Month: March 2025

Warrawong is ready for an additional 1,300 well-located homes following the approval of new planning controls for Warrawong Plaza.

The planning proposal at 43-65 Cowper Street, Warrawong, increases the maximum building height from eight to approximately 22 storeys which paves the way for the master planned mixed-use development to provide up to 1,300 new homes, with 15 per cent set aside as affordable housing for at least 15 years.

This project is another example of the NSW Government helping to increase supply as the housing crisis continues to be the biggest issue facing the state.

The rezoning will add a minimum of 6,500 square metres of publicly accessible open space, along with pedestrian links to Cowper Street and Northcliffe Drive, and Warrawong Plaza will continue to operate on the site.

A new bus interchange has been added to the proposal following community feedback during the project’s public exhibition in June and July 2024.

The proposal’s first homes could be built by 2028, which will help meet the Illawarra’s growing housing needs.  Trading will continue at Warrawong Plaza during construction.

The proposal comes as Illawarra residents’ ideas help shape the Master Plan for the future of the 32-hectare Warrawong Parklands and around 100 construction jobs that will flow from the NSW Government’s approval of BlueScope’s $200 million Plate Mill refurbishment at nearby Port Kembla.

Future development applications that are more than $60 million will be assessed by the Department and will be subject to design excellence requirements.

This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to build a better NSW with a greater choice of homes, so young people, families and workers have somewhere to live in the communities they choose.

For more information, visit the planning proposal webpage. 

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

“The Warrawong Plaza and transport hub offers an ideal infill development opportunity to deliver more well-located homes and affordable housing in this changing suburb.

“This is an ideal location close to Kully Bay Park, Lake Illawarra and a short drive from Port Kembla’s Beach Pavilion.  

“Adding new homes will benefit young people, families and key local workers while also offering existing shops with increased customers and the potential for new businesses in the Warrawong CBD.”

Applications are open for the NSW Government’s 2025 Anzac Memorial Veteran Artist in Residence program offering up to $10,000 for a contemporary veteran or group of veterans to engage with the Anzac Memorial and the broader community through art.

The program gives veterans an opportunity to share their experience and stories of military service with the wider community through their chosen medium, while furthering their growth as artists.

Open to those who have served in the Australian Defence Force, Veteran Artist in Residence celebrates the Anzac Memorial’s intent as an active space for veterans and their families.

It recognises the collaboration, self-discipline, innovation and creativity that goes into being an artist along with the positive impact on health, wellbeing and connectivity. Launched in 2019, the program has produced a vast collection of trench art, paintings, music and poetry.

The inaugural Veteran Artist in Residence, Cory Rinaldi, is an Army veteran of Malaysia, East Timor and Iraq.

During his residency, he painted a series of works exploring the Memorial’s architecture as well as his experience of military service.

His residency culminated in an exhibition of 18 paintings and the program was recognised as the winner of the 2022 Innovation & Resilience Award at Museum & Galleries NSW’s IMAGinE Awards.

2024 Veteran Artist in Residence, Domenic Bartolo’s artwork shares the stories behind local war memorials in Sydney. Visit the Anzac Memorial’s Auditorium to view this https://www.anzacmemorial.nsw.gov.au/event/veteran-artist-residence-exhibition

This is the third time the Residency has been offered. Applications close on 24 March with more information available here: https://www.anzacmemorial.nsw.gov.au/about/veteran-artist-residence

Minister for Veterans David Harris said:

“The Anzac Memorial is a physical expression of the spirit and legend of the Anzac. A special place for the veteran community to come together and reflect on service and sacrifice and to share their knowledge and experience with us.

“The Veteran Artist in Residence is a wonderful opportunity for veterans to pursue their artistic dreams and tell their story while immersing themselves in the architecture and history of the Anzac Memorial.

Inaugural Anzac Memorial Veteran Artist in Residence Cory Rinaldi said:

“The Residency at the Memorial enabled me to heal. It gave me purpose again and once more made me feel part of a team since leaving the military.

“The Residency challenged my artistic parameters and encouraged me to paint outside of my comfort zone. For someone who suffers from PTSD, that’s a big deal.”

The NSW Government today announced that the State’s Fish, the Eastern Blue groper, will continue to be protected following scientific advice and community feedback.

Consequently, the no-line fishing prohibition, implemented 12 months ago, will continue for a further three years from 1 March 2025 to enable further research and monitoring on the species.

This decision combines with the long-term existing prohibition on spearfishing and commercial fishing of the Eastern Blue Groper to continue the temporary prohibition of line fishing.

This decision has been taken after the Government considered a range of important factors including recently published scientific information that raised concerns about the potential impacts of climate change and that caution should be taken in managing the species due to their unique biological traits.

The State’s Fish holds a special place for many people and communities, and this has also contributed to the decision to continue the fishing prohibition of the iconic Eastern Blue Groper.

This decision aligns with the situation in Victoria where for a long period of time there has been a prohibition of line fishing, spear fishing and commercial fishing for the Blue Groper.

The Government is committed to the sound management of our fisheries resources while also enabling the important activity of recreational fishing to be undertaken along the coast and inland waters of NSW.

Steps were taken early last year by the Government to ensure the protection of the State’s Fish, by placing a 12 month prohibition on line fishing for the fish, so research could be done to ascertain the best way to manage the Blue Groper and to enable community consultation.

The protection afforded by a prohibition on fishing was required following a community outcry on the behaviour of persons found illegally spearing the fish along the NSW coast and a concern for the sustainability of the species.

During the 12-month period of the ban, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development undertook both community engagement, comprehensive research and stock assessment of the Blue Groper.

The stock assessment concluded that the Eastern Blue Groper is in a sustainable position, however there is a risk the species is being impacted by climate change and warming waters.

The decision to continue a ban of line fishing will afford protection for the State Fish while the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development continue scientific monitoring and research of this important species, including looking at how the community can get involved through citizen science programs.

NSW Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

“NSW’s State Fish, the Eastern Blue Groper, will continue being protected after the Government considered a range of advice, community feedback and scientific research.

“There is a strong community interest in the State’s iconic Eastern Blue Groper, and there is a community expectation that we take every step possible to understand any potential impacts that climate change may be having on the species.

“Three further years of scientific monitoring will deliver a deeper level of understanding of how this wonderful fish is coping with warming conditions and what impact those conditions are having on the population, particularly in our inshore waters where people interact with the Eastern Blue Groper.

“I know some fishers will be disappointed, but I also know there are many in the NSW community, including fishers, who want this State Fish protected and that is what the Government is doing.”

The $1 million Rural Allied Health Educator Pilot Program a joint venture between NSW Health and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), is boosting student placements in Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD), helping build a pipeline of allied health clinicians in regional and rural NSW.

In MLHD, there have been 150 allied health student placements since the introduction of the Rural Allied Health Educator Pilot Program. The program is enticing allied health students to stay and take up full time roles in rural, regional and remote locations.

A survey of students participating in the program found prior to commencing placement only 56.2 per cent were interested in working for NSW Health in a rural area as a graduate.

Following completion of placement, 85 per cent were more interested in working for NSW Health in a rural area as an allied health graduate and 95 per cent of students were satisfied with their placement experience and would recommend a rural placement to other students.

Allied health clinical placements typically take 4-6 weeks and give students experience across a range of clinical areas relevant to their profession. The program includes occupational therapy, speech pathology, social work, dietetics and exercise physiology students.

The allied health educators directly supervise allied health students, as well as work with universities to coordinate student placements and support other allied health clinicians to increase student placement opportunities in regional NSW.

Speech Pathologist Katie Vernon completed her allied health student placement at Wagga Wagga Base Hospital in 2024 and enjoyed it so much she applied for a graduate position. Katie made the move from Sydney to Wagga Wagga in February and is settling into her new role at the hospital and her new community.

The Pilot Program is a joint venture between NSW Health and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development across Hunter New England, Western NSW, Far West, Murrumbidgee and Southern NSW Local Health Districts (LHDs).

DPIRD has invested $1 million per year over three years into the Rural Allied Health Educator Program.

For further information visit: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/workforce/alliedhealth/Pages/professions.aspx 

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:

“Staffing is one of the most critical issues we face in the healthcare system, and in regional, rural and remote locations that problem is amplified.

“I am really proud a program like this is having great results at encouraging allied health students to take up a rewarding role in the bush.

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to boosting our allied health workforce by increasing training and education pathways for students in rural and regional NSW.”

Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty:

“We support the Rural Allied Health Educator Program through funding these important regional allied health workforces. 

“Getting essential workers into regional NSW is a major focus of the Government and this program plays a role in that plan.

“The students also have the opportunity to participate in The Welcome Experience while on placement.

“The Welcome Experience is a service which provides essential workers the support they need to make the move into live and work in regional communities by assisting them to get to know the local area and people first.

“It’s essential that we motivate health care workers to build their lives in rural areas.

“This program shows students that they can have a bright and productive future when they work in rural areas.”

Member for Wagga Wagga, Dr Joe McGirr:

“This is a great example of how collaboration between the health and education sectors can drive recruitment in rural and regional health.

“It also demonstrates how different sectors can work with the community to fill critical gaps, such as can happen with the Murrumbidgee Health and Knowledge Precinct.

“We have workforce shortages across the board in health, but this boost to allied health recruitment is a good development as we work towards providing the dedicated professionals that rural and regional communities deserve, and I acknowledge the government for its work in this area.”

Allied Health Educator (Speech Pathology), Melinda Hewitt:

“Regional and rural health has so much to offer, and we love to welcome students and graduates. We invest in them, and they are a valued part of our team.

“It’s important for students to come out to regional areas and experience the high standard of healthcare we provide. They can see the advantages of working rurally, such as the broad scope of practice, opportunities for professional development and the lifestyle.

“Students are having a great experience, and they are going back and telling their friends. Before this program we struggled to get applicants for allied health roles, now we have no problem filling positions.”

Allied Health Graduate (Speech Pathology), Katie Vernon:

“With a student placement at Wagga Wagga Base Hospital you’re not just a student, you’re part of the team. Everyone was so welcoming and supportive; I loved it straight away and I was excited to go back and tell my fellow students about my experience.

“Having an educator like Melinda to provide clinical supervision and support me through my final student placement ensured that I was confident and ready for a smooth transition into a new graduate role.

“I have only been here for a few weeks, but I am already amazed at how broad my caseload is – from paediatric feeding to medical imaging, as well as working out in the community providing services close to home for our patients.”

Three inspiring women from regional NSW have today been named finalists in the 2025 NSW/ACT AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award.

This year, the spotlight is on the exceptional regional talent who have founded their own organisations and businesses, significantly contributing to the prosperity of regional and rural communities in NSW.

They are:

• Carol Mudford from Dubbo, founder of sHedway, a community-led initiative providing mental health and suicide prevention support in the shearing industry
• Dimity Smith from Tamworth, founder GRO Rural and GRO Events Group, innovative businesses connecting agricultural and rural communities, industries, and professionals across Australia
• Katelyn Wall from Nemingha, co-founder of award-winning beekeeping and pollination business Wall’s Honey Co.

The prize of the NSW/ACT AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award is a $15,000 Westpac grant for a project, business or program, access to professional development opportunities and alumni networks.

The 2025 NSW/ACT winner will be announced on Friday 2 May and will then compete with other six state winners. The National Winner and Runner-Up will be announced on Tuesday 9 September 2025 at Australian Parliament House in Canberra.

Find out more information about the Rural Women’s Award, visit the AgriFutures website.

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“I congratulate Carol, Dimity and Katelyn for their impact within regional and rural communities in NSW. This Government remains steadfast in supporting inspirational women who are making a difference and ensuring the long-term success of the communities they live and work in.”

“I am proud to see such amazing and innovative talent, combining healthcare, community spirit and agriculture. These women have started grassroot movements in their communities, personally touching the lives of many people through their work.”

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“Rural women are some of the most innovative people I know. They are routinely faced with ever-changing challenges and think creatively to ensure their communities and industries continue to flourish.

“Congratulations to Carol, Dimity and Katelyn on your successes and for being finalists in this year’s AgriFutures Awards.

“The three finalists are intelligent, resourceful and exceptional at what they do. This award serves not only as an acknowledgement of their achievements, but also as an inspiration to others.”

AgriFutures Australia Chief Operating Officer Belinda Allitt said:

“It is AgriFutures’ privilege to provide these women with a platform to build on their leadership skills to drive change in rural and regional Australia and receive the recognition that they are more than deserving of.

“I congratulate the 2025 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award state finalists on their achievements and thank them for their hard work and determination. We’re excited to follow their journeys, welcome them to the alumni and provide them the support to accelerate their impact across Australian rural communities and industries.”

Finalist Carol Mudford said:

“I’m incredibly humbled to be recognised among the strong, proactive women of rural Australia.

“The big hearts and can-do attitude of the shearing shed family make anything seem possible, and it is with strong communities looking out for each other that we can all live well.

“Thank you for highlighting the strength and contributions of women within our communities across rural Australia.”

Finalist Dimity Smith said:

“I am incredibly honoured and humbled to be recognised alongside such inspiring rural women who are driving real change in their communities and industries.

“I am committed to improving choice and access in rural and agricultural Australia—ensuring that people can build meaningful careers where they love to live, without being limited by their location.

“I am proud to help bridge the gap between corporates, farmers, and professionals, strengthening the connections that enable rural communities to thrive for generations to come.”

Finalist Katelyn Wall said:

“I am honoured to be named a finalist and to stand alongside such inspiring women who are making a significant impact across rural and regional NSW.

“It’s a privilege to educate preschool-aged children in my local community about bees and the environment, and this recognition provides an exciting opportunity to further develop and expand the program.

“I look forward to collaborating and networking with my fellow finalists and alumni, all of whom are dedicated to driving meaningful change in their communities.”

Work is about to commence at Mimosa Rocks National Park on the NSW Far South Coast, which is receiving a $6.5 million funding boost to strengthen the park’s resilience against natural disasters.

Severe flood events in 2021 and 2022 caused significant damage to the park, leading to extensive closures of campsites and visitor precincts.

Around 76 per cent of campgrounds – 60 sites in total – along with several popular day-use areas were either closed or had limited access until repairs could be made.

The investment is being made under the $200 million Infrastructure Betterment Fund, which is financed by the Australian and NSW Governments to support the repair and rebuilding of public assets directly impacted by natural disasters.

This funding for Mimosa Rocks National Park will support critical improvements including:

• Upgraded drainage systems to manage heavy rainfall.
• Relocation of high-risk campsites to minimise future flood damage.
• Improved road surfaces for better access and safety.
• Enhanced pedestrian beach access points to mitigate the effects of ocean storms surges and dune erosion.

Improvements will be made to four precincts within the national park, including three campgrounds:

• Aragunnu,
• Gillards Beach,
• Middle Beach,
• Nelsons Beach.

Construction will commence in the coming months, and visitors are advised to expect intermittent disruptions.

Visitors should check NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service alerts before any visit: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/alerts/alerts-list.

People can register for progress updates by visiting: https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/mimosa-rocks-betterment.

Federal Member for Eden-Monaro, Kristy McBain:

“Mimosa Rocks National Park is one of the Sapphire Coast’s most popular destinations, which is why we’re investing $6.5 million with the NSW Government to repair the damage caused by storms – supporting upgrades to the park’s facilities, and making it more resilient into the future.

“From fishing, birdwatching, picnics, and whale watching – Mimosa Rocks has so much to offer, which is why we’re ensuring that locals can make the most of it, and that we can continue to attract more visitors to the Bega Valley.”

NSW Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe:

“National parks are one of NSW’s greatest public assets, loved by everyone from locals to international visitors.

“The NSW Government is funding critical upgrades to Mimosa Rocks National Park to ensure visitor facilities can better withstand storms and floods. This will reduce flood closures and minimise disruptions to visitors, while improving safety.

“The improvements will also reduce economic impacts to the region by ensuring campsites and visitor precincts remain open.”

NSW Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty:

”This is an important investment in the south coast in the Mimosa Rocks National Park, to ensure more resilience for sites used by visitors can be better protected. This is good for locals and the many Australians who love to visit our parks.

“This is another good example of the positive outcome when the NSW and Commonwealth Governments work close together to deliver for the south coast.”

NSW Member for Bega, Dr Michael Holland:

“Each year, more than 200,000 people visit Mimosa Rocks National Park, making it a key contributor to the regional economy of the Bega Valley.  

“It is crucial that Mimosa Rocks is accessible for visitors and offers them an exceptional experience of this beautiful south coast gem.”