Minns Government delivers 3.5% pay rise for community services workers

Tens of thousands of frontline community services workers will receive a 3.5 per cent pay rise as part of the Minns Labor Government’s 2025-26 Budget.

The pay rise is the result of a Budget decision to provide $122 million of additional funding to Non-Government Organisations so they can pay the increase in the minimum wage for community services workers. It follows the Fair Work Commission’s annual minimum wage determination.

Those receiving the pay rise include crisis accommodation workers, counsellors, social workers, youth workers and legal officers working for organisations with relevant NSW government contracts.

A typical community service worker is $57.29 better of per week after this year’s minimum wage decision. In total, their wages are 202.22 higher after the Minns Government’s responses to Fair Work decisions in its first three budgets. Around 80 per cent of these workers are women.

The contracts relate to services delivered on behalf of Department of Communities and Justice, NSW Health, Department of Education, Department of Customer Service and the Rental Bond Board.

The increase follows the 2025-26 Budget’s record $1.2 billion investment in the state’s child protection system. The child protection package includes a 20 per cent increase in the foster carer allowance, as well as funding for more, better trained public sector caseworkers.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to getting real wages moving, having reached multi-year agreements with more than 60 per cent of the public sector workforce and delivering real wages growth for the first time since 2019-20, after abolishing the Coalition’s unfair wages cap.

Real wages:    

  • Have grown 1.2% under the Minns Government since March 2023.
  • Fell by 1.2% under the former Liberal Government.
  • Are expected to grow by an average of 0.4% per year over the coming four years to June 2029.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey:

“We are making sure crisis workers, counsellors and youth workers get the pay rise they deserve, while their employers can get on with grappling with some of our toughest social challenges.

“As real wages begin to grow again in NSW, this $122 million funding injection will make sure real wages grow for community service workers too.”

Minister for Families and Communities Kate Washington:

“This is about supporting the people who support our communities.

“These workers provide vital support to children, families, and vulnerable people – often in times of emergency and crisis.

“This pay rise is an important step in valuing that work, because communities thrive when our frontline staff are properly supported.”

Cara Varian, CEO of the NSW Council of Social Services:

“NCOSS welcomes the NSW Government’s decision to increase funding to reflect the rising costs of delivering essential social services for communities across NSW. 

“Reliable, sustained indexation is vital to ensure social services organisations can continue to support people and communities in need.

“We look forward to working with the NSW Government to build on this step by implementing their reforms, which will provide funding certainty for the social service sector across the state, such as an evidence-based approach to calculating indexation.” 

Angus McFarland, Australian Services Union NSW and ACT Secretary:

“These workers deserve a decent pay rise to keep up with cost of living and to support their own families.

“The 3.5 per cent boost to funding of NGOs in NSW is welcomed by the ASU as the union for these workers.

“This funding injection will mean that service providers can pass on the minimum wage increase for award workers without impacting services or jobs in the industry.

“It also provides the recognition that these workers deserve for their work supporting others in our community.”

Minns Labor Government turbocharges the delivery of new schools for Sydney’s fast-growing North West

Families in Sydney’s North West are set to benefit from three new public schools and two new public preschools in Box Hill and Gables, as the Minns Labor Government continues to deliver world-class education to one of the fastest growing suburbs in the state.

Today the NSW Government is beginning construction on a new primary school and preschool in Gables and Box Hill area, and revealing the designs for a new primary school, high school and public preschool in Box Hill, while also expanding access to a temporary school in the area.

Once complete, these three schools will cater for more than 3,000 local students in The Hills, with room to grow as the local community continues to expand.

Construction underway on a new public school and preschool in Gables

Construction has officially started on a brand new public primary school and public preschool in Gables. Located at 1 Pennant Way, the new school will cater for 1,000 students.

A public preschool will also be delivered on-site, providing quality, fee-free early learning for up to 120 children per week, and allowing families with kids in preschool and school to avoid the double drop off.

Both the public primary school and public preschool will open to students for Day 1, Term 1 2027.

Designs revealed of new Box Hill permanent schools and a new public preschool

Designs are also being revealed for new permanent public schools in Box Hill – including a public preschool, primary school, and high school – all three of which will open on Day 1, Term 1 2028.

All schools and preschool will be co-located on Terry Road, Box Hill, easing the pressure of drop-off and pick-up for local families.

When opened, both the new primary and high schools will cater for 1,000 students each, with the room for the high school to expand as the student cohort grows. A public preschool will also be delivered on-site, providing quality, fee-free early learning for up to 120 children per week.

Minns Government fast-tracks public education access in Box Hill

The Minns Labor Government is also expanding access to the temporary Box Hill Public School that opened to Kindergarten to Year 2 students on Day 1, Term 1 this year.

From Day 1, Term 3 this year, it will now welcome students from Years 3 to 6, providing a world class education to even more students while their permanent school is built.

This temporary school was built by the Minns Labor Government in a record 45 days.

An additional temporary high school is also being built on the same site as the temporary primary school.

From Day 1, Term 1 2026, the temporary Box Hill High School will open for Year 7 students, and the school will grow as more classes are added in subsequent years.

Record Investment in North West schools and preschools

Box Hill and Gables was identified by the Government’s Enrolment Growth Audit as one of the top 10 areas for student growth in the state.

The former Liberal National Government failed to deliver any public schools for this area over their 12 years in government, despite student enrolments growing from 119 in 2018, to 1,445 in 2023 – a 1,114 per cent increase.

These new public schools and preschools build on the Minns Labor Government’s major investment in school infrastructure across The Hills area, with seven new and upgraded schools delivering approximately 240 new permanent classrooms and providing capacity for 5,500 students.

The projects expanding student capacity and access to public schools in The Hills area include:

  • New primary school and public preschool in Gables
  • Major upgrade at Excelsior Public School
  • Major upgrade at Rouse Hill High School
  • New Box Hill Public School and public preschool
  • New Box Hill High School
  • Major upgrade at Matthew Pearce Public School
  • Major upgrade at Castle Hill Public School

These three schools are a part of the Minns Labor Government’s record $9 billion investment in public school infrastructure across NSW over the next four years. This includes a commitment to deliver 100 public preschools by 2027, with 51 to be built in Western Sydney.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“My father was a public school teacher so I know how important world class public education is, but it starts with having local public schools built in growing communities like this.

“Thousands of families moved into this area on the promise of new schools that were never delivered by the former government – we’re delivering those schools, with construction underway and doors set to open for thousands of local kids.

“This is all part of our plan to deliver a world class education for every child in NSW by delivering new and upgraded schools and fee-free preschools while investing in our teachers through a historic pay rise that has seen a 40 per cent drop in teacher vacancies since we were elected.”

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning, and Acting Minister for Western Sydney Courtney Houssos said:

“The Minns Labor Government, with the strong advocacy of Deputy Premier Prue Car, is committed to rebuilding public education to provide local communities with free high-quality education.

“The Liberals and Nationals failed communities right across The Hills because they didn’t properly plan for essential infrastructure like schools and hospitals that families in these growing suburbs need.

“Every child deserves access to a great local public school, and these schools are being delivered as quickly as possible for the local community who have fought hard to have their educational needs met.” 

Federal Attorney-General and Member for Greenway, Michelle Rowland said:

“I’m proud to see the first sod turned on a new public school that will become a hub for the Gables community.

“This school is not just bricks and mortar—it’s an investment in the future of our children and something this community has waited years for.

“I’m thrilled to see this project forging ahead and I look forward to seeing the finished product that will benefit families in our growing community for generations to come.”

$200,000 up for grabs to engage seniors

The Minns Labor Government is building more inclusive communities for older people by partnering with community groups and councils to host activities and events that encourage seniors to remain active, engaged and healthy.

Applications are now open for the $200,000 NSW Seniors Festival Grant Program 2026, with funding of up to $5,000 and $10,000 available for events taking place during next year’s festival taking place from 2-15 March.

The theme for 2026 is ‘Live life in colour’, to encourage seniors to celebrate new adventures and embrace creativity, new connections and an active lifestyle.

The annual festival is the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, attracting more than 500,000 people across the state to attend free and low-cost activities and events focusing on art, sport, music, entertainment, technology, travel, health, wellbeing and recreation.

This year, 35 organisations hosted events across the state that were attended by about 17,000 older people, including bush dances, art retreats, fitness classes and high teas.

The grant program offers funding of $1,500 to $5,000 for community programs and activities, and up to $10,000 for local government hosted large-scale activities.

The Seniors Festival is the Minns Labor Government’s way to celebrate our state’s seniors and thank them for their continuing contributions to our local communities. Importantly, it is a key part of our actions to build inclusive, age-friendly communities for older people, so they can stay safe, active and healthy.

Applications close on Tuesday 12 August 2025. Applicants should visit the grants program website to see past recipients understand the types of events that receive funding.

Visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/seniors-festival-grants-program/nsw-seniors-festival-grant-program-2026 to apply. Regional applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.

Minister for Seniors, Jodie Harrison said:

“There are about 1.9 million people aged 60 and over in New South Wales – or about 23 per cent of the state’s population – and they are important members of our community who should be recognised and celebrated.

“Each year the NSW Seniors Festival brings joy and laughter to thousands of our seniors. These grants help ensure that the festival extends across the state, providing opportunities for all seniors to get involved, enjoy new experiences, continue learning, and stay active and connected.

“I strongly encourage local governments and community groups – especially those in our regional areas – to apply to host events and activities for a seniors audience at next year’s Festival.”

Minns Labor Government shuts down lifeline for small business owners

The Minns Labor Government has delivered another blow to the state’s small businesses in its recent Budget by axing funding for the highly successful Service NSW Business Connect program.
 
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said small businesses are the engine room of our economy and the backbone of local communities.
 
“They’re run by mums and dads, and young entrepreneurs giving it a go.
 
“Cutting support like Business Connect doesn’t just hurt balance sheets; it hurts jobs, confidence, and the next generation of business owners.
 
“Government should be making it easier to succeed, not harder,” Mr Speakman said.
 
Shadow Minister for Small Business Tim James said the decision to defund the program was short-sighted and deeply damaging.
 
“The Minns Labor Government has turned its back on small businesses at a time when they are grappling with soaring costs, weak consumer confidence and economic uncertainty,” Mr James said. “NSW leads the nation in number of business insolvencies.”
 
Business Connect has supported thousands of small businesses across NSW by providing up to 8 hours of free, one-on-one tailored advice that assists businesses with strategic guidance, digital marketing, financial planning, business resilience and more.

“Business Connect has delivered real and tangible assistance to small businesses, but despite positive feedback from small business on the benefits, Labor has pulled out the axe.”
 
The program is now scheduled to end on 30 September 2025.
 
“These cuts will hurt already struggling small businesses. It’s not just a cut to advice, it’s a cut to confidence, innovation and jobs,” Mr James said. “It’s a cruel irony given Labor’s record spending and growing debt.”
 
The Liberal and National Opposition is calling on the Minns Labor Government to urgently reverse this decision and commit to continuing to fund Business Connect services.
 
“Small business owners deserve better than to be abandoned by the Minns Labor Government,” Mr James said.

Check before you travel as weather impacts continue

Travellers are advised to stay across updates from emergency services and check transport apps before setting off in coastal areas lashed by heavy rain and intense winds. 

Transport for NSW Coordinator-General Howard Collins said while the weather is easing back in many areas, it remains a dynamic and changing situation for our road and public transport and for the train network people should still avoid non-essential travel.

“We’re grateful people have listened to the advice to avoid non-essential travel today, and we’ve seen a significant drop in the number of vehicles on the road and passengers on the public transport network,” Mr Collins said. 

“This has helped us with our work to provide connections and services for frontliners and essential workers who had to be on the network today. 

“Trees brought down by the combination of drenching rain and very strong winds have had the greatest impact for roads and train services over the last two days.

“Our teams were prepared, and have responded quickly to deploy replacement bus services and clear road and train lines as needed. 

“Some of this work on our train line, including damage to wiring caused by trees coming down on the line near Dora Creek will take longer to repair, and replacement bus services will likely need to continue for this section of the line into tomorrow. 

“While rain has eased off for many areas – the return of strong southerly winds along the coast afternoon and this means we could see new impacts emerging. 

“Safety is always our top priority, and as rain continues for the Illawarra and South Coast we’re urging drivers to please take extra care, drive to the conditions and never drive through floodwaters.

“This evening, and even tomorrow morning, we’re asking people to and allow extra time to get to your destination, and check for updates before you set off.  

 “Public transport passengers can jump online and check the latest timetables and disruptions transportnsw.info/alerts, and drivers can check the Live Traffic app or or visit livetraffic.com.”

CURRENT NETWORK IMPACTS

Public Transport:

  • On the T1 Western Line buses continue to replace trains between Penrith and St Marys due to overhead wire repairs at Kingswood.  Passengers can also consider catching local bus routes 770, 774, 775 and 776 between Penrith and St Marys instead.  
  • On the Central Coast & Newcastle Line, buses continue to replace trains between Wyong and Fassifern due to overhead wiring repairs at Dora Creek.
  • On the South Coast Line, trains are running at a reduced speed due to the wet weather.
  • F1 Manly ferries resumed Wednesday morning between Manly and Circular Quay. Buses had been replacing services due to the heavy swell on Tuesday.
  • Several bus routes around Sydney and the regions diverting due to flooded local roads.

Roads:

  • Road closures are currently in place for Oxford Falls Road at Oxford Falls and Audley Weir at Royal National Park.
  • There is water over the road and drivers should travel with care along the Illawarra Highway at Burrawang and Nelson Bay Road at Anna Bay.

For the latest information: 

  • Road closure information and real-time traffic conditions, check livetraffic.com or visit the Live Traffic app
  • Transport disruptions, check travel alerts
  • Current warnings visit the NSW SES website www.ses.nsw.gov.au/ or follow on social media @NSWSES
  • Transport for NSW encourages anyone travelling to download the Hazards Near Me Latest weather and warnings at Bureau of Meteorology
  • App, the BoM Weather App and the Live Traffic NSW App
  • Call 132 500 for assistance from SES and in an emergency, always dial Triple Zero (000). 

FDC Renews Support for Netball NSW

FDC Renews Support for Netball NSW at 2025 First Nations Netball Tournament Netball NSW is proud to confirm that leading construction and fit-out company FDC has renewed its support as the sole sponsor of the Netball NSW (NNSW) Warada team competing at the 2025 First Nations National Netball Tournament.

As part of the overall cost of sending the team to the event, a $20,000 investment from FDC will ensure that every Netball NSW athlete is fully funded to compete. This funding covers travel, accommodation, playing kit, and high-performance support. Unlike athletes from other teams, who pay levies of more than $1,000, these players will attend with no out-of-pocket costs—removing financial barriers to participation.

“We are incredibly grateful to FDC for their ongoing support of our First Nations team,” said Netball NSW CEO Tracey Scott. “We are grateful for their commitment to continue to work in partnership with NNSW to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players, coaches and umpires have the opportunity to shine on the national stage.”

After backing the team at the inaugural tournament in 2024, FDC’s continued sponsorship reaffirms the company’s strong commitment to creating meaningful opportunities and pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander athletes, coaches, and umpires in New South Wales.

“At FDC, we believe in the power of sport to bring people together and create real opportunities,” said FDC’s founder Ben Cottle. “We’re especially proud to support a tournament that not only celebrates First Nations excellence, but also champions women in sport and gender equality. This partnership with Netball NSW reflects our commitment to fostering the next generation of leaders — on and off the court — and aligns closely with our Reconciliation Action Plan and broader dedication to equity, inclusion and social responsibility.”
The 2025 First Nations National Netball Tournament will take place at Frankston’s Jubilee Park Stadium from Wednesday 20 to Sunday 24 August. Now in its second year, the event will expand from three to five days—reflecting its rapid growth and increasing importance as a celebration of First Nations excellence in netball.

Launched in 2024, the tournament marked a historic milestone in Australian netball, offering a national platform to showcase Indigenous talent and accelerate the development of future stars. Three NSW athletes — Acacia Ellers, Jayda Grant and Jaylah Boney — were selected from last year’s tournament to join the Black Swans to compete at the 2024 Pan Pacific Tournament.

“We’re really grateful to FDC,” NSW First Nations representative Jaylah Boney said. “Through this partnership we know that we’ve got the best high performance support provided to us by Netball NSW.”

FDC’s sponsorship represents more than financial support. As a longstanding champion of women’s sport and major partner of GIANTS Netball, FDC’s commitment to the NSW First Nations team reflects a deep belief in sport as a vehicle for change, empowerment, and reconciliation.

With FDC by their side once again, the Netball NSW First Nations team is set to take the court in 2025 ready to inspire—on and off the court.

Review of Australia’s gas market must end the practice of gas companies profiteering by exporting Australia’s gas overseas

The Greens have said the gas market review must prevent gas companies like Santos from exploiting loopholes in the Australian market to meet their over-ambitious export contracts.

Otherwise, the review announced yesterday risks doubling down on fossil fuel dependence and undermining Australia’s climate goals by encouraging the creation of new supply instead of phasing out exports and reducing gas demand. 

According to information provided by the ACCC to the Greens, Australia could save 1,452 petajoules of gas over the next decade, enough to cover domestic shortfalls without opening a single new gas field, if it stopped gas exporters from draining the domestic market. 

Australian Greens acting leader, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young:

“Massive gas corporations are exploiting loopholes to make massive profits off Australia’s gas. They get most of most of the gas for free, pay barely any tax, and ship it overseas for massive profits – and you’re funding their greed with every energy bill,” Hanson-Young said.

“This gas review needs to make the big polluters’ profiteering illegal, not reward the bad behaviour of the greedy gas corporations by opening new gas fields.

“With NSW currently being battered by severe storms, we’re in the grips of yet another extreme weather event made worse by coal and gas. This review isn’t an academic exercise – it has massive implications for people’s lives and the climate.

“Every new coal and gas mine makes global heating worse, and we need to be moving off expensive, dirty gas faster than we are. The Australian Greens will push to stop greedy gas corporations from profiting off people’s power bill pain.”

Australian Greens resources spokesperson, Senator Steph Hodgins-May: 

“The Government can’t reward the gas lobby’s conduct and shift the cost to everyday Australians, who will pay higher energy bills and higher insurance prices from more intense and frequent floods and fires caused by fossil fuels.

“We don’t need any new gas fields, we need to stop gas exporters like Santos robbing gas from the domestic market to sell overseas, pushing up prices for Australian households and industry. 

“If the government helps homes and businesses electrify and we pass laws to stop these gas thieves in their tracks, we can transition to net zero without a single new gas mine.

“Our kids deserve a safe climate future. As we head back to parliament, the Greens will be firm, constructive and unrelenting in our push for real climate action.”

Greens to protect free sport as regional SA enters free-footy blackout

Footy fans in regional South Australia are devastated that as of today (July 1), they’ll be unable to watch the footy on free to air television.

A deal between the AFL and Foxtel already meant the first 8 rounds were not broadcast on free to air television in South Australia and many other parts of the country, but the breakdown of a private agreement between WIN TV and Seven West Media will now leave thousands of regional fans locked out for good.

Sarah Hanson-Young, Senator for SA and Greens spokesperson for communications:

“There’s nothing more Australian than a night on the couch watching the AFL. But footy fans in regional SA will be forced to whip out their credit card to watch their favorite team as of July 1.

“South Australians expect to be able to watch the Adelaide Crows or Port Adelaide for free, but the current regulation is not working for them.

“Across the country thousands of footy fans, including right here in South Australia, were locked out of watching Saturday matches for free in the first 8 rounds. Now this is about to be a permanent reality for all fans in regional SA.

“This is just un-Australian.

“Regional footy fans shouldn’t have to miss out on watching the footy for free just because these media companies couldn’t come to an agreement.

“Any South Aussie will tell you how important the Showdown is, but with the second Showdown of the season this month and Seven’s broadcasts ending across Mount Gambier and the Riverland this week – how will regional fans be able to tune in for free?

“The anti-siphoning list acknowledges the cultural importance of the AFL, but the laws have left many footy fans locked out. We need media regulations that are fit for the 21st century.

“In a cost of living crisis, regional South Australians shouldn’t have to fork out extra cash to pay for Foxtel or Kayo just to watch their team play, let alone fixing up poor internet connections that regional communities are often burdened with.

“All Australians should be able to watch the footy for free, and the Greens will act to fix this law when parliament returns.”

Construction of landmark inclusive playspace at Foreshore Park swings into action

Work has begun on the construction of City of Newcastle’s highly anticipated regional level accessible playspace and waterplay area at Foreshore Park. 

The project is the centrepiece of the Harbour Foreshore Masterplan and will deliver a flagship destination for inclusive recreation that celebrates the city’s industrial, maritime and Indigenous heritage. 

Artist's impression of the industrial themed play structures to be built as part of the Foreshore Park inclusive playspace.An artist’s impression of the industrial themed play structure that will be built at Foreshore Park, which includes an accessible ramp to the first level of the tower.

City of Newcastle awarded a tender for the detailed design and construction of the project to Regal Innovations at the March Council meeting, with the playspace expected to be completed by late next year. 

Executive Manager Community and Recreation Lynn Duffy said City of Newcastle was committed to providing enhanced recreational opportunities for all members of the community. 

“Providing access to quality community spaces is a key commitment in our Community Strategic Plan as we deliver our shared vision for Newcastle to be a liveable, sustainable, inclusive, global city,” Ms Duffy said. 

“Our flagship Foreshore Park Livvi’s Place inclusive playspace and waterplay area will offer valuable opportunities for intergenerational community building, positively supporting the physical and mental wellbeing of residents and visitors.” 

The inclusive playspace project is the result of more than five years of input from the community. 

Feedback on the detailed design was received from the Guraki Aboriginal Standing Committee, an accessibility working group established by City of Newcastle for the project, and the Touched by Olivia Foundation, a charity dedicated to the creation of inclusive playspaces across Australia. 

It was designed in accordance with the NSW Government’s Everyone Can Play guidelines and will promote intergenerational, inclusive play, with opportunities for visitors of all ages and abilities. 

Justine Perkins, Founder of Touched by Olivia, and Livvi’s Mum, said play is important and beneficial for everyone.  

“This Livvi’s Place design is truly inclusive and intergenerational and has a wonderful connection to place,” Ms Perkins said. 

“City of Newcastle has been a fantastic partner. They have been committed to really listening to the children, youth and community and ensuring co-creation from the start.  

“This playspace is a testament to their understanding that we all want to and need to be able to get outdoors and play together, with others, in our community to ensure we live happier, healthier lives.” 

Located at the western end of Foreshore Park, the playspace will feature four separate zones including junior and toddler areas, water and nature-based play areas and quiet spaces, connected via accessible paths, seating, shade, gardens and lawns. 

Bespoke playground equipment will add to its distinctly Newcastle character, including a central whale-themed swing set and picnic area paying tribute to the city’s Worimi and Awabakal heritage. 

Artist's impression of the waterplay area to be built at Foreshore Park.An artist’s impression of the waterplay area that will be built at part of the Foreshore Park inclusive playspace.

The waterplay area will be linked to Newcastle’s maritime history and coastal ecologies, while an elevated “nuts and bolts” play structure will symbolise Newcastle’s strong industrial ties and include an accessible ramp to the first level of the tower. 

An accessible slide, sandpit, carousel and sensory pathway are among the other key features of the inclusive design.  

Navigation through the space will be made easier with a logical and accessible path of travel, while charging points for wheelchairs and mobility devices are also included. 

The playspace will be complemented by a fully accessible amenities building and kiosk, which is currently under construction in Foreshore Park to serve the broader precinct. It includes unisex ambulant toilets, a parent’s change room, and a Changing Places facility. 

The Foreshore Park projects are supported by the NSW Government, Variety the Children’s Charity, the Touched by Olivia Foundation and the Newcastle Port Community Contribution Fund.

Anti-social behaviour forces temporary closure of Wallsend Library

City of Newcastle has been forced to close Wallsend Library today in the wake of heightened violence and threatening attacks towards staff and the general public. 

Police have been called repeatedly during the past week following increased anti-social behaviour at the library, which has seen staff attacked with items, a security guard spat on, youths carrying knives in the street and people forcing their way into the building. 

Incidents of vandalism including graffiti, glass smashed on the front steps, ramp and in the overnight return chute and the signage outside the library being damaged have also been reported to the police. 

City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said the safety of staff and the community was of the upmost importance. 

“It is unacceptable that the behaviour of a small number of people is putting people at risk,” Mr Bath said. 

“In the wake of a week-long campaign of increased anti-social behaviour we have made a decision to close our library today for the safety and wellbeing of our staff and members of the public. 

“We’ve been working with the Police, who have been incredibly responsive in this matter, but it’s clear that more needs to be done in Wallsend.  

“The solution is not police permanently stationed at the library or on every street corner. 

“Wallsend is an amazing community but that can’t prevent us from acknowledging that there is a safety problem that needs to be addressed.

“We’re calling for the support of all those in our community including local Members, community leaders, teachers and parents, to initiate conversations with younger people about how to behave in public. 

“Library staff are being threatened on an almost daily basis. With school holidays around the corner, our staff are rightly concerned about not only their safety but also that of people attending the library.” 

City of Newcastle had previously changed the way people enter Wallsend Library in response to the anti-social issues, with visitors having to scan their library cards to gain entry to the building on weekday afternoons after 3pm. 

A security guard has also been employed by City of Newcastle for the past 12 months to patrol the site. 

Director Museum Archive Libraries & Learning Julie Baird said libraries have always been a valuable resource for our community, offering a safe and welcoming space that provides opportunities for social connection, education and recreation. 

“While the vast majority of visitors use the library respectfully, it’s disappointing that the troubling actions of a few within the community have necessitated this action to be taken,” Ms Baird said. 

“We appreciate the support and patience of our library members at this time.”