Category: NSW News

More than 5100 patients have received free dental care at the Campbelltown Hospital’s Dental Centre since it launched 15 months ago.

The new dental centre means more eligible people in Campbelltown, Camden, Bankstown, Fairfield, Liverpool, Wingecarribee and Wollondilly can access public emergency, general and specialist oral health services closer to home.

Over the past year, the 20-chair clinic has provided 276 patients with specialist treatment and a further 5103 patients with emergency and general treatment.

NSW Health Minister Ryan Park joined Member for Campbelltown Greg Warren and Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant for a tour of the flagship oral health facility to mark Dental Health Week.

“This is an invaluable service which delivers state-of-the-art dental care closer to home for those who need it most,” Mr Park said.

“We know that poor oral health is linked to a multitude of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes, which is why a world-class dental clinic like this one is so important to the community of south-west Sydney.”

Member for Campbelltown Greg Warren said the dental clinic was a huge boost to healthcare services in the south-west Sydney region.

“Prior to these specialist dental services being available at Campbelltown Hospital, patients were referred and required to travel to tertiary centres outside South Western Sydney,” Mr Warren said.

Dr Chant said NSW Health is committed to reducing dental disease and supporting equitable access to oral health care for all people across NSW.

“I’m pleased to be here to tour this new facility, which is also a major teaching centre, providing clinical training for the next generation of oral health clinicians,” Dr Chant said.

South Western Sydney Local Health District Chief Executive Amanda Larkin said the new centre is already improving patient experiences and reducing wait times.

“We are incredibly proud to receive such fantastic wait time results for dental services,” Ms Larkin said.

“The hospital and all of South Western Sydney Local Health District is committed to providing timely and high-quality dental services to those eligible for public health dental services in south western Sydney.”

All patients accessing the dental service in the South Western Sydney Local Health District waited less than the maximum recommended waiting time for their treatment.

The centre’s scope of services includes treatment for patients with special needs, paediatric dentistry and oral surgery.

This year’s Dental Health Weeklaunch (7–13 August) focusses on the link between oral health and chronic disease such as heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, adverse pregnancy outcomes, lung conditions and inflammatory bowel disease.

Record-breaking attendance and global viewership of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023^TM have seen leading figures in Australian sport and business come together today to establish a ‘Winning Playbook’ – the roadmap to guide the continued growth and development of women’s sport.

Hosted by the NSW Government and Football Australia, The Winning Playbook looked at key trends driving innovation in women’s sport, set against the backdrop of the remarkably successful FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.

Speakers included FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura, a trailblazer for women’s football who has overseen unprecedented growth in the sport, Jill Ellis, President, San Diego Wave and two-time World Cup champion coach, U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team and James Johnson, Football Australia CEO who masterminded Australia’s successful bid for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.

The event was an initiative of the NSW Football Legacy Program which is overseeing the investment of $10 million by the NSW Government in football as a legacy of NSW hosting matches at the tournament.

NSW Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 has not only showcased the beautiful game, it has turbo-charged women’s sport.

“There is so much to learn from this pivotal moment to allow us to unlock the potential for women’s and girl’s sport.

“The NSW Government recognises the importance of World Cups on home soil to increasing the visibility, engagement and support for women’s sport.

“The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 has delivered on this promise, and today is about coming up with a game plan to keep future generations of girls loving and playing sport.”

NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“The rise of women’s football has been remarkable, with exponential growth in participation, record breaking attendances and increased investment.

“With more than 1.7 million tickets sold, Australian football fans are revelling in the highs, lows and excitement of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.

“While the tournament has established a new benchmark for FIFA Women’s World Cups, the NSW Government is also committed to ensuring it leaves a positive legacy for women and girls through sport and that’s what The Winning Playbook is aiming to achieve today.”

FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura said:

“Accelerating the growth and development of women’s football on and off the pitch is a top priority for FIFA. Since 2018, FIFA has invested significant time and resources into reforming competitions, enhancing the game’s commercial value, modernising women’s development programmes, and enhancing the professionalisation of the sport.

“Through this record-breaking FIFA Women’s World Cup, it has been thrilling to witness our strategies and investments, as well as those of our co- host countries and participating member associations, take women’s football to a whole new level. The new standards and benchmarks we have set at this truly special tournament will be felt for generations to come.”

President, San Diego Wave and two-time World Cup champion coach, U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team Jill Ellis said:

“Success in sport, as in any field, requires passion, dedication, and a shared vision. This World Cup has demonstrated that women’s football has the power to unite, inspire, and pave the way for a brighter future for the sport. We must keep this momentum going, make sure our efforts do not end with the final whistle. This is just the beginning.”

Football Australian CEO James Johnson said:

“The FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 has been a turning point for women’s football in Australia. The energy and engagement we’ve seen around this event has been truly transformative. However, our journey does not end here. Through collaborative efforts with stakeholders at all levels of the game, we are committed to harnessing this energy to provide sustainable growth, inclusivity, and opportunity for women’s sport in Australia. The Winning Playbook will ensure we stay focused and united in achieving these goals.”

Applications are now open for fishing fun and activities as part of the annual Gone Fishing Day, Minister for Agriculture, Regional NSW and Western NSW Tara Moriarty said today.

“Mark 8 October 2023 in your calendar as NSW Gone Fishing Day is on again! It doesn’t matter if you haven’t fished before or if you’re the keenest of anglers, Gone Fishing Day is for everyone!” Minister Moriarty said.

“Clubs and organisations are encouraged to host their own event and can apply for a Gone Fishing Day package which includes rod and reel sets to assist with your event, some giveaways/prizes and advisory information. 

“Grant funding of up to $2,000 is also available for clubs to help run their events. 

“Recreational fishing clubs and organisations are encouraged to apply for a package or grant to host fishing activities such as casting and fishing workshops and information sessions on Gone Fishing Day.

“The grants can be used to purchase fishing gear, bait, food and soft drinks and equipment hire etc.

“Activities to restore fish habitat, through replanting and/or weeding creek banks, on Gone Fishing Day are also eligible to apply.

“Free community fishing events will also be hosted by DPI across NSW to celebrate our love of fishing and encourage everyone to get out on the water.”

Minister Moriarty said Gone Fishing Daylaunch is a great way for the state’s one million fishers to connect and introduce their friends and family to their valued pastime.

“It doesn’t matter if you haven’t fished before or if you’re the keenest of anglers, Gone Fishing Day is for everyone. I’ll see you there!” Minister Moriarty said.

DPI event locations will be announced over the coming months. 

Find out more about application forms and grant funding guidelineslaunch. Grant applications close 8 September 2023. 

Gone Fishing Day is run in collaboration with the Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation. 

Activities in NSW are supported from the Recreational Fishing Trusts and NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSWDPI).

The Minister for Natural Resources, Courtney Houssos, the Minister for Energy, Penny Sharpe, and the Mayor of Cessnock, Jay Suvaal, on Tuesday hosted a Roundtable as the NSW Government begins establishing Future Jobs & Investment Authorities in coal-producing regions.

New authorities will be established in the Hunter, Illawarra, Central West and North West to create jobs, where necessary re-skill workers and advance economic diversification. This is a key priority for the Minns Labor Government.

The authorities will work with the Commonwealth Government’s Net Zero Authority to support workers, industries and communities to seize transformational opportunities. The NSW Government is also considering how they will work with existing Royalties for Rejuvenation Regional Expert Panels.

More than 60 stakeholders from mining companies, unions, energy producers, industry groups and universities joined Tuesday’s meeting in Cessnock to provide their insights, share their perspectives on how the authorities should operate, and discuss the region’s core priorities.

The Roundtable is an important first step to creating the authorities and will be followed up with further discussions in the Hunter, as well as stakeholder roundtables across the state.

During the meeting, participants spoke of a commitment to work together to create opportunities to secure a strong future for the Hunter Region.

Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos said:

“It is vital we consult with workers and industry to better understand what support they will need. We want to ensure no-one gets left behind and that they are well prepared for the opportunities in the future.

“We only have one chance to put in place the right structures, policies and supports for communities to flourish in the post-coal era. The Minns Labor Government is committed to getting it right.

“We know our future productivity will rely on the economic diversification and workforce planning that we do now. That’s why we are working with local stakeholders to identify ways we can help workers and their families in mining regions prepare for a strong future.

“We recognise there is strong interest to explore how new industries can develop on mined land following mine closures.There is a great deal of energy and good will to make this happen and it was great to hear such a wide range of views as to how we can support these new economic opportunities.”

Minister for Energy Penny Sharpe said:

“The coal sector in NSW is changing. It is vital we work with coal communities to take action now to ensure NSW’s economy and these communities continue to grow and prosper.”

“We are committed to collaborating with local communities, industry and workers to develop bespoke plans which prioritise future industry and workforce needs.

“We know there is already substantial work underway and clever ideas being generated from the Hunter, and so it’s timely that the NSW Government listens and learns from our important Hunter stakeholders to bring together and build on what has already been done.”

Mayor of Cessnock Jay Suvaal said:

“The government’s work to promote economic diversification requires a sustained and authentic local engagement, and hosting the first Roundtable in Cessnock shows how serious the NSW Government is about getting this right.

“This is about supporting our communities, and supporting our workers and their families, while ensuring they have every opportunity as the area moves towards new and emerging industries.”

BHP NSW Energy Coal Vice President Adam Lancey said:

“We welcome the opportunity to consult on the creation of the authorities and look forward to future engagement around how we can work together towards a brighter future.

“We are currently exploring what might be possible when mining ends at Mt Arthur Coal so we can leave a positive legacy in the Hunter Valley.”

MEU Northern Mining and NSW Energy District President Robin Williams said:

“The mining and energy industries in the Hunter have made the region an economic powerhouse for NSW, but our economy is changing which has real implications for regional jobs in the years and decades ahead.

“I commend the NSW Government for bringing stakeholders together for a practical discussion about the investment we will need to ensure Hunter residents can continue to access quality, skilled jobs and the region has a bright future.”

Shadow Minister for Health Matt Kean has declared the Government’s latest union pay ‘deal’ nothing more than a band-aid solution that will lead to more budget blowouts and industrial action, calling on Chris Minns to come clean on the true cost of their public sector pay rises. 

“Labor are running around patting themselves on the back while nurses and midwives warn that this is merely a ‘ceasefire’ in their fight for a pay rise that exceeds the rate of inflation,” Mr Kean said.

“Nurses and midwives have every right to feel dudded by Chris Minns, who before the election promised huge pay increases, and now has walked away from keeping this promise. The fact that only 58% of members voted for this ‘deal’ shows there are still major problems before the Minns Labor Government.”

It was reported today that NSW Nurses and Midwives Association is set to continue campaigning for a pay rise that is “at least more than inflation”.

“The chickens are coming home to roost for Chris Minns, who’s quickly realising that he has to keep his word and come true on his election commitments. We don’t know how much a pay rise in excess of inflation would cost, and Chris Minns is refusing to be upfront and honest about the impact on the Budget, or how he’ll pay for these pay rises,” Mr Kean said. 

“Before the election Chris Minns said any pay increases would be paid for by productivity gains, now we know that this was a lie and that the cost to the Budget is in excess of $3 billion and rising.”

“That’s why Chris Minns and his ministers are looking to cut essential cost of living support, limit energy relief and delay or cancel vital infrastructure projects across NSW.”

Health Services Union paramedics have also walked away from negotiations over Government’s pay offer, last week announcing that members would refuse to be on standby at some major sporting events.

“This is a health crisis of Chris Minns’ own making, he should spend less time trying to spin his way out of this mess on social media, sit down with paramedics, nurses and midwives and be true to his word,” Mr Kean concluded.

The NSW Government is seeking feedback on a proposed amendment to the Kosciuszko National Park Wild Horse Heritage Management Plan. The proposed amendment would allow aerial shooting as an additional option for the control of wild horses alongside the existing methods such as trapping and rehoming, and ground shooting.

Kosciuszko National Park’s ecosystems are under threat. There is widespread recognition of the urgent need to reduce numbers of wild horses to protect more than 30 native threatened species.

These include the critically endangered southern and northern corroboree frogs, the endangered mountain pygmy possum, the endangered Guthega skink and she-oak skink, the vulnerable broad-toothed rat, the critically endangered Kelton’s leek orchid and blue-tongued greenhood, and the critically endangered fish stocky galaxias. Wild horses also erode and compact soil and reduce water quality in streams and wetlands.

Under the current plan, the NSW Government is legally required to reduce the wild horse population to 3000 in 32% of the park by 30 June 2027. However, the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will not be able to meet that target using only the existing control methods.

The most recent count of wild horses in the park using global best practice and peer-reviewed methodology estimated there are between 14,501 and 23,535 horses across the park.

The ability to conduct aerial shooting as a control method, consistent with the highest animal welfare standards, could be an important addition to current techniques to reduce the wild horse population.

The community is encouraged to provide input on the proposed amendment until 11 September 2023. A final decision will not be made until all feedback has been considered.

Find out more about Managing wild horses in Kosciuszko National Parklaunch.

Quotes attributable to Minister for the Environment and Heritage Penny Sharpe:

“Kosciuszko National Park is the largest national park in NSW. It has Australia’s tallest mountains, rugged landscape and plants and animals found nowhere else in the world. It’s one of the jewels of our national parks’ crown but it is in grave danger. Precious ecosystems and endangered native species and their habitats are at risk of extinction due to introduced animals, including wild horses.

“Recent reports show that without action, wild horses could tip threatened species to extinction. There are simply too many wild horses for the park to cope.

“NSW is not on track to meet the wild horse population target under the legislated Kosciuszko National Park Wild Horse Heritage Management Plan, which is why we must consider the introduction of aerial shooting, carried out by skilled, highly trained shooters to the highest animal-welfare standards.

“We have an obligation to save these native animals, but we only have a limited window of opportunity to do so. If they become extinct, they are lost forever.

“From members of the public to commercial park users, scientists to community leaders and business owners, the government wants to hear your feedback on this proposed change.”

Background information

Threatened species in the Kosciusko National Park:

At least 32 NSW-listed and Commonwealth-listed threatened species and 4 ecological communities are at risk from wild horses. They’re considered vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered.

Ecological community

• Alpine Sphagnum Bogs and Associated Fens
• White Box – Yellow Box – Blakely’s Red Gum Grassy Woodland and Derived Native Grassland
• Snowpatch Feldmark in the Australian Alps bioregion
• Montane Peatlands and Swamps of the New England Tableland, NSW North Coast, Sydney Basin, South East Corner, South Eastern Highlands and Australian Alps Bioregions

Animals

• Stocky galaxias
• Northern Corroboree frog
• Southern Corroboree frog
• Alpine Tree frog
• Guthega skink
• She-oak skink
• Mountain Pygmy possum
• Broad-toothed rat

Plants

• Caladenia montana
• Mauve Burr-daisy Calotis glandulosa
• Max Mueller’s Burr-daisy Calotis pubescens
• Archer’s Carex Carex archeri
• Raleigh Sedge Carex raleighii
• Leafy Anchor Plant Discaria nitida
• Pale Golden Moths Diuris ochroma
• Clover Glycine Glycine latrobeana
• Pale Pomaderris Pomaderris pallida
• Rice Flower Pimelea bracteate
• Prasophyllum bagoense
• Prasophyllum innubum 
• Kelton’s Leek Orchid Prasophyllum keltonii
• Kiandra Leek Orchid Prasophyllum retroflexum
• Alpine Greenhood Pterostylis alpina 
• Slender Greenhood Pterostylis foliata 
• Blue-tongued Greenhood Pterostylis oreophila
• Anemone Buttercup Ranunculus anemoneus
• Monaro Golden Daisy Rutidosis leiolepis
• Feldmark Grass Rytidosperma pumilum
• Perisher Wallaby-grass Rytidosperma vickeryae
• Alpine Sun-orchid Thelymitra alpicola
• Black-hooded Sun Orchid Thelymitra atronitida
• Swamp Everlasting, Swamp Paper Daisy Xerochrysum palustre

Counting wild horses

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service undertakes annual horse population surveys in Kosciuszko National Park, using the international best practice method for accurately estimating the population of large mammals over wide geographic areas. These surveys are published online. The next survey is due to occur in October 2023.

The population of wild horses in the park at the time of the most recent survey (November 2022) was assessed to be 18,814, with a 95% confidence interval of 14,501 to 23,535.

On current trends, using the control methods approved under the current plan, it is estimated that the population of horses on 30 June 2027 will still be more than 12,000.

Current wild horse control methods include:

• mustering and passive trapping and rehoming
• passive trapping sees horses enter traps of their own accord
• in 2022 around 430 horses were re-homed from the park
• mustering and passive trapping and transporting to a knackery or abattoir
• ground shooting, including in trap yards.

Protecting the heritage value of wild horses

The Kosciuszko National Park Wild Horse Heritage Management Plan identifies the heritage value of sustainable wild horse populations in identified parts of the park.

The plan requires 3000 wild horses to be retained in 32% of the park to protect this heritage value. The proposed amendment to the plan does not change this requirement.

Feedback on the draft amendment

Stakeholders including members of the public can provide a written submission via an online survey, online submission form, email or post. The ‘Have your say’ submission form will open Tuesday 8 August. Public exhibition closes 11 September 2023.

A proposed plan, representations from the public and a summary of these, any representations from the Secretary of the Department of Planning and Environment, National Parks and Wildlife Advisory Council and Heritage Council of NSW, and any advice from the Kosciuszko Wild Horse Community Advisory Panel, will be provided to the Minister for the Environment and Heritage.

The Minister will consider the draft amending plan and whether to adopt it under the Kosciuszko Wild Horse Heritage Act 2018.

Adults living with cystic fibrosis can now access state-of-the-art care in Australia’s first dedicated Cystic Fibrosis Specialist Service ward at Westmead Hospital, in western Sydney.

NSW Health Minister Ryan Park was joined by Member for Parramatta Donna Davis to mark the official opening of the $65 million facility, which was fully funded by the Commonwealth Government.

Federal Minister for Health Mark Butler said the purpose-built ward in the Westmead Health Precinct will provide essential support and treatment for people living with this common genetic disorder, which impacts approximately 3,600 Australians.

“This dedicated facility will provide highly specialised care and treatment for adults living with cystic fibrosis,” Mr Butler said. 

“There is no cure for cystic fibrosis but treatment has come a long way, and with an improvement in treatment comes an increase in the life expectancy of people living with the condition.

“On average, a person with cystic fibrosis needs to be admitted to hospital once a year which requires a high level of multidisciplinary care from doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and dietitians.

“This service will make a big difference to patients and their families.”

Mr Park said the new facility will provide more pathways for patients with cystic fibrosis to receive specialised treatment for this complex condition.

“This facility will go a long way in improving treatment outcomes for those in our community with cystic fibrosis,” Mr Park said.

“The 16-bed inpatient unit has four airborne infection isolation rooms and a specialised outpatient unit which will make a world of difference to patients and their families, with expert staff focused on cystic fibrosis able to deliver more personalised care.

“This will also provide us with opportunities to enhance our research capabilities to better understand and treat the disease in future for those living with the condition.”

The contemporary outpatient unit features 10 consultation rooms, four single rooms for day-stay patients, a procedural room and a dedicated research area for clinical trials and diagnostic services.

Western Sydney Local Health District Chief Executive Graeme Loy said the Cystic Fibrosis Specialist Service is another great example of health innovation within the Westmead Health Precinct.

“People with cystic fibrosis are now living longer than ever before thanks to massive improvements in treatment and care,” Mr Loy said.

“This new facility offers an exciting opportunity to carry out new research and clinical trials and offer patients world-leading treatments for this disease.”

A commemorative plaque in honour of 27-year-old Sydney doctor, Malay Rana, who died in 2015 following complications from cystic fibrosis, was also unveiled at the facility.

“There are still many like Dr Malay Rana, who lost his life at just 27 years old, who need specialised services and continued research to provide quality and quantity of life,” Mr Loy said.

“Dr Malay was a strong advocate for people living with cystic fibrosis and was dedicated to raising community awareness and campaigning for improved speciality services within NSW and now here we are today, opening this facility in his honour.”

Dr Malay’s family were involved throughout the planning and design stages of the project and valuable insights were provided, creating person-centred inpatient and outpatient services tailored to the needs of cystic fibrosis consumers.

Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said the ward will enhance the already extensive suite of healthcare services that are available at Westmead.

“I’m really excited about the opportunity this specialist service brings to those living with cystic fibrosis across the region,” Ms Davis said. 

“This purpose-built ward will build further on what the incredible Westmead Health Precinct already offers as a major centre for education, research, innovation and jobs.”

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition affecting the lungs and digestive systems because of a break down in the exocrine system that is responsible for producing saliva, sweat, tears and mucus.

The Westmead Health Precinct is one of the largest health, education, research and innovation precincts in Australia and is a key provider of jobs for the greater Parramatta and western Sydney region.

More than $3 billion has been committed by government and our precinct partners to upgrade and expand the Precinct’s health services, education, research and innovation facilities over the coming years.

A new women’s refuge is being delivered in the Western Sydney LGA to support women fleeing domestic and family violence.

On completion, this site will increase the number of available women’s crisis accommodation sites in the Western Sydney region to nine, with a total of 13 Specialist Homelessness Services providing supports to women and children in the area.

Supported through $5.8 million in capital funding grants, the site will comprise 12 units and is expected to come online around November. It is being developed by community housing provider – Evolve Housing with support service provisions delivered through Women’s Community Shelters in partnership with Parramatta Women’s Shelter.

The new refuges are being built under the Government’s $426.6 million Core and Cluster Program which will support for more than 2,900 women and their children each year.

Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said the NSW Government has invested more than $32.5 million to bolster support for Specialist Homelessness Services in Western Sydney.

“This funding will help deliver crucial homes for vulnerable women and children with $21.4 million dedicated specifically to Western Sydney homelessness services across the LGAs of Cumberland, Parramatta, Blacktown and the Hills Shire,” Minister Jackson said.

“Securing safe housing remains a critical hurdle to overcoming domestic violence and is a key contributor to women’s homeless in NSW.

“Delivering the refuges under the Core and Cluster model ensures victim-survivors have access to all the support services they need to get help, stay safe and plan for the future.”

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said the NSW Government was proud to partner with community housing providers and frontline service providers across the state to deliver much needed crisis accommodation and support to vulnerable women and children at risk.

“The unique nature of the Core and Cluster model is that it enables a woman to leave a violent relationship or home with not only her children but any family pets as well,” Minister Harrison said.

“Many women stay in violent homes because they are afraid of what will happen to their animals if they leave. This model alleviates some of that fear and empowers women in crisis to leave and seek support.”

Evolve Housing CEO Lyall Gorman said the new site was well placed to meet the needs of women and children in crisis.

“These safe homes offer a way out to women who find themselves trapped in abusive relationships, providing them with a secure environment that not only ensures physical safety but also offers emotional support, counselling, and additional resources to assist women and their children to reshape their futures,” Mr Gorman said.

“By offering protection and a pathway to independence, these safe homes empower women to break the cycle of violence and reclaim their autonomy.”

“Once complete, the ground floor of the site will host communal areas for women to come together, as well as a private office space with ensuite and two private rooms for support delivery.”

“The facility also provides a secure and private outdoor recreation area, secure basement parking for staff and tenants, close proximity to public transport, local amenities and mainstream support services.

“The building will be retrofitted with security features such as electronic controlled entry, CCTV, and external lighting to optimise safety for occupants.

“A mix of 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom self-contained lockable dwellings ensure we can meet the varying accommodation needs of women with or without children and all dwellings will have individual entrances and be fully self-contained with either a private courtyard or balcony in addition to communal and external areas for pets.”

Women’s Community Shelters CEO Annabelle Daniel OAM said specialist domestic and family violence services were a lifeline for women and children leaving abuse.

“Women’s Community Shelters is proud to be collaborating with Paramatta Women’s Shelter, with their committed volunteer Board, deep local knowledge and strong connections in the area, and our wonderful long-standing partner, Evolve Housing.

“Together, we will deliver exceptional support. We are committed to pursuing innovative opportunities to continuously evolve our service delivery model which is informed by the lived expertise of our clients,” Ms Daniel said.

“This partnership represents true collaboration between the NSW Government, the domestic violence and housing sectors, amazing local communities and philanthropy.”

The NSW Government has welcomed the decision of the nurses and midwives to endorse the government’s pay offer.

The NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association held a statewide ballot of members with nearly 60 per cent voting today to receive a 4.5 per cent salary increase, including 0.5 per cent superannuation. 

A 4.5 per cent increase under the Government’s Fair Pay Policy is the biggest pay increase for NSW nurses and midwives in over a decade.

The Government is continuing to work with other public sector unions on the resolution of other negotiations.

The wages cap is obsolete following the NSW Government’s pay offer and will formally end in September.

Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“The Minns Labor Government made a commitment to scrap the wages cap and deliver a pay increase to our frontline health workers including our nurses and midwives,” Mr Park said.

“We are committed to supporting our essential frontline workers and we’re working hard to recruit, retain and support our workforce.”

Minister for Industrial Relations and Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said:

“The Minns Government is getting on with the job of fixing the recruitment and retention crisis in essential services and valuing our essential workers.”

“The Liberal-National’s wages cap eroded trust between essential workers and government, suppressed wages and led to the staffing crisis. The wages cap is dead.”

“The people of NSW deserve world class public services. We will continue to keep people at the heart of all of our work.”

The Sydney Opera House sails and more than a dozen landmarks around Sydney will be illuminated green and gold tonight in support of the Matildas as they continue on a glorious path in their FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 campaign.

The Matildas take on Denmark tonight at Sydney’s Stadium Australia at 8.30pm.

The Sydney Opera House will be lit up from 6pm, while the Central Station Clock Tower will also go gold and the lighting inside the Central Station Concourse will go green and gold in tribute.

Sydneysiders may also catch glimpses of other buildings to be lit green and gold including the State Library, The Art Gallery of NSW, Luna Park, Commbank Stadium in Parramatta, The Calyx in the Royal Botanic Gardens, ICC Sydney in Darling Harbour, International Towers Barangaroo, plus the Novotel Sydney Central, Hyde Hacienda (Circular Quay) and The Argyle (The Rocks).

The Matildas, ranked 10th in the world, need to win over Denmark, ranked 13th, to continue to the quarter-finals.

Messages of support are being displayed today across screens on the transport network including the Sydney Metro and train stations, buses, light rail and on ferry wharves, as well as across more than 100 Service NSW centres.

Tonight’s match will also be screened at the FIFA Fan Festival at Tumbalong Park, in Darling Harbour, which is providing a lively and very popular destination for crowds to join in on the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 atmosphere, with fans encouraged to attend. 

The FIFA Fan Festival site shows every game for free on large screens, along with live performances and street food.

Sydney is in the grip of FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 fever with forthcoming matches expected to continue breaking viewing records across the world. Sydney is hosting games in all remaining stages right through to the final at Stadium Australia on Sunday 20 August. 

FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 is firmly on track to be the biggest ever, with 1.65 million tickets across the tournament’s 64 games sold. 

Visit FIFA Fan Festivallaunch for more information about everything taking place.

For those unable to visit the FIFA Fan Festival, councils across Sydney and NSW will also be screening FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 gameslaunch.

Fans are encouraged to use public transport to travel to the game and the live sites. Visit transportnsw.infolaunch to plan your trip.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“We couldn’t be prouder of the Matildas making it through to the final 16 and finishing at the top of their group for the first time. 

“The World Cup has brought our city and state alive.

“We are taking this even further by turning NSW green and gold to cheer on the mighty Matildas. 

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

“With all of NSW behind them, let’s cheer the Matildas on to the next round of the World Cup!”

Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham said: 

“It is awesome that Sydney will shine green and gold tonight. This is a defining moment for the rise of women’s sport.  

“We are thrilled to have the Matildas here in Sydney tonight and it is great knowing our city is hosting the final in a few weeks’ time.”

NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:  

“I know it will be a packed house at Stadium Australia tonight with fans cheering on our Matildas as they aim for a spot in the quarter-finals. 

“I encourage everyone to don the green and gold, get to the game or a community fan site, to witness this once in a lifetime opportunity.”  

NSW Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“The Matildas have made Australia proud and we’re all going green and gold tonight.

“The Matildas are superb role models that women and girls can aspire to.”