent severe weather including heavy rainfall.

The Gunnedah RAP will open from Thursday to Saturday offering face to face support to impacted residents, businesses and primary producers including:

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

Recovery Assistance Point location:

  • Gunnedah, Salvation Army Hall, 30 Tempest Street, Gunnedah
    • Thursday 14 August, 2pm – 6pm; Friday 15 August, 11am – 4:30pm; Saturday 16 August, 10am – 2pm.

RA staff remain on the ground with the SES assessing impacts in key locations like Gunnedah, Narrabri, Tamworth, Uralla and Walcha as recovery operations ramp up.

The Minns Labor Government is working hard to make sure support is available to help individuals, land holders and communities get back on their feet.

Information about recovery support is updated daily at nsw.gov.au/stormrecoveryupdates

NSW Minister for Recovery and Small Business Janelle Saffin:

“People are doing it tough in the New England, but I want them to know that the Government is here every step of the way through recovery. 

“That’s what Recovery Assistance Points are here for, so communities can access the support and services they need to start getting back on their feet.

“We are also working closely with and support Councils too to repair the infrastructure communities need to stay connected to services and each other.” 

NSW Reconstruction Authority CEO Mal Lanyon said:

“We’re standing up the Gunnedah Recovery Assistance Point to ensure communities have access to the support they need.

“This is a coordinated effort across local, state and federal agencies, working together to provide a one stop shop for people and businesses impacted by recent severe weather and snow.

“Information and access for support is currently available at nsw.gov.au/stormrecoveryupdates.”

Warning on regional level crossing safety as Rail Safety Week begins

Regional motorists are being urged to obey the rules and stay safe around level crossings, after joint enforcement in regional areas resulted in 80 driver fines for ignoring signals about approaching trains and for speeding.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to lowering road fatalities toward zero, and part of that includes making level crossing safer for everyone.

It is investing $7.3 million a year through the Level Crossing Improvement Program to accelerate upgrades of priority public level crossings and through level crossing safety education and enforcement campaigns.

The safety message comes as Rail Safety Week begins, a reminder to be safe on and around the rail network. Rail Safety Week will be marked across NSW with events focused on Werris Creek and is strongly supported by the Minns Labor Government.

During a recent ten-day Level Crossing Awareness and Enforcement campaign in the Liverpool Plains area, NSW Police detected 55 offences at level crossings in Nea, Curlewis, Caroona and Gunnedah including 26 level crossing offences and 26 speeding offences.

Police penalized a further 35 motorists at four level crossings in the Riverina around Junee and Marrar, detecting 26 level crossing offences and six speeding offences.

There were five collisions between trains and road vehicles at level crossings in NSW last financial year including the single fatal collision at the Twigg Road Yenda level crossing last September. There were also 74 near hits between trains and road vehicles at level crossings in NSW.

Across in the past 10 years there have been 69 collisions between trains and vehicles at NSW’s 1,307 public road level crossings, resulting in 9 deaths and 9 serious injuries. Some 64 of those crashes occurred in regional NSW.

Every year, the NSW Police Force and Transport for NSW run localised awareness and enforcement campaigns to enforce the rules at level crossings using highly visible police enforcement.

Motorists who gamble with their safety at level crossings face three demerit points and a $562 fine.

Trains can travel at speeds of up to 160 kilometres per hour and can take up to 1.4 kilometres, or 14 football fields, to come to a complete stop. Even if a train driver sees you, they can’t stop in time.

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

“On long drives, especially on our regional roads, it’s easy to slip into autopilot but if you miss a warning sign, you could be missing the chance to save your own life.

“If you’re not responding to the signs at level crossings, you’re not paying enough attention to drive on our roads and that makes you a danger to yourself and everyone else.

“Level crossing safety comes down to one thing – paying attention. Whether you’ve been behind the wheel for five minutes or five hours, you can’t afford to switch off.”

Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said:

“Closed gates and flashing lights at level crossings mean that a train is approaching and motorists who choose to ignore these signals are putting themselves, their passengers, pedestrians, as well as train passengers and drivers at risk.

“With more than 30 trains a day passing through some level crossings, it’s extremely important for motorists to be patient and obey the signs, flashing lights, boom gates and road markings.

“Ignoring them can and sadly has resulted in avoidable tragedy.

“It can only take a few seconds for a fatal collision to happen.

“Even if the train driver sees you, they often cannot stop in time.

“It’s concerning that so many motorists are speeding on approach to and across level crossings and committing offences despite the presence of clearly marked Highway Patrol vehicles at the level crossings.

“Safety is our top priority, but we all need to look out for each other to ensure everyone reaches their destination safely.”

NSW Police Acting Superintendent Ben Macfarlane said:

“These results are indicative of the complacency around Level Crossings. It is clear that drivers are still ignoring warnings, speed limits and signage.

“Trains can come from any direction, at any time and some trains can take more than a kilometre to come to a complete stop.

“Disobeying level crossing warning signs and lights can lead to crashes between vehicle and trains where the consequences can be deadly. Drivers need to take personal responsibility when around level crossing to ensure the path is clear.”