Category: NSW News

Seven priority fire stations will be upgraded to provide fit-for-purpose amenities under the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s $50 million investment aimed at supporting female firefighters.
 
Treasurer Matt Kean, Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Steph Cooke and Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Commissioner Paul Baxter visited Merrylands today to announce the first upgrades for fire stations at Coledale, Cooma, Merewether, Merrylands, Singleton, The Entrance and Thredbo.
 
Mr Kean said work will focus on new toilets, showers and change rooms to break down barriers that stop women becoming firefighters.
 
“No matter where a woman works, they should have access to appropriate facilities and this investment will ensure our fire stations offer that. Modernising our stations is a vital part of attracting more women to firefighting and strengthening our frontline emergency services,” Mr Kean said.
 
Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said the $50 million 2022-23 Budget investment is being progressively rolled out over 10 years.
 
“We want to make sure everyone feels comfortable in the workplace. With more women joining the firefighting ranks, access to appropriate amenities at fire stations is essential. These upgrades will see more women feeling welcomed, respected and comfortable at work and a valued part of the local team,” Mrs Taylor said.
 
Ms Cooke said many fire stations across NSW were constructed decades ago and are not appropriate for a modern and diverse workforce.
 
“Every graduation it’s pleasing to see dozens more women joining the firefighting ranks, and as the State’s first female Emergency Services Minister, I’m immensely proud to be delivering a program that will make it easier for women of the future to follow their lead,” Ms Cooke said.
 
Ten per cent of FRNSW’s permanent firefighters and 13 per cent of on-call firefighters are women.
 
Commissioner Baxter said FRNSW is committed to the safety and wellbeing of firefighters and providing a more inclusive work environment.
 
“This investment will help improve workplace conditions for all firefighters by providing men and women with private, separate facilities to ensure our people feel comfortable at work,” Commissioner Baxter said.
 
Design work for the Merrylands Fire Station upgrade has been completed and construction will commence in May.
 
An additional 12 fire stations are expected to be upgraded in the 2023-24 financial year.

The United Cup came to an exciting close yesterday with Sydney playing host to the first final of the brand new international mixed team event.

After a week of competition across the country, the final two countries vied for the inaugural trophy which saw the United States defeat Italy 4-0. 

Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said the United Cup provided an incredible new experience for fans witnessing emerging and established stars on the court, and inspired future generations.

“The United Cup brought the summer of tennis to Sydney and hosting at our Ken Rosewall Arena confirms NSW’s mantle as Australia’s premier sporting state,” Mr Henskens said.

“It is the first tennis tournament where men’s and women’s performances on court contributes to individual world rankings of their team members. 

“The atmosphere at the venue over the past two weeks has been electric, and we’ve seen top athletes put on a spectacular show of skill, determination and teamwork in the first event of its kind anywhere in the world.”

Hundreds-of-thousands of fans turned out to watch the world’s best players including Spain’s Rafael Nadal and Australia’s Alex De Minaur and Maddison Inglis compete at Sydney Olympic Park over the event.

Minister for Tourism Ben Franklin said the United Cup was part of the Liberal and Nationals Government’s 10 World Cups in 10 Years program which would grow the State’s visitor economy. 

“We are proud to host the first ever United Cup at Ken Rosewall Arena in Sydney, wrapping up 11 days of competition between 18 countries all fighting for glory,” Mr Franklin said.

“The Liberal and Nationals are committed to growing the NSW visitor economy and cementing our State as the major events capital of the Asia Pacific. 

“Securing events like the United Cup attracts the world’s best tennis players, officials, and their supporters to the Greater Sydney area, who stay in our hotels, visitor our attractions, and spend in our retail stores, restaurants, bars, and cafes.

“This is just the beginning of a bumper summer of sport events for Sydney and NSW with the World Athletics Cross Country Championships, SailGP and exciting return of HSBC Sydney Sevens all coming up in the next few weeks.”

United Cup Tournament Director Stephen Farrow said he was delighted to see fans share in the excitement of the United Cup in Sydney, as well as Brisbane and Perth.

“Sydney was a terrific host to the United Cup, and New South Wales relished in the opportunity to see the world’s best players unite and compete side by side in this never seen before event,” Farrow said. 

“Showcasing equality at this highest level, featuring mixed teams with the top players of each country, proved for some exciting match ups.”

Summertime at Barangaroo just got a lot cooler with the community now able to dip in Sydney’s famous harbour waters with a new a swimming enclosure at Marrinawi Cove, located at the northern end of Barangaroo Reserve.
 
Minister for Infrastructure, Cities and Active Transport Rob Stokes said Marrinawi Cove was the first new harbour swimming spot to open west of the Harbour Bridge in more than 50 years, demonstrating the NSW Government’s commitment to building more recreation facilities for future generations.   
 
“Our city stopped building ocean and harbour pools more than half a century ago – it’s past time to provide more great, safe public places to swim,” Mr Stokes said. 
 
“Being able to swim at Marranawi Cove is only possible because we have invested in cleaning up our harbour from industrial wastelands to aquatic playgrounds”.
 
“We’ll continue to explore more ways to increase public access to the harbour for swimming and water sports across urban renewal sites including Barrangaroo, Blackwattle Bay and Bays West.” 
 
Member for Sydney Alex Greenwich said swimming at Marrinawi Cove was a great opportunity to provide more public recreation at Barangaroo.
 
“Marrinawi Cove offers a fitting foundation for a swimming enclosure, and we know for thousands of years our traditional custodians, the Gadigal, used the land around Barangaroo for fishing, canoeing and swimming,” Mr Greenwich said.
 
“This is a major win for the community who have advocated for the ban on swimming to be lifted.” 
 
To ensure the community can swim safely, safety netting, signage and a new shower has been installed.  Following the summer period, the NSW Government will review how the enclosure has been used before considering whether further facilities, such as decking or ladders to enter the water are required.  More opportunities for swimming around the Barangaroo precinct continue to be investigated. 

Quantum computing startups and deep-tech companies will be supported to  advance their innovations through the NSW Government’s new $7 million Quantum Computing Commercialisation Fund. 
 
Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology Alister Henskens said NSW’s quantum ecosystem is uniquely placed to be a global leader of quantum technologies.
 
“Thanks to the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s strategic investment over the past decade, NSW is leading the nation in quantum research and development, boasting world-leading companies such as Silicon Quantum Computing, Diraq and Q-CTRL,” Mr Henskens said.
 
“Our 20-Year R&D Roadmap recently identified our world class quantum ecosystem as an area of competitive advantage, and we want to help our State flourish in this area to create new jobs and industries which will grow the economy and help secure a brighter future for the people of NSW. 
 
“This fund will target both startups and existing deep-tech companies to ensure that innovative projects are accelerated towards commercialising quantum computing, maintaining our momentum and reinforcing NSW’s position as a global quantum centre of excellence.”
 
NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer Professor Hugh Durrant-Whyte said the Fund would  support companies with quantum computing hardware or software within Technology Readiness Level 3 – 7, to help them develop their technology and attract large-scale private investment.  
 
“The quantum technology industry has the potential to generate up to $4 billion in revenue and create 16,000 jobs by 2040,” Professor Durrant-Whyte said. 
 
“Quantum technology is already revolutionising many aspects of our society and economy, including transport, health care, financial services, defence, weather modelling and cybersecurity.”
 
Further information, including guidelines and an online application form can be found online. Applications close at 10am AEDT 2 February 2023.

Patients experiencing breast cancer and their families will benefit from a $2.1 million funding boost to the McGrath Foundation and its nurses from the NSW Government. 
 
Premier Dominic Perrottet, Minister for Health Brad Hazzard and Minister for Women, Regional Health and Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said the funding provides renewed support for eight of the Foundation’s 63 Breast Care Nurses working across NSW.
 
The McGrath Foundation estimate these eight nurses will help 1600 patients across two years.
 
“The NSW Government has been a long time supporter of the McGrath Foundation and their good work and we are pleased to extend our partnership,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
“This year, around 6,800 people in NSW will be diagnosed with breast cancer and the funding will help the Foundation provide free support to the many people facing this challenge.”
Minister for Women, Regional Health and Mental Health, Bronnie Taylor welcomed the announcement, as one of the original McGrath Breast Care Nurses. 
 
“Having worked in this important role for four years, I have first-hand knowledge of just how valuable these nurses are for those living with breast cancer and their families,” Mrs Taylor said. 
 
“These nurses become a trusted, consistent and knowledgeable touchstone for families, offering them the physical and emotional support needed throughout their cancer journey.”
 
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the government-funded McGrath Breast Care Nurses will be based across NSW, and will support the ongoing efforts of cancer care teams in our public health system who are working to improve patient outcomes.
 
“The NSW Government invests $175 million each year through the Cancer Institute NSW to improve both the outcomes and experience of people diagnosed with cancer,” Mr Hazzard said.
 
“We are delighted to extend our partnership with the McGrath Foundation who shares our goal to deliver patients better continuity of care and offer specialised support.”
 
The McGrath Foundation, which was co-founded by cricket legend Glenn McGrath and his late wife Jane following her public experience with breast cancer, has supported thousands of people and their families experiencing breast cancer.
 
McGrath Foundation CEO Holly Masters said: “McGrath Breast Care Nurses provide consistent support for people diagnosed with breast cancer from the time of diagnosis and throughout treatment. We welcome the renewed support of eight nurses in NSW who will ensure more families experiencing breast cancer will have the care and support they need,” she said.
 
The eight NSW Government-funded McGrath nurses will be based in areas including South Western Sydney, Northern Sydney, Nepean Blue Mountains, the Central Coast, Southern NSW and Western NSW.
 
The NSW Government is investing $66.6 million this financial year in the BreastScreen NSW program, which invites women aged 50-74 for a free screening mammogram every two years. 
 
A screening mammogram is the best early detection method available for reducing deaths from breast cancer, and can detect cancers as small as a grain of rice, long before they can be seen or felt. 
 
Almost 20 women a day in NSW will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023 and more than two will die from the disease every day this year.

Two new Heavy Rescue Vehicles worth almost $1 million each have rolled off the production line and into operations, in a major capability boost for firefighters across Western Sydney.
 
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Steph Cooke said the trucks and highly-trained crew will be based at Hurstville and Regentville Fire Stations.
 
“These Heavy Rescue Vehicles are the most advanced type of rescue truck used by firefighting agencies anywhere in the world and are fitted out with large hydraulic tools, specialised air trolley and rope rescue equipment, a vehicle-mounted winch, inflatable flood rescue boats and search cameras,” Ms Cooke said.
 
“These state-of-the-art trucks and crew will be regularly called to some of the most high-pressure and dangerous rescue operations firefighters ever face, including building collapses, heavy vehicle crashes and large animal rescues.
 
“These trucks are unlike any others in the Fire and Rescue NSW fleet and add a unique level of capability for our first responders.”
 
Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Paul Baxter said the role of a modern firefighter is no longer just about fighting fires.
 
“Firefighters are trained, prepared and equipped to respond to all types of rescue incidents,” Commissioner Baxter said.
 
“These trucks will provide firefighters with the best possible resources to continue to assist the community.”
 
The $905,000 trucks have been stationed at Hurstville and Regentville to complement existing resources across Sydney and enhance emergency service responses to major rescue incidents, fires and other emergencies.
 
The Heavy Rescue Vehicles have been delivered as part of a $17 million NSW Liberal National Government investment in upgrading the Fire and Rescue NSW fleet.

Local technology startups are set to boost their growth with Techstars, a global investment business providing access to capital, one-on-one mentorship and programming for early-stage entrepreneurs, joining Sydney’s Tech Central district.
 
Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade Alister Henskens said securing Techstars would cement Tech Central as a global innovation hub, with more support for global and local accelerators and incubators to follow later in the year.
 
“Already home to global powerhouses such as Atlassian, Canva, ROKT and Safety Culture, Tech Central will support the growth of next generation cutting-edge companies with the addition of Techstars, one of the largest pre-seed investors in the world,” Mr Henskens said.
 
“Techstars graduates include 20 $1B+ companies, startups that went on to raise millions of dollars, employ thousands of people and list publicly on stock exchanges around the world.
 
“This is a major coup for Tech Central and proves that the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s focus on growing the economy is attracting global companies and turbocharging our innovation ecosystem.” 
 
Work to strengthen the NSW startup ecosystem and SME capability is one of the key pillars in the new Emerging Digital Technologies Strategy, which outlines how the NSW Government is growing the State’s innovation ecosystem to drive long-term equitable economic growth and competitiveness on the world stage.
 
Applications for the Techstars Tech Central Sydney Accelerator open today with a focus on seed and early-stage founders who are building businesses across AI, fintech, advanced manufacturing, cloud computing, robotics, cyber security, quantum computing, creative tech, and climate tech.
 
“Techstars firmly believes anyone, anywhere can be a world-changing entrepreneur. From our location in Tech Central, founders will have the opportunity to participate in an accelerator program that will build upon their entrepreneurial skills, help them find product market fit, and uncover innovative solutions that can make lasting impact across the community,” Techstars CEO Mäelle Gavet said.
 
For further information on the Techstars Accelerator Program and to apply visit techstars.com/accelerators/tech-central-sydney-nsw.

Sydney Festival 2023 has today opened the doors to its signature event, Frida Kahlo: The Life of An Icon.
 
The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has secured the exhibition exclusively for Sydney as part of the Sydney Festival program. This world-class exhibition will take over The Cutaway in Barangaroo with nine rooms of multi-sensory experiences exploring the life and work of one of history’s most influential artists.
 
Minister for Tourism and the Arts Ben Franklin said Frida Kahlo: The Life of An Icon will showcase Sydney as a global cultural destination. 
 
“This extraordinary exploration of one of the greatest cultural icons of the 20^th century is the perfect way to open Sydney Festival,” Mr Franklin said.
 
“Frida Kahlo: The Life of An Icon provides audiences with a uniquely immersive experience through interactive spaces, incorporating photographs, films, digital environments, collector’s items, music and live performance.
 
“This incredible Frida Kahlo exhibition is expected to draw thousands of visitors to Sydney and inject $3 million into the NSW economy.
 
“Frida Kahlo: The Life of An Icon is a must-see exhibition at this year’s Sydney Festival, which is once again setting a national benchmark for excellence in major arts and cultural events.”
 
From 5 – 29 January, Sydney Festival will reimagine a range of Sydney’s iconic and undiscovered venues, from the CBD to Western Sydney, with 25 days of site-specific programming that will have audiences viewing Sydney from a whole new perspective.
 
Frida Kahlo: The Life of An Icon runs from 4 January – 7 March 2023 at The Cutaway in Barangaroo. For more information on Sydney Festival and to book tickets go to www.sydneyfestival.org.au

Sydneysiders and visitors to the State are set to be inspired and entertained once again this summer as Sydney Festival returns with a full program of over 100 unique events.

Minister for the Arts Ben Franklin said the NSW Government is proud to be the largest single financial supporter of the Sydney Festival, which is on track to attract thousands of people across the State and internationally to support our creative and 24-hour economies.   

“Sydney Festival is a major visitor drawcard for NSW that attracts tens of thousands of people to Sydney each year, who stay in our hotels, eat and drink in our restaurants, cafes and bars, visit our attractions and explore our regions,” Mr Franklin said.

“In 2023, Sydney Festival presents an exceptional program, showcasing Sydney’s magnificent art and cultural spaces. I invite you to indulge in what promises to be an unmissable festival and enjoy the incredible homegrown and international talent.       

“The NSW Government is proud to support this major NSW cultural event as Festival Partner and celebrate bold, powerful, playful stories throughout Sydney Festival 2023.”

Artistic Director Olivia Ansell said there is nowhere better than Sydney to experience an exhilarating summer of art. 

“Made possible by over 1,000 local and international artists and the rich diversity of stories and cultures shared. Please join us this January for a blockbuster line up – from proud First Nation stories, groundbreaking international collaborations, a dedicated contemporary music club through to underbelly immersive experiences that invite you to rediscover this city differently,” Ms Ansell said.

The Festival includes 50 free events across 55 venues from 5-29 January 2023.

For more information on Sydney Festival and to book tickets go to www.sydneyfestival.org.au.

Recently launched by the NSW Liberals and Nationals in Government, the service is staffed by registered bilingual mental health professionals covering languages such as Arabic, Chinese, Greek, Korean, Vietnamese and Ukrainian. 
 
Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said this new phone line would support people from diverse communities who are struggling with their mental health to access appropriate services.
 
“While there is a wide range of mental health services available to all NSW residents, language and different cultural understandings of mental health can act as a barrier for people when accessing services,” Mrs Taylor said.
 
“This new phone line will support people to get the help they need, with a specialist team of health care professionals ready to provide care and connect people with the appropriate services.”
 
Available Monday to Friday between 9:00am to 4:30pm on1800 648 911, the Transcultural Mental Health Line improves access to mental health care and support for diverse communities. 
 
Minister for Multiculturalism Mark Coure said this initiative once again shows the NSW Government’s commitment to supporting the state’s rich multicultural society.
 
“We understand that finding the right words to express how we are feeling can be hard, let alone for people that might struggle with English,” Mr Coure said.
 
“This new service makes mental health support more accessible, and will give people the peace of mind to speak freely in a language they are more comfortable with,” Mr Coure said.
 
The Transcultural Mental Health Line joins a host of services, programs and initiatives the NSW Government is funding to support the mental health of people from diverse communities. This includes the funding of STARTTS, which offers a 24/7 counselling service for people that have experienced trauma related to war and violence overseas. 
 
If you, or someone you know, is in a life-threatening situation please seek help immediately by calling 000.  If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide or experiencing a personal crisis or distress, please call Lifeline 13 11 14  orSuicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467. The NSW Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511 is a 24/7 service that can advise you on appropriate local mental health services for you or a loved one.
 
For multilingual mental health resources, visit the Transcultural Mental Health Centre website via www.dhi.health.nsw.gov.au/tmhc.
 
The $3.2 million investment over four years is part of the $130 million COVID-19 Mental Health Recovery package and builds onthe $2.68 billion 2022-23 NSW Mental Health Budget, the largest mental health investment in the state’s history.