Category: NSW News

The fourth and final name of the tunnel boring machine (TBM) for the Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport project has been unveiled during a special launch ceremony at the Orchard Hills metro station site.

On hand to witness the launch were representatives from six local primary schools who participated in a Sydney Metro competition to name the machine. The students were the first to be introduced to TBM Marlene, the winning name submitted by Claremont Meadows Public School.

The machine is named in honour of Dr Marlene Kanga AO, recognising her significant contribution as a global leader in engineering and role model to women in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). 

TBM Marlene will tunnel 4.3km, carving out the metro tunnel from Orchard Hills to St Marys alongside TBM Catherine, which is currently about 100m into its journey.

The 900-tonne TBM will tunnel on average 120m per week and is expected to arrive at the St Marys metro station site in mid-2024.

The naming competition was an opportunity for local primary school students to learn more about the new 23km metro line currently under construction from St Marys to the Aerotropolis that will transform travel in their area.

It also provided a chance for students to explore achievements of inspiring Australian women in the community, with all names submitted required to be female – a tunnelling tradition stemming from the 1600s when miners working underground prayed to Saint Barbara for protection.

All six schools that participated in the competition – Claremont Meadows Public School, Our Lady of the Rosary Primary, Kurrambee School, St Marys South Public School, St Marys North Public School and Orchard Hills Public School – were commended for the significant thought and effort they put into their suggested names.

The launch of TBM Marlene means all four TBMs for the mega project are now in the ground, with TBMs Eileen and Peggy 1275m and 386m into excavating the 5.5km of tunnels between the Airport Business Park and the Aerotropolis, respectively.

New metro rail will become the transport spine for Greater Western Sydney, connecting communities and travellers with the new Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport and the growing region.

The Australian and NSW Governments have a shared objective of having Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport operational when Western Sydney International Airport opens for passenger services.

More information on the Western Sydney Airport Metro projectlaunch

About Marlene Kanga AO

Dr Marlene Kanga AO is listed among Australia’s top 10 women engineers and top 100 engineers. A chemical engineer, she was National President of Engineers Australia in 2013 and President of the World Federation of Engineering Organisations in 2017-2019.

Dr Kanga has had an executive career in complex systems safety in the oil and gas and chemical industry. She is now a non-executive director and a board member at Endeavour Energy, Business Events Sydney, Standards Australia and formerly, Sydney Water Corporation and Innovation Australia. She is a director of iOmniscient Pty Ltd which has developed advanced video analytic technologies and Rux Energy Pty Ltd which is commercialising new materials for hydrogen storage.

She is Chair of the global Institution of Chemical Engineers Safety Centre, advancing complex system safety engineering internationally.

Dr Kanga is an Honorary Fellow of Engineers Australia, an Honorary Fellow of the Institution of Chemical Engineers (UK), a Foundation Fellow of the International Science Council, a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

She was the Engineers Australia 2018 Professional Engineer of the Year, received the Chemeca Medal in 2019 for contributions to chemical engineering and the Ada Lovelace Medal as an outstanding women engineer, in 2023. She is an Officer of the Order of Australia “for distinguished service to engineering, as a global leader and role model to women.”

Deputy Premier Prue Car said:

“The students have done a great job naming this tunnelling machine after such an inspiring leader in STEM.

“The name Marlene was suggested by Claremont Meadows Public School, and it is fitting that students from nearby schools were here at today’s launch as this project will serve many generations to come.

“It has been a joy to have these local school children attend the launch and send the fourth and final TBM for this transformational project off in style.

“The entries from local schools demonstrated an awareness of the contributions and successes of many outstanding women, and I’m so pleased to see Dr Marlene Kanga AO recognised in this way.

“The naming of TBM Marlene is a tremendous legacy for its namesake, and I look forward to tracking the machine’s progress as the tunnel advances from Orchard Hills to St Marys.”

Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said:

“Major construction is well underway on the Western Sydney Airport Metro, with the fourth and final tunnel boring machine launching its journey to build Sydney’s newest rail tunnels.

“It is fantastic to see local schools get involved and learn more about this vital transport link that will revolutionise how people will move in the area putting Western Sydney on the doorstep of the rest of the world.”

NSW Premier Chris Minns has today announced that the Department of Planning and Environment will become two new departments to better deliver on the Government’s priorities of addressing the energy challenges, climate change, the environment and housing.

The NSW Government is committed to keeping the lights on for NSW households, leading the essential transition to clean renewable energy, setting up the Energy Security Corporation, securing the future of our natural environment, as well as addressing the cost of living by ensuring housing is more affordable.

From 1 January 2024, the Department of Planning and Environment will be split into two new dedicated entities, the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, and the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure.

The new departments will be joined by the Office of Energy and Climate Change which is currently in Treasury.

There will be no changes to Ministerial portfolios. The changes have been made following a detailed review and analysis of services and programs.  

The Public Sector Review is ongoing and any further machinery of government changes will take place post the budget.

The 2023-24 Budget and Appropriations Bill will be presented on 19 September on the basis of current administrative arrangements.

All changes to machinery of government covered in today’s announcement, due to take effect from 1 January, will be reflected in full in the 2024-25 Budget.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“Our government will always keep people at the heart of our decisions, and it’s clear that we need to align our agencies with the most important issues facing our communities.

“That’s precisely what this change is designed to achieve.” 

“The new Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water pulls together the collective environmental expertise of government into one place – creating a team ready to tackle one of our biggest challenges in energy security.

“The changes announced today will also provide a renewed focus and deep expertise to address the housing crisis.” 

Minister for Climate Change, Energy and Environment Penny Sharpe said:

“We went to the election with a commitment to taking serious action on Climate Change and addressing the decline in biodiversity.

“This new department brings these key tasks together and will allow the Minns Government to deliver on our election commitments and focus on the future of NSW.

“This future secures clean energy, drives economic growth for households and businesses and protects our air, our water, our soil and our plants and animals.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“It’s my job to make sure there is enough housing for people in NSW. 

“We inherited a housing crisis more than a decade in the making and know how challenging the housing situation is for everyone.

“We’ve already established new planning rules which encourage the construction of more homes.

“We’ve reformed infrastructure contributions to get roads, schools, health services and open spaces delivered faster in areas of high housing growth. 

“These changes combined with departmental changes, will hone our housing delivery focus.

“I look forward to the new approach and fresh ideas that will be generated by bringing together the best minds and expertise in the public sector.”

Minister for Housing and the Minister for Water Rose Jackson said:

“Our government is focused on bringing solutions to the table that are thorough and informed.”

“We want to create a government for the future not just right now. Part of that work means pulling together the right teams.

“As the Minister for Water, this new department not only makes sense but is absolutely crucial to ensure NSW is ready for the future.

“We know that climate change, pollution and land management are some of the biggest risks to water quality and security.”

Vietnam Veterans Day commemorations being held today around the state and Australia will hold special significance, marking 50 years since Australia’s withdrawal from Vietnam.

Vietnam Veterans Day takes place on 18 August, originally to acknowledge the Battle of Long Tan which occurred in 1966 and resulted in 18 Australian deaths and 24 wounded after 3 hours of fierce fighting before the withdrawal of the Viet Cong. But the day is used to broadly to remember the service and sacrifice of all who fought in Vietnam.

Minister for Veterans David Harris was at the Cenotaph alongside RSL NSW President and Vietnam veteran Ray James OAM, to pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of our veterans of one of Australia’s longest military engagements of the 20th century.

“This year, 50 years on from the withdrawal of Australian troops, we pay special tribute to all who served in Vietnam to keep us safe,” Mr Harris said.

“Sadly, 523 lost their lives and almost 2400 were wounded, with all involved carrying the scars and memories that only armed combat can bring. We will never forget your service and sacrifice.”

RSL NSW President Ray James OAM said commemorating significant moments in our military history is vital to Australia, as people, a community, and a nation.

“Today we will honour those veterans who lost their lives during a battle; returned home wounded, ill, or injured, lost their lives in the years since they returned, and still carry the physical and emotional scars of their service since Australia withdrew from the Vietnam War 50 years ago,” Mr James said.

“For those of us who are still here today, I say we must continue to honour the dead but fight like hell for the living as we support our fellow veterans of all conflicts, and connect them with the mateship, camaraderie, and services they need.”

Vietnam veterans and nurses are also being honoured in a new exhibition at the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park. The Stories of the Dat Do Dogs is a photographic exhibition with digital stories from over 50 veterans sharing their experiences from Vietnam.

Minister Harris who opened the exhibition said the memories shared by these veterans will enable their legacy to continue.

“The photographs and digital stories produced are essential to ensuring the sacrifices of these veterans are not forgotten, and their legacy is passed down to future generations.”

The exhibition will feature in the Auditorium at the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park Sydney through to March 2024.

For more information, visit the Anzac Memorial event pagelaunch.

The Minns Labor Government has delivered a $1.2 million upgrade to hair and beauty training facilities at TAFE NSW Campbelltown as demand for specialist skills and training in southwest Sydney grows.

The upgrade means TAFE NSW Campbelltown now has expanded training offerings and will teach hair and beauty courses for the first time, Deputy Premier and Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Prue Car said.

The funding has seen 2 generalist teaching spaces converted into specialist, adaptable classrooms, fitted with industry-standard tanning equipment, make-up bays, waxing tools, wash basins and cutting and styling tools.

Since the new facilities opening in July, some 95 hair and beauty students have enrolled at TAFE NSW Campbelltown in courses including the new Fee-Free Certificate III in Makeup, Certificate II in Salon Assistant, Certificate III in Beauty Services and Certificate III in Nail Technology.

After the Liberal National government spent 12 years cutting courses, sacking teachers and closing TAFE NSW campuses, the Minns Labor Government is committed to restoring TAFE NSW as the heart of vocational education in the state.

The Minns Labor Government is now making the careful and necessary decisions to address the holes left in the budget by the Liberals to ensure we fund the essential services people rely on.

This includes committing to a floor of 70% of its skills budget going to TAFE NSW.

The Minns Labor government is also conducting a comprehensive review of the vocational education system in NSW that has already begun consultation around the state.

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

“As southwest Sydney’s population goes from strength to strength, the demand for training skilled workers is continuing to grow.

“It is wonderful to see students at this TAFE NSW campus learning on industry-standard hair and beauty teaching facilities.

“Students will also be able to learn their trade and gain hands-on experience in an environment just like a regular salon.

“This investment will ensure people who want to start their own business or work as beauticians, hairdressers, barbers and salon assistants can learn skills in their local area for years to come.”

TAFE NSW Head Teacher Beauty, Rebecca Hamilton said:  

“The new simulated beauty salon and multi-purpose learning space provides three new practical spaces for specialised training and will give students the edge they need to excel in their apprenticeships and career.

“Thanks to the new facilities, we’ve been able to meet high local demand for our hair and beauty courses, with another class already added to accommodate interest in Certificate III in Makeup,’ Ms Hamilton said.”

Assistance for agricultural processing businesses to re-establish operations following the February and March 2022 floods continues, with round 2 of the $22 million Supply Chain Support Program now open for applications.

Businesses in 62 local government areas are eligible, with support available to help long-term recovery efforts.

The program is jointly funded by the Albanese and Minns governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt said support is available to rebuild, repair and improve the resilience of eligible first receivers and processors, or harvesters of primary produce that operate within the fisheries, horticulture and agriculture sectors.

“Round 1 of the Supply Chain Support Program has already helped to repair premises and support employers to keep their employees in jobs at multiple flood-impacted operations across NSW, including dairies, distilleries and seafood suppliers,” Minister Watt said.

“Under round 2 of the Supply Chain Support Program, eligible businesses and cooperatives that experienced direct flood damage can apply for up to $2 million to support projects such as the replacement of damaged plant and machinery, for business and product diversification, or for transporting product from outside the area.

“Processing businesses and cooperatives indirectly impacted by floods through major supply chain disruptions can apply for up to $250,000.”

Minister for Agriculture, Regional NSW and Western NSW Tara Moriarty said the NSW Government is making sure no one is being left behind, including those who work to get our agricultural products from paddock to plate.

“From berry and dairy processors to fishing cooperatives, the Supply Chain Support Program is strengthening primary industries by assisting companies to modernise their operations to reduce workforce disruptions and build industry sustainability,” Ms Moriarty said.

“The program has delivered vital support in the form of building and roof repairs, replacement equipment and freight assistance, which has helped to keep local people in work during the ongoing flood recovery.

“Reducing the impact of future natural disasters is essential to keeping specialised jobs and skills in regional areas and helping businesses to become more resilient.”

For further information and to apply, visit the Supply Chain Support Program website.

The Supply Chain Support Program is designed to complement existing recovery measures in disaster-declared regions.

The 2024 NSW Seniors Festival is shaping up to be bigger and better, with the theme ‘Reach Beyond’.

Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison said the NSW Seniors Festival is the biggest gathering for seniors in the state and provides an opportunity for older Australians to celebrate and connect. 

“The NSW Government is looking forward to delivering a festival that embraces everybody and recognises the important contributions seniors play in our community,” Minister Harrison said. 

“We want to see NSW seniors taking advantage of the many activities, that include the popular signature events – the Premier’s Gala Concerts and Expo.

“The NSW Seniors Festival is a great time for older Australians to ‘reach beyond’, to seek out new experiences and make new friends by participating in the festivities.”

Next year’s NSW Seniors Festival will run from 11-24 March 2024, with the Expo and Gala concerts taking place between 13-14 March. Each year the festival provides a full program of events and entertainment, with a huge variety of exciting activities across the state.

Discounted early bird applications for prospective Seniors Festival Expo stallholders are now open and will run until 22 September 2023. Prospective Seniors Festival Expo exhibitors can visit, https://seniorsfestival.info/be-exhibitor. 

The Premier’s Gala Concerts will be live-streamed so people can watch no matter where they are. Further details on the Premier’s Gala Concerts will be announced later this year.

Find out more about the NSW Seniors Festival

The Sydney Harbour Bridge Cycleway ramp will feature a prominent design that honours the important Aboriginal history of the area, as plans for the cycleway pass the final hurdle before construction.

The artwork concept, developed by Aboriginal artists Maddie Gibbs and Jason Wing will represent the eels that travel up the Harbour and the coming together of the Gadigal and Cammeraygal peoples.

The ramp will also be given a name that reflects the significance of this area to the Gadigal and Cammeraygal peoples.

The Review of Environmental Factors (REF) has now been determined, following a comprehensive review of submissions made during the public display of the document earlier this year.

Construction on the cycleway ramp is scheduled to begin early next year.

The three-metre-wide bike ramp extends from Bradfield Park North, near Burton Street, connecting with the Sydney Harbour Bridge Cycleway south of the existing stair access.

Bypassing the existing stairs, the new ramp will make the Sydney Harbour Bridge cycleway much easier for kids, and people with e-bikes and cargo bikes to use every day.

The ramp will connect to an improved cycle route connecting Middlemiss Street and the existing bicycle network. The street works will include a new zebra crossing on Alfred Street South for pedestrians and cyclists to safely cross the street.

The ramp design has had significant input from the community, including a design competition that selected ASPECT Studios team as the winning concept.

Following additional consultation with the community during the REF, the design has been further developed to respond to stakeholder and community feedback. This includes ramp refinements to minimise visual impacts of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Milsons Point Railway Station, shortening the ramp length, and changes to lighting and design to improve safety.

The design will now be finalised and Transport will continue to consult with Aboriginal knowledge holders and other key stakeholders on naming the ramp and to engage with the community and stakeholders before and during construction.

Find out more about the cycleway ramp and read the REF reportlaunch

Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said:

“This project will be a game changer for kids, people on e-bikes, or people using cargo bikes. The Sydney Harbour Bridge cycleway will finally be accessible for anyone riding a bike.

“We received submissions from over 1,000 community members and worked with schools, businesses, North Sydney Council, Heritage Council, Heritage NSW and the Government Architect to finalise this design that enhances Sydney’s most iconic landmark.

“The Sydney Harbour Bridge cycleway spans two Aboriginal lands – the Cammaraygal and Gadigal – and this ramp will feature a design and be given a name that reflects the immense culture of these people.

“The design of the ramp has been developed in consultation with Aboriginal knowledge holders, and important themes that emerged from this consultation have been incorporated into the design.

“The artwork, featuring interconnected eels, will be a striking symbol of reconciliation from the ground and air, and will run the full length of the 200m long ramp.

“The Minns Labor Government wants to make it easier for anyone who can walk or ride a bike, to walk and ride. It frees up space on the roads and on public transport for others, it’s a lot of fun, and you get to enjoy one of the world’s best views as you zoom along the deck of the Harbour Bridge.

“I look forward to seeing work begin early next year.”

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:

“Aboriginal culture is a living, dynamic culture and integral to Aboriginal identity. It has the ability to attribute places with meaningful identity and connection to Country.

“Initiatives such as this bring the oldest living culture in the world to life in meaningful ways, for all of us to share.”

Artist Jason Wing said:

“The incredible life cycle of eels symbolises the resilience, survival, and adaptation of Aboriginal people.

“Eels symbolise the past and present endurance of Aboriginal people overcoming barriers, new landscapes, seascapes, social changes, and more.

“Our contemporary artwork is inclusive of all Aboriginal mobs around Australia while acknowledging and focusing on local Gadigal and Cammeraygal place.”

Artist Maddie Gibb said:

“The eel’s journey up and down the cycle ramp references the freshwater to saltwater journey.

“The two different coloured eels symbolise the salt water and freshwater transition as well as the physical transition of the eels.

“The contemporary imagery is a reclamation of physical, spiritual, and cultural place, connecting sky, land, and water.

“The eels’ epic migration has a deep memory and celebrates its lifelong cyclical journey, always returning to where its life began.”

Train services are back running to a regular timetable this morning after an Ashfield signal box was vandalised overnight, causing significant delays for Matilda fans and concert goers getting home from Sydney Olympic Park. 

Police allege two men broke through security fencing and into a relay room at Ashfield just after 10pm, where cables were cut and critical equipment including modems were damaged.

The Ashfield signal box operates six signals on six lines between Summer Hill and Ashfield, a critical part of the network to move passengers between Olympic Park and Central Station.

Specialist engineers repaired infrastructure and brought services back online within 90 minutes, and crowds had cleared Olympic Park Station by midnight. 

The signalling system is designed to be fail-safe, when there’s an issue with signalling infrastructure, all signals in the relevant area turn to a default red, meaning trains cannot move safely through that area.

NSW Police have made two arrests in relation to the incident overnight. Those individuals have been charged with several offences including endangering passengers on the railway and will appear in Burwood Local Court today. 

Sydney Trains has over 1,000 signalling equipment locations across the network, typically secured by lock and key, many of which are inside the rail corridor or protected by high security fencing including barbed wire. 

Sydney Trains already has a security enhancement program underway for those sites to bolster security including replacing lock and key access with secure swipe cards. 

Minister Haylen has instructed the Transport for NSW Secretary to review the security of critical rail infrastructure, including the prioritisation of security upgrades, and report back to the Minister.

NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen said:

“Last night the system was not broken, it was broken into and destroyed in a deliberate act.

“I understand this is not the way football fans wanted to end the night, and I apologise to everyone and thank passengers for their patience.

“I want to make it very clear that this was not some minor act of vandalism, this act significantly damaged critical rail infrastructure.

“Tampering with critical rail infrastructure has the potential to have significant safety impacts for passengers and is an extremely serious crime.

“I want to thank all of the Sydney Trains staff who worked through the night to fix the issue and to make sure 45,000 people got home safely from the game.”

Sydney Trains Chief executive Matt Longland said: 

“It’s disappointing something like this could occur on the rail network during one of the biggest events our city has ever seen. Our staff worked hard to communicate information to passengers and keep them safe, as they have been doing throughout this event.

“We would usually clear a massive crowd like the Matilda’s semi-final fans from Sydney Olympic Park Station within one hour, last night it took us two hours, I want to personally apologise to all our passengers impacted and thank them for their patience.”

Orange Hospital is about to become home to the second largest solar PV installation in any government facility in NSW.

NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park said more than 3,300 solar panels will be installed on the roofs of buildings across the Orange and Bloomfield Hospital campus which will result in the reduction of almost 2,300 tonnes of carbon emissions each year.

“The NSW Government is committed to doing everything possible to improve the sustainability of the NSW Health system and this installation at Orange is another example of that commitment,” Mr Park said.

“These solar panels will generate enough electricity to power the equivalent of around 500 homes.

“NSW is a world leader in harnessing solar energy for public healthcare with almost all of our major hospitals using roof space for solar installations.”

Installation of the solar panels at Orange and Bloomfield Hospitals is now underway and should be completed in the coming weeks.

Minister for Energy and Climate Change Penny Sharpe said this project is positive on all fronts.

“We’re tackling Climate Change, and we’re using government facilities to generate clean renewable energy and help keep prices low in the long term.” Ms Sharpe said.

Jeff Morrissey, Director of Corporate and Services & Clinical Support for the Western NSW Local Health District, said the Orange Health Service solar project was a key component of the LHD’s Environmental Sustainability Strategy.

“Health services have historically been large consumers, with a substantial carbon footprint. At the Western NSW LHD we are committed to doing our bit to make all our services more sustainable,” Mr Morrissey said.

“More than half our vehicle fleet is now hybrid, we have solar installed in 20 locations, including 14 hospitals, and we have a commitment to stop using Desflurane, a gas used in anaesthetics which make up a significant portion of our carbon emissions, by 2024.”

Work to install the panels may cause some temporary disruption to pedestrian and vehicle traffic. Any on-site changes will be clearly marked to minimise any inconvenience to patients, staff and visitors.

Arrangements have been made for helicopter retrievals to be appropriately managed while the installation is underway.

Member for Orange Phil Donato said it is a great example of the community being at the forefront of renewable energy.

“I am so proud that our community gets to host this fantastic initiative,” Mr Donato said. 

NSW health now has a total of nearly 20 megawatts of solar in its network, spread out on previously unused roof space. This covers the equivalent of about 20 soccer fields – or a large-scale solar farm if built as a ground-level system.

Solar energy has reduced NSW Health’s electricity bill by $4.2 million a year, with projected savings of $15 million a year by 2030.

The program has already reduced carbon emissions by around 33,000 tonnes – the equivalent of removing about 18,000 cars from the road.

Families welcoming new arrivals and long-time fans can celebrate their birthday milestone alongside Australia’s favourite koala, Blinky Bill, who turns 90 this year.

The NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages has released a new commemorative birth certificate featuring the iconic character, created by Dorothy Wall in 1933.

Whether you’re in your 90s and applying for a copy of your birth certificate or welcoming a newborn, people across NSW can now order the new certificate design featuring the original Aussie larrikin. 
 
The cheeky koala continues to delight generations in books and on the screen with his love for adventure and curiosity.
 
The commemorative birth certificate features the lovable koala dressed in red overalls, next to his best friend and adopted sister Nutsy, while their mum Mrs Koala takes centre stage as she tries to keep them out of trouble.
 
The Registry’s first commemorative certificate capturing Blinky Bill was released in 2016 and has been ordered by more than 7000 people, proving Wall’s stories continue to live on in the hearts of Australians.
 
In a celebration of Australia’s storytelling history, 3 new commemorative birth certificates featuring the artwork of Australian author and illustrator May Gibbs are also available, showing Boronia Baby, Gumnut Baby, and Flora and Fauna.
 
Commemorative birth certificates can be purchased at any time.
 
Commemorative birth certificates do not hold legal status and sit alongside official birth certificates.
 
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said:
 
“When we welcome a new family member into our lives, the very first piece of identification they get is their birth certificate. These certificates are both important and sentimental, so it is essential they are kept safe and secure.
 
“When it comes to a commemorative birth certificate, families can pick their favourite design to celebrate their newest bundle of joy or to celebrate a milestone birthday.
 
“In response to customer demand we have more than 20 different designs which means there is something for everyone from Blinky Bill through to your favourite NRL team – and we have even more certificate designs in the pipeline.”
 
NSW Registrar Theresa Fairman said:
 
“This is an exciting chance to celebrate 90 years of one of our nation’s most iconic characters and these new certificates are un-bear-ably cute.
 
“From new mums and fans of the original Aussie larrikin to those celebrating a milestone birthday, the Blinky Bill commemorative birth certificate celebrates a generation of love.
 
“I also expect the new May Gibbs’ Boronia Baby, Gumnut Babies and Flora and Fauna designs to be in hot demand, with our range of designs providing something for everyone.”