Category: NSW News

Netball NSW is excited to announce the athletes that have been selected in the 17U & 19U teams which will represent the State at the 2023 National Netball Championships in Darwin in April.  

First contested in 1985, the annual tournament provides emerging talent from across the country the opportunity to represent their respective State or Territory and compete for national honours.

The Nationals are an important step in Netball Australia’s pathway, with many Australian Diamonds having previously represented their State or Territory in the event.

Mardi Aplin – General Manager of Performance & Pathways at Netball NSW – said this is an exciting and talented group of athletes

“Congratulations to all selected athletes, we know you will represent NSW with Waratah pride,” she said. 

“Head Coach of the 17U side, Amber Cross, and the 19U team coach, Jen Wright, cannot wait to start the campaign this weekend when all players and staff will come together for the first State Team Camp.

“Because of so much talent trialling, the selection process was very hard but that is a great problem to have because it highlights the competition for places. 

“We wish everyone selected the best as they start preparation for the National Netball Championships and Go NSW!”

In 2023 NSW will be looking to go back-to-back having claimed the Gold Medal in both the 17U and 19U Nationals in Tasmania this year. 

2023 NSW 19U Team

• Aimee Landrigan (Camden & District)
• Amelia Kirgan (Bankstown City)
• Ana Kailahi (Blacktown City) 
• Bella Lieberman (Manly Warringah)
• Eloise Egan (Manly Warringah)
• Eugenie Little (Manly Warringah)
• Frederika Schneideman (Randwick)
• Grace Whyte (Tumut)
• Mia Baggett (Bathurst) 
• Monika ‘Otai (St George District)
• Millicent Tonkin (Newcastle)
• Samantha Bondietti (Manly Warringah)

2023 NSW 17U Team

• Allegra Mcdonald (Randwick)
• Ellie Hart (Campbelltown District)
• Evie Economou (Sutherland Shire)
• Hope White (Newcastle)
• Isabella Degei (Baulkham Hills Shire)
• Kelis Ogle (Liverpool City) 
• Nevaeh Matenga (Liverpool City) 
• Nicola Barge (Sutherland Shire)
• Olivia Harris (Penrith District)
• Sara Kent (St George District)
• Skye Thompson (Sutherland Shire)
• Yasmeen Janschek (Randwick)

Millions of Sydney and NSW rail commuters will now be able to catch a train without being unfairly hit by union disruption, following an agreement between the NSW Government and the Combined Rail Unions.
 
For too long school kids, people going to work and small businesses have had their lives and businesses turned upside down by industrial action by the rail unions.
 
Today we have put the people of Sydney first.
 
We have now agreed to a Fair Work Commission process which will result in a vote by the Combined Rail Unions and an ongoing arbitration process on a small number of outstanding items.
 
While these Fair Work Commission processes are underway, the Combined Rail Unions have agreed not to undertake any industrial action.

Vaucluse sports clubs and organisations are encouraged to apply for new life-saving devices through the Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program.

Liberal candidate for Vaucluse, Kellie Sloane, welcomed the Perrottet Government program providing $2 million over four years to local sporting organisations and councils, so they can get equipped with defibrillators to respond to life-threating emergencies.

“We’re told by medical experts that the first eight minutes after a cardiac arrest are critical to a person’s survival, so early access to CPR and a defibrillator is essential in case of such an emergency,” said Ms Sloane. “With the Perrottet Government covering the full cost of up to three devices, I’m calling on all local clubs to apply to this potentially life-saving program.”

“With ten clubs across this electorate already participating, from the Bondi Bowling Club to Maccabi Hakoah Club, I think many more should also apply.

“Double Bay Sailing Club was awarded a grant for a defibrillator, which has been placed on response boats, so that when the club holds competitions it is accessible if there is ever an incident on water. I think it’s great how the club is looking after the safety of its members.”

Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said that since 2017 more than 2,000 devices have been installed at sports facilities across the State.

“Whether you’re at your local sailing club or playing footy with your mates, when someone has a cardiac arrest, time is crucial – they can happen to anyone, anytime, or anywhere so it’s vital
that a defibrillator is readily accessible,” Mr Henskens said.

“Through this funding, the NSW Liberals and National Government is ensuring our sport clubs and venues are safe environments for everyone, both on and off the field.”

The Local Sports Defibrillator Program is available to sport and recreation clubs, associations and organisations as well as councils and service clubs. Up to $3,000 is available per device with organisations able to apply for up to three devices.

Applications are open and close Friday, 10 February 2023. For more information on the Program, visit www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants.

The Perrottet Government is investing $774,000 in upgrading dentistry facilities and teaching equipment at TAFE NSW Randwick that will help train the next generation of dental technicians as part of a for students and staff.

Liberal candidates for Coogee and Vaucluse, Dr Kylie von Muenster and Kellie Sloane, welcomed this investment in the local TAFE and future health professionals.

“Dental and prosthetic technicians need to get a good handle on the tools of their future trade, and the Government’s investment in upgrading TAFE NSW Randwick gives our students an edge as they embark on their promising dental careers,” said Dr von Muenster.

“As someone who spent many years undertaking training to deliver allied health services, I know that my education really benefited from access to great equipment and facilities.”

“This funding for industry-leading equipment, such as new laboratory chairs, articulators, and micro-motors will support the delivery of in-demand training for dental technicians in Randwick, as students gain hands-on skills in denture making and the construction of mouthguards and orthodontic appliances.”

“The Perrottet Government has invested $3 million in TAFE NSW Randwick since 2019, to boost the quality of education for a variety of courses” said Ms Sloane. “The campus had recently received two Connected Learning Points to support virtual learning and new cameras, making our local TAFE the place to be for aspiring future cinematographers.”

“This funding clearly demonstrates the Perrottet Government’s commitment to giving this community great fit-for-purpose learning spaces they need to build their skills and get future jobs.”

Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said the NSW Government is leading the nation in supporting people to get the skills they need for the jobs they want, which is helping grow the economy, securing a brighter future for the people of NSW.

“TAFE NSW trains 44 per cent of government funded TAFE students in Australia. It is the nation’s largest and best training provider, and we have invested record funding in TAFE NSW to ensure it continues to deliver a pipeline of skilled and job-ready workers,” Mr Henskens said.

“Our record skills budget is delivering more fee-free training which is helping people find indemand jobs and contributing to NSW’s low unemployment rate.”

For more information about courses available at TAFE NSW Randwick, visit www.tafensw.edu.au.

There’s never been a bigger year for active transport in New South Wales, with $117 million now invested this year towards walking and cycling paths as part of the Get NSW Active program. 
 
Minister for Active Transport Rob Stokes said the third and final tranche of the 2022 program would see $77 million in funding delivered for 161 projects across 45 councils.
 
“NSW is leading the nation when it comes to investment in new active transport infrastructure, building better footpaths and bike lanes in our cities and regions,” Mr Stokes said.
 
“More than $18 million has been committed to projects in Western Sydney and $20 million in regional NSW, where we’re seeing a growing demand for infrastructure that helps people walk and cycle safely.
 
“For children, older people, parents pushing prams or people with disabilities – a street without a footpath isn’t an inconvenience – it’s a barrier to moving freely in public space.
 
“That’s why we’ve already opened applications for Get NSW Active 2023 and we’re encouraging all councils to apply now.” 
 
Key projects to be delivered across the state include:

• $11.6 million to build a new permanent, separated bike lane along Oxford Street and Liverpool Street, providing a critical link between Taylor Square and the CBD.
• $3.8 million to build a boardwalk and shared path along the Hawkesbury River waterfront connecting Brooklyn Road with Kangaroo Point in Brooklyn.
• $3.2 million to build a two-way separated bike path on Kelly and Mary Ann Streets in Ultimo.
• $2 million to build the 4.6km Albury CBD Bike Loop, including on-road bike lands and eight raised pedestrian crossings.

Get NSW Active 2022 received 474 applications from councils across the state with 125 Greater Sydney projects and 158 regional projects receiving funding.
 
More than $200 million has already been allocated to more than 400 projects over the past five years of the Program, including Parramatta Escarpment Boardwalk, Inner West Greenway and Newcastle Light Rail Shared Path Stages 2 & 3.
 
A full list of the successful applicants is available here https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/system/files/media/documents/2022/2022-2023-Get-NSW-Active-Approved.pdf

Nine preschools across New South Wales will take part in a new study, providing free health and development tests for children before they start school.
 
The study will start today, with services expanded to 15 more locations in early 2023 before being offered to every NSW preschooler in 2024.
 
The state-wide program is an Australian first, with checks assessing hearing, vision, physical and cognitive development, social and emotional development, communication and skills.
 
The study will help inform the state-wide rollout of the program and will include different types of tests in different locations.
 
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the NSW Government was leading the nation with a $15.9 billion investment in early childhood commitments including health and development checks for children in preschools, to help ensure kids across the state reach their full potential.  
 
“This is about giving every child in our state the best start to life as possible,” Mr Perrottet said.
 
“The first few years of life are some of the most important for long-term health and development, which is why we are investing in this important program to help identify and minimise health and development issues or delays early on.”
 
Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said the study will run from late November 2022 until February 2023 in metropolitan, regional and remote areas.
 
“Education is the door to a brighter future, and these development checks are the keys for children across NSW to access the benefits of quality education,” Ms Mitchell said.
 
“I have witnessed the difference these early checks make first-hand after one of my children was identified with a speech impediment, and they are now thriving at school.”
 
Minister for Health Brad Hazzard said the program aims to give more families the support they need if it is discovered their child is not on track to meet key milestones.
 
“Child and family nurses, allied health professionals and early childhood educators will work together to support families so all kids are ready for school,” Mr Hazzard said.
 
“A child’s health and development plays an important part in their school journey and these checks will identify issues early so that action plans and support measures can be put in place early.”
 
Click here for information on the NSW Government’s Early Years Commitment.
 
Nine preschools taking part the study:

1. Oorunga Wandarrah MACS Centre, Airds 
2. Uniting Fredrick St Preschool, Rockdale
3. Forbes Preschool, Forbes
4. Bourke and District Children’s Services, Bourke
5. Mindaribba Preschool, Metford 
6. Woodberry Preschool, Woodberry
7. Gloucester Preschool, Gloucester 
8. Barrington St Preschool, Gloucester 
9. Stroud Preschool, Stroud

A new fleet of Australian-designed ferries are set to hit the water in Western Sydney, with the NSW Government investing in new vessels to service commuters and visitors along the iconic Parramatta River to Sydney CBD route.

Tenders will open tomorrow for the local construction of seven new ferries to ensure superior transport infrastructure for the people of Greater Parramatta.

Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said the NSW Government was committed to boosting local manufacturing and encouraging local content as part of the State’s record $76.7 billion investment in transport infrastructure over the next four years.

“It is vital to our economy and the domestic market that we back Australian ingenuity, design and local manufacturing,” Mr Elliott said.

“These new state-of-the-art vessels will fly the flag for our Western Sydney commuters and deliver a first-class service to the thousands of commuters who use the ferry network each day to travel to and from work, school, or leisure activities.”

Mr Elliott said the seven new Parramatta River ferries, were designed in Australia by experienced local ship designer, Incat Crowther.

“I strongly support local manufacturing and am excited by the opportunity this tender will provide for local businesses to help deliver Australian-designed vessels for our world-class city,” Mr Elliott said.

“While we already have a record low unemployment rate in NSW, the more we can design and also build things right here in Australia, the more jobs and opportunities we will create for our community.”

Transport for NSW Chief Operations Officer Howard Collins said the new design would ensure the 200 person capacity was maintained, but vessels would be more fuel efficient than older models with improved seating and access for passengers.

“These vessels will make a trip along the Parramatta River not just one of the most iconic commutes in the world, but a must-do for visitors who come to our wonderful city,” Mr Collins said.

“These Parramatta River ferries will also be future-proofed for conversion to electric propulsion when the network infrastructure is ready.”

The seven new ferries will predominantly run the F3 Parramatta River route, replacing seven RiverCat vessels after 30 years of service.

To encourage bids from local ship builders of all sizes, tenderers will be able to submit proposals for each and/or multiple vessels (of the seven required).

Sydney’s new Pitt Street metro station is taking shape as work powers ahead on the NSW Government’s major transport project, Sydney Metro City and Southwest, ahead of services commencing in 2024.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the new metro line would provide commuters with turn-up-and-go services every four minutes in peak under the Sydney CBD.

“A transport transformation is taking place deep beneath the surface of Sydney’s CBD with construction on the new City and Southwest metro line rapidly progressing and the new Pitt Street station fast taking shape,” Mr Perrottet said.

“This new metro connection includes five new stations through the CBD alone, as well as an additional two new stations in the city’s north, connecting our city like never before.”

Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said the transformation of the new metro station was another example of how the Liberal and Nationals Government was delivering when it comes to major transport infrastructure.

“This brand-new station on Pitt Street is taking shape before our very eyes, and will soon become a central hub for public transport commuters in the heart of the CBD,” Mr Elliott said. 

“The extent of the modern infrastructure being built below our feet has to be seen to be believed. In 2024 commuters can look forward to jumping on metro services from Pitt Street that will take them to Barangaroo in four minutes, and North Sydney’s Victoria Cross, in seven minutes.”

Sydney Metro Chief Executive Peter Regan said the construction team was making significant headway on the station fit out, with escalator installation progressing, the southern station structure complete, and new platform screen doors already in place. 

“Sydneysiders would be amazed at the amount of work already underway at this new landmark station, there will be an easy interchange with other modes of transport and include new bike parking for commuters,” Mr Regan said. 

“When Pitt Street station opens in 2024, commuters will have access to two entrances on Park Street to the north and Bathurst Street to the south.”

Five of six escalators at the Pitt Street station south site are installed, with the final escalator on the south site to be installed by the end of the year. 

A further eight escalators will be installed on the Pitt Street station north site over coming months, and façade and fit out of the south station structure will continue into the new year. 

A total of 117 façade panels are being installed at the south site – weighing between 1.7 tonnes and 11 tonnes each.  

Sydney Metro is Australia’s biggest public transport project. By 2030, Sydney will have a network of four metro lines, 46 stations and 113km of new metro rail. 

The growing Rouse Hill community is set to benefit from a range of new health services, with the release of the Master Plan for the $300 million Rouse Hill Hospital.
 
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the new hospital on the corner of Commercial Road and Windsor Road Rouse Hill will include emergency services, inpatient and outpatient services that will be designed to take advantage of digital innovations in healthcare.
 
“The Master Plan released today for the Rouse Hill Hospital ensures communities in north western Sydney will have access to the very best health care much closer to home,” Mr Hazzard said.
 
“The new hospital will be specifically designed and built to embrace advanced digital technology and innovative models of care to bring world-class care right into the home.”
 
These innovative models include:

• One Health urgent and emergency care that means a co-located emergency department, urgent care centre and general practitioner services with access to pathology, pharmacy and medical imaging services
• One Health short stay care medical assessment services (up to 48 hours) for patients requiring further investigation, stabilization and direction to an appropriate care pathway
• InTouch Care which will provide digital healthcare connectivity across all settings including the hospital, the community and in the home
• Prehabiliation, Rehabilitation and Lifestyle Medicine which delivers therapy, education and interventions that support management of chronic conditions  and improving health outcomes.

Member for Riverstone Kevin Conolly said the selected site and Master Plan for the new hospital campus ensured convenient and easy access to hospital services for the community.

“The Master Plan for the new hospital shows the building’s location on the hospital campus and how it relates to parking zones, public transport, access roads and other retail and community services. It also identifies future clinical expansion zones,” Mr Conolly said.

“The design will also emphasise comfort and wellbeing in order to benefit patient recovery, with courtyards providing access to pleasant views, sunlight and fresh air.”

Member for Castle Hill Ray Williams said the State Significant Development Application (SSDA) has also been lodged.

“The SSDA will allow enabling works to start onsite such as installing road access and in-ground services including water, electricity and gas,” Mr Williams said.

“I look forward to seeing early works commence in early 2023 following the review and finalisation of the clinical services plan and planning approval.”

The new hospital will include:

• inTouchCare
• Urgent  and Emergency Care
• Day Surgery Unit
• Adult & Paediatric Short Stay
• Ambulatory & Outpatient Care which includes Women’s Health, Ante/Post Natal Care, Cancer Care, Renal Dialysis, Mental Health, Infusion Centre and Paediatrics
• Prehabilitation, Rehabilitation & Lifestyle Medicine Service
• Multi-storey car park

 
The new Rouse Hill Hospital will complement Blacktown and Mt Druitt Hospitals and Westmead Hospital to ensure comprehensive health care throughout the north west.  Western Sydney has benefited from the recent $700 million Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals Expansion Project which included a new emergency department, women’s and newborn health services, intensive care unit, operating theatres, and psychiatric emergency care service.
 
Western Sydney Local Health District will work in partnership with Health Infrastructure on the next phases of the project with the aim of commencing construction on the project in early 2023.
 
The NSW Government is investing a record $11.9 billion in health infrastructure over the four years to 2025-26. Since 2011, the NSW Government has delivered more than 180 health capital projects across NSW, with more than 130 projects currently underway.

Liberal Candidate for South Coast, Luke Sikora, welcomed the announcement of a major Hawken Road intersection, which will feature a grade-separated overpass, as part of the $500 million joint-funded Jervis Bay to Sussex Inlet Road Princes Highway upgrade.
 
Mr Sikora said the overpass will allow traffic access to the highway in both directions and improve connectivity to the surrounding local villages, as well as the safety of people using this road.
 
“I was originally inspired to get involved in politics when two of my school friends died in a car crash – and making these roads safer is one of the most important things I can do for our community.”
 
Member for South Coast, Shelley Hancock, said the Perrottet Government has been getting on with the job of delivering important infrastructure upgrades, but it requires a strong local advocate to ensure that the local focus can be maintained.
 
“Since 2011, our Government has committed $5.15 billion to deliver upgrades to the Princes Highway to ensure the road is safer for motorists, to improve traffic and freight efficiency, and importantly to improve connectivity to our coastal towns and villages.
 
“As part of the $500 million upgrade between Jervis Bay Road and Sussex Inlet Road Princes Highway upgrade, a new intersection will be delivered at Hawken Road, Tomerong featuring an overpass, improving safety and allowing east-west movements between Hawken Road and Blackbutt Range Road.
 
“Along with the duplication of the six-kilometre stretch of the Princes Highway between Jervis Bay Road and Hawken Road, this new intersection will provide safer journeys and better support local traffic, tourism, and freight movements,” Mrs Hancock said.
 
“The upgraded section of highway will also connect with the new Jervis Bay Road intersection, which is on track for early work to start later this year.”
 
Luke Sikora said it is essential that the community continues to be informed and consulted.
 
“I encourage our community to get involved in this project, and have a say as design progresses on the Hawken Road intersection, including work to identify the preferred corridor and access points for local roads and private properties,” said Mr Sikora. “I am pleased Transport for NSW will be meeting with residents at Tomerong next month to ensure they are consulted every step of the way.”
 
“If elected, I commit to the delivery a safer Princes Highway along the entirety of the south coast, ensuring safer trips for local residents and motorists,” Mr Sikora said.