Southwest Metro project enters high-speed train testing

High-speed testing of trains on the Southwest Metro line begins this week, marking another major step towards the start of turn up and go services on the former T3 rail line between Sydenham and Bankstown.

Trains will now begin running at speeds of up to 100 km/h, progressing from the current low-speed testing stage capped at 25 km/h.

Communities along the former T3 line will see increased activity in coming weeks and months as testing accelerates, with a minimum 9,000 hours and 30,000 kilometres of combined testing to be completed before the line opens.

The Minns Labor Government acknowledges the patience and understanding of local communities and businesses who have managed with major construction and disruption. Their cooperation has been critical to achieving this milestone as the project moves into the testing stages.

Since testing began in April, a single train has completed more than 700 hours and travelled 3,000 kilometres at lower speeds. In the high-speed testing phase, more trains will be added to the line as testing progresses.

When the line opens next year, a metro train will run every four minutes in the peak – 15 metro trains an hour compared to eight trains an hour on the former heavy rail T3.

Passengers will benefit from faster, more reliable and more frequent services, including:

  • Marrickville to Gadigal: 12 minutes – saving 12 minutes
  • Bankstown to Central: 28 minutes – saving six minutes
  • Campsie to Macquarie University: 44 minutes – saving 17 minutes
  • Lakemba to Victoria Cross: 37 minutes – saving 24 minutes

The southwest extension will join with the popular M1 Line at Sydenham to create a 66-kilometre line of 31 stations through the Sydney CBD to Tallawong in Sydney’s northwest.

At station level, the transformation of the Southwest line continues to power ahead, reaching 75 per cent completion.

Painting and tiling are underway at all 11 stations, and the installation of Opal gates is nearing completion.

Testing and commissioning of platform screen doors and mechanical gap fillers are advancing, with the world-leading safety technology passing its initial tests at Dulwich Hill, Belmore, Lakemba, Punchbowl and Bankstown stations, ready for integration testing with the test train later this year.  

Across all stations, Sydney Metro’s distinctive ‘M’ station signage is being fitted, with a total of 2,393 wayfinding signs to be installed by opening day.  

Communication systems, including passenger information display screens, are being mounted, while installation and testing of speakers, CCTV, door security, and hearing loops is ongoing.

The Minns Labor Government thanks the communities in Sydney’s southwest for their patience as the project progresses and passengers on the M1 Line metro who will be affected by some upcoming weekend closures for essential work to integrate the new line.

Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:

“High-speed testing on the Southwest Metro line is a critical step forward to delivering what will be a game changing piece of transport infrastructure.

“Converting a 130-year-old heavy rail line to metro standard is a big undertaking, which is why this stage of testing will be exhaustive.

“We understand the patience this has required from local communities and businesses, and I want to thank them for sticking with us. Their support has helped make one of the biggest transport transformations in Sydney’s history possible.”

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“Sydney Metro has transformed how millions of people get around, and it is exciting news that we are entering high-speed testing here on the Southwest Metro line.

“I want to again thank the community for their patience in using replacement buses before this game-changing train service begins and for local businesses around stations that have also been impacted by construction.

“The T3 Bankstown line was a notorious bottleneck and a Metro will open more doors to job and education opportunities while also bringing more business to this part of Sydney.”

Member for Canterbury Sophie Cotsis said:

“The SouthWest Metro is a game-changer for my community of Canterbury.

“For too long, the hardworking people of Canterbury and of Southwest Sydney – especially our nurses, cleaners, teachers, students, families, and the elderly – have been underrepresented when it comes to public transport infrastructure.

“This metro is about delivering opportunity and access to everyone.

“I want to sincerely thank my community for their patience and adaptability as we reach this major milestone. Your support is helping to build a more connected future for all of us.”

Member for Bankstown Jihad Dib said:

“This is another major milestone as we move closer to delivering the Metro for communities along the Bankstown line. Each test brings us a step closer to faster, more reliable public transport for southwest Sydney.

“When it’s complete the people of southwest Sydney will enjoy more trains, less waiting and quicker trips to where you need to be.”

Member Summer Hill Jo Haylen said:

“I want to thank everyone across the Inner West for their patience as we deliver this transformative public transport project. High-speed testing is a major milestone, bringing us closer to a Metro service that’s fast, frequent, and reliable.”

Royal Hospital for Women celebrates 250th homebirth

The Royal Hospital for Women, Randwick, has marked a significant milestone in its pioneering homebirth program, celebrating the 250th baby born at home under the care of its dedicated midwifery team.

Rona and Sam welcomed baby Piper at their home in Maroubra at 1.44am on Tuesday 7 October.

The publicly funded homebirth program offers women with low-risk pregnancies the opportunity to labour and birth in the familiarity of their own home, supported by known midwives.

The program has grown steadily since the model of care commenced, with families embracing the option of a safe, supported, and empowering birth experience that often involves the whole family.

The popularity of the program reflects the trust families place in the hospital’s team.

To be eligible for the Royal Hospital for Women’s homebirth program, women must have an uncomplicated, low-risk pregnancy and live within the hospital’s catchment area.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“This milestone is a testament to the Royal Hospital for Women’s commitment to providing women with choice in their birthing experience.

“We are proud to support maternity models of care that empower families and deliver outstanding outcomes.

“The success of this program reflects NSW Health’s commitment to providing safe, sustainable, high-quality, woman-centred maternity care.”

Member for Coogee, Marjorie O’Neill:

“Birthing is such a personal and intimate experience. The Royal Hospital for Women’s homebirth program gives families the choice to welcome their babies safely at home, supported by trusted midwives.

“Thank you to the incredible staff at the Royal Hospital for Women. This milestone reflects their dedication, compassion and commitment to safe, family-centred care.”

General Manager, Royal Hospital for Women, Donna Garland:

“Each birth is a deeply personal and transformative experience. Our homebirth program honours that by supporting women’s choice to birth in a familiar, supported environment that they control.

“We are incredibly proud to have reached 250 births. For each midwife it is truly an honour to be invited to share such a sacred and intimate space with a family, and to welcome the new member of the family.”

Corrective Services NSW begins review of inmate classification to help strengthen staff safety

Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong has taken decisive action to strengthen staff safety at correctional facilities across New South Wales.

At the Minister’s direction, the Commissioner of Corrective Services NSW (CSNSW) has commenced a review of the way CSNSW classifies inmates across the state’s correctional system.

Classification is the process whereby inmates are designated a security rating – maximum, medium or minimum – that determines the custodial location and conditions in which they are to be managed.

The way inmates are classified is an important component of staff safety because it impacts the level of security needed to allocate resources, administer supervision, assess risks and maintain the prison’s order.

CSNSW is required to review an inmate’s classification and placement at least every 12 months. A review of an inmate’s classification may also occur if the inmate has been involved in a serious incident.

Classification of an inmate takes several factors into account including the seriousness of their offence, length of sentence, and their attitude, conduct and program participation while in custody.

This comprehensive review will assess the effectiveness of CSNSW’s classification, placement and case management processes. It will also ensure an inmate’s record of behaviour in custody carries appropriate weight when decisions are being made about an inmate’s classification. CSNSW will conduct the review in consultation with staff, the Public Service Association and other stakeholders.

The review forms an important part of the Minns Labor Government’s ongoing efforts to improve the safety of correction officers, an issue highlighted by the serious assault of four correctional officers at Cessnock Correctional Centre by an inmate in February 2025.

At the Minister’s direction, the Corrective Services NSW Commissioner submitted an urgent application to the State Parole Authority formally opposing the inmate’s release. The matter has now been stood over to a public hearing on Friday, 9 December 2025.

With the Minister’s full support, the Commissioner of CSNSW also wrote to the NSW Police Commissioner and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) requesting that an appeal of the inmate’s sentence be lodged with the District Court.

On Thursday, 6 November 2025, the ODPP confirmed it will appeal the sentence. The sentencing appeal is currently listed on Thursday, 27 November 2025.

The NSW Government has also recently introduced legislation into the NSW Parliament to improve accountability in inmate misconduct proceedings. The Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Amendment (Standard of Proof) Bill 2025 is set to change the standard of proof for determining correctional centre offences from the criminal standard of ‘beyond reasonable doubt’ to the civil standard of ‘the balance of probabilities.’ 

These changes will bring NSW in line with most other Australian states and territories and will enhance safety in our correctional facilities and better protect officers.  

Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong said: 

“Community safety remains the Minns Labor Government’s top priority.

“Working in a prison is a tough job at the best of times and correctional officers put themselves at risk to keep us all safe. They deserve our gratitude, and they deserve to be safe on the job.

“This review of inmate classification is just one initiative this Government is prioritising to strengthen staff safety across our state’s prisons.

“I will continue to talk directly with correctional officers and the Public Service Association to achieve our shared goal of keeping our correctional centres safe for staff.”

Corrective Services NSW Commissioner Gary McCahon PSM said: 

“Corrective Services NSW takes a zero-tolerance approach to assaults on staff and fully supports the criminal prosecution of offenders to ensure they face the full force of the law.

“Every staff member has the right to work in a safe environment.

“We are working closely with the Public Service Association to ensure staff voices are heard and make a difference in how we strengthen safety for all.”

Appointment of High Commissioner to the United Kingdom

Today I am pleased to announce the Honourable Jay Weatherill AO will be Australia’s next High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.

The United Kingdom is one of our closest friends and partners, and the appointment of Australia’s High Commissioner to the UK is one of the most important international appointments we make.

Jay Weatherill served as South Australia’s 45th Premier for over six years and championed national debate on sovereign defence capability, renewable energy targets and environmental protection issues. 

As Premier, he was instrumental in establishing South Australia’s leadership in the defence industry, including in construction of submarines. As a proud South Australian and as our next High Commissioner, Jay is well placed to take forward AUKUS in our nation’s interests.
  
Mr Weatherill served in the South Australian Parliament for 16 years in portfolios including Treasury, State Development, Education and the Environment.

I thank outgoing High Commissioner, the Hon Stephen Smith, for his service. Mr Smith has done an excellent job representing Australia’s interests in the UK across a range of security and defence matters. He has taken a leading role in Australia’s work with the Coalition of the Willing in support of Ukraine convened by Prime Minister Starmer and President Macron.

Mr Weatherill will begin his role in the new year.

Greens move to fix Labor’s planning bill: balance housing needs, nature and scrutiny

The ACT Greens have proposed amendments to Labor’s Territory Priority Projects bill that better balance the ACT’s urgent need for more homes and environmental protection.

ACT Greens Deputy Leader Jo Clay said the Greens have consulted with the housing industry, community housing providers, environment organisations, Labor, Liberals and the Independents on the amendments.

In May, the Committee on Environment, Planning, Transport and City Services found significant flaws in Labor’s proposed legislation. Territory Priority Projects waive third party appeal rights but currently require pre-development application consultation and Parliamentary scrutiny.

Labor’s bill removed early consultation and Parliament oversight from public housing and health projects that are declared Territory Priority Projects, in addition to removing community housing from a development which can be put on the fast track through this process.

The ACT Greens amendments will fix the issues raised by the committee by allowing community housing to be declared a Territory Priority Project and add in essential environmental and First Nations cultural protections for all Territory Priority Projects.

“Canberra’s public housing waitlist has increased from 3,000 to 3,500 so far this year. We’ve seen the ACT Labor Government revoke the Rent Relief Fund before their replacement program is available, pushing more and more people towards homelessness,” Ms Clay said.

“The ACT Government’s current level of investment in public housing is not meeting the demand. We need proper investment in public housing, in addition to supporting others who are providing affordable, secure homes — community housing providers.

“The bill the Labor Government introduced excluded community housing from becoming a Territory Priority Project. The Greens have proposed, and secured agreement from Labor, to put community housing into this legislation.

“These amendments also ensure that Commonwealth-funded public, community and social housing is prioritised, and that our environment and First Nations cultural rights are looked after while we do this.

“As our city continues to densify, we also need to ensure people have access to green spaces and nature. Our amendments also ensure there is a degree of scrutiny without delaying new public and community homes from being built.”

Chief Executive Officer of YWCA Canberra, Frances Crimmins:

“YWCA Canberra welcomes the ACT Greens’ decision to support sensible planning reforms that will facilitate the delivery of much-needed social, community and public housing in Canberra. 

“Our city is facing an unprecedented housing and homelessness crisis, and meaningful change is long overdue to address the critical need for housing for low-income earners.

“Canberrans now face a clear choice: do we continue to see people experiencing homelessness on our streets, or do we choose to ensure they have a place to call home in our neighbourhoods?

“We can no longer afford to overlook practical and effective legislative reforms that will expedite the construction of public, social and affordable homes. 

“This amendment makes sense. It supports low-income Canberrans and brings us closer to a community where everyone has a safe place to live.”

Ms Clay’s amendments and explanatory statement are available on the ACT Legislative Assembly website.

Labor’s secrecy eroding democracy and corporate ‘politics as usual’ driving young people away, says Greens

The Australian Greens say a new report showing a collapse in confidence in democracy is a consequence of a system that is increasingly closed, captured by corporate interests, and leaving young and regional Australians behind.

The McKinnon Index of Australian Democracy found confidence in Australia’s democratic system is weakest among young people and those living outside major cities.

The Greens have repeatedly called for reforms to strengthen Australia’s democratic institutions, including removing the influence of big money in politics, stronger freedom of information laws, greater political donation transparency and a national integrity system with real teeth.

Senator Steph Hodgins-May, Australian Greens spokesperson for democracy:

“When both major parties spend decades protecting corporate profits over improving people’s lives, it’s no wonder Australians are losing faith in the democratic institutions that are meant to serve them.

“Labor came in the door promising transparency, but instead we’ve seen a downward spiral into secrecy that fuels distrust and cynicism, especially among younger Australians who already feel disengaged.

“How can young people trust the government when all they see from both major parties are backroom deals, corporate capitulation and laws that continue to sell out their future for private profits?

“The climate crisis is getting worse, the housing market is dystopian and basic rights like education are becoming further out of reach. In the PM’s own words, this approach is ‘delulu with no selulu’.

“People in regional and rural communities watch corporations make billions and use tax loopholes to skip out on paying their fair share, while their local services close and the government tells them there’s no money for public housing or healthcare. 

“This isn’t apathy, it’s a natural response to seeing your government work so hard for Gina and Clive and do the bare minimum for everyone else.

“If our government is serious about restoring faith in democracy, it should start by breaking the stranglehold of corporate money on politics and prioritise integrity over political ambitions.

Funding boost to support Newcastle communities in need

Local initiatives designed to promote cultural diversity, tackle food insecurity and foster social connections have received a $220,000 boost from City of Newcastle.

The funding pool is part of City of Newcastle’s annual grants and sponsorships program, which this year is providing 87 projects with a share of almost $900,000 across 10 funding categories.

Councillor Elizabeth Adamczyk visited the Full Circle Collective retail shop to view products handmade by women from refugee backgrounds through the Shared World Collective. She was joined by Katrina Gulbrandsen from Shared World Collective, Bianca Bartlett from Full Circle Collective and Mosaic representatives Maram Mohamed and Mirja Colding-Moran.

Twenty-two Social Inclusion projects will support Newcastle’s most vulnerable, with grants ranging from $2,500 to $20,000 each.

Councillor Elizabeth Adamczyk, Co-chair of City of Newcastle’s Access Inclusion Standing Committee, said that the funding removes barriers to inclusion and supports equal opportunity. 

“City of Newcastle is proud to partner with local organisations to deliver innovative, evidence-based programs that make a real difference for people in our community who may experience additional barriers or disadvantage, such as families, refugees, people with disability, young people, and culturally diverse communities,” Cr Adamczyk said.

“Our Social Strategy 2030 places people at the heart of our vision, with these grants providing a solid foundation for strengthening health, wellbeing and cultural connection to build a city where diversity is celebrated and inclusion is the norm.” 

Among the successful applicants is Shared World Collective, whose project will bring together culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) women through artisan and small business skill development. 

Shared World Collective Director Katrina Gulbrandsen said the creative workshop program will foster cultural expression and create pathways to economic participation.

“The Gather, Make & Market project delivered in partnership with Mosaic Cultural Connections, is a meaningful way to support women from African, Afghan and Arabic refugee backgrounds in Newcastle,” Ms Gulbrandsen said. 

“By building on existing skills in sewing and embroidery, and introducing new techniques through workshops, maker sessions and sustainable sourcing and selling tour, participants are empowered to create handmade products for sale at local markets or retail outlets like The Full Circle Collective. 

“The program also includes small business training to help women turn their creativity into real economic opportunity. This program will build confidence, community connections and pathways to economic independence. It’s about recognising the strengths they already have and supporting them to thrive.”

A range of other grant recipients will also deliver programs for Newcastle’s culturally diverse communities including the CALD Connect Foundation, whose Newcastle Multicultural Soccer Tournament will be held over four weekends in 2026 to foster inclusion, celebrate diversity and strengthen community connections through sport. 

Issues around food insecurity will be addressed across a number of initiatives including a community lunch service from the Salvation Army and the Samaritan Foundation’s annual Christmas Lunch in the Park event.

Creating new social networks is at the heart of several projects including Connection Club’s Fast Friends events, which are designed to break down barriers to foster meaningful peer connections, build social skills and reduce isolation for people with a disability. 

For more information about City of Newcastle’s Grants and Sponsorships program visit www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/community/grants-and-sponsorships

Yule have a great time in Sydney this Christmas

The Minns Labor Government is unveiling its largest Christmas celebrations yet with the Harbour city set to launch the 2025 Festive Season and a range of new and expanded events, cementing Sydney as the ultimate Summer Christmas and New Year’s destination.  

Locals and visitors alike will be invited to experience the city’s unique, vibrant summer holiday spirit, with Sydney set to sparkle with a packed calendar of dazzling events, cultural showcases, and community celebrations.

The 2025 Sydney Festive Season will deliver the city’s largest Christmas celebrations with an expanded program of major events and activations across the city that will officially begin on 27 November with Santa’s Sydney Sleigh Ride and the lighting of the Martin Place Christmas Tree, presented by the City of Sydney.

  • Tumbalong Park at Darling Harbour will play host to a major expanded Christmas Festival for 2025 with an even bigger free family concert, expanded children’s entertainment zones and the return of Santa’s grand arrival. Expect a larger main stage program featuring combined school choirs alongside headline performers. Schools can submit their interest in performing on the big stage here www.darlingharbour.com/competitions/call-for-choirs-perform-at-the-darling-harbour-chr
  • Christmas at the Cathedral will be more than double the size in 2025. The nightly forecourt market will feature exciting new food and gift stall options, new lighting and projection installations will bring the Cathedral façade to life, and an expanded program of choirs and live performances. Visitors can gather for nine nights of food, music and community celebration in the lead-up to Christmas.
  • The Rocks Markets: Christmas Edition returns with additional festive night trading sessions and more stallholders specialising in handmade gifts, local design and seasonal treats. The precinct will also be buzzing with an enhanced summer music program and relaxed picnic-style spaces overlooking the harbour.
  • The inaugural Cockle Bay Christmas Spectacular will launch with a water performance featuring stunt elements plus a pre-show program of live music and roving performers.  
  • A White Bay Christmas will transform the White Bay Power Station, offering festive orchestral concerts and an expanded artisan market in the Boiler House and Turbine Hall. Visitors can explore stalls featuring local makers and enjoy performances by the Sydney Youth Orchestra in one of Sydney’s most atmospheric heritage settings.

Importantly for families, all events are free to attend.

Sydney’s unique festive period is a key, high-profile holiday season that the city is known for offering a warm, Australian twist on traditional celebrations. Barangaroo and The Rocks will be getting a Christmas makeover, with wreaths, bells and Christmas trees set to fill the public domains.

These new and improved events will be supported by Christmas classics including The Salvation Army’s Carols in the Domain, and the Martin Place Tree.

A bumper Christmas crowd will be followed by a summer of major events, ensuring Sydney remains the place to be throughout the holiday season.

Key NSW Government-supported events include:

  • Back to the Future: The Musical  
  • Sydney International Art Series – Data Dreams: Art in the Age of AI at the Museum of Contemporary Art (21 Nov 2025 – 26 Apr 2026) and Ron Mueck at the Art Gallery of NSW (6 Dec 2025 – 12 Apr 2026)
  • Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race
  • United Cup (3–11 Jan 2026)
  • Sydney New Year’s Test Match (4–8 Jan 2026)
  • Sydney Festival (8–25 Jan 2026)

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“Sydney’s Christmas celebrations just keep getting bigger and better. This year we’re unwrapping our most exciting festive season yet with more events, more lights, and more free ways for families to celebrate together.

“Only in Sydney can you celebrate Christmas under the stars, by the harbour, and on the beach. Our expanded summer program captures that unique spirit while driving even more visitors into our city.”

Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said:

“No one does Christmas quite like Australia, and there is no better place to experience a classic Aussie Christmas than Sydney.

“We are bringing back the festive spirit to make sure our Christmas celebrations are bigger and better than years before.  

“We want to see our city humming with local and international visitors and to do that we need to give them a reason to travel.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:  

“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas as our iconic Harbour precincts prepare to put on a bumper schedule of events filled with plenty of free festive cheer.  

“Whether you’re looking for free family fun like live entertainment or to find unique Christmas gifts to put under the tree we’ve got you covered.  

“I look forward to seeing merrymakers coming together this holiday season to enjoy our great open spaces and the free Christmas bonanza.”

CBD & Darling Harbour

  • Sydney Christmas and Martin Place Tree Lighting – Martin Place – 27 November
  • Floating Christmas Tree – 21 November
  • Cockle Bay Christmas Spectacular – 6 December
  • Christmas Festival at Tumbalong Park, featuring the combined school choir – 13 December
  • Christmas Fireworks – 6, 13 and 20 December  
  • Christmas at the Cathedral Markets – 17 – 25 December
  • The Salvation Army’s Carols in the Domain – The Domain – 20 December

The Rocks

  • Homegrown Concerts – Tallawoladah Lawn, The Rocks – 6–7 December
  • The Rocks Markets: Christmas Edition every weekend from 6 to 21 December
  • Laneway Cinema on 3, 10 and 17 December

Barangaroo

  • The Pier Social (Festive Season Sessions) – Pier Pavilion, Barangaroo – From 21 November
  • Barangaroo Markets – Third Friday of each month from 21 November to February
  • Movin’ Bed Cinema – from 28 November

Balmain/White Bay Power Station

  • Christmas in Balmain with Free Santa Photos – Balmain village – 3 November–25 December
  • Sydney Youth Orchestra: Lied Der Nacht – White Bay Power Station – 6 December
  • Sydney Youth Orchestra: White Bay Christmas Concert – White Bay Power Station – 7 December
  • Balmain Village Markets – 7 December
  • The Makers and Shakers Christmas Gift Market – White Bay Cruise Terminal – 13–14 December

Opportunities are also available for community choirs to perform and share their festive spirit in Darling Harbour – submission information can be found at Darling Harbour Community Christmas Performances.

New contract boosts progress towards vital Menindee and Lower Darling-Baaka permanent fish passage

An important milestone has been reached towards restoring fish passage in the Menindee lakes and Lower Darling-Baaka River, with the lead design consultant contract awarded to 3Rivers.

3Rivers (a joint venture between Jacobs and GHD) will lead the Menindee and Lower Darling-Baaka Fish Passage Business Case a part of the permanent works, they will provide technical expertise to design and cost solutions to restore fish passage.

The NSW Government and Murray–Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) are collaborating on the project to allow native fish like Golden Perch and Murray Cod to migrate freely to feed, breed and access new habitat. This vital work will support native fish recovery and ecological resilience, and provide long-term, system-wide improvements to river health.

With a combined investment of $16 million to investigate fish passage solutions in the region, the Australian Government, MDBA and NSW Government are taking the first decisive steps to address the long-standing challenges in connectivity and ecological restoration in this part of the Basin.

This includes:

  • Combined Commonwealth funding of $3.56 million for MDBA to prepare a business case to address permanent fish passage at the Lake Wetherell outlet regulator.
  • NSW Government’s funding of $12.5 million to complete both a detailed holistic business case for fish passage solutions across the Menindee Lakes and Lower Darling-Baaka River and the Fishheart temporary passage.

The business case development includes: initial investigations, stakeholder consultation with the local community including Barkandji Traditional Owners and other First Nations groups, concept designs, environmental assessments, and cost-benefit analysis.

With a focus on critical regulator and weir sites in the Menindee and Lower Darling-Baaka, between Lake Wetherell and Pooncarie Weir. If implemented, this would lead to the restoration of 518 kilometres of connectivity between the northern and southern Murray–Darling Basin.

While work is ongoing, the New South Wales Government has funded a 3-year trial of a temporary fish passage technology called Fishheart, at the Lake Wetherell outlet regulator to help manage the risk of native fish getting stuck in the Menindee town weir pool.

Federal Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt said:

“Today’s announcement is a positive step towards mitigating future mass fish deaths and giving our native fish a better chance of survival. It’s an important piece of work that will ensure the necessary information is available to Basin governments to make an informed investment decision.

“This project is focused on long-term, permanent solutions, not just band-aid fixes. It will support native fish recovery, river connectivity and healthier river systems for the environment and communities.”

Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Regional New South Wales, and Minister for Western New South Wales Tara Moriarty said:

“This is a key component of the Minns Labor Government’s priority $25 million Restoring the Darling-Baaka Program after the 2023 mass fish kill at Menindee.

“Already, Fishheart is using innovative science, data and infrastructure to reduce the short-term risk of fish kills, however, this permanent fix will have a long-term impact for restoring our native fish.

“Our regional communities depend on us to get this right so that hopefully, in the future, our native fish can migrate the entire length of the Basin.”

Minister for Water, Rose Jackson said:

“This is another important step in the Restoring the Darling-Baaka Program. We’ve made good progress implementing the recommendations of the NSW Chief Scientist with expanded water quality monitoring, improved response triggers and additional resources.

“But we know enduring fish passage and river health is the ultimate aim and we’re getting on with that job.”

MDBA’s Chief Executive Andrew McConville said:

“We’re delighted to have 3Rivers on board to provide their valuable technical expertise to this vital project and we look forward to working closely with them.

“Community collaboration will be a critical part of 3Rivers developing the right designs to enable fish passage through the Lakes and the Baaka, and to ensure the business case is thorough and clear.

“The Barkandji people, the Traditional Owners, along with other First Nations groups and communities will play a key role in shaping the design and cost-benefit analysis, to ensure local and cultural knowledge is incorporated into the final recommendations.”

‘Ninety-five Not Out’ – Inspiring NSW seniors share their stories

Tales spanning technological change, women’s empowerment and New South Wales’s natural beauty are among 100 literary masterpieces featured in Volume 11 of Seniors’ Stories launched today at Parliament House.

Seniors’ Stories elevates the voices of seniors and provides a platform for older authors to reflect on the theme of ‘Then and Now’.

Readers are offered insights into authors’ youthful memories, changing times and life-shaping moments.

Cranebrook author Marie Nevin, who turned 96 in September, is the oldest contributor for this year’s edition. Marie’s story ‘Ninety-Five Not Out’ vividly portrays her transition from childhood to embracing modern technology later in life.

“I was born in 1929 in Marrickville . . . I remember while driving there, the ‘Bottle‑O’ would come down the street in a horse and cart calling ‘Bottle‑o, Bottle‑o’,” she writes.

“I am now ninety‑five years old. I like to go out and have coffee and cake … I have thirty‑four grandchildren, forty great‑grandchildren … I am thankful for having a mobile phone as it keeps me in touch with them all … I have an iPad which I use every day, playing word games to keep my mind active.”

For Marie, writing is a family affair. Her son-in-law Paul Ryan, from Emu Plains, also contributed a short story titled ‘The Wharf’. 

Seniors’ Stories Volume 11 features nine stories translated to an author’s chosen language alongside English versions to reflect the cultural diversity of communities across the state.

Translated languages include Bengali, Cantonese, Dutch, French, German, Hindi, Italian, Malayalam and Sinhalese.

More than 1,100 personal stories of older people across NSW have been published in Seniors’ Stories since the NSW Government launched the initiative in 2013.

The program is open to all Seniors Card and Senior Savers Card holders. Authors from all backgrounds and languages are encouraged to submit their work.

The Fellowship of Australian Writers NSW has led writing workshops to provide guidance and support for seniors seeking to share their stories.

More information on Seniors’ Stories is available at NSW Seniors Card.

Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison said:

“Seniors’ Stories is a special publication which offers a glimpse into how the lives of older people in New South Wales have evolved over the years.

“It’s a celebration of the diversity and resilience of older people in New South Wales, and I’m delighted to see seniors from all walks of life have shared their stories.

“These books are a beautiful reminder that we all have a story worth sharing.”