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Greens welcome standalone birth centre after years advocating with community

Deputy Leader of the ACT Greens Jo Clay:

“The ACT Greens have advocated with midwives, mothers, parents and everyday Canberrans for a standalone birth centre for years.

“Today’s announcement for a standalone birth centre as part of the new North Canberra Hospital project is a testament to the community’s hard work and advocacy over decades.

“Birth is not an illness. But the simple reality is that most women and birthing people currently have no choice but to give birth inside a hospital.

“Some women and birthing people will want to choose to birth in a hospital, and we support everyone in their choices, but for those who want to birth in a home-like environment with a known midwife, Canberrans simply need more options.

“Right now our current birth centres have waitlists hundreds of people long because they provide continuity of care – which better supports individual needs, reduces unnecessary medical interventions and results in more positive birth experiences and outcomes.

“This new standalone birth centre will mean more women and birthing people will have more choice and confidence throughout pregnancy and birth.

“This report also acknowledges that a freestanding birth centre fully separate to a hospital campus and out in the community, with alternative governance, is a good option in the future for Canberra.

“Such a facility would have the potential to better meet the needs of the community, especially in supporting First Nations families through Birthing With Country.”

Background

The ACT Greens included their 2020 election commitment to a standalone family birth centre as a priority in the Parliamentary and Governing Agreement for the 10th Legislative Assembly.
On 7 February 2023, Ms Clay unanimously passed a private members motion committing the ACT Government to complete the feasibility study, released today, for a co-designed midwife-led facility, either located alongside or fully separate from the new northside hospital, by August 2024.
Also on 7 February 2023, Ms Clay tabled a petition with over 3000 signatures calling for a freestanding birth centre in the ACT.
On 30 September 2024, the ACT Greens reconfirmed an election commitment for the ACT’s first co-designed and midwife-led freestanding birth centre on the northside.

Joint donor statement on humanitarian aid to Gaza

Joint statement with:

The Foreign Ministers of Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the UK.

The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, the EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management and the EU Commissioner for the Mediterranean.

19 May 2025

Whilst we acknowledge indications of a limited restart of aid, Israel blocked humanitarian aid entering Gaza for over two months. Food, medicines and essential supplies are exhausted. The population faces starvation. Gaza’s people must receive the aid they desperately need.

Prior to the aid block, the UN and humanitarian NGOs delivered aid into Gaza, working with great courage, at the risk of their lives and in the face of major access challenges imposed by Israel. These organisations subscribe to upholding humanitarian principles, operating independently, with neutrality, impartiality and humanity. They have the logistical capacity, expertise and operational coverage to deliver assistance across Gaza to those who need it most.

Israel’s security cabinet has reportedly approved a new model for delivering aid into Gaza, which the UN and our humanitarian partners cannot support. They are clear that they will not participate in any arrangement that does not fully respect the humanitarian principles. Humanitarian principles matter for every conflict around the world and should be applied consistently in every warzone. The UN has raised concerns that the proposed model cannot deliver aid effectively, at the speed and scale required. It places beneficiaries and aid workers at risk, undermines the role and independence of the UN and our trusted partners, and links humanitarian aid to political and military objectives. Humanitarian aid should never be politicised, and Palestinian territory must not be reduced nor subjected to any demographic change.

As humanitarian donors, we have two straightforward messages for the Government of Israel: allow a full resumption of aid into Gaza immediately and enable the UN and humanitarian organisations to work independently and impartially to save lives, reduce suffering and maintain dignity. We remain committed to meeting the acute needs we see in Gaza. We also reiterate our firm message that Hamas must immediately release all remaining hostages and allow humanitarian assistance to be distributed without interference. It is our firm conviction that an immediate return to a ceasefire and working towards the implementation of a two-state solution are the only way to bring peace and security to Israelis and Palestinians and ensure long-term stability for the whole region.

Adoption of World Health Organization Pandemic Agreement

The Australian Government welcomes the adoption of the World Health Organization (WHO) Pandemic Agreement.

The Agreement is a significant step towards strengthening pandemic prevention, preparedness and response.

The Agreement takes account of lessons learnt during the COVID-19 pandemic and supports collective action to address pandemic threats, including by strengthening multi-sectoral disease surveillance and access to vaccines.

While the Agreement has been adopted by the World Health Assembly, there are further steps remaining to finalise technical details. Australia will only commence our treaty making process after the Agreement opens for signature, which is not expected until at least mid-2026.

Once the Agreement has entered into force, Australia and our region will be better positioned to reduce pandemic risks and respond swiftly if a pandemic occurs, saving lives and mitigating the impacts on our economies. Australia will retain full sovereignty in making public health decisions which promote the interests of Australians.

Australia is proud to have served as Vice-Chair of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body for the Pandemic Agreement, representing our diverse Western Pacific region.

This outcome reaffirms the value of multilateral solutions to shared global challenges.

Australia will continue to play our part to ensure the international community is better prepared to respond to future pandemics

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong:

“We need international cooperation on health to help keep Australia, our region, and the world safe. The adoption of the WHO Pandemic Agreement demonstrates the value of the international community working together to find solutions to shared global challenges.”

Minister for Health and Ageing, Minister for Disability and the NDIS, the Hon Mark Butler MP:

“The next pandemic is not a matter of if, but when. We have a collective responsibility to protect public health in all of our countries. The adoption of the WHO Pandemic Agreement is an important step forward.”

Revitalisation of Hunter Street moves to next stage

Work is ready to commence on the next stage of City of Newcastle’s East End Village project, with onsite crews mobilising next week for the section of Hunter Street between Thorn and Wolfe streets, and on Wolfe Street between King and Scott streets.

New paving, roadway and footpaths will enhance the area for cyclists, pedestrians and drivers. Stormwater pipes will also be upgraded as part of the project to replace the Hunter Street Mall with a reinstated traditional high street.

An artist's impression of the upgraded streetscape that will be delivered as part of the next stage of the East End Village project. An artist’s impression of the upgraded streetscape that will be delivered as part of the next stage of the East End Village project.

The project will deliver a range of streetscape improvements including multi-function street lighting, new street furniture and extensive landscaping, as well as an extension of the two-way cycleway on the northern side of Hunter Street.

Underground site investigations were carried out last year in preparation for the main construction work, which was programmed to begin after the upgrade between Perkins and Brown streets was finalised. That section of Hunter Street was reopened to the community earlier this month.

City of Newcastle’s Interim Executive Director of City Infrastructure, Robert Dudgeon, said extensive community input into the East End Streetscape Masterplan helped shape the project.

“This is a shared vision developed in consultation with the community, which will see the reinstatement of a traditional high street where people can enjoy boutique retail opportunities and outdoor dining,” Mr Dudgeon said.

“When we complete this stage of the project we will have invested more than $16 million, which is being delivered in sections to minimise, as much as possible, the disruption for local residents and businesses.

“The staged nature of the program also allows us to align our improvements with other developments in the area including that being undertaken by Iris Capital, as we work collaboratively to enhance the lifestyle and experience offered within our city centre.”

This will be the third phase of five scheduled for the East End Village project. Construction initially focused on the block bound by Hunter, Wolf, King and Perkins streets to deliver new paving, service upgrades, street furniture, new gardens and trees, as well as significant upgrades to stormwater, drainage, cycleways and footpaths.

The recently completed second phase has transformed a key pedestrian and cyclist entry point between Perkins and Brown streets, improving and extending the streetscape with new trees, landscaping and paving, as well as extensive work to upgrade and relocate key utilities, and realign the road.

Preliminary design work is already underway for the remaining stages along Hunter Street between Thorn and Newcomen, and then Market Street, with work planned for delivery in the current Council term.

Visit the project page on City of Newcastle’s website to stay up-to-date with the latest information on current and future stages.

Council to consider independent review report

The outcomes of the independent review into City of Newcastle’s processes, procedures and performance will be tabled for endorsement at next week’s Council meeting.

Davidson Business Advisory presented a summary of its findings to Councillors and the public at a briefing earlier this month, which confirmed City of Newcastle was a well-managed and high performing organisation.

The full report details 20 recommendations along with actions for improvement across six themes of general and financial governance, compliance, major projects, engagement and organisational culture.

The full report will be tabled at Tuesday’s Ordinary Council Meeting, along with a recommendation that City of Newcastle’s Audit Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC) oversee implementation of the findings.

ARIC Chairman Stephen Coates, who has sat on 20 Council risk and audit committees, said City of Newcastle ranks among the best one or two Local Governments he has worked with.

“The City of Newcastle Audit Risk and Improvement Committee has overseen independent consultants, Davidson, who conducted a thorough governance review,” Mr Coates said.

“The final report highlights many positive findings, confirming that City of Newcastle is a well-managed, high-performing organisation with several examples of best practice.

“While the report largely affirms the Council’s strong performance, it also includes 20 suggestions for improvement, aimed at building on the current success, rather than addressing any issues of failure.”

Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge thanked the community for their input into the review, which he said will provide a basis for enhanced openness and transparency with the community.

“I thank the many members of our community who took the time to make a submission, ensuring that their voices were heard during this process,” Cr Kerridge said.

“I’m pleased that the review found the City of Newcastle to be a well-managed and generally high-performing organisation.

“However, multiple important opportunities to improve and rebuild trust were identified. There are some real issues in communication and engagement with the community, and financial reporting can be more transparent.

“I look forward to now working with the City of Newcastle and Councillors on positive actions that build better communication, transparency, and trust with our community.”

The review was completed following a unanimous resolution of Councillors at the 10 December 2024 Ordinary Council meeting.

Deputy Lord Mayor Callum Pull, who tabled the Notice of Motion unanimously adopted in December, welcomed the outcome.

“This has been a very thorough review. I have been very impressed with the quality and substance of the review, and feedback from residents has been largely positive,” Cr Pull said.

“What the review has underlined is that we are a high performing Council, but like all organisations we have room to improve.

“I have consistently said that this review is an opportunity to reinforce confidence in Council, identify issues, offer solutions, and to give the Council some much needed direction going forward.

“The reviewers have presented their findings and now it is over to the elected Council to decide how they respond.”

More than 800 public submissions from 548 individuals were considered during the review. ARIC was consulted at each phase of the review and accepted the final report ahead of the public briefing.

Davidson Business Advisory has worked with more than 100 local governments across Australia and are experienced in undertaking similar governance and performance reviews. 

The full report can be viewed on the City of Newcastle website.

City of Newcastle keen to keep Surfest on the international stage

As Surfest prepares to make its debut on the World Surf League (WSL) Challenger Series in less than two weeks, one of the contest’s foundation sponsors is looking to ensure it stays there until at least 2028.

Councillors will vote at Tuesday’s Ordinary Council Meeting on whether to commit to a three-year annual investment of up to $250,000 cash and up to $50,000 of in-kind support for the Challenger Series event.

City of Newcastle’s funding would be subject to WSL receiving greater funding from Destination NSW, which is currently considering the proposal to extend the major event’s stay at Merewether Beach beyond this year.

In February, Councillors endorsed the investment of up to $2 million annually to attract and retain major events through City of Newcastle’s Strategic Event Partnership Program.

Chair of City of Newcastle’s Sports Infrastructure Working Party Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said Surfest is a great example of how major events provide economic, cultural, and tourism benefits.

“City of Newcastle is proud to be one of the foundation sponsors of Surfest, which will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2026,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.

“Surfest gives our young athletes the opportunity to see their heroes in their hometown, whether they dream about following in their footsteps or just want to see them at their local beach.

“This iconic contest and other major events enhance our community, strengthen relationships between our organisations and build prosperity through job creation and economic growth.

“In 2024, 26 events, attracting approximately 86,000 local attendees, were delivered through our sponsorship programs, resulting in a total direct economic impact within the Newcastle LGA of more than $18 million.

“Supporting major events demonstrates our ongoing commitment to delivering the Community Strategic Plan, maintaining our reputation as an events destination in a highly competitive market.”

Originating in 1985, Surfest was the richest professional surfing event on the international stage and helped Newcastle evolve from its industrial roots and promote its beaches and surf breaks to a new audience.

Surfest founder Warren Smith said City of Newcastle has played a major role in the success and longevity of the event.

“City of Newcastle contributed the initial funding in 1985 to help create Surfest,” Mr Smith said.

“It has been onboard ever since as a foundation partner, helping to keep the contest running, turning it into a premier event for the city and involving the community in its development.

“A three-year commitment from City of Newcastle would be a major vote of confidence in our quest to remain part of the Challenger Series.”

The Challenger Series is the second highest tier on the WSL calendar and is contested by more than 120 of young and experienced male and female surfers from Australia, North and South America, Europe, Asia and Africa.

It also boasts the men’s and women’s Junior World Champions, as well as the men and women from the Championship Tour who don’t make the mid-season cut, justifying Surfest’s newfound status as one of the top 16 events on the planet.

Next month’s event is expected to attract approximately 3.2 million live viewers across all digital platforms, and more than 50 million social media impressions, promoting Newcastle as a tourism destination to an international audience.

Community invited for a sneak peek at completed $250 million Griffith Base Hospital redevelopment

Residents of Griffith and surrounding communities are being invited to be among the first to tour the new $250 million Griffith Base Hospital redevelopment at a Community Open Day on Saturday, 14 June 2025.

With construction of the new hospital now complete, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the new Clinical Services Building, the centrepiece of the redevelopment, and tour key areas including the expanded emergency department, maternity and medical inpatient unit, and specialist clinics.

The Griffith Base Hospital redevelopment will provide new and enhanced services including a new day surgery unit, expanded medical imaging department, more inpatient beds, mobile cardiac monitoring units and improved technology throughout the hospital.

The hospital also includes an expanded emergency department and intensive care unit, three palliative care rooms, and expanded perioperative unit featuring two theatres and one procedure room, equipped with the latest digital technology.

Expanded ambulatory care facilities will provide the community with improved access to a wider range of specialist clinics, including renal, cancer care, rehabilitation, and Hospital in the Home, further enhancing outpatient services.

Work is now underway to ensure the new building and staff are prepared and ready to welcome patients, ahead of its opening. This includes installing furniture, fixtures, and equipment, completing clinical cleaning, stocking departments with medical consumables, and training and orientating staff.

The Griffith Base Hospital’s opening date will be announced in the coming weeks.

The Community Open Day is a free event. To register to attend, and to find out more, visit https://www.trybooking.com/DAVYX

Griffith Base Hospital Community Open Day
Saturday 14 June 2025
9.00am – 3.00pm
Noorebar Avenue, Griffith

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:

“I had the pleasure of touring the construction site late last year with the Member for Murray, and it is great to hear it’s almost ready to open to patients.

“The open day is a fantastic opportunity for the community to tour this wonderful new facility and have a behind the scenes look before it opens to the public.

“The purpose-built Clinical Services Building will bring all major health services together under one roof, transforming the experience for patients, carers, and staff.”

Member for Murray, Helen Dalton:

“The new Griffith Base Hospital will increase access to healthcare for patients and is a key part of providing the high-quality services the community of the Murrumbidgee deserves.

“The open day is wonderful chance to showcase this world class health facility to the local community and give people the opportunity to explore some of the areas in the redeveloped hospital they may not usually get to see.”

Funding boost to support families in regional NSW with seriously ill children

A major funding boost for not-for-profit charity Little Wings will support families in regional NSW with sick children to access lifesaving treatment.

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park today announced $600,000 in funding for Little Wings. This funding is in addition to $600,000 provided in 2024.

Little Wings provide free air and ground transportation to medical treatment for children living in rural and remote areas. Little Wings also transport clinicians to rural and remote areas to provide health services to children in those areas.

In 2024/2025, with the support of the Minns Labor Government, Little Wings has to date:

Transported 439 children from regional, rural and remote NSW to receive medical treatment
Transported 64 medical specialists to rural and remote NSW who have delivered 170 clinics which have assisted an estimated 3,250 children
Flown to 51 locations across rural, regional and remote NSW.

Services provided by the charity are available to eligible families living in rural, regional and remote NSW whose children are receiving treatment or support at health services including:

Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick
The Children’s Hospital at Westmead
John Hunter Children’s Hospital
Royal Far West in Manly.

Children are referred to the Little Wings service by hospital staff with consideration to the child’s medical condition, geographical location and regularity of travel.

For more information visit the Little Wings website.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“I am so pleased to support Little Wings in their work which is helping to ease the emotional and financial strain placed on families when they are accessing lifesaving medical treatment for a sick child.

“This important service supports families living in rural, regional and remote areas of NSW to more easily attend ongoing medical appointments, and also offers a welcome break to children during their treatment, by bringing them home for some much-needed quality time with family and friends.

“Little Wings is staffed 100 per cent by volunteer pilots and drivers and I’d like to extend my sincere gratitude to those dedicated staff for their ongoing commitment to supporting these families in their time of need.”

Clare Pearson, CEO Little Wings:

“Little Wings has been operating for 13 years, working in the background to support regional families caring for a seriously ill or injured child in accessing lifesaving medical treatment that is only available at tertiary hospital.

“With the changing landscape of regional health, it is the support and funding of the NSW Health Minister, Ryan Park, and his vision to partner with purpose to ensure equitable care for families, that will transform healthcare for NSW.

“Little Wings is a proud and deeply grateful part of this vision, providing FREE air and ground transport for regional families, this grant will allow our team to work with urgency and to increase services in line with community needs and to ensure that children in regional NSW have the access to healthcare that they need to thrive.”

Minns Labor Government investment in North-West Sydney grows with new public primary school and preschool for Grantham Farm

The Minns Labor Government is continuing its record investment in rebuilding public education, with a new primary school and co-located public preschool for Grantham Farm to meet the needs of families in the rapidly growing region of North-West Sydney.

The new primary school in Grantham Farm, located on the corner of Hamilton and Crown Street, will cater to the suburb’s increasing student population, with 24 modern classrooms, three support learning rooms, a multipurpose hall, a covered outdoor learning area, and outside of school hours care facilities.

The new primary school will open for at least 500 students on Day 1, Term 1, 2028 and will be masterplanned for future expansion. It will also include a new library, a canteen, administration facilities and staff parking. The public preschool will cater for up to 60 children per day.

As part of long-term planning for growth and infrastructure development in the area, Vineyard Public School will transition to the new school in Grantham Farm once built, to mitigate future impacts to its site from the planned Bandon Road upgrade by Transport for NSW. The new school at Grantham Farm will accommodate five times the number of students that are currently at Vineyard Public School.

Student learning will continue at Vineyard Public School until the new facilities at Grantham Farm are built. All families, students, and staff will be supported during their transition to the new school, with updates for families to be shared as the project progresses.

As the project progresses, consultation with the community will be undertaken to determine the name for the new school.

This project adds to the significant number new and upgraded schools already delivered or on the way that are adding more than 600 new permanent classrooms across Sydney’s North West, including:

Melonba Public School
Melonba High School
Tallawong Public School
Nirimba Fields Public School
Box Hill Public School
Box Hill High School
Gables – new primary school
Schofields and Tallawong – new high school
Rouse Hill High School upgrade
Castle Hill Public School upgrade
Matthew Pearce Public School upgrade
Excelsior Public School upgrade
Glenwood High School upgrade
John Palmer Public School upgrade
Riverbank Public School and The Ponds High School upgrade

This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s record $8.9 billion investment to deliver new and upgraded schools across NSW, including a record $3.6 billion to upgrade and build new schools in Western Sydney.

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

“This new school at Grantham Farm is part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to rebuild public education and ensure every child has access to a modern, high-quality learning environment close to home.

“For over a decade, families in Grantham Farm were ignored by the former Liberal National Government as the suburb grew without a school.

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to delivering world-class schools for families across North West Sydney, and this new school will be a game-changer for the growing Grantham Farm community.

“North West Sydney is one of the fastest-growing regions in NSW, and this new school and preschool will support local families for generations to come.”

Member for Riverstone Warren Kirby said:

“I’m proud to be part of a government that is committed to investing in our schools, particularly in areas experiencing rapid growth.

“Investing in our children’s future means creating spaces where students and teachers can excel, which is why it’s so exciting to see plans progressing for this much-needed new school.

“This is an exciting milestone for our families in Grantham Farm and surrounding areas, and I look forward to seeing plans progress for a modern and inclusive school that meets the needs of our growing communities.

“I also want to reassure our Vineyard Public School community that student learning will continue uninterrupted at the existing site while the new school is built, and we will continue to keep you updated as plans progress.”

Disaster support for North West NSW following severe storms

Disaster assistance is now available in the Gunnedah, Gwydir, Moree Plains and MidCoast, Local Government Areas (LGAs) following widespread severe weather, including strong winds, heavy rainfall and floods.

Support has been made available under the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) – with assistance for the Narrabri Local Government Area already in place.

Assistance measures that may be provided to communities include:

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

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said this assistance would support families, local businesses, sporting clubs, and local councils in the North West of NSW continue to recover from this year’s floods and strong winds.

“I know how distressing extreme weather events and the damage they leave behind are for our communities, which is why the Albanese and Minns governments are ensuring support is available for the on-going clean-up and recovery,” Minister McBain said.

“This extension will support more impacted communities in the North West of NSW – a region that’s had more than its fair share of extreme weather events, with the costs of cleaning up and restoring damaged local roads and other essential public assets.”

NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said the extension of the natural disaster declaration to include Gunnedah, Gwydir, Moree Plains and MidCoast is critical to ensuring the community can get back to their daily lives as soon as possible.

“We know that people’s daily lives were seriously disrupted by the flooding which has put significant pressure on local councils. That’s why we have unlocked this funding support, so they’ll have the resources to clean up and restore any public assets impacted by the flooding,” Minister Saffin said.

“We will continue to work closely with council to make sure the community is getting the support it needs, and we will work with the Commonwealth Government to ensure no one is left behind in the recovery.”

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