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Construction begins: Canterbury Olympic Ice Rink to get cool new makeover with $17.9m NSW Government upgrade

The NSW Government has today announced a $17.9 million upgrade to Canterbury Olympic Ice Rink, a major community and sporting facility that will deliver a world-class ice sports venue in the heart of Western Sydney.

The new facility is expected to be completed in 2026 and will support the return of ice sports and community skating to Canterbury, with the upgraded infrastructure paving the way for state and national level events.

The redevelopment will see significant improvements made to the site, including:

  • Five multipurpose/change rooms
  • New skate hire facilities with storage for 600 pairs of skates, seating and lockers
  • A new concrete ice floor and barrier system
  • Upgraded spectator seating areas
  • A new roof structure fitted with solar panels

The NSW Government is contributing $17.7 million and an additional $200,000 coming from co-contributions.

The Canterbury Olympic Ice Rink has long been a much-loved community asset, and the upgrades will ensure that it continues to serve the region for generations to come.

The project has already completed site disconnection works from the neighbouring aquatic centre, held stakeholder and community consultation sessions, appointed consultants, and submitted a development application to Canterbury-Bankstown Council.

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“The Canterbury Olympic Ice Rink will once again be a place where the community can come together, whether it’s to train, to learn, or to support local and elite athletes.

“This upgrade is about creating a vibrant, modern space that reflects the energy and growth of Western Sydney.”

Chair of Canterbury Olympic Ice Rink Alex Allan said:

“When we reopen, this will be one of only two Olympic-sized rinks in Sydney — and the only rink run by a not-for-profit cooperative.

“This upgrade will keep ice sports alive, grow our community, and inspire the next generation of skaters.”

Member for Canterbury Sophie Cotsis said:

“This is another huge milestone in the journey to get this wonderful facility up and running again.

“Canterbury locals have been calling for this upgrade and today’s announcement shows that we’re listening and delivering. This is about building modern infrastructure that reflects the energy and potential of our area.

“This ice rink has always been a special part of our community. It’s a place where kids have learned to skate, teams have trained, and families have come together. I’m proud to see this investment delivering the future our local community deserves.”

“It is vital south-west Sydney has ice skating facilities available so that more athletes can have the opportunity to chase their Olympic dream.”

Member for Strathfield Jason Yat-Sen Li said:

“Canterbury Ice Rink is an important, greatly loved facility for residents in my community, including local schools, skaters and ice-hockey players, and those who just want to have fun on the ice.

“It is also a facility that has given those who experience mental or physical challenges a place where they can be themselves. We are delighted to be able to save this critical piece of sport and community infrastructure.”

Member for East Hills Kylie Wilkinson said:

“I’m delighted to see progress being made towards the reopening of the Canterbury Olympic Ice Rink.

“I grew up learning to skate at this rink, so it’s wonderful to see the NSW Government investing in much-needed upgrades.

“Now, my grandchildren will get to enjoy the same hours of fun on the ice that I did as a child, and it’s great to know the rink will continue to nurture Australian talent for generations to come.”

New Sydney Fish Market roof lights up the harbour

The latest icon of the Sydney Harbour has showcased its latest feature, with a sneak peek of its roof lighting system, offering a glimpse of what the 200-metre-long floating roof will look like when on full display.

This impressive installation features over 400 individual light fixtures and more than four kilometres of cabling, with the test performance recently lit up the night sky and demonstrates how over 400 roof cassettes can be individually lit to achieve multi-coloured and moving displays.

The 200-metre-long floating roof canopy is already the iconic building’s crowning glory and the lighting serves to enhance the market’s iconic silhouette.

The lighting display will be able to be activated to mark special events and could also be included as part of the much-loved Vivid Sydney festival or upcoming World Cups. 

Additional public domain lighting will create a welcoming and vibrant environment for the 6 million visitors expected to visit the new Sydney Fish Market every year.

With the unique and spectacular Sydney Fish Market on full display, we can see how Sydney’s skyline will be forever changed, as it was when the Opera House was built in 1973.   

Under the spectacular lighting display, the roof is an engineering marvel, comprised of more than 400 roof cassettes, and weighing a staggering 2,500 tonnes.

The building is a testament to cutting-edge engineering and environmental sustainability, utilising sunlight to illuminate upper levels during the day, collecting rainwater for recycling, and generating solar energy for the building’s energy consumption.

The new Sydney Fish Market being delivered by Infrastructure NSW and construction partner Multiplex will offer mix of retail and dining, including a fresh seafood market, restaurants and a seafood school, and is expected to open this year.

For more information about the new Sydney Fish Market visit: new Sydney Fish Market. 

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“Excitement is already building around the spectacular new Sydney Fish market, and this lighting is just a taste of what’s to come with this iconic destination.

“The roof with its magnificent wave-like form and fish-scale design is a sight to behold during the day, and even more spectacular at night when it is lit up.

“We are now well and truly on the home stretch and we look forward to the new Sydney Fish Market being completed by the end of the year.”

Sydney Fish Market CEO Daniel Jarosch said:

“The new Sydney Fish Market is set to become a world-class destination — blending fresh seafood, vibrant retail, diverse dining, and unforgettable entertainment all under one iconic roof.

“We’re proud to bring this bold vision to life, celebrating the heart of NSW’s seafood industry and invigorating our tourism future.”

Major construction begins on 60 much needed new build to rent homes in Bomaderry

The Minns Labor Government is today announcing that major construction has begun to deliver 60 new build to rent homes in Bomaderry, providing much needed long term, affordable housing on the South Coast.

Housing is the single largest cost of living pressure facing the people of NSW and this is particularly acute on the South Coast where in Bomaderry and Nowra, almost half of all households are experiencing rental stress.

This Build to Rent project that was first promised at the 2023 election by the then Labor Opposition, will deliver a variety of apartment sizes to suit the needs, lifestyles and budgets of local families, workers and residents looking to rent.

The project at 4 Bienda St, Bomaderry includes 48 homes for long term rental at market value and 12 which will be set aside for households on very low to moderate incomes.

The apartments are conveniently located for future residents, situated close to Bomaderry railway station, with easy access to shops, open space and other amenities.

South Coast based Zauner Construction has been contracted by the government to deliver these homes, creating more local jobs, with keys in doors expected by late next year.

This project has been funded through a $65 million investment by the Minns Labor Government to deliver secure rental housing on the NSW South Coast and in the Northern Rivers.

This is all part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to deliver homes where they are needed, so young people, families and key local workers have somewhere to live on the South Coast.

For more information about the project visit Bomaderry | Landcom

Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns said:

“These homes will be life changing, delivering secure and affordable homes for young people and families to rent.

“From new and upgraded schools and hospitals to this build to rent project – we’re building the infrastructure that the electorate of Kiama needs.”

“The cost of housing is one of the biggest cost of living pressures in our state right now – these much needed new homes will help address this while also creating local jobs on the South Coast.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully said:

“More than a third of households rent in the Nowra-Bomaderry area, so Build to Rent projects like this are vital to increase supply and provide better long-term housing choice in areas like Bomaderry that are already well-connected to shops, transport, open space and other amenities.

“Projects like this are a prime example of the Minns Labor Government delivering a more affordable housing future for New South Wales.

Labor Candidate for Kiama, Katelin McInerney said:

“We live in the most beautiful part of the world but it’s getting harder and harder for the next generation to have the same chance we had to grow up here and now raise our family here.

“Projects like this that respect our pristine natural environment while providing much needed affordable housing are critical if we want to continue to be able to deliver the new world class services the Minns Labor Government are delivering like new and upgraded schools and hospitals.”

50 Years Since the Gurindji Land Handback

The Albanese Labor Government recognises 50 years since the Gurindji land handback, a turning point in the struggle for Aboriginal land rights.
 
On 16 August 1975, Labor Prime Minister Gough Whitlam poured soil into Vincent Lingiari’s hands, during an official handover ceremony which formally granted the Gurindji people a lease to a parcel of land at Wave Hill cattle station.
 
It would become an iconic image of land rights and a defining moment in Australian history.
 
Almost a decade earlier, on 23 August 1966, 200 Gurindji, Mudburra and Warlpiri stockmen, domestic workers and their families, led by Vincent Lingiari, had taken a stand.
 
They led a walk-off from Wave Hill station against injustice, not just about their pay and working conditions but about their land.
 
The Wave Hill Walk-Off continued for nine years, during that time the strikers moved back to their traditional Country at Daguragu (Wattie Creek), closer to their sacred sites.
 
The lengthy campaign was a significant milestone in the Aboriginal land rights movement.
 
Their courage helped pave the way for the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) 1976 Act, Commonwealth legislation enabling First Nations people in the NT to claim land rights for Country where traditional ownership could be proven.
 
Next week, the annual Freedom Day Festival will bring people together on Gurindji Country to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the handback and the anniversary of the Wave Hill Walk-Off.
 
The 2025 Freedom Day Festival, a celebration of land rights, self-determination and community, will be held at Kalkarindji August 22 – 24.
 
Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese:
 
“Today we remember a mighty victory and we honour those who fought and won their long battle for justice.
 
“Even now, when we hear the word Gurindji we picture the endless blue of the outback sky and the vivid red earth trickling from Gough’s hand into Vincent’s. 
 
“That iconic image stands as an enduring tribute to the courage, determination and solidarity of a proud people.
 
“Yet as Gough said to Vincent on this historic day: “Your fight was not for yourselves alone”.
 
“There is more to do to ensure traditional owners can unlock the economic potential of their land and build the long term prosperity that will see their communities thrive.
 
“Let the milestone we look back on today, inspire us for the journey ahead.”
 
Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy:
 
“The Wave Hill Walk-Off laid the foundation for Aboriginal land rights across the Northern Territory and the country.
 
“This year’s Freedom Day Festival will reflect on 50 years since the Commonwealth, through Prime Minister Gough Whitlam, recognised the Gurindji people, through Vincent Lingiari.
 
“The formal handover of land to the Gurindji people – and the soil passing from one hand to another – is a defining moment in the Aboriginal land rights movement and Australian history.”

Appeal to locate man missing from Branxton

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from the state’s Hunter region.

Christopher Shaw, aged 36, was last seen in East Branxton, about 6pm yesterday (Saturday 16 August 2025).

When he could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police hold concerns for Christopher’s welfare as his disappearance is out of character.

Christopher is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 170cm tall, of medium build, with brown hair and a long beard.

He may be driving a white Nissan Navara utility with a NSW registration AYE565.

Christopher is known to frequent the Rutherford, Chisholm and East Branxton areas.

More Angle Park homes complete

The Albanese Government is delivering on its promise to boost Adelaide’s housing supply with the completion of another 40 new DHA homes in Angle Park.

The 40 three-bedroom townhouses in the Northwest Quarter estate, built by local builder Burbank Homes, will bring additional Defence families into the Angle Park community in coming weeks.

The new completions come on top of 14 homes built in the Stage One precinct in 2023, with another 31 new build-to-rent properties expected to be complete in coming months. These total 85 properties will support Defence personnel living in the region. 

In addition, 102 lots have been sold to private owners, supporting a mix of Defence and non-Defence tenants living alongside each other.

The area was selected as it is conveniently located less than half an hour from both RAAF Base Edinburgh and the Osborne Naval Shipyard, and offers Defence families easy access to Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Adelaide’s CBD.

Defence members and families have already settled into the estate’s Stage One properties, and the DHA housing and private properties will ensure posted families can build connections with the local community. 

Around 150 local workers were employed in the construction of the new properties.

Minister for Defence Personnel, the Hon Matt Keogh MP: 

“This is a win for Defence families and a win for Adelaide’s housing supply.

“Whether it’s directly building new houses or crowding in private construction investment, it all helps to take the pressure off Defence families looking for a home.

“The Northwest Quarter is booming, with ADF families and non-ADF families working and living side-by-side to build up a thriving local community.

“We remain dedicated to increasing Defence capability across the country; providing our personnel with quality, secure housing in convenient locations plays a vital role in attracting and maintaining our workforce to support this capability.”

Defence Housing Australia Managing Director, Andrew Jaggers: 

“DHA is proud to deliver another housing development that fosters engagement between ADF members and the wider community.

“It’s rewarding to stand here today in acknowledgement of 40 new Angle Park Northwest Quarter properties entering DHA’s portfolio to support growth plans for the ADF and the required capability in the Adelaide region.

“DHA remains dedicated to meeting the needs of our ADF members, and we now turn our attention to completing the next 31 properties at Northwest Quarter through our leasing business model to create long-term and rewarding opportunities for investors.” 

Greens will push for Senate Inquiry into childcare safety crisis, say enough is enough on patchwork fixes

The Greens will move to establish a Senate Inquiry into the safety and quality of early childhood education and care as soon as Parliament resumes, after what they and the sector have described as a failure to act with urgency on a system in crisis.

Australian Greens spokesperson for early childhood education and care, Senator Steph Hodgins-May, says years of neglecting the system has left children at risk and families without confidence.

In the last sitting week, the Greens supported a Bill allowing government subsidies to be cut from centres that repeatedly fail to meet quality standards. But Senator Hodgins-May told the Senate these were “band-aid fixes” that would do little to lift quality:

“Tinkering with the subsidy system will not keep our children safe. We need more than reactive tools to act after harm occurs — we need leadership to prevent that harm in the first place.”

The proposed inquiry would examine the regulatory system, workforce, and whether the current subsidy model supports high-quality care. It would aim to deliver recommendations to keep children safe and also inform long-term reforms towards universal early learning — a goal the Government has outsourced to Deloitte at a cost of millions and a delay of years.

The push comes as a rapid review into Victoria’s early learning system is completed and a NSW parliamentary inquiry is underway. The Greens say a Senate inquiry would bring this work together nationally to keep kids safer in every state and territory.

Australian Greens spokesperson for early childhood education and care, Senator Steph Hodgins-May:

“We’ve tried repeatedly to work with this government on what should be a once-in-a-generation reform of early learning, but with no sign of urgency to fix this broken system, we’re taking matters into our own hands.

“This morning, the Prime Minister couldn’t offer a real plan for fixing the childcare crisis — just another round of patchwork meetings while children remain at risk and families keep paying the price. It’s not good enough.

“A Senate Inquiry will shine a proper light on a system in crisis, expose the conditions enabling abuse and neglect, and make strong recommendations for real reform.

“The sector and families are calling for change now. The Prime Minister says he wants childcare to be the legacy he’s remembered for –  we urge him to work with the Greens to make this vision a reality.” 

Dodgy welfare penalties must end, Greens urge Labor after second damning report in two weeks

The Greens are urging Labor to avoid a second Robodebt-scale scandal by stopping all welfare payment suspensions immediately, following the release of a second damning report into the welfare system in two weeks.

The Deloitte report, released late yesterday, shows widespread legal and technical failures in the system responsible for the accurate administration of income support payments.

This is the second report in two weeks to smash the welfare compliance system, after a damning Commonwealth Ombudsman’s report that found over 1,000 welfare recipients had their welfare payments unlawfully cancelled by the automated system over two years.

While Labor has paused all cancellations and reductions of payments under the compliance scheme, tens of thousands of welfare recipients are still subject to harmful payment suspensions each month. Nearly 350,000 payment suspensions were issued in the first quarter of 2025, from roughly 800,000 welfare recipients who had compliance requirements during that period.1

The government excluded payment suspensions from the scope of the Deloitte review, but they will be considered by the Commonwealth Ombudsman in a further volume later this year.

The Greens have called on Labor to stop these welfare payment suspensions immediately, a call which has been echoed by a broad coalition of community groups including the Anti-Poverty Center, Economic Justice Australia and the Australian Council of Social Services.

Senator Penny Allman-Payne, Greens spokesperson for Social Services:

“Labor doesn’t seem to care if people on income support get the payments they need to make ends meet or not.”

“Hundreds of thousands of people are losing access to vital payments that they need to put food on the table – all because of a system flooded with inaccuracies that treats ordinary income support recipients like criminals.”

“Can the Employment Minister hold her hand on her heart and say that over 100,000 payment suspension penalties issued against welfare recipients each month are accurate? Are they lawful? Are they fair?”

“Robodebt showed us that automated systems can’t be trusted with peoples lives, and nor can so-called employment service providers who profit out of peoples poverty.”

“Clearly this system has not been fixed since Robodebt. And while Minister Rishworth hides behind Department officials, income support recipients are unfairly losing payments they need to put food on the table and keep a roof over their head.”

“Labor can’t wait for another report – they need to end payment suspensions right now.”

Key findings from the Deloitte report:

The Deloitte review confirmed legal issues in the system, stating that “legal and evidentiary basis for compliance actions […] cannot be consistently documented, verified, or reconciled with legislative provisions or policy intent.” (p8)

It describes a system where “errors and noncompliance may go undetected, and where systemic issues are not reliably escalated or addressed” (p10).

Despite the passing of new laws requiring the use of discretion when pursuing welfare debts, the report found “no records were available to demonstrate compliance with this requirement.” (p9)

The Deloitte review demonstrates that the Government has for years shown disinterest in meeting their legal obligations and avoiding undue harm to welfare recipients in keeping with the recommendations of the Robodebt Royal Commission. 

TrainLink introduces nation-leading accessible emergency information, supporting a more inclusive NSW

The Minns Labor Government is delivering on its commitment to build a fairer NSW by rolling out nation-leading emergency safety materials for passengers with vision impairments or intellectual disabilities on regional rail services.

Led by NSW TrainLink, the initiative introduces new accessibility measures including Braille for passengers with vision impairments and Easy Read format for people with intellectual disabilities.

This means if a TrainLink passenger is blind, has low vision, or has an intellectual disability, they’ll have the same access to life-saving emergency information as every other passenger.

These new materials help all passengers understand what to do in an emergency – like finding the nearest exit, pressing help buttons, or safely getting off the train.

Coinciding with National Rail Safety Week, the comprehensive suite of new safety materials is part of a blitz to make regional rail travel in NSW safer and more accessible. Other material includes:

  • Animated safety videos both on board and on platforms
  • Audio announcements on board trains and platforms
  • Revised onboard safety cards in Braille and Easy Read formats
  • Accessible station information including posters, digital screens and signage

The rollout of these groundbreaking materials is part of the Minns Labor Government’s broader commitment to ensuring essential services work for everyone in our community.

Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said:

“We are making safety information more accessible at every stage of the journey.

“The Minns Labor Government believes in fairness and that means ensuring every passenger, regardless of their abilities, has equal access to the safety information they need to travel confidently on our regional rail network.

“Rail Safety Week from 11 to 17 August is a great opportunity to remind passengers of how important it is to be prepared in case of an emergency.”

Minister for Disability Inclusion Kate Washington said:

“The introduction of Braille and Easy Read safety materials represents a significant step forward in making public transport truly accessible.

“More than 450,000 Australians have an intellectual disability, and many more have vision impairments. This important initiative ensures those passengers have the same access to critical safety information as everyone else, which could save someone’s life.”

Council for Intellectual Disability advocate Shannon Lalor said:

“It’s vital that appropriate emergency messages reach everyone travelling on trains so they know what to do in an emergency. Easy Read helps people with intellectual disability understand information about staying safe on trains.

“These cards help people stay safe, especially when travelling long distance. We need to know this important information just like everyone else.”

$2.6 million to boost police housing in Coonamble

Coonamble, in the state’s Central Western Plains, is the latest region to receive new key worker housing with the completion of three brand-new police homes.

The $2.6 million project contains three spacious four-bedroom homes, all with a separate kitchen, dining and living room, as well as a rumpus, laundry and private backyard with two-car garage and fitted with solar panels.

Some of the biggest barriers in maintaining rural and regional police numbers is the lack of suitable and available housing.

These new homes have already provided an incentive to serving police to transfer to the region, with all three homes now filled by officers and their families.

It’s part of the NSW Government’s Key Worker Housing Program committing $146.3 million over four years to deliver 271 homes for police and teachers across the state.

To date, the Program has delivered 178 teacher and police homes in regional NSW using a mix of traditional building, modern methods of construction and land and home packages.

The four-year program will create around 700 jobs across the state, helping to strengthen local economies.

The Minns Labor Government acknowledges the housing crisis across the state, and the need to build more homes, which is why we are delivering unprecedented investment in providing more social, affordable and key worker housing.

This investment in police housing also builds on the Minns Labor Government’s ongoing work to deliver better frontline services, support the NSW Police Force and keep the community safe.

The former Liberal-National Government had no plan for police recruitment, no plan for police retention and sent wages backwards for 12 years. As a result, thousands of experienced officers left the force.

We know we have a long way to go, but we are working hard to turn that around by:

  • securing a historic pay rise for officers
  • paying recruits to train, resulting in applications to join the NSWPF soaring by 70%
  • creating a pathway for recruits to serve in or near their hometown after attesting at the Goulburn Police Academy
  • establishing the Professional Mobility Program for serving officers across Australia and New Zealand to join the NSWPF and keep their equivalent rank up to Senior Constable
  • introducing the Health, Safety and Wellbeing Command to better look after the mental and physical health of officers.

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley said:

“You can’t keep a community safe without police, and you can’t keep police without housing. These new homes in Coonamble are a game changer for recruiting and keeping the officers we need in the Central West.

“Three new homes and three police families already in place – that’s how quickly the right investment delivers results for communities.

“We’re not just talking about supporting our police – we’re doing it. New homes, paid training, better pay and conditions, and real pathways to serve close to home are all part of rebuilding the NSW Police Force.”

Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Rose Jackson said:

“Regional communities like Coonamble are crying out for key workers, but you can’t recruit police officers and teachers if there’s nowhere for them to live. That’s why initiatives like these are so vital for Regional NSW.

“We’re helping to combat the key worker shortage in regional NSW by delivering over 270 police and teacher housing across the state by the end of 2026.

“By building more homes for teachers and police in regional NSW we can help attract more essential workers to the areas who desperately need them. It’s beneficial on both a service front and for the regional economy.”

Member for Barwon, Roy Butler said:

“Without investment in key worker housing like this, many regional and rural towns struggle to attract skilled and essential workers.

“Suitable housing makes it much easier. We are facing a staff shortage at police stations in Barwon. These three four-bedroom homes hold significant value for places like Coonamble; they make communities safer, increase the local population, and boost the economy.

“I thank the NSW Government for this investment.”

Assistant Commissioner Andrew Holland APM, Western Region Commander said:

“This is an important initiative aimed at attracting and retaining police in regional areas.

“These new homes are vital in encouraging police officers and their families to move to this area and build a connection to the community.

“We know that some of the biggest barriers in maintaining police numbers in regional parts of NSW is a lack of suitable housing, and these new homes mean we can attract police to regional communities, where they’re most needed.”