Category: NSW News

Today while many are watching the race that stops the nation, the Minns Labor Government’s toll review is still stuck in the starting gates and taxpayers are the ones left footing the bill.
 
News reports today have revealed that Allan Fels and David Cousins are each being paid $165,000 for ongoing work tied to Labor’s toll review, even though their report was handed down more than a year ago. That’s about $900 a day of taxpayers’ money for a review that has delivered no change to tolls and no relief for drivers.
 
The Minns Labor Government’s toll reform has turned into a multi-million-dollar circus:

• $5.4 million wasted on a review with no outcome
• $1.7 million paid in consulting fees
• $145,000 on five-star hotels and business-class flights
• $2.75 million for new lawyers
• New tolls being explored on the M5 West, M5 East, Harbour Bridge, Harbour Tunnel and Eastern Distributor
• Toll hikes already applied to the Harbour Bridge and Tunnel and two-way tolling to come
• Drivers warned some tolls could increase up to nine times higher

Before the election, Labor promised no new tolls and fairness for drivers. After almost 1,000 days, they have delivered nothing The toll cap expires in 57 days, and there is still no replacement, no plan and no delivery.
 
Every minister and department has had a turn in the saddle including, Jo Haylen, John Graham, Premier’s Department Secretary Simon Draper, teams in Treasury, Transport for NSW and the Premier’s Department, and after three Labor budgets, drivers are left clueless as to what is happening.
 
Premier Chris Minns should know better than anyone how the system works. As the senior staffer to former Labor Roads Minister Carl Scully, he helped design Sydney’s toll network in the first place. He built the track, and now he cannot find the finish line.
 
Getting across the line clearly is not Labor’s thing. We saw that with their Rosehill thought bubble, and now again with a toll review that has gone nowhere while consultants keep collecting prize money for a race that never ran.
 
Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said Labor’s toll review has become the slowest race in Australia.
 
“After almost 1,000 days, the only thing across the finish line is the bill. The consultants are galloping away with millions while drivers are left eating dust,” Mr Speakman said.
 
Shadow Minister for Transport and Roads Natalie Ward said Labor’s toll review is still stuck at the barriers.
 
“Labor promised fairness for motorists, but has delivered higher tolls, more lawyers and more consultants. The only sure bet this Melbourne Cup Day is that under Labor, taxpayers always lose,” Ms Ward said.

The Minns Labor Government has unlocked the opportunity for more than 5,300 new homes in the Illawarra after finalising planning controls for the North Wollongong Station Transport Oriented Development (TOD) precinct.

The NSW Government worked closely with Wollongong City Council to create a tailored approach that will deliver more homes within walking distance of the train station, and close to shops and jobs in the Wollongong CBD.

The new planning controls have carefully considered flood risks in parts of the precinct and the boundary now excludes the most flood-constrained land while capturing land within 900 metres south-east of the train station.

The North Wollongong TOD is bounded by the Princes Highway/Flinders Street in the west, Gipps Road in the south, Kembla Street in the east and Blackett Street and Pleasant Avenue in the north.

Amendments have been made to the Wollongong Local Environmental Plan 2009 to implement planning controls that are similar to TOD controls, to boost housing supply, choice and affordability.

This includes:

• An increase in maximum building heights of between 22 metres and 32 metres, depending on development design
• An increase in the maximum floor space ratio from 1.5:1 to 2.5:1
• Mandated affordable housing contributions, equivalent to 2 per cent of total gross floor area, for developments of 2000 square metres or more.

The TOD program was designed to deliver well-located homes, within walking distance of transport hubs and is expected to deliver 170,000 homes across 37 stations over the next fifteen years.

To date, more than 7,100 homes are under assessment or have been approved in TOD areas from the Hunter to the Illawarra.

During the period of the Housing Accord, Wollongong local government area ranks the highest for housing approvals of the local government areas outside of Sydney.

The Minns Labor Government has been working closely with a number of councils to tailor these planning reforms to their needs. 

For more information, visit: NSW Planning.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said:

“North Wollongong is well connected to jobs, transport, education, shops and services making it the ideal place for new homes.

“Importantly through this process we have also mandated affordable housing to boost housing diversity and give people a choice in where they live.

“This is a great example of state and local government working together to deliver better outcomes for the community.”

Lord Mayor of Wollongong City Council Councillor Tania Brown said:

“We welcome the NSW Government’s support for a tailored approach to planning in North Wollongong.

“This is a significant step forward in delivering more housing in well-connected parts of our city. It’s a strategic approach that thoughtfully manages growth while balancing the CBD lifestyle, access to transport links, and flood risk.

“The collaboration between Council and the NSW Government has helped shape a precinct that supports housing choice, affordability and emergency management priorities.”

The Minns Labor Government is today celebrating the restoration of one of NSW’s great engineering landmarks, with the $39 million restoration of the Peats Ferry Bridge at Mooney Mooney now complete.

Built during World War II and opened in 1945, the bridge has stood as a symbol of connection and ingenuity for 80 years.

Now, after two years of hard work, the 80-year-old steel truss bridge, which links the Central Coast and Sydney across the Hawkesbury River, is once again shining bright and ready to serve local communities and motorists for decades to come.

Boasting one of the largest spans between piers of any steel truss road bridge in the state, it once held the record for the world’s longest welded truss span.

More than 60 local workers were part of the project, which included a complete repaint, steel and concrete repairs, new traffic and pedestrian barriers and a full structural refresh to protect the bridge from damage.

The project was a joint effort between Transport for NSW and Sydney Trains, whose engineering expertise delivered the works on time and on budget.

The completion of works also means maritime restrictions on the Hawkesbury River have been reduced with channel markers removed from under most spans of the bridge, reopening the main navigational channel for boaters.

Minister for Roads and Minister for Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison said:

“This project is about preserving a piece of NSW history while making sure it’s fit for the future.

“For 80 years, Peats Ferry Bridge has stood as a vital link between the Central Coast and Sydney, and a connection for families, freight and regional communities.

“The Minns Labor Government is investing in high-value, practical projects that strengthen local infrastructure, boost resilience and make a real difference for people who live and work in regional NSW.”

Minister for the Central Coast, David Harris said:

“This is a great example of government agencies working together to deliver real outcomes for the Coast.

“While this is a road bridge, the expertise of Sydney Trains’ Major Works team was invaluable. Their innovative approach kept the project on schedule and set a new benchmark for collaboration across Transport for NSW.

“It’s wonderful to see this landmark restored and looking better than ever.”

Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch said:

“This bridge is part of the story of the Central Coast. Built in wartime, connecting communities and still doing its job 80 years later.

“The restoration not only preserves an iconic structure but also provides significant safety and access benefits for locals and visitors.

“I know the community will be thrilled to see the Peats Ferry Bridge restored and ready for another generation of use.”

The Minns Labor Government has delivered a $230 million upgrade of Carlingford West Public School and Cumberland High School in Sydney’s growing North West, leading to the replacement of more than 130 ageing demountables with modern permanent classrooms.

Once the demountables are removed in early 2026, Carlingford West Public School will go from having 104 demountables, the highest number of demountables in any public school in metropolitan Sydney, to zero demountables.

Cumberland High School will go from having 29 demountables on site to zero.

These major upgrades at Carlingford West Public School and Cumberland High School and the removal of every demountable will return more than 5,000 square metres, the equivalent of ten basketball courts, of play space to students, while also delivering new world class facilities for.

While the upgrades were first promised in 2019, delays and mismanagement by the former Liberal National Government meant no work had started on the desperately needed projects when the Minns Labor Government came to office in March 2023.

Carlingford West’s upgrade means the school will have 56 permanent new classrooms. Students will also benefit from new collaborative learning spaces, a new school hall, library, multi-purpose playing court, and canteen.

Next door, at Cumberland High School students will benefit from 77 new and upgraded classrooms. There will also be three new collaborative learning spaces, seven new workshops for visual arts, wood, and metalwork, alongside a new library, school hall, and a canteen.

With construction of the all new permanent classrooms now complete, the only outstanding work is the refurbishment and upgrades of an existing 49 permanent classrooms at Cumberland High School, some demountables will remain on site until this work is completed in early 2026.

Once complete the redeveloped public school and high school will be capable of catering for more than  3,600 students, more than double the current capacity at the schools.

The upgrades to Carlingford West Public School and Cumberland High School are among 16 new schools or major upgrades being delivered in this region of Sydney.

These upgrades will provide capacity for almost 7,000 additional students in the area.

Schools in the North West have been over capacity for more than a decade, with the former Liberal National Government failing to provide the education infrastructure required during their 12 years in office.

The Minns Labor Government is also building three new public preschools in the region. The public preschools will be co-located with Melrose Park Public School, Ermington West Public School, and Oatlands Public School.

The NSW Government’s record $9 billion school infrastructure investment includes $3.9 billion for new and upgraded schools across Western Sydney.

In addition to building classrooms where they are needed, the Minns Labor Government’s work to rebuild public education includes ensuring each classroom has a qualified teacher.

Since March 2023, the Minns Labor Government has reduced teacher vacancies by 61 per cent across the state, leading to the number of cancelled classes in NSW nearly halving.

Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:

“We are committed to delivering new and upgraded schools for NSW communities because we believe every family in this state deserves a world-class education.

“The upgrades at Carlingford West Public School and Cumberland High School should have been delivered long before we came to government, but thankfully we were are able get these projects moving.”

“Upgrading these schools, adding brand new permanent classrooms, removing demountables and putting more teachers in front of students is a game-changer for the school community.

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to providing families in Sydney’s growthing suburbs with high quality public school facilities to enable students to thrive.

“When we came to government, these projects had no contracts, no approvals and no construction which meant students were squashed in temporary facilities like sardines in a tin.

“Demountables should only be used as a temporary measure, but under the former Liberal-National Government they became a permanent fixture at far too many schools across the state.

“Under the leadership of the Deputy Premier and Education Minister, Prue Car, the Minns Labor Government is filling teacher vacancies, removing demountables, and rebuilding public education.”

Projects underway or already completed nearby Carlingford West Public School and Cumberland High School include:

• Carlingford West Public School – upgrade
• Cumberland High School – upgrade
• Darcy Road Public School – upgrade
• Dundas Public School – upgrade
• Ermington West Public School – upgrade and new public preschool
• Girraween Public School – upgrade
• Melrose Park – new high school
• Melrose Park Public School – redevelopment
• Newington Public School – upgrade
• Northmead Public School – upgrade
• Parramatta East 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 has once again proven that even with a multibillion-dollar infrastructure pipeline and projects inherited from the NSW Liberals and Nationals, it can’t get the basics right.
 
The Sydney Metro City and Southwest project, one of the most transformative transport projects in the nation, has now been delayed again, with the Sydenham to Bankstown section pushed back to September 2026.
 
In September 2024, the Minns Labor Government promised a 12-month conversion, however today’s news shows this was a hollow promise. If commuters can’t trust the Government’s rhetoric when it comes to transport, what can they trust?
 
Labor loves to take credit for what it once campaigned against. After years of opposing the Metro, the Minns Labor Government now claims it as its own. But when it comes to delivering, Labor is all talk and no timetable. From misleading the public about projects, it did not fund or start to missing yet another delivery date, this is life under Labor.
 
Communities along the Sydenham to Bankstown corridor should brace for more date slippages, more excuses and more hollow announcements, which mean more lost time and more uncertainty for households, small businesses and commuters who just want a reliable journey to work or home.
 
This is the Labor way of governing in NSW. Blame others, claim credit for what you did not build and hope no one notices the delays.
 
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said Labor campaigned for years against the Sydney Metro, calling it unnecessary.
 
“Now they have embraced it but can’t deliver it. They are experts at announcements, but amateurs at delivery. The people of Sydney deserve better than a government that can’t finish what it inherited,” Mr Speakman said.
 
Shadow Minister for Transport Natalie Ward said the Sydney Metro is a NSW Liberals and Nationals project that revolutionised how Sydney moves.
 
“Labor fought against it, and now they are failing to deliver it. The Minns Labor Government keeps proving that it can’t get even the basics right. Sydney deserves better than this,” Ms Ward said.

It was a night of glamour, pride, and celebration as the Netball NSW Awards Night brought together the state’s brightest stars and most dedicated contributors to recognise another outstanding year for netball in New South Wales.Images: Available Here: https://netballnsw.us9.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a61fdddc7216e646211550b26&id=788b335fad&e=5dd905e812. Credit Steven Markham

Paige Hadley, NSW Swifts; Trudi Busch, CMO Homeworld; the Hon. Steve Kamper MP, Minister for Sport; Sallianne Faulkner, Chair Netball NSW. 

From grassroots heroes to elite champions, the Netball NSW “night of nights” recognised the incredible achievements, resilience and dedication of the people who make the game thrive. Players, coaches, officials, volunteers and administrators from across the state joined special guests including The Hon. Steve Kamper MP, NSW Minister for Sport, and The Hon. David Harris MP, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, in celebrating excellence both on and off the court. Minister Kamper presented the prestigious Community Excellence Award to Ballina Netball Association, recognising the Association’s outstanding contribution to its local community and commitment to inclusivity, participation and connection through sport. The event also honoured Carole Sykes OAM, who was elevated to Legend Status in the Netball NSW Hall of Fame – the organisation’s highest accolade – in recognition of her extraordinary contribution to the sport in New South Wales. Tributes were paid to Margaret Corbett OAM, a Netball NSW Hall of Fame Legend and Life Member, whose passing earlier this year was marked by the display of her iconic Golden Boots as a symbol of her enduring legacy. Suncorp Super Netball stars Erin O’Brien (GIANTS Netball) and Paige Hadley (NSW Swifts) were among the high-profile attendees, with both receiving the coveted Marilyn Melhuish OAM Medal – Suncorp Super Netball Player of the Year for their exceptional performance and leadership throughout the 2025 season. Netball NSW Chair Sallianne Faulkner and CEO Tracey Scott joined Board Directors, Life Members and valued partners to celebrate the achievements of 2025, a year that saw record participation, strong community engagement, and success on and off the court. “Twelve months go very quickly in netball, and it’s hard to believe we’re here in Bankstown again celebrating another incredible year for our game in New South Wales,” Ms Faulkner said. “In 2025, we’ve seen record-breaking results across every level of the sport — from nearly 400,000 fans attending Suncorp Super Netball matches, to 7,320 athletes competing at our Junior and Senior State Titles, and record participation in our DOOLEYS Metro League and Netball NSW Premier League’s 10th anniversary season. “Our NSW 19U and First Nations Team, the Waradas, both claimed national gold, while our Marie Little Shield team continued their dominance. We’re also immensely proud of the 14 NSW athletes nationally identified and the six selected in the Australian 21U Squad, including three Youth World Cup gold medallists. “On the back of record participation and strong community engagement, Netball NSW — and the people who make it what it is — have continued to thrive. As ever, robust debate, shared ideas and a collective drive for excellence remain at the heart of our growth.” These achievements formed the backdrop to a night that honoured the individuals, teams and associations who have shaped another remarkable year for netball in New South Wales. “This evening is about recognising and celebrating the collective achievements of our players, coaches, officials, volunteers and administrators who make netball the leading sport for women and girls in our state,” Tracey Scott, CEO of Netball NSW said.  “We are incredibly proud of the strength of our community, the depth of our talent pathways, and the dedication of everyone who contributes to the ongoing success of our sport.” As the curtain comes down on another successful year, the 2025 Netball NSW Awards Night reflected the enduring passion, unity and spirit that continue to define netball in New South Wales — setting the stage for another exciting year ahead in 2026. 2025 Netball NSW Award Winners  
Award   2025 Recipient/s  
Heritage List   Waratah Mosaic   
Hall of Fame – Legend   Carole Sykes OAM 
Anne Clark BEM Service Award   Jenny Bazley, Camden and District Netball Association Monica O’Callaghan, Baulkham Hills Shire Netball Association   Gail Mayers, Charlestown Netball Association Keri Sheraton, Ku-Ring-Gai Netball Association                                                         Kay Piper, Inner West Netball Association    
The Marilyn Melhuish OAM Medal – Suncorp Super Netball Players of the Year  NSW Swifts – Paige Hadley  GIANTS Netball- Erin O’Brien  
The Nance Kenny OAM Medal – Premier League Opens Player of the Year   Lauren Woods, North Shore United
The Wendy Archer AM Medal – Premier League U23’s Player of the Year   Sophia Martinussen, UTS Randwick Sparks  
The Margaret Corbett OAM Coaches Award – Coach of the Year   Nardia Trevor, Baulkham Hills Netball Association 
The Neita Matthew OAM Umpire Award   Kiri Bowcock, Baulkham Hills Netball Association    
The Lynn Quinn OAM Bench Official Award   Julie Scholte, Camden & District Netball Association 
The Dot McHugh OAM Administrator of the Year Award   Helen Pratt, Ku-Ring-Gai Netball Association  
Men’s Netball NSW State Player Joe Miller, Ku-Ring-Gai Netball Association
The Kids Cancer Project Fundraiser Winner Sutherland Shire Netball Association
Community Volunteer of the Year Award   Julia Morrissey, Out of Touch Netball Club, Bathurst AssociationSophie Bradbery, Bradson Netball Club, Port Stephens Netball Association 
Community Excellence Award   Ballina Netball Association  
The Marj Groves AM Academy Awards   Monika ‘Otai, GIANTS Netball AcademyLili Gorman-Brown, QBE Swifts Academy
The Judy Dunbar Media Awards Best Overall Media CoverageCommunity Media Excellence  Netball Scoop  Danielle Schuhmeier, Camden Netball Association

A Sydney-based company helping to accelerate clinical trials and bring new medical products to market has been named Exporter of the Year at the NSW Export Awards.

Southern Star Research received the honour at a gala ceremony last night alongside a win in the International Health Category.  

As an Australian Contract Research Organisation, Southern Star Research works with biotech and pharmaceutical companies to manage trials, track results and gain regulatory approvals for their clients’ treatments. 

The Minns Labor Government has backed Southern Star Research through its Going Global Export Programs for the last two years, bringing their expertise and services to the competitive Greater China, South Korea and US markets.  

The business took part in the Going Global Health to USA Program in 2023, supported by InvestmentNSW’s trade representatives with pitch coaching, business matching and introductions to US partners.  

Southern Star Research’s success is a testament to the strength of the NSW healthcare sector, which contributes $60 billion to the state’s economy. It also highlights the positive impact of the NSW Government’s export programs and how local businesses are being supported to achieve international growth objectives.  

This support will grow even stronger as the NSW Government continues to implement its Trade and Investment Strategy. More than 30 Going Global Export Programs and Going Global Trade Missions will be delivered over the next year, supporting up to 350 NSW businesses to thrive in the international marketplace.  

Southern Star Research was among 18 other NSW businesses from a diverse range of industries including agribusiness, food and beverages, resources and energy and manufacturing and advanced materials that were celebrated at the NSW Export Awards last night.  

Now in its 63^rd year, the Awards celebrate the contribution exporters make to NSW through diversification, job creation and increased economic prosperity.  

For a full list of the 2025 NSW Export Award winners, visit the Export Council of Australia.   

The winners in the 14 national categories will now progress as finalists for the Australian Export Awards, to be held in Canberra on Wednesday 26 November 2025.  

Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong said: 

“I want to congratulate Southern Star Research for taking out the top prize of NSW Exporter of the Year – the Minns Labor Government is proud to have supported their exporting journey, helping them expand into new markets and create jobs here at home. 

“Success stories like Southern Star Research reinforce that we are delivering on our NSW Trade and Investment Strategy, a first-of-its-kind push with clear targets to increase the value of NSW exports. 

“We know that exporters generate high revenues, provide more jobs and drive innovation, so that’s why we are excited to help their opportunities grow. 

“With quality programs, and a strong network of trade representatives in NSW and around the world, the NSW Government is committed to ensuring our state’s businesses remain competitive and connected on the global stage.” 

Minister for Medical Research David Harris said: 

“Southern Star Research is just the latest in a long list of outstanding home-grown businesses driving innovation across our state’s medical research sector, and I commend them on their win.  

“NSW businesses continue to show that our state is home to world-class products, services and talent in the health technology industry.  

“We are proud to see our researchers and developers forging new paths in international markets, setting benchmarks for excellence, and producing technologies that will help millions of Australians.”    

Southern Star Research Managing Director and Founder David Lloyd said:  

“We’re deeply honoured to receive both the International Health Award for NSW and the NSW Exporter of the Year title.  

“These awards reflect the dedication of our team and our commitment to advancing global health through high-quality clinical research. As a proud NSW-based organisation, we’re passionate about showcasing the strength of our local talent and the impact NSW’s innovation can have on the world stage.  

Chair of the Export Council of Australia Dianne Tipping said:  

“As Chair of the Export Council of Australia, I’m thrilled to congratulate all the exceptional finalists and winners of the 2025 NSW Export Awards.  

“This year’s cohort reflects the remarkable diversity, resilience, and innovation that define NSW exporters—from regional trailblazers to global industry leaders. Their achievements not only strengthen our economy but also showcase the world-class capabilities that NSW brings to international markets.  

“We’re proud to celebrate their success and the vital role they play in shaping NSW’s future on the global stage.” 

The people of Central Darling Shire have their first Council in 12 years, with the Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig today confirming the three people to serve as appointed councillors alongside the councillors elected by the community.

The new Rural and Remote Council model will enable the Council to draw on a wide range of expertise to ensure that it can address the challenges of service provision in a remote location.

Central Darling will have an equal mix of elected and appointed councillors to ensure strong local representation while maintaining stable governance.

This new model was introduced by the Minns Labor Government to address the unique challenges of larger remote councils and to provide a pathway back to democratic representation for Central Darling Shire after 12 years of administration.

Following the election for the Council’s three wards, Peter Sullivan was elected to Ward A, Max Bradley to Ward B, and Daniel Fusi was declared elected uncontested in Ward C.

The three appointed councillors were determined by the Minister after the election results were declared, to ensure their skills and experience will complement those of the elected councillors.

The appointed councillors are:

• Robert (Bob) Stewart – Mr Stewart has served as the Administrator of Central Darling Shire Council since 2019, conducting day to day business during this challenging time which has included fish kills, drought, and floods. Bob has over 40 years of local government experience and understands the specific financial, socioeconomic and environmental challenges for the region.
• Fiona Kelly – Ms Kelly is a proud Barkindji/Ngiyampaa woman and Executive Principal of Menindee Central School which she also attended as a student. Ms Kelly has dedicated herself to culture and community, and her leadership at Menindee Central has seen a number of positive changes.
• The Hon. Barbara Perry – Ms Perry is a former Auburn Councillor, served 13 years in NSW Parliament as the Member for Auburn and served in several Ministerial roles including Minister for Local Government from 2008-2011. She has a legal background and has significant experience in governance and interaction with the State government.

Bob Stewart has been named as the Chairperson for the new Central Darling Shire Council and will continue to provide strategic direction. The Council can elect a Deputy Chair at its first meeting in December.

All councillors will undergo an induction program to ensure they are ready and equipped to serve the people of Central Darling effectively.

The NSW Government is also providing $6 million in funding to support the Council’s financial stability as it transitions out of administration. This funding, with the agreed program of expenditure, will help the Council address immediate infrastructure priorities, build capacity and deliver local government services across the Shire.

Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said:

“Returning democratic representation to Central Darling Shire after 12 years under administration was a key priority for the Minns Labor Government and I’m very proud that we’ve reached this point.

“I congratulate both the elected and appointed councillors of Central Darling Shire and I wish them well in their new roles serving this community.

“Central Darling Shire faces unique challenges. The government will continue to work closely with the Council to ensure it has the support it needs.

“I expect all councillors to work together to serve the community, and I look forward to seeing them get down to the business of running the Council.”

Member for Barwon Roy Butler said:

“This is an important day for the communities of Central Darling Shire and means the Council can finally get on with the job. After over a decade in administration this will be just the first step toward the post-administration era.

“The Rural and Remote model, consisting of a mixture of elected and appointed members, was developed in consultation with me and many other local stakeholders to get Central Darling back on the path of having an elected local government. There is scope for changing that model after it gets up and running.

“We want to see all our new councillors succeed, and I look forward to working together with them to deliver for the people of Central Darling.”

Ghost Festival is back and spookier than ever transforming Sydney’s historic Rocks and Circular Quay precinct for four nights of spine-tingling fun, immersive experiences, and a Halloween street festival.

Kicking off last night this year’s ghostly fun has built on the increasingly popular Halloween activations in The Rocks, with last year’s inaugural Ghost Festival welcoming 60% more people than previous years.

After drawing over 115,000 visitors last year, Ghost Festival 2025* promises to be even ghostlier with free experiences including live music, street performances, and markets alongside themed food and drink experiences.

Festival highlights include:

• Poliakov’s Haunted Woods – A ring of eerie cabins serving up freakishly delicious eats from Messina, Gong Cha, and more. At the heart, the Poliakov Vodka Main Stage will keep the crowd dancing with monster DJ sets and chilling cocktails.
• Sydney’s Halloween Market – By day, a charming artisan market; by night, a fog-filled, candlelit bazaar of bubbling brews, magical trinkets, and spooky surprises.
• Ghost Cinema at Cadmans Cottage – Outdoor horror screenings under the stars with cult classics, immersive soundscapes, and live performers who might just sneak up mid-scream.
• House of Horrors Party – A multi-level haunted house turned tech-house rave with themed rooms and live DJs.
• The Crossing Lane & Reese’s Ghouls Gate – Get a full SFX monster makeover and strike a pose in a 360° video booth for a chance to be crowned Sydney’s best Halloween costume.
• Halloween Parade – Only on Friday at 8pm the Halloween parade, will create a truly eerie experience when darkness marches into the world of the living. 

Entry to the festival is free, but some events are paid and require bookings.

If you spook easily you can get more information on what to expect by visiting Ghost in The Rocks | The Rocks

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“This spooky spectacular will bring Sydney’s streets alive with Halloween spirit, so whether you want family friendly fun, to party, be scared, or soak up the ghostly vibes, Ghost Festival is the place to be.

“One thing festival goers don’t need for fear is their budget with plenty of free activities on offer from live music to street performers and even a dark art trail, so there’s endless fun to have without spending a dollar.”

The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are jointly working to make sure women have access to important legal advice and representation on workplace issues with the establishment of a new Working Women’s Centre in New South Wales.

Fulfilling an election commitment, the Minns Labor Government has invested $8 million over four years in the Centre, which will provide free legal advice and support to women in the workplace, plus education and training to businesses and staff, enhancing workplace safety for women across the state.

Women’s Legal Service NSW has been selected to deliver the NSW Working Women’s Centre and has also received $8.1 million over 5 years in Commonwealth funding.

The Commonwealth Government has committed a total of $32 million over five years to establish or fund existing working women centres in all states and territories and create a new national body. This is in response to the Australian Human Rights Commission’s Respect@Work Report (2020) that recommended all jurisdictions establish or re-establish working women’s centres.

The Minns Labor Government’s investment in the Working Women’s Centre will provide for frontline services that help women across New South Wales navigate workplace issues such as underpayment, wage theft, parental leave, sexual harassment and non-disclosure agreements. The holistic, trauma-informed service includes free and confidential legal advice, representation, individual advocacy and support. 

It enhances and complements the Commonwealth service, ensuring priority access for a diverse range of service users that face additional barriers to legal supports including:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women
• women in regional, rural and remote NSW  
• women with disability
• LGBTQIA+ women
• young women
• women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
• older women
• solo mothers in one parent families. 

In tandem, the Working Women’s Centre will provide state-wide advocacy, education and training programs for businesses and their employees in occupation-specific sectors that support the prevention and elimination of workplace discrimination, sexual harassment and gender inequality.   

Women who need advice on workplace issues, including workplace entitlements and rights, gender issues, cultural diversity, discrimination and sexual harassment can reach out to the NSW Working Women’s Centre for free assistance via: https://www.wlsnsw.org.au/legal-services/wwc/

Federal Assistant Minister for Social Services and the Prevention of Family Violence, Ged Kearney said:

“Places like the Working Women’s Centre are so important, giving women an access point to seek protection in the event of experiencing workplace discrimination or harassment.

“Whether it’s workplace harassment, underpayment or discrimination against working mothers – no woman should face that alone. The Working Women’s Centre will be there for all women; it’s free confidential and on her side.”

NSW Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis said:

“I welcome the establishment of a new Working Women’s Centre in New South Wales which will help support women with the legal advice, advocacy, and workplace protections they deserve.

“It follows the Minns Labor Government passing major reforms that enhance the rights and conditions of over four million workers in NSW. This includes enshrining gender equality and the elimination of workplace bullying and sexual harassment as explicit objectives of the Industrial Relations Act.

“The recently established NSW Anti-Bullying and Sexual Harassment jurisdiction allows for the order of damages for more than 400,000 NSW Government workers in hospitals, schools, local councils and other public services.

“These workers can now seek orders and damages from the NSW Industrial Relations Commission to stop workplace bullying and sexual harassment.

“While landmark reforms this year by the NSW Government saw paid leave rights expanded for 250,000 Community Services sector workers, three-quarters of them women.”

NSW Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“No one deserves to be harassed or discriminated against at work because of their gender.

“The Working Women’s Centre will provide free, dedicated legal advice and representation for women regarding their workplace rights.

“It will also provide support and training for businesses to create safer workplaces across industries.”

NSW Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“The NSW Government is continuing work to make sure working women in across the state

“The Women’s Legal Service NSW has more than 40 years’ experience providing specialist legal support to working women. During that time, their work has improved the safety and economic security of working women, and their advocacy has advanced gender equality and women’s rights at work. 

“It is this longstanding passion and commitment, as well as their significant experience, that makes Women’s Legal Service NSW highly qualified and best placed to deliver these crucial legal, education and advocacy services that will ultimately help make workplaces fairer and safer for women across NSW.”

CEO Women’s Legal Service Katrina Ironside said:

“We are enormously grateful to the NSW Government for its commitment to gender equity and for partnering with us to support a best-practice, specialist Working Women’s Centre in NSW. This investment reflects the Government’s recognition that women’s economic security, safety, and wellbeing must be central to workplace and social policy.

“For the first time, women across NSW will have access to a dedicated, free service for legal assistance on workplace issues that disproportionately affect them and compound inequality. We look forward to working closely with key stakeholders including unions to build and expand this much needed service for working women.

“Whether it’s a single mother in Nowra dismissed after returning from parental leave, a migrant woman in Griffith being underpaid, a young woman in Bourke bullied by her employer after disclosing her sexuality, or a First Nations woman in Western Sydney threatened with defamation for seeking medical care following a workplace sexual assault, the Working Women’s Centre will ensure they can access the free legal help and wrap-around support they need.”