Category: NSW News

A 100 tonne roadheader begins cutting through Sydney sandstone this morning, marking the start of tunnelling on the second stage of the Western Harbour Tunnel.

Weighing as much as 27 adult African elephants, the roadheader has commenced its journey from Cammeray excavating south towards the Warringah Freeway and onwards towards the harbour at Waverton.

The Western Harbour Tunnel project will create almost 7000 jobs and eventually take traffic pressure off the Sydney Harbour Bridge and tunnel by linking the Warringah Freeway with the soon to open Rozelle Interchange.

It will save drivers up to 20 minutes between North Sydney and Sydney Olympic Park or Leichhardt.

The roadheader will cut through 1000 tonnes of rock a day, excavating a distance of 20 to 25 metres per week before a tunnel boring machine takes over to tunnel under the harbour.

Over the course of construction of stage 2 of the Western Harbour Tunnel, 10 roadheaders will be used.

Through the hard work of more than 800 workers involved in stage 2 to date, 23,000 tonnes of material has already been excavated and over 1482 cubic metres of concrete poured in preparation for tunnelling.

Western Harbour Tunnel is a 6.5km tunnel, which will provide motorists a seamless connection from Warringah Freeway at North Sydney to the Rozelle Interchange, making it easier, faster and safer to get around Sydney.

As the first new road crossing of the harbour in over 30 years, Western Harbour Tunnel will deliver time-saving benefits to motorists, easing traffic on some of Sydney’s key arterial roads.

The tunnel’s twin 3-lane motorways are expected to reduce traffic on the Western Distributor by 35%, the harbour tunnel by 20% and the harbour bridge by 17%.

Stage 1, which is already underway, involves creating the 1.7km southern section of the tunnel from Rozelle to Birchgrove and is expected to be complete in 2025.

Stage 2 includes construction of the northern end of the tunnel, connections to the Warringah Freeway, tunnelling underneath Sydney Harbour and the complete tunnel fit out and is expected to take approximately 5 years.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“This is a milestone for the Western Harbour Tunnel project.

“This project will deliver almost 7000 jobs.

“Building this road, we will help ease congestion for drivers who use the harbour bridge, harbour tunnel, Anzac Bridge or Western Distributor.

“We’ll be keeping this important road in public hands.”

Minister for Roads John Graham said:

“The start of tunnelling at Cammeray is a major milestone for this project, bringing motorists a step closer to benefiting from Sydney’s third harbour crossing.

“The new Western Harbour Tunnel will provide time-saving benefits not only for those connecting to the Rozelle Interchange, but for motorists across Sydney’s wider road network.

“Once completed, the Western Harbour Tunnel is a critical part of the NSW Government’s plan to bring traffic relief to arterial roads in the Inner West, where we know that we will have traffic issues along the Western Distributor and Victoria Road.”

The Minns Labor government is investing in the readiness and resilience of the state’s agriculture industry, with the creation of a $250 million Drought Ready and Resilient Fund (DRRF).

This fund will allow eligible primary producers to apply for low interest loans of up to $250,000 to fund a broad range of operational products, activities and services to prepare and respond to the impacts of drought.

According to research by the NSW Rural Assistance Authority, these loans, which can be paid off over 5 or 10 years, are estimated to save farmers on average $40,000 over a 5-year loan, when compared to other similar loans.

Importantly, for the first time the DRRF will allow farmers to access loans for other core activities like the purchasing of fodder and transport of livestock to protect their welfare, not just capital investments.

It ensures the NSW Government is working with the sector to provide an innovative and proactive response as parts of the state enter into drought conditions.

For those in regions not yet experiencing drier conditions, the DRRF also incentivises participation in the vital planning and preparedness phase of drought management and climate variability mitigation, improving response and recovery outcomes for farming businesses.

Unlike previous funds which are designed to support capital investment, DRRF can be used for essential items such as:

• purchasing fodder
• feeding equipment
• stock transportation costs
• veterinary and professional nutrition and welfare advice
• fencing for rotational grazing
• exclusion and cluster fencing
• construction of containment feeding pens
• stock shade structures
• planting of trees
• stock and domestic water (including its transportation).

The Minns Labor government is committed to supporting rural and region Australia in times of drought.

It’s why this fund comes in conjunction with the refocusing of the $120 million Farm Innovation Fund, to the Drought Infrastructure Fund, offering loans of up to $1 million, at a low interest rate of 2.5%.

The Drought Infrastructure Fund is designed to promote capital investment in on-farm infrastructure that assists farmers in transitioning their farms to become more resilient, productive and sustainable.

By establishing these 2 types of funds the government is opening up options and flexibility for farmers, depending on their needs and circumstances, and ensuring the viability of agricultural operations – livestock, cropping or horticulture – across NSW.

Applications are welcome now for the Drought Infrastructure Fund, and for the Drought Ready and Resilient Fund applications are open from 1 December 2023. Information at the Rural Assistance Authoritylaunch website.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“We know that NSW does not thrive unless our regions and agricultural industries thrive.

“This is a significant investment that demonstrates our commitment to the resilience of farmers across our state, particularly as they enter drier and warmer weather conditions.

“We know disaster prepared is more important than ever before. This is a commonsense initiative that allows farmers to get ahead of the dry season and protect their livelihoods.” 

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

“The NSW Government is committed to supporting our agriculture sector and this is an important investment in the resilience of this vital industry throughout the emerging dry conditions.

“The aim of this government initiative is to give farmers access to operational funding so they can get assistance to work through a challenging period.

“This is a common sense approach to ensuring farmers and livestock producers across NSW have the resources they need in the event of drought.

“We will continue to monitor the drought indicator closely and ensure that farmers receive the support they need.

Drought information

NSW DroughtHublaunch is the one-stop online destination for information on a vast range of services and support available to primary producers, their families and communities.

The NSW Government can announce that both The Star and Crown Casino have now agreed to increased tax arrangements.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey signed the agreements last night.

Under the new casino agreements:

• Table rates for The Star and Crown will rise, backdated to 1 July 2023.
• The Star will pay a transitional levy on poker machines until a new duty regime commences on 1 July 2030.
• Thousands of jobs at The Star will be protected.

No changes have been made to the agreements Crown signed with the previous government.

Today the government will introduce legislation to create a jobs guarantee at The Star, protecting the livelihoods of more than 3000 workers over the next 6 years.

Casino tax increases were first announced by the former government in December 2022 without consultation with Sydney’s 2 casinos. 

The increases were not legislated but were written into the NSW Budget.

Consultation from the Minns Labor government has now resulted in both casinos agreeing to comply with the increased tax obligations.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“The previous government had bungled their casinos policy. It was one of the most difficult challenges I inherited. These arrangements will see both casinos pay higher taxes.

“The government can now proceed with legislation which will see more than 3000 workers have their jobs protected at The Star.

“I note Crown has made it clear that recent job losses arise from their trading conditions. 

“The government will continue to engage with Crown and The Star, as well as worker representatives, on their operating models and regulatory frameworks – especially as both are remediating their businesses.”

The NSW Government is today announcing a major increase in the powers and resources of the NSW Building Commission to deliver quality homes for people in NSW, cracking down on poor practices in the building sector and boosting enforcement powers.

While the NSW Government is committed to tackling the NSW housing supply crisis after over a decade of inaction, the government will not allow quantity of homes to come at the expense of quality.

Laws set to pass parliament next week will mean that for the first time since the Building Commissioner was appointed, he will have the power to enter any apartment or free-standing home in NSW.

The Commissioner will also have the power to uncover defects before completion of buildings and compel builders to get them fixed.

Building Commission NSW will also receive a $24 million boost, allowing it to scale up to ensure quality buildings are being delivered in NSW.

Supercharging the regulator’s powers will ensure that as the state meets the urgent need for more homes, buyers can be confident about the quality of the home they’re buying.

The new laws also make critical changes to improve compliance and enforcement systems across the industry, including:

• New measures to prevent and penalise intentional phoenixing activities in the construction industry by cancelling or refusing licenses
• Introducing new responsibilities across the building products supply chain of, ensuring that all products used in buildings are safe, compliant, and suitable for their intended use.

The changes come as the NSW Government continues its crackdown on dishonest or fraudulent elements in the building sector, with the licenses of four building certifiers cancelled this year:

• On 4 July 2023, Fair Trading found that Mr Glenn Levick engaged in unsatisfactory professional conduct and contravened a law with respect to fraud or dishonesty.
• On 30 August 2023, Fair Trading found that Mr Orlando Da Silva engaged in unsatisfactory professional conduct, contravened the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act and engaged in conduct that fell short of expected standards.
• On 14 September 2023, Fair Trading found that Mr Paul Gearin engaged in unsatisfactory professional conduct, contravened the certification legislation and engaged in conduct that fell short of expected standards.
• On 6 October 2023, Fair Trading found that Mr Joseph Hallal engaged in unsatisfactory professional conduct, contravened the certification legislation and engaged in conduct that fell short of expected standards.

The additional powers and resources are further supported by the NSW Government’s commitment this week to develop a pattern book of endorsed housing designs for low-rise and mid-rise (up to six storeys) buildings that will also enhance continuity of quality standards across new developments.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“We’re delivering more homes across the state but we won’t let quantity get in the way of quality.

“Home buyers in NSW can be confident that we’ve got a tough cop on the beat in the building industry, ensuring that they can have confidence in the quality of the home they’re buying.

“We’re making the right investments and delivering the right powers to rebuild trust and integrity in this sector to help tackle the housing crisis in our state.”

Minister for Building and Minister for Fair Trading and Better Regulation Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“New powers for the Building Commissioner are a critical step forward as we rebuild integrity in the NSW construction sector. There is no room in this state for rip-off merchants taking home buyers for a ride.

“We’ve already started the work required to weed-out untrustworthy players in the market, with these new powers we’ll be doing even more.

“Grifters in this sector will have nowhere to hide in NSW.” 

The NSW Government today expressed its deepest sympathies to the family of a NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) volunteer firefighter who lost his life in Northern NSW.

The RFS has confirmed Leonardus (Leo) Fransen, 75, died after he was struck by a tree yesterday while working on the Hudson fire outside of Walgett.

Captain Fransen was a life member of the Diamond Beach Rural Fire Brigade on the NSW Mid Coast. Joining the brigade in 2010, he held various roles and most recently served as Captain.

Fellow RFS members came to the volunteer’s assistance until ambulance paramedics arrived. He was then transported to a Lightning Ridge medical facility where he tragically passed away.

The RFS is providing support to the volunteer’s family, friends and firefighting colleagues.

Support is also available through:

• Lifeline – 13 11 14
• Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636
• NSW RFS members can contact the Critical Incident Support Services Team or the Member Assistance Program for free assistance.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“This loss will be deeply felt by the family of the brave volunteer who lost his life defending the people of NSW and my heart goes out to them.

“Captain Fransen was selflessly supporting a community in need and tragically lost his life.

“I would also like to pay tribute to the brigade members who came to his assistance yesterday and will continue to fight this fire as best they can. They are also in our thoughts as they mourn the loss of a valued colleague along with those back at his home brigade at Diamond Beach.

“In recent weeks, thousands of our volunteer firefighters have been out across NSW protecting communities and doing what they do best, and I know they will feel this loss.

“Our emergency service volunteers give so much helping to keep others safe, we are devastated at the loss of a firefighter who gave his life in service to our community.

“We thank volunteers for everything they do to keep us safe on this extremely difficult day.”

This National AgDay, the NSW Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty has thanked the farmers and fishers of NSW for the commitment and resilience they have shown over the past 12 months and congratulated them on their achievements.

In delivering world-renowned food and fibre to consumers, last year NSW primary industries recorded the second highest gross value of production (GVP) on record, with a value of $21.2 billion during the 2022-2023 financial year.

In the same period, NSW primary industries’ exports increased 15% to a new record high of $13.1 billion.

The minister paid tribute to NSW producers first-hand during a visit to a cherry orchard in the state’s Central West, where she was able to sample some of the early-season fruit and learn more about the initiatives underway to continue to drive industry growth.

One such example is a new national communications and extension program for the cherry industry, which will see best practice information on biosecurity, resource availability, sustainable production, labour and climate change shared through grower-led trials, demonstrations, orchard walks, newsletters, training events and the soon-to-be-launched Cherry Picked podcast.

NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) will lead the program in partnership with Hort Innovation, drawing on expertise from Cherry Growers Australia, Fruit Growers Tasmania, South Australian Research and Development Institute and the Victorian Cherry Association.

With the theme for this year’s National AgDay being ‘Grow you good thing’, this new communications and extension program will be the cherry on top of a promising season for growers.

Further information on the economic value of NSW primary industries can be found at the DPI’s Performance Data and Insights websitelaunch.

Further information on the new cherry communications and extension program is available on the Hort Innovation websitelaunch.

Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty said:

“AgDay is a day to celebrate our producers and reflect on the fact that this state continues to produce some of the best food and fibre in the world.

“We’ve got everything from prawns and pulses to cherries and Wagyu beef, and so much more in between.

“Our farmers and fishers continue to innovate and adapt to meet the needs of consumers, which is why people across the world love NSW produce.

“New season cherries are a great example of the delicious, local produce that consumers in NSW can enjoy right now, so this AgDay, I’m encouraging everyone to take advantage of the great food and fibre we have on our doorstep.”

Acting President Cherry Growers Australia Nick Noske said:

“The Australian cherry industry identified the need for the establishment of an effective industry-wide communications program such as this. 

“In recent years there have been several disruptions, such as unfavourable weather conditions (for example, excess rain and drought), COVID-19 and complications with overseas markets, which has challenged product quality and quantity, as well as reducing opportunities for direct industry engagement, peer-to-peer learning, knowledge sharing and next-generation development.

“This program will work to reverse these disruptions.”

Hort Innovation General Manager for Industry Services and Delivery Andrew Francey said:

The project is in direct response to a call from industry to deliver new, independent, and informative communications and extension activities to the Australian cherry industry. 

Growers have the opportunity to be involved in a regional growers program with a focus on regional challenges and opportunities through demonstration trials and local grower meetings.

The Minister for Health Ryan Park and the Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson have announced a one-off $50,000 funding boost to men’s mental health support service The Man Walk Australia.

The Man Walk Australialaunch is a charity focused on improving the mental health of men and reducing the nation’s suicide rates through the delivery of opportunities to support men, including regular organised walks to ‘walk and talk.’

The organisation provides health related services and benefits by using preventative measures to support the physical and mental health and general wellbeing of men.  

The funding will support Man Walk’s objectives of bettering the mental, physical, and overall wellbeing of men, including starting new walk locations in NSW.

Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“Too many men are not reaching out for help when they need it. We must turn that around.

“That’s why I am so pleased to announce this contribution to The Man Walk Australia to further their life-changing work in the men’s mental health space.

“I commend The Man Walk Australia for its ongoing work to support the physical and mental health as well as general wellbeing for men.

“I know how much this funding will mean to their team and to the people who rely on their services.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson said:

“We know it can be especially difficult for men to ask for help and that’s why we it is vital for us to reach out, lean in and meet people where they’re at.

“This funding boost will help shape part of that work. The Man Walk Australia creates a safe and inclusive environment for men to talk and support each other.

“Improving your mental health takes a holistic approach The Man Walk Australia provides the opportunity to get active, talk to others and become part of a supportive community.”

The 11th annual NSW Health Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards were held in Sydney yesterday, to celebrate some of the outstanding nurses and midwives across the state. 

For the first time since 2019, the awards were held as a live ceremony at Parliament House.

Health Minister Ryan Park extended his sincere congratulations to the 29 winners and finalists.

“The professional achievements, compassion and dedication on display yesterday were nothing short of remarkable,” Mr Park said.

“I also want to thank all of our nurses and midwives across the state for the skill, professionalism, and heartfelt care they provide each and every day to the people of NSW.”

NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce congratulated the winners and finalists in this year’s Excellence Awards, acknowledging the many nurses and midwives among them who were nominated from across rural and regional NSW. 

“The opportunity to celebrate the excellence and achievements of NSW Health nurses and midwives, many of whom travelled long distances to attend last night in-person, is a real highlight and I am so pleased for all the winners,” Ms Pearce said. 

NSW Health Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, Jacqui Cross, said it is a wonderful opportunity to recognise the outstanding work nurses and midwives do every day, and extended her gratitude and congratulations to all the winners and finalists.

“These awards celebrate all nurses and midwives across the continuum of their career,” Ms Cross said.

“One of many highlights was the Judith Meppem Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognises the contribution of an outstanding nurse or midwife who, throughout their career, has had a positive and sustained influence on patients, the health system and their profession.”

This year the Judith Meppem Lifetime Achievement Award went to Executive Director of Nursing Anna Thornton from St Vincent’s Hospital Network.

“The Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards represent a significant opportunity to take a moment to stop, reflect and recognise the commitment, compassion, innovation and exceptional care being provided to the people of NSW by our nurses and midwives,” Ms Cross said. 
 
The winners in each of the 9 categories are:     

• Nurse of the Year (joint winners): John McAllister, Nurse Practitioner, HIV and Sexual Unit, St Vincent’s Hospital Network and Trent Williams, Clinical Nurse Consultant, John Hunter Hospital, Hunter New England LHD
• Midwife of the Year: Tracey Codner, Clinical Midwife Consultant, Nepean Hospital, Nepean Blue Mountains LHD
• New to Practice Nurse/Midwife of the Year: Garima Nepal, Registered Nurse, Coonabarabran Health Service, Western NSW LHD
• Nursing/Midwifery Team of the Year: Dorrigo Nursing Unit, Dorrigo Multipurpose Service, Mid North Coast LHD
• Nursing and Midwifery Leadership Award: Jane Jackson, Nurse Manager, The Forensic Hospital, Justice Health & Forensic Mental Health Network
• Judith Meppem Lifetime Achievement Award: Anna Thornton, Executive Director of Nursing, St Vincent’s Hospital Network
• Aboriginal Nurse/Midwife of the Year: Sharelle Anderson, Registered Midwife, Aboriginal Maternal Infant Health Service, Southern NSW LHD
• Healing Heart Award (colleague nominated): Gillian Prott, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Royal North Shore Hospital, Northern Sydney LHD
• Healing Heart Award (consumer nominated): Angela Kiss, Clinical Nurse Consultant, St Vincent’s Hospital, St Vincent’s Hospital Network.

For more information, including a full list of finalists, visit 2023 Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awardslaunch.

Communities, councils and event organisers will have a much easier and cost-effective path to hosting festivals, parties and events on their local streets and outdoor areas under landmark changes to the application process.

The NSW Government is also making outdoor dining permanent across NSW, with a law change to cement temporary arrangements introduced during COVID-19. 

Reducing costs and red tape to utilise our shared streets and outdoor spaces is part of the Government’s focus on finding all ways possible to ease the cost-of-living and help families.

Drawing from the successful approach developed by Wollongong Council a ‘global approvals’ approach will be rolled out to 127 councils across the state.

A pilot will also be delivered which will aim to reduce the costs associated with street closures and traffic planning. Events on streets can require a development application and can incur traffic management costs of over $100,000 for a single day. The pilot will involve finding potential savings, by planning for multiple events in the same location in advance, making it easier and more affordable to put on local events over a period of time.

This will substantially reduce the costs associated with street closures and traffic planning for events to close a local street for an event.

Guidelines will be issued that help councils, event organisers and businesses use public lands and close streets in a more cost-effective and simpler way, without the need to keep going through the same process for the same location every time.

The global approvals model will facilitate events like the Sydney Streets street party events happening in the City of Sydney. 

The activation of streets is part of the NSW Government’s vibrancy agenda to remove red tape, bring back live music, encourage local entertainment zones and prevent single complainants from shutting down venues.

The package of reforms will be introduced to Parliament within days.

Outdoor dining will be freed up on a permanent basis from January 1, with businesses supported to use their privately-owned land for outdoor dining and events. This will make temporary measures introduced during COVID-19 permanent.

A faster, light-touch application process will provide a cost-effective and ongoing solution that provides certainty for businesses, including cafes, restaurants, Clubs, RSLs, certainty about where outdoor dining can take place and allow them to make the most of space outside their venues.

For more information about the NSW Government’s Vibrancy Reforms

For more details of the Outdoor Dining explanation of intended effect (EIE) exhibitionlaunch

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

“As a government we want to support communities, businesses and councils to bring life and vibrancy back to our streets. Councils will be helped to streamline pathways for creatives and community groups to stage pop-up events and festivals, including street closures and global pre-approvals for event sites.

“This is giving communities the chance to have more fun outdoors but is also way in which we can assist the cost-of-living crisis by making it cheaper to arrange events.

“People want to be able to use their streets as public spaces – they own them. The proposed reforms will permanently relax rules for outdoor dining that came into force during COVID, allowing venues to make the most of space outside their venues with a quicker, light-touch application process.

“COVID-19 showed us that Sydney is a city that does alfresco well. The reforms will permanently relax the rules for outdoor dining allowing venues to make the most of their outdoor space.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Outdoor dining exemptions introduced during the pandemic helped build a more flexible and responsive hospitality industry.

“In meeting our election commitment to make outdoor dining permanently available across NSW, business will soon have permanent access to a faster and more cost-effective pathway instead of having to complete a detailed and costly development application.

“The outdoor dining changes are part of the Minns Government’s broader reform package to improve vibrancy in our streets and create a better environment for hospitality trading.”

Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said:

“Parramatta has such wonderful streets and outdoor spaces to be activated. This policy will help make our communities even more vibrant and lively, cementing Parramatta’s reputation as a destination.”

Related information

• 24-Hour Economy Legislation (Vibrancy Reforms) Amendment Bill 2023east
• Proposed reforms to outdoor dining on private land and live music venueslauncheast

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The 2023 Premier’s Awards were held last night, recognising the exceptional work being done by public servants to make a meaningful difference in the lives of community members in every corner of NSW.

The eight award categories span the broad remit of the public sector including high-quality education and healthcare, the economy, and excellence in service delivery.

With over 265 nominations received, there was a strong field of high-performing finalists across all award categories.

The Public Servant of the Year Award celebrates an exceptional individual who demonstrates commitment to a world class public service.

The 2023 NSW Public Servant of the Year was awarded to Brad Fisher of NSW Public Works. Brad was recognised for his tireless commitment to delivering electrical upgrades to public schools across the state.

Each year, the Anthea Kerr Award is presented to a future public sector leader who exhibits outstanding achievement and a deep commitment to public sector values in their work. This award is given in honour of Anthea Kerr, who passed away suddenly at 38 years of age. At the time of Anthea’s death, she was an Assistant Director General at the Department of Finance and Services, a role which was the culmination of an outstanding career of more than 16 years in the NSW public sector.

The winner of the 2023 Anthea Kerr Award is Alexandra Rumore from Legal Aid NSW. Alexandra was recognised for her work supporting flood devastated communities across NSW. Working as a Senior Outreach Solicitor with the Disaster Response Legal Service, Alex travelled thousands of kilometres over several months to deliver trauma-informed help, ensuring communities had their legal needs met.

2023 Premier’s Award winners:

Category	Winner(s)	Agency
Anthea Kerr Award	Alexandra Rumore	Legal Aid NSW
NSW Public Servant of the Year	Brad Fisher	NSW Public Works
Building a resilient economy	Innovation project – podular construction	Department of Planning and Environment
Connecting communities	Assertive outreach program – Tweed Heads	Department of Communities and Justice
Driving public sector diversity	Quiet Hour	Department of Customer Service NSW
Excellence in service delivery	Digitising of vehicle inspections (RSafety App)	Transport for NSW
Highest quality healthcare	Testing donors for emerging infectious diseases	NSW Health Pathology
The Murrumbidgee Model	Murrumbidgee Local Health District
World class education and training	Going the extra mile for civil construction training	TAFE NSW
Assessment for complex learners project	Department of Education

Details on all the winners and finalists can be found at Premiers Awards 2023launch.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“These awards celebrate people who set the standard for our public sector.

“Congratulations to all our winners and finalists for your commitment and contributing to a better future for our state.

“I’m proud of our public service and am already looking forward to what we will achieve together for the people of NSW over the coming year.”

NSW Public Service Commissioner Kathrina Lo said:

“Brad Fisher’s dedication to delivering the Cooler Classrooms Program, ability under pressure and willingness to go above and beyond, enabled the program to reach more schools than originally forecast.

“Congratulations Brad and all the other deserving winners from this special evening.”