16 News

The Northern Beaches community will benefit from a new ambulance station, with the current Narrabeen Ambulance Station set to be replaced on its existing site.

The new Narrabeen Ambulance Station is one of 30 additional ambulance stations being delivered as part of the NSW Government’s $615.5 million NSW Ambulance Infrastructure Program.

The new and purpose-built ambulance station will boost frontline health infrastructure and support local paramedics to provide the best emergency and mobile medical care now and into the future for the growing region of Sydney.

The existing site on Pittwater Road was confirmed as the most suitable location to optimise response performance and meet the future emergency health needs of the community following an extensive land search across Dee Why and the Northern Beaches.

Health Infrastructure and NSW Ambulance carried out a thorough evaluation of the site to ensure it continues to best meet the needs of our emergency ambulance operations and paramedic staff.

All sites are evaluated based on size, location, access and traffic considerations, and other factors that may influence development timelines and costs.

Locations for new stations are determined by NSW Ambulance following a comprehensive service planning process using best practice modelling software which maps Triple Zero calls.

The new ambulance station will feature internal parking for up to 10 emergency ambulance vehicles, vehicle wash facilities, administration, multipurpose and logistics spaces, as well as staff amenities.

The next steps for the project include design development and seeking planning approval for the new station. Construction and operational timeframes will be confirmed as the project progresses. The community will be kept up to date through project planning and delivery.

The local community will continue to have 24/7 ambulance coverage during planning and construction of the new Narrabeen Ambulance Station.

NSW Ambulance is consulting with staff about temporarily relocating crews to Mona Vale Ambulance Station throughout the construction timeframe. Paramedics are a mobile workforce, which can be rapidly deployed across the response network to maintain service levels.

The NSW Ambulance Infrastructure Program will deliver 30 additional ambulance stations and supporting infrastructure across Sydney, the Central Coast, Newcastle, the Hunter and Illawarra regions over the coming years.

The NSW Government is recruiting 2,500 additional NSW Ambulance staff including 500 paramedics to rural and regional areas, to boost emergency and mobile healthcare for our metropolitan and regional communities.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“The new Narrabeen Ambulance Station will support local paramedics to provide the best emergency and mobile medical care to the local community well into the future.

“This is a great outcome for the surrounding communities on the Northern Beaches with the existing site to be completely redeveloped to provide a modern and purpose-built facility to support our hardworking paramedics as they deliver high-quality emergency and mobile medical care.

“More ambulance stations, more paramedics, faster response times and better patient outcomes – a win for our community and a win for our hard-working paramedics.”

Member for Wakehurst Michael Regan:

“Our local paramedics need the right resources to do their job. This announcement of a brand new station for Narrabeen is a big step in the right direction.

“A new ambulance station for the Northern Beaches is desperately needed and has been a long time coming. I want to thank local NSW Ambulance staff for their patience. For them, it will mean a modern fit-for-purpose workplace. For Northern Beaches residents, it means a better resourced local ambulance service to deliver and provide access to healthcare when we need it most.

“I look forward to seeing the new station up and running as soon as possible.”

Member for Pittwater Jacqui Scruby:

“Narrabeen Ambulance Station and the need for Pittwater to retain ambulance services with Intensive Care Paramedics, was one of the first issues I raised with the Health Minister. This is particularly important as we are located on a peninsula, limiting our ability to leverage the broader network. This is a very welcome announcement, which will save lives. Our ambulance workers deserve safe and fit-for-purpose stations, and investment in Narrabeen is long-overdue. I’ll advocate for works to commence as soon as possible.”

Chief Executive NSW Ambulance Dominic Morgan:

“This new purpose-built ambulance station at Narrabeen will ensure our paramedics have the modern facilities to support, the delivery of world-class emergency care to the Northern Beaches community.

“A new Narrabeen station will provide a comfortable, functional and modern environment for our dedicated staff, which we know makes a real difference to morale and wellbeing.”

Following the successful rollout of machine reading technology 12 months ago, BreastScreen NSW is expanding use to include mammography images of all first-time screeners.

The technology – initially used to read selected images from women aged 50-59 – has significantly reduced call backs for further tests, reducing stress for women, without compromising cancer detection rates. 

By the end of 2025, it’s predicted that as a direct result of the technology’s accuracy, around 500, or 20 per cent fewer women, will be asked to return for additional tests, which can include a breast ultrasound and a needle biopsy.

Since the technology was introduced, it’s read more than 19,000 images and detected more than 130 cancers.  

BreastScreen NSW was Australia’s first population-based screening program to introduce the cutting-edge technology to support radiologists in interpreting a select range of mammography images.

At least one radiologist continues to read every woman’s image to look for the early stages of breast cancer, with machine reading technology providing additional analysis.  

The technology is ensuring BreastScreen NSW can continue to deliver a world class service, while meeting the needs of NSW’s growing population.   

Successfully used in similar international population-based screening programs, BreastScreen NSW undertook a world-first study to extensively evaluate the accuracy and efficacy of this new technology prior to its implementation.

The study showed the technology produced comparable results to the existing screening program, without compromising cancer detection rates. 

For women aged 50-74, a breast screen every two years is the best way to detect breast cancer early – before it can be seen or felt. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are recommended to screen from age 40. 

Early detection not only significantly increases a person’s chance of survival, it can also greatly reduce the need for invasive treatment like a mastectomy. 

Any woman who has noticed a change in their breasts, like a lump, should see their doctor without delay.

 For more information and to make an appointment at a local BreastScreen NSW clinic or mobile van, call 13 20 50 or book online at www.breastscreen.nsw.gov.au.    

Health Minister Ryan Park:

“One year after we announced the introduction of this cutting-edge technology across BreastScreen NSW, it’s fantastic to see it delivering excellent results.

“By expanding the program, we are making sure more women have access to this life-saving technology.

“Reducing the devastating impact of breast cancer on women in NSW is a priority and I’d like to thank the BreastScreen NSW team for their world-leading work.” 

NSW Chief Cancer Officer and Chief Executive Cancer Institute NSW Professor Tracey O’Brien AM 

“We did the groundwork to ensure this innovative technology would benefit women and radiologists. The results so far have exceeded our expectations.” 

“Fewer women are now experiencing stress and anxiety as they aren’t being called back for testing. At the same time we are ensuring care and support is being given to the women who need it most.”  

“Machine reading technology is ensuring women have the best chance of detecting and treating cancer in its earliest stages through a breast screen. I urge all women to take this disease seriously and book in your breast screen today.”  

Donna, diagnosed with breast cancer aged 60 years 

“Breast cancer has been a big part of my family’s story. My younger sister was diagnosed in 2006 and my elder sister was diagnosed in 2012. Given our family history I made sure to have regular breast screens. And it’s a good thing I did because in 2016 it was my turn.” 

“Fortunately my cancer was caught through a breast screen early and now I tell everyone if the BreastScreen NSW bus comes to your area go get checked. You don’t have to go alone take a friend. The first time can be a bit of a shock but after that it just becomes routine something you do for your health and your life.” 

“The earlier cancer is found the better. The longer you leave it the harder it becomes for doctors, surgeons and for yourself. If you’re hesitating I’ll say what I tell my friends ’Come on I’ll go with you.’ Because it’s not just about you it’s about the people who love you. So please go with a friend book your breast screen.” 

Professor Nalini Joshi AO from the University of Sydney has been recognised as the NSW Scientist of the Year in the 2025 Premier’s Prizes for Science and Engineering.

Professor Joshi is one of 10 exceptional researchers, innovators and educators honoured at the Premier’s Prizes for Science & Engineering, held at Government House Sydney.

Professor Joshi’s selection as Scientist of the Year is in recognition of her world-leading work in mathematics. Her transformational mathematical approaches have been applied to reveal real-world phenomena, including how light signals travel in optical fibres and the formation of large and unpredictable surface waves called rogue waves in deep water.

These findings can be used to model how complex systems change over time, with practical applications across weather, climate, ocean waves and tides. They can also be used to show how signals travel, interact and degrade, with significant uses in the development of fibre-optic communications.

Professor Joshi will receive a trophy and $60,000 in prize money for her work.

Nine category winners were also announced last night, each receiving a trophy and $5,000:

• Excellence in Mathematics, Earth Sciences, Chemistry or Physics Professor Anita Ho-Baillie, the University of Sydney
• Excellence in Biological Sciences (Ecological, environmental, agricultural and organismal) Distinguished Professor Brajesh Singh, Western Sydney University
• Excellence in Medical Biological Sciences (Cell and molecular, medical, veterinary and genetics) Scientia Professor Kaarin Anstey, UNSW Sydney
• Excellence in Engineering or Information and Communications Technology Distinguished Professor Vivian Tam, Western Sydney University
• NSW Early Career Researcher of the Year (Biological Sciences) Dr Jennifer Matthews, University of Technology Sydney
• NSW Early Career Researcher of the Year (Physical Sciences) Dr Felix Rizzuto, UNSW Sydney
• Leadership in Innovation in NSW Professor Paul Keall, the University of Sydney
• Innovation in NSW Public Sector Science and Engineering Dr Brad Law, NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
• Innovation in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematic Teaching in NSW Mr Ryland O’Connell, Hastings Secondary School, Port Macquarie

Full details of all winners can be found at: https://www.chiefscientist.nsw.gov.au/events/nsw-premiers-prizes-for-science-and-engineering

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“Professor Joshi’s groundbreaking work helps us make sense of nature’s big mysteries.

“Her research is also working to unlock solutions to complex technological challenges.

“Importantly, in addition to her academic excellence, she is also a role model supporting of our next generation of mathematicians.”

Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“Our state boasts a research and innovation sector that is the envy of the world. These awards are the NSW Government’s chance to recognise the best of the best.

“Importantly, the fine work of those who we saluted last night is being translated into real-world solutions in areas as diverse as space, construction and agriculture.

“I thank our winners for their contributions to the health, social, economic and environmental benefit of NSW.”

2025 NSW Scientist of the Year Professor Nalini Joshi said:

“I am deeply honoured and humbled to be recognised as NSW Scientist of the Year.

“This award is a recognition of the power of the mathematical tools that my collaborators and I have been developing to shine clearer light on the questions of science, particularly the ones that have elusive information hidden within nonlinear models.

“I want to reach out to all the young people who may be daunted by the future and say that it is possible to find answers to questions about the universe by shining the clear light of mathematics on them.

“It is wonderful for me and the amazingly talented people who work with me to be recognised in this way in the company of the brilliant scientists we have in NSW.”

NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer Professor Hugh Durrant-Whyte said:

“Another year, another extraordinary cohort of research and educational excellence. Last night, we saluted leading work in dementia risk reduction, detection and treatment of stress responses in coral reefs, and technology that has improved the lives of literally millions of cancer patients, to name just three areas.

“We acknowledge the career achievements of senior academics and we welcome the impressive innovations of our best new researchers.

“My congratulations to all honoured last night, and especially to the 2025 Scientist of the Year, Professor Nalini Joshi for her highly impactful work in the field of mathematics.”

Thousands of people marched from Randwick to Coogee this morning as part of the annual Step Out Speak Out walk, marking the beginning of the global 16 Days of Activism to prevent and eliminate violence against women.

Community leaders, students, frontline workers, services, sporting organisations and NSW Police, came together to raise awareness of domestic and family violence and call for change across the state.

The group gathered at High Cross Park before walking to Grant Reserve in Coogee, where community representatives, service leaders and NSW Police addressed the crowd. 

This year’s event focused on driving cultural change, promoting early intervention and reinforcing support for victim-survivors.

The march comes as NSW Police continue statewide efforts to target high-risk domestic violence offenders through Operation Amarok XII. The most recent blitz resulted in more than 750 people charged, over 1,600 offences detected, 275 warrants executed, and the seizure of firearms, prohibited weapons and dangerous drugs.

While we have more work to do the Minns Labor Government has delivered significant reforms this year to strengthen protections for victim-survivors, improve accountability for offenders and expand early intervention and crisis responses. These include:

• A new civil protection scheme targeting high-risk domestic abuse offenders.
• Stronger rental protections for victim-survivors, including safe lock changes, privacy safeguards and penalty-free lease termination.
• A standard non-parole period of 25 years for intimate partner homicide, the first law of its kind in Australia.
• Expanded DFV support services, including crisis accommodation, specialist workers and culturally safe programs.
• Strengthened bail laws for serious domestic violence offences and expanded electronic monitoring for high-risk offenders.

These reforms complement ongoing policing efforts, prevention strategies, and community-led initiatives focused on reducing harm and supporting those experiencing violence.

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley said:

“Last year, police responded to more than 150,000 domestic and family violence-related calls for assistance – that’s one every three and a half minutes. 

“Today’s march was a powerful reminder that no one should suffer in silence and that the community stands with victim-survivors.

“Operation Amarok XII shows the relentless work of our police when it comes to pursuing the state’s worst domestic violence offenders. It sends a strong message that those who harm partners or former partners will be tracked down and held to account.

“Police are doing outstanding work, but we cannot arrest our way out of this. Prevention, early intervention and cultural change are essential.

“If you see something, hear something or suspect something, please speak up. You could save a life.”

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Jodie Harrison said:

“Domestic violence is a challenge that touches every community and the government is working hard to address it, from providing wraparound supports for victim-survivors and strengthening protections to earlier intervention and primary prevention. 

“Every year the Step Out Speak Out event draws thousands from the community, to walk alongside victim-survivors towards a future that is free from domestic and family violence. 

“Today’s march shows how we can work together as a community, to stop the violence before it starts. Together we can change attitudes and behaviours that tolerate violence, and create a safer state for women and children.”

Member for Coogee, Dr Marjorie O’Neill said:

“The Eastern Suburbs turned out in strength today to say domestic and family violence has no place in our community.

“Seeing so many young people, local organisations and residents marching together shows how committed our community is to standing with victim-survivors.

“If you or someone you know is experiencing violence, please reach out. You are not alone and support is here.”

NSW Police Force Commissioner, Mal Lanyon said:

“Domestic and family violence in our community is unacceptable.

“It can be hard for victims to speak up if they’re experiencing domestic and family violence.

“Everyone should feel safe. Everyone in the community needs to stand up and speak out, with all of society needing to work together to stop domestic violence.” 

The NSW Government has now responded to all 76 recommendations from the NSW Bushfire Inquiry, transforming the state’s ability to prepare, respond and recover when bushfire strikes.

The final report on the inquiry has been tabled in NSW Parliament, providing an update on the Government’s response and recognising the impact of the fires on the community.

The inquiry, established in the aftermath of the devastating 2019-20 bushfire season, identified dozens of ways to improve the state’s bushfire response and protect NSW communities. 

The 2019-20 bushfire season was among the worst in recorded history, destroying more than 2,000 homes and burning 5.5 million hectares across the state.

In NSW, 26 people lost their lives, including four NSW RFS volunteers and three contracted air crew. Each one of these deaths was a tragedy and greatly affected families, communities and emergency services.

Since 2020, the NSW Government has overhauled bushfire policy, preparedness and response, and is acting on all 76 recommendations from the inquiry, including:

• Delivering over 1,000 new and refurbished trucks to protect our firefighters. Many of these trucks are equipped with advanced safety and firefighting technology to support capability, safety, and effectiveness.
• Embedding the nationally consistent three-tier Australian Warning System.
• Protecting our native wildlife by building the skills of almost 6,000 personnel involved in wildlife first response through practical training.
• Boosting the Public Safety Network by an additional 536 sites, which now covers almost 100% of NSW’s population. The Public Safety Network is our first responder radio network and is one of NSW’s most critical communications networks.
• Strengthening our firefighter and land management capacity by recruiting and training over 500 additional personnel to protect our communities from bushfires.

Priority recommendations were implemented in the immediate aftermath, with long-term recommendations all now underway.

One of the recommendations, night-time waterbombing, was this week achieved when the RFS-owned CH47D Chinook helicopter was successfully deployed to a major bushfire near Lithgow.

Ahead of the 2026 bushfire season, fire agencies across the state are already deploying the latest bushfire science and technology alongside traditional knowledge and ancient land care practices to protect communities.

Agencies and land managers continue to take every available opportunity to undertake hazard reduction burning wherever conditions allow and address potential bushfire hazards at the source.

Aircraft can be pre-positioned in 19 strategic locations around the state, ready to respond to fires alongside ground crews on days of heightened bush fire danger.

While this marks a major milestone in ensuring that NSW communities are safer from the impacts of bushfires, the NSW Government recognises there is always more that can be done, and challenges persist.

We will continue to focus our efforts on investing in projects like the Bushfire and Natural Hazards Research Centre to support data and evidence-based approaches to managing bushfires, and in embedding knowledge and expertise of our oldest living culture through NSW’s Cultural Fire Strategy.

Together, these reforms ensure NSW is better equipped than ever to protect lives, property and the environment in the face of future bushfire threats.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib:

“The 2019-20 bushfire season was devastating for our communities, our homes, our emergency services and our national parks.

“We’ve listened to the experts and have acted on every recommendation from the NSW Bushfire Inquiry. Some long-term initiatives will take some time to complete but are already well underway.

“These recommendations include practical innovations that will aid firefighters for years to come, including the implementation of night-time waterbombing capability which will make a huge difference to our firefighting efforts. 

“Crews are consistently out there, seizing every opportunity to ensure NSW is in the best position possible as we head into summer.”

RFS Commissioner Trent Curtin:

“The RFS and our partner agencies are achieving major milestones as we act on the recommendations from the Bushfire Inquiry.

“This work reflects years of continued effort to strengthen how we prepare for and respond to bushfires.

“These improvements – from technology, trucks and training to community engagement and volunteer support – are already making a real difference across the state.”

The Clarence Valley community is invited to provide feedback on the Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment planning documents, with the planning application now on public exhibition.

The release of the Review of Environmental Factors planning documentation follows community consultation held in Grafton in September and October of this year, with valuable feedback and input from staff, stakeholders and the community continuing to help shape the redevelopment.

The NSW Government is investing $263.8 million in the Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment to provide new and enhanced health services for the region. It will deliver a new three-storey Acute Services Building including a new Emergency Department, Emergency Short Stay Unit, Medical Imaging and MRI, and inpatient unit.

The Day Surgery and Operating Suite will be expanded to provide two extra operating theatres, increasing overall theatre capacity. The new building will also provide space for maternity services to be relocated in the future, as well as identifying zones for potential further development.

When complete, the new Acute Services Building will seamlessly integrate with the existing hospital via a new hospital street at the current public main entrance. There will also be a new road off Queen Street that will provide ambulances with direct access to the Emergency Department, as well as more than 30 additional car spaces.

Early works are set to start on site in the coming weeks to prepare the site for main works construction. The works will include minor refurbishments to building 25 near the existing main entry to enable the relocation of existing ambulatory care services out of the main works construction zone.

This work will ensure access to health services are maintained while the redevelopment work is carried out. Wayfinding will be provided to ensure staff and patients can continue to access services during this time.

Construction timeframes for main works will be confirmed once planning has been finalised and a builder is engaged.

Work is also underway to transform 36 units at the former Grafton Gaol site, to accommodate health workers. 

The Minns Labor Government allocated $34.2 million to NNSWLHD as part of the wider $200.1 million Key Health Worker Accommodation program.

The Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment Review of Environmental Factors and other supporting technical documents can be viewed here – Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment.

Feedback on the planning application can be provided online until 11:59pm on Friday 19 December 2025. For more information about the project visit Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment.

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

“It’s an exciting time for the project with early works soon getting underway on the Grafton Base Hospital campus.

“The public exhibition of the planning application for the project marks a significant milestone for the hospital redevelopment and we’re grateful for the valuable input provided by staff and stakeholders in the planning process, which has helped shaped this project.

“When completed, the new hospital building will transform the Grafton Hospital campus, enhancing access and creating a modern facility for the community and staff.”

the Minister for North Coast Janelle Saffin:

“This redevelopment is being shaped by the community every step of the way, and this public exhibition provides another opportunity to continue this critical involvement.

“By working together, we are enabling our fabulous health staff to deliver excellent patient care for the growing Grafton community.

“I am excited about how this redevelopment is progressing and looking forward to the works getting underway.”

Labor Spokesperson for Clarence Emily Suvaal:

“We encourage the community to view and provide feedback the Grafton Base Hospital Redevelopment plans and have their say on this important project.

“Planning for the redevelopment has been carried out in close consultation with clinical staff, ensuring a strong focus on delivering on identified clinical priorities.

“Staff and the community will continue to be updated as works get underway on the hospital campus.”

Western Sydney communities are set to benefit from more beds and modern health facilities, with planning documents for the Mount Druitt Hospital redevelopment now on public exhibition, marking a key step in delivering expanded care services.

The redevelopment is being delivered as part of the NSW Government’s $120 million commitment to Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals to help meet the growing health related needs of Sydney’s west. This investment will deliver further state-of-the-art healthcare facilities to serve one of the state’s fastest-growing communities.

The project will deliver expanded clinical and non-clinical support service areas and help increase capacity across Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals with the delivery of 60 additional beds, including 30 new beds at Mount Druitt Hospital.

The community is being encouraged to attend an information session where they can meet the project team, provide feedback and learn more about the plans.

Information session:

• Wednesday, 3 December 2025 – 2.00pm to 3.30pm at Mount Druitt Hospital Main Entrance 

The Review of Environmental Factors (REF) planning documents and other supporting documents can be viewed here: https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/blacktown-and-mount-druitt-hospitals-additional-beds

Feedback on the planning application can be provided online until 11:59pm on Friday 19 December 2025.

The detailed design for Mount Druitt Hospital is expected to be completed by the end of this year, with construction timeframes to be confirmed next year following planning approval and the appointment of a building contractor.

This investment builds on the $700 million expansion of Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals completed in 2020, which delivered expanded capacity at both hospitals, a new emergency department, cancer centre, and inpatient facilities at Blacktown Hospital, as well as additional renal dialysis and inpatient facilities at Mount Druitt Hospital.

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

• an additional $700 million for the new Bankstown Hospital, bringing the total investment to $2 billion
• additional State funding of $90.0 million to provide the full range of maternity and birthing services as part of the new Rouse Hill Hospital, with a further $120 million announced by the Commonwealth Government towards the new maternity and birthing service
• $120 million for additional beds for Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals
• $492 million to develop a Statewide Pathology Hub on the Westmead campus
• $40.1 million to fit out level 13 of the new Paediatric Services Building at Westmead in partnership with the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation
• $22.3 million to establish a new paediatric hospice at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead

Other projects in the Western Sydney region include upgrades at Nepean, Liverpool, Canterbury, Fairfield, Camden and Campbelltown hospitals.

For more information about the Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals project visit: nsw.gov.au/bmdh-additional-beds

Minister for Health, Ryan Park

“The public exhibition of the planning documents for the Mount Druitt Hospital is an important step forward, highlighting our commitment to investing in the health and wellbeing of this growing community.

“By expanding bed capacity and clinical spaces, we’re supporting local health staff to continue delivering the best possible care for patients and their families.

“It’s part of the NSW Government’s delivery of more than $3.4 billion in hospital infrastructure across Western Sydney over the next four years to support growing Western Sydney communities.”

Member for Mount Druitt, Edmond Atalla

“We’re delighted to see planning for the Mount Druitt Hospital progressing, and encourage our staff, patients, and community to have their say and provide feedback.

“Community feedback plays a key role in shaping how the hospital evolves to meet local needs and deliver the highest quality healthcare to our community.”