Free winter fun for everyone this July

Barangaroo, Darling Harbour and The Rocks are transforming into a Winter Wonderland bursting with free fun this July.

Whether you love music, art, dance or Christmas there’s something for everyone.  

Barangaroo, has already kicked off the activity hosting Nocturne, a free four-week concert seriesat thePier Pavilion on from 6pm every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night from 26 June to 19 July.

With no tickets required people of all ages can come along to enjoy a program of world-class music performed by talented Sydney musicians under the stars at a spectacular waterfront location.

Over in Darling Harbour, the Alpine Activity Zone is stirring up a flurry of activity including craft workshops, kids karaoke and an Amazing Arctic Race where teams can complete for a trophy!

Running from 10 – 13 July kids can enjoy snow globe making and sparkly slime all in the spirit of winter fun.

The Rocks areproviding Aussies with a taste of European holiday cheer through the Christmas in July Festival. *

Between 11 – 20 July, families, friends, and lovers of Christmas will have the opportunity to stroll down a snow lane to the European themed markets to savour traditional food or purchase charming, handcrafted goods.

Joining the fun at The Rocks from 17 – 20 July is the Bastille Festival. *

Bringing everything from French rosé to raclette, macarons and escargot to tempt festival goers’ tastebuds alongside a slew of free entertainment including live concerts, DJs, dance classes, and more.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Our Harbourside precincts are the place to be this July for free winter fun.

“From outdoor concerts to Christmas markets, a French cabaret and kids’ holiday activities galore there’s something for everyone.

“Don’t let the cold weather dampen your spirits, rug up and come out to Barangaroo, Darling Harbour and The Rocks to enjoy great entertainment and activities without needing to open your wallet.”

To learn more about what’s happening all year round at:

* a partnered event delivered by BBR Agency. 

Slippery slopes ahead, NSW drivers encouraged to be road-ready and jump aboard bus services

With bumper snowfalls and school holiday crowds flooding the Snowy Mountains, the Minns Labor Government is urging drivers to be prepared before heading to the alpine region, warning that too many are arriving under-equipped for dangerous winter road conditions.

Fresh snow and a rush of holidaymakers have driven alpine visitation to new highs this week, prompting the Minns Government to remind travellers that excitement should stay on the slopes, not on the roads.

The stark reality of inadequate preparation has been seen in recent incidents across the alpine region. One vehicle, not equipped with snow chains, slid off an icy road and became stranded in hazardous conditions. Another driver, apparently not adjusting their speed for the conditions, ended up down an embankment after losing control on mountain roads.

These incidents serve as a sobering reminder that if you’re not adequately prepared for the road conditions, it is very easy to end up in trouble when travelling to the snow. What should be a memorable family holiday could become a dangerous situation requiring emergency response.

To help ensure safer roads, the Minns Government has ramped up snow-clearing operations and implemented network management strategies to handle the spike in demand and improve road safety.

As part of the response, motorists are being encouraged to sign up for Transport’s free SMS Alert Service via the Driving in Snow webpage. The alerts notify travellers when car parks are full or when key alpine roads like Kosciuszko Road or Alpine Way are temporarily closed due to hazardous conditions.

A National Parks pass or ski lift ticket does not guarantee road access during closures, meaning public transport or the Skitube may be the only way to reach the snowfields during peak days.

The Government’s popular Snowy Mountains Bus Service is experiencing record-breaking demand, with a 30% increase in passenger numbers compared to this time in 2024.

So far this year, more than 28,000 trips have been made on services connecting Cooma, Berridale, Jindabyne, Perisher, Thredbo, and Bullocks Flat.

More than 3,000 journeys were recorded during the first weekend of the NSW school holidays alone – a surge that has prompted additional peak services every 30 minutes between Jindabyne and Perisher to meet demand.

NSW Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“It’s fantastic to see so many people enjoying our beautiful alpine region, but good snow doesn’t mean good driving conditions. We want the thrills to stay on the slopes, not on icy roads.

“The Minns Labor Government is continuing to invest in transport solutions that prioritise public safety and make it easier for families and visitors to enjoy NSW’s world-class winter destinations.

“The Snowy Mountains Bus Service is making a real difference, especially for people without four-wheel drives or experience fitting snow chains. And fewer cars on the road helps keep those key routes open for everyone.

“Our bus services are playing a crucial role in keeping roads safe and resorts accessible.

“My advice to drivers is to plan ahead, sign up for alerts, and consider public transport, so the only drama you face this snow season is picking between Perisher and Thredbo.”

Investing in Palau’s clean energy transition

The Albanese Government is supporting Palau’s renewable energy transition by investing a further $16.4 million to upgrade the country’s electricity network infrastructure.

The upgrade will provide improved network reliability while increasing the amount of renewable energy used in the grid. It builds on Australia’s support for Palau’s first large-scale solar power plant and battery storage facility.

This project, financed by the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific, has reduced carbon emissions from diesel generators and supported Palau in reaching its renewable energy targets.

Australia and Palau will today sign a letter of intent to form a bilateral partnership under the Australia-Pacific Partnership for Energy Transition. A renewable energy partnership will provide practical support for Palau’s energy transition priorities, including strengthening Palau’s energy system with technical, planning and policy support, as well as providing skills and training for a renewable energy workforce.

Australia is supporting the region’s transition to renewable energy by sharing climate adaptation technologies, and by financing projects that include solar construction and hydro power refurbishment.

Our region is at the frontline of the climate crisis, the single largest threat to the lives, livelihoods, culture and security of Pacific peoples.

Australia will continue to work with our Pacific partners to safeguard climate resilience in the region.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong:

“Palau, and other Pacific nations, can count on Australia to take meaningful action on climate change – at home and in partnership with the region.

“Ensuring climate security in the Indo-Pacific is vital to sustaining a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.

“Australia is supporting Pacific nations’ transition to renewable energy and this investment is another important step in achieving this goal”.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen:

“The Australian-backed solar facility will deliver around 20 per cent of Palau’s annual energy needs.

“We are committed to working with our Pacific neighbours to accelerate the renewable energy transformation and build clean energy industries across our region.

Minister for Defence Industry and Pacific Island Affairs, Pat Conroy:

“Australia listens to the priorities of the Pacific family – and acts on them.

“From backing Palau’s first large-scale solar power plant and battery storage facility to upgrading Palau’s energy grid, Australia’s investment in Palau’s energy transition is an investment in Palau’s future.

“We will continue partnering with our Pacific neighbours to deliver on their priorities.”

Anthony Albanese should get serious about tackling all racism

Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Deputy Leader of the Australian Greens and spokesperson for Anti-Racism and Higher Education has responded to Anthony Albanese’s backing of the Special Envoy’s Plan to Combat Antisemitism and continues to call for urgent funding for the implementation of the National Anti-Racism Framework. 

Senator Mehreen Faruqi said:

“It’s a real shame that rather than urgently funding the full implementation of the National Anti-Racism Framework (NARF) to stamp out all forms of racism, the Prime Minister has backed a plan that will silence and punish voices raised against the genocidal state of Israel.

“It’s been months since the completion of the national anti-racism framework and we haven’t heard a peep from the Prime Minister about fully implementing it, but he has jumped on a Trump-like plan to attack universities and further crack down on their staff and students.

“Conflating criticism of Israel with racism and hate speech is not only wrong, it is downright dangerous.

“The calls to withhold funding from universities are dangerous. We have seen from Trump’s America where this path leads – where student expression is banned, and universities like Harvard are punished for permitting protests against genocide. The report’s call for investigations into ‘foreign funding’ of protests, just echoes Trump’s conspiracy theories used to justify extreme intervention into independent universities.

“Anti-racism work should not have a hierarchy, racism is racism. It is harmful for all those who bear its brunt including First Nations people, Muslims, Jews, and Palestinians.

“I call on the Prime Minister to drop the double standards, end this trip into authoritarianism and get serious about tackling all racism.

“It feels like we’re living in a fever dream, where Labor and Liberal are so focused on covering up Israel’s genocide of the Palestinian people that they’re are determined to stop and stifle criticism and condemnation of these atrocious actions — all in the name of a thinly veiled effort to conflate criticism of Israel with antisemitism.”

Horrific crimes by police against naked, mentally unwell woman – Premier and Police Minister must act

Greens MP Sue Higginson has renewed calls for reform of NSW Police after two police officers pleaded guilty to assaulting, capsicum spraying and kicking a naked, mentally unwell 48-year-old woman in Western Sydney.

Last year, the NSW Government noted but refused to implement a recommendation from the Greens-led inquiry into Equity, accessibility and appropriate delivery of outpatient and community mental health care in New South Wales, which called for the improvement of mandatory comprehensive mental health training currently provided to police officers in consultation with consumers and carers.

Greens MP and spokesperson for Justice Sue Higginson said “This case is horrifying and involved police officers taunting a naked and mentally ill woman and bragging about violently assaulting her to their friends. What will it take for the Premier Chris Minns and Police Minister Yasmin Catley to accept that there is a serious cultural problem within the NSW police.

A mentally ill woman has been assaulted because NSW police stubbornly continue to send police officers to attend to mental health crises. It is clear from this incident that police are continuing to endanger the community when they are called to respond to people experiencing mental health issues.

We know that misogyny, racism, victim-blaming and bigotry is rife throughout the NSW Police force and it’s violating the people the state should be protecting. The people of NSW should not have to wait for the outcome of the current cultural review that is underway for the Government to act to change toxic police culture.

The Greens-led mental health inquiry made clear recommendations to the NSW government for police reform and investment in mental health supports. If the government fails to implement these recommendations, cases like these will only become more frequent.

If the Premier and the Police Minister do not act to ensure mental health professionals attend mental health crises, rather than police, we will see this happen all over again and the blame will squarely be at the feet of NSW Labor.

Communities are in danger precisely because of Labor’s failure to invest in evidence-based supports for mental health and their failure to confront cultural problems within the NSW police.”

Greens welcome Murujuga rock art World Heritage listing, but industrial threats persist

The Greens welcome UNESCO including Murujuga on the World Heritage List and hope Labor will now ensure its survival by cancelling the draft approval for the North West Shelf.

Leader of the Australian Greens and First Nations spokesperson, Larissa Waters:

“The Murujuga Cultural Landscape is an awe inspiring illustration of culture and stories beginning tens of thousands of years ago. 

“It truly deserves World Heritage listing, just as it deserves protection from North West Shelf’s acidic emissions so its ancient stories can continue to be told. 

“A word of warning to Minister Watt, the world is now watching. Cancel the draft approval for the North West Shelf and prove Labor is willing to stand up for the oldest art gallery in the world.

“We applaud staunch advocates Raelene Cooper and Save Our Songlines for fighting to ensure Murujuga’s strictest protection from Woodside’s money grab.

“UNESCO had warned that Woodside’s gas plant threatened the longevity of the rock art prior to the listing, but Minister Watt successfully lobbied other nations when he should have simply rejected Woodside’s climate bomb extension in the first place.

“This highlights why World Heritage laws need to be strengthened, and once again shows Labor needs to bolster Australia’s limp environmental laws.”

Special Envoy’s Plan To Combat Antisemitism

The Coalition has welcomed the Special Envoy’s plan to combat antisemitism but expressed its deep disappointment at the Government’s lack of leadership on what has been a significant national issue since October 2023.

We note that when the Prime Minister was asked directly if he would commit to implementing the plan in full he refused to do so. Despite being willing to launch the plan today it is not clear which measures the Albanese Government supports and which it does not. Australians deserve some clarity on this.

Leader of the Opposition Sussan Ley said the report confirms what Jewish Australians have been telling us for months, that antisemitism has surged to crisis levels while the Prime Minister has refused to show national leadership.

“The Coalition welcomes the work of the Special Envoy, but it should not fall to one individual to shoulder this fight against hate. The Government must show leadership. The Prime Minister must act,” the Leader of the Opposition said.

“We stand shoulder to shoulder with the Jewish community and re-affirm our commitment to the Executive Council of Australian Jewry’s 15-point action plan. That’s the benchmark against which the Prime Minister should be judged.

“This report shows antisemitism is not just a problem of security or law enforcement. It’s a cultural and societal cancer that needs attention through our schools, universities, media, and even the arts.”

The report is described as a ‘policy-oriented framework for government and the Australian community’, and details 49 key actions necessary to combat antisemitism. However, it appears that only three of those actions would be led by the government: the removal of deductible gift recipient status from charities promoting antisemitism, changes to funding agreements for festivals and cultural institutions, and the potential establishment of judicial inquiry.

Shadow Attorney-General Julian Leeser said the report exposes a lack of commitment from the Government.

“This is a work plan for the Special Envoy not a commitment by the Albanese Government,” Mr Lesser said.

“Fighting the tidal wave of antisemitism cannot be left to the Envoy alone, it needs the Prime Minister’s commitment, not just to hear the Envoy’s advocacy, but to action her policies.

“The Jewish community is telling us that Australia now leads the world in fire-bombings and other violent attacks on Jews. In such an environment we want to see the prime minister leading the fight on antisemitism and being accountable for the outcome. It’s time his actions matched his words.”

Shadow Minister for Home Affairs Andrew Hastie said the plan made clear that there is an antisemitism crisis gripping Australia which demands a whole-of-government response.

“The Jewish community is under siege, and the time for half-measures is over. This demands the full weight of the Commonwealth’s resolve, starting with the Prime Minister”, Mr Hastie said.

“Attacks on our Jewish community strike at the very heart of our democracy. If we want to remain a safe, united, and free country, we need a coordinated national response that defends Australian values in every sphere of our society”.

Shadow Minister for Education Senator Jonno Duniam said that it should not take a report for the Prime Minister to have offered serious action to combat antisemitism at our universities.

“Australian universities have been a breeding ground for antisemitism and the Federal Government’s inaction to seriously address this crisis is a stain on our society. Their delayed action has left many students on our campuses feeling unsafe. It should not have gotten to this point, but the Coalition will work constructively in the interests of protecting all Australians, including Jewish Australians.”

Shadow Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs Senator Paul Scarr said every community has a right to live in Australia in peace, safety and harmony – free from fear and vilification.

“It goes to the very heart of what it means to be Australian. Now is the time for action. This is not just a political imperative. It is a moral obligation. This is about protecting our Australian way of life. Protecting what it means to be Australian”

The report highlights the stark divide between those over 35 and those under 35 in their attitudes to antisemitism, and the role of online platforms in driving antisemitic attitudes.

Media statement – Extraordinary Council Meeting to be held on 12 August 2025

Lord Mayor Dr Ross Kerridge has called an Extraordinary Council Meeting for Tuesday 12 August 2025 to ensure the proposed use of community land by Rising Tide for its People’s Blockade can be considered and debated by Council.

Rising Tide has applied for a licence to utilise Hamilton North’s Richardson Park from 25 November to 2 December 2025, and Camp Shortland from 28 November to 1 December. 

“I want to ensure Council’s decision on the Rising Tide application is debated thoroughly and resolved as soon as possible, which is why I have called an Extraordinary Council Meeting on 12 August, rather than waiting for the Ordinary Council Meeting on 26 August,” Cr Kerridge said.

Councillors will receive a public briefing from Rising Tide next week ahead of the Extraordinary Council Meeting.

City of Newcastle’s library services named number one in state

City of Newcastle libraries have taken the top spot when ranked against other councils in NSW. 

Among the many accolades was the prestigious title for total number of items borrowed with more than 1.7 million loans during the last year, as well as highest number of library members (more than 150,000).

Newcastle libraries also claimed the top spot in NSW for home library services, delivering more than 47,000 items to residents unable to visit in person, seven times the state average. 

Residents Peter and Jeannette Lee get a highly anticipated delivery of books to their door from City of Newcastle’s home library service delivery coordinator Glenn Wardman.

The statistics were compiled by the State Library of NSW for the 2024 financial year. A key component of Newcastle Libraries’ success is its partnership with Port Stephens and Dungog Libraries. 

City of Newcastle Director of Museum Archive, Libraries and Learning Julie Baird said the results show how deeply embedded our libraries are in the daily lives of the community.

“To be leading the state across multiple key areas is a credit to the dedication of our library team and a reflection of the trust and value our communities place in their local libraries,” Ms Baird said.

“Whether it’s borrowing a book, attending one of our events, or learning a new skill, Newcastle Libraries continue to evolve to meet the needs of our residents.

“Use of our home library service is more than 600% above the state average, demonstrating our commitment to making library services accessible to all members of the community, regardless of age, mobility or health.”

Jeanette and Peter Lee, who have been using the City of Newcastle’s home library service for the past two years, say it has brought comfort, connection and a sense of normalcy during a time of change in their lives.

“When your world and independence change, having access to books through this service helps protect your mental health. This service helps keep the mind active, and when our monthly delivery arrives, it’s like Christmas. It helps restore little pieces of what used to be normal life,” Mrs Lee said.

“Books become companions. In our age group, loneliness is very real, but when you’ve got a book you’ve got a friend. The staff always ask what we like to read, and we can request large print, it means a lot to be asked about what matters to us. It’s more than convenience, it’s care.”

Newcastle Libraries, with their joint library partners, Port Stephens and Dungog Libraries, hold the largest collection in the state, with almost a million items ranging from books, artworks and subdivision maps to local history items, e-audio collections, toys and games.

Library visitation rates and program attendance are nearly double the state average, while membership is the highest in NSW, growing 15 per cent to more than 150,000 people. 

Our libraries also ranked second in NSW for e-audio circulation and third for toy and game collection loans.

“Our doors welcomed almost 700,000 visitors into our branches during this 12-month period, including those who attended our diverse calendar of events and programs, from children’s story time and digital skills training to author talks, local history presentations and inclusive outreach events,” Ms Baird said.

“Our continued growth reflects City of Newcastle’s ongoing and significant investment in local library services, which provide valuable recreational, educational and social opportunities for all members of our community.”


Newcastle Region Libraries Statewide ranking

  • 1st in NSW for total items borrowed
  • 1st in NSW for home library service
  • 2nd in NSW for e-book audio loans
  • 3rd in NSW for toy and game collection loans

Highlights from the State Library of NSW 2022-23 Statistics about Newcastle Region Libraries

  • Total visits:  691,715 / NSW average – 296,607
  • Total items borrowed: 1,727,924 / NSW average – 441,594
  • Number of events or programs held: 2,255 / NSW average – 1,149
  • Total event or program attendees: 49,136 / NSW average – 19,450

Newcastle Libraries fast facts

  • Total members: 158,856
  • Number of branches: 13
  • Items in collection: 1,063,343

Next stage of landslip repairs underway on Cambewarra and Brown Mountains

Landslip repairs are underway at two more sites on Cambewarra Mountain this week, with teams also preparing to start work on the last remaining landslip site on Brown Mountain. The Australian and NSW Governments are funding these repairs through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). 

Since severe weather impacted the area in 2022, 37 landslip sites have been repaired on Moss Vale Road between Cambewarra Village and Fitzroy Falls, with 13 sites still to go. 

Transport for NSW has engaged specialist contractors to carry out slope stabilisation work beginning Sunday 6 July at two sites on the southern side of Cambewarra Mountain on Moss Vale Road. 

The Cambewarra Mountain work will involve four weeks of repairs at a site one kilometre north of Barfield Road.  Workers then move slightly south in early August to the second site, around 750 metres north of Barfield Road.  

On Brown Mountain, a series of natural disasters in 2022 and 2023 caused landslip damage at nine separate sites.

Work on the final site, located about 2.7 kilometres west of the Brown Mountain Power Station, will start in the coming months. Work is to be carried out in two stages. Transport will keep the community informed ahead of work starting.

The work on both mountains will involve clearing debris and vegetation, drilling long steel rods (known as soil nails) into the slope, applying heavy-duty mesh or spraying concrete (known as shotcrete) and improving drainage. 

Federal Minister for Regional Development Kristy McBain said:

“With $2.8 million in joint funding from the Australian and NSW Governments, we’re making sure these essential landslip repairs on Cambewarra Mountain and Brown Mountain can get underway and keep communities connected and safe.

“This builds on the $1.7 million worth of works on Brown Mountain that are almost finished, and follows a huge effort last year to get Moss Vale Road fully reopened for the first time since those severe weather events hit back in early 2022.”

NSW Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said:

“When repairs at these latest two sites are complete, it will bring the total to 39 of 50 landslip sites repaired across Moss Vale Road between Cambewarra Village and Fitzroy Falls since the 2022 storm events. We will continue to update the community on repairs for the remaining sites.  

“I thank the crews who have undertaken this specialist repair work with great efficiency in a short time. I also thank motorists for their patience while this essential work has been completed.”

NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said:

“This is a great example of what can happen when governments work together. Recovery is hard work and takes time, but we are getting on with this vital repair work and making repairs to roads an absolute priority.

“One of the best things we can do in recovery is to make sure that communities have the essential public infrastructure that they need, and we’re making good progress here.”

Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips said:

“This repair work at Cambewarra is very welcome. Keeping the network in good shape has been challenging due to the weather and I am delighted to see action being taken quickly to undertake important repairs.”

State Member for Bega Michael Holland said: 

“It’s encouraging to see we are nearing the final stage of landslip repairs on Brown Mountain following the significant weather events of 2022 and 2023.

We understand these works have been disruptive, and I thank the community—especially local motorists—for their continued patience as we prioritise safety and long-term resilience in our transport network.”