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The Minns Government is using helicopters to provide isolated farmers with emergency fodder for their stranded livestock, as part of a range of support available to flood-affected farmers across the Mid-North Coast, North Coast and Hunter.

As of midday Saturday, 24 May, there have been 43 helicopter aerial drops of fodder, and nearly 131 emergency fodder drops by other means. There have also been 15 requests for animal assessment and veterinary support.

The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) with Local Land Services (LLS) teams, with around 80 people available for responding, are working together as the Agricultural and Animal Services Functional Area (AASFA), that is managing the agricultural and animal welfare hotline and its response activities.

The AASFA operation is providing farmers with emergency fodder in cases of immediate animal welfare concern, aerial support for isolated or stranded livestock, and fodder drops to farmers in the Hunter and other areas affected.

Another important element of emergency response and recovery for farmers and communities impacted by natural disasters is the difficult process of deceased animal disposal.

Through the AASFA emergency hotline, farmers and community members can make requests for carcass disposal and report deceased livestock, either on properties or that have been transported by floodwaters off properties and into community spaces.

The correct management of deceased or unwell livestock after a natural disaster is important to minimise the impact on the environment, distress to owners and the public, and to reduce the risks to human and animal health through the spread of disease. 

Impacted farmers can call the AASFA hotline: 1800 814 647 (8am to 6pm, 7x days a week)

NSW Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty said:

“This extreme weather event has ended up being more impactful than thought possible and I want to praise the work of farmers for all their efforts in protecting their livestock as well as they have. Unfortunately, the rain and flooding has caused a lot of damage and taken many animals with it.

“The AASFA team is ready to assist with emergency fodder, stranded animals and veterinary treatment plus the necessary work of carcass removal.

“Farmers and the community can call the hotline and request assistance and the AASFA team will respond and service those in need.

“The NSW Government is providing emergency fodder, veterinary care, management advice and aerial support for isolated stock. Farmers are not alone and can call our hotline for assistance.

“Animal welfare will continue to be a top priority over the coming days as waters recede.”

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Director Emergency Management Dr Leigh Pilkington said:

“I would like to thank all landholders and community members for being proactive in taking steps to prepare for this event and reporting their deceased animals, so our team can make the appropriate disposal arrangements,” Dr Pilkington said.

“We know it is an incredibly difficult time for landholders, and we have teams ready to assist them where we can. I would encourage landholders to reach out to DPIRD for help.

“We have vets from Local Land Services ready to help with animal assessment, treatment and euthanasia on welfare grounds and carcass disposal.”

Assistance available through AASFA includes:

• Animal assessment and veterinary support
• Euthanasia of animals on welfare grounds
• Emergency fodder (where there is an immediate animal welfare concern)
• Emergency stock water (where there is an immediate animal welfare concern)
• Livestock feeding and management advice
• Aerial support for isolated or stranded livestock

A range of immediate support measures have been put in place for individuals and families in flood impacted communities across NSW, with more to come in the following days, as early recovery commences.

Now that the peak of the emergency response has passed, the NSW Government’s focus is on ensuring that impacted people can access food and shelter, medicine and animal welfare support.

Immediate Health and Welfare support

• Individuals and communities that have become isolated and are in need of food or medical supplies should contact the NSW SES on 132 500 for assistance. In life threatening situations, call Triple-Zero (000).
• Food, accommodation, and connections with social services are available at evacuation centres. A list of evacuation centres is available at: ses.nsw.gov.au/during-an-emergency/evacuation-centres.
• People who have lost their prescriptions or prescription medicines, or can’t access their GP, can visit their local community pharmacy for a replacement for most medicines. For more information speak with your local pharmacy, GP or call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222.
• Landholders needing urgent animal welfare assistance should call the Agriculture and Animal Services Functional Area on 1800 814 647. Operating hours have been extended from 8am to 6pm daily.

Clean up and Returning Home

As flood waters continue to recede, we understand people will be keen to inspect their properties, but we ask that they remain patient and await advice from NSW SES that it is safe to return. Strike teams are on the ground completing rapid impact assessments and coordinating a clean-up blitz.

Following safety assessments, roads will begin to reopen, supporting resupply to communities and returning home. If roads are blocked, please do not drive around barricades even if you cannot see water, as it may not be safe.

• The M1 has now reopened, with one lane in each direction. Please check livetraffic.com for the most up-to-date information on road closures before heading out.
• Returning home to flood impacted properties poses a number of health and safety risks. NSW Health has important advice about safe household clean up after a flood at: health.nsw.gov.au/emergency_preparedness/weather/Pages/household-cleanup.aspx
• A coordinated plan to manage waste is being rolled out. Residents should leave waste at their kerb. Emergency services will be on hand in some areas to help move waste from homes to the kerb. Residents are encouraged to separate white goods and mattresses from other flood debris. Please wear protective clothing when cleaning or touching flood-damaged items or material. If there is any risk that waste contains biological or chemical hazards or asbestos contamination, please contact the NSW Environmental Protection Authority on 131 555 for advice.
• Before people start clean up, they should also take pictures of their properties to assist with insurance claims. Legal Aid NSW is providing free legal assistance to NSW flood victims through the Disaster Response Legal Service and can be contacted on 1800 801 529.

Recovery Assistance, Grants and Donations

• Recovery Assistance Points and Phase 1 of Commonwealth and State Government grants will commence shortly. More information will become available soon.
• If you want to help, the NSW SES partners with communities during a crisis to respond where help is needed most. In large-scale disasters, spontaneous volunteer groups and individuals are an integral part of supporting our communities with the right help at the right time. Find out more at: ses.nsw.gov.au/volunteer/spontaneous-volunteer
• Please donate responsibly to flood impacted communities. Unsolicited donations often end up warehoused or in landfill, making clean-up operations more difficult and costly for communities. GIVIT is working in partnership with the New South Wales Government, local councils and recovery organisations to help people in NSW affected by storms and flooding get the essential goods and services they need. To find out what is needed, visit: https://www.givit.org.au/take-action/ways-to-give/give-against-an-appeal/new-south-wales-flooding.

Mental Health Support

Importantly, take care of your mental health and encourage those around you to do the same. This a challenging time. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, contact:

• Lifeline on 13 11 14 for crisis support any time
• Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36
• 13YARN, run by Aboriginal people, on 13 92 76
• Transcultural Mental Health Line on 1800 648 911
• Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 (if you’re aged under 25)
• NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511 to speak to a specialist mental health service.

Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin MP said:

“We’re working to roll out the support that people need through Evacuation Centres now and Recovery Centres as they open. This is about making sure that people get a helping hand in these challenging times.

“One of the most important steps in early recovery is the initial clean up. That’s why the government is rolling out a plan to manage waste. Public Works, the EPA, and local Councils are working together to collect flood waste from homes and businesses.”

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“As the severe weather subsides, we urge the community not to become complacent. Please continue to heed warnings from the NSW SES, monitor the Hazards Near Me app and always follow the advice of emergency service personnel.

“The SES is working with emergency services and recovery partners to carry out rapid damage assessments and clean outs as we continue to support NSW communities starting on the road to recovery.”

Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“Transport for NSW is working with local councils and emergency services to restore road access to isolated communities as quickly as possible.

“Communities are reminded to not drive through flood waters, and comply with all roadworks speed limits as we work to restore access.”

Minister for Housing Rose Jackson said:

“The priority right now is that flood impacted people have access to food and shelter. Both can be found at our evacuation centres in addition to connections to social services where required. They will also continue to be available at Recovery Assistance Points.

“The NSW Government is committed to supporting people across the state when disasters hit, we work closely with emergency services and community leaders to understand what locals need and provide help to those impacted.”

More than 7,000 Year 1 students across 165 NSW public schools will take part in a new Number Screening Check over the next two weeks, as part of a trial to screen students’ grasp of numbers and provide teachers with the opportunity for early intervention. 

The screening check is part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to lift numeracy outcomes, and also a key component of the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement signed with the Commonwealth in March, which delivered full funding for NSW public schools.

NSW is leading the nation in developing its own number screening check and will be sharing its resources with other states once the trial is completed.

The teacher-led check takes 10-15 minutes to complete for each student and assesses core foundational learning skills key to later success in maths and numeracy.

Teachers will use the results to provide students with targeted assistance in areas such as counting, ordering numbers, addition and subtraction.

The check tracks student progress and examines their understanding in three main areas:

• numbers – knowledge of whole numbers, for example being shown the numeral 13, recognising it and saying ‘thirteen’
• number relations – knowledge of relations between whole numbers, for example 5 comes before 6, which comes before 7
• number operations – knowledge of how numbers can be taken apart and put back together, for example adding 2 and 4 makes 6.

An earlier pilot tested the content, structure and mechanics of the screener across 19 schools, with initial feedback showing participating schools are already using insights from the number check to plan for targeted teaching.

The expanded trial will help further refine and validate the check ahead of its rollout to all public schools in NSW.

The Year 1 Number Screening Check supports the existing Year 1 Phonics Screening Check, providing teachers with an early view of an individual student’s capabilities.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“The Minns Labor Government is determined to lift outcomes for students after the Liberals presided over years of declining results amid a teacher shortage crisis they denied and ignored.

“The Year 1 Number Screening Check will be a key resource for teachers, enabling them to assess essential numeracy skills and intervene early to help lift education outcomes for our young learners.

“By identifying at-risk students early, we can ensure that they receive the necessary support in time to get them back on track and reach their full potential.”

Stanmore Public School principal Ben Heinecke said:

“We know students who develop strong maths and numeracy skills early are better equipped to achieve success throughout school and into later life. 

“These checks are a great way to help us identify students who require support in time for our teachers to make a difference.”

The thoughts of New South Wales are with the people of the Mid North Coast and the Hunter right now, as they deal with the floods that have smashed their communities this week.

While the worst of the weather appears behind us, many towns are still cut off by the waters, with warnings still in place. If you are anywhere near the flood zone, I urge you to download the Hazards Near Me app and follow any emergency broadcasts until directed otherwise.

These are tough communities. Having spent the last few days in Taree, Maitland, Raymond Terrace and Gillieston Heights, I have seen their strength and composure up close. But they are in pain right now, as they count the costs of the damage, while mourning those who have died in terrible circumstances.

These deaths are a shocking tragedy, but it’s important to know that this disaster could have been on a much larger scale. If it wasn’t for the bravery and professionalism of our emergency workers and volunteers, we may have been mourning hundreds of deaths this week.  

We have seen an incredible logistical effort, working in exceptionally difficult circumstances. In the coming days and weeks, we will hear more stories of people being plucked out of impossible, desperate situations. We will learn of volunteers putting themselves in harm’s way to rescue complete strangers.

Emergency workers have performed at least 765 flood rescues. That involved more than 2,600 emergency service personnel, including 2,200 SES workers, 225 from the Rural Fire Service, 75 from Fire and Rescue, along with members of the NSW Police Force and the Australian Defence Force. In this moment of need, many other organisations also jumped in to lend a hand.

We owe each of these heroes a deep gratitude. Unquestionably, they have saved many, many lives.

As we look forward, it’s important that everyone is across the process of emergency response and recovery from here. Our first priority, of course, is to save people in imminent risk of death. The next priority is to supply food and shelter. The last priority is the cleanup effort.

I understand that there will be some frustrations if your possessions have been swept away, or your business has been smashed. You want to start the recovery as quickly as possible. But we’ve got to make sure the third priority doesn’t jump in front of the first one.

As floodwaters recede, we can move into the cleanup phase.

I know this is asking people to be patient, but we will not leave communities alone to deal with this. Assistance will flow soon, including personal hardship payments of $180 per individual or $900 per household, which we have announced with the Commonwealth Government.

Recovery takes time, long after the cameras move on to some other drama in some other place. But the NSW Government will be there, as people get back on their feet, to walk that road with them. 

I am deeply concerned by reports of violent and racially motivated attacks on members of our Chinese community, including international students and residents here in the Heffron electorate.

While my office has received a handful of emails—some from local constituents, others from beyond our boundaries—the pattern they describe is distressing. Every person has the right to feel safe on our streets, regardless of where they come from or the language they speak.

There is no place for racism in our society. Not in our suburbs. Not in our schools. Not in our streets. As the son of migrants, I understand how painful and personal this issue can be.

I have already contacted the Eastern Beaches Police Area Command seeking urgent advice about these incidents, and asking what actions are being taken to keep our community safe.

I will continue to monitor this matter closely and ensure residents are kept informed.

To all Chinese students, migrants and families who have chosen to make Heffron their home—I want you to know you are welcome here. You are valued. You are respected. And I stand with you.

The Minns Labor Government will make it cheaper and easier for people to access life changing treatment for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) by allowing general practitioners (GPs) to treat and diagnose people with ADHD.

Currently, most people seeking a diagnosis, management and ongoing prescription medication for ADHD must see a specialist. This is often extremely expensive and many patients wait months or years to get a diagnosis, or can’t access treatment at all.

The Minns Labor Government will enable GPs to provide ongoing ADHD prescriptions for children and adults who are on stable doses of medication, without the need of a formal arrangement. 

A smaller number of GPs will be enabled to diagnose and initiate medication where appropriate.

Once fully implemented, these reforms will save patients both months of waiting as well as significant costs in accessing treatment. 

In both instances, GPs will be required to undertake accredited training and will receive support. Expressions of interest for GPs to undertake additional education and training requirements will be sought in coming months.

Interested GPs will be able to choose between two tiers of accredited training or registration, with each providing differing levels of capacity to diagnose, treat, prescribe or manage ADHD.

Up to 1000 GPs will be supported to complete additional training to allow continuation prescriptions once a patient has been stabilised.

NSW Health will fund these training packages and mentorship and access to resources to access the implementation of the reforms.

These reforms will be implemented in a staged approach, with an initial focus on prescriptions for children.

This is because a delay in diagnosis can have a significant impact on a child’s development, such as poorer academic progress, employment opportunities and mental health.

NSW is the third state to implement reforms to make it easier for people to access treatment for ADHD. In Queensland, GPs can prescribe certain ADHD medications for children without a prescribing approval, and Western Australia has proposed to allow patients to receive a diagnosis and treatment from specialist GPs with specific skills and additional training in ADHD diagnosis and management.

GP training will commence in the coming months and the ability for GPs to provide ongoing prescriptions for children is expected to open up in early 2026.

Premier Chris Minns:

“By safely training more GPs to treat and diagnose ADHD, we are hoping to break the cycle of people having to wait years for, what can be, a life-altering diagnosis.

“Not getting diagnosed and not being able to access treatment can have a particularly big impact on a child getting the most out of their life, whether that’s academically or socially.

“These reforms help tilt the scales in favour of fairness – reducing the cost of getting treatment by hundreds of dollars, removing red tape for thousands of families and young people, and giving people the support they need to live happier, healthier lives.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“We’re making it easier for children and adults to receive a diagnosis as well as prescription medication for ADHD by allowing GPs to manage this condition.

“We know that people endure long wait times as well as significant expenses just to see a specialist to receive a diagnosis.

“We’re not going to stand idly by while people struggle to access life-changing treatment.

“The option to see a GP to manage ADHD will provide a timely, safe and appropriate pathway to care, while relieving pressure on in-demand specialists.”

Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson:

“For families who’ve been waiting, worrying, and paying too much — this is the much needed relief they’ve been hoping for. Now families won’t need to reach for their credit cards to get the help they need.

“This is about fairness — saving families hundreds of dollars and giving them quicker access to the help they need, without the long, expensive wait for a specialist.

“Too many families are stuck waiting, paying, and struggling to access basic ADHD support — especially in the regions. That’s not just frustrating, it’s fundamentally unfair.

“For kids and families dealing with ADHD, the difference between getting help now and waiting years can be life-changing.

“This is what a fairer mental health system looks like — more choice, less red tape, and support that meets people where they are.”

RACGP NSW & ACT Chair Dr Rebekah Hoffman:

“As I travel across New South Wales, I hear from my colleagues about families in rural areas who travel more than seven hours to see a paediatrician, and of families in Sydney spending more than $5,000 on assessments and diagnosis for ADHD.

“This announcement will have life-changing impacts when it comes to accessing timely and affordable ADHD care for families across the state.

“We know when it comes to ADHD that early intervention is vital, and being able to access appropriate therapy and medications from a young age helps kids thrive at school and at home. So, enabling GPs with specific skills to initiate prescriptions for ADHD medications will stop many children from languishing on outpatient waiting lists. 

“GPs in many parts of Australia, and around the world, are already diagnosing ADHD and prescribing medications. Our colleagues in Queensland, for example, have been safely prescribing ADHD medications since 2017.

“We thank the Minns Labor Government and our non-GP specialist colleagues for working with us to deliver safe, accessible, affordable care for children with ADHD. In the years ahead, we look forward to working constructively with the Government to go even further and train up more GPs to diagnose and initiate medication so that all families can access the care and treatment they need.”

Mario Barone, NSW President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia:

“Community pharmacies see ADHD patients every day who are struggling to access a psychiatrist. This means that many ADHD patients are going without important medication. Today’s announcement is a demonstration of the NSW Government’s excellent work to improve access to health care.”

A crack team of specialist Corrective Services NSW officers have seized drugs and weapons after a statewide blitz to prevent contraband entering the NSW prison system.

Corrective Services NSW’s Security Operations Group screened more than 1,200 visitors across 12 correctional complexes this week, seizing knives, ice, opioids and marijuana.

The estimated prison market value for the drugs seized amounted to over $220,000.

The blitz comes as inmates continue to look for ways to smuggle illegal items into centres, including attempting drone drops or covert pick-ups on medical escorts.

Corrective Services NSW relies on a number of measures to prevent the introduction of contraband in NSW prisons, including CCTV surveillance, body and x-ray scanners and spontaneous and routine searches.

These searches for contraband weren’t only limited to the inside of a prison, but also extended right out to the front gates, with both people and cars searched during the operation.

The contraband blitz comes ahead of National Corrections Day on Friday 16 May, which celebrates the work of Corrective Services NSW officers.

Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong:

“Community safety is one of the top concerns of the Minns Labor Government.

“Know this – if you’re foolish enough to try and bring contraband material into our prisons, we will find it, you will be caught, and NSW Police will be notified.

“The drugs contraband that was seized as part of this operation has been estimated to hold a prison market value of over $220,000, which demonstrates just how important the detection of contraband material is, in order to maintain the safety and good order of our Corrections facilities.

“It’s also important to remember that searches for prison contraband aren’t just limited to the inside of the facility, but extend right out to the front gates, with both people and cars routinely searched.”

Corrective Services NSW Commissioner Gary McCahon PSM:

“Visitors are critically important to the wellbeing of inmates but what isn’t helpful is attempting to smuggle in contraband that can have a devastating impact not only on the lives of their loved ones but to many others in our custody.

“Prisons are one of the most monitored places in our state – when you enter a centre or complex, you’re being watched and high-visibility operations like these are a good example of why.

“They can happen at any time, at any centre and, combined with our other contraband detection methods, mean there is a high chance you will be caught.

“National Corrections Day is an opportunity to show our gratitude to each person who makes a difference through their correctional work.

“This day is a dedicated thank you to every employee who steps into a prison, works in the community with an offender and supports victims and families.”

Work for the new palliative care unit at Wyong Hospital has taken a key step forward with the main works contractor appointed and major construction set to begin in the coming weeks.

The new palliative care unit is being delivered as part of the NSW Government’s $93 million World Class End of Life Care program, and will feature 12 palliative care bedrooms with ensuites, communal areas, meeting spaces and flexible outdoor spaces.

The new unit will be located in an existing building at the eastern end of the Wyong Hospital campus, which will be extensively remodelled to meet the future palliative care needs of the region.

Main works construction will start following the completion of enabling works, which includes relocating existing services in the building to other parts of the hospital campus.   

Builder Renascent Australia has been appointed following a competitive tender process, with work expected to start on site shortly.

The project team has been working closely with Central Coast Local Health District palliative care staff, carers and community members to complete the detailed design for the new unit, to ensure the best and most appropriate health facility for the local community.

Key design elements include:

• spacious bedrooms for visiting family members, featuring interior finishes to create a home-like environment and large windows overlooking private courtyards
• individual patient balconies, with space to enable patients to access the outdoors and enjoy the garden landscape
• a large family room with dining spaces to accommodate family members to join for meals
• a central garden, with existing trees preserved to provide a backdrop to patients’ bedrooms
• a communal outdoor area that provides a private and spiritual space.

The project is expected to be completed in late 2026. 

For more information about the World Class End of Life Program, visit the End of Life Care Program web page.

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park said:

“I welcome this exciting step in the delivery of a new palliative care unit for the Wyong community.

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring people with life-limiting illnesses receive the highest quality end-of-life care at the right time, and in the right place.

“The new dedicated palliative care unit at Wyong will provide a purpose-built space for palliative care staff to deliver care and support to patients and families during what can be an extremely difficult time.”

Minister for the Central Coast and Member for Wyong, David Harris said:

“I’m pleased to see work getting underway for the new palliative care unit at Wyong Hospital and I’m looking forward to this project taking shape.

“The new unit will provide the best quality care for people who need it the most and will be a valuable addition to Central Coast Local Health District’s existing palliative care services, including the palliative care unit at Gosford Hospital and in-home services to meet both patient and their family needs.”

Elsie’s Project Chair, Margaret Pearce said

“We are so pleased to see the first steps underway in the building of our second palliative care unit for the community of the Central Coast.

“I would like to acknowledge the committee of Elsie’s Project and the Lions Club of Wyoming East Gosford Centennial for their steadfast commitment over the past 14 years to achieve this wonderful result.

“We will continue to advocate for increased palliative care services across the Central Coast to ensure everyone is given choice at this difficult time.”