Category: NSW News

A Blue Plaque will today be unveiled on the Bondi Surf Bathers’ Life Saving Club, to recognise the contribution of the world’s oldest surf lifesaving club to the rich history of NSW.

The Bondi Surf Bathers’ Life Saving Club is one of 14 new Blue Plaque recipients announced by the NSW Labor Government. Blue Plaques keep our heritage alive by honouring and celebrating significant people, places and events in NSW.

The Bondi Surf Bathers’ Life Saving Club existed informally for several years in the early 1900s, before a group of locals gathered at the Royal Hotel in Bondi one evening in February 1907 to discuss forming an official surf lifesaving organisation.

Within weeks the Bondi Surf Bathers’ Life Saving Club was born, with the central aim of rescuing distressed ‘sea bathers’. Members performed 34 rescues in their first year of operation, inspiring the creation of many similar surf lifesaving clubs at beaches across Australia.

It remains in operation to this day, with volunteer lifesavers patrolling the golden sands and rescuing more than 12,000 swimmers and surfers every year.

Beyond the sand, the bathers and the rescue reel, the Club’s foundation established a long-standing tradition of service to others.

The spirit of the Bondi Surf Bathers’ Life Saving Club was on display one scorching hot day in 1938, when thousands of people flocked to Bondi Beach to cool off. Large waves crashed into the shore, wiping away the sandbank and washing hundreds of people into deeper water.

Club records say 180 people were rescued by volunteers in a chaotic 20 minutes. Dozens of people were resuscitated on the sand but sadly five people could not be saved, on what became known as Bondi’s Black Sunday.

Instead of recognising individual volunteers for their efforts, the Surf Life Saving Association of Australia recommended the entire Club for a special meritorious award.

Today, hundreds of past and present lifesavers and young nippers will join the Minister for Heritage Penny Sharpe and Mayor of Waverley Council Paula Masselos at the clubhouse for the official unveiling of the Blue Plaque on the pillar of the iconic building, which was built in 1934.

Find out more about Blue Plaque recipients

Minister for Heritage Penny Sharpe said:

“The Bondi Surf Bathers’ Life Saving Club is testament to the skill, dedication and service of many men, women and teenagers who keep swimmers safe at our beaches.

“The Club’s founding members created a movement that contributed to the state’s rich history, and continues to be at the core of our coastal identity today.

“This Blue Plaque provides a tangible link to those who’ve kept our community safe in the water for 117 years, and for that we will always remember and respect their service.”

Bondi Surf Bathers’ Life Saving Club President Brent Jackson said:

“The Club is honoured to have this Blue Plaque displayed on the pillar of our clubhouse, recognising the birthplace of surf lifesaving.

“While this volunteer movement started with just one small group of concerned beachgoers in Bondi, it has grown to over 300 clubs in Australia, and inspired similar organisations all around the world.”

Work will start next month on major repairs needed to restore full access to all traffic on Moss Vale Road at Cambewarra Mountain.

Specialist contractors The Rix Group and Retaining Specialists have been appointed to complete repairs to landslip damage caused by record-breaking rainfall in 2022, and work is expected to start on Tuesday 2 April 2024, weather permitting.

The Albanese and Minns Governments are funding this $5 million project through Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

The terrain and landslip damage posed unique challenges and risks during the planning process, which Transport for NSW will continue to navigate as work is carried out.

For the safety of motorists and workers, the road will be closed to traffic while work is carried out at night between 7pm and 5am Sunday to Thursday, when traffic volumes are lower.

To maintain traffic access for those who need to use the road, work will be briefly suspended for five-minute periods at 8pm, 9pm, 10pm, 12am, 2am and 4am.

Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions and follow the directions of signs and traffic control.

Detours for light vehicles will be via Kangaroo Valley Road. Motorists should allow 25 minutes additional travel time. Vehicles longer than 7.5m or heavier than 12t GVM can detour via the Illawarra Highway and Princes Highway, adding 90 minutes travel time.

Transport for NSW is managing a total of 50 landslip damage sites on Moss Vale Road at both Barrengarry and Cambewarra mountains as part of its Natural Disaster Recovery Repair Program.

The landslip damage was caused by record-breaking rainfall in 2022, which saw four times the average monthly rainfall in March and more than six times the July average.

Since the initial damage occurred, Transport for NSW has managed more than 150,000 work hours across Moss Vale Road and completed repairs at 24 of the 50 landslip sites.

Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips said:

“I’m thrilled that major road works are finally set to start to restore full access on Moss Vale Road at Cambewarra Mountain.

“I know this will come as a huge relief to locals living on Cambewarra Mountain, in Kangaroo Valley, nearby villages and our wider region.

“The landslip damage from record rainfall has proved extremely difficult for all concerned. I’m pleased the Albanese Government, together with the Minns Government are funding these crucial disaster repairs through our Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.”

NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“The NSW Government is committed to helping communities build back better after natural disasters which caused widespread damage to huge parts of the state’s road network.

“I am delighted to see this long-awaited work will soon be carried out on Moss Vale Road and I thank the community for its patience and understanding of the need to put safety first while repair works were organised.”

NSW Government Duty MLC for Kiama Dr Sarah Kaine said:

“These repairs are challenging, however Transport for NSW has developed a work program that balances the needs of the local community with getting the job done as quickly as possible.

“We want to thank motorists, especially those who live and work at Kangaroo Valley, for their ongoing patience during this important repair work.”

Find out more about the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangement

The NSW Government has today announced a $26.2 million package of reforms and initiatives to support community safety and wellbeing, particularly in regional NSW, with a focus on strengthening early intervention and prevention programs for young people.

Data from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research shows that crime rates in regional NSW remain higher than in metro areas.

There are also reports of an emerging phenomenon of offenders posting recordings of their offending behaviour on social media, particularly in relation to motor vehicle offending.

This type of ‘performance crime’ may encourage others, specifically young people, to engage in similar criminal behaviour.

It is clear the current status quo is not working for young people who are re-offending and being caught up in this cycle, and it’s not working for those communities who don’t feel safe.

The reforms announced today aim to address the increased rate of offending and community safety concerns through three key elements:

1.Legislative Reform

The NSW Government will introduce considered legislative changes to strengthen bail laws and introduce a new offence for disseminating material to advertise an offender’s involvement in or the commission of targeted serious offences.

• Amending the Bail Act: The NSW Government will amend the Bail Act 2013 to include a temporary additional bail test for young people between 14 and 18 charged with committing certain serious break and enter offences or motor vehicle theft offences while on bail for the same offences.
  
  This means that a bail authority such as police, magistrates and judges will need to have a high degree of confidence that the young person will not commit a further serious indictable offence while on bail.This approach is a targeted and measured change that is designed to stop specific offending behaviour by certain young people who repeatedly engage in serious break and enter and motor theft offences.The amendments will be subject to a 12-month sunset clause so that any future action or changes can be made with evidence to assess the efficacy of the new laws.
• A new offence for “posting and boasting”: The NSW Government will introduce legislation that will create a new offence in the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) imposing an additional penalty of 2 years’ imprisonment for people who commit motor vehicle theft or break and enter offences and share material to advertise their involvement in this criminal behaviour.This new provision will be the subject of a statutory review that will take place 2 years after it commences.

2. A place-based response in Moree

The NSW Government will invest $13.4 million for a targeted response in Moree to address crime, support young people and improve community safety.

This will act as a pilot program, and if the approach proves successful will inform actions to address similar concerns in other regional communities.

Initiatives will include:

• Additional judicial resources for Local (and Children’s) Court jurisdictions (including associated Legal Aid, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and Police costs) for 6 months and additional Aboriginal Legal Service funding.
• A new $8.75 million bail accommodation and support service in Moree for young people, to be co-designed by Government and community stakeholders. This will provide police and courts with more options to put a young person on bail with higher confidence that they will not reoffend. 
• Young Aboriginal people would be linked to Indigenous organisations, elders, cultural and family supports from their own communities with skilled, qualified, trained and consistent staff on site 24/7 providing child-safe care.
• An Action Plan within 6 months to optimise service delivery in Moree to ensure that services provide maximum benefit to the Moree community, including much better coordination, accountability and improving the availability of night-time and out of hours services and youth places.
• Out of hours activities, to be delivered in partnership with the Moree Plains Shire Council and Aboriginal community controlled organisations– including potential subsidised entry and extended hours at facilities such as the Moree LGA pools, the Moree Sports Health Arts and Education Academy (SHAE) and the PCYC.
• Continuing NSW Police Force (NSWPF) operations in the Moree area to meet community needs. This includes continuing to surge operational resources. In addition, the Youth Command will continue Operation Youth Safe which combines education and early intervention to at risk children.

3. Broader regional crime prevention initiatives

The NSW Government will invest $12.9 million to fund a new range of state-wide regional crime prevention initiatives including:

• Expansion of Youth Action Meetings (YAMs) in nine Police Districts.
• Expansion of the Safe Aboriginal Youth Patrol Program (SAY) to an additional five Closing the Gap (CTG) priority locations (to be determined in consultation with communities), reducing the risk of young Aboriginal people being victims of crime, and the risk they will become persons of interest in relation to a crime.
• The Government will also continue the roll out of $7.5 million in Justice Reinvestment grants with grant funding available to recipients as early as June 2024.

These reforms will help protect the community and significantly lift support for young people and disadvantaged communities and were informed by months of engagement with regional communities across NSW.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“I have travelled to many regions since coming into government, including Moree.

“I’ve spoken to mayors, police area commanders and local communities who have said we need to do more when it comes to crime rates, so that’s what we’re doing.

“We know there is no easy solution but the reforms we are announcing today look at the big picture at a whole-of-community level, to really intervene and help prevent crime and give young people a chance at life.

“We will not leave regional communities behind, and we will ensure regional communities are safe and appealing places to work, live and raise a family.

“We need to work across government – police, schools, mental health – and importantly in partnership with community leaders, Aboriginal organisations and NGOs.

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:

“We are already taking steps to increase the number of police officers in NSW, especially in regional areas.

“I’ve travelled to many regional communities since becoming Minister and have seen firsthand the amazing work our police officers do.

“The NSW Police are doing everything they can to serve and protect the communities they live in. The reforms announced today will help support them in this important work.

“The expanded Youth Action Meetings are about everyone working together to make sure vulnerable kids have access to the right support.”

Minister for Youth Justice, Jihad Dib said:

“These initiatives are about making sure we strike a balance between public safety and giving our young people every opportunity in life.

“Intervention is critical, and these initiatives will build on the efforts of Youth Justice to divert young people from the criminal justice system.

“It’s crucial that we identify opportunities where Youth Justice, police and the legal system can work together to achieve better outcomes for communities, and I look forward to seeing how this reform progresses.”  

Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“We are introducing some important legislative measures that respond to the immediate concerns expressed by our regional communities about repeat offending on bail and dangerous crimes being committed, and then filmed and disseminated.

“What we really hope to see from this package of reforms is the positive impact of the prevention and intervention measures, so that we see fewer young people entering the criminal justice system.

“What the delivery of the place-based response in Moree and the broader regional crime prevention initiatives mean is that young people will have more support and be connected to services that will not just help to prevent re-offending, but also will provide those young people with important wellbeing assistance.”

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“This government made a commitment to never leave regional communities behind and this announcement is testament to that.

“We are taking action to work in Moree with community organisations and optimise service delivery through better coordination and improving the availability of night-time and out of hours services for local youth.

“This is a significant funding announcement but most importantly a really considered plan of programs that, when implemented together, will help tackle crime and support young people across multiple regional communities.”

Shoalhaven farmers can take advantage of a NSW Government pilot program providing support to put flood refuge mounds on properties to help protect livestock from flooding.

Local Land Services is delivering the new program in partnership with Shoalhaven City Council and Dairy NSW, with the initiative open to primary producers in the Lower Shoalhaven floodplain area.

Eligible producers can apply for free professional design and mapping of flood refuge mounds and these can be used to support Shoalhaven City Council development applications.

Flood refuge mounds can provide a vital temporary refuge for livestock during flooding and need to be engineered and have local council approval to be built.

The mounds will factor in landholders’ needs and be assessed against flood planning requirements as part of the Lower Shoalhaven River Floodplain Risk Management Study.

Applications close on 31 March 2024 with the design and mapping work needing to be completed by 31 May 2024. 

The Flood Refuge Mounds Program is funded by the $13 million Early Needs Recovery Program and is part of the $150 million Primary Industry Support Package co-funded by the Australian and NSW governments.   

This package is designed to assist primary producers in flood-impacted regions and industries of NSW in their recovery from the 2022 NSW severe weather storms and flooding events.

For more information, visit the Local Land Services website.

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

“The NSW Government is delivering this new Flood Refuge Mounds Program to help farmers prepare for and reduce losses in future flooding events. 

“Primary producers in the Lower Shoalhaven have directly experienced the impact flooding has on communities, including affecting farming production, causing animal health issues and economic hardship. 

“This initiative provides a welcome boost for these landholders and helps protect their livelihood and livestock from future floods.”

Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast Ryan Park said:

“This is a practical program the NSW Government has put together to help Shoalhaven farmers to make a start on the development application process and one that has been designed based on local landholder feedback.

“I encourage primary producers in the area to consider this program as an option that will help to protect their operations from future flooding impacts.”

The NSW Government is today announcing that it will be returning community palliative care services in the Western Sydney Local Health District to public hands.

This announcement represents an important opportunity to enhance community palliative care services in Western Sydney.

Silverchain’s contract commenced in 2017 and there was no contractual option to extend this arrangement post its conclusion on 30 June 2024. There will be no loss of services as a result of the contract ending.

In fact, patients can be assured they will continue to receive high quality, 24/7 palliative care in the home, and this will be expanded to more people in Western Sydney.

The NSW Government will back this in by doubling the investment in palliative care in Western Sydney Local Health District by next financial year from $1.36 million per annum  in 2022-23 to $2.6 million in 2024-25.

Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“I am pleased to announce that more people in Western Sydney Local Health District who need palliative care will be able to receive it, as a result of our expansion of community palliative care services by bringing it in house.

“I know the local health district will work closely with Silverchain to ensure a smooth and seamless transition.

“Where there’s an opportunity to retain the talent and institutional know-how of existing Silverchain staff, we will do it.

“As is the case across NSW, palliative care will continue to be provided in a range of settings – both in the hospital and in the community, including in people’s homes if they wish. Services will continue to work with primary care and residential aged care to ensure the best possible end of life care is provided to anyone who needs them.

“Palliative care is provided to people in their most vulnerable and most difficult time in their lives and we will continue to ensure we give them the care and dignity they need and deserve.”

Netball NSW is delighted to announce that NGS Super has come on board as the Official Naming Rights Partner of the organisation’s Schools Cup.

The NGS Super Schools Cup is designed to provide NSW Primary and Secondary School students with the opportunity to enjoy netball in an inclusive and enjoyable environment. In 2023, almost 25,000 school kids from across NSW took part, making it one of the most popular sporting programs of its kind in the state.

NGS Super is a leading industry super fund for education professionals. They have been helping people with their super for over 35 years and offer members personalised service, award-winning products and competitive fees.

Netball NSW CEO Tracey Scott welcomed them to the netball community.

“NGS Super is a fantastic fit for our Schools Cup because they know teachers and the vital role they play in our community and the physical literacy of the kids they teach. Many of these teachers also step into the role of netball coaches for their teams and they are a key stakeholder in the delivery of our game in every region and community across the state.

We are passionate about giving participants an amazing experience and the teachers we work with are brilliant partners in the game. To team with up NGS Super, who are equally passionate about the financial health of those working in education, is a wonderful fit and I can’t wait to see the Schools Cup continue to grow.”

Natalie Previtera, CEO of NGS Super, said:

“We are excited to partner with Netball NSW. NGS Super is a national fund but we have a large number of members in NSW. Our long history with the education sector means that we understand the unique needs and circumstances of education professionals together with the challenges that the sector is facing more broadly.

This partnership gives NGS the opportunity to extend our support beyond our members and schools to also reach the Netball community.”

To learn more about NGS Super please visit ngssuper.com.au

The NSW Government is commemorating the military service of Australian women in conflict and peacekeeping, and as part of military families, with a series of special events at the Anzac Memorial this International Women’s Day.

Premier Chris Minns and Minister for Women Jodie Harrison attended a special commemorative ceremony in the Hall of Memory paying tribute to the service and sacrifices of women who have served, as well as defence spouses, family members and women in civilian organisations that support the defence and veteran communities.

NSW is home to 14,923 veterans, according to the 2021 Census, which for the first time asked questions relating to military service. Currently 3876 women serve in the regular Australian Defence Force and 1183 in military reserves. Australian War Widows NSW estimate there are 14,000 war widows in NSW.

The stories of servicewomen from across the decades were explored at the Anzac Memorial through live readings, a talk on women in aviation, a presentation by the Women’s Royal Australian Army Corps Association and the recently launched HERstory, exhibition. An annual networking event evening event for female veterans is connect face-to-face is being hosted by the Minister for Women this evening.

The HERstory exhibition is artist Carla Edward’s personal thank you to the women who have served in the Australian Defence Force. Carla grew up in Australia but in a European-focused home with English as her second language. Her parents largely socialised with other Dutch and German post-war immigrants, so Carla’s early understanding of the Second World War centred on the conflicts in the Netherlands, Dutch East Indies and Germany.

In time, Carla came to learn more about Australia’s own military tradition but realised she was only hearing about the men who have served. HERstory: Remembering Australia’s Military Women is Carla’s attempt to change that tradition and to ensure women’s contribution is recognised.  

The exhibition features the photos and digital stories of 24 NSW women whose military service spans from 1942 up to the present day. The women served in the Air Force, Army and Navy as well as the Australian Army Medical Women’s Service, Australian Women’s Army Service, Women’s Auxiliary Australian Air Force, Women’s Royal Australian Air Force, Women’s Royal Australian Army Corps and the Women’s Royal Australian Naval Service.

Two veterans who feature in the exhibition, Ms Robyn Harrison and Ms Judith Walker, also attended the International Women’s Day events at the Anzac Memorial.

Ms Harrison enlisted in the Women’s Royal Australian Air Force in 1972 at the age of 19, and was soon posted to RAAF Base Williamtown, discharging in 1974 to start a family. Following a successful employment discrimination case, Ms Harrison become the first married woman to enlist in Australia’s Defence Force history after enlisting with the Royal Australian Air Force in 1981.

Ms Walker grew up in a defence family. Her 2 great uncles and grandfather served in the First World War, her father was in the Army during the Second World War, and her mother was in the Air Force. Ms Walker enlisted in the Women’s Auxiliary Army Corps initially for a period of 3 years, but in 1985, the women of all services were disbanded and merged with the men and she changed to Australian Army Ordnance Corps and has served for a total of 20 years.

The HERstory exhibition is open until 1 April 2024. Find out more information on the veterans and to read their stories.

NSW Premier, Chris Minns said:

“Wherever Australians have served, women have been there alongside their comrades.

“Women are playing an increasingly central role in the modern Australian Defence Force.

“On International Women’s Day, we honour every woman who has served this nation, in wartime and in peace.”

Minister for Veterans, David Harris said:

“Women have played an important role assisting in the defence of our country for over a century, beginning in 1899 when the NSW Army Nursing Service Reserve and we salute each and everyone.  

“Women continue to make an important contribution to the defence of our nation, making up over 20% of the current serving defence force personnel. It is great to see them coming together on International Women’s Day to share their stories with us and each other.

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“Women have served in the military since 1899 and held vital roles in the Air Force, Army and Navy, demonstrating that women could fill ‘traditionally’ male posts.

“Women have always played a significant role in the defence of the nation. From carrying out nursing duties on frontlines and undertaking war work on the home front, to serving as members of the Australian Defence Force and making invaluable sacrifices as military spouses and family members. I would like to thank and acknowledge all women who have contributed to the defence of our nation.”

On International Women’s Day, the Service NSW Business Bureau is celebrating more than 30,000 businesswomen across NSW who have turned their passion into their pay cheque thanks to free personalised support and independent business advice offered through Service NSW.

Being your own boss is the dream that kick-started many of the 850,000 small businesses in NSW. Despite small business accounting for 97 percent of all businesses across the State, women account for only one third of business owners.

Small Businesses want opportunity. They want the NSW Labor Government to remove barriers so they can get on with business.

The Business Connect program within the newly launched Service NSW Business Bureau is delivering one-on-one personalised support to empower women to make their business goals a reality.

No matter the stage of their business journey, women across NSW can receive up to eight hours of free, tailored advice, whether they are just getting started, need support with sales strategies, marketing or managing their finances and cash flow.

Women can connect with an experienced independent Business Connect advisor over the phone, online, in person or through the Service NSW Business Bureau app.

Since the launch of this initiative more than 230,000 hours of business support have been provided to women in NSW, with the most sought-after advice being business planning and marketing strategies.

The success of this service is evident in that almost 96 per cent of business owners are satisfied with the service and likely to recommend it to others.

The Service NSW Business Bureau Support for Women in Business online content hub is also there to help women at every stage of their business, with all the tools they need to succeed in one convenient location.

The online content hub is home to a ‘women in business’ toolkit, networking events, grants, funding, mental health support and training opportunities, such as the fully subsidised NSW Government and TAFE NSW Women in Business initiative.

Access the Support for Women in Business online content hub

Enrol in the TAFE NSW Women in Business initiative 

Find out more about Service NSW Business Connect

Minister for Small Business Steve Kamper said:

“Running a business can provide a better work-life balance but knowing where to start or how to grow can be challenging.

“We want to empower women in NSW with the knowledge to kick-start their business and the confidence to turn their career dreams into a reality.

“From getting started, to marketing and managing cash flow, the Service NSW Business Bureau’s advisory programs provide up to eight hours of free expert, independent and tailored advice for women, no matter where they are in their business journey.”

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“The women of NSW are smart, savvy and strong. The NSW Government is focused on removing the barriers and challenges women across the State may face at every stage of their business.

“More and more women are establishing their own businesses as a way to get into the labour market. Business Connect and the advisory programs provide them with practical tips and guidance to navigate through the process. This is another way the government is empowering and supporting women to achieve their business dreams.”

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said:

“TAFE NSW is proud to be supporting small businesswomen of NSW.

“Owning a small business is no mean feat. Learning the latest business trends, hearing from successful female entrepreneurs and being given access to assistance in setting up and growing your business will help all women on this journey.”

Young people in custody are being given the opportunity to learn new skills to help them transition back into the community thanks to a partnership between Youth Justice NSW and Training Services NSW, which is rolling out trade qualifications across all six Youth Justice Centres.

Minister for Youth Justice Jihad Dib and Minister for Skills Steve Whan recently visited Riverina Youth Justice Centre to see the trades in action, with a barbershop, café and crane service all ‘open for business’ on the day.

Minister Dib received a haircut from a young person in the first dedicated barber shop across youth justice centres in NSW, called Jack of all Fades.

Following on from a successful Try a Trade Day at Riverina Youth Justice Centre in June last year, the centre has been focusing on providing more trade opportunities for young people.

As part of the Try a Trade Day, five businesses visited the centre and taught young people about trades including plumbing, carpentry, painting, traffic control and mechanics.

Since December 2022, more than 200 young people across the six centres have had the opportunity to learn more about new skills and trades as part of the Try a Trade program.

Riverina Youth Justice Centre runs a range of trade programs to get young people work ready, such as food technology, barista training, woodwork, metal work, construction and fabrication, brick and block, white card, manufacturing and engineering, barber shop training, first aid and emergency care, traffic control, and Certificate II in agriculture.

Minister for Youth Justice Jihad Dib said:

“I was delighted to be back in the Riverina this week, to have a coffee made by the young people training as baristas and to have my hair cut by one of the young men learning how to be a barber.

“One of the many ways we support young people in our care at Youth Justice is to give them real life skills so they can get a job and rebuild their lives.

“The hospitality, barista and barber training we have going on here are just three of the many trade qualifications being rolled out across the six Youth Justice Centres in NSW.”

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan said:

“Regardless of what their history is, every young person deserves to be set up for success and given equitable opportunities to pursue a career or further education. Getting an income is a key part of helping people to avoid re-offending in the future.

“Initiatives like the Shepherd’s Park School ensure a seamless transition back into society for young offenders where they can become engaged and skilled members of the community.

“Not only are we empowering young people with the skills and qualifications in their chosen trades, we are also giving them the self-confidence to take back control of their futures.”

Businesses and residents in the northeast corner of NSW are reminded to remain vigilant following the detection of fire ants at Currumbin Waters, approximately 1.2km from the NSW-QLD border.

The National Fire Ant Eradication Plan (NFAEP) has notified the NSW Government of the positive fire ant detection at Currumbin Waters, Queensland.

Following a report from the public, the nest was diagnosed as positive for fire ants and a team from the NFAEP destroyed the nest shortly after the detection.

This detection will invoke movement controls within a 5km radius of the site and thereby involves a mix of QLD and NSW territories on either side of the border.

This has led to the NSW Government needing to issue a Biosecurity (fire ants) Emergency Order within that 5km radius that covers south of the border.  

The NSW Government is working closely with the National eradication team and QLD Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.

The small, impacted section of NSW covers the surrounds of Piggabeen and Cobaki that are now for precautionary measures classified as a fire ant infested area.

Movement of fire ant carrier materials – soil, mulch, turf and hay – out of this part of NSW is now regulated under the Emergency Order and may require a Record of Movement Declaration and a Plant Health Certificate.

The NSW Government is working closely with the national team to prevent red imported fire ants from entering NSW, and ultimately eradicating the pest from Australia.

Around $600 million has been allocated to this fight, with the NSW Government topping it up by $95 million in 2023.

The state’s response plan is working with swift and effective actions such as inspecting any reports of suspicious ants or eradicating found fire ant sites.

Of the 572 reports of suspicious ants to the NSW Government’s hotline, all have been determined as not fire ants except for 2 – South Murwillumbah in November 2023 and Ballina in January this year.

Following those nests’ destruction, extensive ongoing surveillance revealed no further evidence of fire ants in NSW.

For more information about red imported fire ants or to report sightings, visit the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) website or call 1800 680 244.

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty:

“The NSW Government is serious about eradicating fire ants and that is why we raised the funding from $15 million under the previous Government to $95 million last year to fight this pest.

“We’ve proven that we respond quickly to reports or detections in NSW or close by in Queensland. The issuing of this Biosecurity Emergency Order across a small area, even though it’s a fire ant site in QLD, is because we will take every precaution and action in the fight against fire ants.

“Fire ants don’t march into NSW, they are carried, as a result of moving fire ant carrier materials such as soil, mulch, hay and turf. That is why control orders and education both play critical parts in the fire ant eradication campaign.

“Biosecurity is everyone’s responsibility, so it’s critical that anyone moving these types of materials complies with this Biosecurity Emergency Order.”