Lismore flood recovery hits major milestone

Lismore’s long-term recovery from the devastating floods of early 2022 has taken an important step forward, with a contract awarded to a joint venture between CMC Group and JF Hull Holdings for the region’s largest road restoration package.

The major construction contract will enable critical repairs to restore roads from more than 60 landslips, improving reliability and reconnecting towns.

This marks a key milestone in restoring essential transport links across the Lismore region, with more than 50 road and transport infrastructure projects already completed, and almost 140 other projects currently in progress or under development.

Some projects have experienced delays or faced further damage due to the severe weather brought by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred in March 2025.

Work will be staggered over three years to reduce impacts on local communities and make full use of a locally based workforce from the Lismore local government area.

Jointly funded by the Commonwealth and NSW Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), the permanent repairs are now underway, with the reconstruction projects giving communities confidence in the safety, reliability, and resilience of their roads for decades to come.

Additionally, close to $17 million in new funding is being provided to Lismore City Council to help restore its road infrastructure and make it more resilient against future flooding.

Through the Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Package (RRTRP) and Essential Public Asset Reconstruction funding under the DRFA, several causeways across the region will be replaced to withstand future floods and improve road resilience.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain:

“This contract is an important step in Lismore’s recovery journey, delivering critical repairs that the community has been waiting for since the 2022 floods.

“By investing in resilience, we are not just fixing what is broken – but we’re building back better to protect local residents from future flood events.

“The focus on local workforce and staged construction outlines the commitment from the Australian and New South Wales Governments to support the Lismore region’s economic and overall recovery whilst minimising disruption to residents.

“I would like to commend everyone that has been affected by the devastating natural disasters that have impacted the Lismore community for their strength, resilience and commitment to supporting each other in getting through difficult times.”

Minister for Recovery and North Coast and State Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin:

“The Lismore region is getting its old mojo back, as we step up our rebuild with some great new developments.

“Our mission as we build back and emerge from recovery is to be improving the resilience of our infrastructure as we go.

“This announcement means we can invest in our roads so that they are better able to withstand the weather events of the future.”

Minister for Roads and Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison:

“The Minns Labor Government has quadrupled disaster recovery funding, from $190 million a year under the previous government, to an average of more than $800 million a year.

“We know landslips across the Lismore local government area had a massive impact on residents immediately after the flood and this contract to repair a further 60 landslips will keep up the momentum for action.

“Our objective has been to speed up support to councils dealing with disaster damaged roads.

“Together with the Albanese Labor Government, the vital $2.2 million investment under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements is rebuilding and reconnecting the Lismore community.”

Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg:

“We’ve come a long way already and there’s still more work to do. These projects will reconnect villages and support our local economy.

“Lismore is not just rebuilding – we are rising.”

Medibus brings specialist diabetes care to Forster and Taree

Access to holistic diabetes care is set to improve for Lower Mid North Coast communities with the new Diabetes Alliance Program Plus (DAP+) Medibus visiting Forster and Taree this week.

The custom-built Medibus is a fully equipped mobile health clinic which brings a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including an endocrinologist, diabetes educator, Aboriginal health worker, and podiatrist.

The clinical team will support patients directly and up-skill local general practitioners (GPs), nurses, and allied health professionals to provide gold-standard diabetes care within the primary care sector.

Diabetes remains one of the most critical health challenges for the Hunter and New England region, with an estimated one in eight people living with the condition, and many more undiagnosed.

If left unmanaged, diabetes can result in serious complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, blindness, amputations, and premature death.

Diabetes disproportionately impacts those living in low socio-economic communities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, who are three times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.

The service is fully booked for this visit, however the Medibus will return to the Lower Mid North Coast in November. Access to the Medibus is via your GP or a local healthcare provider.

The Medibus is an initiative of the Diabetes Alliance Program Plus (DAP+), first established in 2015 by Hunter New England Local Health District and the Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network.

In 2023, a five-year, $12.4 million donation from the Colonial Foundation enabled the program to expand. This included welcoming new partners, including the Hunter Medical Research Institute and the University of Newcastle, to lead innovative research and evaluate the program’s impact on patient outcomes and the broader health system.

Further information can be found on the dapplus.org website.

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:

“The DAP+ MediBus is exactly the kind of healthcare innovation our regional communities need.

“By bringing specialist diabetes care close to people’s home we are ensuring everyone, regardless of where they live, can access the support and care they need to manage diabetes.

“Everyone deserves equitable access to expert, evidence-based health care. This initiative is delivering tailored, best practice diabetes management directly to regional communities and I’m proud to see the mobile clinic visiting Forster and Taree locals this week.”

Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley:

“When we announced the Medibus rollout across the Hunter earlier this year, I was excited to see lifesaving healthcare travelling to people who might otherwise struggle to access the support they need.

“Our goal is to make it easier for people to get the care they need without the stress or burden of travelling long distances, especially in regional and rural areas.

“Diabetes can lead to serious complications, so we’re making it easier for people to seek help early. We’re looking forward to seeing the Medibus reach even more communities across the Hunter later this year.”

Labor spokesperson for Myall Lakes, Emily Suvaal:

“I’m very happy to see the Medibus visiting our area and bringing expert, evidence-based diabetes care to those who need it most.

“Diabetes is a significant health challenge for many people in our region, and timely access to care is vital.”

Hunter New England Local Health District, DAP+ Implementation Manager, Morag Joseph:

“Our aim is to increase awareness of diabetes and work alongside local health professionals in Forster and Taree, so that patients can receive the best possible care, now and into the future.”

Fostering Innovation Sponsorship Program to provide a ‘Remarkable’ boost to collaboration across the innovation ecosystem

Remarkable, an initiative of the Cerebral Palsy Alliance aimed at empowering Disability Tech innovators, is just one of 13 organisations the Minns Labor Government will support as part of the latest round of the Fostering Innovation Sponsorship Program.

$400,000 in funding will go towards delivering a range of innovation-themed events and initiatives over the coming months including pitch nights, hackathons, and tech summits, as well as projects that have the potential to lead to the creation of new businesses and attract investment in target areas.

The first of these initiatives will take place tonight with a UNSW Founders Pitch night in Southwest Sydney.

Other initiatives will follow all over the state, with a report and forum zeroing-in on the gender funding gap hosted at Tech Central, a medtech and health innovation workshop in Wagga Wagga, and the Remarkable Disability Tech Summit 2025 at Sydney Town Hall.

The Fostering Innovation Sponsorship Program boosts collaboration and partnerships across the innovation ecosystem, delivering a key action in the Innovation Blueprint 2035, with the latest funding round delivering a diverse mix of activities across Sydney and regional NSW.

Applications opened earlier this year, with a record number received.

In line with the Minns Labor Government’s strategic, whole-of-government approach to its Industry and Innovation policy frameworks, the Fostering Innovation Sponsorship Program supported initiatives that aligned with the Innovation Blueprint 2035, along with the Housing, Net Zero and Local Manufacturing priorities of the NSW Industry Policy.

This consistent strategic vision demonstrates how the Minns Labor Government is committed to building a better NSW with a thriving innovation ecosystem, so businesses can create more economic and social opportunities for our people and help tackle the state’s most important challenges. 

For more information on the Fostering Innovation Sponsorship Program visit the Fostering Innovation Sponsorship Program web page. 

Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“Innovation in tech, housing, and manufacturing is one of the top priorities of the Minns Labor Government.

“Collaboration is key to delivering a more prosperous innovation ecosystem, and through the Fostering Innovation Sponsorship Program, we’re ensuring entrepreneurs and startups at various stages of growth can connect, learn, and develop.

“Our strongest assets are our people, and it’s through collaborative initiatives where ideas flourish, and connections and partnerships are made.

“This is another step the Minns Labor Government is taking to bring our Innovation Blueprint to life which is helping to cement NSW as the innovation powerhouse of the nation.”

Remarkable (Cerebral Palsy Alliance) Founder Pete Horsley said:

“The Remarkable Disability Tech Summit 2025 represents a pivotal moment where we can lead the world in ensuring AI and emerging technologies are designed inclusively from the ground up.

“With over 1 billion people globally needing assistive technology and less than 10% having access to what they need, we’re not just talking about closing gaps – we’re talking about unlocking a US$1.9 trillion opportunity for innovation and economic growth.

“Remarkable is part of the Cerebral Palsy Alliance and with Investment NSW’s support through the Fostering Innovation Sponsorship Program, we’re bringing together the global tech leaders, researchers, and decision-makers to actively re-wire the future of disability tech.”

UNSW Founders Program Manager Julie Pham said:

“We are grateful for the support provided by the Fostering Innovation Sponsorship Program.

“This funding enables us to expand Pitch Night South West supporting diverse, early-stage founders in one of the state’s most dynamic growth regions – and deliver the MedTech Innovation Workshop in Wagga Wagga to help regional innovators translate ideas into real-world health solutions.

“Investment NSW’s commitment to backing diverse and regionally focused innovation is instrumental in strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem across NSW.”

Fostering Innovation Sponsorship Program – Round 3 Recipients

Four NSW Stars Named in Australian 21/U Team for Netball World Youth Cup

Netball NSW is celebrating the selection of four of its brightest young stars in the Australian 21/U Team to contest the 2025 Netball World Youth Cup, announced today by Netball Australia.

Named in the 12-strong national team are Frederika Schneideman (NSW Swifts Training Partner), Hope White (GIANTS Netball), and Grace Whyte (NSW Swifts), who will all make their debut wearing the green and gold for Australia, along with reserve Monika ‘Otai (GIANTS Netball).

Netball NSW General Manager of Performance and Pathways, Mardi Aplin, said the selection was a proud moment for the state.

“To have four athletes in this team – each with such unique journeys – is a credit to their hard work and to the strength of our pathway. We’re thrilled to see them take on the world stage and know they’ll inspire the next generation back home.”

Frederika “Freddie” Schneideman – GD/GK
A Randwick junior, Schneideman rose through the Netball NSW Pathway and QBE Swifts Academy, starring for ERNA Hawks in Premier League. She was named MVP at the 2024 19/U National Netball Championships, which NSW won, and gained her first Suncorp Super Netball experience in 2025 as a Temporary Replacement Player for the Swifts.

“She is a formidable defence who reads the game perfectly. After an amazing performance in 2024 at the National Netball tournament she was awarded player of the tournament and has always been nationally identified as an underage athlete,” said Aplin.

Hope White – WA/C
Originally from Maitland, White developed her game playing at Newcastle Netball Association. She is a GIANTS Academy product whose sharp playmaking earned her a spot as a permanent replacement player in 2025. She was named MVP of the 2024 19/U National Championships Grand Final at only 17 and has impressed at both state and Super Netball level with her dynamic attacking game.

“This year she was elevated into a full-time contract with the Giants. She’s a really strong and dynamic mid-court wing attack and her vision into the circle is next-level. The commitment, dedication and endless hours driving to Sydney for training has been rewarded with this selection,” Aplin said.

Grace Whyte – GA/WA
Hailing from Tumut in the Riverina, Whyte’s talent was first spotted at a 17/U regional trial in Wagga Wagga. A dual basketball and netball representative for NSW as a teenager, she joined the QBE Swifts Academy in 2022, debuting for the Swifts in 2024, to then be selected as the 11th player the following year and becoming a regular during the season. Her rise has been marked by flair, athleticism and a competitive edge that saw her win multiple national tournament MVP awards.

“I saw Grace out at a regional trial for 17U state team in Wagga Wagga,” recalls Aplin. “She was this really amazing athlete with lots of flair.

Monika ‘Otai – GS/GA (Reserve)
A Tongan heritage shooter and GIANTS Academy graduate, ‘Otai is regarded as one of Australian netball’s most exciting young prospects. After starring in 2024 as a first-time training partner, she toured Fiji with the Australian 21/U squad in preparation for the World Youth Cup.

“Monika is an amazing athlete that is strong under the post and her movement and long range shot sets her apart from others. A St George District junior, she has been captain of multiple teams, and made her debut for Giants this year,” Aplin said.

Australia will head to Gibraltar in September aiming to reclaim the world title in a tournament featuring 20 nations over ten days. The 2025 Netball World Youth Cup will run from Friday 19 to Sunday 28 September 2025.

THREE LANES NOW OPEN ON PART OF HEXHAM STRAIGHT, REDUCING CONGESTION ON A CRITICAL HUNTER CORRIDOR

Hunter motorists are getting a taste of the future, with the first widened section on the Hexham Straight now open to traffic with three lanes in each direction.

The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are collectively investing $2.2 billion in the M1 to Raymond Terrace extension and the Hexham Straight Widening to reduce congestion and improve safety for all road users.

The Australian Government is contributing over $1.79 billion towards the project, with the NSW Government contributing $448 million.

Motorists turning left onto Maitland Road from the Newcastle Inner City Bypass are now benefiting from an additional lane for about 650 metres, including an extension to the turning lane from the bypass.

There is also an additional lane for inbound traffic on Maitland Road from about 650 metres north of the bypass, including more space for traffic turning right onto the Newcastle Inner City Bypass.

The latest works also include an upgrade to the traffic lights at the intersection of the Newcastle Inner City Bypass and Old Maitland Road, while the U-turn facility there is also complete.

In addition, a new pedestrian crossing and bus stops in front of St Joseph’s Calvary Aged Care will also be put in place.

When complete, the Hexham Straight will comprise three lanes in each direction for its entire six-kilometre length, from the Newcastle Inner City Bypass to Hexham Bridge.

This will deliver more reliable travel times for freight and improve safety for all road users, including cyclists and pedestrians.

The project is expected to open to traffic in 2026. `

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

“This is a significant milestone for the Hexham Straight Widening project, with motorists getting access to three lanes in each direction, even if only for part of the journey.

“This is a taste of things to come, with the project still on track to be completed and open to traffic in 2026.

“The Australian Government is getting on with the job of delivering for the Hunter, not only through this project but also the broader M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace, the Singleton Bypass, and plans for the Muswellbrook Bypass and the westbound flyover at Maitland.”

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon:

“This is a milestone moment for our region and the more than 50,000 motorists who travel this stretch of road every single day.

“For too long, Hexham straight has been a notorious bottleneck. Today, we are opening the first stage of a safer, smoother, and more efficient journey for commuters.

“This project is a great example of how government investment in infrastructure can change lives and support local economies – reducing congestion, cutting travel times, boosting road safety, and unlocking freight routes.

“I am proud to be part of an Albanese Labor Government that is delivering the infrastructure that Novocastrians deserve.”

State Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley:

“The Hunter is the economic powerhouse of NSW, and this project demonstrates our government’s commitment to ensuring our region has the world-class infrastructure it deserves.

“The Hexham Straight is a vital link in our broader Hunter transport network, connecting our growing residential areas with major employment hubs, the Port of Newcastle, and key industrial precincts.

“This $2.2 billion investment shows what can be achieved when governments work together with a shared vision for the Hunter’s future.”

State Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison:

“The Hexham Straight Widening is part of a suite of road projects that are transforming the Hunter road network.

“This project will help thousands of people get where they’re going more quickly and easily, helping improve their quality of life and underpinning economic growth.

“The Minns and Albanese Governments are working together to deliver infrastructure that will meet the needs of the community and motorists now and into the future.”

State Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp:

“Maitland Road is a vital local artery that’s used by about 50,000 vehicles each day.

“This project will reduce congestion and improve journey times and safety for all road users, including local businesses and freight operators travelling to and from the Port of Newcastle.

“Congratulations must go to Transport for NSW and contractors – SMEC, Georgiou and Daracon – for their great work on the project to date.”

State Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery:

“This is fantastic news for residents in Wallsend and across the Hunter who rely on this busy corridor every day to get to work, school and essential services.

“The opening of the first widened section shows real progress on a project that will transform how people move around our region.

“With 50,000 vehicles using this stretch daily, these improvements will make a meaningful difference to families in Wallsend who depend on reliable transport connections to Newcastle and beyond

Australia and PNG continue to strengthen defence cooperation

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles has concluded his visit to Papua New Guinea with the official opening His Majesty’s Papua New Guinea Naval Base (HMPNGS) Tarangau – reflecting the growing defence cooperation and interoperability between our two countries.

HMPNGS Tarangau, also known as the Lombrum Naval Base, is the largest security infrastructure project delivered by Australia in the Pacific and will enable the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) to grow and develop its sovereign capabilities, and respond to PNG’s security priorities.

Delivered under the Lombrum Joint Initiative, the new naval base includes:

  • Working and living accommodation for the PNGDF;
  • A medical centre that will serve the base and local community;
  • Water and sewerage services to supply the base;
  • Upgraded maritime infrastructure, including barge landing ramps;
  • Office infrastructure, including a guard house and headquarters building; and
  • Combined mess facilities, able to accommodate around 200 sailors and officers.

The completion of HMPNGS Tarangau will also provide further opportunities for Australia and PNG to increase interoperability and cooperation through joint training, exercises and ship visits.

During his visit to PNG, the Deputy Prime Minister also handed over 12 up-armoured LandCruisers to the Papua New Guinea Defence Force.

These lightweight vehicles will allow PNGDF personnel to move securely and respond with agility across diverse terrain, further enhancing PNG’s ability to respond to domestic security challenges.

Our defence cooperation with PNG is stronger than ever – underpinned by our shared history and future and our strategic trust as neighbours, partners and friends.

This visit comes just one week after the conclusion of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025, which marked the first time a component of the Exercise was held outside Australia, in Papua New Guinea.

Australia and PNG are further strengthening ties through the ongoing negotiation of a defence treaty, announced by the Deputy Prime Minister and Papua New Guinea Minister for Defense, Dr Billy Joseph, in February 2025.

Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles:

“Australia is committed to partnering with Papua New Guinea to build their sovereign capabilities and enable them to respond to their own security needs.

“Our shared geography and history interests make Papua New Guinea and Australia natural partners, and Australia is pleased to see this partnership growing even further in 2025. 

“The Australian Defence Force and Papua New Guinea Defence Force continue to work together to enhance the interoperability between our two countries, respond to our shared strategic challenges in support of a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.”  

Joint statement on the humanitarian situation in Gaza

The humanitarian suffering in Gaza has reached unimaginable levels. Famine is unfolding before our eyes. Urgent action is needed now to halt and reverse starvation. Humanitarian space must be protected, and aid should never be politicised.

However, due to restrictive new registration requirements, essential international NGOs may be forced to leave the OPTs imminently which would worsen the humanitarian situation still further. We call on the government of Israel to provide authorisation for all international NGO aid shipments and to unblock essential humanitarian actors from operating. Immediate, permanent and concrete steps must be taken to facilitate safe, large-scale access for the UN, international NGOs and humanitarian partners. All crossings and routes must be used to allow a flood of aid into Gaza, including food, nutrition supplies, shelter, fuel, clean water, medicine and medical equipment. Lethal force must not be used at distribution sites, and civilians, humanitarians and medical workers must be protected.

We are grateful to the US, Qatar and Egypt for their efforts in pushing for a ceasefire and pursuing peace. We need a ceasefire that can end the war, for hostages to be released and aid to enter Gaza by land unhindered.

This statement has been signed by:

The Foreign Ministers of Australia, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK.

The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, the EU Commissioner for the Mediterranean and the EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management.

The Question of a Palestinian State

The Coalition has serious concerns about the Albanese Government’s decision to unilaterally recognise a Palestinian state outside of a proper peace and two-state process.

This decision, at this time, puts Australia at odds with the United States of America, our most important ally, and the most consequential player in the conflict in Gaza.

The United States will have an essential role to play in brokering a viable peace process and establishing a sustainable Palestinian state. It is critical to note that the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that decisions to recognise a Palestinian state ahead of a proper peace process scuttled ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas.

Until today it has been a bipartisan position that the question of recognising Palestinian statehood should come at the end of the peace negotiation process, not at the start or during it.

Until today it was a bipartisan position that there should be no recognition of a Palestinian state with Hamas still in control of Gaza.

Despite his words today the reality is Anthony Albanese has committed Australia to recognising Palestine while hostages remain in tunnels under Gaza and with Hamas still in control of the population of Gaza. Nothing he has said today changes that fact.

Recognising a Palestinian state prior to a return of the hostages and defeat of Hamas, as the Government has today, risks delivering Hamas one of its strategic objectives of the horrific terrorism of October 7.

Australians all want the war in Gaza to end. Ending this war is the only way to save lives and safeguard a two-state solution. The clear advice of our most important ally is this decision will not expedite that outcome.

As it stands today the decision by the Albanese Government does not appear to make the world a safer place, expedite the end of the conflict, deliver a two-state solution, see the free flow of aid, support the release of hostages or put an end to the terrorist group Hamas.

Youth take a seat in Council Chambers for Local Government Week

Students from seven high schools across Newcastle were given a chance to go behind the scenes to get a taste of life on the elected Council as part of Local Government Week. 

The next generation of civic leaders took part in City of Newcastle’s annual Youth Mock Council event, which was held 6-7 August as part of an education initiative designed to amplify young voices and deepen their understanding of how they can contribute to their communities. 

Hosted by the Youth Council Standing Committee and supported by City of Newcastle, the program offers young people an authentic glimpse into local government, from understanding Council processes to debating the issues that matter most to them. 

Over two days, students participated in workshops alongside current Councillors, learned from inspiring keynote speakers, and collaborated in small teams to draft Notices of Motion – the formal mechanism Councillors use to propose solutions to local issues. 

The program culminated in a simulated Council meeting within the historic City Hall Chambers, where students presented their motions, honed their public speaking skills, and engaged in spirited debate, all before an audience of real Councillors and peers. 

The Youth Mock Council goes beyond role-playing. Last year’s Youth Mock Council motion to create a new youth centre has since been endorsed by Council in October 2024 and led to tangible action, with the Youth Council Standing Committee now investigating options for its implementation. 

Council confirms decision on Rising Tide event

The elected Council has voted to approve an amended motion to allow Rising Tide’s application to use community land for its People’s Blockade event in November.  

Councillors voted at tonight’s Extraordinary Council Meeting to endorse an event authorisation for Camp Shortland and in-principle support for Foreshore Park, pending public notification and a requirement for a Form 1 from NSW Police consistent with the event licence application. 

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

The application included the erection of temporary structures, amusement rides, live performances and amplified sound at both Camp Shortland and Richardson Park, along with the provision for camping at the Hamilton North site. 

City of Newcastle manages community land on the behalf of the NSW Government and licences events in line with the Local Government Act. Public notice is required for events that occupy community land for longer than three consecutive days. 

A total of 1,855 submissions were received by City of Newcastle during the public notice period, which were submitted through the formal Have Your Say online portal, along with paper and email correspondence.  

A subsequent request was received from Rising Tide to amend their application to transfer the activities at Richardson Park to Foreshore Park. 

Lord Mayor Dr Ross Kerridge called an Extraordinary Council Meeting to ensure the proposed use of community land by Rising Tide could be considered and debated by Council.