Category: NSW News

The NSW Government is supporting families with free activities, workshops, and exhibitions to engage and inspire children during the school holidays starting next week.

The state’s Cultural Institutions are offering a selection of activities for children to support families wanting to make the school holidays memorable without breaking the bank.

Families are doing it tough and NSW Budget 2023-24 allocated $28.3 million over four years for free general admission to the Australian Museum and Museums of History NSW which will allow families with children to keep coming through the door to enjoy the educational exhibits and hands-on offerings.

During this cost-of-living crisis families should not be denied access to basic services and that includes arts and culture.

School holiday activity highlights include: 

• Art Gallery of NSWlaunch: Paper, Scissors, Shadows – A free shadow-puppet theatre workshop for kids and families
• Australian Museumlaunch: Dinosaur Festival – An annual dinosaur festival featuring live science shows, performances, roaming dinosaurs, a T.rex autopsy, and the brand-new Hologram Dinosaurs experience
• State Library of NSWlaunch: Monster Madness – Design your own monster, dress up and scare your grown-ups or design a house for a monster
• Museums of History NSWlaunch: Hyde Park Barracks Kids Audioguide and Trail – an adventure through time at the Hyde Park Barracks with a tailored audio guide and kids’ activity trail
• Powerhouse Ultimolaunch: Family Minecraft – Intergenerational groups will be guided through Minecraft activities and games
• Sydney Opera Houselaunch: Draw the House: The Sketchbook Tour – A free monthly walking and drawing tour led by artist Catherine O’Donnell that explores various drawing techniques and perspectives inspired by one of the world’s most iconic buildings

The NSW Government has shown its support for creative audiences and workers with a boost for music, arts, events and the night-time economy as outlined in the first Minns Labor Government Budget. 

This Budget has focused on supporting arts and culture at a grass roots level while allowing greater access to our cultural institutions.

For information on specific school holiday programming from our NSW cultural institutions, visit the individual venue’s website.

Minister for the Arts John Graham said:

“NSW families are really feeling the cost-of-living pressures and the NSW Government is committed to ensuring families continue to have fulfilling experiences through arts and culture.

“Free general entry to the museums is supported in this budget. It is an important principle to allow equal access to knowledge and learning to all.

“This super-charged school holiday program will offer unforgettable experiences with culture and art, and thanks to these free activities, exhibitions and workshops, they’re accessible to all families.”

“The free entry program will offer children the opportunity to create shadow puppets and monsters, take an adventure through time, and have a roaring good adventure while visiting our important cultural institutions.”

Four new directors have been appointed to the Greyhound Racing NSW Board following a rigorous public expression of interest selection process.

Barrister Adam Casselden SC has been selected as chair and will be supported by experienced board members Paul Gentle and Louise Wakefield as independent directors. Gregory Johnson has been appointed to the board as an industry participant director.

Legal practitioner Rebekah Giles has been reappointed as both deputy chair and an independent director.

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said each appointment was a 1-year term which would commence on 23 September 2023.

“These appointments mark a new era for Greyhound Racing NSW; the new board will continue to build on transparency, accountability and animal welfare standards set by the previous board,” Mr Harris said.

“All members were chosen through a rigorous and independent merit-based process. I look forward to the contributions of these members in shaping the future of greyhound racing in NSW.”

The new and reappointed directors will join 2 existing directors on the board – Matthew Waring and Kevin Gordon.

Mr Harris thanked the outgoing directors for their commitment to Greyhound Racing NSW and the industry, particularly outgoing chair John Williams.

“I thank John for his long standing commitment to the greyhound racing industry in NSW, and for his stewardship of Greyhound Racing NSW over many years.”

He said the incoming board members brought with them a wealth of experience in law, regulatory investigations, and funds management.

“The NSW Government is committed to supporting a competitive, responsible and sustainable greyhound racing industry, with the highest standards of animal welfare,” Mr Harris said.

“We are providing the resources to support reforms within the industry, with a strong focus on track upgrades and welfare improvements.   

“It is important that the governing bodies and senior leadership of the racing codes meet the highest standards of integrity.  

“I look forward to working with the board to ensure it has appropriate governance, integrity and probity frameworks in place.”

Three new co-educational high schools will increase co-ed learning opportunities in Sydney’s eastern suburbs and Georges River area. 

From 2025, Years 7 to 12 at Randwick Boys and Girls High Schools, currently co-located on adjoining sites, will combine to form a co-educational high school in Randwick.

Also from 2025, the two single-sex campuses at Penshurst Girls and Hurstville Boys in the Georges River College will each become co-educational schools.  The years 11 to 12 Oatley Senior campus is already a co-ed school.

The decision comes after comprehensive Department of Education consultation in the eastern suburbs and Georges River school communities.

The consultations found strong support for co-education, with a majority of parents and carers supporting the change. Support from future parents was particularly strong, with three quarters of parents of primary school students in both areas stating they would prefer to send their child to a co-educational school.

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

Planning will now start to prepare the current Hurstville Boys and Penshurst Girls campuses for the transition to co-education from 2025.

At Randwick, $42 million will be invested at the current adjoining sites to make the new co-educational high school a modern, fit-for-purpose facility.

The interim name for the school will be Randwick High School. A consultation process with students, parents and staff will determine the final name for the co-educational high school.

The school communities will be supported through the transition.

Separately to these community consultations, the Minns Labor Government will be providing an update in Term 4 to other communities across NSW which currently don’t have a co-ed high school option.

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

“The transition these schools to co-education reflects the preferences of the majority of parents in these local communities.

“The larger student populations will help increase the range of subjects and extracurricular opportunities for students.

“The investment in the sites will provide all students with the best possible learning environment.”

$1 million in grants is now open for Aboriginal Community Organisations to apply to stage events and activities that celebrate and promote traditional and contemporary expressions of Aboriginal culture. Grants from $500 to $20,000 are on offer over two rounds. 

The grants program is just one of the key initiatives funded in the first Minns Labor Budget with $131.4 million over the next four years to support the continued implementation of the co-developed Closing the Gap initiatives.

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said the program would help deliver a key priority of the Closing the Gap agreement that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people enjoy high levels of social and emotional wellbeing.

“Closing the Gap is a key priority of the Minns Labor Government and confirmed in our first budget. This program is essential in creating in creating a sense of belonging, wellbeing and healing with Aboriginal communities in NSW and I am proud to support it,” Mr Harris said.

“Aboriginal communities will be able to come together to share cultural knowledge and skills between generations and that is something to be supported and celebrated.”

The previous Cultural Grants program in the financial year 2022/23 supported 91 projects across NSW, totalling just over $1.5 million in funding.

“Previous events and activities funded under the Program have been as varied and vibrant as the communities they represent,” Mr Harris said.

“From digital installations showcasing Aboriginal history, to camps connecting young people to culture, to events honouring the achievements of community members – the opportunities to celebrate culture, community and country are endless.”

The Program will be delivered in two rounds of $500,000. Round 1 closes on 9 October 2023 and Round 2 opens from 15 January 2024 to 26 February 2024.

Applicants can apply anytime from 28 August 2023 via the online grants program Smarty Grantslaunch

For more information visit the Aboriginal Affairs websitelaunch or contact the Aboriginal Affairs Cultural Investments team on grants@aboriginalaffairs.nsw.gov.aulaunch

One thousand new apprentices and trainees will soon have jobs as the Minns Labor government commits $93.5 million to building a pipeline of skilled workers for NSW.

This initiative is part of the NSW Government’s plan to tackle skills gaps in the state’s economy in priority industries, including in critical services of transport, electricity, water, IT and cyber security.

The program involves NSW Government departments, state-owned corporations, and other public service employers looking for opportunities to hire 500 apprentices and 500 trainees. This will include those who already hire apprentices and trainees, as well as those who have not traditionally taken on those workers.

This vital $93.5 million investment through the 2023-2024 NSW Budget marks the delivery of an election commitment and is part of the Minns Labor government’s long-term plan to rebuild the essential services.

The government has a clear focus on responsibly managing finances to provide opportunities where people need them most, to improve the essential services, now and into the future.

Training Services NSW will work alongside TAFE NSW and other quality training providers to ensure apprentices and trainees are highly-qualified and can meet the needs of their employers.

All 1000 apprentices and trainees will join the NSW Government workforce by mid-2026.

Hiring early career, or upskilling mid-career workers, will ensure the government has access to a talented pool of workers in a competitive labour market.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“It is vital the NSW Government is plugging skills gaps, including with hardworking apprentices and trainees.

“Our government is focused on building a strong workforce to deliver essential services for our community.

“This includes delivering on our election commitment to make sure we recruit 1000 apprentices and trainees in fields where they are needed.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Prue Car said:

“It is so wonderful there will be an opportunity for 1000 people to get a job as an apprentice or trainee with the NSW Government.

“Choosing a traineeship or an apprenticeship is an important path to a career and this announcement creates more certainty in training and upskilling workers across the state.

“This initiative will see apprentices and trainees given a leg up in their career, and I look forward to seeing these apprentices working across NSW.”

Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said:

“We’re building up our state’s transport sector by delivering on the Minns Labor government’s commitment to deliver more trainees and apprenticeships.

“Encouraging public sector organisations like Sydney Trains to train and upskill their workforces, locks in our state’s next generation of mechanics, engineers and frontline staff and sets our network up for the future.”

$80 million is being invested by the NSW Government to protect koalas and secure their habitat in south-west Sydney.

The 2023-24 NSW Budget provides $48 million to help establish a new national park along the Georges River between Long Point and Appin, which will eventually cover up to 1830 hectares. The suburbs of Long Point, Ingleburn, Minto Heights, Kentlyn, Airds, St Helens Park, Gilead and Appin will host the new park.

The investment will accelerate the addition of more than 1000 hectares of public land to the NSW national park system within the next 3 years. The transfer and reservation of these lands will deliver long-lasting conservation benefits for Sydney’s largest and one of the state’s healthiest koala populations.

The NSW Government is also providing $26 million to create koala-friendly crossings in south-west Sydney. Two will allow animals to cross below Appin Road, and a third will cross a canal.

$5.7 million will go towards koala care in the Macarthur area, to look after local populations of the iconic animal.

This $80 million dollar package for koalas in south-west Sydney is part of the new $172 million investment by the NSW Government for the conservation of koalas in the wild.

Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe said:

“Koalas are Australia’s most iconic animal and need connected habitat to have any future in Sydney.

“The NSW Government is delivering on its commitment to protect koala habitat in the city’s south-west, which is home to the only disease-free koala population in the Sydney basin.

“Establishing a national park and putting more money into infrastructure to keep koalas safe around roads will ensure generations to come will still be able to see koalas in the wild.”

Member for Macquarie Fields Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“I’m proud to be part of a government taking action to protect and conserve the healthy koala population in our region. This is a special part of our community and it’s something worth safeguarding for the future.

“We’re acting on our commitment to the environment and to keeping our koalas safe, healthy and protected.”

Member for Campbelltown Greg Warren said:

“Koalas are a much-loved part of the Campbelltown community. I know local conservation organisations have been concerned about this population, and today’s announcement gives them and the rest of the community confidence.

“Investing in road crossings and securing habitat is a win for the conservation of koalas. Once they’re gone, they’re gone forever, and we’re taking action now to save them.”

Member for Camden Sally Quinnell said:

“The NSW Budget commitment to create a national park in and around Camden will go a long way to securing our koala population and the green spaces they rely on.

“It will reduce fragmentation of bushland, allowing them to move freely along the edge of the Georges River.”

NSW seniors will have more opportunities for social activities and learning new skills thanks to a $600,000 NSW Government initiative.

Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison said the Connecting Seniors grant program would fund projects aimed at engaging older people and keeping them engaged with their communities.

“These grants support activities which can provide a social lifeline for seniors, especially those who live alone,” Minister Harrison said.

“Our population is growing older and we want to make sure our seniors age well by providing opportunities for them to socialise while enjoying engaging experiences.”

The grant program, which opens today, is divided into 3 categories.

Not-for-profit community organisations can apply for:

• Category 1: Creation grants for new projects, with $20,000 awarded to 5 innovative projects with an overall value of $100,000.
• Category 2: Enhancement and/or expansion grants for existing projects, with $30,000 each for 10 different organisations with an overall value of $300,000.

Local councils are only able to apply for:

• Category 3: Local council grants for local council projects, with $40,000 each for 5 different councils with an overall value of $200,000.

The Connecting Seniors grant program builds on previous grants, which have been proven to reduce social isolation for thousands of seniors in NSW.

Some grant-funded initiatives include a family history research project, dancing lessons, art classes and wellness workshops.

“I am looking forward to seeing what fantastic ideas evolve from the Connecting Seniors grant program and I encourage eligible organisations to apply,” Minister Harrison added.

The Connecting Seniors grant program delivers on the Ageing Well in NSW: Seniors Strategy 2021-2031, with the government committed to creating a more inclusive community and addressing isolation and loneliness.

Grant applications will close on 25 October. Successful projects will commence in early 2024.

For more information go to Connecting Seniors grant program.

The Minns Labor Government will work with the innovation sector, leading experts including universities and business to produce a blueprint to guide how we support the NSW innovation sector.

According to the NSW Innovation and Productivity Council, NSW’s performances in university-industry collaboration and commercialisation outcomes haven’t moved in years. At the same time R&D intensity is in freefall. 

As the NSW Government works to restore the state’s fiscal position and rebuild essential services, there’s no room in the budget for spending that might not be delivering for the people of NSW.

The Innovation Blueprint will be drafted alongside sector leaders and experts to give NSW the leading edge in the global battle to attract new investment, ideas, industries and talent.

As part of developing the blueprint, the Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology will lead roundtables, including on venture capital, non-monetary government support, how to best encourage startup growth, industry adoption of innovation and attraction of skills and talent. 

Roundtables discussions will help guide the development of the blueprint.

The Innovation Blueprint will put us in the best position to jump start innovation in new sectors and in important enabling technologies like quantum computing, artificial intelligence, data, cyber, sensors and robotics across sectors like energy, advanced manufacturing, healthcare and agrifood, all of which will be part of our future economic growth.

Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“We support a strong innovation sector that delivers new, higher paid and productive jobs in high growth industries for people in NSW. 

“Getting this right will help us foster a strong innovation sector, create the industries that will fuel the jobs of the future, and attract talent.”

Women from across rural, regional and remote NSW can register now for the revamped 30th annual Rural Women’s Gathering.

The milestone event was moved from August to the weekend of the 25 and 26 November 2023 to take advantage of the warmer weather, as it returns to the home of the first gathering in Orange.

The theme of this year’s gathering is ’30 years, still going strong and getting stronger’, and provides rural women with support, information and skills to address the myriad challenges they face living in a rural location in Australia.

The new-look event is set to bring women together to hear from and connect with inspirational women in sport, health and business.

It is also a valuable opportunity for women to share their insights and ideas for their communities with key decision makers in the NSW Government.

Opening the event will be NSW Minister for Women Jodie Harrison.

Keynote speakers include Australian Rugby Union Player Grace Hamilton and ABC News rural reporter Sarah Hawke, who both hail from Orange. Joining them is founder of The Rural Naturopath, Hayley Dawson.

The gathering is an annual state-wide, community-run event and includes a diverse program of speakers, display stands, workshops, networking and a gala dinner.

The event is hosted by Australian National Field Days and organised by a committee of volunteers, with support from the NSW Government’s Rural Women’s Network.

Tickets are $80 and limited, so register now at the NSW Women’s Gathering websitelaunch.

NSW Minister for Regional NSW and Agriculture Moriarty said:

“Women in our rural communities are doing extraordinary things. The Rural Women’s Gathering is the perfect space to share their experiences, and in turn help other women to better support their communities.

“I am already looking forward to celebrating rural women’s achievements and seeing everything that’s on offer at the relaunch of this exciting new look event.

“Over the last 30 years the gathering has brought women together to share experiences, learn and support one another and I urge women to register now to make sure they don’t miss out.”

NSW Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“Our regional communities have seen more than their fair share of challenges over the past year, but they have never lost their spirit. Regional women continue to show resilience, strength and a sense of pride in where they come from.

“We are mindful of the increasing pressures of cost of living, so we have worked hard to keep ticket prices as low as possible. I think we have put together a great weekend of activities for regional women to enjoy.

“I’m looking forward to attending the relaunched Rural Women’s Gathering, my first as the Minister for Women, and excited to meet amazing women from across the regions and hear their stories and vision for the future.”

In today’s Budget Reply the NSW Opposition Leader outlined practical housing policies that would make a real difference to tackling in NSW the Australia-wide housing crisis.
 
Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said the Minns Labor Government’s projected $14 billion tax revenue windfall should have been used to deal with the housing crisis in a meaningful way.
 
“Chris Minns’ Budget has had $14 billion tax revenue windfall, but he’s chosen to put these funds towards union wage deals that he’d promised would cost nothing, missing a golden opportunity to help deliver the housing that NSW needs,” Mr Speakman said.
 
“We wouldn’t have squandered this opportunity – we would have delivered policies with vision for a better future for this state. That’s why my Budget Reply has outlined policies to tackle supply, improve housing affordability and reduce rental stress.”
 
“First home buyers deserve choice and that’s exactly what the Liberals and Nationals would have provided. We would have kept and sought to expand the First Home Buyer Choice scheme and kept the Government’s reduced threshold and rates of stamp duty – providing our next generation with choice in how they enter the housing market and giving them the best possible chance of realising the Australian dream.”
 
“The Minns Government has told communities to ’get out of the way’, while we would have sought to engage with local councils and communities to review housing targets and establish a Community Benefit Fund of $2 billion or more to incentivise and reward local communities which achieve their targets.”
 
“We also believe in supporting opportunities for one generation to help another – and would have sought to help empty nesters downsize and to free up appropriate housing supply for younger families, with a stamp-duty exemption for older downsizers,” Mr Speakman said.
 
Shadow Minister for Planning and Housing, Scott Farlow, said the Budget failed to deliver measures to support increased supply and address affordability.
 
“Under the National Housing Accord the NSW Government has signed up to deliver 314,000 homes and the Premier has recently committed to an increased target of 378,000 homes to be delivered by 2029,” Mr Farlow said. 
“Local communities and councils are going to be essential to achieving those targets and they should see the benefit. The Commonwealth Government has put $3 billion on the table and that needs to be directed to local communities.”
“Our Community Benefit Fund would be available to local councils that met their targets, to fund the improvement of public open spaces through new and improved walking and cycle paths, parks, trails, boardwalks, lookouts, foreshores, riverbanks, play spaces, civic plazas, and outdoor event spaces. The fund could also be used to upgrade local sporting facilities and community recreational facilities.”
 
“There are nearly a million people in NSW over the age of 55 who are occupying a home of three bedrooms or more either alone or as empty nesters.”
 
“By introducing a stamp duty exemption for older buyers, with appropriate thresholds, we have an opportunity to encourage seniors to downsize to a smaller property and help them in finding more suitable accommodation.”
 
“This could be a measure to stimulate additional supply instantly, reducing housing affordability pressures by making more suitable homes available to meet the needs of younger families.”
 
“The Government’s Budget was supposed to deliver more housing, but instead it delivered higher taxes and the mirage of more housing by 2040,” Mr Farlow said.