New South Wales Government kicks off National Science Week at the University of Wollongong

Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology Anoulack Chanthivong officially launched this year’s National Science Week at the University of Wollongong (UoW) today.

New South Wales is set to transform into a vibrant hub of scientific activity this week, with more than 90 public events across the state showcasing the global impact of scientists and their work.

This year, UoW has assumed the important role of host institution, responsible for ensuring the smooth running of National Science Week. Their provision of grant funding to the many science outreach organisations involved is integral to the work of countless scientists and researchers across the state.

UoW is also the home base of Inspiring Australia NSW and Science Space, two of the official partner organisations responsible for making this year’s National Science Week such a success.

In Sydney, major events have already taken over some of the city’s most popular public spaces, including Science in the Scrub at Western Sydney Parklands and Science in the Swamp at Centennial Parklands on Sunday, which featured live demonstrations and ‘Meet a Scientist’ stalls where visitors could ask expert researchers all their curly questions.

In the classroom, schools across NSW will host workshops, guest speakers, and activities that bring science to life to inspire the next generation of scientific innovators.  

In the regions, Science Week will see events in all corners of the state, from expert talks in Port Macquarie diving into the science behind saving lives at sea, to Bundanon’s Science Week Symposium, exploring the hidden ecologies of the Shoalhaven.

Supported by the NSW Government in collaboration with the Commonwealth Government through Inspiring Australia, National Science Week is Australia’s largest celebration of science and technology.

The full NSW National Science Week event program can be found on the National Science Week website, where events can be searched by location, topic, date or format.

Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“The Minns Labor Government is proud to be launching National Science Week at the University of Wollongong, celebrating its role as a leading institution in innovative STEM research and funding for New South Wales.

“National Science Week is one of the most exciting events in the calendar, sparking curiosity among young and old.

“It’s a unique chance for everyone to gain a new appreciation of how scientific work improves our everyday lives.

“By making science accessible to all, we can inspire future generations and foster a culture of innovation and curiosity.

“The NSW 2025-26 Budget included $80 million to bring the Minns Government’s Innovation Blueprint to life.

“A key component of the $80 million in funding for the Innovation Blueprint is $20 million to establish an Emerging Technology Commercialisation Fund, which will help us better capitalise on our world-leading scientific research sector.”

Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast Ryan Park said: 

“National Science Week is the perfect occasion to celebrate our achievements and showcase the incredible scientific talent we have right here at home.

“The events across Sydney, the Illawarra and beyond give the public the opportunity to connect with the exciting work our talented scientists are producing here in NSW.”

Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said:

“National Science Week is an excellent opportunity to showcase the groundbreaking work being done in our region, which puts us at the cutting-edge scientific advancements.

“Putting research and science in the spotlight this week at the University of Wollongong will help to inspire future generations and make sure important advancements driven by science and technology continue to receive the support they need.”

Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Wollongong Max Lu said:

“I thank Minister Chanthivong for his leadership in science engagement throughout NSW. We are delighted to host the launch of National Science Week at UOW Science Space, and are committed to promoting science awareness, fostering the exchange of ideas, and championing innovation both within NSW and across Australia.

“This event welcomes enthusiastic young learners who are passionate about science. 

“UOW is one of the leading universities in Australia where students are empowered to excel academically and grow intellectually.”

NSW Government to lead Burwood North Metro Precinct rezoning to deliver around 15,000 homes

The NSW Government will take the lead in rezoning the Burwood North Metro Precinct, that could deliver around 15,000 new homes near the future Sydney Metro station, creating new housing and job opportunities close to transport and services.

The new Burwood North Metro Station provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a thriving inner-west precinct near a world class metro line, just four stations away from the Sydney CBD.

Centred around the new Burwood North Metro Station, the rezoning will deliver a new precinct supported by major public transport links and open space, while rejuvenating another part of the Parramatta Road corridor.

The current Burwood train station and Parramatta Road bus links are also nearby, along with strong local schools and shopping precincts, with the Parramatta River a short distance away.

Burwood Council and Canada Bay Council have both progressed individual masterplans to deliver homes in their Local Government Areas.  The NSW Government will build upon the Councils’ plans as well as identify further opportunities for residential growth to better respond to the future Sydney Metro station.

The rezoning is being progressed through the State Significant Rezoning Pathway, which was introduced by the Minns Government to fast-track major rezoning proposals.

The State Significant Rezoning Policy, introduced in September 2024, fast tracks the rezoning of key precincts, and existing planning proposals delayed in the planning system.

NSW is in need of bold housing solutions. Sydney is the second least affordable city in the world, with house prices having significantly outstripped wage growth over the last two decades.

We need to make it easier to build more homes so that young people, families and downsizers are no longer locked out of housing.

A key focus of the state-led rezoning will be to deliver precinct-wide infrastructure that will enable essential services and amenities to be delivered alongside the new housing.

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure will now work with both councils and the relevant state government agencies to progress the rezoning, with a draft masterplan expected to be exhibited in the first half of 2026. This will be followed by a final precinct masterplan, at which stage development applications can be lodged under the new planning controls.

This new site builds on the NSW Government’s earlier announcements of state-led and state-assessed rezoning projects. To date, 25 projects have been progressed as state rezonings, with the potential to enable the delivery of an estimated 60,000 homes and 68,000 jobs.

For more information, visit the State Significant Rezoning Policy web page.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“We are acting to deliver more homes in the right places, and taking full advantage of the new Sydney Metro line.

“This precinct has the potential to deliver thousands of much-needed homes in a well-located part of Sydney, close to transport, jobs and the Parramatta River.

“We are spending billions of dollars building Sydney Metro West, and we’re making sure there are homes to go with it.

“Whether you’re a young person, a family needing more space, or a downsizer – this is another step towards making our housing system fairer.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“The decision to lead this rezoning reflects the scale of opportunity and the importance of a coordinated approach to infrastructure and urban design.

“We’re taking the strategic work already done by Burwood and Canada Bay Councils further, integrating the new Metro station and building on our other reforms in the area like the Low and Mid-Rise policy, TOD Program and Housing Delivery Authority.”

Member for Strathfield Jason Yat-sen Li

“The new Burwood North Metro station is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a vibrant, connected community that works for everyone – whether you’re a young person looking to get into the housing market, a growing family, or a downsizer wanting to stay in the area.

“This precinct has the potential to deliver at least 15,000 new homes. But it’s not just about housing, it’s about jobs, green space, and better infrastructure that supports a growing community.

“We’re bringing both local councils’ planning work together into a coordinated, state-led approach that will deliver more housing alongside essential services and public spaces.”

Mayor of Burwood City Council John Faker said:

“This State-led rezoning builds on Council’s vision to focus growth in the Burwood North Metro precinct, enhancing its position as a thriving and well-connected hub.

“It’s the right place and the right time and we look forward to working in partnership with the NSW Government to deliver even more new homes, expand local job opportunities, and create vibrant public spaces for residents, workers, businesses, and visitors, all centred around world-class transport.”

Mayor of Canada Bay City Council Michael Megna said:

“I welcome this as an opportunity for improvements to our local hospital and schools for our growing population.

“By working in partnership with the NSW Government, we can deliver thousands of new homes, new jobs, and public spaces that meet the needs of our growing community while preserving what makes Canada Bay such a great place to live.

“This is a rare chance to deliver more homes, near a new metro, in one of Sydney’s most connected locations – and we’re ready to make it happen.”

Grant recipients celebrate, share and strengthen Aboriginal cultures across NSW

More than 70 Aboriginal community organisations and groups across NSW will be supported to host initiatives that celebrate Aboriginal culture via $1.4 million in NSW Government grant funding.

The Cultural Grants will help support, strengthen, protect and maintain traditional and contemporary expressions of Aboriginal culture across the state.

The successful grant recipients include:

  • Dharawal Cultural workshops, La Perouse: Gujaga Foundation: Hosting a series of cultural workshops about native plants, language, art, weaving, cooking and history for young people on Dharawal country.
  • ‘Welcome Baby to Country’, Narrandera: A cultural celebration will be held on Wiradjuri country that will see children up to 18 months welcomed by elders and the community.
  • ‘First Nation Food Sovereignty’: A documentary which will examine how communities have historically sustained themselves for generations using traditional food systems and Indigenous knowledge.
  • ‘Echoes of Country’ didgeridoo workshops, Kiama: Gumaraa Aboriginal Experience is running workshops for young men from local schools to learn more about the cultural significance of the didgeridoo.
  • Kangaroo Festival in Casino: Casino Boolangle Local Aboriginal Land Council will lead the revival of a significant cultural celebration on Bundjalung Country including children’s weaving, traditional foods, bush medicine, dance and music activities.
  • ‘Return of the Yowies’ short film, Pilliga: An Aboriginal film-maker is developing a short documentary to honour the Pilliga traditional custodians and their families. It will celebrate, preserve, and pass down their rich cultural heritage of growing up in Pilliga in north-west NSW.
  • Women’s gathering at Wagga Wagga: West Wyalong Local Aboriginal Land Council will lead cultural workshops for Aboriginal women on Wiradjuri Country with an elder.
  • ‘Our Culture Our Future’, Umina Beach: Freshwater Education will run a cultural and wellbeing school holiday camp on Darkinjung country for Aboriginal girls aged 9-18.
  • Weekly youth cultural program in Moree: Moree Sports Health Arts and Education Academy will run workshops to connect young people to culture through creative arts and culture on Kamilaroi country.


Strengthening Aboriginal cultures is a key outcome of Closing the Gap, specifically target 16, that cultures and languages are strong, supported and flourishing.

For more information about upcoming Aboriginal Affairs NSW grant opportunities, visit www.nsw.gov.au/living-nsw/aboriginal-outcomes/grants-and-funding

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:

“Aboriginal communities continue to keep culture strong through festivals, workshops and programs across NSW.

“These grants are designed to empower Aboriginal community organisations and groups to run events which celebrate culture and facilitate sharing of knowledge and skills between generations.

“These initiatives have been designed by Aboriginal communities for Aboriginal people, reflecting the NSW Government’s commitment to self-determination.”

Chief operations officer of Gujaga Foundation Jessie Longbottom said:

“This grant enables us to deliver dedicated cultural experiences for children in the La Perouse Aboriginal community, led by Dharawal knowledge holders.

“It also supported the delivery of a cultural family day, increasing the opportunities for our community to connect with language, culture, and each other. These experiences are vital to strengthening identity and passing knowledge between generations.”

Directors of Gundyarri (‘Welcome Baby to Country’ event in Narrandera) Cherry Johnson and Vivian Prior Christian said:

“This grant will help us to welcome our newborns back to their traditional river and land after being born in hospital where the closest maternity facilities are an hour away.

“The ceremony will connect our babies spiritually, emotionally and physically which in turn will re-introduce cultural practices i.e. to be ongoing for generations.

“Also it will help preserve our identity, sense of belonging (children), having respect for one another and staying grounded to our roots (ancestral knowledge).”

Director of Indigenous Futures Foundation Levi-Joel Tamou said:

“Receiving the Cultural Grant is a powerful step forward in celebrating and preserving First Nations culture through storytelling. It allows us to share our voices, honour community knowledge, and bring our film project into reality. We’re currently in pre-production and deeply grateful for this support.” 

Ceasefire deal between Cambodia and Thailand

Australia welcomes the commitment made at the Extraordinary General Border Committee (GBC) Meeting in Kuala Lumpur on 7 August to fully and effectively implement the ceasefire agreement between Cambodia and Thailand, including the establishment of an ASEAN-led observer mechanism.

The meeting is an important step towards de-escalating tensions and supporting a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.

Australia commends ASEAN’s efforts, and the leadership of Malaysia as ASEAN Chair, to facilitate the ceasefire.

We strongly support ASEAN’s leadership including the Special Meeting chaired by Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia on 28 July 2025 and the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Statements of 27 and 31 July 2025.

Australia urges both Cambodia and Thailand to honour the ceasefire, uphold their obligations under international law, exercise maximum restraint, and continue to resolve the dispute through peaceful means consistent with the UN Charter, ASEAN Charter, and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.

We commend the GBC Meeting as a practical representation of ASEAN’s role in reducing the risks of misunderstanding and miscalculation, managing crises, and preventing disputes from escalating into conflict.

Joint Foreign Ministers’ statement on the Government of Israel’s decision to further escalate its military offensive in Gaza

The Foreign Ministers of Australia, Germany, Italy, New Zealand and the United Kingdom strongly reject the decision of the Israeli Security Cabinet on 8th August to launch an additional large-scale military operation in Gaza. It will aggravate the catastrophic humanitarian situation, endanger the lives of the hostages, and further risk the mass displacement of civilians. The plans that the Government of Israel has announced risk violating international humanitarian law. Any attempts at annexation or of settlement extension violate international law.

We urge the parties and the international community to make all efforts to finally bring this terrible conflict to an end now, through an immediate and permanent ceasefire that enables the provision of a massive, immediate and unimpeded humanitarian assistance, as the worst-case scenario of a famine is unfolding in Gaza. Hamas must release all hostages without further delay or precondition and must ensure they are humanely treated and not subject to cruelty and humiliation.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains catastrophic. We call on the Government of Israel to urgently find solutions to amend its recent registration system of international humanitarian organisations, to ensure these vital actors of humanitarian aid can continue their essential work again in line with humanitarian principles to reach the civilians in need in Gaza. Their exclusion would be an egregious signal.

We are united in our commitment to the implementation of a negotiated two-state solution as the only way to guarantee that both Israelis and Palestinians can live side by side in peace, security, and dignity. A political resolution based on a negotiated two-state solution requires the total demilitarisation of Hamas and its complete exclusion from any form of governance in the Gaza Strip, where the Palestinian Authority must have a central role.

Albanese must sanction Israel, following Gaza occupation plan

The Israeli Government’s announcement that it plans to occupy Gaza, forcibly displace over one million people and continue the genocide must be condemned and followed by swift action from the Albanese Government.

After two years of inaction, this must be a red line for the Albanese Government. Sanctions to the level of what was introduced against Russia following its illegal invasion of Ukraine, including an end to the two-way arms trade with Israel, are a necessity.

The Albanese Government has ignored the continued breaches of international law by the Israeli Government. The Greens, human rights organisations and millions of people have been calling for sanctions. It’s time the Albanese Government listened.

Russian-style sanctions on Israel would halt millions of dollars in trade that fuels the occupation and genocide in Palestine. These sanctions must also be extended to the Security Cabinet of Israel, which has just signed off on another bloody escalation in the genocide.

Greens Senator and Foreign Affairs Spokesperson David Shoebridge said:

“What we’re witnessing in Gaza goes beyond military strategy, it’s the systematic erasure of Palestinians through forced displacement and occupation.

“This is entering the final stages of a genocide.

“It’s not good enough for the Albanese government to still be debating how strong our language should be.

“Recognition of the Palestinian State is being used by the Albanese Government not as a fundamental right all people have to self-determination, but as a distraction from the fact that they have taken next to no material action against the State of Israel. Increasingly harsh statements will not feed people, it will not stop the Israeli war machine. Sanctions will.

“If Australia were to end the arms trade with Israel and stop the export of F-35 fighter jet parts, the Israeli fleet would, over time, be grounded. That is what action looks like.

“If the same sanctions regime that applies against Russia were applied against Israel, then today’s decision by Netanyahu’s Security Cabinet would see each of them hit with Magnitsky sanctions.

“The time is now for immediate and strong action, and we can look to the actions taken against Russia as a clear guide, end the two-way arms trade and sanction key decision makers, including the Security Cabinet.

“This is a fundamental test for the Albanese Government. Either they believe in international law and will enforce it against Israel, or they will continue to hide in Donald Trump’s shadow. One is a pathway towards decency and independence, and the other is one of complete moral surrender.”

New intake of overseas and interstate paramedics for NSW Ambulance

NSW Ambulance has today welcomed 13 new paramedic inductees, who previously worked as paramedics interstate or overseas.

These qualified and experienced paramedics have just completed a comprehensive three-week induction program at the NSW Ambulance Education Centre and begin their on-road training from tomorrow, providing a further boost to frontline health services across NSW.

These new recruits come from a variety of locations, such as Eleni Berdoukas who previously worked as a paramedic in New Zealand and is now beginning a new chapter with NSW Ambulance. 

Several of the paramedics are also joining NSW Ambulance from other states – such as Benjamin Hayes, who has spent five years as a paramedic in Western Australia before deciding to move across the country to share his skills.

This latest class of paramedic inductees will be posted across metropolitan and regional locations in NSW for nine weeks, prior to becoming registered paramedics with NSW Ambulance. 

Minister for Health, Ryan Park: 

“Our dedicated paramedics are the frontline of our health system, I’d like to congratulate this latest intake joining NSW Ambulance from both interstate and abroad.

“These qualified paramedics bring with them a range of skills and years of experience, which serve to strengthen our frontline services across the state.”

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to rebuilding a strengthened health workforce, because we know that supported and empowered staff means better health outcomes for our community.”

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan: 

“We are delighted to welcome these new paramedics, who will join our team of highly skilled and dedicated clinicians who provide outstanding care to patients across NSW every day.

“We continue to attract qualified and experienced paramedics to NSW Ambulance from near and far, and our communities will benefit greatly from their diverse clinical backgrounds and their passion for their jobs.”

paramedic Eleni Berdoukas:

“I’m originally from Sydney but have worked as a paramedic in Cairns for a year and then three years in Wellington, so it’s exciting to be coming home to NSW to live and work.

“I just love that as a paramedic every day is a little bit different, there’s always something unexpected, you never know what you’re going to be faced with.”

paramedic Benjamin Hayes:

“I was previously a health and physical education teacher and I’ve found there’s more similarities between my two careers than you’d think.

“I’ve always enjoyed assisting people, and being able to take advantage of learning opportunities, and having that camaraderie with colleagues. I’m keen to get back on the road.”

Disaster Support for New England following severe weather

The Albanese and Minns Governments have activated disaster assistance to communities in five Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the New England region following widespread severe weather including heavy rainfall and snow.

The NSW Government’s Natural Disaster Declaration applies to the LGAs of Gunnedah, Narrabri, Tamworth, Uralla and Walcha.

Support has been made available under the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). 

Assistance measures that may be provided to communities include: 
• Assistance for eligible residents to help meet immediate needs like emergency accommodation and essential items generally provided from evacuation or recovery centres. 
• Grants for low-income, uninsured residents to replace lost essential household items to maintain basic standard of living. 
• Grants for low-income, uninsured residents to undertake essential structural repairs to restore their homes to a basic, safe and habitable condition. 
• Support for affected local councils to help with the costs of cleaning up and restoring damaged essential public assets.
• Concessional interest rate loans for small businesses, primary producers, and non-profit organisations and grants to sporting and recreation clubs to repair or replace damaged or destroyed property. 
• Freight subsidies for primary producers to help transport livestock and fodder. 
• Financial support towards counter disaster activity undertaken by emergency service organisations to keep communities safe. 

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain MP:
“The Australian Government is working closely with the NSW Government to ensure that affected communities across New England receive the support they need to recover.

“The storms and snowfall have caused significant disruption to homes, roads, and services, and we know the impact is being deeply felt across these communities.

“This support will help ease immediate hardship and assist with longer term rebuilding efforts, including restoring public infrastructure and helping uninsured households get back on their feet.

“Our focus remains on standing with these communities as they recover, rebuild and prepare for future severe weather events.”

NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin MP:
“The Minns Labor Government is activating targeted support to meet immediate community needs and to get vital infrastructure back up and running. 

“The recent storms have caused damage across the New England region and we want to ensure that councils in particular are supported so that communities know the repair and reconstruction work that needs to be done can be done.   

“Roads, bridges and essential services have been damaged after being inundated with water and snow, and there’s a significant clean-up ahead to deal with debris and restore access.

“A natural disaster declaration is the first step in unlocking support these communities urgently need.” 

More information on disaster assistance can be found at https://www.nsw.gov.au/emergency/recovery and www.disasterassist.gov.au

Grants pave the way for the next generation of creatives and collaboration

The NSW Government is continuing to deliver on its commitment to foster the next generation of artists, creative practitioners, and leaders.

Among the ten small to medium not-for-profit arts and culture organisations supported through a new $500,000 grant program are projects ranging from a multi-platform festival, an interactive futurist activation, to a multi-sensory dining experience. Each project showcases the exceptional strength, talent and entrepreneurial vision of NSW’s arts and cultural sector.

The Creative Industries Connectivity Grants program was established to incentivise new collaborative opportunities and develop new partnerships between the traditional arts and cultural sector and creative industries.

The $500,000 program delivers on the Creative Communities commitment to align NSW Government investment to prioritise programs, services and advocacy that builds pathways to partnerships to enhance distribution opportunities for artists and creative practitioners.

Through grants of up to $50,000, the 10 not-for-profit arts and cultural organisations will each invest in a new venture and work in partnership with creative businesses including 3D imaging technology providers, landscape architects, e-learning platforms, fashion powerhouses, global radio broadcasters, and restaurants.

These projects pioneer new visionary concepts blending traditional artforms with new mediums and influences, that transform how artists connect with audiences and how stories are told.

The program promotes ongoing collaboration across the arts, cultural and creative industries ecosystem, driving further innovation, long-term sustainability, and successful product development.

The recipients of the inaugural Creative Industries Connectivity Grants program are:

– Arts & Cultural Exchange Inc – The Dharug Voices Digital Archive
– Asian Australian Artists Association Inc – Haymarket 2050
– Diversity Arts Australia – Creative Equity at Work Online Learning Program
– Erth Visual & Physical Incorporated – Dinner is the Show
– Marrugeku Inc – Ngurragabu [From the last night]
– NSW Aboriginal Culture Heritage and Arts Association Inc – NSW Aboriginal Cultural Centre Online
– Port Macquarie Historical Society Inc – Birrbay Barray Djuyal (Birpai Country Stories)
– Powerhouse Youth Theatre Inc – From Stage to Screen
– Soft Centre Pty Ltd – SOFT CENTRE 2025 x NTS | White Bay Power Station
– Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre – Mercury Rising

Minister for the Arts, John Graham said:

“Creative Communities outlined a shift in value, scale, focus and settings. We said at its release that the vision cannot be realised overnight or by government alone. Partnerships are crucial.

“These grants are built upon developing partnerships across the creative industries and into other larger creative industry organisations and businesses.

“The goal with this investment is to support collaborative projects that have potential for ongoing partnerships and develop sustainable outcomes for organisations across the creative industries.”

Create NSW Executive Director Kerri Glasscock said:

“The NSW arts and cultural sector is renowned for innovating and pushing boundaries. This new program has delivered a strong line-up of inspiring ideas in its inaugural round.

“These projects have been selected to demonstrate possible future direction of arts and culture and creative industry partnerships.

“We are excited to see so many high-impact partnerships that will combine the vision and talent in the arts and creative industries and create some truly innovative projects.”

Thea-Mai Baumann Artistic Director and Chief Executive Officer, 4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art said:

“Haymarket 2050 is a living time capsule – an immersive, cross-disciplinary collaboration that reimagines the future of one of Sydney’s most iconic precincts.

“Through holograms, cult fashion shows, and augmented reality portals at sites like the Lion Gate, Paddy’s Markets, at 4A and our incubator space 4A LAB, we’re preserving Haymarket’s cultural DNA while projecting its stories into the year 2050. This is about memory, imagination, and placemaking – activating community voices to shape a speculative archive we will unlock again in 25 years.”

Creative Industries Connectivity Project Highlights include:

– Haymarket 2050 is a groundbreaking collaboration between 4A, INJURY x REAL PARENT, local community members and key cultural partners, reimagining Haymarket’s cultural future through contemporary art, fashion, and technology. The bold project features immersive installations, AR activations, and a global virtual experience, bridging physical and digital realms to engage diverse audiences and shape Haymarket’s cultural narrative.

– “Dinner is the Show” is an innovative collaboration between Erth Visual & Physical Inc. and Kitchen by Mike. This multi-sensory exploration examines the intricate relationship between food and art, providing an immersive dining experience throughout the performance. 

– Dance company Marrugeku will partner with landscape architectural firm, REALMstudios to develop Ngurragabu [From the last night]. This partnership will imagine, research and map speculative environmental futures, expanding Marrugeku’s ongoing commitment to creating immersive performances that highlight the interactions between human and non-human species, Country, and weather.

– Port Macquarie Museum and creative technology partner Studio ESEM will create an immersive interactive installation using Gathang voices and language to introduce and connect audiences to Country and stories. Birrbay Barray Djuyal (Birpai Country Stories) will weave narratives of kinship, culture and the environment into a multi-sensory artwork using historical, contemporary and virtual imagery and sounds.

Minns Labor Government establishes new Chief Midwife role in NSW Health

The Minns Labor Government is creating a new role of Chief Midwife in NSW Health to support the experiences of pregnant women and their families, and strengthen leadership to midwives across the NSW public health system.

Established in response to the NSW Birth Trauma Inquiry, the Chief Midwife will develop policy and strategies related to midwifery professional practice and the role of midwives in maternity services.

They will also focus on workforce planning, training and retention to support the growth and development of midwifery-led care across public health maternity services.

The Chief Midwife will provide their expert advice to the Minister for Health Ryan Park and the NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce AM.

They will work with key professional bodies including the Australian College of Midwives, and universities offering midwifery training programs.

The establishment of the Chief Midwife role is the latest step by the Minns Labor Government to improve maternity care across the state.

This announcement follows the recent NSW Budget to support healthier families and communities with more than $83 million to boost maternity care which includes:

  • $44.8 million to increase access to midwifery continuity of care models, including funding for an additional 53 full-time equivalent midwives in regional NSW
  • enhanced training for clinicians in respectful maternity care
  • enhanced antenatal education and consumer information for patients
  • $26.8 million to maintain seven family care centres, five mobile services and the Macksville residential unit, all in regional and rural NSW
  • $5.7 million to support free vaccination to pregnant women to protect them and their babies from whooping cough, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus infection
  • $250,000 for virtual paediatrician support to general practitioners across NSW.

This builds on the five accelerated initiatives that are in progress in response to the Birth Trauma Inquiry. These five initiatives include:

  • increasing access to maternity continuity of care models
  • embedding trauma-informed maternity care
  • improving the way information is provided to women
  • improving consent processes in maternity care
  • supporting women who experience pregnancy complications.

Recruitment to the role is expected to commence shortly.

Minister for Health Ryan Park

“Nearly 90,000 women give birth in NSW each year and I am committed to ensuring that all women in the state receive respectful, evidence-based, and equitable maternity care.

“I want to thank the courage and strength of the thousands of women who shared their deeply personal and difficult experiences throughout the Birth Trauma Inquiry.

“We will continue to listen and learn, and the Chief Midwife will provide important advice so that we can deliver the best possible midwifery care for women, babies and families in NSW.

“The establishment of the new role of Chief Midwife strengthens our commitment to improving experiences for all women and ensuring they have the choice and care they deserve.”

NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce AM

“Midwives are essential to the NSW public healthcare system, playing a vital role across the state’s hospitals and health facilities.

“I’m thrilled that the new position of Chief Midwife will provide expert advice and leadership to the profession now and into the future.

“The experiences of women heard throughout the Birth Trauma Inquiry highlighted the critical importance of respectful, compassionate, trauma-informed and culturally safe maternity care.”