Category: NSW News

The first deployment of NSW firefighting specialists will depart Sydney today in response to a request for assistance from Canada, which is again battling severe summer wildfires.

To help fight more than 650 wildfires, which have already burnt more than 1.5 million hectares of land, 31 NSW personnel will travel to Canada as part of a 116-strong Australian-New Zealand contingent.

A team of 20 Rural Fire Service (RFS) members, as well as five personnel from the National Parks and Wildlife Service, four from Forestry Corporation NSW and two from the NSW State Emergency Service, will be part of two deployments leaving this morning and on Sunday.

The firefighting personnel will be on the ground for more than a month to assist their counterparts in Alberta and British Columbia, who have been working for weeks without rest.

The NSW contingent includes air attack supervisors, incident managers, fire behaviour analysts and heavy machinery managers, and will remain in Canada for up to five weeks.

The Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council’s National Resource Sharing Centre is facilitating the deployment of the Australian and New Zealand personnel and resources, following a formal request for assistance from Canada’s Interagency Forest Fire Centre.

Minister for Environment Penny Sharpe said:

“We wish our National Parks and Wildlife Service specialist firefighters safe travels as they head off to join the international effort to bring the Canadian wildfires under control.”

“The request for our National Parks fire fighters is a testament to the professionalism of the team, who are specially trained remote area firefighters and incident managers.”

“This is an important opportunity to exchange skills and knowledge and thank them for their efforts.”

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“Our thoughts are with the people of Canada and their communities affected by these fires.”

“In NSW, we are keenly aware of the destructive nature of bush fires, and we stand ready to support Canada in its time of need.”

“Our skilled and experienced firefighting personnel will provide their international colleagues with much-needed relief and support.”

“I’d like to thank this team for answering the call and wish all our people well on their travels. We look forward to their safe return.”

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“My thoughts and best wishes are with the Australian firefighters heading to Canada and those Canadians already on the fire front.”

“I’m pleased that our firefighting agencies in NSW, including Forestry Corporation, can work collaboratively locally and assist their counterparts in Canada.”

“Fire really is a universal issue and the skills we have here in Australia for fighting forest fires can be transferred through these overseas deployments.”

Acting Commissioner of the RFS Kyle Stewart APM said:

“NSW emergency services have a proud history of supporting their international colleagues, joining multiple deployments overseas, including to Canada, over the past two decades.

“These specialist personnel are repaying Canada for the support it has generously provided when we have called on its firefighters for help. It is testament to the expertise and professionalism of our members.

“The RFS is also currently supporting US fire operations, with our 737 Large Air Tanker, ‘Marie Bashir’ on deployment to California since June.”

The communities of Gulargambone and Menindee can look forward to high-speed and reliable Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) internet, thanks to an agreement between the NSW Government and telco infrastructure provider, Opticomm announced today.

This initiative is part of the NSW Government’s $250 million investment in digital infrastructure to future-proof connectivity for rural, regional, and remote NSW communities.

More than 800 homes and businesses across Gulargambone and Menindee will be eligible for a fibre internet connection, with premises along Menindee Lakes’ Sunset Strip also set to benefit.

This initiative is an example of the government bringing metropolitan equivalent services to rural NSW, bridging the digital divide and reducing the current dependency on satellite services.

The new fibre network replaces the unreliable and limited internet currently available and will ensure these communities have reliable infrastructure and affordable, high-speed internet services.

Digital connectivity is critical to fuelling regional development, fostering community wellbeing, and providing rural and remote citizens with access to telehealth, education and other online services.

Improved internet connectivity has many benefits including support for students doing home-based learning, adults seeking jobs or engaged in online education, aids businesses with faster access for cloud computing and teleconferencing, enhances family entertainment options, and strengthens connections with loved ones and the community.

Planning and design for the Gulargambone and Menindee fibre network will commence in the coming months, with construction expected to start in late 2025.

For more information visit: www.nsw.gov.au/connectregionalnsw

Minister for Agriculture, Regional NSW and Western NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“The NSW Government is committed to improving opportunities and choice across rural and remote communities.”

“We want our rural and regional communities to have the benefits of online education, entertainment, telehealth and other online services.

“Through this initiative, more than 800 families and businesses in Gulargambone and Menindee will be eligible to enjoy a second to none fibre connection to their premises, with access to over 40 internet service providers allowing them to select an affordable internet plan that’s right for them.”

Independent State Member for Barwon, Roy Butler said:

“Poor connectivity out West has many trickle-down impacts in regional and remote communities. When we cannot connect, we lose business, tourism, education, and telehealth opportunities, which are lifelines to places like Menindee and Gulargambone.

Weather-related events that take out our telecommunications network can isolate towns that already feel disconnected. Using fibre to mitigate these weather events means communities can be sure they remain connected and can continue to run their households and businesses without disruption.

This is a welcome announcement from the NSW Government.”

Opticomm Chief of Infrastructure Networks and Technology, Geoff Aldridge said:

“We’re pleased to partner with the NSW Government to deploy a Fibre to the Premises network capable of super-fast speeds, that will support these communities with more than enough bandwidth now and into the future.”

“Opticomm will use next generation technology to deliver a Fibre to the Premises network to more than 800 addresses within Gulargambone and Menindee.

“As the second largest fibre wholesaler in Australia, Opticomm has a long-standing history of building, owning and operating fibre networks that are future-proofed with potential speeds of up to 8 gigabits per second (Gbps).”

General Manager Darling Central Shire Council, Greg Hill said:

“Central Darling Shire welcomes this new agreement, which will deliver high-speed and reliable internet for the community of Menindee and residents along Sunset Strip.

“Menindee residents and businesses will be able to keep pace with the digital world through faster downloads, seamless streaming, and reliable access to government or online health services.”

General Manager Coonamble Shire Council, Paul Gallagher said:

“Fibre to the Premises internet unlocks a world of possibilities for Gulargambone, and we’d like to thank the NSW Government for making this a reality.

“Our existing rural businesses will be empowered to innovate and deliver services more efficiently than ever before, ensuring our local economy is future-proofed and allowing our community to thrive in the digital age.

“High-speed fibre internet also provides families and students with reliable and efficient platforms for their study and online activities.”

The Central Coast community is being invited to have its say on the proposed final design of a major $420 million upgrade of the Pacific Highway through Wyong Town Centre.

The Australian Government and NSW Government are investing in this once in a generation upgrade which involves duplicating the highway from Johnson Road at Tuggerah through the town centre.

As part of the upgrade the road bridge over the Wyong River is set to be replaced with a new four-lane bridge.

Following completion of extensive geotechnical investigations, including in the Wyong River and the rail corridor, Transport for NSW is now taking the next steps to deliver the upgrade.

Community members are invited to have their say on the proposed final design of the project which builds on earlier design work and includes new features such as:

• A new plaza for more better connections between buses, trains and the Wyong town centre
• More cycleways
• Additional shared pathways for people walking and cycling in the area
• Wider footpaths

To comment on the proposed design changes, visit the interactive portal https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/current-projects/pacific-highway-upgrade-through-wyong-town-centre. Submissions can also be made via mail to wtcproject@aecom.com before 11 August 2024.

The community is also invited to attend two drop-in sessions to be held at Wyong Race Club & Function Centre Magic Millions room, 71-73 Howarth St, Wyong on Tuesday 30 July 1-4pm and Thursday 1 August 4-7pm.

An analysis of the feedback received will be included in an Addendum Review of Environmental Factors, which is expected to be published later this year.

A tender for final detailed design and construction of the project is expected to be released in 2025.

NSW Minister for Central Coast and Member for Wyong David Harris:

“Wyong is growing and the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are moving forward with this major upgrade to help improve journeys for all road users.

“This project will make a massive difference to how people move around this wonderful part of the Central Coast and we want to make sure we get it right.”

NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison:

“This project has been on the books for well over a decade and I’m pleased to be part of a Labor government which is delivering for the Central Coast.

“Up to 36,500 vehicles pass through the Wyong town centre each day and we’re determined to make those journeys are as safe and stress-free as possible by investing in this major upgrade.”

Federal Member for Dobell Emma McBride:

“This project will improve safety and reduce travel times for the thousands of people who travel through Wyong each day.

“We know how important this project is to the people and businesses of Wyong and your views matter.

“The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are working together to progress this project, which has been advocated for by our community for so long.”

The Minns Labor Government has set up a taskforce, comprised of Transport for NSW, NSW Police and Revenue NSW, to crack down on drivers exploiting the demerit point system.

The Demerit Point Integrity Taskforce has been established to identify any fraudulent behaviour in the demerit point scheme, such as drivers racking up high numbers of demerits and those selling demerit points online, including on Facebook Marketplace.

It will investigate any gaming of the legitimate process for nominating another driver to take demerit points for an offence.

The NSW Government is beefing up the system to make it more robust after a recent high-profile case where a French national had more than 200 demerit points applied to his licence.

There are 6.9 million NSW driver licence holders, but the Taskforce will focus on a tiny fraction (0.005%) of drivers who have 20 or more demerit points.

The Taskforce will review the suitability of current penalties, suspensions and what extra measures are available to deter people who rack up extremely high demerits.

For example, a driver with 13 demerit points receives the same five-month suspension as a driver with 20 or more.

The Taskforce will also examine:

• Who is eligible to opt for a good behaviour period in lieu of a suspension, based on how many demerits they have
• The ability for a driver to be back on the road between suspensions. This can occur when, for example, a driver is first suspended for unpaid fines. When that suspension is lifted, a driver with excess demerits will then be served with notice to suspend but is able to drive in the intervening period before the next suspension starts
• Better enforcement options in the case that someone owns a vehicle, does not drive it, but still receives the infringements associated with the vehicle
• Rental companies accessing demerit balance or driving history before approving a rental

The Taskforce will initially run for three months and report its findings to Government.

In light of a rising number of lives being lost on roads across Australia, the NSW Government is committed to improving road safety to keep communities safe.

Earlier in the year, the Minns Labor Government closed the loophole left by the Liberal-National government to ensure all motorists driving on a foreign licence will now have a maximum of six months to convert to a NSW licence.

Minister for Roads John Graham said:

“The demerit point system in NSW was designed more than 50 years ago and has been a key plank in improvements that have enhanced road safety over those five decades.

“The NSW Government has zero tolerance for anyone trying to subvert the system. There is one set of road rules and they apply equally to all.

“This is the right time for Police, Transport for NSW and Revenue NSW to come together to review the demerit point scheme and make sure it remains completely robust.”  

Acting Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Tara Moriarty said:

“The demerit point system exists for the safety of every road user.

“Unfortunately, the NSW Police Force continue to witness dangerous driver behaviour every day on our roads, from speeding, to drivers using their mobile phones and not driving to the road conditions, these are serious offences that endanger not only the driver’s life, but those of their passengers and other road users.

“I want to make clear there is zero tolerance for anyone who tried to subvert the demerit and penalty system. This Taskforce will help ensure the penalties apply to all road users.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison:

“The demerit point system is a key tool to keep drivers accountable for their behaviours on our roads.

“The system is in place to keep everyone safe. The NSW Government is committed to identifying and addressing any opportunities for exploitation that affect the operation of the scheme and put road users at risk.

“Acts like falsely claiming to be the driver and taking points for a fee are criminal and the Taskforce will examine ways to help identify and punish unscrupulous people who take advantage of the system.

“The Taskforce will also consider the most appropriate way for Transport for NSW, NSW Police and Revenue NSW to work together in the future to ensure that the demerit point scheme is fair and equitable for every NSW licence holder and continues to support road safety in NSW.”

The Albanese and Minns Labor governments’ Milton Ulladulla bypass project has marked another milestone and continues to move forward. 

With the first environmental studies now complete, the project will move to the concept design phase, which involves exploring corridor refinements needed to ensure the project best delivers improved connectivity and reduced travel times.

A local access strategy will also be developed to ensure the bypass provides access to properties and businesses when local roads may be impacted by construction and operation of the bypass.

Development of the strategy will involve consultation with Shoalhaven City Council, property owners, businesses and community groups to ensure the design options meet the needs of locals and the wider community.

Once built, the bypass will improve road safety and reduce travel times on the Princes Highway and improve trip reliability, by bypassing Milton and Ulladulla town centres.

As the concept design phase continues, a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement will also be developed to ensure construction of the bypass does not unnecessarily impact on local wildlife, while protecting and enhancing biodiversity.

While planning on the bypass continues, Transport for NSW is also considering other short-term opportunities in and around Milton and Ulladulla to make improvements to footpaths, signage and lighting.

The Transport for NSW project team is inviting the community to drop-in sessions in July and August to learn more about the project and provide any feedback.

The team will be at:

• Ulladulla Civic Centre on Saturday 27 July between 10am and 12pm
• Milton Village Markets on Saturday 3 August between 9am and 2pm
• and at the Mollymook Surf Club on Wednesday 21 August between 3pm and 6pm.

Transport for NSW will continue to keep the community updated as work progresses on the Milton Ulladulla bypass as well as plans for any short-term improvements.

Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

“The Australian government is investing $752 million in the Milton Ulladulla bypass.

“The Albanese and Minns Labor governments are proudly progressing the Milton Ulladulla bypass, and ensuring we undertake the research and planning required to build this once-in-a-generation infrastructure project properly.”

NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison:

““The Minns Labor government is investing $188 million in the Milton Ulladulla bypass and I’d like to thank Liza Butler and Fiona Phillips for their ongoing advocacy and support for this much needed South Coast roads project that will transform the region.

“The Albanese and Minns Labor governments are proud to be responsibly delivering major infrastructure projects in a staged, well thought through and financially responsible way unlike former Liberal and Nationals Governments who promised the world but failed to deliver.”

Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips:

“I encourage every community member to attend a drop-in session and have their say.

“We are proudly focused on ensuring the community can help shape this bypass project and that residents are kept informed as work progresses through the required phases to ensure we deliver a world class piece of road infrastructure.”

NSW Member for South Coast Liza Butler:

“I am pleased to see the planning moving along for the bypass. This project will play a key role in improving safety and efficiency along the Princes Highway.

“In the meantime, we are committed to consulting with the community to help identify opportunities to upgrade footpaths, signage, lighting or reduced speed limits in and around Milton and Ulladulla that may be achieved in the short-term.

“I will continue to advocate for my community and look forward to attending the upcoming consultation sessions.”

Justice Jane Paingakulam has been formally welcomed as Deputy President of the Industrial Relations Commission and a judge of the restored Industrial Court.

The Industrial Court covers matters from the regulation of unions, such as applications for administration, to disputes over wages, conditions and safety.

Justice Paingakulam’s experience includes the Enforcement Directorate at the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), where she contributed significantly to investigations of criminal matters including fraud, market manipulation and insider trading. 

Justice Paingakulam experienced a distinguished career in public service before coming to the bench, for which she was awarded an Australia Day Medal for Public Service.

Admitted as a solicitor in 1996, Justice Paingakulam worked for Emil Ford & Co before moving to the Office of the Employment Advocate, where she became a senior lawyer in legal and compliance.

After her work at ASIC, Justice Paingakulam joined the Australian Public Service Commission (APSC), where she led investigations into significant whistleblowing cases.

In 2009, she was called to the Bar and practised in predominately criminal and work health and safety matters. This included appearing as junior counsel in the $105 million Plutus Payroll tax fraud trial, which ran for eleven months.

A ceremonial sitting to welcome Her Honour was held at the Chief Secretary’s Building in Sydney.

Acting Minister for Industrial Relations Daniel Mookhey said:

“I congratulate Justice Paingakulam on her appointment to the Industrial Relations Commission and the Industrial Court.

“Justice Paingakulam is held in high regard by the legal profession.  Her expertise in work health and safety law will ensure the re-established Industrial Court is well placed to deal with these matters.”

Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“Justice Paingakulam brings a wealth of experience to her new role – she is a committed public servant with the highest levels of integrity.

“The re-established Industrial Court will play a critical role in our state’s industrial relations framework.

“Justice Paingakulam will be essential to its success.

“I warmly welcome Justice Paingakulam to the Industrial Relations Commission and to the Industrial Court.”

The NSW Labor Government is helping take the pressure off Muswellbrook Shire Council by assuming responsibility for two local roads critical to the state’s future energy needs.

Bengalla Road and Wybong Road, between Bengalla Road and the Golden Highway, will soon be reclassified from local to state roads, opening the door to more potential investment from the NSW Government.

The reclassification comes after the former Liberal and National Government ignored the council’s requests for help and failed to deliver on its promise to reclassify 15,000 kilometres of road.

Both of these roads are important freight transport routes that have previously been tasked with handling over size and/or over mass (OSOM) vehicle movements for the mines in the Muswellbrook local government area.

With more OSOM vehicles increasingly needing to access Renewable Energy Zones (REZ) in the Central West Orana and New England Regions, the NSW Labor Government has stepped up to support council through a road reclassification and agreed to take responsibility for management of the roads given the critical role they play in securing the state’s future energy supply.

The additional support for Muswellbrook Shire Council is part of a suite of measures the NSW Government is delivering to help regional councils improve their road networks by:

• rolling out a $390 million Regional Emergency Road Repair Fund to help pay for urgent repairs
• providing a further $224.5 million in grants to councils for local and regional road maintenance and upgrades through a range of programs and subsidy arrangements
• investing $49.7 million to finish Fixing Local Roads projects announced by the former government but never delivered.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“The NSW Labor Government is proud to be getting on with the job of preparing roads in the regions for our future energy needs and supporting local councils with challenges change can bring.

“In addition to our $128.5 million investment in planning and delivering port to project upgrades announced in the budget, the ongoing investment that will be released through the reclassification will take the financial burden off Muswellbrook Council, whose ratepayers contribute so much to the wealth of our state.

“Unlike the former government who forked out a fortune on a failed road reclassification review, ignored its recommendations and kept the final report secret – the NSW Labor Government is actually delivering what councils need and not making unfunded promises.

“I thank Muswellbrook Shire Council for its advocacy, patience and commitment to working together to improve roads in the region.”

Labor’s spokesperson for Upper Hunter Emily Suvaal said:

“Residents of Upper Hunter know that certain local roads are critical to support over size and/or over mass (OSOM) vehicle movements.

“The reclassification of these roads to state roads will remove a significant financial and administrative burden on Muswellbrook Council from a planning and operational perspective, as these movements will continue for many years.

“This is a welcome and necessary step in the NSW Government’s plan to transform the way the state moves renewable energy equipment throughout the state.”

Muswellbrook Mayor Steve Reynolds said:

“Improving the current condition of our roads and bringing them to an acceptable standard before these truck movements begin is crucial.

“Council’s priority, as always, is the safety of residents and we welcome the reclassification of these roads from local to state.

“Road conditions must be fit for purpose, and strategies in place to minimise the impact on road users, such as laybacks. Continual maintenance is paramount so as our ratepayers don’t carry the burden.”

The Minns Labor Government has announced a $4.5 million funding package that will be a significant step in helping reduce and replace animals in medical research.

Images of the announcement available here.

The funding will be used to establish the Non-Animal Technologies Network (NAT-Net), a NSW-led body that will work to develop innovative alternatives to using animals and advise on the required medical research infrastructure and regulations to support these as alternatives.

Non-animal technologies, such as using human cells or tissues, are more biologically similar to the patients being treated, and so medicines being tested are less likely to fail in clinical trials. These technologies are beginning to exceed the performance of animal models in drug development and medical research.

NAT-Net will include experts from the University of NSW, University of Wollongong, University of Technology Sydney, University of Sydney and the University of Newcastle, as well as the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Children’s Medical Research Institute and the Hunter Medical Research Institute.

The funding comprises three pillars. The first, a research pillar to accelerate research progress, which will include a competitive research grant program, with recipients set to focus on developing solutions to reduce animals in medical research. The second, to develop infrastructure to establish NAT-Net and the third to set up a working group to develop regulatory approaches for non-animal technologies.

This may include complex multi-organ models, organs-on-chips, or approaches using machine learning and artificial intelligence.

Minister for Medical Research David Harris said:

“This is the first time a network of this kind has been established for non-animal technologies in NSW, and it will significantly enhance the state’s ability to make scientific breakthroughs. I am excited to announce this wonderful initiative alongside our partner institutions.

“By investing in cutting-edge, non-animal technologies, researchers may be able to better predict which therapies work in humans, accelerating discoveries that could save people’s lives.

“We know that non-animal technologies in medical research are the way forward and NAT-Net will be a driving force behind these exciting Australian-first developments led by NSW.”

The NSW Government will weigh up benefits to Central Coast commuters as it considers the final report of the Independent Toll Review handed down by Professor Allan Fels and Dr David Cousins this week.

The report exposes the full impact of toll road privatisation by the former government, and shows how Central Coast drivers could save money under the scenarios it modelled

The report highlights Sydney’s toll road network is a poorly-functioning patchwork of numerous different price structures that will cost motorists $195 billion in nominal terms in tolls over the next three and a half decades on top of the billions they have already paid.

The report notes the lack of a unified tolling system has created complexity, inefficiency, inequities and unfairness.

There are a range of recommendations presented to Government by Professor Fels and Dr Cousins for consideration including:

• Tolls should be based on a declining distance basis charged on a per kilometre basis but with the per kilometre rate declining the greater the distance travelled. This would deliver greater fairness to motorists in the Central Coast.
• Two-way tolling on the two current Harbour crossings and the Eastern Distributor, with this additional revenue gained being put into the lowering of tolls on the remainder of the network. This will also ensure a consistent tolling and traffic integration approach when the Western Harbour tunnel opens around 2028.
• Decisions on toll setting should be overseen by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART).
  The NSW Government will now consider the report and respond in due course.

The NSW Government is committed to reforming Sydney’s toll network to restore fairness, simplicity and transparency to the system and put the interests of motorists above those of private investors.

The Toll Review confirms this will be a complex task but one that the state must embark on as the Government provides essential cost-of-living relief through Labor’s $60 toll cap.

Full final report of the Independent Toll Review: https://www.treasury.nsw.gov.au/toll-review

Minister for the Central Coast David Harris said:

“Central Coast commuters pay more than most, with a one-way trip into Sydney via toll roads costing close to $30 in peak times.

“The NSW Government has just received the report and we need to consider it closely before making any decisions, however I, and my fellow Central Coast Labor MPs will be working to ensure Central Coast commuters benefit from any moves to make the tolling system simpler and fairer.

“The previous Liberal Government became addicted to tolls and the Labor Government introduced toll relief, beginning with the $60 toll cap that has been helping Central Coast commuters.”

Netball NSW would like to congratulate and welcome the members of the First Nations community who have been appointed to the organisation’s Aboriginal Advisory Group.

The purpose of the Group will be to facilitate a meaningful partnership between Aboriginal people and NNSW, and to ensure that First Nations voices and needs are heard and respected within the State’s netball community.

The Group is also responsible for providing strategic advice to NNSW management by drawing on their lived experience and knowledge of current and emerging realities.

This advice will assist in the development of operational policies, including the implementation of the next stage of the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), Aboriginal employment and volunteering strategies, and training and development for the organisation as a whole.

The Group was developed in conjunction with NNSW’s RAP Working Group which previously played a critical role in the delivery of the organisation’s first Reflect RAP, the award-winning C.A.R.E Program, Premier League First Nations Round and the Koori Gala Days. In particular, NNSW would like to thank Ali Tucker-Munro, Donna Coady and Georgina Bruinsma for their cultural insights and their assistance in the development of this Advisory Group.

The seven-strong Group will be co-chaired by Lauren Chester and Steven Slee.

Chester is a passionate netballer and proud Dharawal woman with connections to the La Perouse Aboriginal community who possesses over 12 years of diverse sports management experience across the UK and Australia.

Slee, a proud Anaiwan Aboriginal man from the New England region, brings 18 years of experience in senior management, including Chief Executive roles in Aboriginal organisations, cultural advisory, policy development and national training management.

NNSW CEO Tracey Scott said the formation of the Advisory Group was a huge step forward for the game.

“While we have launched some wonderful programs in recent years, it is vital that we have a more hands-on approach when it comes to listening to and liaising with local Aboriginal communities to identify and understand issues affecting their involvement in our game.

“We know that netball is one of the most popular sports among our First Nations peoples and it is our responsibility to provide a safe and welcoming environment.

“One of the key roles of this Group is to review and provide advice and guidance in the development of culturally appropriate strategies and initiatives to enhance positive outcomes in collaboration with the Aboriginal community and to increase participation across all facets of the pathway.

“It doesn’t matter if a First Nations player or coach aims to be a NSW Swift or GIANT, or just wants to participate in Saturday netball with their mates, a universal understanding is required to ensure inclusion is at the forefront of who we are.

“As an organisation we are excited to work collaboratively with the Group to develop strategies to address these aforementioned needs, issues and interests.”   

Co-Chair Chester said:

“It’s always a privilege to represent my culture and advocate for our people. The formation of the Aboriginal Advisory Group demonstrates NNSW’s willingness to engage community, create a culturally safe environment for its participants, and signifies an important milestone in their reconciliation journey.

“The depth and breadth of talent amongst the Group is truly impressive; I’m looking forward to building connections, learning from our collective experiences, and making a meaningful contribution to the sport that’s given me so much over the years.”

Fellow co-Chair Steven Slee said:

“To see Netball NSW take the initiative to strive to become a leader of reconciliation and inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the sport of netball has been both moving and encouraging.

“Seeing first-hand the passion from Netball NSW from key personnel at the very top to not only want to ensure inclusion, but to ensure that First Nations people and communities are engaged, consulted and supported is reassuring.

“The Aboriginal Advisory Group is a massive step in the right direction which has seen immediate impact into the operations of Netball NSW’s inclusive practices as well as some new and exciting initiatives and programs that aim to encourage participation and support First Nations people in the sport moving forward.  

“I look forward to seeing the positive changes coming soon to netball in NSW that will provide greater pathways to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across all aspects of the game.”
 
Netball NSW Aboriginal Advisory Group

• Thelmerie Rudd
  
  Thelmerie a respected Darug Elder and Director at Boorooberongal Aboriginal Elders Corporation who contributes extensively to community and governance roles. As a member of the Paramatta Parklands Trustee board and various consultation groups, she applies her Traditional Custodian perspective to infrastructure projects under the NSW Connecting to Country framework.
  
  Thelmarie’s longstanding passion for netball spans coaching, umpiring, and fostering pathways for youth. She advocates for culturally respectful partnerships and pathways within Netball NSW, emphasizing community engagement strategies to encourage Aboriginal participation at all levels of the sport.

• Nezmia Hay
  
  A proud Mutthi Mutthi woman with 31 years of netball experience, deeply engaged in Penrith’s sporting community. As a Senior Project Officer, Nezima applies her strategic planning and stakeholder engagement skills to benefit Aboriginal communities in social housing.
  
  A registered kinship carer, Nezmia advocates passionately for Aboriginal children and recently contributed to Penrith Council’s Statement of Recognition workshops. She emphasizes the need for local associations to engage inclusively with Aboriginal communities, to create culturally safe spaces and ensuring pathway opportunities for young netball players.
   
• Lauren Chester (Co-Chair) 
  
  A passionate netballer and proud Dharawal woman with connections to the La Perouse Aboriginal community, Lauren brings over 12 years of diverse sports management experience across the UK and Australia.
  
  Committed to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, she focuses on using sport for reconciliation, evident in her roles at Cronulla Sharks and previous work with FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023. Lauren’s leadership extends to community involvement and her pursuit of personal growth through programs like the Emerging Indigenous Executive Leaders Program. She aims to leverage her expertise to drive impactful change.
   
• Rachal Allan
  
  Rachal is Gamilaraay yinaar from Quirindi & Tamworth in north-west NSW. She has lived and worked on Dharawal Country for the last decade, with a background in Aboriginal health and using sport as a vehicle to drive health, social, and economic outcomes for First Nations people. In 2023, she received the Charles Perkins Memorial Prize for Academic Excellence, graduating from the University of Sydney with a Graduate Diploma in Indigenous Health Promotion.
  
  She is the current co-chair of the Office of Sports RAP Implementation Team and is passionate about driving genuine, respectful, and meaningful engagement with First Nations people and cultures within sports and the wider community.
   
• Steven Slee (Co-Chair) 
  
  A proud Anaiwan Aboriginal man from the New England region, Steven brings extensive leadership and sports experience with over 18 years in senior management, including Chief Executive roles in Aboriginal organisations, cultural advisory, policy development and national training management.
  
  Currently serving as Cultural Coordinator for Callaghan District Netball Association, Steven enhances Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation by fostering inclusivity and support. His passion lies in connecting sports such as Rugby League & Netball NSW with communities to create pathways and opportunities, ensuring cultural appropriateness and empowering Aboriginal people in sports.
   
• Megan Hartog-Smith 
  
  Megan is a Gomeroi/Wiradjuri woman coming through the ranks at Narrabri Netball Association and now a proud Ku-ring-gai netball mum. Megan brings a comprehensive background in netball in player, administrator, coach, umpire, and parent roles.
  
  Professionally, she has over 20 years in the public sector, focusing on education, children and families. Megan excels in community engagement, project leadership, and strategic planning, advocating for inclusive pathways and partnerships in netball. She seeks to empower First Nations athletes through mentorship and consultation-driven improvements in the sport.
   
• Caroline Dallinger 
  
  A proud Gamilaroi/Yuwaalaraay woman, with an extensive sporting background and decades of experience designing, developing, and delivering programs for First Nations communities. With a strong advocacy for education and equity, Caroline aims to support all members of Netball NSW and the advisory group.
  
  Caroline advocates for regional athletes, urging for improved access and opportunities closer to home. She emphasizes transparency, communication, and inclusive participation in building meaningful partnerships. Dedicated to bridging gaps in First Nations pathways, Caroline seeks to amplify voices from smaller regional and remote communities, ensuring support, guidance, and understanding prevail.