admin – Page 221

Appeal to locate child missing from Toronto

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a boy missing from the state’s Lake Macquarie region.

Trey Young, aged 11, was last seen in Toronto about 2pm yesterday (Sunday 21 September 2025)

When he was unable to be contacted or located, officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police have concerns for Trey’s welfare due to his young age.

Trey is described as Caucasian appearance, 170cm tall, thin build, brown eyes, short brown hair with small mullet.

He was last seen wearing a multicoloured shirt, black shorts and blue/white coloured sneakers.

Trey is known to frequent the Lake Macquarie, Newcastle and Sydney CBD. He may utilise the rail network.

Inquiries have established that he maybe in company with several other young persons.

Anyone who sees Trey is urged to contact Toronto Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Australia recognises the State of Palestine

Effective today, Sunday the 21st of September 2025, the Commonwealth of Australia formally recognises the independent and sovereign State of Palestine.

In doing so, Australia recognises the legitimate and long held aspirations of the people of Palestine to a state of their own.

Australia’s recognition of Palestine today, alongside Canada and the United Kingdom, is part of a co-ordinated international effort to build new momentum for a two-state solution, starting with a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of the hostages taken in the atrocities of October 7, 2023.

Today’s act of recognition reflects Australia’s longstanding commitment to a two-state solution, which has always been the only path to enduring peace and security for the Israeli and the Palestinian peoples.

The international community has set out clear requirements for the Palestinian Authority.

The President of the Palestinian Authority has restated its recognition of Israel’s right to exist, and given direct undertakings to Australia, including commitments to hold democratic elections and enact significant reform to finance, governance and education.

The terrorist organisation Hamas must have no role in Palestine.

Further steps, including the establishment of diplomatic relations and opening of embassies, will be considered as the Palestinian Authority makes progress on its commitments to reform.

Already, crucial work is underway across the international community to develop a credible peace plan that enables the reconstruction of Gaza, builds the capacity of the state of Palestine and guarantees the security of Israel.

The leadership of the countries of the Arab League and the United States is vital to this task.

Australia will continue to work with our international partners to help build on today’s act of recognition and to bring the Middle East closer to the lasting peace and security that is the hope, and the right, of all humanity.

Australia launches global declaration to protect aid workers

After a year-long diplomatic effort to drive global action to protect humanitarian workers in conflict zones, Australia has today launched the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel joined by more than 100 countries.

At a ceremony at the United Nations in New York, we honoured Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom and the 674 humanitarian personnel killed since the start of 2024.

The more than 100 countries – representing more than half of the United Nations – include Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, Sierra Leone, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, who partnered with Australia to develop the Declaration.

Together, we are pledging to new, concrete measures to keep humanitarian personnel safe and enable them to do their lifesaving work in conflict and disaster zones.

This global pact delivers real protection for humanitarians risking their lives to protect others, at a time when they are facing unprecedented threats to their lives and safety.

These measures include a commitment to facilitate access and protect humanitarian personnel, ensure faster and more efficient visas and work permits, new joint training for military personnel and aid workers to protect innocent lives.

The Albanese Government will also provide $15 million in support for practical measures that better protect humanitarian personnel through the UN Department of Safety and Security, UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

Australia will provide funding to Legal Action Worldwide and the Red Family Fund to support aid workers and their families and to Humanitarian Outcomes to maintain the Aid Worker Security Database.

Australia is proud to lead this global effort to protect those who risk everything to help others.

We know that to protect civilians, we must also protect aid workers who deliver the food, water and medicine civilians need to survive.

This Declaration is a powerful recommitment to the rules that safeguard humanity and ensure aid reaches those who need it most.

Humanitarian workers save lives. This work should never cost them their own.

Together with our international partners we are reinvigorating commitment at the highest political level to protect aid workers in conflict zones.

The Declaration honours those that help others in their darkest hours and pays tribute to their legacy.

Recognition of Palestine long overdue, but it will not end the genocide in Gaza

Today at the UN General Assembly, Australia finally joined the vast majority of the world in recognising a Palestinian state.

This step is a victory for the hundreds of thousands of Australians who have been pressuring the Government, but it will not end the genocide in Gaza. The Albanese Government must now sanction Israel for its criminal actions the same way it has sanctioned Russia for its criminal invasion of Ukraine.

The UN and a consensus of genocide scholars have all made it clear that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. Far from doing everything in its power to prevent the genocide, the Albanese Government has continued to engage in a two-way arms trade with Israel and failed to sanction the extremist Netanyahu Security Cabinet.

Senator David Shoebridge, Greens spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, said

“Statehood and the right to self-determination are fundamental rights of all people. Recognising this right of Palestinians is long overdue.

“In making this decision, Australia has gone from an international outlier with the United States and a handful of its client states, to the international mainstream. Recognising Palestine is complying with basic international principles, but it is not enough in the face of a genocide.

“It is no longer, and has never been, a choice between recognition and sanctions. There is an urgent legal and moral obligation now on the Albanese Government to do everything possible to end the genocide in Gaza.

“Today’s actions will not end the genocide, it will not stop the starvation or the occupation, material action is needed.

“It’s a brutal fact of this appalling genocide that Israeli F-35 fighter jets are being used in Gaza, and they can only operate with Australian-made parts.

“Whatever today’s votes, Australia is still purchasing billions in Israeli-made weapons, which have been tested on Palestinians in Gaza. This two-way arms trade must end and comprehensive sanctions need to be put on the Israeli Government.

“The Albanese Government should be using this time at the United Nations to work with other countries to build a global sanctions regime and work together to ensure there is a lasting and just peace.”

Pensioners will get smashed and lose care while Minister Rae hides

Older Australians will pay up to $50/hour for basic care at home under Labor’s aged care changes coming on November 1 according to reporting from the ABC based on Department of Health data.

Older Australians will be forced to forgo the care they need due to cost.

Minister for Aged Care Sam Rae and Minister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler reportedly declined to be interviewed in the ABC’s story and would not answer direct questions. The government has previously admitted 30% of full pensioners and 75% of part pensioners would pay more under Labor’s changes.

Labor have been desperate to hide the true impacts of their aged care policies. It took a Senate inquiry and weeks of pressure just to get straight answers on the true nature of the aged care waitlist, with over 200,000 older Australians waiting for care.

Those revelations eventually lead to the Government’s first defeat in the Senate as a successful push from the Greens, crossbench and opposition led to the urgent release of 20,000 home care packages.

Greens spokesperson for Older People, Senator Penny Allman-Payne:

“Under Labor’s Aged Care Act the worse your health, the more you’ll pay.”

“Labor have been keeping older people in the dark about these changes since they passed last year, but it’s becoming clearer by the day that these changes aren’t about improving care, only about propping up private providers profits.”

“The Greens tried to remove co-payments when the bill came through parliament last year and we were the only ones to oppose the new laws.”

“The Aged Care Minister Sam Rae needs to stop hiding, come clean about how much he expects older people will pay under the new system and how many people are going to miss out on care.”

“Older Australians should be able to access the care they need, not just the care they can afford.”

“Labor’s bleeding pensioners dry while giving tax-dodging corporations a pass.”

Communications Minister must urgently intervene to put safety first

Under the urgent carrier licence condition, the Communications Minister has the power to appoint an independent technical expert to oversee Optus’ Triple 0 capability. This only requires cabinet sign off, not parliamentary, which means that it could be done today.

Greens Communications spokesperson, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young:

“This is a catastrophic failure of Optus, and a devastating regulatory failure too.

“Optus have put profits before safety and our telecommunications regulations have failed to protect the community.

“We need better regulation and better oversight and that’s why I am calling on the Communications Minster today to immediately put in place independent oversight of Optus.

“The Communications Minister has the power to intervene and put in place an independent technical expert to oversee Optus’ delivery of Triple 0. Given how little public faith there is in Optus now, the Minister should take this issue to Cabinet for sign off immediately.

“How many more strikes does Optus need? The company clearly can’t be trusted to do the right thing on its own. We don’t need another review for the Minister to take immediate action, she has the power to act and can intervene today.

“This is a matter of life and death and at the end of the day, responsibility sits with the Government to ensure that this most essential service is delivered to Australians.

“People need to know that when they dial Triple 0 they will get an answer. This is an industry that is largely self-regulated and it’s time that ended. We need direct regulation of these essential serv

International visit

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will depart on Saturday 20 September to travel to the United States, United Kingdom and United Arab Emirates.

In the United States, the Prime Minister will lead Australia’s delegation at the United Nations General Assembly for High Level Week. He will have a range of bilateral meetings with some of our major international partners.

This visit will allow Australia to continue working with our international partners to address the growing economic and security challenges facing the world today and to take forward outcomes that benefit Australian people at home in their everyday lives.

During High Level Week, the Prime Minister will promote investment in Australia, particularly in renewable energy and manufacturing, share Australia’s world-leading experience in protecting children online, and highlight our practical action on climate change.

The Prime Minister will attend a major conference on the two state solution hosted by France and Saudi Arabia. Australia is a longstanding supporter of a two-state solution as the only pathway to a secure and prosperous future for Israelis and Palestinians alike.

Prime Minister Albanese will then travel to London and meet with United Kingdom Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and hold a series of other high level meetings. The United Kingdom is Australia’s second-largest source of foreign investment and our second-largest destination for outgoing investment.

The UK is also our 11th largest two-way trading partner – with $31 billion in goods and services trade in 2022-23 – as well as our 12th largest export destination and our 9th largest source of imports.

On the return to Australia, Prime Minister Albanese will stop in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and meet President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to discuss Australia’s critical Free Trade Agreement with the UAE, the Australia-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), coming into force.

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles will be Acting Prime Minister while Prime Minister Albanese is overseas.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“This visit is focussed on taking forward Australian’s national and economic interests at home.

“I will be promoting investment in Australia in line with our Future Made in Australia agenda, highlighting world leading steps Australia is taking to keep children safe online and delivering Australia’s new climate target to the United Nations in line with our Paris Agreement obligations.

“This will be an opportunity to meet with some of Australia’s major international partners to discuss trade and economic opportunities that help to create jobs and growth at home.

“During the visit I will address the United National General Assembly for the first time as Prime Minister as part of High Level week.

“Australia played a pivotal role in the founding of the United Nations – because we have always understood how important it is for middle powers as well as smaller nations to have their voices heard in the big challenges facing our world.

“Australia’s commitment to the United Nations and the multilateral system is enduring – our sovereignty and prosperity are strengthened through global institutions and rules.”

Swimming season returns with $2 entry trial at four inland pools

City of Newcastle will launch a trial of reduced entry fees for all visitors at four of its five inland pools when the new swimming season begins on Saturday.

Councillors voted in June to endorse the $2 trial at Beresfield, Mayfield, Stockton and Wallsend pools for the 2025/26 swimming season, a proposal supported by 95% of respondents who took part in community consultation.

Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre is not included in the trial to reduce the risk of overcrowding at that facility, and with a waterslide, aquatic playground and four pools, its
$6 all-day entry fee ensures it remains the most affordable pool with similar facilities in the region.

Cr Peta Winney-Baartz, lifeguard Ethan Crisp, Cr Declan Clausen, lifeguard Tiarna Baxter and Cr Charlotte McCabe at Mayfield Pool ahead of its reopening on Saturday and the start of the $2 entry fee trial.Cr Declan Clausen, who proposed the $2 entry fee trial, said it’s important to provide equitable and affordable access to aquatic facilities across the city.

“Our inland swimming centres play a vital role in fostering community connection and promoting health and wellbeing,” Cr Clausen said.

“Combined with free access to Merewether and Newcastle Ocean Baths, we’re making sure everyone has a place to cool off this summer.”

Visitors to all five inland pools will enjoy upgraded facilities following more than $1 million of programmed maintenance and upgrades over the winter break.

Lambton reopened on 25 August following the installation of a new platform to increase accessibility, an extensive paint job which includes non-slip areas, as well as three new heat pumps.

Beresfield received an upgrade to the solar heating system, while Stockton families will enjoy new playground equipment, barbecues, picnic tables, shade structures and new accessible footpaths.

New roller shutters have been installed at Wallsend and Lambton to improve security, and lighting upgrades have been completed at Beresfield and Mayfield.

With the winter beach lifeguard schedule now completed, patrols return to all six Newcastle beaches from this Saturday, adding to the year-round patrols that also take place at Merewether and Newcastle Ocean Baths.

Executive Manager Community and Recreation Lynn Duffy said our lifeguards keep watch over more than one million swimmers and sunseekers each summer.

“City of Newcastle’s lifeguards receive extensive training and professional development to ensure they can keep the community safe,” Ms Duffy said.

“Our successful Trainee Beach Lifeguard Program is also back this summer, with applications now open.

“The program offers an exciting opportunity for four high school students, who are also members of a Hunter Surf Life Saving Club, to gain hands-on experience working alongside professional lifeguards.”

In preparation for the warmer weather, City of Newcastle has recently wrapped up its school based annual Water Safety Education Program, which has been delivered by lifeguards since 1966.

This year’s program covered 46 schools across the region, educating more than 12,000 students about dangerous conditions, how to swim safely and what to do if they get into difficult situations.

To learn more about the trainee lifeguard program go to City of Newcastle’s employment page.

For more information about lifeguard patrol hours visit our website.

Construction underway on new support unit at Moruya High School, with another $13 million in upgrades on the way

Construction has begun on Moruya High School’s brand new $7 million support unit, while another $13 million in upgrades is on the way for the school as part of the Minns Labor Government’s work to rebuild public education and ensure students in regional NSW have access to every opportunity to achieve their full potential.

The new support unit will contain seven permanent support classrooms with practical activities areas, breakout spaces, an outdoor play area, a covered outdoor learning area (COLA), accessible toilet and change rooms, laundry, kitchen, and staff room and a new access road with undercover drop-off area and car-parking facilities for the precinct.

Member for Bega Dr Michael Holland turned the first sod to mark the start of construction on the project, which is due for completion by Term 2 next year, replacing five demountables.

The new support unit will benefit and better support students with disabilities, ensuring all students have access to the same educational opportunities.

Moruya High School is also one of the 33 schools across NSW to receive a share of a $100 million investment from the NSW Government as part of the High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) partner schools program.

Under the program, Moruya High School will receive facility upgrades to accommodate increased enrolments, broaden educational opportunities and facilitate the delivery of tailored HPGE course offerings. The work will include:

Upgrades to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) classrooms, Technology and Applied Studies (TAS) classrooms and music room, performance area and sound studio.
Sports court upgrade including new court surface, fencing and line marking
Updating the science lab, library and administration buildings.
Installing air conditioning across the school.
Improvements to senior lockers, a new covered walkway and automated front gate.

These upgrades will provide state-of-the-art classrooms and facilities that promise to challenge all students to achieve their full potential.

In addition to the new support unit and HPGE upgrades at Moruya High School, families in the Bega area can look forward to improved public schools under the Minns Labor Government, including HPGE upgrades at Batemans Bay High School and a new school hall for Mogo Public School.

This work is part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to rebuild public education, with a record $2.1 billion in the 2025-26 Budget for new and upgraded schools in regional NSW.

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:

“This much-needed support unit is a major investment in the future of public education for families in Moruya and provides local students with the state-of-the-art facilities they deserve.

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to delivering vital school upgrades our students need to thrive, whether through modern support classrooms or specialist facilities to deliver High Potential and Gifted opportunities. These upgrades are all about ensuring local students have access to every opportunity to achieve their full potential.

“Moruya High School is one of 33 schools across the state to benefit from our HPGE program delivering upgrades to facilitate high potential and gifted education opportunities in every public school.”

Member for Bega Dr Michael Holland said:

“I am delighted to see construction underway on the $7 million fit-for-purpose support unit at Moruya High School. This project represents a major investment in our community and a vital upgrade to support students with disabilities and additional needs.

“The new facility will replace five ageing demountables with a modern, purpose-built precinct featuring seven permanent classrooms, practical learning spaces, outdoor play areas, and improved accessibility. This will provide students with the safe and supportive environment they deserve.

“Every student should have the same opportunity to reach their potential. This support unit will not only enhance learning but also ensure that families in Moruya and across the region know their children are being given the best chance to thrive.”

Principal Moruya High School Mark English said:

“I am very excited to get this wonderful purpose-built facility that will provide outstanding opportunities for our staff to meet the needs of our students in a support setting.

“Building this support unit will provide equity for our students so they can prosper and grow to be the best they can be.

“I am thrilled to get the HPGE funding to upgrade our facilities to support our HPGE initiatives at Moruya High School. All of our students will have access to world class performance facilities and learning spaces so they can learn and develop in all domains of HPGE.”

Future of the new $2 billion Bankstown Hospital unveiled with first look at design

The community has been given its first look at the design for the state-of-the-art new Bankstown Hospital, part of a record investment to deliver enhanced healthcare and facilities for South-West Sydney communities.

While this is an important milestone, the Government has also made it clear we have work to do when it comes to health in Western Sydney.

The Minns Labor Government is investing $2 billion for the new Bankstown Hospital to help meet the future healthcare needs of our fast-growing and diverse community.

The concept designs showcase the new multi-storey building, which will house acute services including emergency, operating theatres and inpatient wards, enhancing access to healthcare services.

The design also features the hospital’s emergency department entry and main entry plaza, which will include green space and connect seamlessly with its Chapel Road location in Bankstown’s city centre, close to bus and train services and the future Sydney Metro.

The vibrant, city-shaping design ensures inpatient wards on the upper levels have maximum light and views, while the ground levels are well-connected to the nearby city.

The project is currently in the early planning stage, which has been informed by consultation with more than 1,000 staff, patients and community members through workshops, surveys and information sessions.

As part of the 2025-26 State Budget, the Minns Labor Government announced an additional $700 million for the new Bankstown Hospital, bringing the total investment to $2 billion, making it the largest single capital works investment in a public hospital in the state’s history.

Scope of the new Bankstown Hospital will be finalised through the planning process but is anticipated to include:

Emergency department
Operating theatres
Intensive care
Surgical and medical services
Health services for women and children including maternity
Mental health
Ambulatory care
Aged health
New multi-storey car park and on-ground parking
Other clinical services to be defined as planning progresses

In the coming months, further opportunities for staff and the community to provide feedback are planned to help inform the ongoing planning and design of the new hospital.

The NSW Government is also investing $100 million to relocate the TAFE NSW Bankstown campus to enable construction of the new hospital.

TAFE NSW will relocate most of its training delivery to the new Western Sydney University Tower, across the road from the existing Bankstown campus. This will ensure local staff and students can still access brand new facilities and bespoke teaching and learning spaces in the heart of the Bankstown CBD.

The 2025-26 NSW Budget includes $1.3 billion of additional funding to support the delivery of health facilities across Western Sydney including:

Additional State funding of $90 million to provide the full range of maternity and birthing services as part of the new Rouse Hill Hospital, with a further $120 million announced by the Commonwealth Government towards new the Rouse Hill Hospital development;
$120 million for additional beds for Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals
$492 million to develop a Statewide Pathology Hub on the Westmead campus;
$40.1 million to fit out level 13 of the new Paediatric Services Building at Westmead in partnership with the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation.
$22.3 million to establish a new paediatric hospice at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead.

Other projects in the Western Sydney region include upgrades at Nepean, Liverpool, Canterbury, Fairfield, Camden and Campbelltown hospitals. The new Bankstown Hospital is being delivered by South Western Sydney Local Health District and Health Infrastructure.

For more information on the New Bankstown Hospital and to provide feedback visit: http://nsw.gov.au/newbankstownhospital

Premier Chris Minns:

“We know that Western Sydney hospitals have been under significant pressure, and while this investment is a major step forward, there’s still more work to do to ensure patients and staff get the facilities and support they deserve.”

“This is the largest single capital works investment in a public hospital in NSW’s history. It’s a clear demonstration of our commitment to Western Sydney — but it’s also just part of the work we have ahead of us.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“We still have a lot of work to do, but we’re getting on with the job to deliver this world-class health facility, tailored to address the future health care needs of the growing Bankstown community.

“Staff and community consultation is an essential part of the planning and design process and I’m so grateful for our hard-working health staff and clinicians who’ve already provided valuable input.”

Jihad Dib, Member for Bankstown:

“Located in the heart of the Bankstown CBD, near the university and close to transport, including the future Sydney Metro, the new Bankstown Hospital will provide job opportunities and the highest level of care for our community.”

Kylie Wilkinson, Member for East Hills:

“We’re building this brand new health care facility in Bankstown from the ground up, ensuring its design reflects the needs of our community.”

Member for Auburn Lynda Voltz:

“The new Bankstown Hospital will transform healthcare for South-West communities by providing contemporary healthcare services and facilities, while also helping to attract and retain staff through modern, purpose-built health infrastructure.”