Category: NSW News

Today the NSW Government is launching a new pilot program to help 20 Community Housing Providers (CHPs) navigate the planning system to support the delivery of more affordable and community housing.

The Community Housing Concierge program will assist CHPs to build planning capability and efficiently work with the planning system to support the delivery of more than 3,600 affordable homes in the next five years.

Across NSW there are 169 registered Community Housing Providers (CHP) who oversee more than 54,000 properties.

Community Housing Providers deliver secure and affordable rental housing for people on very low to moderate incomes.

This pilot is part of the Government’s effort to assist CHPs as they have said they lack the necessary planning expertise to move projects through the planning system effectively.

As the Government continues in its efforts to address the housing crisis, Community Housing Providers have a major role to play by providing homes for those on very low to moderate incomes.

This Government has taken significant steps to improve and expand affordable and community housing services.

This has included a new bonus Floor Space Ratio (FSR) of up to 30 per cent and a height bonus of up to 30 per cent where a proposal includes a minimum of 15 per cent of the gross floor area (GFA) as affordable housing.

New affordable housing reforms are expected to increase the number of CHPs engaging in the planning space.

Find out more about the program

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“This initiative will help Community Housing Providers deliver a strong supply of social and affordable homes in NSW so that more people have access to a safe place to live in a more timely way.

“By establishing a dedicated Community Housing Concierge, CHPs will have the necessary support to navigate the planning system and have a greater capacity to deliver more homes to those who need it most.

“The new service builds on our recent social and affordable housing reforms aimed at speeding up the delivery of more housing.”

Minister for Housing Rose Jackson said:

“Under the National Housing Accord, NSW has committed to deliver 377,000 new, well-located homes between 2024-2029. We want to see a good proportion of these as social and affordable homes.

“It means we need to work in partnership with Community Housing Providers to improve their capacity to deliver. The pilot program will offer end-to-end planning support to resolve issues and referrals between the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI), councils and other State agencies.

“CHPs provide safe and secure housing and wrap around support for some of our most vulnerable. It is important that we are doing everything we can to streamline the planning process to help secure more approvals for social and affordable housing.”

The NSW Government will launch a new incentive to make household batteries more accessible and affordable for NSW residents.

Households and businesses with solar panels on their roofs will be able to buy a cheaper, subsidised battery to store solar energy generated when the sun is shining.

This will help get the most out of their solar, by allowing them to use it around the clock. It will also reduce their energy bills and boost the reliability of the state-wide electricity grid.

The new incentive is part of the Peak Demand Reduction Scheme and includes:

• Between $1600 and $2400 off the up-front installation cost of a household battery for homes and business with existing solar.
• For homes and businesses wanting to install solar, the incentive will be considered in the quote for a new solar and battery system installation.
• A $250 to $400 incentive for connecting a battery to a Virtual Power Plant. It can be claimed a second time, 3 years on.

By connecting batteries in Virtual Power Plants, households and businesses can collectively share capacity across the energy grid.

The incentives will be available from 1 November 2024 and will be accessed through approved suppliers, which will become accredited over the coming months.

The expansion of the scheme follows extensive consultation with companies who specialise in the orchestration of household batteries, like Reposit Power in the Blacktown electorate.

Find out more information about the NSW Government’s household battery incentive program.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe said:

“More than 1,000,000 NSW households have solar panels on their roofs and adding a battery will see them benefit around the clock, not just when the sun is shining.

“We are bringing down the upfront cost of batteries for households and businesses to make them more accessible.

“This is a targeted action to support those with solar to take the next step to lowering their bills by using renewable energy. It also supports the state’s transition to renewable energy.”

Member for Blacktown Stephen Bali said:

“This is a fantastic initiative for the households and businesses of western Sydney.

“Rooftop solar is already so popular and I know this saving will help people bring down their power bills and contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”

Reposit Power CEO Dean Spaccavento said:

“The NSW Government’s expansion of the Peak Demand Reduction Scheme to include household batteries is a win-win for residents and the electricity grid.

“Home batteries are now playing a crucial role in a cleaner, more secure energy future for NSW and earning money for their contribution.

“Homeowners can maximise the benefit they get from a battery system at their home by shopping around for deals that offer guaranteed bill reductions for at least 5 years.”

Further information

What is a virtual power plant?

• Virtual Power Plants group the power produced by rooftop solar and stored in batteries, so it can be released into the grid where and when it’s needed.
• Energy from virtual power plants is released into the grid to address frequency and voltage imbalances, local disruptions or disturbances and keep the network stable. Read more about virtual power plants and why they matter. 

What is peak demand?

• Peak demand is when electricity usage is at its highest, such as in the middle of summer when millions of households turn on their air conditioners.
• The electricity grid is designed to be capable to meet that peak demand.
• If the level of peak demand can be lowered, we can reduce the amount of renewable energy infrastructure that needs to be built to keep the lights on.
• Building only the infrastructure we need saves NSW money.

The NSW Government is delivering on its promise to ensure places of worship across the state are safer and more secure through the Safe Places for Faith Communities Program.

The Safe Places for Faith Communities Program will see 103 community and faith organisations share in $5 million of grants to ensure the places where our faith communities gather and practice remain safe.

The program takes a resilience-based approach to safety and security by supporting prevention, preparedness, response and recovery measures at places where faith communities gather.

Funds from this program will go towards upgrading security and surveillance systems as well as initiatives such as managing challenging behaviour training and multi-faith grief support.

The program is an election commitment and is part of a wider $15 million pledge over four years. It was developed in consultation with faith and religious groups and experts across the state, as well as Multicultural NSW’s Community Resilience and Response Plan (COMPLAN) Committee.

For more information on the program, please visit Safe Places for Faith Communities Program – Multicultural NSW.

NSW Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said:

“NSW is the most successful multifaith state in Australia, our respect of the many faiths and cultures that make up this state enriches our society and our communities.

“Places of worship must always be havens where faith members can gather in peace and prayer,  knowing they are safe.

“The NSW Government is proud to be delivering on our election commitment and we know these projects will deliver real, tangible benefits for faith communities across NSW.”

Chair of NSW Faith Affairs Council Michael Stead said:

“As faith leaders across NSW, we are very thankful that the NSW Government has listened to our requests to improve the safety and security of our places of worship.

“We are proud of our status of one of the most successful multicultural jurisdictions in the world and know that that diversity is reflected in the many faith groups that practice in NSW.

“Our churches, mosques and synagogues are central to our communities and we know this program will help make them safer for generations to come.”

Hunter communities will soon be able to enjoy improved access to public transport infrastructure thanks to a more than $245,000 funding injection that will deliver dozens of better bus stops across the region.

The NSW Labor Government’s $1.6 million Country Passenger Transport Infrastructure Scheme will see 149 regional bus stop improvement programs rolled out across the state, including 54 in the Hunter.

Maitland City Council will receive $77,250 from the latest round of the Scheme and this will go towards funding construction of a new bus shelter in East Maitland and the upgrade of 26 bus shelters across the local government area.

Port Stephens Council will use $80,500 in grant funding to build two new shelters and upgrade 12 existing shelters.

Cessnock City Council will benefit from $88,000 which will be used to build two new bus shelters and upgrade 11 existing shelters.

Upgrade works will include a mix of treatments including:

• Installation of tactile indicators to help people with vision impairment
• Establishment of safer boarding points
• Erection of new signage and support poles
• Construction of connecting paths

For a full list of NSW councils and funding amounts they have received.

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:

“If we want people in the Hunter using public transport we need to make it an attractive option.

“Bus stops are a window to a crucial part of our integrated transport system in the Hunter.

“These stops need to be user-friendly for everyone including older passengers and those with a disability. This funding will vastly improve 54 stops in the Hunter.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“The NSW Labor Government is delivering improved public transport infrastructure across the state and I’m happy to see Hunter communities have benefited.

“Better bus stops make public transport more accessible and attractive as an option to get around our community so these investments are very welcome.

“Whether it’s upgrades to improve safety, travel experience, or new shelters to protect people as they wait for public transport; these investments will deliver a range of positive benefits to all transport users and future generations for many years to come.”

Minister for Disability Inclusion Kate Washington said:

“The NSW Labor Government is injecting $1.6 million to improve public transport infrastructure across regional NSW and Port Stephens is a big beneficiary.

“Port Stephens will be getting two new bus shelters, and twelve will be made more accessible, enabling local residents to catch buses more easily.

“By investing in better bus stops we’re delivering on our commitment to make NSW more accessible and inclusive – one bus stop at a time.”

Member for Cessnock Clayton Barr said:

“It is great to see the Cessnock City LGA receive two new bus stops and upgrades to a further 11 existing shelters.

“The investment into infrastructure will make it more accessible and inclusive for everyone to use public transport.”

Maitland City Council bus stops to receive upgrades:

• 108 South Seas Dr, Ashtonfield NSW 2323
• 99 South Seas Dr, Ashtonfield NSW 2323
• 42 Norfolk St, Ashtonfield NSW 2323
• 14 Highland Way, Bolwarra NSW 2320
• 37 Corina Ave, Bolwarra Heights NSW 2320
• 65 Cumberland St, East Maitland NSW 2323
• 31 Turnbull Dr, East Maitland NSW 2323
• Cessnock Rd, Gillieston Heights NSW 2321
• 343 Cessnock Rd, Gillieston Heights NSW 2321
• 18 Belmore Rd, Lorn NSW 2320
• 321 High St, Maitland NSW 2320
• Ken Tubman Dr, Maitland NSW 2320
• 5 Dunkley St, Rutherford NSW 2320
• 39 Avery St, Rutherford NSW 2320
• Hillview St, Rutherford NSW 2320
• 59 Weblands St, Rutherford NSW 2320
• 34 South St, Telarah NSW 2320
• 27 Taylor Ave, Thornton NSW 2322
• 1 Purdom Cl, Thornton NSW 2322
• Raymond Terrace Rd, Thornton NSW 2322
• 11 Woodlands Dr, Thornton NSW 2322
• 28 Government Rd, Thornton NSW 2322
• 1 Taylor Ave, Thornton NSW 2322
• Lawson Ave, Woodberry NSW 2322
• 114 Lawson Ave, Woodberry NSW 2322
• 118 Lawson Ave, Woodberry NSW 2322

Port Stephens Council new bus shelter site:

• South St, Medowie NSW 2318
• 2129 Nelson Bay Rd, Williamtown NSW 2318

Port Stephens Council bus stops to receive upgrades:

• 6 Frost Rd, Anna Bay NSW 2316
• 35A Blanch St, Boat Harbour NSW 2316
• Fullerton Cove Rd, Fullerton Cove NSW 2318
• 77 Government Rd, Nelson Bay NSW 2315
• 152 Benjamin Lee Dr, Raymond Terrace NSW 2324
• Rees James Rd, Raymond Terrace NSW 2324
• 141 Mount Hall Rd, Raymond Terrace NSW 2324
• Port Stephens Dr, Salamander Bay NSW 2317
• Sandy Point Rd, Salamander Bay NSW 2317
• Ridgeway Ave, Soldiers Point NSW 2317
• 112 Soldiers Point Rd, Soldiers Point NSW 2317
• 24 Moxey Clos, Williamtown NSW 2318

Cessnock City Council new bus shelter site:

• 93 Main Rd, Heddon Greta NSW 2321
• Alexandra St, Kurri Kurri NSW 2327

Cessnock City Council bus stops to receive upgrades:

• Allandale Rd, Cessnock NSW 2325
• 15 Main Rd (Main Road opp 20 stop id) Cliftleigh NSW 2321
• 4 Lake Rd, Kearsley NSW 2325
• 2A Lake Rd, Kearsley NSW 2325
• 16 Triton Blvd, North Rothbury NSW 2335
• Bendeich Dr (opp Slattery Rd), North Rothbury NSW 2335
• 24 Bendeich Dr, North Rothbury NSW 2335
• 44 McGann Dr, North Rothbury NSW 2335
• McGann Dr, North Rothbury NSW 2335
• 124 Triton Blvd, North Rothbury NSW 2335
• 8 First St, Weston NSW 2326

Services providing frontline support to women and children experiencing domestic and family violence (DFV) will receive a share of $47.8 million in Commonwealth Government funding under the Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence National Partnership Agreement 2023-25 (NPA).

These include early intervention initiatives, specialist services, innovative pilot programs, and workforce capability development projects.

From the age of 15, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 8 men in Australia have experienced violence by an intimate partner or family member.

In NSW, there are around 2,500 reports of domestic violence to the police every month.

Last year, there were 36,072 incidents of domestic violence related assault and 19 domestic violence related murders of women and children in the state.

Aboriginal women and children are also over-represented as victim-survivors of family violence.

The NPA 2023-25 includes:

• $25.6 million for response, recovery and healing initiatives
• $15.9 million for early intervention initiatives
• $6.3 million for workforce and sector capability building

Funding under the 2023-25 NPA will be put towards projects that help to achieve Target 13 of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap: to cut the rate of family violence and abuse against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children by 50 per cent by 2031. This round of funding will invest in vital, culturally appropriate services to Aboriginal women and children.

Workforce capability projects will focus on training specialist frontline DFV workers to identify and respond to the dynamics of coercive control, and activities to support faith, community and sporting leaders when engaging with people who disclose experiences of DFV.

The funding will also continue some grants awarded to DFV service providers that were funded under NPA 2021-2023.

This includes 10 organisations delivering tailored men’s behavioural change programs for Aboriginal people, culturally and linguistically diverse groups, the LGBTQIA+ community, people with cognitive impairment and the Aboriginal Wellbeing and Family Violence Prevention Program in Tamworth.

Youth Justice NSW will receive funding to continue to deliver a range of programs including support services for young people to understand Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO) conditions, court processes and bail conditions. The funding secures the continuation of DFV Family Workers in key locations across NSW to provide therapeutic and practical support to families and young people, support additional psychologists and improve court resources.

The Commonwealth funding under the NPA will complement the NSW government’s $230 million emergency domestic violence package.

Federal Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said:

“Ending violence against women and children is a national priority shared by all Australian governments.

“We are working in partnership with the NSW Government to end the cycle of violence and build the capacity of our frontline workforce.

“This investment is in line with our multipronged approach to fund initiatives across the four domains of the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children – prevention, early intervention, response, and healing and recovery.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“Domestic violence has an awful impact on families, and it affects all sections of our society.

“I am really proud we have in place a number of measures within our healthcare system including prenatal screening, which will identify and protect some of our most vulnerable women and children.”

Minister for Youth Justice Jihad Dib said:

“Juvenile domestic and family violence offenders can often be victims or survivors of domestic and family violence themselves, and early intervention programs are vital to respond to young people using or experiencing violence in their homes. Initiatives like the DFV Family Workers are a practical way we can work with communities and empower families to make positive decisions, as well as help divert young people from the criminal justice system.”

Minister for Families and Communities Kate Washington said:

“Domestic and family violence is a cowardly crime and the NSW government is looking at every lever to keep women and children safe.

“We know many vulnerable children in the foster care system come from houses of violence, highlighting the importance of early intervention programs to support families to stay safely together.”

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:

“With Aboriginal women and children over-represented as family and domestic violence victim-survivors, this funding will boost on-the-ground support services in communities where they’re most needed.

“It will also contribute to efforts to meet the Closing the Gap target of halving rates of family and domestic violence in Aboriginal communities by 2031.”  

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:

“The statistics for domestic and family violence are shocking and tragic.

“Beyond the numbers, we know that family violence can have destructive consequences for women and children and can leave a devastating impact on the community.

“Our government is committed to seeing dramatic improvements in the rates of domestic, family and sexual violence, and what we need to focus on is delivering appropriate and effective, whole-of-community services for victim-survivors.”

Eligible venues can operate until midnight on these 3 Sundays as part of the NSW Government’s year-round trading extensions for special events.

Inner Sydney licensed venues can stay open an extra 2 hours on Sundays from 26 May to 9 June, allowing festival-goers to continue enjoying Vivid Sydney 2024 longer after dark.

Eligible venues can operate until midnight on these 3 Sundays as part of the NSW Government’s year-round trading extensions for special events.

Under the extensions, venues can open their doors longer for special cultural and sporting events, helping to boost local night-time economies.

In addition, hotels can now also apply to trade until midnight on Sundays permanently under the NSW Government’s Vibrancy Reforms.

As an added boost, Special Event Extended Trading allows venues to keep their doors open until midnight on Sundays regardless of whether they have applied for a permanent extension.  

As the year progresses, the NSW Government expects to list additional special events, further enriching NSW’s nightlife and cultural offerings across the region

For Vivid Sydney 2024, extended trading on Sunday nights is available to hotels, general bars, clubs, small bars and dedicated live music and performance venues in the CBD, The Rocks, Barangaroo, Pyrmont, Woolloomooloo and Potts Point in the City of Sydney local government area.

Get a full list of special events and more information on extended trading.

Get more information on the NSW Government’s Vibrancy reforms.

Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham said:

“Vivid Sydney is the biggest free festival of its kind in the southern hemisphere as families enjoy a night out that does not hit the hip pocket. Last year’s event attracted a record 3.48 million people and brought in $206 million in spending, the largest in its history.

“We are expecting another big event in 2024 and look forward to welcoming everyone back to enjoy the light, music, ideas and food.

“Hospitality venues are a vital part of the city and the Sydney economy, and they are always there to support major events such like Vivid Sydney, helping people make the most of a night out.

“Special event extended trading will provide more options for people to enjoy our live music and celebrate together for longer.”

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:

“Having more late-night dining and hospitality options during major events such as Vivid Sydney is key to the NSW Government’s commitment to creating a safe, inclusive and vibrant night time economy across NSW.

“The NSW Government is dedicated to creating additional opportunities for hospitality venues during special events, especially for the 23-night Vivid Sydney Festival.

“Allowing for extended trading hours across a diverse mix of special events helps locals and visitors to really soak up the atmosphere, delivering a better experience for everyone across our finest cultural and sporting events.”

The NSW Government has secured an agreement with Origin Energy to operate the Eraring Power Station until August 2027.

This will manage an orderly exit from coal-fired power to ensure the lights stay on for homes, businesses and industry while NSW delivers the transition to low-cost, reliable renewable energy.

This temporary and targeted agreement seeks to guarantee a minimum supply of electricity until the new expected closure date of August 2027.

The latest analysis from the Australian Energy Market Operator confirms without Eraring NSW would face energy reliability risks from 2025.

A temporary extension of Eraring will provide time to deliver the renewable energy, storage and network infrastructure projects required to replace the power station.

The state will not make upfront payments to Origin Energy to operate Eraring. Instead, the Government and Origin have agreed to an underwriting arrangement that requires the company to:

• Decide by 31 March in 2025 and 2026 whether it wishes to opt in to the underwriting arrangement for the following financial year.
• Share up to $40 million per year of any profits it earns from Eraring, if it does opt in.
• Claim no more than 80% of losses Eraring makes from its operations from the NSW Government, capped at $225 million each year, if it does opt in.
• Report the profits or losses it makes from Eraring in its annual report for each year, if it does opt in.

Under the agreement, Origin must also:

• Ensure Eraring endeavours to generate at least 6 terawatt hours each year, the equivalent to the typical annual output of two of Eraring’s four generating units and enough to resolve the forecast reliability gap.
• Substantially maintain Eraring’s existing workforce of around 220 people, commit to a maintenance plan and adhere to its licence conditions, which includes environmental protections.

Origin has given notice it now expects to close Eraring on 19 August 2027. The permanent closure will be managed by Origin in line with its obligations under the National Energy Market and must occur before April 2029. This ensures Eraring’s closure will contribute to NSW meeting its legislated 2030 emissions reduction target.

NSW is already about halfway towards meeting the state’s 2030 renewable generation target.

The Government is speeding up the delivery of new renewables to reach our net zero target by delivering new generation and storage capacity.

The agreement will be tabled in Parliament in the next sitting week to ensure transparency.

A detailed summary of the Eraring agreement is available.

Premier Chris Minns:

“I said before the election if extending Eraring is required to keep the lights on in NSW, we’d do it.

“Today’s decision delivers certainty for households and businesses.

“The people of NSW now have certainty that the NSW Government has a plan to ensure we have reliable energy while we transition the workforce and the economy to net zero.

“The best way to undermine the renewable energy transition is to have the lights go out in 2025. I’m not letting that happen.”

Minister for Climate Change, Energy and the Environment Penny Sharpe:

“NSW is stepping up the transition to cheap, clean, reliable renewable energy. But to keep the lights on and prices down, we need to make sure new renewable infrastructure and storage capacity is online before coal-fired generators reach the end of their life.

“This temporary and targeted agreement will provide financial support only if it’s needed, and only for as long as needed, during an orderly exit of coal-fired power.

“This is a proactive and sensible step to ensure a plan is in place, if needed, to avoid electricity outages and rising power prices.

“The NSW Labor Government remains entirely committed to the transition to renewable energy and our emissions reduction targets. A net zero future holds immense opportunities for our state’s economy and our environment.”

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey:

“This agreement gets the balance right. It means the clean energy transition can continue without exposing families and businesses to extreme bill shocks during a severe cost-of-living crisis.

“Taxpayers are well-protected. We won’t be handing over a $3 billion cheque to Origin as some said we would. Instead, this agreement incentivises Origin to only use the underwrite if there is a sudden change in market conditions.

“Had Eraring remained in public ownership, an agreement like this would not have been necessary.

“But the previous government’s decision to privatise the Eraring power station means entering into agreements like this in order to make sure the lights stay on as we speed up the clean energy transition.

“It’s more proof that privatisation doesn’t work.”

Residents of Western Sydney are set to enjoy a 1,500 capacity Broadway-style lyric theatre, with the designs for the Riverside Theatre Redevelopment released today.

Delivering on an election commitment to transform the Riverside Theatres at Parramatta into a state-of-the-art cultural precinct, the NSW Government is contributing $40 million from Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants program.

The redevelopment will more than double the current capacity of the Theatres with a new 1500 Broadway-style lyric theatre; a newly refurbished 760-seat Riverside playhouse theatre; and new 424-seat black-box drama theatre.

Following an international design competition COX Architecture with 3XN Architects, Aileen Sage, Turf Design Studio, and Bangawarra was assessed by the Design Excellence Competition Selection Panel as having an innovative, imaginative, and creative design that best reflects the vision for the transformation of Parramatta’s Riverside Theatres.

The redevelopment of the Riverside Theatres will include:

• a new 1500 Broadway-style lyric theatre
• a newly refurbished 760 seat Riverside playhouse theatre
• a new 424 seat black-box drama theatre
• a new 88 seat digital studio and cinema
• two fully flexible production rehearsal spaces
• a refurbished back of house, technical and performer spaces
• state-of-the-art technical specifications for all venues
• a new Riverfront Café
• corporate function spaces, and
• enhanced public spaces

The Riverside Theatres project will include significant improvement and reworking of the surrounding public domain, improving the interface with both the river and Prince Alfred Square. The building and landscaping itself will be designed to be more pedestrian friendly and connect the river to the park.

The design is committed to sustainability and targets a 5-Star Green Star rating. The design will reuse existing materials to minimise environmental impact and remediate and restore thriving biodiverse natural ecosystems to the Parramatta riverbank.

The $188 million project is jointly funded with $40 million from the NSW Government’s Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program, and the City of Parramatta Council contributing $148 million. The redevelopment is one of 191 transformational projects being funded under the $2 billion Program.

Construction for the Riverside Theatres Redevelopment Project will start in late 2025, with doors to the new multi-million performing arts facility set to open in 2028.

Other cultural and community projects set for delivery in the Parramatta LGA through the Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program include the Indigenous Centre of Excellence ($78 million), Carter Street Precinct Community Centre ($6 million) and the Don Moore Multi-Purpose Community Hub ($20 million). More than $270 million will be spent in the Parramatta Local Government Area on 23 transformational projects as part of the Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program.

Visit Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program for further information.

Minister for the Arts John Graham said:

“Riverside Theatres has a rich and important history in Western Sydney. The redeveloped theatres will open across the river from the Powerhouse Parramatta, two significant landmarks that will transform and reimagine Parramatta’s cultural precinct.

“The redevelopment will ensure people across Western Sydney have a new and reimagined performing arts centre that will allow the arts community and audiences to enjoy more performances on a far bigger stage.

“This was a key election commitment and is essential for Western Sydney’s cultural potential and economic prosperity.

“I’m also excited about the flow-on benefits for the nighttime and visitor economies, particularly with the opening of the Western Sydney Airport.

“The Riverside Theatres redevelopment stands as a testament to this commitment, offering a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to the arts, for generations of artists and audiences to come.”

Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said:

“Parramatta is at the geographical heart of Sydney, and the Riverside Theatres have long played a key role in the cultural fabric of Parramatta.

“The redevelopment will ensure that the people of Parramatta and Western Sydney can enjoy world-class performances, with several large-scale multipurpose production spaces.

“The redeveloped Riverside Theatres, with rehearsal and performance spaces, provides boundless possibilities for our creatives along with an opportunity for people to enjoy premium performances in a world-class performing arts centre.”

City of Parramatta Lord Mayor, Cr Pierre Esber said:

“The reimagined Riverside Theatres will attract talent to Parramatta as we become an epicentre for creativity with our deep roots in arts and culture alongside the new Powerhouse Parramatta.

“Our community will soon have access to a state-of-the-art facility that will attract major Australian works and the best of Broadway and the West End shows to Parramatta for the first time.

“It also offers more opportunities for local and international talent to amplify their stories in a soon to be brand new modern theatre.

“We are committed to providing a thriving cultural precinct in Parramatta and this new design for Riverside brings us one step closer to our end goal.”

Patients across NSW have benefited from more than 55,000 visits to Urgent Care Services since the NSW Government rollout began in mid-2023, easing pressure on busy public hospital emergency departments.

To 30 April, 2024, patients visited GP-led Urgent Care Services on 10,628 occasions while Local Health District-led urgent care services, such as geriatric outreach services and virtualKIDS, were visited on 44,555 occasions.

The NSW Government has delivered 16 Urgent Care Services since July 2023, bridging the gap between primary and emergency care, ensuring that patients have fast access to the urgent care they need without having to turn to a busy emergency department.

The results come as Minister for Health Ryan Park will today officially open the Gregory Hills Urgent Care Service and said it is making a significant contribution to the local community, with 580 visits since the service commenced on 6 February 2024.

The Gregory Hills UCS makes a total of three urgent care services funded by the NSW Government in the south western Sydney region; the Campbelltown Medicare Urgent Care Clinic co-funded by the NSW and Australian Governments takes this total to four.

Gregory Hills UCS is open seven days a week from 8am to 8pm and is equipped and staffed to treat a range of illnesses and injuries that are not life-threatening.

To access the service, patients should call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222. A registered nurse will assess the patient’s condition and guide them to the care they need. This could include booking an appointment at the service on the patient’s behalf, referring them to another service such as virtualKIDS, or, where required, escalating their care to NSW Ambulance or advising the patient to attend an Emergency Department.

Patients needing language support can call TIS National on 131 450 and ask for Healthdirect.

The Gregory Hills Urgent Care Service has been delivered in partnership with South Western Sydney Primary Health Network (SWSPHN).

NSW Health has partnered with Primary Health Networks to deliver additional Urgent Care Services right across the state, in an effort to ease pressure on busy hospital EDs and ensure the people of NSW receive the most appropriate care.

The NSW Government has committed $124 million over two years to deliver 25 Urgent Care Services in NSW by mid-2025. It is also supported by funding from the Commonwealth Government.

Health Minister Ryan Park said:

“Urgent Care Services like this one in Gregory Hills is an example of how the NSW Government is embracing new and innovative ways to relieve pressure on our emergency departments by diverting tens of thousands of unnecessary presentations.

“We don’t want to see people and their loved ones waiting around emergency departments for lengthy periods of time – it’s not good for them, our staff, or other patients.

“Having access to services like these within our communities means more patients can receive care for their urgent health issues in a community setting, without a stressful trip to hospital.”

Member for Camden Sally Quinnell said:

“Care at the Gregory Hills Urgent Care Service is provided by general practitioners and nurses and is free for Medicare card holders and community-based asylum seekers.

“This service has been an important addition to the community as it’s working to ease pressure on our local emergency departments, which are among the busiest in the state.”

Member for Leppington Nathan Hagarty said:

“I’m so pleased hundreds of patients have already been able to access more appropriate, timely care as a result of this new Urgent Care Service.

“This service is about increasing access to healthcare, meaning families are able to get advice and treatment, all without having to step foot in a busy public hospital ED.”

SWSPHN Chief Executive Officer, Dr Keith McDonald said:

“If your GP is closed or you can’t get an appointment, and your condition cannot wait until you can see your regular GP, you can call Healthdirect for advice on accessing appropriate care.

“Urgent Care Services can treat minor illnesses like gastrointestinal illness or urinary tract infections; minor injuries like closed fractures or simple lacerations; and procedures like suturing, drainage of abscesses and basic fracture management.”

Women in regional, rural and remote areas are being publicly recognised on the Hidden Treasures Honour Roll for the important volunteer work they do in their local communities.

The NSW Government is focused on delivering a range of targeted initiatives aimed at supporting and promoting volunteering to enrich the lives of volunteers, strengthen local communities and benefit NSW. 

Hidden Treasures is a NSW Government initiative created to recognise and elevate the invaluable volunteer efforts of women across regional, rural and remote NSW communities.

91 women will be recognised at the ‘Thank you NSW Volunteers’ event in Wagga Wagga today, hosted by the NSW Rural Women’s Network. The event is being held as part of National Volunteer Week 20 to 26 May to celebrate the important role that volunteers play in building vibrant communities across NSW.

Coordinated by the NSW Rural Women’s Network, the Hidden Treasures Honour Roll calls for nominations throughout the year from individuals and groups, charity organisations, and local members of parliament.

More than 1200 women have been commended on the Honour Roll since 2010.

Nominations for the 2024 Honour Roll are now open. To nominate a woman as a Hidden Treasure and read the 2023 Hidden Treasures digital booklet, visit the Hidden Treasures Honor Roll page. 

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“In regional and rural NSW, women’s dedication to volunteering is remarkable, whether it’s on the frontline with the RFS, on the fields of the local sports team, saving lives with their local surf lifesaving club or providing friendship and support to those in need week in week out.

“These remarkable women see something that needs to be done and they get out and do it.”

“The work of women volunteering and leading volunteers in regional NSW is a key reason why our regional communities thrive and flourish.”

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“In regional, rural and remote towns, we know women can wear many hats and play many important roles in their communities. So the contribution women make through their volunteer efforts in their tight-knit communities is truly invaluable.

“The Hidden Treasures program as it is a wonderful way to celebrate and commend women for their selfless dedication and passion in bringing their local community together, for uplifting society and for moving industry.

“By recognising these inspirational women, we want to continue to encourage more local regional, rural and remote women to take their future in their own hands to support and advance their community.”

CEO of the Centre for Volunteering Gemma Rygate said:

“Volunteers are an essential part of every community in NSW, from major cities to regional towns. In 2023, 4.3 million people volunteered, with a social and economic benefit of $178 billion to the state economy. These numbers show the importance of volunteering in NSW and highlight how volunteering helps build stronger, more cohesive communities.

“Recognition and celebration of the work that volunteers do is essential and National Volunteer Week is the perfect time to celebrate volunteering. While volunteers are not paid for their work, we know that volunteering is not free and is in fact becoming increasingly costly. The vital work of volunteers in NSW deserves celebration and support from all of community.”

NSW Regional Woman of the Year Teresa Mitchell said:

“Women bring compassion to everything they do. We see the gaps and we have the courage to stand up and make a difference.

“Regardless of where a woman volunteering lives, you can be guaranteed that she is adding value by sharing her skills, time and energy. I have the greatest respect for the women out there making a difference in their communities, and there are many of them.”