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Builder appointed for Moree Hospital Redevelopment

The Moree Hospital Redevelopment is a step closer, with the main works contractor appointed and the next stage of work on track to begin in the coming months.

The NSW Government is investing $105 million in the hospital redevelopment to deliver new health facilities and upgraded health services for Moree and the surrounding communities to ensure their health needs continue to be met well into the future. 

Hutchinson Builders has been awarded the contract following a competitive tender process. 

The $105 million Moree Hospital Redevelopment will include construction of a new Acute Services Building on the existing hospital campus, which will house:

  • An emergency department
  • Operating theatres
  • Medical imaging
  • A birthing and inpatient unit
  • Pathology
  • A new main entry for the new hospital building.

The appointment of a builder follows the recent statutory planning approval for the project. Construction is expected to begin in the coming months.  

The Moree Hospital will continue to operate during construction as a District Hospital, providing care for the Moree and surrounding communities, and will remain networked to Tamworth Hospital for access to specialist services. 

Extensive consultation with staff and the community has been carried out throughout planning for the redevelopment to ensure the new hospital building creates a welcoming environment that reflects the heritage and culture of the region. 

A Language Reference Group is working to inform the inclusion of Aboriginal language and storytelling into signage and wayfinding into the redevelopment, while planning is underway for Arts projects which will be included in the new acute services building.  

For more information about the Moree Hospital redevelopment visit: https://hneinfra.health.nsw.gov.au/projects/moree 

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:  

“We’ve reached a significant milestone in the delivery of the redevelopment which will deliver enhanced healthcare facilities for Moree and surrounding communities. 

“The Moree Hospital Redevelopment will provide staff, patients, families and carers with a modern facility to support the health needs of the community now and into the future.

“All hospital services will continue to operate during construction, which follows significant planning and design work in collaboration with staff, stakeholders and the community.” 

Government Spokesperson for Northern Tablelands, Peter Primrose: 

“The $105 million Moree Hospital Redevelopment is estimated to support approximately 150 direct jobs, with the potential to support hundreds of indirect jobs over the life of the project. 

“This will provide a huge boost to the local economy, and I look forward to seeing work progress in the coming months.”

New Aboriginal Cultural Learning Hub to empower students in Botany Bay

A new learning space to help foster employment opportunities and Aboriginal cultural connection has been launched at La Perouse Public School, thanks to a $99,000 ‘Community and Place’ grant from the Minns Labor Government.

Grant recipient IndigiGrow is a 100% Aboriginal-owned and operated social enterprise which operates nurseries at La Perouse and Matraville Sports High School, reviving, growing, and delivering native plants and bush tucker across Sydney.

The development of the cultural learning space on Bidjigal Country in Botany Bay is part of IndigiGrow’s broader efforts to grow jobs and broaden cultural knowledge.

The Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, David Harris, attended the launch with school students, staff, parents and carers to celebrate the transformation of an unused school space, into a thriving hub for hands-on education in native plants, cultural knowledge, and connection to Country.

The launch featured a demonstration on how to propagate banksia pods using fire, given by IndigiGrow’s Peter Cooley.

The NSW Government’s Community and Place Grants has funded $35 million to support community-led programs that advance Closing the Gap outcomes since 2022.

For more information on IndigiGrow visit: https://indigigrow.com.au

Attorney General and Member for Maroubra, Michael Daley said:

“The cultural learning hub will help strengthen young Aboriginal people’s connection to culture.

“Programs like this are crucial to improving outcomes for Aboriginal students and empowering the next generation of community leaders.”

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, David Harris said:

“The NSW Government is proud to support community-led initiatives that provide opportunities for students to deepen their cultural knowledge, learn from Elders, and gain practical skills that connect them to Country and community.

“Projects like this demonstrate the power of Aboriginal knowledge and leadership in shaping meaningful educational experiences for young people in NSW.

“By supporting IndigiGrow’s work, we are helping ensure the next generation can access cultural learning in a way that strengthens identity, wellbeing, and opportunity to help close the gap.”

Peter Cooley from IndigiGrow, said:

“Having these cultural educational learning facilities in the school environment is so important.

“They provide pathways for our young people to learn cultural knowledge and skills in a culturally safe, supportive and familiar learning environment, enhancing social and emotional wellbeing.”

Lisa Maller, Principal of La Perouse Public School said:

“IndigiGrow shares invaluable knowledge about bush tucker and significant local plants, deepening students’ awareness of the natural world and its cultural significance.

“The creation of the yarning circle will provide a vital communal space for cultural exchange and connection, offering students profound learning experiences that celebrate both environmental and cultural heritage.”

Minns Government seeks energy bill relief for cyclone region

The Minns Labor Government has written to energy companies asking them to defer electricity bills and waive a fee for NSW households and businesses hit by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, to further ease the pressure on those recovering from the natural disaster.

Residents and business owners in northern NSW have experienced substantial disruptions to their power supply due to ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. It delivered heavy rain and severe winds to large areas of Northern NSW, causing extensive damage to the area’s electricity distribution network.

A total of 84,000 homes and businesses experienced power outages across various communities from Tweed Heads to Grafton, and west to Armidale. Some lost power multiple times.

Essential Energy will waive the daily access charge for customers for the period they were without power.

While energy retailers have not played a role in relation to the power disruptions, Minister for Energy Penny Sharpe has written to 22 companies requesting their cooperation in supporting customers who live in local government areas included in the natural disaster declaration. The Minister has asked them to:

  • waive the daily power supply charge for customers for the period they were not supplied electricity (by passing on the waiver being provided to retailers by Essential Energy)
  • defer any electricity bills that are due to be sent to customers for 14 days
  • defer any disconnections or repayment requirements for 14 days for affected customers in debt or with any amount owing on their account
  • provide additional information about payment plan options and NSW Government financial support if customers find they are unable to pay their bill as a result of the cyclone impacts.

The NSW Government along with the Australian Government is working together to provide support to the affected area. A personal hardship grant with payments of $180 for individuals and up to $900 per family is available through Service NSW for essential costs such as food, clothing, medicine and emergency accommodation. To be eligible, individuals must have been subject to an evacuation order or have experienced a power outage of more than 48 hours.

Customers whose ability to repay their energy bills has been impacted by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred can also apply for NSW Government Energy Accounts Payment Assistance (EAPA) support to help pay their energy bills. EAPA helps people experiencing difficulty paying their electricity and/or gas bill due to a short-term financial hardship, crisis or emergency to stay connected to essential services. EAPA can only be applied to current, unpaid energy bills.

Minister for Energy, Penny Sharpe said:

“It is important we provide as much support as possible to households and business owners who are recovering from ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

“I have written to energy retailers asking them to join Essential Energy in providing relief to customers in the natural disaster zone, and thank them in advance for any assistance they can offer.”

Minister for Recovery, Small Business and the North Coast, Janelle Saffin said:

“Every bit of support counts for families, households and businesses doing it tough in the wake of this natural disaster.

“Thank you for your consideration of this request during this difficult time for the residents and businesses of the Northern Rivers and North Coast.”

Further information:

  • Essential Energy is one of three distribution network operators in NSW. Essential Energy, Ausgrid and Endeavour Energy are responsible for the distribution lines in a specified region:
    • Essential Energy – Riverina, South Eastern region, Northern NSW and Central Tablelands
    • Ausgrid – Sydney’s north, Central Coast and Newcastle
    • Endeavour Energy – Blue Mountains, Western Sydney, Illawarra and South Coast
  • Energy retailers such as Origin Energy, AGL, Red Energy and EnergyAustralia buy electricity from the market pool and contract with generators to manage prices.
    • Retailers then sell electricity to households and businesses. Most customers only ever interact with their retailer, which sends them their quarterly bill.
    • There are 22 energy retailers with customers in the region affected by the natural disaster from 3 March 2025.
  • To assist customer recovery from the impacts of ex-cyclone Alfred and the extended periods of time without power, Essential Energy is offering financial and non-financial support. For more information visit the Essential Energy website.

Busiest emergency departments in Australia slash ramping

Some of the busiest emergency departments in Australia have seen significant reductions in hospital ramping, according to the latest Bureau of Health Information quarterly results.

One of the key indicators of hospital ramping is the proportion of patients transferred from paramedics to ED staff within 30 minutes – also known as Transfer of Care (TOC).

St George Hospital – which received over 82,000 ED attendances last year – saw a 25 percentage point improvement in transfer of patient from paramedic to ED staff in the December 2024 quarter compared with the same period the previous year.

Blacktown Hospital – which received over 67,000 ED attendances last year – saw a 23.2 percentage point improvement.

Campbelltown Hospital – which received over 92,000 ED attendances last year – saw a 9.3 percentage point improvement.

Liverpool Hospital – which received over 90,000 ED attendances last year – saw a 7.2 percentage point improvement.

These improvements come despite the health system recording the highest ever number of patients arriving to EDs by ambulance – almost 200,000 in a single quarter.

The Minns Labor Government has invested half a billion dollars into ED relief, which includes:

  • $189 million in tax relief to incentivise GPs to maintain bulk-billing rates, meaning people with non-life-threatening conditions don’t need to present to the ED
  • $171.4 million to expand statewide virtual care services helping 180,000 avoid a trip to the ED
  • $100 million to back in our urgent care services to become a mainstay and key instrument of the health system in providing a pathway to care outside of our hospitals for an estimated 114,000 patients
  • $70 million to expand emergency department short stay units to improve patient flow to reduce ED wait times by nearly 80,000 hours
  • $15.1 million for an Ambulance Matrix that provides real time hospital data to enable paramedics to transport patients to emergency departments with greater capacity and reducing wait times
  • $31.4 million to increase Hospital in the Home across the state allowing over 3,500 additional patients each year to be cared for in their home rather than a hospital bed
  • $53.9 million to improve patient flow and support discharge planning by identified patients early on that are suitable to be discharged home with the appropriate supports in place.

NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“Relieving pressure on our emergency departments and ensuring people receive care in a timely manner have been top priorities of our government.

“Such significant challenges have been met with a significant half-a-billion dollar investment in ED relief.

“Today, I’m so pleased to see encouraging progress in our effort to reduce ramping.

“But I don’t want us to get ahead of ourselves, because there is still much more to do.

“I do want to reiterate that people who present to hospitals with non-life-threatening conditions can still expect to wait long periods in the ED.

“So if you do have a non-life-threatening condition, I strongly encourage you to phone HealthDirect on 1800 022 222 where you can avoid an unnecessary wait in the ED, and receive care outside of the hospital including through urgent or virtual care services.”

Support for rebuilding Adass Synagogue

The Albanese Labor Government unequivocally condemns and stands against antisemitism in all its forms.

The rise of antisemitism is abhorrent and there is no place for the kind of hate speech and attacks we have seen recently in our country.

The firebombing of the Adass Israel Synagogue was a crime of cowardice and prejudice.

It was an attempt to threaten and silence the Jewish community, in Melbourne and right around Australia.

We won’t stand for that.

We are committed to ensuring that this community rebuilds.

That’s why the Government will provide $30 million for the restoration of the Adass Israel Synagogue and community centre in Ripponlea, Victoria.

We will also provide funding of up to $1.2 million for security upgrades to the current buildings due to reopen this year.

This funding decision will be reflected in next week’s Budget.

It is in addition to the $250,000 we funded towards the replacement and restoration of Torah Scrolls housed in the Synagogue.

There can be no place in Australia for antisemitism.

The Government is taking action to stamp out this scourge.

That’s why we’ve:

  • Established Operation Avalite with the AFP to combat acts of antisemitism
  • Imposed new counter-terrorism financing sanctions on Terrorgram
  • Introduced a landmark ban on the Nazi salute and hate symbols with penalties of 1 year imprisonment and/or a fine of up $16,500
  • Criminalised doxxing – the malicious release of personal information – which the Opposition voted against
  • Are working with states and territories on a national database to track and coordinate on antisemitic incidents
  • Committed $25 million for improved safety and security at Jewish sites across the country, including schools – in the weeks following the 7 October terrorist attack
  • Funded an additional $32.5 million for security measures for schools and synagogues
  • Passed legislation to criminalise hate speech
  • Announced more than $100 million for countering violent extremism

ALMOST $100,000 TO SUPPORT THE ARTS IN NEWCASTLE

The creative community in Newcastle is receiving a $99,000 funding boost, helping to support the continued growth and development of the city’s vibrant arts scene.

The funding secured through the Australian Government’s Creative Australia Arts Projects for Organisations program, will allow Catapult Dance Choreographic Hub in Newcastle West to further its mission of providing a creative space for regional professional choreographers, dancers, and artists to collaborate and develop new works.

The $99,000 investment will enable Catapult to produce a series of funded artist-led residencies and performance outcomes for emerging and mid-career choreographers including First Nations artists Maddison Fraser, Remy Rochester, Anton, Sara Black, and Tra Mi Dinh working with regional professional dancers and multidisciplinary artists in a collaborative model of creation.

The annual program of fully supported residencies and performance outcomes offers opportunities for professional artists to collaborate, create, seed and present new work, advocating for viable artists’ careers and development, within a financially supportive environment.

Catapult is one of 246 projects across Australia sharing in $12 million from the latest round of Creative Australia’s Arts Projects program.


Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon:

“I am thrilled to see this funding boost for the Catapult Dance Choreographic Hub.

“This funding is a fantastic opportunity to support the creative community in Newcastle, ensuring that our regional professional artists continue to thrive and contribute to the rich cultural landscape of our city.

“Catapult has been a cornerstone of Newcastle’s professional dance community for over a decade, offering a unique environment for innovation and creative expression. This funding will enable the hub to continue fostering professional emerging and mid-career choreographers, provide opportunities for professional development, and ensure the arts remain an integral part of life in Newcastle.”


Catapult Dance Artistic Director Cadi McCarthy:

“We are absolutely delighted to be in receipt of this funding.

“It will make a significant difference to supporting professional artists including choreographers, professional regional dancers, and the community at large.

“Catapult has always been about nurturing creativity and fostering collaboration, and this funding will allow us to build upon the incredible momentum we’ve already created in Newcastle.

Teen charged with pursuit, trespass and resisting arrest – Port Stephens-Hunter PD

A teen has been charged with pursuit, trespass and resisting arrest for his alleged involvement in stealing multiple cars in the Raymond Terrace area earlier this month.

About 11.55pm Saturday 15 March 2025, emergency services were called to Benjamin Lee Drive, Raymond Terrace, following reports of a crash.

Officers attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District arrived and found an abandoned Mitsubishi utility had hit an unoccupied Toyota utility.

Police were told after the crash a group of unknown young people had exited the Mitsubishi – which had allegedly been stolen from a Tenambit home – before fleeing the scene prior to police arrival.

No injuries were reported, and police commenced an investigation into the incident.

About 3.30am Sunday 16 March 2025, police were called to Joseph Sheen Drive, Raymond Terrace, following reports of vehicle theft.

Officers arrived and were told a Nissan SUV had allegedly been stolen by two unknown young people.

Following inquiries, police located the allegedly stolen car driving on the New England Highway, East Maitland, about 10.10am the same day.

Police directed the driver of the car to stop; however, when they allegedly failed to do so a pursuit was initiated.

The pursuit continued through the Rutherford, Farley, Telarah and Bishops Bridge areas, with the allegedly stolen SUV reaching speeds of 150km/h in 80km/h speed zones.

Police terminated the pursuit after the SUV stopped on Old Maitland Road, Sawyers Gully, and two young people exited the car and attempted to flee the scene.

Officers continued to pursue the young people on foot and arrested a 14-year-old boy nearby.

He was taken to Maitland Police Station where he was dealt with under the young offender’s act.

Following further inquiries, police arrested a 13-year-old boy at Maitland Police Station today (Tuesday 18 March 2025).

He was charged with drive conveyance taken without consent of owner, be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner, police pursuit – not stop – drive recklessly, enter inclosed land not prescribed premises without lawful excuse and hinder or resist police officer in the execution of duty.

The boy was granted strict conditional bail to appear before a children’s court on Wednesday 16 April 2025.

Police will allege in court the 13-year-old was the driver of the Nissan SUV and a passenger in the Mitsubishi utility.

Learner driver dies in crash – Cessnock

A teenage learner driver has died in a two-vehicle crash in the states Hunter region overnight.

About 9pm Tuesday (18 March 2025), emergency services were called to John Renshaw Drive, Black Hill, following reports of a crash.

Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District arrived to find a Holden commodore and a Ford utility had collided.

The learner driver of the Holden – a 17-year-old boy – died at the scene.

The rear passenger of the Holden – also a 17-year-old boy – was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics at the scene before being airlifted to Royal North Shore Hospital in a critical condition.

The front passenger of the Holden – a 56-year-old man – was also treated at the scene and taken to John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition.

The driver of the utility – a 62-year-old woman – was treated for minor injuries and taken to John Hunter Hospital for mandatory testing.

Police have established a crime scene and have commenced an investigation into the cause of the crash.

A report will be prepared for the information of the coroner.

Motorists are urged to avoid the area as John Renshaw Drive is closed and refer to Livetraffic.com for the most up to date information.

5 years ago, the government doubled the dole – now it’s doubling down on poverty and punishment


Thursday 20 March marks 5 years since the Scott Morrison government raised income support by $275 per week. Overnight, it lifted nearly a million people over the poverty line – but later Morrison ripped away these supports, plunging people back into poverty. 

On the same day this year, the Albanese government will increase JobSeeker by only the legislated indexation rate – a paltry $1.55 per week, leaving single JobSeeker recipients $220 below the poverty line.

News headlines say we’re in a cost of living crisis, but this is an unnatural crisis created by political cowardice: Poverty is a policy choice, and one that Parliament could overturn today.

Welfare recipients and advocates are holding  a joint press conference at Parliament House on Thursday 20 March to mark this anniversary and share the simple policy solutions that could end poverty in Australia: increase payments, expand eligibility, and end the punishing and pointless system of “mutual” obligations.

For those who can’t make it to Canberra, there will also be a  free online event on Monday 24 March at 7:30pm AEDT with Antipoverty Centre, Australian Unemployed Workers’ Union, Anti-Poverty Network Queensland, Anti-Poverty Network South Australia and Nobody Deserves Poverty.

Fiona Moore – Nobody Deserves Poverty; Disability Support Pension recipient:

“The coronavirus supplement in 2020 showed that governments can choose to lift people out of poverty overnight. With the supplement, people were happier and healthier – able to buy fresh fruit and vegetables and the medications they needed. Many were able to actually find work in this time without the added survival pressures of poverty. Keeping people in poverty is unnecessary, and subsidies are no substitute to giving people cash to support themselves.”

Brendan Folwell – Anti-Poverty Network South Australia:

“The COVID supplement was a wake-up call for our members who saw that a better life was possible with just a small increase to their welfare payments. Forcing people back below the poverty line was an act of cruelty that will not be forgotten any time soon.”

Avery Howard – Vice-President, Australian Unemployed Workers’ Union; JobSeeker recipient:

“With the fourth Budget from this Government being handed down next week, they have shown us time and time again that they are choosing to keep millions of us in poverty. The Supplement made it obvious that they can vastly alleviate poverty in Australia, but they are intentionally keeping us back in some misguided attempt at a ‘responsible budget’. There’s never anything responsible about trapping people in poverty.”

Kristin O’Connell – Co-coordinator, Antipoverty Centre; Disability Support Pension recipient: 

“Five years on, when Centrelink payments feel more inadequate than ever, it is hard to think about the extraordinary outpouring of relief and joy when the JobSeeker payment was lifted to the poverty line, and the despair when it was ripped away. It is cruel and insulting for governments to insist every six months that the crumbs we receive through indexation are an ‘increase’, while our rent and bills go up faster than payments ever do.” 

Jayden Oxton-White – Anti-Poverty Network Queensland; Disability Support Pension recipient: 

“2020 was the first time in decades that we had a substantial raise to JobSeeker. This showed people that both major parties were well aware just how dire the situation is for people on income support payments. The fact that they then took it away further illustrates just how callous this colonial system is to those who are disenfranchised.” 

Maiy Azize – Deputy Director, Anglicare Australia: 

“Five years ago, the Government gave hope to hundreds of thousands of people when it raised the rate of JobSeeker and pulled them out of poverty. Lives were transformed, with many people being able to afford food and shelter – and plan for the future for the first time. It is all the more hurtful that we’ve gone so far backwards. The Government chose to end poverty once before. It can choose to do it again.”

Elise Klein OAM – Associate Professor, Crawford School of Public Policy, ANU:

“5 years ago, the Federal government showed how to end poverty in Australia. Today, rather than doing what we know works, the government chooses to inflict poverty on thousands of Australians. This is not necessary, make no mistake about it. Poverty in Australia is largely a government policy choice”. 

EPA INVESTIGATING SUSPECTED CORELLA MASS POISONING IN NEWCASTLE

The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is calling for the public’s help in its investigation into the suspected mass poisoning of hundreds of native Corella birds across multiple Newcastle suburbs, including Hamilton, Carrington, Waratah, Broadmeadow, Lambton, and near Newcastle University.

The EPA received initial reports on Monday 17 March 2025 of 14 sick and dead birds in Hamilton but by midday reports had escalated to hundreds of affected birds in Carrington and surrounding areas.

NSW EPA Executive Director of Regulatory Operations, Jason Gordon, said the EPA is investigating pesticide misuse as the possible cause based on EPA observations and advice from local veterinarians.

“This is a serious incident, and any assistance from the public could be critical to our investigation,” Mr Gordon said.

“This is a very distressing situation for everybody involved, particularly the wildlife carers and residents who are finding and collecting the birds as well as the vets who are treating them.

“The birds are exhibiting symptoms such as bleeding, staggering, paralysis, and an inability to fly and so far, we understand that veterinary clinics across Newcastle have reported over 200 bird deaths.

“We have collected samples for testing, and our officers will be visiting all sites where sick or dead birds have been found over the coming days. Anyone who thinks they may have information on how the birds have died or on potential pesticides misuse is strongly encouraged to call the EPA on 131 555.

“The misuse of pesticides, whether deliberate or unintentional, is completely unacceptable and carries heavy penalties. If you use pesticides, it is essential to follow label directions and be mindful of the surrounding environment and wildlife.”

Wildlife volunteers from Hunter Wildlife Rescue and WIRES, along with members of the public, have been assisting in the response and transporting sick birds to veterinary clinics. Members of the public should avoid handling affected wildlife.

The negligent use of pesticides in a manner that harms any non-target animal, or plant can attract penalties of up to $500,000 for an individual and $2,000,000 for a corporation.