Category: NSW News

Thousands of children can help their families ‘Beat the Bite’ with the statewide distribution of books that help teach the importance of mosquito bite prevention.

‘Jack & Angie – Beat the Bite’ is an entertaining story about two youngsters who love playing in and exploring the great outdoors while staying safe from mosquito bites.

More than 77,000 books have been printed and are being delivered to schools, early childhood and education centres and local councils across NSW, with 430 public and independent schools, 103 early childhood and education centres, 66 councils already having opted in to receive books. Other services such as Aboriginal health and immunisation services, scouts and guides across NSW have also ordered books.

The statewide distribution is an expansion of a popular Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) initiative which saw more than 43,000 books distributed across Murrumbidgee, Southern and Western NSW.

Mosquitoes can transmit diseases that are spread to humans through mosquito bites. In NSW they can carry viruses such as Japanese encephalitis (JE), Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE), Ross River, and Barmah Forest virus.

These viruses may cause symptoms ranging from tiredness, rash, headache, and sore and swollen joints to rare but severe symptoms of seizures and loss of consciousness.

Protective measures to avoid bites, include:

• Wear light, loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts, long pants and covered footwear and socks
• Avoid being outdoors at dawn and dusk
• Apply repellent to all areas of exposed skin, especially those that contain DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus which are the most effective against mosquitoes
• Reapply repellent regularly, particularly after swimming. Always apply sunscreen first and then apply repellent
• Use insecticide sprays, vapour dispensing units and mosquito coils to repel mosquitos. Mosquito coils should only be used outside.

A vaccine is available to protect against Japanese encephalitis virus, which is available for free to those at greatest risk of exposure. For more information on eligibility visit https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/jevaccine

Services interested in receiving ‘Jack & Angie – Beat the Bite’ can contact the Surveillance and Risk Unit, Environmental Health Branch at HSSG-EHBSurveillance@health.nsw.gov.au

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“This is a fun and informative way of helping youngsters understand the risk mosquitoes pose and ways to protect themselves and their families.

“The best way to avoid infection by mosquito borne diseases is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, and this creative children’s book explains to children and their families four simple steps to take to stay bite free; spray up, cover up, screen up and clean up.

“Through this story, we hope children can encourage their families, peers, and even the community to take simple actions to protect themselves from mosquito-borne diseases.”

MLHD Senior Environment Officer and Author, Tony Burns:

“I am really excited that Jack and Angie are going to be helping spread the message about mosquito bite prevention to a much wider audience.

“We know mosquitoes can transmit a range of diseases, so we want to make sure as many people as possible get this important message. We’re keen to see youngsters get the message early, so they can develop good habits around taking precautions against mosquito bites.”

The Palestinian Action Group has withdrawn their Form 1 for a public assembly on Sunday 6 October 2024 and submitted a new Form 1 following negotiations with the NSWPF that focused on public safety concerns.

The location and route of the protest has now changed, and protest organisers have agreed that no flags, portraits or symbols connected to a prohibited terrorist organisation will be displayed.

The NSWPF has not opposed the new Form 1 and will work with organisers to conduct a high visibility policing operation on Sunday to ensure the safety of the community. Police will not hesitate to take appropriate action against anyone who commits a criminal offence.

The Palestinian Action Group has also withdrawn their Form 1 for a public assembly on Monday 7 October 2024 and has not proposed a new Form 1, making that public assembly unauthorised if it goes ahead.

As a result of these negotiations the Supreme Court dismissed the NSWPF’s application by consent and noted the above agreement. No order on costs was made.

The Central Coast Regional Business Awards showcases and celebrates the innovation, resilience and dedication of the region’s businesses and their staff.

It is crucial to recognise the work done by businesses because they play a vital role in driving economic growth, creating jobs and contributing to the overall well-being of the Central Coast.

Wyong-based tech logistics business 4id Solutions was crowned the region’s Business of the Year in recognition of both its contribution to the local economy and innovative leadership in the international market.

The winners will now represent the Coast against the rest of the state at the 2024 State Business Awards Gala on 30 October.

2024 Winners:

Employer of Choice (21+ Employees): Pacific Link Housing

Employer of Choice (Under 20 Employees): Seton Family Lawyers

Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion: Allcare Nursing & Community Services

Excellence in Innovation: Signarama Tuggerah

Excellence in International Business: 4id Solutions

Excellence in Large Business: Central Coast Mariners Football Club

Excellence in Micro Business: Key2 Realty

Excellence in Small Business (Hall of Fame): LEP Digital

Excellence in Sustainability: Signarama Tuggerah

Outstanding Business Leader (20 Employees and Under): Suzy Miller, Suzy Miller Leadership Development Specialists

Outstanding Business Leader (21+ Employees): Paul Chapman, Central Coast Sports College

Outstanding Community Organisation: Allcare Nursing & Community Services

Outstanding Employee (Hall of Fame): Melinda McCrone, LEP Digital

Outstanding Local Chamber: CTBC – Coastal Towns Business Chamber

Outstanding New Business: Renew Projects

Outstanding Visitor Experience: Australian Reptile Park

Outstanding Young Business Leader: Robert O’Donoghue, CCTS

Business of the Year: 4id Solutions

Minister for the Central Coast David Harris said:

“I want to congratulate all the nominees and the winners of this year’s Central Coast Regional Business Awards.  

“Local businesses are the backbone of our region which is why it’s important we celebrate all the fantastic work they do and their staff that make it all happen.

“I look forward to seeing the winners represent our region at the state awards in October.”

Riverina residents are being invited to have their say on local roads and transport priorities as part of the Minns Labor Government’s planning for future growth.

Transport for NSW is investigating predicted areas of industrial and residential growth in the north of Wagga Wagga as part of a new strategy to help build better future transport networks.

The Wagga Wagga Northern Access Strategy will build on previous consultation with the community and focus on the transport network connecting the city, in particular the Sturt and Olympic highways including major intersections on both corridors.

Insights gained through development of the strategy will feed into the broader Riverina-Murray Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan (SRITP) which is being developed.

Two drop-in sessions for community members to meet with Transport for NSW to discuss the Wagga Wagga Northern Access Strategy will be held at:

• Wagga Wagga Marketplace, 87 Baylis Street, Saturday 12 October 9am to 12pm
• Wagga Wagga Civic Centre arcade, 243 Baylis Street, Wednesday 16 October 10am to 1pm

To share ideas that will help shape the Northern Access Strategy, Riverina residents can also take part in a survey until it closes on 28 October.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to building better roads and transport links in Wagga Wagga.

“Feedback from the community is critical to ensuring the Wagga Wagga Northern Access Strategy best guides Transport for NSW decision making around future planning priorities and investment opportunities.

“Investigations will look at multimodal opportunities to improve access between the growth area in the north and the CBD and identify ways to reduce commuter delays and support freight movements while catering for future traffic growth.”

Independent Member for Wagga Wagga Dr Joe McGirr said:

“I am working closely with the community and the government to ensure we have the right infrastructure in place to meet the needs of the booming northern suburbs, including intersection improvements on the Olympic and Sturt Highways.

“We know that a second river crossing is a very high priority so now is the time to step up our advocacy for the structures and services we’ll need in the future.

“This is an important opportunity to help Transport for NSW understand where future investments are needed most, and I encourage all community members to take part in the survey and share their thoughts on our current and future transport needs.”

Australia’s first Statewide Health Literacy Hub has been officially launched, marking a pivotal step towards improving health experiences and outcomes for NSW residents.

NSW Health is investing $3.7 million over three years and partnering with Western Sydney Local Health and the University of Sydney to launch the Statewide Health Literacy Hub which is designed to address the challenge of low health literacy in NSW.

Health literacy refers to how people access, learn from, and use health information and services, to look after themselves. Low health literacy affects more than half of all Australians.

The Hub will serve as a centre for online training, practical tools and resources and translational research aimed at improving healthcare staff’s communication skills, empowering patients to manage their health, and promoting equity throughout the state’s health system.

The Hub will foster partnerships between healthcare providers and community organisations to help people navigate the NSW healthcare system so they can access the right care when they need it.

Through helping people access, understand and use healthcare services, the Hub will aim to alleviate pressure on Emergency Departments, reduce hospital readmissions, and improve patient health experiences and outcomes.

Further information on the Statewide Health Literacy Hub can be found at https://www.healthliteracyhub.org.au/

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“The Hub is about more than just information. It is about ensuring that every person in NSW, no matter their background, has access to clear, compassionate, and effective healthcare.

“By equipping our health workforce with the tools and strategies for clear communication, the Health Literacy Hub is poised to transform how healthcare is delivered and experienced, leading to better, more equitable outcomes for all.

“Clear, respectful and empathetic communication can help people better understand their health conditions and treatment options, and help patients follow post care instructions, resulting in fewer hospital readmissions.”

Minister for Medical Research David Harris:

“The Health Literacy Hub has a key role in turning research into real-world solutions, ensuring that new knowledge drives meaningful change across our diverse communities.

“Low health literacy affects more than half of Australians, and we know that is leading to poorer health outcomes and increased pressure on the healthcare system.

“This Statewide Health Literacy Hub is a great initiative which will empower staff to provide clear and easy to understand information to everyone.”

Chief Executive, Western Sydney Local Health District, Graeme Loy:

“Having started right here at Western Sydney Local Health District the Statewide Health Literacy Hub is something we are incredibly proud of. This Hub began as a local initiative and it’s inspiring to see it now being expanded statewide.”

Greater accessibility, upskilling communities and building resilience for the future are at the heart of the Minns Labor Government’s new digital roadmap for New South Wales.

The NSW Digital Strategy launched today sets out how the state will deliver innovative, inclusive and secure digital services to improve the lives of residents. For the first time, the new strategy includes a way to track progress on digital as a state.

The NSW Digital Strategy is built around five key missions:

• Accessibility: Make digital services accessible, inclusive and connected for all people in NSW
• Productivity: Use digital to advance service delivery, support the local economy and drive productivity
• Trust: Build trust through reliable, stable government services and sustainable digital infrastructure
• Resilience: Keep NSW safe and resilient for emergencies online and in-person
• Digital Skills: Uplift digital capability in our public sector workforce​.

This provides a roadmap for how NSW will harness digital transformation to support economic growth, improve service delivery and create more connected communities.

NSW is home to 32 per cent of Australia’s population and is one of the most diverse states in the world, with the Government committed to making digital services inclusive by supporting all NSW communities on their digital journey.

People responding to a NSW Government survey to understand the challenges faced when engaging with digital technologies and services found 1 in 5 people (22 per cent) feel they lack the necessary skills to perform important online tasks such as job searching, working, studying or accessing government services.

The feedback also found those aged 65+, from low-income households or whose highest education level is high school are less likely to feel confident in performing these tasks.

The strategy leverages leading technology and builds on large-scale projects already underway, including ongoing work to deliver a secure and privacy-preserving NSW digital identity and verifiable credentials system for use across the public and private sectors.

Key initiatives under the strategy include:

• Delivery of the NSW Digital ID and NSW Digital Wallet to enable a safer, more inclusive digital economy by streamlining services and providing a secure way to prove who you are.
• The state’s first Digital Inclusion Strategy, informed by community input which shows that key barriers to inclusion include not just location, physical challenges and economic factors, but also confidence in digital skills and trust in digitalisation.
• Better coordination of information and communications technology spending across government to reduce duplication and an enhanced approach to cyber security coordination, governance and investment.
• Supporting housing delivery by improving the NSW Planning Portal and developing the Digital Housing Pipeline, an initiative that offers access to information on the delivery of new homes, facilitating improved collaboration among developers, government agencies and homeowners to streamline the process from planning to occupancy.
• Delivering secure and resilient critical communications for emergency services and supporting communities during disasters by building on projects like the Hazards Near Me app which includes fire, storm, tsunami and flood information.
• Updating strategies to leverage data and use artificial intelligence to enhance the response to natural disasters and emergencies through tools like RFS Athena which predicts fire behaviour.

The NSW Digital Strategy puts people at its heart by targeting practical benefits, powered by community insights and formulated through extensive collaboration with industry and academic partners. For more information, read the strategy at www.digital.nsw.gov.au/strategy

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said:

“The NSW Digital Strategy lays the foundation for a future for digital services that are more secure, inclusive and accessible, and is a commitment to improving people’s daily lives.”

“This strategy is about more than just technology— it’s about people and how we build world-class digital services that strengthen our communities while supporting economic growth.”

“Our key missions of accessibility, productivity, trust, resilience and skills will help ensure we deliver with purpose on the things people need, like increasing access to government services.”

“We are already bringing our strategy to life, through initiatives like our new EasyRead hub and updated AI frameworks, by ensuring digital infrastructure is front of mind for government projects, and by improving cyber security coordination and investment.”

“From Western Sydney to regional and remote NSW, our vision is for a more connected state and a government that embraces new technologies and brings everyone on the journey.”

“The NSW Digital Strategy will help ensure we continue to innovate and build digital services that are both forward-thinking and responsive to the needs of the community we serve.”

A new temporary photography exhibition has launched at the Anzac Memorial, showcasing rare glimpses into life in military service as captured by ex-serving personnel.

Accompanied with stories from veterans, the Point & Shoot exhibition honours a range of modern conflicts, peace operations and service from the Second World War onwards. 

The purpose of the exhibition is not to display perfectly captured photos but to share raw moments frozen in time that ex-service personnel thought were worth remembering.

Point & Shoot is the concept of Point Assist founder Mark Direen, a former Infantry and Special Forces soldier with over 20 years military service including six overseas deployments. 

Mark took a plethora of photos to document what he saw during service. His experiences became the impetus for this project, which launched onto the national stage in 2022 and continues to grow.

The exhibition is open for a limited time only – until Sunday 6 October. Entry is free. The Memorial’s opening hours are 9am to 5pm, seven days per week.

Find out more about the Point & Shoot exhibition.

Minister for Veterans David Harris said:

“For Australians who have not served, it can be difficult to understand what military life looks like, including the unique sights and encounters that come with conflict or peacetime operations.

“Point & Shoot is an intimate opportunity to see through the eyes of our veterans and to reflect on their experiences during service.

“Thank you to Mark Direen and the other ex-service men and women who so candidly contributed their personal photos to this exhibition.”

Veteran and photographer Mark Direen said:

“Operating in remote, high threat environments as a combat soldier was both physically and mentally demanding.

“It was behind the lens of a camera that I found stillness and meaning and it was then I wondered, maybe others do this too and so the concept of this exhibition began.

“Through this collection of images, I also hope to shine a light on the sacrifices of the many that allow these stories to be told.” 

The Minns Labor Government is inviting regional councils to apply for a share of $3 million in funding for projects that will support the delivery of more well-located and affordable homes.

From today, regional councils will be able to apply for between $20,000 and $250,000 for individual projects as part of the NSW Government’s Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund.

Delivering more well-located homes near transport and services has been central to the NSW Government’s planning reforms so far and we’re not done.

As regional NSW plans for and delivers more homes to its growing communities, the Minns Government is supporting that growth by funding strategic planning projects.

Councils can use the funds to speed up new housing strategies, prepare infrastructure and servicing plans and make local planning amendments for the delivery of more diverse and affordable housing supply.

These projects will support regional NSW work towards its housing target of 55,000 homes during the National Housing Accord.

The first round of the program funded 20 projects across 19 councils to support the delivery of 40,000 homes. Among them was $107,400 for Port Stephens Council’s partnership with Homes NSW on a sub-precincts masterplan to support the delivery of affordable housing in Raymond Terrace.

The second round allocated $2.9 million to 16 councils to support the delivery of nearly 23,800 homes across regional NSW, including $230,000 to Federation Council to undertake a stormwater-servicing plan supporting 5,600 homes across the Murray region.

All NSW councils outside Greater Sydney are eligible for funding. Round three opens today and closes at 12pm on Friday 22 November 2024.

To learn more about the fund visit https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/policy-and-legislation/housing/regional-housing/regional-housing-strategic-planning-fund

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“The housing crisis is hitting regional communities just as hard as it is hitting Sydney, and the Minns Government wants to make sure they have the resources to plan for and deliver more homes in all parts of the state.

“As regional communities grow and evolve, this funding will help deliver the important planning work needed to boost housing supply, affordability, and diversity.

“The NSW Government is working with regional councils on a coordinated planning approach to deal with regional housing challenges.”

Minister for Regional NSW and Western NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“We really encourage councils to apply and help us unlock the delivery of thousands of new regional homes sooner.

“This funding will support more homes, which means more jobs and better communities in regional NSW.

“Their submissions will then be assessed by an independent panel using a published criteria.”

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park has today visited the site of what will become Australia’s first Aboriginal owned and midwifery-led free standing birth centre.

The Minns Labor Government has committed $45.5 million over seven years for Waminda’s Gudjaga Gunyahlamai Birth Centre and Community Hub in Nowra, which will support culturally safe holistic maternity care for Aboriginal women and their families in the South Coast region.

Birthing on Country supports Aboriginal women and babies by providing culturally safe continuity of midwifery care including antenatal, birthing and postnatal support.

Birthing on Country models have been shown to improve maternal and perinatal outcomes, including women attending more antenatal visits, being less likely to have a premature birth and being more likely to exclusively breastfeed on discharge from hospital.

Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD) has worked closely with the South Coast Women’s Health and Wellbeing Aboriginal Corporation (Waminda) to support the implementation of its Birthing on Country initiative.

Waminda launched the Minga Gudjaga Midwifery Practice with the support of ISLHD in May 2024. This is the first phase of Waminda’s Birthing on Country initiative where Waminda’s privately practising endorsed midwives provide labour and birth care to women at Shoalhaven Memorial District Hospital.

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:

“The NSW Government is proud to work closely with Waminda to support the implementation of its Birthing on Country initiative.”

“Birthing on Country models have proven to significantly improve maternal and perinatal outcomes, and Waminda is leading the way for all Aboriginal women to have access to continuous, culturally safe midwifery care, which includes antenatal, birthing, and postnatal support.

“With this major $45.5 million commitment over seven years we can better meet the social, cultural, spiritual and clinical needs of the local community.”

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris:

“This major investment in the Waminda Birthing on Country program reflects the NSW Government’s commitment to closing the gap for better health outcomes for Aboriginal people.

“It is deeply concerning that Aboriginal women and babies continue to experience health inequalities compared to their non-Aboriginal counterparts.

“This support for Waminda gives the opportunity for the best start in life for Aboriginal babies and their families for generations to come.”

Member for South Coast, Liza Butler:

“I’m really pleased to be part of a government making a landmark investment in a world class facility for our region.

“I’m really proud our government and local health district is increasing access to culturally safe and respectful care for Aboriginal women and families on the South Coast.

WAMINDA’s Minga Gudjaga and Birthing on Country Manager Melanie Briggs:

“Waminda welcomes the Federal, State and Local Governments and their commitment to Birthing on Country to implement and improve the maternal and neonatal outcomes for Aboriginal families on the south coast of NSW.

“The life expectancy gap between Aboriginal and non Aboriginal people will be significantly improved through care that is culturally safe and respectful through Waminda’s Birthing on Country initiative.

“Waminda are honoured to continue our ancestors’ dreams for birthing that is woman centred, sacred and honours LORE and culture at its core.

“Waminda’s Birthing on Country initiative is a key milestone for increasing the First Nations workforce that will fundamentally enhance generational wealth and sustainability for our people.”

Rivers and streams across NSW are in prime condition for the opening of the State’s annual trout fishing season this long weekend (Saturday 5 October) with some 3.3 million trout and salmon stocked into NSW waterways over the past 18 months.

NSW boasts some of the best trout fishing locations in the country, including streams in the New England, the iconic Thredbo and Eucumbene rivers in the Snowy Mountains, and the Fish River near Bathurst in the Central West.

Assisted by volunteers, staff at the Government’s Dutton and Gaden hatcheries have stocked almost 3.3 million Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, Atlantic Salmon and Tiger Trout into creeks, rivers and dams across the NSW trout fishery over the past season.

Following four-month spawning closure, keen fishers and their families will now be able to enjoy what is tipped to be a bumper trout fishing season.

It is important that all recreational fishers check they have a current and valid NSW Recreational Fishing Licence (unless exempt), before wetting a line.

Recreational fishers should also take the opportunity to remind themselves of the fishing rules, to ensure our trout fishery remains viable now and well into the future.

The 2024-25 trout season is open through to midnight 9 June 2025.

A summary of fishing rules and regulations is available via the FishSmart App or by accessing the NSW Recreational Freshwater Fishing Guide available at NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) offices, fishing fee agents or online.

The public is encouraged to report suspected illegal fishing activity to the Fishers Watch phone line on 1800 043 536 or via the online report form at https://fal.cn/3gJWh

NSW Fisheries Officers will be out patrolling trout streams, rivers and impoundments during the open season, so it’s important for fishers to do the right thing and report any suspected illegal fishing activity.

Further information on the NSW DPIRD fish stocking program, please visit our website https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/recreational/resources/stocking 

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“The Minns Government is committed to building a recreational fishing sector that supports regional communities through quality recreational fishing opportunities.

“Keen trout fishers can expect yet another bumper season, with consistent rainfall over the past few years combining with our world-class stocking program to deliver great fishing for these highly popular freshwater sportfish.

“The NSW trout fishery is carefully managed to ensure sustainability while delivering socio-economic benefits to regional communities across the State.”