Category: NSW News

Ferry passengers will now enjoy more trips on the iconic Freshwater vessels and extra services on the Parramatta River, with the NSW Government delivering an additional 60 services across the F1 and F3 routes during the week and another 36 on weekends.

Freshwater Class vessels will be permanently uplifted from operating every 2 hours to hourly, increasing from 5 services a day to 10, on weekdays and weekends.

As Sydney’s most popular ferry route, with vessels that can carry up to 1100 passengers, this is a major boost for passengers and a win for our city – doubling the options for a trip across the harbour.

The first services from Circular Quay will depart at 9:50am with the first service from Manly taking off at 10:30am. The last service departing Circular Quay will be at 6:50pm and the last from Manly departing 7:30pm.

An extra 7 services will operate on the F3 Parramatta River route each weekday and an extra 26 on the weekend.

Those heading to events on Sundays will also have more options and shorter wait times, with 8 trips that currently terminate and Meadowbank and Barangaroo now extending all the way to Sydney Olympic Park and Circular Quay.

On the busy L1 Inner West Light Rail, passengers will enjoy a more frequent timetable, as extra services join the weekday peak.

The new timetable will increase passenger capacity by 33% during peak times and see more frequent services on Friday nights when people are out and about.

These extra services are as a result of the new Urbos 100 light rail vehicles hitting the tracks, increasing the L1 fleet from 12 to 16.

For more information, visit Transport NSW info.

Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said:

“Adding extra services to key routes in Sydney will support the return to work and school, increasing capacity and decreasing wait times for thousands of commuters.

“We know the community wants more frequent trips along the Parramatta River, particularly on weekends and for major events, while our beautiful Freshwater Class ferries have never been more popular.

“Ferries are one of Sydney’s most beloved forms of public transport, so this is great news for our city – both in our West and between Manly and Circular Quay.

“We went to the election promising more ferry services at Drummoyne Wharf – and that’s exactly what I’m delivering now.

“Extra light rail services will make a big difference for those in the Inner West by cutting wait times and increasing capacity, with more than 200 extra services a week.”

Transport for NSW Coordinator General Howard Collins said:

“Extra services on the popular F1 and F3 routes is a major boost to those who are taking a ferry to work, to school or to events around Sydney.

“The uplift to a 6-minute frequency for the L1 Light Rail will be a huge benefit to those travelling through the Inner West to the business hubs of Pyrmont, Ultimo, Haymarket and the CBD.

“I want to thank our operators for working with us to provide more services that cut wait times and allow passengers to simply turn up and go.”

The Minns Labor Government has announced yet another review, this time to address the financial stability of local councils and rising cost pressures impacting ratepayers across NSW.
 
Shadow Minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman said the Minns Government have announced over 30 reviews, but lack the policy and detail to deal with the issues facing NSW.
 
“As we near the first anniversary of the Minns Government, it’s clear that they have no plans or vision for NSW. We have a Local Government Minister who’s more interested in shoring up support for the minority Labor Government than doing his job to address issues facing local councils,” Ms Tuckerman said.
 
“Labor’s cost of living crisis is impacting ratepayers and there could be more pain to come with an increase rates proposed by numerous Councils across the State, I question why Chris Minns and his Minister are not addressing this matter with more urgency. 
 
The Minns Government has stated the review is due to be finalised 12 months after the terms of reference have been finalised.  Submissions close on the 15 March for comment on the Terms of Reference.
 
“We’re almost a year into the Minns Government and the best they can do is offer possible solutions in more than 12 months. The Minister has repeatedly talked down local councils and questioned their spending, given how infrequently Parliament will meet in 2024, he should do his job, sit down with Mayors and work on solutions,” Ms Tuckerman said.
 
“I expect that Chris Minns will again have to come to the rescue of one of his Ministers who isn’t up to the job. Local communities across NSW deserve better.”
 
“Households, families and businesses are paying the price for Chris Minns’ broken promises. They shouldn’t’ have to also pay the price for the inaction of his Ministers.”

Rural health worker recruitments and retentions have surged by one fifth in just the last six months, after the NSW Government doubled the support available under the Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme, from $10,000 to $20,000.

As of 18 January 2024, since it was first introduced in July 2022, the Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme has recruited 1628 health workers and retained 9447 health workers in some of the hardest to fill and critically vacant positions in rural and regional NSW.

Since incentives were doubled, the scheme has recruited a further 315 health workers and retained a further 1932 health workers.

Incentive packages include a range of additional benefits including salary boost, sign-on bonuses and retention payments of up to $20,000 per annum, relocation assistance and housing, additional leave, and access to training and education.

Packages are scaled and increase in value in more remote locations.

One of those individuals is Soumya Baby, a registered nurse at Gilgandra Multi-Purpose Service, who relocated from New Zealand to Gilgandra with her family through the NSW Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme in November 2023.

Ms Baby began her career training, working and educating general nursing students in her home country of India, before moving to Dubai and then New Zealand, where she worked as a maternity, paediatric, COVID-19, aged-care and emergency nurse.

The doubling of the rural health incentives forms part of the NSW Government’s broad range of measures to boost staff and tackle worker shortages in the bush, including:

• rolling out an extra 500 regional and rural paramedics
• delivering safe staffing levels in our hospitals, including in the bush
• preparing to roll out health worker study subsidies for those working in regional and rural areas
• rolling out health worker accommodation
• boosting more doctors in our regional GP surgeries as well as hospitals through the expansion of the single employer model which makes it easier for doctors to transfer their employee benefits between workplaces.

Find out more about eligibility, benefits and the application process for the NSW Rural Health Workforce Incentives Scheme

For the first time, Isla has been preliminarily declared as the most popular girl’s name, beating familiar rivals for the 2023 crown, while Oliver has made a return to the top boy’s spot after his eight-year streak was broken in 2022.

In an unexpected twist, Isla is sharing the podium this year with 2020 favourite Amelia, with the duo tied in a rare dead heat at 383 registrations each in 2023.

The reign of queen Charlotte may be over with last year’s winner dropping to fifth place in 2023, but the beloved moniker had its time, ranking number one for seven of the past 12 years.

The name Lily reemerged this year in position seven, having last made the top 10 in 2010 in the exact same spot.

Oliver returns to the top boy’s spot after a one-year hiatus. For eight years in a row between 2014 and 2021, Oliver dominated the pick of parents but was briefly surpassed by Noah in 2022.

Leo, Henry and Luca have also returned in the class of 2023. Hudson appeared in the top 10 boy names for the first time in 2023, after just missing out in 2022 at 11, and steadily climbing the ranks since making a first appearance in the top 100 in 2012.

All births in NSW must be registered with the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages within 60 days of the child being born and can be done for free on the Service NSW website, by visiting your local Service Centre or by calling 13 77 88.

The final placings will be confirmed around April when the top 100 names are released and with Isla and Amelia currently tied, any newborns yet to be registered could help decide 2023’s most popular name.

Only after registering the birth of the baby is the child given a legal identity, allowing it to access government services like education, Medicare and Centrelink. Minister for Emergency Services

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said:

“Welcoming a beautiful baby into the world is one of the most incredible and rewarding moments a parent can experience.”

“It can be just as special for parents to choose a name for their baby, reflecting their newborn’s personality or celebrating a cultural or family tradition.”

“There were some strong contenders for top baby names of 2023, some familiar entries continuing to hold strong and a few surprises as well.”

“I wish all the parents who welcomed a new addition to their family last year a happy start to parenthood.”

NSW Births, Deaths and Marriages Registrar Theresa Fairman said:

“There are a million different things on your mind when you’re caught up in the excitement of caring for a new baby.”

“But it’s important to jump online and register their name. The online process is easy to navigate and completely free.”

More information on registering your baby

Top 10 baby names 2023:

Rank	Top 10 Girl Names – 2023
=1	Isla
=1	Amelia
3	Olivia
4	Mia
5	Charlotte
6	Ava
7	Lily
8	Evelyn
9	Sophia
10	Matilda

Rank	Top 10 Boy Names – 2023
1	Oliver
2	Noah
3	Leo
4	Henry
5	Luca
6	Theodore
7	Hudson
8	William
9	Lucas
10	Charlie

Top 10 baby names 2022:

Rank	Top 10 Girl Names – 2022
1	Charlotte
2	Amelia
3	Isla
4	Olivia
5	Mia
6	Ava
7	Ella
8	Matilda
9	Sienna
10	Willow

Rank	Top 10 Boy Names – 2022
1	Noah
2	Oliver
3	Leo
4	William
5	Theodore
6	Jack
7	Luca
8	Henry
9	Thomas
10	Charlie

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Primary school students are being given a running start in 2024, as the NSW Government today announces a new $10 million Active Transport to School program to encourage children to safely walk, scoot or ride their bikes to school.

The program will fund small projects in walking, scooting and bike riding catchments around public schools, making it easier and safer for kids to travel to school.

It will deliver upgrades including wider footpaths, safer crossings and new street trees over the next 2 years.

Data shows only 25% of NSW school children currently walk or ride to and from school, down from 75% 40 years ago, meaning less incidental exercise for kids and more traffic outside the school gates.  

The initial $10 million fund will widen footpaths, upgrade the quality of crossings and plant shady street trees in areas surrounding schools. Funding for individual Active Travel to School projects will range from $50,000 to $800,000 with projects being delivered within 2 years.

To help parents and carers to encourage their children to walk or bike ride to school, the NSW Government is also looking at incentives and educational programs that promote the benefits of active transport and how to safely walk or ride to school.

Whatever way you travel, it’s important to prepare for your return to school.

Drivers are reminded that school zones will be back in force around primary and secondary schools on Tuesday 30 January. School zones are clearly marked with flashing lights and school zone signs.

School zones are generally in place from 8 to 9:30am and from 2:30 to 4pm, and motorists who don’t obey the rules face heavy fines and demerits.

For students catching public transport, student Opal cards will also activate on the first day of term. Parents and students travelling to a new school for the first time can plan their trip using school trip planner.

In the final few days before school returns, the Department of Education and Transport for NSW recommend practising travelling to and from school with your child, to take the stress out of day 1.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“When I was at school, I remember walking there with my sister and we want more children right across NSW to have that opportunity, just like we had.

“No matter how you travel, we’re committed to making it as easy and as safe for every child in our state to get to and from school.

“These funds will play a critical role in funding small projects that otherwise go ignored, that will make a huge difference for children that walk and ride to school.

“With thousands of new students travelling to school for the very first time this week, it’s more important than ever for all users of our public transport system and roads to take extra care.”

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

“It is important we invest in improving safety around our public schools.

“While walking or riding to school is not an option for every family, the NSW Labor Government is committed to encouraging it where possible.”

Minister for Roads John Graham said:

“We urge motorists to slow down and watch out for children in school zones as the new school year begins. School zones are clearly marked with flashing lights and signs.

“Children are some of our most vulnerable pedestrians and their safety should be everyone’s top priority. Kids can be unpredictable and they are still developing their road sense so it’s critical that anyone driving in school zones does so without any distraction and an eye out for children.

“Obey the speed limit and be vigilant when you’re driving near bus stops, school crossings and Kiss and Ride Zones where children are often present. Motorists who don’t obey these rules face heavy fines and demerits.

“Remember, no matter where you are on the road – even outside school zones – if you see bus lights flashing, you need to slow down to 40km/h as the bus is picking up or dropping off children.”

Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said:

“The benefits for children walking or riding a bike to school are enormous. It provides independence, improves health and self-confidence, and sets lifelong sustainable travel habits patterns.

“When fewer school kids are being driven to school, it also helps to alleviate congestion on the road network.

“That’s why, as part of our most recent budget, we put an additional $10 million to the Get NSW Active program to specifically deliver projects within walking catchments to primary schools.

“Upgraded and wider footpaths, quality crossings and more trees are some of the initiatives available for funding. They’re small changes that have a big impact as we work to provide a safer and more comfortable walk or ride to and from school for kids and parents.

“These projects will be delivered by councils, who have applied for funding in consultation with their local schools.”

The NSW Government continues to tackle the threat of Hudson pear, carrying out biological control over 150,000 hectares of land across Lightning Ridge and Walgett last year.

The ramped-up approach has been led by two new positions the NSW Government created with North West Local Land Services to oversee coordination of the Hudson Pear Control Program.

Further supporting efforts to combat the problem cacti has been a new initiative to supply free chemical to eligible landholders for spraying.

Currently, landholders with Hudson pear on their property in the Brewarrina and Walgett shires can submit an expression of interest to gain access to chemical.

Aerial inspections are also being used on the frontline to identify and map new outbreaks of the weed outside known containment lines, helping guide future control efforts.

The program runs until June 2027 and aims to stop the invasive cactus spreading in the region, while the core infestation is treated using biological control.

Local Land Services leads the program in collaboration with stakeholders including Castlereagh Macquarie County Council, NSW Department of Primary Industries and land managers.

Hudson pear is an invasive cactus species of Mexican origin that was introduced into north-western NSW.

More information about the Hudson Pear Control Program and to see how you can get involved.

Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty said:

The Hudson Pear Control Program is a great example of government, industry and landholders working together and finding innovative solutions to tackle Hudson pear.

Hudson pear degrades the landscape and its potential spread across NSW poses several risks to farmers, agricultural productivity, tourism and local ecosystems.

In recent months, our teams have been on the frontline engaging the community to roll out a free spraying program for eligible landholders to help the state manage Hudson pear and this will continue in 2024.

This spraying program has targeted over 50,000 hectares with chemical already, while more than 150,000 hectares has been targeted through a biological control approach.

The NSW Government has also set up a monitoring program in recent months to assess the impacts of a bushfire on Hudson pear in the region and this is expected to be an extensive process that will continue over coming months.

We are encouraging landholders to continue to get involved in the program and to take advantage of the support available through the NSW Government.

Councils across the state are being encouraged to hold more community events, with assistance from the NSW Government’s Open Streets program.

At a time when cost of living pressures are being felt across the state, this program will offer much needed assistance for local communities to come together.

Under Open Streets, councils can apply for up to $150,000 to facilitate the closure of streets to vehicles to host creative and cultural events that are free to access and safe to enjoy.

Depending on the community and the location, this could include markets, live performances, outdoor dining, artistic installations or street parties.

Open Streets is part of the NSW Government’s $15 million Vibrant Streets package and complements the Vibrancy reforms that passed Parliament in December. The reforms introduced a streamlined process that involves no Development Application.

The reforms will substantially reduce the costs associated with street closures and traffic planning for events – in many cases by a fifth of the current cost. It can currently cost between $48,000 – $122,000, depending on the street and area, to close a local street for an event.

Applications open from Monday 29 January, with activities and events funded under the program to be held by January 2025. 

For more information visit Vibrant Streets Package.

NSW Minister for Roads John Graham said:

“The NSW Government’s number one priority is helping people across NSW with cost of living pressures. These grants combined with the Government’s regulatory reform will cut costs associated with street events. That is great news right now for a community under financial pressure.

“People want to be able to use their streets and public spaces – they own them. Open Streets provides an opportunity for councils, local businesses, and creatives to work together and play a part in invigorating and making the most of their local streets.

“Streets can be transformed into destinations themselves where people can spend time outside, socialise, connect and support their local community right across NSW.

“This $4.5 million in funding from the Open Streets program will go a long way to allowing councils to enact plans previously beyond their financial reach.

The extraordinary NSW duo, melanoma treatment pioneers Professors Richard Scolyer AO and Georgina Long AO have taken out top honours in the 2024 Australian of the Year awards at the national ceremony in Canberra.

The NSW Premier has commended the extraordinary work of the life-saving professors for their trailblazing contributions to our state and the nation.

The Sydneysiders’ enduring partnership has saved thousands of lives from melanoma, often referred to as Australia’s national cancer.

Professors Scolyer and Long are the co-medical directors of Melanoma Institute Australia, are sought-after media commentators and advocates for sun-safe behaviour and melanoma prevention.

Less than a decade ago, advanced melanoma was fatal – but thanks to the pair’s immunotherapy approach, which activates a patient’s own immune system, it has become a curable disease.

Last June, when Professor Scolyer, 57, was diagnosed with incurable grade-4 brain cancer, he and Professor Long, 53, developed a series of world-first treatments based on their melanoma breakthroughs.

Professor Scolyer became the world’s first brain cancer patient to have pre-surgery combination immunotherapy.

By undertaking an experimental treatment with the risk including the potential of shortening his life, he has advanced the understanding of brain cancer and is benefiting future patients.

This week, Professor Scolyer proudly announced his “brilliant news” that his eight-month brain scan showed no recurrence of the cancer.

For more information visit australianoftheyear.org.au

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“On behalf of the NSW Government and the entire state I want to congratulate Professors Richard Scolyer AO and Georgina Long AO on becoming the 2024 Australians of the Year. We are so proud of them.”

“The true spirit of being an Australian is helping others. This pair’s legacy is not only etched in the archives of scientific history but also in the hearts of those whose lives you have touched and transformed.

“These two Sydney trailblazers, armed with brilliance and a passion for making a difference, have turned the once-dire prognosis of advanced melanoma into a story of triumph.

“Their research has not only saved lives but painted a vibrant canvas of hope for countless individuals and their families.

“Congratulations to all the NSW Australians of the Year, for their incredible contributions to make our state and our nation a better place.”

Australia Day is a day to count our blessings. We share a stable, peaceful, democratic, culturally rich and diverse, prosperous, free and beautiful country – I think the luckiest country in the world.
 
When we see the turmoil around the world, we have a daily reminder about just how lucky we are to call ourselves Australians – not in hubris but in gratitude for our good fortune and for those in our history on whose shoulders we rest. We often take our freedoms for granted, but they were hard fought for and it’s our joint responsibility to protect and enhance them.
 
While Australia Day is a day to count our blessings, it’s also the occasion to engage in a constructive reminder about what needs to improve. In particular, we still have a long way to go to in reconciliation and closing the gap of Indigenous disadvantage.
 
Australia is a remarkable fusion of three strands.
 
There is our Indigenous strand – the world’s oldest living civilisation, the ancient custodians of our vast continent, whose ancestors go back 65,000 years.
 
There is our British strand – the structures of government and civic society, the rule of law, scientific and technological advancement, language and literature, faiths and creeds, which came with the early settlers and evolved locally.
 
And there is our multicultural strand – waves of arrivals on our shores who have enriched Australian society in the arts, sciences, sport, education, business, public life and so many other ways.
 
My greatest enjoyment on Australia Day is seeing, at citizenship ceremonies, our newest citizens make the choice to declare their allegiance to Australia and our core democratic values.
 
How ever you spend it – whether in a quintessentially laid back Australian way at the beach or at a BBQ, or in a more serious way – let’s reflect, respect and celebrate.
 
Happy Australia Day!

Communities across NSW are benefitting from a major boost to the state’s medical workforce – with more than 1000 medical graduate interns starting work in NSW public hospitals this month.

Minister for Health Ryan Park today met with some of the more than 120 new junior doctors working across hospitals in south-western Sydney.

Interns are medical graduates who have completed their medical degree and are required to complete a supervised year of practice in order to become independent practitioners.

The interns will work with and learn from NSW Health’s experienced and highly skilled medical staff in one of the world’s best health systems.

The new doctors starting their internship will be entering a training program with networked hospitals throughout the state, providing formal and on-the-job training.

They receive 2-year contracts to rotate between metropolitan, regional and rural hospitals to ensure the diversity of their experience.

They also rotate across different specialties during the intern year, including surgery, medicine and emergency medicine.

The NSW Government is undertaking an ambitious plan to rebuild the state’s health workforce, including through:

• implementing safe staffing levels of nurses and midwives beginning in our emergency departments
• saving 1112 temporary nurses by making them permanent
• abolishing the wages cap and delivering record pay increases for nurses, paramedics and other health workers as well as salary packaging
• beginning to roll out 500 additional paramedics in regional, rural and remote communities
• doubling the health worker study subsidies.

Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“I wish these new junior doctors all the very best for a long and rewarding career in the NSW public health system.

“NSW employs more than 170,000 people in public hospitals across the state – making us the largest health system in Australia and a very attractive choice for young doctors looking to train in a diverse range of clinical settings.

“From doctors, to nurses, paramedics and allied health professionals – we are rebuilding an engaged, capable and supported workforce.

“When we boost and support our health workforce, we will see improved health outcomes, it’s as simple as that.”