16 News

‘Jobs for Mob’ is the goal of this year’s Gather and Grow information sessions, with the events bringing Aboriginal businesses and industry together to connect and learn about supply chain and employment opportunities on major NSW Government regional projects.

These events contribute to better economic development opportunities for Aboriginal workers and businesses across NSW and are part of the Government’s effort for ‘closing the gap’.

From May to August, seven ‘Gather and Grow’ sessions will be hosted in regional and metro NSW to help link local Aboriginal businesses with procurement information and support to get involved in significant NSW Government projects, developments and supply chains.

The first session, which will focus on the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone project, will be held at Dubbo’s Taronga Western Plains Zoo on 2 May from 9am until midday.

Subsequent events will focus on further opportunities in Goulburn, Shellharbour, Cessnock and Bathurst, as well as Sydney and Western Sydney.

The free events bring together contractors, Government buyers, support services, local government and employment providers with Aboriginal businesses to help make connections, share information and support the NSW Government’s Aboriginal Procurement Policy (APP).

The NSW Government’s Regional Aboriginal Partnerships and Outcomes is delivering five Gather and Grow events across regional NSW, with NSW Treasury leading two Sydney-based sessions in partnership with Department of Customer Service and Transport for NSW in 2025.

These events aim to help strengthen culture and identity by empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within NSW to access education, training, employment and business support to reach their aspirations as part of the NSW Closing the Gap Priority Reform 5.

This year’s Gather and Grow events will be held in Dubbo, Goulburn, Shellharbour, Sydney, Cessnock, Bathurst, and Western Sydney. Interested guests need to register at Aboriginal businesses Gather and Grow events | info.buy.nsw.

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“These Gather and Grow sessions are all about fostering the growth of Aboriginal businesses.

“The events unite NSW Government buyers with Aboriginal businesses, support services, and prospective job seekers to make connections and share information about work and procurement opportunities on large-scale projects.

“Representatives from major projects come and present about the opportunities for Aboriginal businesses and First Nations job seekers.

“These sessions will give interested parties the chance to learn about what’s involved, what they will need to know and what steps to take to put their best foot forward to work on these opportunities.”

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:
“We know that Aboriginal businesses want to grow and expand into new markets, and the NSW Government is keen to support these businesses on this journey.

“The Gather and Grow events will allow Aboriginal businesses to connect, share information, make connections and learn what opportunities are available.

“These events assist with our commitment to Closing the gap as NSW is the only state or territory in Australia to have an additional Closing the Gap priority reform to uplift and support the growth of Aboriginal employment, business and economic prosperity.”

NSW Treasury Associate Director Procurement Policy, Jeff Nelson said:

“The Gather and Grow series is designed to help Aboriginal businesses build relationships, share knowledge, and tap into government procurement pathways.

“By holding seven events in different regions, we’re aiming to connect with a wide network of businesses and ensure broad access to these opportunities.

“This initiative is all about supporting the growth of Aboriginal businesses— and we welcome everyone who’s interested in being part of that journey.”

Students and families from the Northern Rivers have welcomed the beginning of flood rebuild works at Tumbulgum Public School and Condong Public School, with children from both schools set to return to permanent classrooms later this year.

Condong Public School and Tumbulgum Public School were damaged beyond repair in the 2022 floods, with students attending school in temporary facilities over the past three years. The new schools have been planned with flood-resilient designs, with buildings elevated above the previous flood height.

The projects will deliver new classrooms, a new library, canteen, administration spaces and external landscaping.

Both school rebuilds are expected to be completed and ready for students and teachers to move in later this year, weather permitting.

Condong Public School are preserving items significant to the local community, including the Great War Honour Roll, painted murals, and plaques.

At Tumbulgum Public School, the old school bell will undergo restoration, and historical building materials will be re-used as part of the project.

Minister for Disaster Recovery Janelle Saffin marked the beginning of works today, turning the first sods at both sites.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to rebuilding public education in NSW so flood-impacted communities in the Northern Rivers are rebuilt with contemporary, flood-resilient facilities.

As part of this work, we have made a record $8.9 billion investment to build and upgrade schools across NSW, including investing a historic $1.4 billion for schools in regional NSW.

A portion of the funding for flood rebuild projects is also allocated through the Infrastructure Betterment Fund, which is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to delivering flood-resilient schools in the Northern Rivers, and we are pleased to be rebuilding Tumbulgum Public School and Condong Public School, after years of patience by the community.

“The students and their families have demonstrated strength and patience throughout this process, and I want to thank them for their continued dedication to their local public school.

“The new Condong Public School and Tumbulgum Public School will be world-class schools, setting local children up for future success.”

Minister for Recovery and Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin said:

“This is a moment of renewal and optimism for these school communities on the Tweed, as we celebrate the start of construction for the rebuilds of Tumbulgum and Condong public schools.

“The new schools will ensure that students have access to a safe, modern, and inspiring place in which to learn.

“Students, teachers and support staff, parents and caregivers, can look forward to their new schools coming to life and to the many academic, artistic and sporting achievements that will unfold.”

Condong Public School Relieving Principal Debbie Francis said:

“Over the coming months, we are excited to see the groundwork and structure of our new school coming together and bringing us closer to a fresh start.

“After enduring the challenges of the past few years, we are looking forward to a renewed sense of stability and progress.

“We look forward to watching our new school rise from the ground, and even more so to the day we can welcome our students back to a place they can truly call their own.”

Tumbulgum Public School Principal Genevieve Esgate said:

“We are excited to welcome the start of construction on our new school, marking a significant milestone in our journey to rebuild and restore a vital part of our community.

“The resilience shown by our students, staff, and families throughout this process has been remarkable, and I am so proud of how we have supported each other.

“With each step forward, we move closer to returning to a school that reflects the strength, spirit, and future of Tumbulgum.”

People in Canowindra and surrounding areas are a step closer to enhanced, integrated community healthcare services, with a contractor now appointed to build the $8.3 million Canowindra HealthOne facility. 

The Canowindra HealthOne will accommodate a range of providers, including local General Practitioners (GPs) and community healthcare services, integrating a range of healthcare services in one location on the hospital site.

Zauner Construction has been engaged to build the new facility following a competitive tender process.

With the contract awarded, the next steps of the project involve finalising the detailed design and architectural plans.

Construction of the Canowindra HealthOne facility is expected to begin in the coming weeks and be complete in early 2026.

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:

“I’m delighted we have reached this milestone for the new Canowindra HealthOne.

“It is terrific to see the project progressing, bringing the community much closer to integrated healthcare services.

“With integrated primary and community care services in a purpose-built facility and the hospital next door, the new HealthOne will create a seamless transition as people move between hospital, primary and community care.”

Member for Orange, Phil Donato:

“The new Canowindra HealthOne will significantly improve community access to care and reduce the need for people to travel.

“A brand-new, modern health facility which has room to expand will also provide opportunities for new healthcare professionals to move into the community.”

Canowindra Health Services Manager, Matt McGrath:

“With demolition and final works to prepare the site for construction complete and Zauner Construction now appointed for the main works, we’ve reached a really exciting stage of the process for such an important development.

“We’ve received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the community throughout this process, and I’m thrilled we are a huge step closer to delivering a brand-new, purpose-built facility for everyone in Canowindra and the surrounding areas.

“Our project team is putting plans in place to ensure everyone’s safety during construction. This will include extensive traffic management plans which may cause some slight disruption as you’d expect with any major redevelopment.”

Carol Mudford, renowned mental health advocate and founder of non-for-profit organisation sHedway, was announced as the state winner of the 2025 NSW/ACT AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award overnight.

Starting off as a small community-led initiative in Dubbo NSW in 2023, sHedway has expanded into a national movement, with Carol promoting mental health awareness by blending healthcare, advocacy, and shearing industry expertise in regional communities in NSW and around Australia.

Carol was up against two other finalists for the NSW/ACT state award – Dimity Smith from Tamworth, founder GRO Rural and GRO Events Group, and Katelyn Wall from Nemingha, co-founder of award-winning beekeeping and pollination business Wall’s Honey Co.

As winner of the award, Carol will receive a $15,000 grant from Westpac to go towards professional development opportunities and alumni networks.

Carol will now represent NSW/ACT at the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award Gala Dinner at Australian Parliament House in Canberra on Tuesday 9 September 2025. The National winner will receive a further $20,000 grant from Westpac and National Runner-Up, an additional $15,000.

All three finalists were sponsored by The Country Women’s Association of NSW, each receiving $1,000 for their self-founded organisations.

The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award celebrates and empowers women driving positive change in rural and regional Australia.

The 2026 Rural Women’s Award nominations will open in September 2025. Find out more information about the Rural Women’s Award, including nomination requirements on the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award web page.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring regional, rural and remote women are provided access and opportunities to thrive. This includes programs to support their return to work and economic advancement, health and wellbeing, and empowerment.

Minister for Agriculture and Regional New South Wales Tara Moriarty said:

“Congratulations to Carol for your determination to supporting the wool industry into a new, more resilient era.

“Your pioneering efforts have succeeded, and we congratulate you for your well-deserved title as winner of the NSW/ACT AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award.

“I encourage any woman with a dream to make a positive impact in their regional and rural communities in NSW to be inspired by Carol.

“Her hard work has personally helped the lives of many shearers, giving the industry a well-supported network to grow.”

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“We are incredibly proud to have Carol taking out the top honour and going on to represent New South Wakes on the national stage.

“She is highly deserving of this award with her incredible achievements supporting regional communities in New South Wales and around the country.

“sHedway is a perfect example of how women can pursue their passion and meet the needs of their community in an innovative way.

“Regional and rural women as some of the smartest and most resilient women I know, and they are unwavering in dedicating their time in supporting their communities to succeed.”

AgriFutures Australia Chief Operating Officer Belinda Allitt said:

“It is very exciting to see Carol announced as the NSW/ACT state winner. As a woman wearing many hats in the industry, it is inspiring to see her marrying up her expertise as a healthcare provider, shearer, and wool handler to create meaningful change for rural and regional communities.

“Mental health support and suicide prevention is a critical service required by our industries and their people and I praise Carol for her dedication and commitment to the prosperity of our industries. We look forward to supporting Carol and sHedway to support others, via her involvement in this award.”

Northern NSW Regional General Manager, Regional Commercial and Agribusiness for Westpac, Andy Kidd said:

“Congratulations to Carol on being named the state winner of the 2025 NSW/ACT AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award. At Westpac, we recognise the key role rural and regional women play in building stronger, more connected communities.

“Carol’s dedication to fostering conversations about mental health in regional communities is remarkable. By drawing on her allied health experience to improve support, particularly in the wool industry, she’s proven what’s possible when women are empowered to lead change, and we’re proud to support her journey.”

2025 NSW/ACT winner

Carol Mudford (Dubbo)

Carol is a Registered Nurse, shearer, and wool handler from Dubbo, NSW. She founded her non-pro-profit organisation sHedway in 2023, which is dedicated to suicide prevention and positive mental health in Australia’s shearing industry.

Carol’s discovery of her passion for shearing in 2020, led her to shearing full-time and she represented NSW as State Novice Champion at the 2023 Sports Shear Nationals. After returning to healthcare as a mental health nurse, she recognised the prevalence of suicide in the shearing community, and the opportunity for change.

With her knowledge of suicide prevention, Carol created sHedway which rapidly grew into a national movement. During 2024, her team delivered 42 events across every state of mainland Australia, promoting mental health awareness and skills at shearing events, talks and industry engagement. Combining her healthcare, advocacy, and shearing expertise, Carol is committed to making mental health a priority in the shearing community.

Learn more about sHedway.

2025 NSW/ACT Finalists

Dimity Smith (Tamworth)

Dimity Smith from Tamworth NSW is a registered psychologist and the founder of two businesses, GRO Rural and GRO Events Group. These innovative businesses connect agricultural and rural communities, industries, and professionals across Australia.

Dimity combines strategic insight with a deep commitment to empowering rural and agricultural communities and helps people in these communities to have greater choice in the work they do, skills to deliver best business practice, and confidence in their abilities.

Dimity’s business GRO Rural was created to focus on challenges and opportunities in rural Australia. These include sustaining remote and contract employment to ensure the longevity of workers, particularly in the dairy industry. This interest was inspired by Dimity’s childhood experience on her parent’s dairy farm. Dimity grew up learning the valuable lesson of hard work and thinking outside the box, which shaped her passion for supporting the sustainability of all agricultural industries and the essential people who keep them thriving.

Learn more about GRO Rural and GRO Events.

Katelyn Wall (Nemingha)

Katelyn Wall is a qualified radiation therapy educator and co-founder of Wall’s Honey Co., an award-winning beekeeping and pollination business based in Nemingha, NSW. Katelyn’s commitment to environmental sustainability and community education led her to build her business around the vital role that bees play in the ecosystem and food supply.

Katelyn’s journey into educational outreach began three years ago when she was invited to lead an interactive beekeeping session at her daughter’s preschool. This hands-on workshop inspired her to start her business focusing on educating children about pollination and its essential role in food production with programs for preschools and community organisations.

Katelyn has expanded the workshops to include interactive beekeeping and beeswax wrap workshops and has extended the reach of her program to aged care facilities, scouts, local gardening clubs, the Country Women’s Association (CWA), and other community groups. Through these initiatives, Katelyn continues to inspire a love for bees, sustainability, and environmental stewardship.

Learn more about Wall’s Honey Co.

Today, the largest class of NSW Police Force (NSWPF) recruits in 11 years attest the Goulburn Police Academy with the 302 new Probationary Constables set to start work in communities across NSW on Monday.

These new officers will help bolster the force’s frontline capabilities by providing more boots on the ground to fight crime and keep our communities safe.

Today, the Minns Labor Government is also announcing a new recruitment initiative – the Elite Athlete Recruitment Pilot Program – designed to attract top-performing athletes to the NSWPF.

Today’s attestation is a key milestone in the Government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the force and addressing recruitment and retention issues following 12 years of neglect by the former Liberal-National Government.

Class 365 attests after successfully completing eight months in the Constable Education Program – four months of distance education and four months of rigorous, hands-on training at the Goulburn Police Academy.

The recruits will now begin 12 months of on-the-job training and will be deployed across:

• Central Metropolitan Region – 75
• Northwest Metropolitan Region – 66
• Northern Region – 45
• Southwest Metropolitan Region – 63
• Southern Region – 26
• Western Region – 27

Class 365 is made up of 221 men and 81 women. Eight recruits are receiving awards for outstanding academic or physical achievements.

Six dogs from the NSWPF Dog Unit will also be graduating, highlighting the important role our four-legged officers play in supporting frontline police work.

Class 365 received payment to train at the academy, following the Minns Labor Government’s historic announcement to pay recruits to train.

Eight Probationary Constables will also benefit from the new You Should Be a Cop in your Hometown initiative and are now returning to, or near, their hometown to start work.

The Minns Labor Government’s work to support the NSW Police Force and address the chronic shortage of police officers presided over by the former Liberal National Government has also included:

• abolishing the wages cap
• setting up a historic new scheme to pay students to study to become an officer, which has already seen applications surge by 70 per cent over the previous year
• two recently announced programs specifically aimed at attracting both experienced officers and regional recruits.

Since we announced paid study, more than 3,900 people have applied to join the NSWPF, a 70 per cent increase compared to before this announcement.

Additionally, the Police Mobility Program, which welcomes officers from other jurisdictions, has already resulted in 94 applications, showcasing its success in attracting experienced officers from other Australian states, territories and New Zealand.

We have also secured a historic pay rise for officers which puts them among the best paid in the country.

Today’s announcement of the Elite Athlete Recruitment Pilot Program will further assist to attract a more diverse range of recruits.

The program is designed to attract top-performing athletes and provide them with a flexible, supported pathway into policing while continuing their athletic careers.

The program acknowledges traits athletes possess are well aligned with policing, including discipline, resilience and teamwork.

While strong progress has been made in the way of recruitment and retention, the work is far from done and the NSW Government remains steadfast in its commitment to achieving more.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“To the around three-hundred new recruits: a big, warm welcome to the NSW Police Force. Thank you for putting yourself forward to protect the NSW community.

“Our Government’s number one priority is community safety, and our NSW police are on the frontline every day.

“This is the latest class to benefit from our paid study program, we have delivered police a historic pay rise, and we have launched initiatives to get cops back to the bush.

“While there is more work to do, we are turning around the police recruitment crisis left by the Nationals and Liberals.”

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:

“We are so proud of Class 365 as they begin what we hope is a rich and rewarding career with the NSW Police Force. These Probationary Constables are stepping up with the integrity, courage and commitment NSW communities depend on.

“For many attesting today, becoming a police officer wouldn’t be possible without paid study. This landmark recruitment reform has given a diverse new cohort the opportunity to join the best police force in the country and our community is all the richer for it.

“The new officers will be deployed where they are needed the most, providing much-needed support for the hardworking police already on the frontline.

“We want to give more people the opportunity to join the NSW Police so I am pleased to announce the Elite Athlete Program to help achieve this.

“The NSW Labor Government backs our police every step of the way. We wish Class 365 all the best as they head out into the field – ready to serve and protect communities right across NSW.”

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb APM said:

“This class demonstrates a major turning point in recruitment for the NSW Police Force.

“It’s the biggest class in 11 years with more than 300 recruits marching off the parade ground, which is a milestone in our campaign to boost the ranks.

“Based on the weekly average, the number of applications has increased by 70% since November 2023 when I announced the new payment scheme for all recruits.

“Many of our new probationary officers would not be here today to reach their dream of becoming a police officer without that wage.

“Since November 2023, we have seen a 33% increase from female applicants which is a critical addition to the force.”

Construction is now underway on the new Warrawong Community Health Centre, which will improve access to a range of healthcare services for residents of the Illawarra.

Minister for Health Ryan Park and Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and Member for Wollongong Paul Scully joined health workers and the project team for a sod turn event to mark the major milestone.

The new Centre will be located at the northeast corner of the former Port Kembla Hospital site and is part of the more than $780 million of investments in health infrastructure in the Illawarra, funded by the NSW and Commonwealth Governments.

The new facility will bring together a range of speciality services in one purpose-built health centre including:

• Child and Family Health Services
• Binji and Boori (Aboriginal Maternal Infant Health Service)
• Community nursing
• Community Mental Health
• Sexual Health Services
• Drug and Alcohol Services and
• An equipment loan pool

The new Centre will feature courtyards to support patients accessing clinical services, providing spaces for outdoor education, respite and clinical therapies.

The Project will also include dedicated accessible parking spaces and landscaping which has been designed with input from local Aboriginal groups and features a variety of native plants and trees.

Stephen Edwards Constructions has been awarded the contract to build the new Community Health Centre which is expected to be completed in 2026.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“It’s fantastic to see construction underway for this new Community Health Centre, which will deliver improved access to out-of-hospital care and support, close to home, for those who need it in our community.

“This new facility will make a significant difference for patients, their families, and staff by co-locating a range of support health services to create a more seamless flow of health service provision for all.”

Member for Wollongong Paul Scully:

“The new Warrawong Community Health Centre is an important part of the network of health infrastructure for the Illawarra that is being built or renewed.

“It is great to see shovels hit the ground, and am looking forward to seeing this exciting project come to life.

“After many years of advocating for this new Community Health Centre, Wollongong’s southern suburbs will be provided with a modern healthcare hub, bringing much-needed health care services together under one roof.”