16 News – Page 362 – Newcastle and Australian News

Time To End The War on Weed

Greens Senator and Justice Spokesperson David Shoebridge has today launched a fully costed scheme for legalising cannabis across Australia.

The policy is supported by new costings from the Parliamentary Budget Office. The costing shows total tax revenue from legalising cannabis tracking at over $700 million a year within 3 years of operation. This is just part of the shift of wealth from bikie gangs and organized crime towards the public and legitimate businesses when we legalise recreational cannabis. It’s also fresh money that can be invested in schools, hospitals and climate action.

A legal, well-regulated cannabis market means safer products, billions in public revenue, and no more pointless arrests for possessing a plant. With our plan, you’ll be able to buy regulated cannabis from licensed dispensaries and cannabis cafes or even grow up to six plants at home. No more dodgy deals—just a smart, safe, and fair system.

Greens Senator and Justice Spokesperson David Shoebridge:

“Labor had the chance to vote for legalisation last year and blew it. We’re not waiting for them to wake up.

“The Greens plan will let the public decide if they want to spend more time and money on the failed war on drugs or grow a new sustainable and exciting industry.

“Billions of dollars in revenue, just imagine what that fresh funding could do for mental health, education, and drug programs.

“Legal weed isn’t a wild idea—it’s already working in Canada, Germany, and most of the US. Why is Australia stuck in the past?

“Safe, labelled, quality-controlled cannabis, maybe even organically grown, that’s the future we see. This would be an amazing step up from the current policy setting that so often delivers random strength mystery weed and billions in profits to an illegal industry.

“The future we see is one with secure regional jobs, safe products, flourishing small businesses and the option to visit a chilled out cannabis cafe.

“If you can responsibly enjoy a beer, why not an infused smoothie or a fresh baked brownie? Adults should be trusted to make their own choices when it comes to cannabis.

“We’ve already hashed out the details, now is the time to make legal cannabis a reality”, Senator Shoebridge said.

City of Newcastle doubles down on youth-led climate action

Young Novocastrians have another chance to design and deliver local solutions to climate change with applications opening tomorrow for $150,000 in funding through City of Newcastle’s Youth Climate Action grants program.

Newcastle was one of only three Australian cities selected to receive $75,000 late last year from the Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Youth Climate Action Fund.

City of Newcastle selected 12 projects to share in the grants, which led to initiatives such as a youth climate action summit, upcycling and recycling programs, and multi-media climate action projects.

Blue Minds co-creators Cooper Chapman and Kal Glanzing join City of Newcastle’s Dr Heather Stevens and a group of students from a variety of local high schools at Dixon Park Beach for the Blue Minds Youth Ocean Leadership summit.The initiative proved so popular, City of Newcastle exhausted its initial allocation and was able to successfully apply to Bloomberg Philanthropies for the second round of funding.

City of Newcastle’s Executive Manager of Environment and Sustainability Marnie Kikken said it’s vital we empower the next generation to have a meaningful role in achieving our net zero emissions objectives in the Newcastle Environment Strategy.

“We’re thrilled to support even more young people in designing and delivering local climate action projects that will bring Newcastle closer to reaching the target of net zero emissions by 2040,” Ms Kikken said.

“This expanded round of funding from Bloomberg Philanthropies allows us to not only amplify the voices of young people but also provide them with resources to ensure their priorities are front and centre in our city’s climate strategy.”

City of Newcastle’s Climate Change and Sustainability Manager Dr Heather Stevens said microgrants of between $1,500 and $7,500 will be available for 15 to 24-year-olds or organisations that represent them.

“If you have an idea about how to tackle the climate crisis, now is the chance to apply and make it happen,” Dr Stevens said.

“The last round funded a diverse range of projects, from upcycling programs to youth leadership training, so it’s great to build on that momentum with this new round of grants.”

Blue Minds Youth Ocean Leadership was one of the recipients of the initial round of funding, using the allocation to organise a free leadership summit for high school students at Dixon Park Surf Club today.

Program co-creator Kal Glanzing, one of Australia’s leading youth ocean and climate champions, and creator of the documentary Rising Up, said the grant helped continue Blue Minds’ mission of tackling eco-anxiety and creating a wave of change amongst young people.

“Australian youth are going to be disproportionately impacted by climate change and they want to understand how they can rewrite the future for the better,” Mr Glanzing said.

“We are grateful that with support from City of Newcastle we can empower students in Newcastle and provide them with practical tools to address their climate change concerns.

“It’s exciting to think that the students who attended the Blue Minds leadership summit today, will have an opportunity to apply for a grant that can help bring their ideas to life.”

Applications for the new round of Youth Climate Action Fund grants open on 12 March and close on 13 April 2025.

Information webinars will be held on 19 March and 2 April 2025.

For more information and to apply, visit:

https://www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/community/grants-and-sponsorships/grants/youth-climate-action-grants

About Bloomberg Philanthropies:

Bloomberg Philanthropies invests in 700 cities and 150 countries around the world to ensure better, longer lives for the greatest number of people.

The organisation focuses on creating lasting change in five key areas: the Arts, Education, Environment, Government Innovation, and Public Health.

Bloomberg Philanthropies encompasses all of Michael R. Bloomberg’s giving, including his foundation, corporate, and personal philanthropy as well as Bloomberg Associates, a pro bono consultancy that works with mayors in cities around the world.

In 2024, Bloomberg Philanthropies invested $3.4 billion around the world.

City of Newcastle launches plan to develop 10-year cultural roadmap

Newcastle’s cultural credentials will take centre stage as part of a 10-year strategy that will guide City of Newcastle’s commitment to the local arts, culture and creative industries.

Expressions of interest are now being invited to support the research and development of City of Newcastle’s new Cultural Plan.

Cr Sinead Francis-Coan, City of Newcastle Executive Director of Creative and Community Services Alissa Jones, Cr Jenny Barrie and Cr Deahnna Richardson support the upcoming development of a 10-year Cultural Plan.

It will build on the achievements of the existing strategy, endorsed in 2016, and deliver a clear action plan for the next 10 years.

Community and Culture Strategic Advisory Committee Chair, Councillor Jenny Barrie, said Newcastle is an innovative and creative community.

“City of Newcastle has a long history of supporting and investing in arts and cultural opportunities, community pride and local identity,” Cr Barrie said.

“This has included the work of our Community and Culture Strategic Advisory Committee and the endorsement of our Cultural Precinct Plan to enhance cultural connectivity and encourage larger audiences across diverse venues.

“I look forward to the development of this new strategy, and our ongoing work with the local creative community to amplify existing and emerging opportunities across the cultural landscape.”

Councillors Deahnna Richardson and Sinead Francis-Coan, who also sit on the Community and Culture Strategic Advisory Committee, supported the upcoming development of the plan.

“This will build our long-term support for all those involved in this sector, from the established and emerging practitioners showcased through the Newcastle Museum, Civic Theatre, Newcastle Art Gallery and our libraries, to the millions of dollars in grant funding given to local artists, writers and performers through City of Newcastle’s grant programs. I look forward to fostering deeper connections with these communities as part of this plan,” Cr Richardson said.

“Newcastle is known for its vibrant cultural life and an amazing depth of talent within its performing and visual arts sector. Our previous cultural strategy enhanced this recognition through the establishment of our flagship New Annual arts festival and the expansion of the Newcastle Art Gallery and I can’t wait to see this commitment continue for the next decade. With our new plan, I would also like to see increasing surety for local creatives, creative spaces and local nightlife,” Cr Francis-Coan said.

The development of the Cultural Plan responds to a notice of motion endorsed by the previous elected council in July 2024.

City of Newcastle’s Executive Director of Creative and Community Services Alissa Jones said the strategy will articulate the role of local government as a partner, advocate, enabler, and investor in developing a local cultural and creative ecosystem.

“The Cultural Plan will investigate the city’s cultural infrastructure, consider the retention or increase of affordable creative workspaces and the use of City of Newcastle owned and managed facilities and services,” Ms Jones said.

“It will also determine focus areas for investment in programs and service delivery by City of Newcastle and include support for creative workers and their creative workspaces as a strategic priority.

“City of Newcastle is committed to a creative Newcastle and as our city grows we are seeking to ensure that the creative industries and community are properly supported.”

Plans for the development of the 10-year Cultural Plan were discussed as part of the first meeting of the new Community and Culture Strategic Advisory Committee last week.

Expressions of interest are open until 1 April via Tenderlink, with the plan expected to be finalised by the end of the year.

Increasing female participation prompts strategic sports update

City of Newcastle will reshape its Strategic Sports Plan to meet the needs of an expanding population and enable more women and girls to train and compete.

Adopted by the elected Council in December 2020, the 10-year plan was designed to address future demand and inform the ongoing supply, maintenance and upgrade of sporting infrastructure across the Local Government Area.

City of Newcastle has already delivered or commenced 78 of the plan’s 93 recommendations, with more than $20 million invested into new and upgraded infrastructure over the past three years, but the rapid growth of women’s sport and a predicted population boom as part of the Broadmeadow Place Strategy have brought forward the need to update the plan.

Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz and City of Newcastle Executive Manager Community and Recreation Lynn Duffy join participants from local sporting clubs at the 2025 Sports SummitCity of Newcastle announced the review in front of more than 100 participants at last night’s fourth annual Sports Summit, which is designed to foster stronger relationships with local sporting groups.

Executive Manager Community and Recreation Lynn Duffy said City of Newcastle was committed to continuing collaboration with clubs and associations as part of the updated Strategic Sports Plan.

“We’re proud to work closely with our local clubs and governing bodies on the need for facility upgrades, ensuring players at every level of their chosen sport and the community have continued access to high quality sporting and leisure opportunities,” Ms Duffy said.

“In recent years this collaboration has led to the development of more inclusive, accessible and female-friendly facilities and amenities.

“That includes upgrades at Myers Park and Lugar Park, as well as major grandstand redevelopment projects at Darling Street Oval and Passmore Oval worth almost $6 million.”

Chair of City of Newcastle’s Sports Infrastructure Working Party, Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz, said the need for facilities that support universal access is greater than ever.

“We know that a governing body such as Northern NSW Football has set a goal of having 30,000 female participants by 2026 and they’ll all need somewhere to train and play,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.

“The Strategic Sports Plan covers 12 other field-based sports including athletics, AFL, baseball, cricket, croquet, equestrian, netball, rugby league, rugby union, softball, tennis, and touch football/Oztag.

“If you take into consideration the Broadmeadow Place Strategy, we’re likely to see a population increase of 40,000 residents in that area alone, so we need to ensure we’re getting maximum use out of the 152 fields City of Newcastle manages.

“Reviewing the plan will help us secure State and Federal government funding for new and upgraded sporting facility bathrooms, change rooms and lighting, while we also continue to upgrade everything from field layout to drainage and irrigation.”

City of Newcastle will call for expressions of interest for an independent consultant to update the Strategic Sports Plan in the next financial year.

Crimes Amendment (Inciting Racial Hatred) Bill 2025

I want to make clear the NSW Government will not be repealing hate speech laws passed in Parliament last month.

Our laws criminalised intentionally and publicly inciting hatred towards another person, or group, based on race.

They send a clear message: the people of New South Wales stand together against inciting racial hatred in our great multicultural state.

NSW has seen hundreds of antisemitic attacks and incidents.

This racial hatred has caused our Jewish community to live in fear in their own state.

While the caravan was part of a criminal conspiracy – and not the plot of a terrorist organisation – it was still appalling racial hatred.

It targeted the Jewish community. It targeted a racial group to instil terror in our state.

While these laws were drafted in response to horrifying antisemitism, we have always made clear they would apply to anyone, preying on any person, at any time.

In response to calls for the laws to be scrapped, doing so would be a toxic message to our community that this kind of hate speech is acceptable when it’s not.

These laws are very important to maintaining social cohesion.

New fund to turbocharge take-off for Western Sydney Airport

A new government fund will put Sydney’s second international airport on course for a successful opening by accelerating aviation capacity from day one, boosting the NSW visitor economy and creating more choice for NSW travellers.

The $8 million Western Sydney International Take-Off Fund will incentivise international airlines to fly new routes into Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) ahead of its grand opening in late 2026. The funding will be matched by WSI, representing a combined fund value of $16 million to boost airline capacity.

The new airport will play an important role in achieving the NSW Government’s goal of $91 billion of visitor expenditure by 2035, with the total $16 million funding package forecast to deliver over 162,000 international visitors to NSW and generate an estimated $530 million of visitor expenditure.

The Western Sydney International Take-Off Fund comes at a critical stage for the state’s newest international gateway with airline tickets for WSI flights scheduled to go on sale from late 2025. This fund will incentivise more carriers to join Qantas and Jetstar (domestic) and Singapore Airlines (international) as the airport works to accelerate passenger numbers to 10 million per year.

The new Western Sydney International Take-Off Fund will be administered by the NSW Government’s lead agency for the visitor economy, Destination NSW.

Allocation of funding provided to airlines will be agreed between Western Sydney International Airport and Destination NSW on a case-by-case basis and will include incentives such as passenger subsidies and marketing support. The funding provided to each airline is subject to the number of services and subsequent number of passengers they carry over the first three years of operation.

This aviation investment comes on top of $10 billion of joint NSW-Federal funding for roads and transport infrastructure to connect WSI to Sydney’s transport network.

Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham said:

“You only get to open a new airport once, that’s why we’re backing Western Sydney airport to land new routes and ensure this once in a generation opportunity is a runway success.

“Western Sydney airport will be a massive growth engine for the NSW visitor economy. This fund will pour jet fuel into that engine.

“The more passengers we can bring in, the more spending across Western Sydney’s incredible food precincts, the sights of the Blue Mountains and the food and wine in the Central West.

“The NSW Government is pulling every lever we can to grow the NSW visitor economy to $91 billion by 2035. This is a crucial one and there’ll be more to come.”

Western Sydney International Airport CEO Simon Hickey said:

“With tickets for our first flights set to go on sale later this year and our opening day rapidly approaching, this initial investment with the State Government is very welcome news and another strong signal that Western Sydney International Airport is well and truly open for business.

“This airport – Sydney’s only 24-hour international gateway – will deliver a major boost to the state’s visitor economy and provide further support for the vibrant and diverse tourism attractions that NSW has to offer for both domestic and global travellers alike.”

“WSI is built for growth, with plans in place that will eventually see it become Sydney’s biggest international airport, handling more than 80 million annual passengers, which is akin to London’s Heathrow airport today.”

First $15 million to support new jobs and investment projects in NSW Southern Basin communities

The Minns Labor Government is continuing to support regional NSW with $15 million now available for communities in the Southern Basin affected by the Federal Government’s water buybacks to develop new job and investment projects.

The NSW Minister for Agriculture, Regional NSW and Western NSW Tara Moriarty made the announcement in Griffith today [Thursday 13 March] as part of wider ongoing consultation with communities affected by the buyback program.

Minister Moriarty also met with business leaders from across the Riverina in Griffith at a round table concerned about the program.

The $15 million now available is the first round of funding under the $160 million program which will deliver targeted support to affected communities.

This initial round of funding is designed to provide immediate support to create jobs and boost local economies and will be targeted to the nine Local Government Areas of Balranald, Berrigan, Carrathool, Edward River, Griffith, Hay, Leeton, Murray River and Murrumbidgee.

Organisations eligible for the Early Investment Round can apply for $50,000 to $1 million for programs, initiatives and capital investment projects and between $250,000 to $4 million for infrastructure projects. Funding will be rolled out until the $15 million is exhausted.

Projects that would be considered for funding could include enabling infrastructure or technology upgrades to support business, plant and equipment for increased productivity or targeted workforce skills and capability development programs.

At the roundtable representatives from the region’s business community provided feedback about the types of investments that could support them to create and retain jobs.

This meeting is part of a wider consultation process helping the NSW Government understand the needs of Basin communities and will inform the roll out of future financial support.

The NSW Government will continue to consult widely, with further roundtables planned throughout the Southern Basin, to understand community priorities and the investments needed to strengthen local economies exposed to water recovery measures.

The remaining $145 million under the Sustainable Communities Program will be available for all exposed and vulnerable NSW Basin communities. This support is expected to commence in the 25/26 financial year, after detailed consultation with these communities occurs.

For more information on the Early Investment Round and to apply, visit nsw.gov.au/scp

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“The NSW Government is committed to getting money out the door as fast as possible to support NSW Basin communities against the impacts of water recovery measures, including the Australian Government’s water buybacks.

“While we don’t support water buybacks, we do believe that investing in infrastructure and programs to support local business and industry is crucial to building strong, vibrant regional communities.

‘This first $15 million of funding gives communities the opportunity to get on the front foot.

“I encourage organisations based in the nine eligible Local Government Areas to take advantage of this first round of funding that will support them to grow and thrive well into the future.”

Serena Hardwick, Regional Director Business NSW said

“We look forward to working with Government to ensure that the funding helps to build capability and capacity in our local business community. ”

“Investment to assist businesses in the region increase productivity, foster innovation and commercialise their research and development will not only see benefit to our local economy but contribute to the economy”

“With a large skill and workforce gap, this is an opportunity for us to consider how we can, as business, foster a skilled future workforce and rewarding career pathways with this investment.”

Sports fans get a season pass for free travel to CommBank Stadium

Footy fans travelling to CommBank Stadium for the NRL this weekend can travel for free on public transport, with the cost travel included in all match-day tickets this year.

Integrated ticketing will cover the cost of travel for all NRL and A-League matches at the western Sydney stadium in 2025, making it easier for fans to support their teams.

This follows the same arrangement that fans enjoy at Allianz Stadium and the Sydney Cricket Ground, and major events at Accor Stadium.

CommBank Stadium will host three matches in three days this weekend, with Penrith Panthers to take on the Sydney Roosters on Friday night, followed by Western Sydney Wanders-Melbourne Victory on Saturday night and Parramatta Eels and Wests Tigers on Sunday afternoon.

With the new L4 Parramatta Light Rail services running regularly between Carlingford, Westmead and Parramatta, it’s even easier for sports fans to make the most of the season ahead, with a stop conveniently located just a few hundred metres from CommBank Stadium.

From the Prince Alfred Square Light Rail stop, the stadium is a short walk along Victoria Road. Passengers can take the light rail to connect to Paramatta and Westmead train stations, other local bus services, and ferries at Paramatta wharf.

There is no need for fans to tap on and off when boarding services – they simply show their match-day ticket to staff.

In 2025, the Parramatta Eels and Western Sydney Wanderers will be joined by the Wests Tigers and four-time reigning premiers, Penrith Panthers, to call CommBank Stadium home.

The NSW Government remains committed to enhancing public transport options for major events. Integrated ticketing simplifies the journey to and from events, making a trip to CommBank Stadium more enjoyable and stress-free.

For more details on upcoming events and travel information, visit transportnsw.info/events.

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“Footy fans should have the same experience whether their team plays in Western Sydney or in the CBD.

“More than half a million people are expected to visit CommBank stadium this year and we want all of them to think about leaving the car at home and using public transport instead.

“With the Parramatta Light Rail having recently joined the network, fans will have even more convenient options when going a game at CommBank Stadium.”

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“With a bumper 2025 season on the way, we want as many sports fans packing out our stadium as possible. Integrated ticketing for public transport has long been available for matches at Allianz Stadium and the Sydney Cricket Ground so it is only fair that fans attending the sporting jewel of Western Sydney get the same.”

Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said:

“This is great news for everyone in Parramatta who loves Rugby League and Football. You won’t have to pay to get on public transport if you’ve got a ticket to games at CommBank Stadium.

“This won’t just make public transport more convenient for passengers in Parramatta and Western Sydney, this is about fairness too. It’s no longer one rule for the venues in the east, and another for venues here.”

Venues NSW Chief Executive Officer Kerrie Mather said:

“With public transport now included in all NRL/NRLW and A-Leagues match-day tickets at CommBank Stadium, it’s never been easier for footy fans to support their team.

“CommBank Stadium is set for another huge year with a record 23 NRL and NRLW match days, the WSW Wanderers’ march to the finals and Nitro Circus just some of the events confirmed so far.”

Parramatta Eels CEO Jim Sarantinos said:

“Offering integrated transport is important to enhance the overall game day experience for our members and fans.”

Cultural diversity in NSW celebrated at the Premier’s Harmony Dinner

A champion for culturally diverse arts, a passionate advocate for women in refugee communities and a multicultural sports innovator are some of the people recognised at the Premier’s Harmony Dinner last night.

Hosted by the Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper, the dinner was attended by more than 1,600 community members. As part of the event, Mr Kamper announced the winners of the 2025 Multicultural Community Medals and inductees into the NSW Multicultural Honour Roll.

The Multicultural Community Medals recognised 13 individuals and organisations for their role in strengthening NSW’s diverse and inclusive society.

Amongst the winners were:

Sandra Morales, who founded Heartdancers, an organisation solely focused on artists from First Nations and culturally diverse backgrounds in the Central Coast and Hunter areas
Dr. Astrid Perry-Indermaur OAM who has dedicated over 40 years of her career and life to advancing human rights and social justice for women and children from migrant and refugee backgrounds
Syed Sibtain, founder of Sydney Cricket League, a competition with over 1,000 players from diverse backgrounds, and a community touchpoint for newly arrived migrants to NSW.

Five people were also posthumously inducted into the Multicultural Honour Roll, for their lasting impact on fostering an inclusive, resilient and peaceful society.

Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said: 

“The Premier’s Harmony Dinner is an opportunity to say thanks to the people and organisations who give their time and energy to make NSW more inclusive and connected.”

“This is one of the largest multicultural celebrations in the state, bringing together people from different cultures to celebrate, find common ground and maintain a strong foundation for social cohesion in NSW.”

Multicultural NSW Chief Executive Officer Joseph La Posta said:

“The individuals and organisations we celebrate tonight are the heart and soul of multiculturalism in NSW.”

“Their unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion makes our state stronger, more vibrant, and more connected than ever before.”

“In addition to celebrating the stellar contributions of these worthy winners, this event is a reminder of the rich contribution of migrants to the everyday lives of everyone in our great state.”

2025 Multicultural Community Medal winners

Medal	Winner	Bio
Arts and Culture Medal in honour of Carla Zampatti AC sponsored by Powerhouse	Sandra Morales	Sandra founded Heartdancers – the only organisation in the Central Coast, Hunter and Newcastle areas that solely focuses on collaborating with artists from First Nations and culturally diverse backgrounds.
Dr G.K. Harinath OAM Sports Medal sponsored by Sydney Thunder	Syed Sibtain	Syed founded Sydney Cricket League (SCL) in 2016. SCL has over 1000 players from diverse backgrounds and acts as a community touchpoint for people new to Australia.
Human Rights Medal sponsored by SSI Equality for Life	Sabrina Khan	Sabrina is an international human rights lawyer and an advocate of women and children’s rights. Herself a survivor of domestic violence, she worked with Afghan, Palestinian, and Iranian women refugees to foster respectful and meaningful cross-cultural dialogue through the arts.
Lifetime Community Service Medal sponsored by SBS	Dr. Astrid Perry-Indermaur OAM	Dr. Astrid Perry-Indermaur OAM is an Australian women’s rights activist and a passionate advocate for multicultural communities. She has dedicated over 40 years of her career and life to advancing human rights and social justice for women and their children, from migrant and refugee communities.
Multicultural Not for Profit Medal sponsored by NSW Department of Communities and Justice	Dubbo Nepalese Community Australia	Dubbo Nepalese Community Australia is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to cultural preservation and community unity in Dubbo. Established to serve as a cultural bridge, DNCA enhances social cohesion through various initiatives that celebrate Nepalese heritage while promoting multiculturalism. It organised the Nepali Language School, volunteer initiatives, support during crisis.
Multicultural Youth Support Medal sponsored by STARTTS	Ahmad Zarar	Ahmad is a coach and mentor at Melrose Park Football Club. He arrived in Australia from Afghanistan in 2022 on a humanitarian visa. He is now an inspiration to the young Afghan refugees he coaches.
Regional Unity Medal sponsored by My Guardian	Ashley Young	Ashley Young is a passionate leader in the delivery of equitable and accessible healthcare. He led statewide reforms in Aboriginal Health, Disability Funding, Emergency Department Access, and Immunisation Services.
Stepan Kerkyasharian AO Community Harmony Medal sponsored by Commonwealth Bank of Australia	Syed Shah Khan Amin Zada	Syed is an Afghan refugee who is a passionate advocate for social cohesion in New South Wales. He organised multicultural festivals, art exhibitions, and food fairs, and established mentorship programs that connect young people with community leaders and professionals.
Community Languages Teacher Medal sponsored by NSW Department of Education	Maida Kulic Vugdalic	Maida is principal and teacher at Bosnian Ethnic School. Under her guidance, the school has connected people with their Bosnian heritage. She has also led the strategies to heal intergenerational trauma from the war in Bosnia in the 1990s.
Interpreters and Translators Medal sponsored by NAATI	Neena Sinha	Neena started interpreting and translating in the 1980s. During her career she helped improve cultural awareness of issues relating to domestic violence. She was one of the founders of Indian Women’s Social Organisation which gave a social outlet to Indian women in Sydney.
Multicultural Marketing Campaign of the Year sponsored by Anti-Discrimination NSW	CulturalPulse	CulturalPulse’s Multicultural Fan Engagement Program for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup set a new standard for sports marketing. The campaign drove record match attendance, overcame language barriers, and reached communities previously unfamiliar with women’s sports.
Best Report in Multicultural Media	The Jewish Independent	‘Generation Change’ is a monthly column that elevated and represented the experiences of young Australian Jews. The report profiles community leaders under 40 who are creating a positive impact and addressing often taboo social issues.
Multicultural Publication of the Year sponsored by Village Place	The Greek Herald	The Greek Herald has been the voice of the Greek-Australian and Cypriot-Australian community since its establishment in 1926. It is the largest and only daily Greek newspaper in Australia, and has an international readership.

2025 Multicultural Honour Roll inductees

Inductee	Bio
Ms Nadia Lozzi Cuthbertson OAM	Nadia was the first head of the newly created Ethnic Affairs Commission serving as Executive Officer until 1985. She was considered the ‘right hand’ of Ethnic Affairs Commissioner Dr Paolo Totaro’s in the formative years of the agency and an influential figure in early ethnic affairs policy in NSW.
Mr Mohmad El Dana	Mr El Dana founded Al Amanah College in Bankstown and Al Amanah College in Liverpool in 2002 and supported the creation of sister schools—Salamah College and Glenroy Private in Melbourne. In 2008, Mr El Dana led the Building Identity and Resisting Radicalisation (BIRR) Initiative.
Mr Emmanuel Alfieris	Emmanuel Alfieris was a passionate advocate for the Greek Australian community, known for his unwavering dedication, leadership, and generosity. His deep connection to his roots inspired his lifelong efforts to unite empower the Greek Australian community.
Mr Den Chen	After fleeing Cambodia, Mr Chen and his family settled in Australia, where he became an active volunteer with the Salvation and Cambodian Culture Association from 2000. He worked tirelessly to help refugees and migrants in similar situations. He was also an active fundraiser for Cambodian Buddhist organisations.
Mr Jack Passaris OAM	A Founding and Life Member of the Ethnic Communities’ Council of NSW (ECCNSW), Mr. Passaris remained deeply involved with the organisation from its establishment in 1975 until his passing. His commitment never wavered, and his contributions were instrumental in shaping its success.

Historic Cooma Gaol listed on the NSW State Heritage Register

Cooma Gaol’s challenging history as the only known prison in the world specifically used to incarcerate gay men, transwomen, and non-binary people, has been formally recognised with its listing on the NSW State Heritage Register.

Established in 1873, NSW’s oldest operational gaol was exclusively used between 1957 and 1984 to imprison men based on their gender identity or sexual orientation.

The inclusion of the gaol on the State Heritage Register acknowledges the gaol’s legacy and the individuals who suffered within its walls.

For decades, gay men, transwomen, and non-binary people were incarcerated at Cooma Gaol for the crime of homosexuality, a crime that remained illegal in NSW until it was decriminalised in 1984.

Cooma Gaol was central during the early push for law reform, serving as a focal point for the first public campaigns to decriminalise homosexuality.

The formation of the Homosexual Law Reform Society in Canberra in 1969 and Campaign Against Moral Persecution (CAMP) Inc in Sydney in 1970 were direct responses to the injustices faced by those imprisoned at Cooma.

Today, the site is known as Cooma Correctional Centre and remains operational as a minimum and medium security facility.

The Cooma Correctional Centre now also features the ‘Crime Through Time’ museum, a living museum that showcases the history of corrective programs and services in NSW since 1788.

The listing of the gaol on the State Heritage Register will be marked with an appropriate and respectful permanent commemoration at the centre.

Cooma Gaol’s inclusion on the NSW State Heritage Register acknowledges the resilience of the LGBTQIA+ community and honours those who were unjustly confined within its walls.

the Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong:

“The inclusion of Cooma Gaol on the State Heritage Register is important in that it ensures the stories of those who were unjustly treated are acknowledged and preserved for generations to come.

“This recognition comes following the NSW Government’s apology last year for the trauma endured by people of diverse sexualities for past convictions under discriminatory laws that criminalised homosexual acts and saw them sent to prisons such as Cooma Gaol.

“By acknowledging the past injustices faced by LGBTQIA+ people at Cooma Gaol, we take a vital step towards healing the past.”

the Member for Monaro the Hon. Steve Whan MP:

“Cooma Gaol’s imposing gate and towering granite walls have stood as an enduring feature of Cooma, serving as a visible reminder of our heritage as one of the state’s original prison towns.

“The State Heritage listing is a recognition of the Gaol’s historical significance, not a change to its current operations and I want to assure the community that the prison will continue to function as a correctional facility, just as it is.”