Category: NSW News

Sydney will be a safer and more enjoyable city for thousands of women and girls to enjoy after the NSW Government’s launch of The Rocks/ Tallawoladah Women’s Safety Strategy.

It comes as part of the $30 million Safer Cities program led by Transport for NSW, which aims to create places that feel safer for everyone, whether it’s day or night.

The strategy provides a new framework to help increase the experiences of visitors while in the precinct by enhancing a sense of safety. It includes key improvements such as better lighting, more signage, and better access to public spaces to support free movement when alone at night.

It was developed in line with key feedback received through community consultation, and data and technical analysis.

Functioning as a guiding document for all future development at The Rocks, the strategy will help all stakeholders make better planning decisions to improve the experience for everyone who visits.

Public domain improvement projects planned in the precinct include:

• Unwin’s Courtyard – an upgrade of lighting and improved access and landscaping.
• Nurse’s Walk – implementation of lighting upgrades along Nurse’s Walk, Globe Street, Suez Canal, Greenway Lane and Well Courtyard, and public art.
• Foundation Park – lighting and wayfinding improvements.

Get more information on The Rocks/Tallawoladah Women’s Safety Strategy.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Our public spaces should be safe for everyone to visit and enjoy.

“By taking simple, practical stops we can make spaces safer, more accessible and more enjoyable for everyone.

“Helping more people to feel confident in our cities boosts vibrancy and the 24-hour economy, bringing much-needed life and investment back into Sydney’s entertainment districts.”

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“On the eve of International Women’s Day, I’m delighted that the NSW Government is launching this strategy. The theme for 2024 is ‘Count her in: Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress’ and with the Rocks Women’s Safety Strategy we are doing just that. We’re investing in better lighting and signage to make this historic precinct more inclusive for women and girls.

“Being able to access public spaces is fundamental to women and girls being able to participate in the economy and society. Making spaces safer for women and girls also benefits everyone in the community, allowing them to better enjoy what our cities have to offer.”

Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said:

“Women and girls deserve to feel safe in our public spaces, and our Safer Cities program is helping us achieve that goal.

“With lighting, art and simple activations, we’re bringing life into our streets and our suburbs, so that everyone can feel safe as they move around at night-time.

“The Rocks is the latest precinct where our Safer Cities team will work with locals to come up with innovative ways to make to ensure they can feel safer and have an enjoyable night out.”

Member for Sydney Alex Greenwich said:

“Cities should be safe places for everyone, but we know that dark and narrow laneways, poorly lit pathways, and lack of wayfinding can be especially worrisome for women and girls.

“The delivery of this strategy addresses this concern and sets the standard for a safer Sydney”.

Women’s Safety Commissioner Dr Hannah Tonkin said:

“This work is a fantastic example of collaboration and coordination across government to deliver improved women’s safety outcomes.

“The Strategy will help all those involved in the precinct’s urban governance make informed decisions to make The Rocks a safer place for women, girls and the whole community.”

Placemaking NSW Chief Executive Anita Mitchell said:

“The Rocks is an iconic heritage precinct where visitors can experience a unique part of Sydney. This strategy is about ensuring those experiences are positive for everyone.

“We sought input from women and girls about their personal experiences and undertook technical analysis so this work could be backed by both perceptions of safety and by data.

“We’re excited this strategy will result in tangible outcomes for The Rocks precinct and other communities.”

The NSW Government has reached a major milestone in delivering on its commitment to boost funding for Women’s Health Centres across NSW to ensure they are properly resourced to provide essential health and wellbeing services.

A funding increase of $34.3 million, announced in the 2023-24 State Budget has been allocated to 19 Women’s Health Centres across both metropolitan and regional NSW, including in Western Sydney, South Coast, North Coast and the Central West.

Full list of funding

During the state election the NSW Government committed to boosting funding for Women’s Health Centres to $100 million over 5 years to support the essential community-based healthcare and domestic violence support they provide to women and children.

Today’s investment ensures that over the next 4 years $81 million in funding is secured for these vital services.

The Women’s Health Centre Program provides face-to-face support to an average of 50,000 women across NSW each year. Women from low-income and other priority backgrounds, including women who have experienced domestic violence, make up the majority of Women’s Health Centre clients.

Women’s Health Centres provide a range of services including tailored healthcare, supporting vulnerable women with their physical and mental health, sexual and reproductive health, as well as preventative classes, events and support groups.

These centres have been operational for more than 40 years and this funding injection will ensure they are able to remain sustainable into the future, and are able to:

• increase staff numbers
• reduce waitlists for counselling appointments
• offer healthcare and counselling services to more women
• adapt services to emerging demographic trends and population growth.

$369,500 of this funding has also been allocated to Women’s Health NSW, the peak body for Women’s Health Centres, to support capacity-building activities.

This funding will ensure more women are able to get the healthcare they need, when and where they need it.

This announcement is one element of the NSW Government’s commitment to investing in women’s healthcare and wellbeing. This has included the announcement earlier this week of a $18.6 million investment over 4 years for 29 new McGrath Breast Care Nurses who will provide free support to breast cancer patients in metro, region and remote communities.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“This is a vital investment to ensure women have access to key health services across our state.

“We are proud to be making this announcement and to continue working to ease the pressure on our hospital system, as well as boost healthcare services available to women in New South Wales.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“With this more than $34 million investment we can ensure more women across NSW have access to this incredibly important service.

“We’re committed to improving access to healthcare services for women and this significant funding enhancement will help these centres continue to provide important health-related care and support services across NSW.”

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“These centres are vital in providing a safe place for women who might otherwise fall through the cracks and are critical in removing barriers to health care by providing women the care they need in their own communities.

“Leichhardt Women’s Community Health centre celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, as the first centre of its kind in Australia, opening in 1974, it has supported thousands of women in need providing access to health care, educational resources, and counselling.

“The investment in this centre and others is part of the NSW Government’s ambition to better support women all over our state and spans a range of areas, from health and other services for women to workforce participation.”

CEO Women’s Health NSW Denele Crozier said:

“The investment will see an immediate increase in essential health services for vulnerable and at risk women in need, provide sustainability to the sector and stability to the workforce.

“Women who come to our services need specialised care. The work we do and will continue to do will save lives.”

Confirmed total additional funding over 4years for each centre will be:

• $1,221,000 to Leichhardt Women’s Health Centre
• $2,045,500 to Sydney Women’s Counselling Centre
• $1,009,000 to Bankstown Women’s Health Centre
• $1,617,500 to Fairfield Women’s Health Centre
• $2,529,500 to Liverpool Women’s Health Centre
• $1,491,000 to Cumberland Women’s Health Centre
• $2,065,000 to Blacktown Women’s & Girls Health Centre Inc.
• $2,619,000 to Blue Mountains Women’s Health and Resource Centre
• $1,239,000 to Penrith Women’s Health Centre
• $3,484,000 to Central Coast Women’s Health Centre
• $1,417,000 to Central West Women’s Health Centre
• $2,417,500 to Coffs Harbour Women’s Health Centre
• $1,094,500 to Hunter Women’s Centre
• $1,169,500 to Shoalhaven Women’s Health Centre
• $2,745,500 to Illawarra Women’s Health Centre
• $1,780,500 to Lismore Women’s Health Centre
• $1,788,500 to Women’s Health Centre for Health and Wellbeing Albury Wodonga
• $1,006,000 to Wagga Women’s Health Centre
• $239,000 to Waminda Women’s Health Centre

Surfers from across Australia will be making waves in Newcastle this weekend for the Surfest Indigenous Classic, sponsored by the NSW Government’s Regional Aboriginal Partnerships Program.

The 2 day event is set to take place at Merewether Beach on Saturday 9 March and Sunday 10 March and will showcase the talent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander surfing sensations via Open Mens, Open Womens, Pro Junior Mens, Pro Junior Womens and Open Masters’ divisions.

Between heats, surfers and spectators can stroll over to a temporary Aboriginal business hub on the corner of John Parade and Watkins Street and enjoy all ages activities all weekend, including arts, crafts and textiles stalls which share the rich history and culture of the local Awabakal and Worimi peoples.

Aboriginal competitors and fans will also have the opportunity to drop3 into the hub’s Aboriginal services pop-ups to meet and yarn with prospective employers and training providers who will offer an exciting range of employment and upskilling pathways.

As part of the $84,077 sponsorship, Surfest will also provide additional support to regional Aboriginal communities by setting Aboriginal business and procurement targets with competitor trophies sourced from Aboriginal businesses, and vendors encouraged to meet Aboriginal employment targets to boost job opportunities for local people.

The Regional Aboriginal Partnerships Program, is the lead regional-focused program to support outcomes under the NSW Closing the Gap Priority Reform 5, which seeks to strengthen culture and identity and empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within NSW to access pathways through education, training, employment and business support to reach their aspirations.

Get more information on the Regional Aboriginal Partnerships Program.

Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“As the largest surfing festival in the southern hemisphere and broadcast internationally, Surfest is a fantastic opportunity for our Aboriginal surfers and businesses to boost their profile and showcase their unique talent on the world stage,” Ms Moriarty said.

“Thanks to $84,077 from the NSW Government, exciting things are not just happening in the water but also at nearby Jefferson Park, which will give visitors a taster of the rich and diverse cultures the local Awabakal and Worimi peoples have to offer.”

Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley said:

“Surfing is part of our story in the Hunter and Surfest is a huge reason why. This is the beach, at Merewether, that Mark Richards made famous with his four world titles. To celebrate First Nations surfers like this is a fantastic part of Surfest.

“The Indigenous Classic has come a long way in 26 years. It started as The Kooris V The Cops and today it’s among the premier Indigenous sports competitions in Australia.

“I’m proud to be part of a NSW Government that supports and funds the Indigenous Classic. It’s a great event for First Nations athletes and a showcase for Indigenous culture in the gorgeous setting of Merewether beach.”

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, David Harris said:

“The Department of Regional NSW has worked closely with Surfest organisers to connect them with Aboriginal businesses and mob to create new employment and training pathways in a culturally appropriate way, while championing the importance of regional social, cultural, and economic causes,” Mr Harris said.

“Initiatives within the NSW Government’s Regional Aboriginal Partnerships Program are planned through community consultation and collaboration and I am proud that it helps to strengthen Aboriginal communities and Close the Gap by creating additional opportunities for Aboriginal people.”

12-time surf champion at the Indigenous Classic, Mr Russ Molony said:

“It’s so important to involve the wider community when spreading awareness about Aboriginal culture and knowledge,” Mr Molony said.

“My advice to fellow Aboriginal surfers is to give Surfest a go, have fun, connect with your mobs and enjoy our connection to the ocean.”

“The Indigenous comps are always a good reminder to gather, connect, share stories, surf, listen and inspire each other and I encourage everyone to get involved.”

The NSW Regional Woman of the Year 2024 is awarded to Theresa Mitchell this morning at a ceremony held at the International Convention Centre in Sydney.

The award recognises the accomplishments of an exceptional woman living in regional NSW who inspires and advances their community, and contributes to the fabric of their local area.

Theresa Mitchell founded Agape Outreach Inc in 2009, a charity that focuses on assisting the homeless and those in need. Operating between Byron Bay in NSW and Runaway Bay on the Gold Coast in QLD, Agape’s activities include:

• Collecting rescued foods
• Preparing meals and food hampers for families
• Providing case management support
• Offering assistance with applications for people applying for disability insurance services
• Running a psychology department
• Offering access to showers and laundry facilities
• Conducting group training for basic life skills

With a dedicated team of over 240 volunteers and 5 paid staff members, the entirely community-funded organisation serves more than 1,000 people and rescues over 2 tonnes of edible food per week.

A further four outstanding women from Regional NSW were nominated for the award today.

Tsukasa Hiraoka, the founder of Wilba the Empowerbus, a new transport service in Dubbo and Bourke that’s creating employment opportunities and empowering communities. Tsukasa’s vision is to address transport disadvantage in regional and rural NSW by providing affordable, reliable, efficient and environmentally friendly solutions to existing gaps in public transportation, and helping residents access essential services.

Dr Skye Charry, who has practices, researched and consulted on sex discrimination law in rural contexts for almost 20 years. Skype co-founded S.A.C. Consulting Australia which provides bespoke gender equity programs to government, industry and the education sector in the bush and beyond.

Nicole Kiss OAM, founder of a not-for-profit auspice providing hospitals with burial clothing for babies. Her organisation now supplies more than 200 hospitals across Australia.

Rochelle Olsen, founder of The Baby Loss Mentor, her mission is to create informed, safe and understanding communities that recognise and address the unique challenges encountered when someone navigates life after baby loss.

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“I’m proud to announce the award for Regional Woman of the Year to Theresa Mitchell today and congratulate the many fantastic women nominated for their inspiring work.

“The diverse achievements of these incredible women is a testament to their unique backgrounds. It is important awards like this acknowledge and celebrate women who are leading the long-term success of our regional communities.”

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“Congratulations to Theresa who is our 2024 NSW Regional Woman of the Year. Your contribution to regional NSW is greatly appreciated by your community and you’re an inspiration to others.

“This award is the NSW Government’s way of showcasing the valuable work that regional and rural women do. Whether it is in charitable work, community outreach or challenging gender inequality – you are what make regional NSW the heartbeat of our state.

“The NSW Women of the Year Awards recognise the accomplishments of truly exceptional women and I look forward to following their journeys.”

Find out more about the finalists, recipients and watch the recorded livestream

After almost 12 months since being elected, the Minister for Local Government, Ron Hoenig is continuing to demonstrate that the Minns Labor Government has no direction or vision for New South Wales.

During the Minister’s Budget Estimates hearing, he revealed another backflip, this time on the IPART review of the Council Financial Model in NSW he announced just four weeks ago.

The IPART review is still open for submissions on terms of reference, it was envisaged once terms of reference were agreed upon the review would take at least 12 months to conduct the review, yet instead of shortening the timeframe of the review, the Minister has detailed plans for an Upper House Committee on the matter.

“I have sought to find a chair who will take the poison chalice,” Minister Hoenig said today on the financial sustainability of Local Government in NSW.

Shadow Minister for Local Government, Wendy Tuckerman said that since Labor came to power, Councils across NSW have been in financial and operational turmoil under a Minister who continues to contemplate rather than take considered action.

“The Minister, after 12 months, is still considering what direction to take – meanwhile the Local Government sector is left languishing, with no direction or support for the sector, which is burdened with uncertainty across the state – inaction from Labor is impacting communities,” Mrs Tuckerman said.

“You have an IPART review which is still deciding its terms of reference and detailing that they will take another 12 months to undertake the actual review – and the Minister’s solution is another review entirely, a backflip all within a month of the original announcement.

Questions were raised in estimates about his choice in selecting the Upper House Committee for the review and why it wasn’t discussed with the portfolio committee. A pointed question was whether the Minister was hoping to achieve a certain political outcome with the upper house review, a point he denied.

“With the amount of Special Rate Variation requests across NSW, the Labor Government needs to address the bill shock being faced by communities across NSW.

The Minister stated he continues to advocate to the Federal Government for increased revenue for the Local Government Sector but highlighted the considerable tension between the Federal Labor Government and the NSW Government on the increase in the taxation income for both the state and the Local Government sector.

The Local Government Sector is looking for leadership, the Minister needs to turn off cruise control and start driving change.

Following today’s revelations that the Government has mapped all of the Inner West local government area for development up to six storeys, the Opposition is calling on the Government to make its mapping of the Low and Mid-Rise SEPP public, so the community can be fully informed about the Government’s intended changes to local communities in the biggest rezoning in Australia’s history.
 
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said it’s clear that Labor’s approach to housing isn’t working.
 
“The Minns Labor Government planning reforms are falling apart because they arrogantly dumped important consultation with local councils and communities. To ensure full transparency, the Government should immediately release mapping prepared by the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure which shows the impact of these changes and the Department’s definition of ‘well located areas’,” said Mr Speakman.
 
“In Budget Estimates last week, the Government conceded that they had done the mapping, and we’ve seen it referred to in their own briefing documents, but they refuse to share it with the people of NSW.”
 
“While we know from these internal briefings to the Minister that the entire Inner West is mapped for six-storey apartments; it begs the question of what impact Labor’s one-size-fits-all planning policy has on other communities across the State.”
 
Shadow Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Scott Farlow said that under-pressure Planning Minister Paul Scully continues to show a concerning lack of understanding of the impacts of the Minns Labor Government’s “one-size-fits-all” approach by claiming his own briefing documents are “misleading, fanciful and designed to scaremonger”.
 
“It’s ludicrous that the Planning Minister is now calling briefings prepared by his own department ‘misleading’. Chris Minns and Paul Scully should release the mapping of the Low and Mid-Rise SEPP so the community is fully informed about what the Government knows,” Mr Farlow said. 
 
“To address the housing crisis, the Liberals and Nationals believe in working with local communities to set housing targets, allowing communities to formulate their local controls and, if they refuse to do so within appropriate strict time limits, to impose state planning controls – not at the beginning,” said Mr Farlow.

The NSW Opposition is calling out the NSW Roads Minister John Graham for his complete lack of knowledge when it comes to Western Sydney roads investment.
 
This morning at Budget Estimates, Shadow Minister for Roads Natalie Ward asked Minister Graham directly what new funding the Minns Labor Government has committed to the Aerotropolis precinct since coming to office almost 12 months ago.
 
In an embarrassing blunder, the Minister was unable to name a single project, before attempting to take credit for the upgrade to Elizabeth Drive and the M7/M12 Interchange both funded under the former Liberal and Nationals Government.
 
In a desperate pivot to maintain an appearance of any knowledge, the Roads Minister referenced his election commitment to upgrade 15th Avenue, which a department bureaucrat had previously confirmed to Parliament was only enough to plan for the upgrade.
 
The Minns Labor Government’s clear lack of investment in Western Sydney was further exposed when asked to detail the Premier’s statement that his Government was investing $600 million over five years on the Aerotropolis, the Roads Minister declined to provide any detail.
 
Shadow Minister for Roads Natalie Ward commented “The Roads Minister’s eyes are clearly not on the road when it comes to investment in Western Sydney Roads.”
 
“People can’t drive on ‘plans’, they drive on upgraded roads. Upgrading roads requires investment and this Labor Government cannot name a single project they have provided delivery funding for.”
 
“Western Sydney communities be warned – there is a clear difference between planning and delivery funding for road investment. This Labor Government promises everything, but won’t actually build these roads.”

The NSW Government’s pharmacy trial has this month surpassed 12,000 total consultations, relieving pressure on GPs and making it easier for people to access basic medications.

The trial allows trained community pharmacists to manage urinary tract infections (UTI) and provide treatment medicines if needed, as well as resupply the oral contraceptive pill (the pill).

Since May last year, when the UTI stage of the trial began, to 15 February 2024, 11,296 consultations occurred across 937 pharmacies around the state..

Since September last year, when the pill stage of the trial began, 854 consultations have occurred across 342 pharmacies.

The trial first began in May last year with almost 100 pharmacies participating. It has now expanded to around 1,200 consented pharmacies across the state, surpassing the 1,000 pharmacies originally projected to participate.

The NSW Government will soon announce the expansion of the trial to include medications for the treatment of minor skin conditions.

The trial continues to undergo evaluation for efficacy, safety and ethical soundness.

Find your closest participating pharmacist

Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“We know that it is becoming increasingly difficult to find an appointment with a GP.

“Empowering pharmacists to safely prescribe and dispense basic everyday medications will save people time as well as relieve pressure on our GPs.

“It’s encouraging to see this trial is progressing well and the take up is better than expected.

“We want to ensure this is done safely, and we are determined to get it right.

“We are constantly assessing how we can deliver health care more efficiently as well as safely, and I am excited about the opportunities to expand this initiative elsewhere.”

Artificial intelligence (AI) ‘scholarships’ are now on offer to one million Australians, in a bid to increase the nation’s literacy of the technology estimated to be worth $4 trillion to the economy by the early 2030s.

The free ‘Introduction to Artificial Intelligence’ microskill course is provided by the Institute of Applied Technology Digital, a technology-focused institute at TAFE NSW, and the National AI Centre (NAIC), coordinated by Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO.

The course will provide a non-technical introduction to AI fundamentals and is designed for people at the beginning of their AI literacy journey.

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan today welcomed the announcement which is an ideal opportunity for workers seeking to upskill, those starting their career in AI, and small to medium business owners.

The microskill is available now through the TAFE NSW Institute of Applied Technology – Digital. Working in collaboration with TAFE NSW, Microsoft, Macquarie University, and the University of Technology Sydney, the Institute of Applied Technology Digital designs and delivers market-leading training that rapidly adapts to industry needs.

The two-and-a-half-hour course will cover:

• what AI is
• common AI terminologies
• the challenges and risks of using AI
• common misconceptions
• real-world applications of AI
• Australian AI case studies
• advice from industry experts to start your career in AI

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

“Artificial Intelligence is already transforming our economy, workplace, education system, and community. This is an exciting opportunity for people nation-wide to advance their AI understanding.

“It’s great to see TAFE NSW collaborating with the National AI Centre to provide students from all backgrounds with a start to develop their AI literacy, so they can access the jobs of tomorrow.”

Director, National AI Centre, Stela Solar said:

“SMEs make up over 98 per cent of Australia’s economy, and ‘Introduction to AI’ is their opportunity to learn how they can use this revolutionary technology to enhance their operations, services, and market competitiveness.”

CEO, Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA), Luke Achterstraat, said:
“Small businesses are a main source of innovation in Australia – they are entrepreneurs who try new ideas, test new products, and usually back themselves with their own capital.

“This microskill course will help build confidence and competency for small businesses as they navigate the AI landscape.”

The NSW Government will deliver a new co-educational high school in Liverpool by bringing together the two existing single-sex high schools into a brand new school build, following extensive consultation with the community.

Liverpool Boys and Girls High Schools, which are currently co-located on adjoining sites, will come together within the area’s new health and education precinct, as part of the NSW Government’s $3.5 billion commitment to new and upgraded schools in Western Sydney.  

The brand new school will cater for up to 2000 students, with facilities including new teaching spaces and specialist facilities, a new library.

Community consultation, undertaken in 2022, found support for co-educational schooling in the area, particularly among future high school parents.

Among future parents surveyed, 56 per cent stated a preference for a co-educational high school, contrasted with 18 per cent who said they would prefer a single-sex school.  

The new co-educational school will offer an expanded range of subjects for students, with purpose-built facilities to deliver specialised pathways into health and higher education. 

In recognition of the preferences of some students and families, the co-educational schools will also provide opportunities for single-sex-focused classes and activities.

The new school will form part of the Liverpool Health and Education Sub Precinct, in collaboration with NSW Health, TAFE NSW and the Liverpool City Council.  

Planning for the new school build is underway, with concept designs to be shared in coming months.

As the schools come together, they will work with local primary schools to ensure a strong transition process from primary to high school for local students.

The NSW Department of Education will update the community as the project progresses. 

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

“This is a huge investment in a rapidly growing community, ensuring working families have access to a world class public education. 

“The majority of families in this area expressed a preference for co-education, with the increase in student population at the school to expand the range of subjects and extra-curricular activities available for students.

“For the new high school to be part of the new health and education precinct is exciting, offering more learning and career opportunities for students in the area.” 

Member for Liverpool Charishma Kaliyanda said:

“One of my goals as the local member has been to create pathways for our young people’s futures right here in Liverpool. Today’s announcement is a significant step in realising that vision.

“The consolidation of Liverpool Boys and Girls into a single, brand-new co-educational campus is an essential milestone in creating a ‘cradle-to-PhD’ education precinct in the Liverpool CBD.

“Liverpool’s population surge has caused us to assess the suitability of our existing local schools. This redevelopment is about creating state-of-the-art secondary schooling for our modern city.”