Category: NSW News

Public high schools across NSW have been recognised for driving academic improvement, delivering outstanding results in the 2025 Higher School Certificate (HSC).

Letters jointly written by Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car and NSW Department of Education Secretary Murat Dizdar went out to 45 schools congratulating them on their achievement.

This year’s results almost doubles the number of schools honoured for their 2024 HSC results, including Dulwich High School of Visual Arts and Design, South Sydney High School and Hunter Sports High School being recognised for the second year in a row.

The schools were identified from across 452 public high schools that each year guide the estimated 40,000 Year 12 students through to the HSC.  

Schools were identified for demonstrating consistent growth over seven years, for showing an increase in the number of students who achieved higher bands of the HSC, and for demonstrating strong progress for students across other bands.

Each school developed targeted improvement strategies to lift performance based on what works best, supported by system-wide evidence-based teaching practices with the explicit teaching of content and skills through the new NSW syllabuses, high expectations for every student, and a sustained focus on student wellbeing.

The identification of the 45 schools that have shown the greatest improvement in results in the top bands comes a year after the Minns Government set system-wide academic, HSC attainment and school attendance targets for all NSW public schools.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:

“These results show what can be achieved when teachers can focus their time and expertise in the classroom, providing high-impact teaching for their students.

“We are unwavering in our commitment to academic excellence, and we will continue to challenge our students to reach their full potential.

“This commitment is backed by the largest school building program in our state’s history, more teachers in the classrooms and more opportunities for high potential and gifted students.”

NSW Department of Education Secretary Murat Dizdar said:

“These HSC results show exactly what our Plan for NSW Public Education is all about – excellent teaching and high expectations for every student. These schools demonstrate that with the right support and quality teaching, our students achieve strong outcomes.  

“This is public education at its best: lifting outcomes and delivering on the promise of opportunity for every child in every community.

“These schools are proof that great teaching changes lives. They are quietly and consistently turning potential into achievement – and that’s a story that deserves to be shared.”

Construction is now complete on the expansion of inpatient palliative care spaces at Orange Health Service, which will improve end-of-life care for the Orange community and surrounding areas.

Delivered as part of the Minns Labor Government’s $93 million World Class End of Life Care program, the project includes three new dedicated palliative care bedrooms with support spaces enhancing comfort and privacy for patients and families.

The new palliative care rooms are located on Level 1 of Orange Hospital, above the oncology ward and existing palliative care facilities. Designed to create a peaceful, home‑like environment to support patients and families, the spaces feature access to natural light, fresh air, and communal indoor and outdoor areas.

As part of the design, each bedroom will feature an original painting by a local artist. Additional artworks and photography by local photographer, Alf Manciagli will be displayed throughout the expanded space to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Following an Expression of Interest process, the courtyard area will also feature original work by local Aboriginal artist Sandon Gibbs‑Oneil, created in consultation with the Orange Health Service Aboriginal Reference Group to reflect culture, connection and Country.

The expansion was informed by extensive consultation with health professionals specialising in palliative and end‑of‑life care, Aboriginal representatives, carers and members of the local community to ensure the facilities meet the needs of patients and families across the region.

The project will now progress to final commissioning and operational readiness ahead of opening to patients in the coming weeks.

For more information about the World Class End of Life Care Program, visit: World Class End of Life Care Program

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“This is a significant investment in compassionate care for patients, families, carers and the clinical staff who support them.

“The Minns Government is committed to ensuring people with life‑limiting illnesses receive high‑quality end‑of‑life care at the right time, and in the right place.

“These modern, purpose‑built spaces will help provide comfort, dignity and support during what can be an extremely difficult time.”

Member for Orange Phil Donato

“I congratulate Health Minister Park for responding to the needs of our community and delivering improved inpatient palliative care services here at the Orange Health Service.”

“I have passionately advocated and lobbied for the return of inpatient palliative care services to Orange Health Service, which we have witnessed delivered in recent years – and I now welcome this further expansion of the unit to provide greater capability in meeting the increasing needs of our community.”

“I wish to acknowledge the dedication of Orange Push for Palliative, who are to be credited with not only making this revived ward a reality, but for making it such a supportive and peaceful space for families and their loved ones who require specialised end-of-life care.”

Labor Spokesperson for Orange Stephen Lawrence MLC:

“With construction complete, the new palliative care spaces are one step closer to welcoming patients and families.

“Community feedback played a crucial role in shaping the design, which has helped create a warm, home‑like environment that prioritises privacy, connection and comfort, as well as access to natural light and outdoor areas.

“This expansion strengthens palliative care for the region and reflects what our community told us matters most.”

The Minns Labor Government is protecting workers from dust diseases with its $2.5 million state-of-the -art Lung Health Mobile Clinic which is providing lung health checks to thousands of people across New South Wales.

The lung bus has arrived in Wollongong to provide free lung screening checks. These lung health checks can be lifesaving by making sure early detection and treatment of dust diseases like asbestosis, silicosis and mesothelioma.

The lung bus program provides free lung screening checks to more than 5,000 workers annually in NSW.

Lung health checks are painless and only take around 30 minutes. The process includes chest X-rays to detect abnormalities or damage, lung function testing to assess respiratory performance, consultation with a specialist doctor, who interprets results and provides tailored advice and referral for a CT scan, if required, to get a better image of the chest and lungs.

Workers can also arrange a free lung screening at icare’s Sydney CBD clinic, or with local providers regionally when the lung bus is not in that part of the state. To book a free lung health check, contact icare on 1800 550 027.

The Lung Health Mobile Clinic will be located at North Dalton Car Park on Monday 16 March 2026. 

The Lung Bus will next travel to the following destinations:

Parramatta: 31 March, Gosford: 13 April, Singleton: 20 April, Tuncurry: 27 April, Coffs Harbour: 11 May, Byron Bay: 18 May, Tweed Heads: 25 May, Inverell: 9 June, Tamworth: 15 June, Newcastle: 29 June, Dubbo: 6 July, Orange: 13 July, Wagga Wagga: 27 July, Lithgow: 10 August, Blue Mountains: 24 August, Sydney: 3 September, Tomago: 6 October, Newcastle: 26 October, Central Coast: 9 November.

Eliminating the risks associated with silica is a high priority for the Minns Government and the Lung Bus is one of several measures which have been introduced to reduce the risks of working with CSS in NSW.

These include:

• Strengthening workplace safety through a Silica Worker Register (SWR) which monitors and tracks the health of at-risk workers undertaking high-risk processing of crystalline silica substances (CSS).
• Leading the ban on engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs containing one per cent or greater crystalline silica. This included a national ban on its importation from January 1, 2025.
• Establishing the Tunnelling Dust Safety Taskforce to help address silica related health risks for workers in tunnelling projects. The Taskforce is made up of Government, medical, industry and union representatives and provides expert guidance to prevent and manage silica and other dust related disease associated with tunnelling projects in NSW.
• Establishing a dedicated silica unit within SafeWork NSW which includes a Silica Compliance Team to enforce strengthened regulations, including proactive visits to sites conducting high-risk CSS processing.
• Allocating $5 million in critical funding for silicosis research and a patient support program for individuals and their families navigating the health risks associated with exposure to silica dust. The grant funding, administered collaboratively by icare and the Dust Diseases Board, will be provided over three years to the Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute (ADDRI).

Whilst lung bus bookings are at capacity, for more information on lung health checks or to arrange a screening, contact icare directly by visiting the Lung Screening Service website or calling 1800 550 027.

The Dust Diseases Care team can help facilitate lung health checks at icare’s Sydney CBD Kent Street clinic or their mobile clinic or through local services.

Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said:

“The icare Mobile Clinic underscores the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to removing barriers like cost and location, ensuring workers across NSW have access to the critical support and care they need to safeguard their health.

“The Lung Bus is another important step towards protecting workers from dust diseases and builds on the Government’s recent actions including the Silica Worker Register, the ban on engineered stone, the establishment of the Tunnelling Dust Safety Taskforce and a dedicated Silica unit within SafeWork NSW.

“Every worker has the right to go to work and return home safely.”

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

“We want to make sure that people in the Illawarra have access to the healthcare they need, when and where they need it.

“For too many, life gets in the way of regular check-ups so by bringing this service directly to the community, we’re removing one more barrier to staying healthy.

“Whether you’re working in construction, mining, manufacturing or just living in the area – we’re urging everyone to take a few minutes to get checked.”

Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said:

“This is another example of the Minns Labor Government making sure Wollongong residents have access to the healthcare they need, when and where they need it.

“For too many, life gets in the way of regular check-ups so by bringing this service directly to the community, we’re removing one more barrier to staying healthy and helping to protect the health and futures of our workers.”

Icare Group Executive of General Insurance and Care Sarah Johnson said:

“A lung health check could save your life.

“Early detection is critical to effective treatment, and we’re here to make sure every worker, no matter where they live, has access to world-class care.”

Today’s determination by the Federal Government’s Commonwealth Grants Commission that NSW will receive just 82 cents for every dollar it contributes to the GST pool is a bitter blow to the state’s future prosperity, and further proof that NSW is worse off under State and Federal Labor. 
 
The NSW Liberals and Nationals call on Chris Minns and Daniel Mookhey to stand up for NSW and demand that Anthony Albanese fix the GST distribution formula so that the people of NSW receive their fair share. 
 
NSW taxpayers pay more than any other State by any other measure, yet continue to be short changed. 
 
Under the current, lopsided arrangement, this inequity is only set to worsen for NSW, while Victoria remains a net winner for the second year in a row. 
 
Shadow Treasurer, Scott Farlow, said today’s determination highlights how NSW is being left behind under Labor governments in Macquarie Street and Canberra. 
 
“Under Chris Minns and Anthony Albanese, NSW has gotten the worst GST deal since the introduction of the GST,” Mr Farlow said. 
 
“NSW taxpayers are already paying 30% more tax under the Minns Labor Government, and the NSW Liberals and Nationals are concerned that today’s news will be another excuse for Labor to raise taxes.” 
 
“After three years in office today, Chris Minns and Daniel Mookhey have sat on their hands when it comes to GST Distribution Reform. 
 
“They have failed to even make a submission to the Productivity Commission’s GST Distribution Reform inquiry to date, and today’s determination demonstrates the devastating consequences of this inaction to the future prosperity of NSW.” 
 
“While the Government has called for reform today, a move welcomed by the Opposition, it’s clear that Chris Minns has failed to stand up to Anthony Albanese for NSW to date.” 
 
“Under Chris Minns and Anthomy Albanese NSW taxpayers will keep paying more while getting less in return.” 

Penrith’s new world-class stadium will be known as Helloworld Stadium, with the travel professionals to be the inaugural naming rights partner of Sydney’s newest destination.

Helloworld Travel is Australia’s leading travel company with the largest network of 2000 independent franchise travel agents. The five-year stadium naming rights partnership marks Helloworld Travel’s first sponsorship of a major sporting venue.

Penrith’s new crown jewel forms part of the Minns Labor Government’s historic multi-billion-dollar investment in Sydney’s western suburbs. It reflects the government’s commitment to building better communities across Western Sydney by investing in the critical infrastructure and services needed in both fast-growing and established areas connecting local families with jobs, recreation and opportunity.

Helloworld Stadium will seat 25,000 fans in sports mode and up to 30,000 for concerts. Currently under construction set to open in 2027 the project will generate around 500 jobs during construction, with more than 650 ongoing jobs supported once the stadium is operational.

Key features of Helloworld Stadium include steeper grandstands to bring fans closer to the action, new videoboards and sound system, more food and beverage outlets, increased bathrooms, modern corporate facilities, improved safety and security, the family-friendly hills have been retained and four gender neutral changerooms will support the growth of men’s and women’s sport.

Once operational, Helloworld Stadium will be home of the Penrith Panthers, and host concerts, motocross and other major and sporting events.

The venue replaces the original Penrith Park which opened in 1967.

Minister for Sport and Tourism Steve Kamper:

“Penrith is ready to take off with Helloworld Travel coming onboard as the inaugural naming rights partner of western Sydney’s newest destination.

“With construction of Helloworld Stadium to be completed and the new Western Sydney Airport to open this year, this is an exciting partnership that will take Penrith to the world and creating a sport and entertainment destination that supports the local economy year-round.

Member for Penrith Karen McKeown OAM said:

“The new Helloworld Stadium is an exciting step forward for Penrith and reflects the Government’s commitment to delivering world-class infrastructure for Western Sydney. This redevelopment will create a modern, family-friendly venue that brings fans closer to the action while supporting the continued growth of sport, entertainment, and major events in our region.

“Importantly, the project is also delivering real benefits for our community – creating local jobs during construction and once the stadium is operational, while providing a new home for the Panthers and a destination that will attract visitors, events and investment to Penrith for decades to come.”

Helloworld Travel CEO Andrew Burnes:

“Today marks an incredibly proud moment for Helloworld Travel and our network of passionate travel professionals. The naming of Helloworld Stadium reflects our long-standing commitment in Australia and New Zealand to connecting people with unforgettable experiences – whether that’s exploring the world with the help of our legion of travel professionals or coming together to celebrate great sporting and live entertainment events.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Venues NSW on this exciting new chapter in Penrith and look forward to seeing Helloworld Stadium become a place that will create lifelong memories for friends and families.”

The first artist’s impression of the new purpose-built Jindabyne Ambulance Station has been unveiled, marking a major milestone in delivering enhanced emergency care for the Snowy Mountains community.

Planning and design is in the final stages, and the construction tender process is now underway for the new station which will be located on Kosciuszko Road, west of the Snowy Mountains Grammar School.

Construction is expected to begin in the coming months, following planning approval and the appointment of a builder.

The modern facility will include:

• Six internal parking bays, including a dedicated wash bay
• administration and office areas
• staff amenities to support rest and wellbeing
• staff parking
• logistics and storage areas.

The site was selected following a comprehensive planning process using best-practice modelling software to map Triple Zero calls. Its location will provide optimal access to the major road network, ensuring optimal emergency response times across the Snowy Mountains.

The new purpose-built station will replace the existing station at Thredbo Terrace, Jindabyne enhancing emergency healthcare for the Jindabyne community.

The new Jindabyne Ambulance Station is part of the NSW Government’s $232 million Rural Ambulance Infrastructure Reconfiguration Program which already delivered 53 new, rebuilt or upgraded ambulance stations across rural and regional NSW to boost frontline emergency care.

For more information visit: www.nsw.gov.au/jindabyne-ambulance-station

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:

“It is exciting to get a first look at the design of the new ambulance station, which will provide a modern workplace for local paramedics and replace the existing station at Thredbo Terrace, Jindabyne.

“This investment will ensure local paramedics have the facilities they need to deliver world-class emergency care across the Snowy Mountains region.

“The Minns Government is delivering more ambulance stations and more paramedics, to ensure people right across NSW have access to the emergency care they need, when they need it.”

Member for Monaro, Steve Whan:

“This announcement is a long time coming. When I became the local Member for the second time, I found that the Nationals had made yet another empty promise. No design, no funding allocation and that government didn’t even own the land – in other word, nothing but announcements.

“Since returning, I’ve been working with the Minister for Health and Health Infrastructure to make this project a reality.

“I’m so pleased to be able to present the artist’s impressions and I look forward to construction finally commencing soon.

“Our paramedics will have a purpose-built station to help them deliver the best possible emergency and mobile medical care when and where it’s needed.

The NSW Government is ensuring extra rail, coach and bus services to support Blue Mountains and Central West communities, with specialist engineers advising the closure of the Great Western Highway at Victoria Pass will remain in place for at least three months.

This action follows a major geotechnical failure at Mitchell’s Causeway which has made the road unsafe.

The Government is being upfront with the community: this is a serious situation, it will take time, and there will be no shortcuts on safety.

The Government recognises this closure is causing real disruption for Blue Mountains and Central West communities, local businesses, freight operators and families on both sides of the pass.

People deserve clear advice they can plan around. That is why the Government is announcing that this will be a lengthy closure, while also putting additional transport support in place to help communities manage the disruption.

Transport for NSW has advised that at least two weeks of specialist geotechnical testing and 3D imaging must be carried out with no passing traffic to understand the full extent of the damage.

Even under the most optimistic scenario, any remediation required to make the road safe for vehicles would take at least a further two months.

To support communities during the closure, Transport for NSW will:

• From Sunday, 15 March, Sydney Trains has committed to providing additional services between Bathurst and Mount Victoria, with timetable details being worked through
• From Saturday, 14 March, provide two fully accessible coaches to run 12 daily NSW TrainLink services between Bathurst and Katoomba – six in each direction. These free turn-up-and-go services will stop at Katoomba, Mount Victoria, Lithgow and Bathurst stations
• From Friday, 13 March, run amended school and regular route bus services operated by Lithgow Buslines to help reduce journey times for students on routes affected by the highway closure
• Boost resilience of road along Bells Line of Road and Darling Causeway to reduce traffic impacts and preserve road quality

For NRL fans attending Saturday night’s early season Sharks v Panthers game at Carrington Park, Bathurst – there are still over 100 tickets available on the XPT from Central to Bathurst on Saturday and returning Sunday.

The 194-year-old Mitchell’s Causeway, also known as the Convict Bridge, has been closed in both directions since Sunday 8 March, after proactive monitoring by Transport for NSW detected significant cracking and movement in the substructure.

Around 90 staff, including specialist engineers, maintenance workers and operational crews, have been working around the clock.

The Government is receiving regular briefings from Transport for NSW, supported by third-party engineering, geology and heritage experts on site.

An incident management team has been established to coordinate with other government agencies, local councils, freight operators, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator and other affected stakeholders.

The alternate route via Darling Causeway to Bells Line of Road is typically adding up to 25 minutes to a crossing of the Blue Mountains, but motorists should expect heavier traffic and delays, particularly during peak periods and on weekends.

Traffic control points remain staffed across the Mountains and may temporarily stop general traffic to allow critical movements by emergency vehicles and essential health staff.

Bells Line of Road will continue to carry most detoured traffic from the Great Western Highway. Motorists are urged to consider alternative long-distance routes, including the Hume Highway or Golden Highway, or alternate modes of transport where suitable.

Minister Aitchison has been on site at Mount Victoria for briefings from Transport experts and to hear from the local community and those impacted. The Minister is working closely with her Cabinet colleagues to support the response.

Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison:

“I will be honest and upfront to the people of the Blue Mountains and the Central West: this closure is expected to remain in place for at least three months – it is incredibly serious.

“I understand that this is difficult news, but people deserve honesty and they deserve clarity.

“This is not a short-term repair job. We are dealing with a major geotechnical failure on a fragile and historic section of road, and it must be assessed and repaired properly.

“We are rolling out extra rail, coach and bus services now because communities need practical support, not just advice.

“I know this closure is causing real hardship for families, workers, school communities, freight operators and local businesses, and I am deeply sorry for that disruption.

“But there will be no shortcuts on safety – we will not risk lives.

“We will do all the work that is required to restore this essential link between the Blue Mountains and Central West.  We will keep the community informed – we cannot reopen this road until it is safe.

“We know this closure is having broad impacts across the community, on small businesses and industry. I want to assure residents we are working across Government to ensure our emergency services are not impacted and can continue to keep people safe.”

Transport for NSW Deputy Secretary, Road Maintenance and Resilience, Matt Fuller:

“This is a complex site, with a unique heritage structure on a mountain pass and the level of movement detected means we need time without traffic to fully understand the risks and determine the safest solution.

“We acknowledge this closure is disruptive, and we’re working hard to support communities and businesses by increasing public transport options and managing traffic along detour routes.

“Across Transport, our teams will continue to monitor these strategies and adapt where we can to meet the needs of passengers, motorists and other road users.

“Drivers should plan ahead and expect delays on alternate routes, particularly during peak periods and on weekends. We ask people to drive to conditions and be patient and respectful of others on the road.”

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This week, 15 highly qualified Intensive Care Paramedics (ICPs) have hit the road across NSW after completing an intensive 27-week specialist training program to advance their clinical expertise and expand frontline critical care capability.

The program includes eight weeks of classroom-based learning at NSW Ambulance’s State Operations Centre, five weeks of hospital and clinical placements, and 14 weeks of supervised, on-road clinical practice alongside experienced ICP mentors.

These newly trained ICPs will now spend up to two years consolidating their skills in dedicated intensive care paramedic units in metro and regional locations, further refining their clinical expertise.

ICPs are specialised emergency paramedical professionals equipped to perform advanced clinical procedures in high-pressure environments and situations. Their training emphasises technical proficiency, strong professional collaboration and the importance of clinical exposure.

ICPs are qualified to deliver advanced airway management, including endotracheal intubation, and provide life-saving interventions for patients experiencing severe chest trauma, traumatic brain injuries, acute cardiac events, and other life-threatening conditions requiring advanced pre-hospital care.

These specialist paramedics come from various locations across the state, including Sarrah Nhoung and Kyle Hibbard who have both relocated to Tamworth to advance their careers.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“The advanced training of these intensive care paramedics ensures patients across NSW receive the very best emergency care.

“The deployment of paramedics with enhanced skill and capability, means NSW Ambulance is better equipped to help people when they need it most.”

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan:

“Increasing the number of highly skilled paramedics with enhanced skill sets epitomises our determination and commitment to the people of NSW.

“This is a defining moment in the careers of these paramedics – their new skills will define the quality of care they provide.

“The addition of these intensive care paramedics strengthens NSW Ambulance operationally and clinically, reinforcing a strategic focus on delivering world class pre-hospital care.”

Intensive Care Paramedic Kyle Hibbard:

“Moving here with my young family from Bourke is an exciting new chapter for us all.

“The course has been challenging and intense, but I am excited to have an additional range of extended skills. I am motivated to be as highly skilled as possible and provide the best care for my patients.”

Intensive Care Paramedic Sarrah Nhoung:

“I am motivated to continually grow and expand my capability as a paramedic.

“Relocating from Coffs Harbour to Tamworth has given me the opportunity to work within a new demographic, and I am looking forward to building connections with the community.”

The success of the Minns Labor Government’s outdoor dining reforms continues to grow, with more than 580 businesses across the state making the most of the relaxed rules to host patrons outside their venues.

As part of its vibrancy reforms* that have been rolled out since 2023, the Minns Government streamlined processes for venues to apply for permanent outdoor dining which has led to a booming alfresco and outdoor event scene.

Some of the approvals have been for one-off events, such as festivals and markets, in addition to the 380 ongoing outdoor dining approvals across the state for footpaths, roads and other land adjoining venues to be turned into entertainment spaces.

The NSW Government has continued to save hospitality venues time and money by abolishing the $121 application fee to reapply for temporary approvals to use their outdoor space, as part of the third tranche of vibrancy reforms that came into effect in January 2026.

Hospitality businesses wishing to use footpaths and public spaces can now apply through their local council, which will notify Liquor & Gaming NSW as part of the streamlined approval process.

Previously, businesses had to apply for a development application through councils and then go through another 30-day consultation process with Liquor & Gaming NSW.

The government has also scrapped rules that prevented patrons from standing while drinking outside licensed premises, with more than 420 venues with temporary outdoor dining approvals on footpaths and roads benefitting from the change.

Venues wanting to take advantage of outdoor dining or make the provision permanent, go to: https://www.nsw.gov.au/business-and-economy/liquor-and-gaming/liquor-licensing/apply-manage/change-liquor-licence-boundaries

Advice is also available through the Hospitality Concierge service, which can help with streamlined application processes and assist businesses and local councils to navigate the liquor licensing, planning and regulatory changes introduced through the Vibrancy Reforms.

Access the Hospitality Concierge here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/dciths/liquor-gaming-nsw/contact-us/hospitality-concierge

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

“Raise your glasses! To have 580 more businesses embracing outdoor dining is a great result for NSW and a clear sign that the former government had tangled these businesses up in too much costly red tape.

“This is a great example of the way we’re cutting red tape and reducing costs for business to bring the fun back to Sydney.

“In the most beautiful city on earth, with great weather all year round, it was almost criminal to let red tape stop us from embracing outdoor dining.

“When you combine the increased outdoor dining, the big boost in live music venues and the rising number of special entertainment precincts – you can see that we’re leaving the lockout era well and truly behind.”

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:

“It’s wonderful to have all these great new alfresco dining and entertainment options at bars, clubs and restaurants for people to enjoy while they’re out and about across our great state.

“Venue owners are embracing these Vibrancy Reforms that are making it easier to make the most of their space, add value to their offer and increase revenue.

“It’s great to see the positive impacts for premises and patrons alike, while boosting employment opportunities and the NSW economy.”

Business Sydney CEO Paul Nicolaou said:

“The Minns Government deserves credit for these practical reforms that are helping hospitality businesses thrive.

“By cutting red tape and making it easier for venues to activate outdoor spaces, the government is supporting cafes, bars and restaurants to welcome more customers and create vibrant street life across our communities.

“These changes are a real boost for the hospitality and tourism sectors. Outdoor dining enhances the visitor experience, encourages people to stay longer and spend more, and helps create the lively atmosphere that makes our cities and neighbourhoods attractive destinations for both locals and visitors.”

The Point* Group CEO Brett Robinson said:

“Since opening, The International and our nearby venue The Shell House have played a role in shaping the CBD’s dining culture and we are always looking to elevate the guest experience.

“The updates to both venues allow us to create more alfresco moments for people to enjoy.

“We are thrilled about these developments, which allow us to provide more outdoor dining at The International and standing options for patrons at the Shell House and see this as an opportunity to further energise the CBD, paving the way for a lively dining landscape of a global standard similar to big international cities like London.”

*Vibrancy reforms

The first tranche of Vibrancy Reforms in December 2023 delivered improvements that:

• Ended single noise complaints from shutting down pubs and other licensed venues
• Made it easier to activate streets for festivals and events (Open Streets program) and a regulatory model that allows streamlined approvals for repeat events (Permit, Plug, Play)
• Expanded Special Entertainment Precincts that empower local councils to change the rules around noise and opening hours in a designated area to support live entertainment and nightlife
• Increased incentives for live music and live performance, with two hours extended trading and an 80% reduction in liquor licence fees for licensed venues offering live music and performance
• Created easier pathways for extended trading hours for major events like the Olympics and World Cups.

The second tranche of reforms in October 2024 included:

• Scrapping baffling restrictions on the development consents for licensed venues that included “no entertainment” clauses or dictated what genre of music or even how many musicians could play
• Requiring property buyers to be notified that they are moving into an existing entertainment zone to protect the intent of Special Entertainment Precincts and reduce the friction between venues and their neighbours
• Ending the antiquated rule that prevents people living within 5km of a registered club from signing in without first becoming a member
• Amending the Major Events Act to make it easier to support foundational events like Sydney Festival and Vivid Sydney
• Empowering the Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy to refer live music and performance venues with legitimate disputes to mediation.

The third tranche of reforms that passed the NSW Parliament in October 2025 included (timings are November 2025 to various times in 2026):

• Adding an exemption allowing licensees and venue staff limited discretion to permit an intoxicated person to remain on a licensed premise if they require medical care or require transport home, rather than being evicted
• Making it easier for the Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority to revoke a competency card where an individual is not considered ‘fit and proper’, or where the person has committed a prescribed sexual offence or other relevant offence
• Further enabling the Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority to cancel a liquor licence if a licensee has failed to create a safe working environment
• Changes to live music incentives:
• Expanding the timeframes for eligible performances to qualify for live music incentives to allow more flexibility from 6pm on weeknights and from midday on weekends in all live music venues, rather than 8pm
• Changing the criteria from two performances per week to 10 performances per month for venues in metropolitan areas, encouraging more performances while offering more flexibility about when it happens
• Making it easier for regional venues to qualify for the incentive by allowing them to count live performances over an annual basis rather than monthly, recognising that programming in regional areas can be irregular due to seasonality and artist availability
• Changing the requirement for regional venues to have a ‘dedicated space’ for performances to a ‘space that is predominantly or frequently used’ for live music.
• Supporting outdoor dining and alfresco activation by removing the requirement for liquor to be sold in ‘sealed’ containers for restaurants and small bars that are already authorised to sell takeaway liquor, so that customers may consume alcohol in legally permissible areas, such as plazas or outdoor alfresco areas shared by restaurants and businesses
• Enabling clubs to host events away from their main club location, such as community events in conjunction with sporting organisations and other groups
• Supporting tourism by expanding the Special Event Extended Trading to allow for 24 hours prior to the event, recognising the attendees who travel to events will often arrive the day before
• Allowing venues that offer primary entertainment of pool tables or juke boxes to apply for an on-premises liquor licence
• Removing the ‘midnight’ restriction for temporary boundary extensions for footpaths and roads meaning licensed venues can participate in late night events, subject to council approval for late night outdoor dining. 

The Minns Labor Government-funded rebuild of Halstead Drive in Casino, has been completed, delivering long-term flood-resilient public access to the Richmond River after the original road was destroyed in the devastating 2022 floods.

The $2.5 million project was funded through the Crown Lands Flood Recovery Program and delivered by Richmond Valley Council.

Halstead Drive, which runs along the banks of the Richmond River, provides the only public access to the waterway for recreation, community events, cultural activities, bridge maintenance and emergency response.

The Minns Labor Government provided a $980,000 funding injection last year so Richmond Valley Council could finalise the engineering and reconstruction stage after initial works to remove debris, undertake geotechnical investigations and prepare a resilient rebuild design were completed.

The reconstruction of Halstead Drive reflects a broader NSW Government priority to move beyond simple replacement. By applying a ‘build back better’ lens, the government is delivering community facilities that are more durable, sustainable, and capable of maintaining essential public access during future flood events.

Reconstruction works included:

• major stabilisation and anchoring of the river embankment to prevent future erosion
• new drainage infrastructure designed to handle runoff
• installation of retaining walls and gabion structures to reinforce the shoreline
• revegetation using native plants to naturally strengthen the riverbank
• reconstruction of the road to contemporary, flood-resilient standards.

The restored road will be used as a safe, shared community space, with access limited to pedestrians and essential emergency and maintenance vehicles.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“The Minns Labor Government is focused on building stronger and more resilient communities. This project will deliver lasting benefits to the Casino community which was hit incredibly hard by the 2022 floods, including the loss of Halstead Drive.

“Restoring this road to a resilient, modern standard means locals, emergency services and visitors once again have safe access to the Richmond River.

“This is what recovery investment is about – rebuilding essential community infrastructure stronger and better than before.”

Minister for Recovery and Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin said:

“This project is a blueprint for how we approach recovery across the North Coast: rebuild with purpose and prioritise resilience.

“By transforming Halstead Drive into a flood-resilient pedestrian and emergency corridor, we are safeguarding vital river access while strengthening the riverbank itself.

“This is a win for local safety, connection, and the long-term endurance of the Casino community and I thank the Richmond Valley Council for their work.”

Richmond Valley Mayor Robert Mustow said:

“Restoring this access point to the river through Halstead Drive is a vital part of our community’s recovery following the flood.

“It provides a pedestrian link to the river and allows for the continued maintenance of the Irving Bridge and our stormwater outlets.

“Connection to our rivers is highly valued by our community and I thank the NSW Government and Crown Lands for funding the rebuild of this essential public asset.”