The Minns Labor Government is powering ahead with the redevelopment of Penrith Stadium, reaching a major milestone with the installation of the first section of the eastern grandstand roof.

The modern roof design will significantly enhance the game-day experience. Once finished, more than half the seats in the eastern grandstand will be covered, nearly doubling the number of covered seats compared to the old grandstand.

Two Western Sydney businesses are playing a central role in the roof installation. Quality Rigging Services Australia (QRSA) is expertly rigging each of the four roof sections to prepare them for lifting, while Borgers Cranes is using a 600-tonne crane to lift the components into place, some weighing up to 70 tonnes.

In total, 172 prefabricated roof sheets each measuring 24 metres in length are being meticulously pre-assembled on the field of play to ensure precision and efficiency during installation.

Construction has progressed rapidly since the first structural members were installed late last year. All formed concrete seating plats on the eastern grandstand are now complete, while early works on the multi-level western grandstand are underway, including concrete poured for the player run-out area.

The Penrith Stadium redevelopment forms part of the Minns Labor Government’s historic multi-billion-dollar investment in Sydney’s western suburbs. It reflects the government’s commitment to building better communities across Western Sydney by investing in the critical infrastructure and services needed in both fast-growing and established areas connecting local families with jobs, recreation and opportunity.

This project will generate around 500 jobs during construction, with more than 650 ongoing jobs supported once the stadium is operational.

The next phase of works will see the installation of steps on the eastern grandstand and the pre-assembly of the western grandstand roof.

Accessibility, safety, comfort and inclusivity are at the heart of the new stadium design, featuring triple the number of wheelchair-accessible seats, double the number of female bathrooms and changerooms, improved wayfinding, and upgraded security and technology.

For more information visit: Penrith Stadium.

Deputy Premier of New South Wales and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said

“We are proud to be delivering this world-class stadium upgrade that continues to take shape, right in the heart of the West.

“In a win for Western Sydney, this project is creating hundreds of jobs during construction and will support hundreds more ongoing roles once the stadium opens.

“The community is looking forward to returning to the stands for the 2027 NRL season and cheering on the Panthers in their world-class stadium.”

Minister forJobs and Tourism, Lands and Property, Multiculturalism and Sport, Steve Kamper said:

“Penrith Stadium is about more than a stadium. It’s about driving local jobs, boosting small businesses and creating an entertainment destination that supports the local economy year-round.

“The installation of the first roof section marks another significant milestone and shows just how well construction is progressing. We’re one step closer to welcoming fans back through the gates.

“The precinct won’t just host events it will help power Penrith’s economy and cement Western Sydney as a premier destination for sport and entertainment.”

Local member for Penrith Karen McKeown said:

“This milestone highlights the enormous progress being made to deliver this much needed stadium upgrade to celebrate the passion and pride of the Panthers supporters and deliver year-round community benefits.

“This redevelopment is a game changer for our community, not just for sport fans and concerts goers, but for local businesses, such as QRS and Borgers Cranes.”

The Minns Labor Government is delivering another major school upgrade for Western Sydney, with construction underway at Parramatta East Public School to replace all of the school’s demountables with modern permanent classrooms.

Parramatta East will go from having 21 demountable classrooms on site to zero, with students benefiting from 24 permanent new classrooms, a learning support unit with three classrooms, 12 common rooms and multipurpose spaces, and a library.

These brand-new facilities will open from Day 1, Term 1, 2027 as the Minns Government continues its work to rebuild public education across NSW.

Once complete, Parramatta East will have capacity for more than 650 students, future-proofing the school for one of the fastest growing communities in NSW.

For more than a decade, the Liberals and Nationals neglected public schools in Western Sydney despite once-in-a-generation student enrolment growth putting pressure on schools and leading to demountables clogging valuable play space.

The former government promised to upgrade Parramatta East Public School, but failed to do so.

The upgrade to Parramatta East Public School is among 16 major education infrastructure projects being delivered across the greater Parramatta region, that will see over 200 demountables removed and replaced with more than 300 permanent classrooms.

Once complete, this work across the greater Parramatta region will provide permanent capacity for almost 7,000 additional students.

The Minns Labor Government is also building three new public preschools at Melrose Park Public School, Oatlands Public School, and Ermington West, offering 280 places per week for the area’s youngest learners.

This is all part of a record $9 billion in new schools and upgrades, including a record $3.9 billion for new and upgraded schools in Western Sydney as well as more teachers in the classroom, giving our children access to a world class public education, right where they live.

This is the largest investment in school infrastructure in NSW history and $400 million higher than when the former government left office.

Around 230 new schools, public preschools, and major upgrades are currently underway across NSW.

The delivery of new classrooms is being matched with more teachers in NSW public schools, with teacher vacancies at a 12-year low at the beginning of the 2026 school year.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“We are delivering new and upgraded schools because every child deserves access to a world-class public education.

“In Western Sydney, we were elected to address the school infrastructure backlog and deliver more classrooms and modern facilities for students and teachers.

“As the son of a public school teacher, I know just how important giving every kid access to the best education possible is, no matter where they live – and thanks to more teachers and better schools, that is exactly what we’re delivering.”

Deputy Premier of New South Wales and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“The Minns Labor Government is building and upgrading schools where they’re needed, as we work to fix the mess left behind by the Liberals and Nationals.

“The former government oversaw record population growth in Western Sydney but failed to deliver the infrastructure required including new and upgraded public schools, despite promising to do so.

“Our government is working to ensure students are learning from the modern permanent classrooms they deserve.”

Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said:

“During their 12 years in government the Liberals and Nationals left Parramatta East Public School behind, and the 70-year-old facilities were bursting at the seams.

“The Minns Labor Government is getting on with the job of removing demountables and building permanent classrooms for local students.

“I’m proud to be part of a government delivering for families in Parramatta and across Western Sydney.”

Parramatta East Public School Principal Justine Miller said:

“It’s wonderful to see construction progressing on this much-needed upgrade for our school community.

“We look forward to the project continuing to take shape and seeing our students benefit from these new and improved facilities for many years to come.”

Additional public primary and public high school upgrades and new builds being delivered across the greater Parramatta region:

• Carlingford West Public School – upgrade
• Cumberland High School – upgrade
• Darcy Road Public School – upgrade
• Dundas Public School – upgrade
• Ermington West Public School – upgrade
• Girraween Public School – upgrade
• Melrose Park – new high school
• Melrose Park Public School – redevelopment
• Newington Public School – upgrade
• Northmead Public School – upgrade
• Rydalmere Public School – upgrade
• Rydalmere East Public School – upgrade
• Telopea Public School – upgrade
• Wentworth Point Public School – upgrade (Stage 2)
• Westmead Public School – upgrade

The Minns Labor Government maintains its commitment to protect workers from dust diseases with its $2.5 million state-of-the -art Lung Health Mobile Clinic which is providing lung health checks to thousands of people across New South Wales.

The lung bus has arrived in Blacktown to provide free lung screening checks. These lung health checks can be lifesaving by ensuring early detection and treatment of dust diseases like asbestosis, silicosis and mesothelioma.

The lung bus program provides free lung screening checks to more than 5,000 workers annually in regional NSW.

In collaboration with SafeWork, icare also supports the NSW Silica Worker Register (SWR), which helps identify and monitor workers who have been exposed to respirable crystalline silica across their working lives.

By linking registry data with services such as the mobile clinic, icare is helping ensure workers most at risk are prioritised for screening, follow-up care and specialist referral where needed.

Data from SafeWork NSW shows there have been 12,214 workers registered on the SWR from 597 businesses as at 31 December 2025, most of which are in the construction and manufacturing industries. Close to 3,850 workers are listed as working in tunnelling-related roles.

Launched on 1 October 2025, the SWR is used to help monitor and track the health of at-risk workers undertaking high-risk processing of crystalline silica substances (CSS).

In Blacktown, 62 employers are currently on the Register, with their workers being prioritised for screening due to potential occupational silica exposure.

Lung health checks are painless and only take around 30 minutes. The process includes chest X-rays to detect abnormalities or damage, lung function testing to assess respiratory performance, consultation with a specialist doctor, who interprets results and provides tailored advice and referral for a CT scan, if required, to get a better image of the chest and lungs.

The Lung Health Mobile Clinic will be located at Blacktown International Sports Park – Athletics Centreon Monday 16 February.

Eliminating the risks associated with silica is a high priority for the Minns Government and the Lung Bus is one of several measures which have been introduced to reduce the risks of working with CSS in NSW.

These include:

• Strengthening workplace safety through a Silica Worker Register (SWR) which monitors and tracks the health of at-risk workers undertaking high-risk processing of crystalline silica substances (CSS).
• Leading the ban on engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs containing one per cent or greater crystalline silica. This included a national ban on its importation from January 1, 2025.
• Establishing the Tunnelling Dust Safety Taskforce to help address silica related health risks for workers in tunnelling projects. The Taskforce is made up of Government, medical, industry and union representatives and provides expert guidance to prevent and manage silica and other dust related disease associated with tunnelling projects in NSW.
• Establishing a dedicated silica unit within SafeWork NSW which includes a Silica Compliance Team to enforce strengthened regulations, including proactive visits to sites conducting high-risk CSS processing.
• Allocating $5 million in critical funding for silicosis research and a patient support program for individuals and their families navigating the health risks associated with exposure to silica dust. The grant funding, administered collaboratively by icare and the Dust Diseases Board, will be provided over three years to the Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute (ADDRI).

Workers can also arrange a free lung screening at icare’s Sydney CBD clinic, or with local providers regionally when the lung bus is not in that part of the state. To book a free lung health check, contact icare on 1800 550 027.

The Dust Diseases Care team can help facilitate lung health checks at icare’s Sydney CBD Kent Street clinic or their mobile clinic or through local services.

Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said:

“The icare Mobile Clinic underscores the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to removing barriers like cost and location, ensuring workers across NSW have access to the critical support and care they need to safeguard their health.

“The Lung Bus is another important step towards protecting workers from dust diseases and builds on the Government’s recent actions including the Silica Worker Register, the ban on engineered stone, the establishment of the Tunnelling Dust Safety Taskforce and a dedicated Silica unit within SafeWork NSW.

“Every worker has the right to go to work and return home safely.”

Member for Blacktown Stephen Bali said:

“We want to make sure that people in Blacktown have access to the healthcare they need, when and where they need it.

“For too many, life gets in the way of regular check-ups so by bringing this service directly to the community, we’re removing one more barrier to staying healthy.

“Whether you’re working in construction, mining, manufacturing or just living in the area – we’re urging everyone to take a few minutes to get checked.”

Member for Riverstone Warren Kirby said:

“The Lung Bus is a terrific initiative that plays a vital role in keeping workers safe and healthy.

“These health checks can be lifesaving by enabling the early detection and treatment of dust-related diseases.

“By bringing these essential services directly to the communities that need them most, the icare Lung Bus is helping to protect the health and futures of our workers.”

Icare Group Executive of General Insurance and Care Sarah Johnson said:

“A lung health check could save your life.

“Early detection is critical to effective treatment, and we’re here to make sure every worker, no matter where they live, has access to world-class care.”

The Minns Labor Government is expanding its drought plan with new financial support products and services for farmers and communities as dry conditions continue across parts of NSW.

Following discussions by the Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty and the Southern NSW Drought Coordinator with farmers and their families, plus mayors and local MPs, further assistance will be immediately rolled out to help those in need.

The new additional measures have been identified following comprehensive consultation across southern NSW, with the drought coordinator attending more than 60 events and meeting hundreds of people in the last three months.

Collectively these new initiatives and services give farmers additional help to manage risk, protect livestock, cover short term cash-flow needs, and make better informed decisions.

The Minns Government’s expanded drought plan for assistance and services will now include:

• Doubling the loan amount available from $250,000 up to $500,000 under the $250 million Drought Ready and Resilient Fund – this has been called for by farmers because doubling the cap to $500,000 enables them to undertake larger, sustainability‑focused drought resilience projects while also covering operational costs such as feed and transport.
• New small Drought Relief Loan of up to $100,000 established – this new product will provide farmers with immediate, low‑cost finance to help manage the impacts of drought. With an upfront payment option, reduced documentation requirements, and no property as security on the loan requirement – farmers can get funds faster, easier and cheaper.
• NSW Rural Financial Counselling Service $1.8M funding – provides free and independent financial counselling to eligible farmers experiencing, or at risk of, financial hardship.
• Drought Adoption Officer Program funding extended $1.2 million funding – this Minns Government initiative started in late 2023 has been extended to December 2026, due to the success delivered – 2,000 one-on-one landholder consultations, & 880 events and farm visits.
• Term of the Southern NSW Drought Coordinator extended – initial six months now extended to end of 2026 and expanded to western NSW where dry conditions are challenging farmers.
• Free feed and water testing available statewide, $250,000 funding – Local Land Services will make available statewide test kits to help farmers assess feed and water quality to plan feed budgets and manage their livestock’s health.
• Reduce kangaroo populations in drought affected western NSW, $1.2 million funding – to help combat the emerging kangaroo grazing pressure competing for feed and water.
• Increase the targeting of feral pigs and deer for landholder, $2 million program – supporting landholders in drought-impacted regions where limited food and water drives the feral and pest animals to compete with livestock around critical water points and shaded areas.

To ensure farmers and communities become aware of these new services and the whole suite of assistance, a series of local events will be delivered across southern and western NSW.

The new loans will be administered by the Minns Government’s Rural Assistance Authority with applications opening from 10 March 2026.

These measures complement the Minns Government’s existing drought plan’s support such as:

• $250 million Drought Ready and Resilient Fund established in late 2023 provides low‑interest loans for farmers.
• Recently announced additional $43.2 million for the Farm Business Resilience Program jointly funded through the Future Drought Fund to help farmers manage drought, adapt to climate change, and build resilience.
• Continued funding, as announced in the 2025/26 budget, for the Farmgate Support Program, enabling essential mental health support for farmers and farming families.
• $20 million Regional Drought Resilience Planning Program, co-funded with the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund to develop practical plans to prepare and recover.
• Local Land Services farmer extension services – on-the-ground expert drought, agricultural, biosecurity, and veterinary advice. Including the Drought Adoption Officers program launched in late 2023 and now extended.
• Tool and resources – such as myStockPlanner launched in October 2025, a free planning platform to help farmers calculate livestock requirements, feed plans, projected costs of livestock, plus sale and retention options to get through challenging times.

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

“The Minns Government recognises the pressures facing farmers in these dry conditions, and the expansion of our drought assistance and services demonstrates we will act to support those in need.

“Our innovative and practical approach is shown by the new range of low-cost financial products so farmers can get funds faster, easier and cheaper. This is what they wanted and we are delivering.

“Our Government has been implementing new drought initiatives over the last six months following meetings I’ve had with farmers, mayors and local MPs.

“Just two weeks ago I met the MP for Cootamundra and her electorate’s local mayors. Next week I am meeting all the Riverina East Mayors in Wagga to discuss how these new measures are being rolled out.

“Practical measures have been boosted to benefit the operations of the farm, such as free water and feed testing, and enhanced targeting of feral pigs, pests and kangaroos who are competing against livestock for food and water across the drier grazing areas.

“The southern NSW drought coordinator and drought adoption officer program we introduced has demonstrated its success and that is why we are funding the extension of the role and program to keep working with farmers and assist them to access services and support.

“The Minns Government knows farmers and their families need mental health or financial counselling services during these challenging times and we have funded those services to make sure they are available.

“There have been some calls for transport and feed subsidies, but expert advice from the previous Nationals-Liberal Government’s 2021 evaluation report into drought relief measures, showed they provide very low value for money. We also know they can drive up prices of transport and feed.

“Our Government is focused on cost effective measures that deliver real benefits for farmers and communities. This enables us to direct funding in times of drought to the practical, cost-effective support that makes a real difference.”

The $50 million Glen Innes Hospital Redevelopment has been given the green light, with a builder appointed to deliver main works construction and work set to start on the Redevelopment in the coming months.

The Minns Government is investing in a redevelopment of Glen Innes Hospital to deliver a new acute services building on the existing hospital campus, housing an expanded emergency department, medical imaging, ambulance drop-off and bays, and mortuary.  

There will also be a new main entry to the hospital from Ferguson Street, enhancing access to health services for patients, carers and visitors, with a convenient drop-off area located outside the new hospital building.

TCQ Construction has been engaged as the builder to deliver the main works for the Glen Innes Hospital Redevelopment following a competitive tender process.

The Glen Innes Hospital will continue to operate during the planned construction, providing ongoing care for the Glen Innes and surrounding communities, and remain as a District Hospital, networked to Armidale and Tamworth hospitals for access to specialist services.

Next steps for the project include finalising the design of the new acute services building ahead of construction starting in the coming months.

Consultation with staff, community and stakeholders will continue to ensure the new acute services building is a welcoming environment that reflects the heritage and culture of the region.

Staff and community recently participated in consultation throughout October and November 2025, providing feedback on the project’s planning application. The contractor appointment follows planning determination for the project, which was received in December 2025.

Further information on the redevelopment is available by visiting the project website: https://www.nsw.gov.au/glen-innes-hospital-redevelopment

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

“We’ve reached a significant milestone for the Glen Innes Hospital Redevelopment which will deliver enhanced and contemporary healthcare facilities for Glen Innes and the surrounding communities.

“Ensuring rural and regional communities have access to the best healthcare is a key priority for the Minns Labor Government.

“We are investing in regional and rural health care services, so everyone can access quality care closer to home.

Government Spokesperson for Northern Tablelands Peter Primrose:

“The $50 million Glen Innes Hospital Redevelopment is estimated to support approximately 90 direct jobs, with the potential for supporting hundreds of indirect jobs over the life of the project.

“This will provide a huge boost to the local economy, and I look forward to the construction site being established and work commencing in the coming months.”

Women and families in the Maitland and Hunter Valley region are now able to access public home birth services with a new pilot program at Maitland Hospital.

The public home birthing service operates as part of the Maitland Midwifery Group Practice (MGP), offering planned home birth for eligible low-risk women.

Women accessing MGP services receive continuity of care from a known primary midwife in consultation with a multidisciplinary team, throughout their pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period ensuring they receive high-quality, individualised maternity care.

Maitland Hospital has developed the new home birth pilot program in close collaboration with the Women’s Health and Maternity (WHAM) Network and following extensive consultation with the community to ensure it is safe, sustainable and meets the needs of the community.

The model of care is in line with the NSW Health Guideline for Public Homebirth Services and will have strict oversight and eligibility criteria requirements governed by Hunter New England Local Health District, including:

• Defined governance, escalation, and transfer arrangements
• Workforce capability requirements and credentialing
• Equipment, medication, and safety standards
• Clear clinical accountability and monitoring processes.

The model has been embedded within the existing MGP service. The pilot program is part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to increasing access to midwifery continuity of care models across the state, which was supported by a $44.8 million investment into maternity care in the 2025-26 NSW Budget which includes funding for an additional 53 FTE midwives in regional NSW.

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

“The establishment of a publicly funded home birth pilot program at Maitland Hospital provides women in Maitland and across the Hunter with more choice about where and how they give birth.”

“We know how important it is for women to feel safe, respected and supported during pregnancy and birth.

“This is why we are supporting midwifery continuity of care models that empower families, and deliver outstanding outcomes for women and their babies.”

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley:

“This new public home birth pilot at Maitland Hospital is about giving local women and families in the Hunter more choice, while ensuring the highest standards of safety and care.

“Families across our region deserve access to modern, compassionate maternity services close to home, and this program is another example of the Minns Labor Government delivering for the Hunter.

“By expanding midwifery continuity of care and supporting safe home birth options for eligible women, we are putting women’s voices, experiences and wellbeing at the centre of maternity care.”

Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison:

“Women deserve to give birth in the place where they feel most safe, supported and comfortable. For many, that place is their home.

“This new public home birth program will give women across Maitland and the Hunter region greater choice, allowing them to have the births they want and deserve.

“The service is part of a broader effort to expand access to midwifery continuity of care across the state and home birth services is a vital part of that model. It’s about empowering women, supporting families, and ensuring mothers and babies receive compassionate, high-quality care at one of the most significant times in their lives.”

Hunter New England Local Health District, Executive Director of Operations, Susan Heyman:

“We’ve developed this new home birth pilot program in collaboration with our Women’s Health and Maternity (WHAM) Network to give women another safe and supported way to give birth.

“The pilot proposes a safe, evidence‑based, and controlled approach to planned home birth for low‑risk women, delivered by experienced midwives and embedded within the public hospital system with defined escalation pathways to Maitland Hospital.”

The Bondi Community Hub is set to change format at the end of this week as the recovery focus moves to the delivery of embedded community supports and resources, following the worst terror attack in Australia’s history.

Stood up in the aftermath of the 14 December antisemitic terror attack with the goal of providing immediate support to people impacted by the event, the hub has been an important resource for the initial two months. There have been more than 1,400 visits since it opened in December, with more than 650 applications now lodged with Victims Support Services and over 400 businesses supported.

Now that many people are registered with NSW Government services, a streamlined hub will operate at The Pavillion for the coming months, with the crucial services of Lifeline for mental health support, plus Legal Aid NSW to assist with Victim Support Services applications available.

While the hub has been operating, the NSW Government has been focused on embedding ongoing supports to service the entire community, including dedicated case workers, mental health services, and grants for community organisations.

• A pop-up Medicare Mental Health Centre is now operating in Bondi Junction providing confidential mental health information and services. Medicare Mental Health Centres are free for everyone who walks in the door, with no appointment or referral needed.
• Embedded Community Resilience and Engagement Officers are established within eight organisations including Surf Life Saving NSW, Waverley Council and community organisations to coordinate and deliver tailored long-term support, and ensure community voices continue to be heard.
• The NSW Government’s $1 million Jewish Community Response Grants Program has funded 24 organisations to deliver their own programs for the community. These include mental health support and resilience-building initiatives for impacted children and young people, like weekly workshops, a safe drop-in space for community connection, and school-based programs. The grants will also fund Jewish community gatherings and events that promote cultural healing.
• Resilience Support Services will allow organisations to deliver specialised counselling, community outreach and other essential services, both in person and over the phone. Local multicultural services, and youth organisations will be funded to run targeted programs and ensure that every cohort of the community has access to support.

Coordinators General Michele Goldman and Joseph La Posta will continue to lead ongoing engagement with the Bondi community to ensure those affected receive the long-term support they need.

Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said:

“Our focus continues to be on working in partnership with communities as we grapple with the profound impacts of this horrific attack.

“We are making sure all those impacted by the Bondi Beach attack have coordinated systems of support that are well resourced and designed to operate for as long as they are needed.

“Having support embedded within organisations means we can make sure we are listening to the community’s changing needs, and are doing everything we can to make them feel supported, whether it be a month, six months or long term.”

Coordinator General Michele Goldman said:

“Community healing remains at the very heart of everything we do, and we’re ensuring that the next phase of recovery is well coordinated, and the supports that people rely on are guaranteed over the long-term.

“Embedded resources give our communities a voice – a key part of this job will be active engagement with community leaders and organisations to make sure they are getting the help and support they need.”

Coordinator General Joseph La Posta said:

“There have been more than 1,400 visits to the community hub since its doors opened in the days immediately following the Bondi terror attack. Our gratitude to Coogee Intercontinental Hotel and North Bondi RSL, and then to Waverley Council, for providing us safe and accessible spaces at the Bondi Pavillion to provide these critical response services.

“I want to sincerely thank everyone who gave their time and expertise, whether you offered clinical expertise, helped someone to access a grant or other assistance, or were just simply there with someone in need as a caring presence – you’ve made an enormous impact.”