Category: NSW News

In a landmark step towards reshaping the future for Aboriginal children and young people in NSW, the Aboriginal Child Safety and Wellbeing Reform Forum is set to bring together key stakeholders, leaders and community representatives over 2 days in Sydney.

The collective determination to improve the lives of Aboriginal children and families has prompted the state’s peak Aboriginal child welfare organisation, AbSec and the Minns Labor government to collaborate on this pivotal forum.

The 2-day forum will develop a strong roadmap for reform to reduce the number of Aboriginal children in care, focus on the wellbeing of Aboriginal families and their children, and put Aboriginal families in control of their future.

The forum marks an essential juncture in the design and implementation of a child protection system that not only ensures the safety and wellbeing of every child but also respects and integrates the cultural heritage and lived experience of Aboriginal communities.

The need to address historical and systemic challenges cannot be understated. First Nations communities have long faced disparities in child protection outcomes due to complex and interconnected factors. This forum recognises the significance of these challenges and stands as a platform to confront them collaboratively.

The forum’s agenda is designed to foster dynamic and inclusive discussions, providing participants with the opportunity to engage in thought-provoking sessions led by respected experts in the field. The sessions will span a wide spectrum, from data-sharing between agencies to panel discussions on the barriers and opportunities for reform. 

Minister for Families and Communities and Minister for Disability Inclusion Kate Washington said:

“We must reimagine the child protection system, so we can build a brighter future for Aboriginal children. The only way we can do that is through genuine co-design and partnership with Aboriginal people, families, and communities.

“I’m hopeful that our forum will be a significant step towards a more equitable future for Aboriginal children. We are dedicated to co-creating a legacy of progress and positive outcomes.”

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs David Harris said:

“We know that far too many Aboriginal children are in out-of-home care in NSW. This continues the intergenerational trauma associated with the disconnection from Country, culture and kin.

“I look forward to this forum highlighting improvements that can be made to the child protection system, placing Aboriginal families and culture at the heart of policies for the best outcomes for Aboriginal children.”

CEO of Absec John Leha said:

“AbSec commends the minister in taking the initial steps to reforming the NSW child protection system. Self-determination provides the foundation of a reimagined family and child wellbeing service system. A system that invests in families at its earliest point of contact. A system that is accountable to the communities that they serve.

“We understand the strength and resilience of Aboriginal communities. The lived experiences and insights of our people are the foundation of our reform efforts.”

The Opposition has condemned the Minns Labor Government for giving tax breaks to a Sydney casino while slashing cost of living measures and funding for infrastructure and projects.

Shadow Treasurer Damien Tudehope said the Labor Government has ignored the pleas of families and businesses needing cost of living support, while arranging a sweetheart deal for the casino.

“The Minns Government has got its priorities completely wrong. It has simply chosen the gambling industry over families,” Mr Tudehope said.

“They’ve cut active kids, creative kids and first lap programs for families across the state, because of their fictional budget emergency – but can afford to give millions in tax breaks to a casino.”

The Shadow Treasurer said while the casino gets special treatment, NSW businesses were missing out.

“Treasurer Mookhey said that the casino will be allowed to pay “what they can afford”, but no other business in NSW gets the same offer of support.”

“Businesses and families are not the priority of this government and are being left behind by Labor.”

Mr Tudehope raised concerns that this is a pattern of behaviour within the Minns Labor Government of being in bed with the gambling lobby.

“This tax change is just another example of Minns Labor Government’s soft approach to the gaming industry.”

“While Minns has been on a go-slow with protecting NSW from money laundering, he’s been much faster with a tax reduction for the organisation fined hundreds of millions of dollars for this crime.”

“Finally, appointing United Workers Union to oversee agreement between the Government and the casino makes it clear that the Minns Labor Government only cares about looking after unions and gambling,” Mr Tudehope concluded.

Following the Matildas’ heart stopping win over France in the quarter-final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, the NSW Government will open two Sydney stadiums as screening sites to ensure more football fans can cheer on the team in the semi-final.

The Matildas will face England in their knockout clash on Wednesday 16 August at Stadium Australia, kicking off at 8:00pm.

The match is already a sell out and to ensure tens of thousands more fans can watch the match in a community atmosphere, the NSW Government is applying for the rights and access to screen the match at Western Sydney Stadium in Parramatta and Sydney Football Stadium in Moore Park.

Any member of the public can attend. Ticketing and other information will be confirmed tomorrow.

The FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 has sold 1.75 million tickets across the tournament’s 64 games.

Wednesday’s match will also be screened at the FIFA Fan Festival at Tumbalong Park, in Darling Harbour, which has welcomed more than 202,000 attendees throughout the tournament. 

This Wednesday’s match will be the first time the Australian football team has progressed to the semi-final stage of a FIFA Women’s World Cup, with NSW proudly backing the Matildas as they continue on their record-breaking run.

The Sydney Opera House sails will be illuminated green and gold on Wednesday night from 5:50pm, along with other Sydney landmarks, and the NSW Government’s social channels will remain green and gold.

The FIFA Fan Festivallaunch continues to screen every game for free on large screens, along with live performances and street food and will be open from 5:00pm on Wednesday 16 August.

The live broadcast screens in Cathy Freeman Park, outside Stadium Australia, will once again be activated for the Matildas’ game, following the application process.

Public screening events will again be held across Sydney and NSW for this significant FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 game. For more information please visit NSW Office of Sportlaunch.

Fans are encouraged to use public transport to travel to the game, the FIFA Fan Festival and screening sites. Visit transportnsw.infolaunch to plan your trip.
 
Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“The Matildas run at this FIFA World Cup has captured the nation; their quarter-final win was the highest rating TV event since Cathy Freeman’s 400m gold medal run at the Sydney Olympic Games.

“We’re opening up more big screens at Western Sydney Stadium and the Sydney Football Stadium – we want to give NSW every chance to break that viewing record.

“This is a once in a generation moment in Australian sport, and I want as many people as possible to be able to share in the excitement of the match in front of big screens with a community atmosphere.”

Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham said: 

“We are thrilled to be hosting Matildas in their Semi Final match this week.”

“NSW is the epicentre of Matilda’s mania. Both locals and visitors have turned out in unprecedented numbers and the enthusiasm is growing by the minute.”

“This is a defining moment in sport.”

“NSW is so happy to be playing host to such a significant role in hosting this World Cup.”

NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“We have seen an unprecedented amount of support for our Matildas – they have truly captured the hearts of the nation.

“Their heroic performances have seen stadiums and fan sites full, and television records broken.

“One stadium is simply not enough – that’s why we are opening up the Sydney Football Stadium and Western Sydney Stadium, so that NSW can cheer along the Matildas together.”
 
NSW Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“The Matildas have made history and we are all behind them this Wednesday for the Semi Final.”

“This team has not just broken records for women’s sport but have etched an indelible new milestone into the Australian history books.

Winners of the annual Rotary Clubs and Districts of NSW Emergency Services Community Awards (NSW RESCA) were honoured at a ceremony at the Bankstown Sports Club last night, where Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib greeted finalists in what was the ninth anniversary of the community awards.

Seven professional emergency service personnel and volunteers from Fire and Rescue NSW, Marine Rescue NSW, Surf Life Saving NSW, NSW Ambulance, NSW Rural Fire Service, NSW State Emergency Service and VRA Rescue NSW were announced as winners on the night, from a pool of 28 finalists.

The Officer of the Year in a Volunteer Capacity was awarded to Morgan Clarke, Woonona Club Captain, Surf Lifesaving NSW – Wollongong and the Officer of the Year in a Paid Capacity was awarded to Erin Pogmore, Leading Firefighter, Fire & Rescue NSW – Liverpool. 

The two winners will represent NSW at the AUSRESCA (Australian RESCA) ceremony at Government House, Yarralumla, ACT on Friday 20 October 2023.

The winner of the Dorothy Hennessy Order of Australia Medal Emergency Services Youth Scholarship, for volunteers aged between 18 and 25, was also acknowledged on Saturday night, along with three other finalists. Cate Kyling, Junior Captain with Surf Lifesaving NSW based in Coogee, was awarded the $1000 scholarship for career development and further emergency services response training.

The community-nominated awards are an important way of recognising and celebrating the selfless contributions of the state’s emergency services personnel.

The agency and overall winners are:

Fire + Rescue NSW – Winner
Erin Pogmore – Leading Firefighter, Liverpool

Marine Rescue NSW – Winner
Phillip Causley – Coxswain, Ballina

Surf Life Saving NSW – Winner
Morgan Clarke – Woonona Club Captain, Wollongong

VRA Rescue NSW – Winner
Joseph Difalco – Ski Patroller, Thredbo

NSW Ambulance – Winner
Damian Hughes – Chief Superintendent, Associate Director, Goonellabah

NSW Rural Fire Service – Winner
Michaela Anderson – Captain, Shoalhaven communications Brigade, Greenwell Point

NSW State Emergency Service – Winner
Yasmin Jimmieson – Acting Deputy Unit Commander, Armidale 

Dorothy Hennessy OAM Emergency Services Youth Scholarship – Winner
Surf Lifesaving NSW
Cate Kyling – Junior Captain, Coogee SLSC

Overall Officer of the Year in a Volunteer Capacity
Surf Lifesaving NSW
Morgan Clarke – Woonona Club Captain, Wollongong 

Overall Officer of the Year in a Paid Capacity
Fire & Rescue NSW
Erin Pogmore – Leading Firefighter, Liverpool

Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib said:

“It takes someone special to put themselves in the line of danger. Our emergency services volunteers and paid professionals don’t do it for the accolades, but these awards are an important recognition of their contribution and tireless dedication and sacrifice for communities.”

“Our emergency service heroes have been on the frontline during floods, accidents, rescues, and fires. Not only do they keep our communities safe, often in the face of great personal risk, but they contribute in so many other ways and show the very best of human nature.”

“It is a privilege to be the Minister for both our paid and volunteer officers in the Emergency Services portfolio.”

Minister for Health, Ryan Park said:

“All too often, our emergency services personnel attend to us in our most distressing, harrowing and traumatic moments.”

“They keep us calm, they give us first aid, they give us relief, reassurance and assistance.”

“These awards recognise their dedication, professionalism and service to our community.”

Helping people in NSW find a way to cut costs and access financial or other support is set to become easier with the newly created Cost of Living hub.

This NSW Government initiative provides resources and tools to help ease cost-of-living pressures via nsw.gov.au.

People will now be able to access information from more than 80 government and non-government websites in one central place, along with guides and advice on how to save money and where to find various rebates and vouchers.

The Cost of Living hub focuses on seven key areas covering everyday essentials including:

• Food and groceries – ways to save on your weekly food bill and reduce food wastage.
• Housing – NSW Government home-buyer incentives, managing rent increases and mortgage help.
• Energy and utilities – checking eligibility for Energy Bill Relief and gas rebates, reducing power usage to decrease your bills, requesting a payment plan and seeking emergency assistance.
• Managing money – accessing support and advice if you’re experiencing financial hardship, avoiding scams and using a tool to more effectively manage your budget.
• Health – reviewing your private health cover to find a policy that’s right for you and understanding safety nets to access cheaper medicine.
• Families and care – eligibility for the childcare subsidy, finding children’s education and care services to support working parents and affordable help around the home for seniors and older Australians.
• Transport, driving and fuel – tips for finding cheaper fuel, cost-saving driving techniques, transport alternatives and tips for choosing insurance.

The hub content is tailored to provide easy access for everyone so they can find the support that meets their individual circumstances.

View the Cost of Living hub.

Minister for Customer Service Jihad Dib said:

“We know people across NSW are really feeling the pinch when it comes to increasing costs and this is one way we can help. It is an easy-to-use website that connects the community with helpful information and trusted resources to manage everyday expenses.”

“The Cost of Living hub helps people connect to important services and support, giving them access to what they need when they need it the most. It is important the community knows what help is available to them.”

“This site looks at key areas where the community are feeling pressure and will provide cost-cutting advice on everything from fruit and vegetables to managing home related expenses and keeping energy costs down.”

“The hub brings together resources from more than 80 government and not-for-profit websites, making information easier to find and navigate.”

Minister for Energy Penny Sharpe said: 

“This one-stop-shop makes it easier for eligible households to find a rebate that will reduce their power bills, at a time when many are doing it tough.

“Not only does it link people to available rebates, but it also provides advice and tips to help them understand their bills and what they can do to reduce costs.”

“1.6 million eligible low-income households, pensioners, self-funded retirees, families, veterans, carers, and people who use life support equipment will receive $500 to help pay their electricity bills. The Cost of Living hub makes it easier to check you’re getting the support you’re entitled to.”

Vietnam veterans and nurses are sharing their experience in a new exhibition, the Stories of the Dat Do Dogs, 50 years on from the final withdrawal of troops from Vietnam.

Minister for Veterans David Harris was joined by Vietnam veterans, their families, and Australian Defence Force members at the opening of the exhibition at the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park.

“Fifty years ago, on 11 January 1973 Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War officially ended, with the last troops leaving in June 1973. Over 60,000 Australians served our country during the 13-year campaign.” Minister Harris said.

“Sadly, 523 lost their lives with almost 2,400 wounded with all involved carrying the scars and memories that only armed combat can bring.

“That is why this wonderful exhibition is so important. To remember and honour those who served and ensure that their stories and experiences are not forgotten.

“I thank and congratulate those who collaborated on this exhibition particularly Jack McLain, an American special forces veteran of the Afghanistan conflict and the fifty NSW veterans from across from the Army, the Air Force, the Navy and nursing, who so willingly shared their stories with us.” 

Jack McLain turned his passion to photography in 2010, with a keen focus on the medium of wet-plate tintype photographs rather than digital images. This tintype method is the same as that used in the 1860s by US Civil War photographer Mathew Brady, who was one of the first photographers to display the realities of war.

“It was a privilege to spend time with each of the veterans who have featured in this exhibition. Taking the time to meet them, spend time with them and to speak with them and learn of their journey, led to the success of each of the images featured in the exhibition.” Mr McLain said.

Minister Harris added that 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,” Mr Harris said.

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 government is continuing its bid to increase the number of major concerts at Allianz Stadium and this week released the planning modification for public exhibition.

With music superstar Sir Paul McCartney confirming that he’ll play back-to-back concerts at the new $828 million stadium in October, Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said the cap must be lifted so more people can make use of the best new entertainment venue in Australia.

Concerts at Allianz Stadium are estimated to be worth $7 million per night to the NSW economy and create some 1500 direct and indirect jobs. This is in addition to attracting attendees from all over Sydney, NSW and Australia.

Concertgoers are also the biggest users of the public transport network, which is included with any ticketed event at Allianz Stadium and the SCG. In January, more than 70% of attendees at Elton John’s concerts travelled to and from Allianz Stadium on the public transport network.

The planning amendment to the stadium’s State Significant Development Application (SSDA) goes on public exhibition on Saturday 12 August with people invited to have their say. This follows extensive public consultation led by Venues NSW, which reached 35,000 local residents and businesses, through email, phone, letter drops, community engagements and public stalls.

The SSDA includes a concert cap that was first created in the mid-1990s that today restricts the SCG and Allianz Stadium to a maximum of 6 concerts per year, with a 5-year rolling average of 4 concerts a year.

Allianz Stadium is the third venue to sit alongside the Sydney Cricket Ground (est. 1851), adding to the precinct’s history of hosting major sporting and entertainment events, including concerts, major opera spectaculars, motor racing and all manner of sporting events. 

More information and have your say about the concert cap modificationlaunch 

NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“We’ve seen record crowds roll through for the FIFA Women’s World Cup and now is the time to continue the momentum by removing this concert cap and working with all the major concert promoters to bring the biggest and best music artists and shows to Sydney.”

“We need to put the entertainment back into the entertainment precinct.”

“Sir Paul McCartney will play two shows at Allianz Stadium in October, that’s 50% of the stadiums yearly allowance.”

“We need to unlock this stadium, we want to see as many NSW residents as possible enjoying this world class venue.”

NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham said:

“Our goal is to bring live music back to NSW. The state lost half of all music venues over the last decade and we are addressing this.

“There could not be a bigger symbol of where the new government wants to head than lifting the concert cap.”

The NSW Government is doubling the incentives offered to healthcare workers to relocate to remote and rural areas, from $10,000 to $20,000 as part of its commitment to attract and retain more skilled staff in hard to fill and critical roles in regional and rural areas.

Attracting health workers to regional and rural and remote locations is a challenge for all health jurisdictions and governments.

Most regional health districts have nursing shortages, particularly around nurses with emergency skills for smaller facilities.

This was exacerbated by the former governments’ wages cap as well as the pandemic impacts on the health workforce in rural areas.

Workforce and skill shortages are contributing to inequitable health outcomes, which is why it is crucial to grow the workforce in rural, regional and remote areas.

The Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme provides a range of financial and non-financial incentives above typical remuneration packages for candidates in eligible roles and locations.

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

Doubling the incentive to $20,000 for our hardest to fill positions will encourage more workers to take up opportunities in remote communities with critical staff vacancies.

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

Premier Chris Minns said:

“No matter where you live in NSW you should have access to vital services but that isn’t possible without our essential health workers.

“I’m confident that by doubling the incentives on offer, we can attract more health staff to our regions.

“We know there are staffing challenges across the system. It’s why my government is making responsible decisions so that we can ensure when you turn up to a hospital there are health workers there to help.”

Health Minister Ryan Park said:

“I’m confident today’s announcement, together with our recently approved expansion of the Single Employer Model, will result in more clinicians choosing to further their careers in regional NSW.

“I’m determined to tackle some of the key healthcare issues facing our regional communities including prioritising the regional health workforce.”

Residents and visitors have had safe road access restored after the NSW Government completed more than $85,000 in flood repairs on 2 Crown roads in the Ballina and Lismore regions.

Crown Lands invested $60,000 to repair a damaged road and bridge abutment at Coopers Lane West at Main Arm, near Mullumbimby, which were heavily damaged during last year’s floods, restricting vehicle access.

Flooding eroded the road, blocked and damaged drains, and scoured the bridge abutment. Repairs included fixing the road, cleaning out and repairing drains, and reinstating the bridge abutment with rock fill and geotextile fabric.

More than $25,000 has also been invested to repair a flood damaged section of Cawongla Road at Larnook, in the Lismore area. 

Work included filling a gully caused by flooding which made driving conditions unsafe, constructing a new vehicle crossing, cutting approach ramps and batters along the creek, and importing rock to construct a basin to control water flow and protect against erosion.

The projects are part of ongoing work Crown Lands is undertaking across the State in response to the 2022 February flood event.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“Crown roads provide important access links for many regional areas so repairing these roads will deliver immediate benefits for residents and visitors.”

Minister for the North Coast Rose Jackson said:

“Residents on the North Coast have suffered immensely over the past 12 months because of flooding so these are the sorts of community projects that are small in stature but big on impact.”

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said:

“As we continue our long recovery, projects like these are critical in moving the dial and helping our communities get back to normal life.”

Keen local anglers, farmers, land managers and community groups are invited to apply for the latest round of the Habitat Action Grants to see their local waterways flourish with more than $850,000 available, Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty announced today.

Habitat Action Grants are open from 8 August 2023 to 29 September 2023. 

Ms Moriarty said that recreational fishing groups, community organisations, local councils and natural resource managers across the state would have until September 29 to apply for funding for their projects to improve habitat for native fish.

“These grants will see up to $40,000 awarded per project for both our inland waterways and our coastal systems,” Ms Moriarty said.

“The Habitat Action Grant program is a fantastic opportunity to improve your local creek, river, estuary or surrounding area to promote healthy waterways and to encourage more native fish, naturally.

“I encourage as many submissions as possible – so we can improve fish habitat to give our local fishers some great opportunities to make a difference in their area.

“As locals, you know your waterways better than anyone, so it’s time to float your ideas and come up with some fantastic ways to enhance our aquatic environments. We are particularly interested in your concepts for rehabilitating Trout cod and their freshwater habitats.”

Habitat Action Grants are supported by the Recreational Fishing Trusts, with funds being raised by the NSW Recreational Fishing Fees.

“This is your opportunity to put your recreational fishing fees to work to make more fish”

In the past, habitat rehabilitation projects which have been funded have included:

• removal or modification of barriers to fish passage
• rehabilitation of riparian lands (riverbanks, wetlands, mangrove forests, saltmarsh)
• re-snagging waterways with timber structure
• the removal of exotic vegetation from waterways and replacement with native plants
• bank stabilisation works
• fencing to exclude livestock.

“There are some long-term benefits for completing this work and ultimately, it’s about making sure we have functional fish habitat and happy native fish here in NSW.”

Since 2009, the Recreational Fishing Trusts have invested nearly $8 million into the Habitat Action Grants program, seeing significant improvement to fish habitat across NSW.

Find out more about applying for the Habitat Action Grantslaunch