Construction underway on new schools for Wilton’s growing community

The Minns Labor Government is continuing its work to rebuild public education across NSW, with construction underway on the much-needed new high school, public school, and public preschool for Wilton.

The new schools will ensure families in this rapidly-growing suburb have access to a world-class public education from preschool to Year 12 after more than a decade of poor planning and broken promises under the Liberals and Nationals.

The new high school is the first high school to be built in Wilton and only the second public high school for Wollondilly, despite the region experiencing substantial housing growth in recent years and a corresponding increase in student numbers.

The new high school will be built in stages, with a three-storey building comprising 12 classrooms opening on Day 1 Term 1 2027, along with a modern library, full-sized sports field, and a sports court.

Additional buildings with modern permanent classrooms, a school hall, vocational education facilities, and two more sports courts will open on Day 1 Term 1 2028, with the school having capacity for 1,000 students.

High school students in Wilton must currently travel up to 16 kilometres to attend Picton High School, which needed new walls installed after the Liberals and Nationals botched an upgrade in 2021 and installed new classrooms without walls at the school.

The public primary school will feature 27 modern permanent classrooms, a library, school hall, and a covered outdoor learning area. The public school will have capacity for 550 students and the co-located public preschool will cater for 120 children per week.

The Minns Labor Government is continuing its work to rebuild public education, delivering a record $9 billion in school infrastructure.

Every new public primary school is being delivered with a co-located public preschool, as part of the Government’s commitment to deliver 100 new public preschools by 2027.

The investment doubles the number of public preschools in the state, the largest expansion of early learning in NSW history.

Once complete up to 9,000 children will benefit from access to fee-free, quality early education in their community, prioritised in areas of the highest need based on a rigorous selection process.

The Minns Labor Government’s work to deliver universal preschool access across the state is in sharp contrast to the Liberals and Nationals, who failed to build a single public preschool during their 12 years in government.

In addition to building new schools where they are needed, the Minns Labor Government’s work to rebuild public education includes ensuring each NSW classroom has a qualified teacher.

Since March 2023, the Minns Labor Government has reduced teacher vacancies by 61 per cent across the state, leading to the number of cancelled classes in NSW nearly halving.

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:  

“The Minns Labor Government is delivering new schools for growing communities across NSW.

“Wilton’s new public preschool, public school, and high school ensure local families will have access to a world-class public education from preschool through to Year 12, close to home.

“The Deputy Premier worked hard to progress these projects, with strong advocacy from the local member, Judy Hannan.”

Independent Member for Wollondilly Judy Hannan MP said:  

“It’s fantastic to see construction begin on these much-needed schools for Wilton, it’s been a long time since the Wollondilly Shire received brand-new infrastructure.

“I’d like to thank the Deputy Premier, Prue Car, for working with me to deliver these schools for my community.

“The Minns Labor Government’s investment means every child in Wilton can access a world-class public education, close to home.”

Wilton new high school principal Hala Ramadan said:

“As foundation principal, my goal is to establish a school culture while acknowledging and honouring the rich cultural heritage of the area.

“Together, we will build a school that not only delivers outstanding academic outcomes, but also prepares young people to lead purposeful, fulfilling lives, grounded in respect, inclusion and shared responsibility.”

Wilton new primary school principal Karen Sellick said:

“It’s a rare and exciting opportunity to establish a new primary school from the ground up.

“I look forward to building an educational setting of excellence, equity and inclusion, together with Hala Ramadan and the Wilton community, to empower all children to reach their potential.”

New $1.9 million-dollar eco-tourism holiday hotspot opens at Belmont Wetlands

The Minns Labor Government has unlocked the latest eco-tourism holiday offering with a new $1.9 million campground at Belmont Wetlands in the Lake Macquarie region, giving visitors the option to stay overnight at this iconic destination.   

One hundred campsites nestled close to the sand dunes will be available. Visitors will be able to pitch a tent or pull up their camper trailer beneath the stars and use facilities including two new BBQs, covered seating areas, hot and cold showers and an accessible bathroom. 

A new underground water system has also been installed to service the campground’s water needs and support emergency services in the event of a bushfire. 

An additional $910,000 has been invested to upgrade the reserve’s entrance road and carpark provided by the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund. These upgrades will increase parking capacity, reduce traffic congestion and encourage more people to visit the reserve. Work is planned to commence early 2026. 

Belmont Wetlands was acquired by the NSW Government from BHP in 2002 after sand mining ceased. The beautiful Crown reserve stretches over 554 hectares of bushland, sand dunes and wetlands, providing a haven for walking, bird watching, cycling, surfing, fishing, camping, horse riding and four-wheel driving. 

The wetlands are less than two hours’ drive from Sydney and just over half-an-hour from Newcastle. It makes it the perfect weekend getaway for families and intrepid travellers looking to spend a night camping out in one of NSW’s most diverse natural reserves. 

Minister for Lands and Property, and Tourism Steve Kamper said: 

“The new and upgraded Belmont Wetlands Campground is set to become one of the Hunter region’s standout eco-tourism drawcards. A place that celebrates the natural beauty of NSW and actively boosts local jobs, small businesses, and the visitor economy.”

“With more travellers seeking nature-based experiences, this revitalised campground will encourage longer stays, greater local spending, and stronger support for cafés, shops, tour operators, and accommodation providers right across the region.”

“The Minns Labor Government is focused on building better communities and backing our regions.”

Minister for the Hunter and Member for Swansea Yasmin Catley said: 

“Belmont Wetlands is one of our region’s natural treasures, and these new campgrounds will make it even more accessible for locals and visitors who want to experience it up close.” 

“These new facilities mean families, school groups and travellers can stay overnight at a really affordable price, surrounded by some of the most spectacular coastline and bushland in the state.” 

“The campground will also help create a sustainable future for the park, supporting the incredible volunteers who work so hard to protect this beautiful piece of coastal paradise.” 

Belmont Wetlands Administrator, Nicole Dunn said: 

“The campground offers families a safe, welcoming place to reconnect with nature and each other. It’s the perfect spot to experience the joy of camping, whether it’s a weekend adventure, a first family trip, or a chance for locals to try out their new camping gear close to home.  

“Revenue from the campground will be reinvested to maintain and improve park infrastructure, support conservation efforts, and protect the park’s unique natural environment.” 

Iron Arena expansion a gold medal win for the Manning region

In a slam dunk for regional sport, Taree now boasts a state-of-the-art basketball facility with the expansion of the Iron Arena now complete.

The Albanese and Minns Governments have provided $12,979,285 to the Taree Basketball Association from the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund under the jointly funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

This significant investment has transformed the former Saxby Stadium into the larger Iron Arena, featuring two new multi-purpose courts suitable for basketball, futsal and other indoor sports.

The spectator experience will be enhanced through upgrades to the seating arrangements, creating a show court capable of hosting major sporting and entertainment events.

This revitalised venue is not only a hub for athletic excellence but also a vital space for promoting health, wellbeing and community connection.

Taree Basketball Association has ambitious plans to host an international team visiting for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

The Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund supports bushfire impacted regions by funding projects that strengthen community resilience and reduce the impact of future natural disasters.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain:

“The expanded Iron Arena shows how disaster recovery funding can deliver lasting community assets that help regions like Manning rebuild stronger, healthier and more connected.

“By transforming the stadium into a modern multi-sport venue, we are supporting Taree’s recovery with facilities that bring people together and create new opportunities for local sport and events.

“Investments like this ensure that recovery is not just about replacing what was lost but also giving communities the chance to grow, thrive and look to the future with confidence.”

Federal Senator for NSW Deborah O’Neill:

“Whether you’re learning to shoot your first hoop, playing at the Olympic level, or coming along to watch a great game, the Iron Arena is a place the whole community can enjoy.”

“This arena shows what can be delivered for regional communities when all levels of government work together.”

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty:

“This is an incredible achievement for Taree and the wider Manning region, a project that shows just how powerful sport can be in bringing people together and building stronger communities.

“The Iron Arena is now a world-class facility that will inspire the next generation of athletes, from kids picking up a basketball for the first time to elite players training for international competition.

“Sport continues to play a powerful role in Taree’s recovery from multiple natural disasters, including this year’s devastating floods.

“As the community rebuilds, sport is helping to restore confidence, create opportunities and bring people together in shared purpose and pride.”

NSW Minister for North Coast Janelle Saffin:

“We are building back better, where we can, to ensure our vital community facilities are more resilient to future disasters.”

“We are investing in our communities too by ensuring they have the recreational facilities they need to stay connected, active and thrive.”

Iron Arena project advocate Steve Atkins:

“The opening of Iron Arena marks a significant step toward achieving our core goals of enhancing health and wellness within our community.

“By encouraging greater participation in sports, we aim to uplift community spirit and strengthen our shared ambition to improve local circumstances.

“In the long term, I am confident this facility will boost the local economy through sports tourism and event-driven growth.”

Work begins on new public preschools for Berkeley and Kanahooka

Wollongong families can look forward to more fee-free early learning as shovels hit the ground on new Public Preschools for Hayes Park Public School and Berkeley West Public School.

The co-located preschools will offer a high-quality play-based early learning program, support childrens’ transition into kindergarten and schooling, as well as ease pick up and drop off for parents with older students at the same school.

In addition to state-of-the-art learning areas, each new preschool will include staff facilities, a kitchen, toilet facilities and landscaped outdoor areas.

Both new public preschools will be open for the first term of the school year in 2027, and will each accommodate up to 80 children per week.

The delivery of both preschools has been fast tracked thanks to the Minns Labor Government’s planning changes which last year scrapped the need for development applications for the construction of new public schools and preschools.

These are among six public preschools that the Minns Labor Government is delivering in the Illawarra by 2027, including Cringila and Lake Heights public schools in the Wollongong electorate, as part of the NSW Government’s $769 million commitment to build 100 new public preschools.

The investment doubles the number of public preschools in NSW, the largest expansion of public early learning in NSW’s history.

Once complete more than 9,000 children will benefit from access to fee-free, high quality early education in their local community. Of the 100 new public preschools, 51 are in metropolitan Sydney and 49 in regional NSW, prioritised in areas of highest need based on an independent selection process.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said:

“It’s great to see work under way to deliver new public preschools for both Hayes Park Public and Berkeley West Public.

“Once complete these preschools will provide fee-free early learning for 160 children, helping hundreds of families each year to access education to give their children the best possible start in life.

“The construction of these preschools are in addition to preschools being delivered at Cringila and Lake Heights public schools.

“These fee free public preschools are a huge boost to local public education and will give our littlest learners a lifelong boost to their education.”

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said: 

“The Minns Labor Government is delighted to be kicking off construction on these new public preschools, marking a historic expansion in access to early learning for families across NSW.

“For far too long, families in Western Sydney and Regional NSW had limited access to quality early childhood education, especially public early childhood education. Despite being in government for 12 years, the Liberals and Nationals failed to deliver for them.

“The Minns Labor Government, with the leadership of Deputy Premier Prue Car, made this historic commitment because we strongly believe all children should have access to high-quality early education, no matter their postcode.” 

Berkeley West Public School Principal Andrew Attard said:

“At Berkeley West, we’re incredibly proud to be part of this important investment in early learning. Our new preschool will give local children the very best start—right here on Country.

“This facility is not just about early education; it’s about honouring place, nurturing belonging, and building strong foundations for future learning and wellbeing.”

Hayes Park Public School Principal Lisa Matthes said:

“This is a wonderful opportunity for our families across the Dapto and Kanahooka region to access high quality early learning for their children.

“With the public preschool on school grounds, it will help smooth children’s transition to kindergarten.

“We are very excited about being able to welcome our youngest learners, supporting the beginning of their school journey at our new public preschool.”

BOOSTING THE CAPACITY OF THE CHARLESTOWN MEDICARE URGENT CARE CLINIC

The Albanese Government is delivering on its election commitment to boost funding for the Charlestown Medicare Urgent Care Clinic.

The additional funding will boost the capacity of the Charlestown Medicare Urgent Care Clinic with additional funding to extend its operating hours and to employ more doctors and nurses in periods of high demand.

By increasing the capacity of the Charlestown Medicare Urgent Care Clinic, even more patients will be able to receive free, high-quality urgent care without congesting the Emergency Departments of local hospitals, including the John Hunter Hospital.

Since opening in November 2024, there have been over 17,500 visits to the Charlestown Medicare Urgent Care Clinic.

The largest proportion of patients to the Charlestown Medicare Urgent Care Clinic have been children, with over 1 in 4 visits from individuals aged under 15 years old.

More than 1 in 4 visits have taken place on the weekend, and of the visits that took place during weekdays, 1 in 4 have taken place at 5pm or later.

Health Minister Mark Butler:

“The Albanese Government is delivering on its election commitment to provide more funding to the Charlestown Medicare Urgent Care Clinic.

“For the Charlestown Medicare Urgent Care Clinic this means increasing staff numbers in peak periods, and extending opening hours.

“With over 17,500 visits to the UCC we know how much the local community values this service.”

Member for Shortland, Pat Conroy MP:

“A year ago today, we opened the Charlestown Medicare Urgent Care Clinic – and with over 17,500 visits, it’s proved to be one of the busiest in the country.

“That’s why we’re delivering more doctors and nurses during peak hours so that you can get the free urgent care you need, even quicker.

“That means it’s not only open every day of the week and after hours too – but it now has additional capacity to look after you and your family.”

Member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon MP:

“In just 12 months, over 17,500 people in our community, have been able to access vital health care at the Charlestown Medicare Urgent Care clinic, thanks to the Albanese Labor Government’s commitment to improving healthcare accessibility in our region.

“I’ve heard firsthand from community members how transformative the free Medicare Urgent Care Clinic has been, with some telling me that the service has been genuinely lifesaving for them.

“The Albanese Government’s funding boost means even more Novocastrians will be able to get the urgent and quick care they need, while taking even more pressure off our local hospitals.”

Heatwave Alert – Metropolitan, Hunter, Illawarra, Southern Tablelands and Snowy Mountains ​

NSW Ambulance is urging people to monitor conditions with the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) forecasting severe heatwave conditions for Metropolitan Sydney, the Hunter, the Illawarra, Southern Tablelands and Snowy Mountains from Thursday 4 December.  

NSW Ambulance Chief Superintendent Steve Vaughan, Associate Director Emergency Management said people need to plan ahead and stay informed with maximum temperatures predicted to reach the mid thirties to low forties later in the week in locations such as the Sydney metropolitan area, Newcastle, Gosford, Camden, Mona Vale, Nowra, Richmond and Wollongong.  

“Stay hydrated, avoid the heat where possible, and check in on vulnerable people especially as it gets warmer over the next few days,” Chief Superintendent Vaughan said.  

NSW Ambulance has issued an Advice warning for this severe heatwave. Stay up to date in case the situation changes.  

  • Stay hydrated – make sure you drink plenty of water and carry a water bottle with you.  
  • Keep cool – seek air-conditioned buildings, draw your blinds, use a fan, take cool showers and dress in light and loose clothing made of natural fabrics.    
  • Avoid the heat – schedule activities in the coolest part of the day and avoid exercising in the heat.  
  • Check in on vulnerable people – hot weather can affect everyone, but some people are at greater risk of heat-related health problems. This includes people aged 65 years and older, babies and young children, and people with some medical conditions.    
  • Never leave children or pets in a vehicle – leaving children or pets unattended in a car can be fatal. The temperature inside a parked car can double in minutes.  

Signs of heat-related illness can include headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, fatigue and cramps. People with these symptoms should move out of the sun and seek shade or use a fan or air conditioning, take a cool shower or bath if possible and take sips of water.    

   

People who do not respond to these steps or who show symptoms suggesting a more severe illness, including a sudden rise in body temperature, who are no longer sweating, showing aggressive or strange behaviour or who are fitting, should seek urgent medical attention or call Triple Zero (000).    

For further information, updates and advice go to the NSW Ambulance website or follow NSW Ambulance on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn and X .  

For the latest weather forecasts and heatwave warnings go to the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) website .  

Travel to Papua New Guinea

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, will travel to Port Moresby this week for an inaugural Trilateral Defence Ministers’ Meeting with Papua New Guinea Minister for Defence, Dr Billy Joseph, and Indonesian Minister of Defense, Dr Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin.

Defence Ministers from Australia, Papua New Guinea and Indonesia agreed to establish an annual meeting to enable closer cooperation on shared security challenges.

The meeting also builds on long-standing bilateral defence engagements and reflects our mutual commitment to a secure, sovereign and resilient Indo-Pacific.

During the visit, the Deputy Prime Minister will also turn the sod for a new accommodation block at the Goldie River Training Depot.

Australia and PNG will upgrade these vital facilities to deliver new accommodation and essential services for up to 200 additional PNG Defence Force trainees.  

Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles:

“I look forward to meeting with Minister Sjafrie and Minister Joseph for the inaugural Trilateral Defence Ministers’ Meeting tomorrow.

“This meeting marks a significant step forward in our shared commitment to regional peace and security.

“Our trilateral partnership is built on mutual respect, shared interests, and a collective vision for a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

“During the visit, I also look forward to building on the momentum of the recently signed Pukpuk Treaty – as we work together to support the growth and development of the PNG Defence Force.”

The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide: 12 Months On Since the Government Response

Today marks one year since the Albanese Government responded to the Final Report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. 

The Royal Commission was the most significant and comprehensive inquiry conducted into suicide and suicidality in Defence and veteran communities. Its Final Report made 122 recommendations to reform the culture, systems and processes across the Defence and veteran ecosystem to prevent suicide and improve the mental health and wellbeing of serving personnel and veterans.

In these 12 months, the Government has made significant progress on these recommendations. By the end of this year, 32 recommendations will be implemented, with work underway on the remainder – including some initially “noted” in the Government response. 

Our priority remains on delivering reforms that protect the health and safety of Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel, while improving the experience of service for personnel, veterans and their families. 

The Royal Commission itself said its most important recommendation was the creation of a legislated, independent oversight body to oversee sustained reform to improve suicide prevention and wellbeing outcomes for serving and ex-serving ADF members. 

Legislation to establish the new Defence and Veteran Services Commission passed Parliament in February this year, and the body commenced operation in September. 

The recommendations of the Royal Commission which relate to sexual violence and safety are being implemented by Defence as a priority. 

Across Government, Defence and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) we have also seen further steps, including: 

  • The Albanese Government allocate $78 million to establish a Veteran Wellbeing Agency, to be up and running in July 2026.
  • The Australian Human Rights Commission begin consultations on the terms of reference for an independent inquiry into military sexual violence.
  • New mechanisms introduced to disclose service convictions.
  • Expanding sexual offence data reporting through the Defence Annual Report, with further improvements underway.
  • Finalising the Defence Charter for Military Justice Proceedings and progressing legislative reforms.
  • Redeveloping mandatory sexual violence workshops and piloting a Healthy Relationships Program for new recruits.
  • The launch of the DVA Suicide Prevention Framework and advancing work on new veteran research committee.
  • Working with the Australian Human Rights Commission and Our Watch to develop a sexual violence prevention strategy aligned with the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children 2022–2032.

Building on this initial work, in 2026 an independent complaints unit will be established to support the reporting of unacceptable behaviour, workplace health and safety audit findings will be implemented, and Defence and DVA will strengthen research quality and sharing.

The Government’s response to the Royal Commission involved the most comprehensive reform ever undertaken to the systems, culture and processes across Defence, the ADF and DVA. 

While we have taken significant steps forward, continued action by Defence and DVA will be needed to maintain momentum and progress.

The Albanese government is committed to delivering on these reforms so that Defence’s most important capability – its people – are able to receive the support and services they deserve. 

Labor’s climate inaction fuels Big Super’s fossil fuel free-for-fall

The Greens say that Australia’s biggest superannuation funds are simply following Labor’s lead after a new study exposed “industrial-scale greenwashing”, revealing that most major funds have increased their investments in some of the world’s biggest fossil fuel polluters – despite claiming to be on a pathway to net-zero.

The report by Market Forces assessed 30 of Australia’s largest super funds against their public climate commitments by analysing their exposure to the world’s 200 biggest fossil fuel producers, including Woodside and Santos.

It found that two-thirds of Australia’s biggest super funds, including Australian Super, HESTA, Mercer and Australian Retirement, increased their investments in major global polluters between Dec 2021 and June 2024

ASIC has previously fined Mercer $11 million for misleading “sustainable” investment claims.

Greens assistant Climate Spokesperson, Sen. Steph Hodgins-May:

“Big Super is talking green while investing dirty – the same kind of spin we see from this Labor government.

“Workers are being told their money is building a safe climate future. But behind closed doors, it’s flowing straight to companies like Woodside and Santos who are actively wrecking the climate.

“When Labor approves 32 new coal and gas, investors take the hint. They keep pouring money into fossil fuels because the government is signaling that it’s business as usual.

“There’s no point in saving for retirement if we don’t have a safe planet to live on. This is a betrayal of workers, a betrayal of retirees, and a betrayal to our future.

“Australians should be able to rely on superannuation to do what it’s meant to do: protect their future, not bankroll climate collapse.”

Greens Economic Justice Spokesperson, Sen. Nick McKim:

“Labor could end this today by ruling out approval for any further fossil fuel projects and setting mandatory climate-aligned investment standards for major funds.”

“Until that happens, the risk is that Big Super will keep chasing returns in the industries wrecking our planet.”

“People’s compulsory retirement savings should not be used as collateral for climate damage.”

“They should support a stable, liveable future built on renewables, climate resilience, and sustainable jobs.”

Affordable homes lose out to supermarket giant Woolies

Media reports today have exposed supermarket giant Woolworths for exploiting affordable housing development schemes to fast-track new supermarket and luxury apartment complexes.

The current housing crisis has rental vacancy rates at record lows, 175,000 people on waiting lists for social housing, and first-home buyers unable to compete with wealthy property investors.

The Greens say it’s abhorrent that supermarket giant Woolworths is able to cheat the housing system for profit and get away with it. 

Greens spokesperson for finance, housing and homelessness Senator Barbara Pocock:

“Billionaire price gouger Woolies is using tiny affordable housing sidebuilds with ‘poor doors’ to sweeten their pathway to housing profits.

“The retail giant is drinking from the trough of affordable housing for disgusting profiteering.

“This is the perfect example of big corporations maximising profit over people: Corporations fast-tracking profit from taking up housing space in the midst of a housing crisis. 

“During a housing crisis, Labor is undermining affordable housing by allowing big corporations and property developers to profit.

“Supermarkets don’t have Australians’ best interests at heart. They’ve price gouged and we know where their priorities lie. They must not be let loose on housing.

“Australians have had enough of the supermarket duopoly ripping them off at the check out. What Australians want is affordable housing, not another Woolies scam.

“When state and federal governments give profit-hungry developers new avenues for profit in a housing crisis, you have to wonder who they’re really working for – it’s certainly not voters.”