Category: NSW News

Construction is underway on global software giant Atlassian’s 39-storey headquarters, which will anchor the Tech Central precinct and spearhead NSW’s innovation engine.
 
The NSW Government, in partnership with Atlassian, Dexus and YHA, announced that construction had commenced on the project, which is expected to be open in 2027.
 
Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade Alister Henskens said the NSW Government was excited to kick off construction on the award-winning concept, which incorporates a hybrid timber design and will be the tallest of its kind in the world.
 
“We are incredibly proud to see Atlassian’s Australian HQ come to life at Tech Central, progressing our goal of delivering the world’s most sustainable, inclusive and creative innovation precinct,” Mr Henskens said.
 
“This iconic building will play a vital role in supporting NSW talent attraction and retention efforts and become a beacon for the technology industry.
 
“In a fierce global skills market, on its completion the building will boost our market competitiveness and welcome 5,000 future technology and supporting industry jobs, in addition to creating over 800 construction jobs.”
 
Atlassian Co-Founder and Co-CEO Scott Farquhar said the company was adapting to a new way of work since COVID-19, with the new office to play a unique role as the company reimagines traditional office spaces and how work gets done.
 
“We’ve been involved in the Tech Central vision from day one. Today marks a big milestone for us as we edge closer to constructing our new tower. Atlassian is built on bright ideas, strong values, and great teamwork, and we can’t wait to see this come to life in Atlassian Central,” Mr Farquhar said.
 
The first anchor tenant, Atlassian, will be joined by Afterpay, Canva, ROKT and Safety Culture in supporting the activation of the Tech Central precinct.
 
The development will provide 20 per cent of the 25,000 additional innovation jobs target, and over 20 per cent of the 250,000 square metres of space for technology companies across the precinct.
 
The mixed-use headquarters will offer an impressive and inclusive range of functions to cater for the workforce of tomorrow, with other floors of the building spanning retail, dining and affordable accommodation.
 
Dexus has reached agreement with Atlassian to fund, develop and invest in Atlassian Central.
 
Dexus CEO Darren Steinberg said today marks a significant milestone in Dexus’s partnership with Atlassian to deliver their Australian Headquarters.
 
“The world’s greatest city-shaping precincts are achieved through collaborative partnerships. This is a unique opportunity for Dexus and Atlassian to create a global leading workplace that challenges the status quo, with new benchmarks in sustainability and smart buildings,” Mr Steinberg said.
 
YHA CEO Paul McGrath echoed excitement for the commencement of construction.
 
“At YHA, we pride ourselves on providing spaces that facilitate social connection, discovery and creativity. Digital nomads in Australia are continuing to increase and are positioned in the heart of Atlassian’s building, creating a unique and sustainable space that aligns with not only the needs of the modern traveller but also our values,” Mr McGrath said.
 
For more information on the building visit atlassiancentral.com.au.

The early childhood workforce is set to boom with the NSW Government committing 25,000 fee-free training places to bolster the pipeline of skilled and job-ready workers for the early learning and care sector.

Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said the fee-free courses will help people upskill and boost budgets by removing barriers to accessing quality vocational education and training.

“This investment in fee-free courses enables you to get a job in an incredibly rewarding industry, study for free and earn while you learn,” Mr Henskens said.

“People who are already working in the industry can also upskill if they enrol in courses this year, and bolster their qualifications so they can take on new roles as early learning educators.”

A wide range of full and part qualifications are available, including Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care and Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care.

These courses provide pathways to employment including early childhood educator and educator in before and after school care programs.

Last year more than 11,000 people undertook early childhood education training, supporting the sustainable pipeline of educators and teachers for tomorrow.

Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said the NSW Government’s revolutionary Early Years Commitment will create jobs growth and opportunities for people to explore a career in early childhood education.

“Our investment in early learning will transform the education system, create jobs and secure a brighter future for NSW families,” Ms Mitchell said.

“Parents know the value of a high quality and reliable early childhood service for their child’s future, and this government is leading the country in delivering that for all NSW families.”

More information about courses and eligibility is available online.

The New South Wales Government’s $60 million Aviation Attraction Fund has secured another airline partner with Japan Airlines committing to two new flights per week from Tokyo International Airport to Sydney from October 2022.

Minister for Tourism Ben Franklin said that Japan is a significant trade partner for NSW with huge potential for future growth.

“NSW is ready to welcome more Japanese visitors to our shores and more airline seats will play a vital role in achieving this outcome. Through this new daily Japan Airlines offering from Sydney to Haneda Airport, we can confidently rebuild and exceed pre-pandemic levels of visitation from Japan,” Mr Franklin said.

“Having just established a trade hub in the heart of Tokyo we have committed to an even stronger relationship, and it’s exciting to see more opportunities for a greater number of visitors to NSW in the months ahead.”

Ross Leggett, Deputy Senior Vice President – Route Marketing, International Relations and Alliances at Japan Airlines said he was delighted to partner with the NSW Government and Sydney Airport in the shared goal of increasing the number of visitors to NSW, not only from Japan, but from across the airline’s global network. 

“This year marks the 53^rd year of Japan Airlines’ uninterrupted services between Tokyo and Sydney and, with this partnership, we intend to continue in our mission to deliver unparalleled levels of service, comfort and security to all our guests,” Mr Leggett said.

Sydney Airport CEO Geoff Culbert said that Japan has long been one of our most important and popular routes. 

“We’re delighted to support the recovery of this route through our co-investment with the NSW Government’s aviation attraction fund,” Mr Culbert said.

The NSW Government’s Visitor Economy Strategy 2030 identifies Japan as a top 10 core market and prior to COVID-19, Japan ranked 5^th in NSW for visitors, and 7^thfor nights and expenditure.

In the year ending December 2019, NSW welcomed 202,000 Japanese visitors, who stayed 3.4 million nights and spent an estimated $385 million.

“The NSW Government opened applications for the Aviation Attraction Fund program in February with the aim of building aviation capacity across the state,” Mr Franklin said.

“Sydney is the gateway to NSW, so supporting the return of airline routes through the Aviation Attraction Fund will be key to our recovery roadmap and achieving our goal of making NSW the premier visitor economy of the Asia Pacific.

“Japanese visitors will make a strong contribution to the NSW Government’s goal of $65 billion in visitor expenditure by 2030 and its vision to make NSW the premier visitor economy of the Asia Pacific.”

The Aviation Attraction Fund, managed by Destination NSW on behalf of the NSW Government, is open until 30 June 2023. For more information or to submit an application visit www.destinationnsw.com.au/aviation-attraction 

A new digital system for survey plans will deliver $300 million in productivity savings for NSW with property owners, buyers and sellers to benefit from a completely digital land titles system.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government said the new digital system followed the successful move to digitise the conveyancing process in October 2021 which reduced costs, saved time and eliminated most risks associated with human error.

“Survey plans have defined land boundaries in NSW for more than 200 years and despite surveyors using the latest measurement technology, the creationand registration of survey plans tends to go back to a paper-based process,” Mr Dominello said.

“We are now taking steps to move survey plans online and mandate 100 per cent online lodging with the new digital system NSW Land Registry Services Connect by the second half of 2023.

“This is the final piece in the puzzle to make it an end-to-end paperless process, improving the quality of survey plans and enabling approvals to be faster.

“Over the next three decades the new system will save around $10 million per year for the NSW economy by reducing associated holding costs for the delivery of new land parcels and strata lots and reducing the time and costs spent on rectifying errors on survey plans.”

Mr Dominello said NSW LRS Connect was already available to Registered Land Surveyors and would be open to other industry stakeholders such as legal practitioners and conveyancers later this year, to assist in the preparation and lodging of survey plans.

“By transitioning from paper to digital survey plans we are ensuring the process of creating survey plans to registration is more secure, transparent and efficient,” Mr Dominello said

“We welcome the Industry Consultative Committee’s ongoing advice and guidance on this reform, including the Association of Consulting Surveyors NSW, Institution of Surveyors NSW, Australian Institute of Conveyancers NSW, Law Society of NSW, NSW Land Registry Services and relevant local and state government entities”.

For more information visit: https://www.registrargeneral.nsw.gov.au/land-boundaries/digital-survey-plans

The assessment of a proposed flight training centre for Qantas and global aviation training leader CAE will be expedited after being declared State Significant.
 
Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes said the proposed facility, if approved, would provide training for up to 4,500 Qantas and Jetstar pilots and cabin crew each year.
 
“The NSW Government is a proud supporter of Australia’s aviation industry, and efforts like this will help strengthen capability and ensures NSW and Sydney remain the country’s global travel hub,” Mr Roberts said.
 
“Our $60 million Aviation Attraction Fund is securing routes, creating jobs and promoting visitor expenditure to accelerate our COVID-19 Road to Recovery, and cement NSW as the premier visitor economy of the Asia Pacific.”
 
The NSW Government has declared the proposal as State Significant, in recognition of its potential widespread economic benefits and importance to the aviation industry.
 
“If approved, this flight training facility will help train future generations and get more pilots in the air, so we’ve declared it State Significant to speed up its assessment,” Mr Roberts said.
 
Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade Alister Henskens said a new training facility will help retain jobs and attract more skilled employees to NSW, as major new non-stop global services are launched from Sydney.
 
“A new state-of-the-art simulator and training centre will bring a big business boost to the state, not only as the facility is built but as the pilots of tomorrow are given the skills and training they need for these exciting new routes,” Mr Henskens said.
 
Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce welcomed the Government’s declaration.
 
“Qantas has trained its pilots and crew in Sydney for more than half a century and we look forward to bringing this critical function back to New South Wales with this custom-built facility.”
 
“Sydney will be the launch city for our non-stop flights to London and New York, and will now be the home of pilot training for the A350s, which will operate these flights from 2025.
 
“We’d like to thank the NSW Government for its support for this world-class facility, which will generate broader economic benefits for the state.”
 
With the project declared State Significant, the applicant will be required to lodge its application with the Department of Planning and Environment for rigorous assessment, which will include community consultation.

Young people in out-of-home care (OOHC) will benefit from extended funding for the successful Ladder Step Up Sydney Program, which sees education, employment and mentoring given to young people.
 
Minister for Families and Communities and Minister for Disability Services Natasha Maclaren-Jones said the program run by community organisation Ladder and supported by AFL players from the GWS Giants had seen huge success since it began in 2017.
 
“Since its launch the Ladder Step Up Sydney program has been doing excellent work, which can clearly be seen in the recently published impact report and independent evaluation,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.
 
“The program is making a real and tangible difference to the lives of young people in out-of-home care and meeting a genuine gap in the sector.”
 
Minister for Western Sydney David Elliott said he is looking forward to seeing the work of Ladder continue to grow in Western Sydney.
 
“Sport has an important role to play in addressing social change in this community and
making a difference in the lives of young people,” Mr Elliott said.
 
Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said the program, through its community partnership with the AFL, is providing young people with opportunities and access to positive role models.
 
“We all know that sport is a positive vehicle for social change, especially for young people and this program is enabling AFL players to provide mentorship and guidance, with the aim of instilling a strong self-belief in our next generation,” Mr Henskens said.   
 
Ladder CEO Stephanie De Campo said she was proud of what the program participants had achieved and welcomed the funding extension to June 2023.
 
“The program is delivered across Western Sydney and complements the work of service providers in supporting young people in out-of-home care,” Ms De Campo said.   
 
GWS Giants player Phil Davis is one of many from his AFL team who have contributed time to the program.
 
“It is great being a mentor to help change the lives of young people,” Mr Davis said.
 
“There’s always more work to be done and we’re committed to continuing our support of the program into the future.”
 
Tim* is a graduate of Step Up and is now one of the mentors, passing life skills he learned from the program on to others.
 
“I want to tell other young people to take this as a great opportunity to learn a lot of new things and new skills,” Tim said.
 
“It helped me budget with my money, make smarter spending decisions, learn how to cook delicious home cooked meals, improved my fitness by participating in sports, boxing classes and gym sessions, and it also given me the chance to make new friends which I have done.”
 
*Not his real name

The nation’s only dedicated cyber security accelerator, CyRise, has been selected to operate the NSW Government’s $1 million Cyber Security Accelerator program, to be based within Sydney’s Tech Central district.
 
Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade Alister Henskens said CyRise is a champion of startups in the Asia Pacific region and will help cement NSW as a leading global destination for cyber innovation, providing superior skills for businesses.
 
“CyRise is a proven cyber security startup accelerator with a strong record of helping fast-track businesses to grow, diversify and attract investment,” Mr Henskens said.
 
“The global cyber security industry is expanding rapidly and presents a significant opportunity for local businesses to upskill their staff.”
 
Sydney is Australia’s leading city for cyber security, hosting over 120 businesses. Through the program, CyRise will offer three-day boot camps, a 14-week accelerator program for startups, and a new scale up program for later stage scaling businesses.
 
“This program will help companies sharpen their products, fine-tune business models and boost their connections with international investors,” Mr Henskens said.
 
“It will support businesses to ‘go global’ faster and attract cutting-edge talent to NSW, which will grow the economy and help secure a brighter future for our State.”
 
CyRise CEO Scott Handsaker said the world-class and innovative program will make NSW a beacon to the cyber security industry globally.
 
“We are thrilled to deliver a program that accelerates a startup’s growth trajectory and delivers connections, customers and advice at the right time. We will work together to provide an unparalleled go-to-market for NSW cyber startups,” Mr Handsaker said.
 

A new public information campaign focused on diverse communities in flood-prone areas has been launched by the NSW State Emergency Service (SES).
 
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the new messaging includes video content and covers social media, radio and multicultural community newspapers.
 
“The campaign has been developed in the six languages of Arabic, Cantonese, Farsi, Korean, Mandarin and Punjabi to help culturally and linguistically diverse communities around the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley understand what to do in the event of a flood,” Ms Cooke said.
 
“It’s important people in flood-prone areas understand SES advice so they’re aware of the dangers of severe weather events and are ready to respond when flooding does occur.”
 
Minister for Multiculturalism Mark Coure said the campaign was another example of the NSW Government’s commitment to ensuring everyone has access to important information.
 
“As a multicultural society, it’s crucial we provide clear and concise information about what they should do in an emergency, which ultimately helps them become more resilient,” Mr Coure said.
 
The campaign’s key messages include:

• It’s not safe to stay at home when subject to an evacuation order;
• It’s not safe to drive through floodwater;
• It’s important to listen to SES warnings and keep up to date with advice; and
• Know how to prepare an emergency ‘get ready to go’ kit.

 
SES Commissioner Carlene York said the campaign covers a variety of media channels to keep people safe.
 
“This campaign is really important to target locals in the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley who speak languages other than English, and some of whom have experienced multiple floods in the past 18 months,” Commissioner York said.
 
“It’s great we now have tailored content in multiple languages so that it is as accessible and relevant as possible. This is just one of the steps we have taken to communicate how to prepare and keep safe during a flood.”
 
This campaign builds on previous public information campaigns delivered to communities in the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley in 2019, 2020 and 2021, and is being delivered under the Hawkesbury-Nepean Valley Flood Risk Management Strategy coordinated by Infrastructure NSW.
 
More information is available at www.ses.nsw.gov.au/languages and www.ses.nsw.gov.au/yourfloodplan.

More than $2 billion is being invested in public education infrastructure across Western Sydney as the NSW Government continues its record school building program.

Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell and Member for Seven Hills Mark Taylor today turned the sod on the latest project to start construction on the multi-million dollar upgrade at Seven Hills High School.

Ms Mitchell said that the NSW Government is continuing to invest in growing community across Western Sydney.

“The NSW Government has invested more in public education infrastructure than any previous government, and communities in Western Sydney are seeing the benefits,” Ms Mitchell said.

“More than $2 billion is being invested in the planning and delivery of 50 new and upgraded school projects, thanks to the NSW Liberals and Nationals Government.

“This record funding will provide world-class learning facilities to Western Sydney students now and for generations to come, like what we will see here at Seven Hills High School.”

The upgrade at Seven Hills High School will provide new specialist vocational education and training (VET) facilities as part of the NSW Government Vocational Schools Pilot project initiative.Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said the upgrade would help turbocharge the take-up of vocational education and training and prepare students for future jobs in important industries including community and health services.

“We’re delivering more opportunities than ever before to help people get the skills they need for the jobs they want and this specialist training facility at Seven Hills High School will provide a golden opportunity for students,” Mr Henskens said.

Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said the NSW Government continues to invest in Western Sydney.

“We know that Western Sydney is one of the best places to live, work and raise a family, the NSW Government continues to invest in infrastructure to cater for our growing population.”
Mr Taylor said he was delighted to be there for the official start of construction and that the upgrade will be an exciting addition that will deliver modern resources to local students both now and for generations to come.

“The upgrade at Seven Hills High School is really exciting, it means the students will have new specialist VET facilities as part of the NSW Government Vocational Schools Initiative,” Mr Taylor said.

“Seven Hills is a growing community and the upgrade at Seven Hills High School is part of the government’s commitment to supporting families in this area.”

The NSW Government is investing $8.6 billion in school infrastructure over the next four years, continuing its program to deliver 160 new and upgraded schools to support communities across NSW. This builds on the more than $9.1 billion invested in projects delivered since 2017, a program of $17.7 billion in public education infrastructure.