Category: NSW News

Businesses and community sector providers will be spared significant increases to workers compensation premiums after agreement was reached on reforms to the state’s workers compensation scheme.

The agreement builds on the breakthrough compromise put forward by crossbench members in the Lower House.

The compromise agreed to includes:

• A legislated 18-month restriction on average premium increases.
• Retaining the Whole Person Impairment (WPI) thresholds moved by Lower House crossbenchers.
• A new “Return to Work” intensive program that provides an additional year of medical benefits and income replacement.
• New powers enabling the Treasurer to lower the WPI threshold, if in the public interest.
• A replacement program to Business Connect.
• Changes to terminology surrounding the reasonable management action defence.

Without these reforms, premiums for employers facing no claims against them were expected to rise by at least 36 per cent over three years.

The most significant reform to workers compensation in a generation will prioritise prevention and improve return to work. This work over the past year includes:

• Giving essential public-sector workers the right to seek court orders and damages to stop workplace bullying and sexual harassment.
• Agreeing to a definition for psychological injury
• Establishing a $344 million workplace mental health package.
• Funding to appoint 50 new SafeWork inspectors, including 20 new psychosocial focused inspectors and five psychosocial investigators.
• Commissioning the Chief Psychiatrist to devise a better system for psychiatric assessment in workers compensation claims.
• Clarifying and strengthening the Industrial Relation Commission’s powers to resolve industrial disputes and facilitate return to work for injured employees in the public sector.
• $15 million funding focused on delivering wraparound psychological services to provide earlier, more tailored support for injured workers to return injured workers back to work.

The announcement follows extensive consultation with business and unions, as well as the community and not-for-profit sector over the past year.

Charities, community organisations and business groups who have supported the reform include:

• The St Vincent de Paul Society
• The Mental Health Coordinating Council
• The NSW Council of Social Services
• National Disability Services
• Royal Australian College of GPs
• The Pharmacy Guild of Australia
• Business NSW and the Business Council of Australia
• Australian Hotels Association
• Clubs NSW

The agreement will allow the Workers Compensation Legislation Amendment (Reform and Modernisation) Bill 2025 to pass the Upper House in February.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“This compromise position allows us to stabilise the workers compensation system and return it to a secure footing.

“The scheme has been in dire need of modernisation. It has been failing injured workers, employers, the non-profit sector and taxpayers for too long. Continuing to do nothing was not an option.

“I want to thank all those members of parliament who have worked collaboratively with the Government to help solve this diabolically complex problem. Especially Alex Greenwich and the other independent members of the Lower House crossbench.

“I also want to acknowledge Business NSW, and all of the state’s major business organisations, as well as NCOSS and the state’s leading charities and not-for profits for their strong and relentless advocacy.

“Finally, I acknowledge the massive role the Labor caucus has played in delivering this reform. As well as the state’s union movement for its professionalism and engagement through many difficult conversations we had during 2025.“

Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis said:

“This agreement ensures early support to injured workers, a road to recovery and return to work.

“It puts the scheme on the path to sustainability so that it can continue to care for injured workers and be affordable for business to fund.

“The reforms will help small businesses and not for profits, especially in regional areas, retain staff and create jobs.

“They are supported by a $344 million investment in injury prevention and a more person-centred claims management process.

“The hard work of implementation has already begun, and we will work in collaboration with all stakeholders to ensure the reforms are delivered effectively for workers and businesses.”

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said:

“We are providing certainty to ensure workers have the cover they need and through this sensible reform they can now get on with the job knowing that a secure safety net is in place.

“We welcome support to enable us to protect the scheme for generations to come. We can now get on with reform, as we scale up prevention efforts and wraparound support services for people navigating the claims process.

“It’s important that we continue to support injured workers and help them recover. To achieve this goal we are delivering a sustainable workers compensation scheme and we will continue to work with all stakeholders to deliver exactly that.”

The Minns Labor Government has today announced that faith-based organisations can share in $5m of funding to enhance the safety and security of religious communities across the state. 

Illustrating the government’s continued commitment to support NSW’s diverse communities, the funding helps ensure that every faith community can practice their religion safely.

This is the third and final round of the $15m Safe Places for Faith Communities Grants program. The first two rounds delivered $10m in funding to 258 religious organisations, with applications now open for this latest round of grants.  

Successful applicants could put the funding toward increased security measures – like CCTV and secure fencing, for example – the development of risk plans, or support services to build resilience, among others.

The funding is open to non-profit sharing organisations and could be put toward measures around places of worship, but also religious educational institutions, places of religious significance and faith-based community centres, among others.

Grant funding will support faith communities to:

• upgrade security and surveillance systems
• train staff and religious leaders to improve preparedness and risk mitigation
• build the resilience of faith groups.

The Safe Places for Faith Communities Grants program is administered by Multicultural NSW and this latest round of funding is open for applications until 4pm, Friday, 30 January 2026.

For more information visit https://multicultural.nsw.gov.au/safe-places-for-faith-communities-program/

Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said:

“Everyone deserves the right to come together to practise their faith. No one in NSW should ever feel unsafe when attending their place of worship or engaging with their religion – a central part of so many people’s lives.

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to supporting our diverse faith communities and this further round of funding illustrates that ongoing commitment.”

Multicultural NSW Chief Executive Officer Joseph La Posta said: 

“The program supports faith communities in taking proactive steps to safeguard their spaces and strengthen their resilience.  

“By investing in prevention, preparedness, response and recovery, we’re helping religious organisations to build their own capacity to protect their people, their values, and their right to gather in peace.”

The Minns Labor Government is investing $3.38 million in a key project in the Hunter to improve disability care for people with cerebral palsy under the Regional Development Trust.

This investment will see the Cerebral Palsy Alliance transform an existing warehouse in Beresfield into a customised, fully accessible centre with multi-disciplinary therapy rooms, multi-use spaces for group programs, and an early diagnosis clinic.

The Minns Government’s Regional Development Trust will provide funding of $3.38 million, in addition to the recipient’s investment of $4.38 million to deliver a total investment of $7.76 million into disability care in the area.

The project will help meet the growing demand for services and programs for people with disability of all ages and support them in meeting their goals for independence and inclusion.

The new Centre will provide access to evidence-based therapies, services and programs, and innovative technologies and equipment to enhance the lives of regional babies, children and adults with disability and their families.

It will also provide a dedicated training space for more than 300 disability sector workers from across the region.

The Cerebral Palsy Alliance has a 42-year presence in the Hunter, with existing facilities in East Maitland and Croudace Bay.

The Alliance operates 16 group homes in the Newcastle region housing more than 80 adults with complex disabilities and supports an additional 80 independent living clients.

This funding is part of the Minns Government’s approach to delivering sustainable and strategic investment with a focus on priorities that make a difference to regional communities.

The Regional Development Trust has delivered a total investment of $60.9 million to 28 projects via its Regional Economic Development and Community Investment Program passing the initial funding allocation of $50 million because of the large number of projects demonstrating merit and need.

For more information on successful projects from the Regional Economic Development and Community Investment Program, go to: nsw.gov.au/regionaldevelopmenttrust

Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“This funding backs the Minns Government’s plan to invest in projects in our regional and rural communities that create jobs, boost local businesses and improve community services.

“This investment in the Hunter Disability Centre reflects our government’s commitment to ensuring that people living with disability in regional communities have access to world-class support services and this new centre will be a game-changer for families across the Hunter region.

“By supporting the Cerebral Palsy Alliance, we’re not just building infrastructure—we’re building futures.”

Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley said:

“People living with cerebral palsy in our region haven’t always had easy access to the services they need, being forced to travel long distances that are costly and add pressure to an already demanding situation.

“Everyone deserves support close to home. This investment gives families the services and learning opportunities they need to fully participate in everything our region offers, delivering the essential services we committed to when we came into Government.

“The Hunter is fast becoming one of the most liveable regions in the state. A place where families can build their futures with confidence and today’s announcement is yet another reason why.”

Minister for Disability Inclusion, Kate Washington said:

“We are making this important investment because it will be a game-changer for people with disability, their families and the disability services workforce of the Hunter.

“Our government is proudly partnering with Cerebral Palsy Alliance, a trusted organisation that’s been supporting people with disability and their families for 80 years, to deliver a new Hunter disability hub.”

Cerebral Palsy Alliance Chief Operating Officer Paul Henderson said:

“This project is a key part of the Alliance’s vision to create a world of opportunity for people with disability and their families.

“Support from the NSW Government will allow the Cerebral Palsy Alliance to deliver a world-class, contemporary facility in a regional area, creating a hub of disability support and connection now and for decades to come.”

A large-scale battery near Armidale with the capacity to supply 60,000 homes during peak times has been given the green light for construction.

It’s the latest in the State’s growing network of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) which will be critical to supporting the transition to clean energy as coal-fired power stations retire, and bolstering the strength and reliability of the energy network.

The $209 million Armidale BESS will store excess energy from the electricity grid during non-peak periods.

The 150 megawatt / 437 megawatt-hour battery can then ramp up quickly when households need power, during the busy morning and evening times.

The project will create 100 construction jobs and provide Armidale Regional Council with more than $2.5 million to invest in local community projects.

Under the approval conditions, developer Valent Energy Developments will provide the council a lump sum of $1.275 million through a Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) as well a further $1.275 million over the life of the project.

Renewable energy developer VPAs with regional councils typically fund community halls, sporting facilities, libraries, parks and playgrounds.

In addition, Valent has committed to annual contributions totalling $400,000 for the upkeep and enhancement of the New England Rail Trail over 20 years.

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure considers the project, which will connect to a nearby existing substation, has been designed to avoid and minimise environmental, noise and visual impacts, and potential fire safety and road safety issues have been addressed.

Under the Minns Government, there have been 40 renewable projects approved, including 17 large scale batteries.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Large-scale batteries are key to a stronger, more reliable energy network.

“This is a major capital investment, creating jobs and providing Armidale Regional Council more than $2.5 million to invest in local community projects over the next 20 years.

“Over the next decade regional councils will receive hundreds of millions of dollars to spend on their communities following the Minns Labor Government’s introduction of community benefit sharing requirements for renewable energy projects.

“The approval of the Armidale large-scale battery adds to a long list of approved clean energy projects that will power our renewable energy future.”

Northern Tablelands Duty MLC Peter Primrose said:

“Not only will this project strengthen our energy network, it will deliver real and lasting benefits for the community, supporting local jobs, funding local facilities, and investing in projects people here rely on every day.

“The contributions secured for community infrastructure and the New England Rail Trail show how renewable energy projects can deliver more than clean power, they can deliver for communities.”

An iconic symbol of the Sydney 2000 Summer Olympics, the Discobolus Monument, has been added to the State Heritage Register.

The Minns Labor Government is recognising, protecting, preserving and promoting the people, groups, places and events which have contributed to the state’s rich heritage. Heritage listings on the State Register tell the incredible history of NSW.

Created by artist Robert Owen, the Discobolus Monument Moveable Heritage Group comprises multiple elements, including a distinctive seven-metre-wide disc sculpture, a stone wall, cypress and olive trees, as well as marble plaques linked to the families that supported the initiative before its installation.

The elements were installed at Sydney Olympic Park ahead of the Olympics as a tribute to the Games’ Greek roots.

Made from glass and eight tonnes of stainless steel, the disc symbolises the original discus thrower, Castor, metaphorically hurling a discus from ancient Greece to Sydney’s Olympics. The disc also resembles a CD-ROM – a nod to technology and the culture of the era.

The grove of olive and cypress trees surrounds the disc as a living link between Sydney Olympic Park and the first Olympics and the goddess Artemis.

The work of art joins the Sydney Olympic Cauldron as another monument in Sydney Olympic Park on the State Heritage Register. The listing requires the Discobolus Monument Moveable Heritage Group to be retained and maintained within Sydney Olympic Park.

For information about State Heritage Listings, visit www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/heritage/search-heritage-databases/state-heritage-inventory 

Minister for Heritage, Penny Sharpe, said:

“The 2000 Olympics was one of the great moments in Sydney’s history and 25 years later we are adding the Discobolus Monument and connected elements to the State Heritage Register.

“This eye-catching piece is more than art. It symbolises a connection to the Games and is a tribute to our Greek community.

“The Olympic Games are one of Greece’s greatest gifts to the world, and this monument reflects the pride Sydney’s Greek community takes in that legacy.

“Thank you to everyone who contributed to funding this sculpture and the elements around it more than 25 years ago. You will be forever cherished on the State Heritage Register.”

Member for Parramatta, Donna Davis, said:

“It’s wonderful to add another item from the Parramatta electorate to the State Heritage Register.

“Parramatta is such a vibrant multicultural community and those with Greek heritage and sports enthusiasts alike will be thrilled to know this unique item will be looked after as a place of high significance right across the state.”

The Minns Labor Government is continuing to deliver safer, smoother journeys, with work set to start on a $25 million transformation of the Hume Highway at Table Top in early 2026.

The critical safety upgrades, which will be completed in three stages, include improving the road surface, upgrading drainage and installing safety barriers on a three kilometre stretch of the Hume, about fourteen kilometres north of Albury.

Work on the first stage will commence in February 2026, with the upgrade of two temporary crossovers at both ends to allow for two-way traffic flow in one direction, before major work starts on 1.65 kilometres of the southern half of the northbound lanes.

The second stage will upgrade a 1.65-kilometre section of the northern half of the northbound lanes, and the third stage will upgrade the full 3.15-kilometre length of the southbound lanes.

The project is expected to be completed by mid-2028, weather permitting.

All work will be carried out under traffic control, with at least one lane open in each direction at all times.

Following calls from the community, Transport for NSW is also carrying out a comprehensive investigation of the Hume Highway intersections with Tynan Road and Burma Road to help plan for future road upgrades. 

An update on the potential upgrades at these intersections will be made available to the community in early 2026. Transport for NSW will keep the community updated on the timeline and traffic impacts for each stage as the project progresses.

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:

“The Minns Labor Government is continuing our work to deliver the infrastructure regional communities need and deserve.

“We are committed to improving safety across the network. While each piece of work is not a silver bullet, we are listening to communities and progress is being made on other hotspots along the Hume.

“The Hume Highway is one of Australia’s most significant highways, linking the nation’s two largest state capitals, Sydney and Melbourne, making it an important route for passenger and freight transport.

“I want to be clear with locals: this is a case of short-term pain for long-term gain. We appreciate their patience as we deliver safer roads.

“On average, about 14,000 vehicles travel along this section of the highway each day, which includes about 5000 heavy vehicles and 9000 light vehicles.

“These upgrades will increase efficiency and traffic flow, reduce ongoing maintenance costs and provide motorists with a smoother and safer journey.”

Minister for Regional New South Wales, Tara Moriarty said:

“People in regional communities rely on the Hume every single day, whether they are heading to work, moving freight or getting their kids where they need to go. This upgrade will make those journeys safer and smoother.”

“This section of the Hume is a vital link for families, truckies and local businesses across the border region. Investing in stronger, more resilient roads supports the people who keep our regions moving.

One of six ultra-large Tatra firefighting trucks to be delivered across NSW now has a new home in the Illawarra.

The Gerringong Rural Fire Brigade has taken delivery of the truck, the first of its kind for NSW, to take part in a trial to test next-generation firefighting vehicles for the Rural Fire Service (RFS).

The arrival of the $800,000 truck is part of the NSW Government’s commitment to ensuring local volunteers have the right tools to keep their community safe, especially in a region that knows all too well the impacts of bush fire.

The new truck is one of six Tatra vehicles to be trialled across the state as part of the RFS Next Generation Fleet Project, which aims to test and develop the next wave of modern firefighting appliances.

The high-performance 4×4 Tatra truck offers a combination of performance, water capacity and pumping power as well as advanced safety like the halo water protection system for the cabin.

Building on the NSW Bushfire Inquiry and other inquiry recommendations to modernise the RFS fleet, the trucks are equipped with Mobile Data Terminals (MDTs) to improve crews’ communication, connectivity and safety in remote and disaster-impacted areas.

Since the inquiry, the NSW Government has overhauled bushfire policy, preparedness and response, and is acting on all of the resulting 76 recommendations, including implementing night-time waterbombing.

Residents can get information about preparing their properties and bush fire survival plan on the RFS website at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/prepare

Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib:

“The delivery of this new Tatra truck is about making sure our hard-working RFS crews have the tools they need to protect the community.

“Communities like those in the Illawarra, who have seen the devastating impacts of bushfire firsthand, can be assured that their local crews are backed by the strongest truck capabilities we’ve ever had in the RFS.

“We listened to the experts and have acted on every recommendation from the NSW Bushfire Inquiry. Some long-term initiatives will take some time to complete but are already well underway.”

Member for Kiama Katelin McInerney:

“The Illawarra has seen its fair share of fires over the years, and our volunteers have always stood up when it matters most.

“RFS members are the heart of our regional communities, and it’s vital they have the latest and safest equipment to do their job and it’s fantastic to see Gerringong leading the way in this trial.

“It is a good reminder of the importance of the community to also get ready for the bush fire season, by preparing their homes and discussing their bush fire survival plan.”

RFS Illawarra/Sutherland District Manager, Superintendent Martin Surrey:

“The Gerringong Brigade have been quick to put their new truck to work and it has already been on a few callouts, including one where the front-mounted water cannon was used to great effect.

“The region has experienced some challenging fire seasons, and our brigades know how quickly conditions can change.

“Every new piece of equipment, every training opportunity and every innovation is an investment in the safety of our volunteers and the towns and communities they protect.”

The $12 million upgrade of Broken Hill Hospital’s emergency department (ED) is now complete, delivering a modern facility to help meet the healthcare needs of local communities now and into the future.

Completed in stages, the ED has expanded with a full internal refurbishment and reconfiguration, providing expanded and upgraded treatment spaces and improved patient flow. 

Stage 3 is the final stage of the ED upgrade and includes a new main entry, reception area, waiting room and triage space, a new interview/consult room and two treatment bays. This stage also marks the completion of the broader Broken Hill Health Services redevelopment works.

The ED extension, reconfiguration of existing treatment bays, new staff areas and clinical back-of-house areas opened in stages earlier this year.

Artwork created by local artists has been installed in the paediatric bay, interview room and two new consult rooms to help create a supportive and healing environment for patients, visitors and staff.

ED patients and visitors are advised that permanent access is now in place, with signs installed. Access changes include:

A new 24/7 dedicated external entry, accessed from the left of the footpath as you enter from the rear carpark.

If accessing the ED from the Thomas Street entry to the hospital, please walk to the back doors in the main corridor, exit main door and enter the ED doors on the right.

The Broken Hill Health Service redevelopment works includes the $12 million ED upgrade and the new Acute Mental Health Inpatient Unit delivered as part of the NSW Government’s $700m Statewide Mental Health Infrastructure Program.

The Health and the Arts Framework 2024-2032 highlights the role of the arts in providing patients, staff and communities with positive experiences within healthcare settings. The Framework recognises and provides guidance for integrating the arts into our facilities and healthcare.

The community of Broken Hill will also benefit from new Key Health Worker Accommodation, the first to be delivered in the Far West Local Health District as part of the Minns Labor Government’s $200.1 million program.

This is in addition to the 20 new health worker units at Broken Hill Health Service completed earlier this year.

The new accommodation will help attract and retain essential healthcare workers to the region.

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

“We are committed to ensuring regional communities in NSW can access the care they need, when they need, closer to home.

“The upgrade will not only help ED staff deliver high-quality-care but also ensures Broken Hill and surrounding communities have access to a first-class and modern health facility.

“It’s a fantastic achievement after almost 18 months of construction. I thank all staff, patients and visitors for their patience and understanding during the delivery of this important upgrade.”

Member for Barwon Roy Butler: 

“The ED upgrade is an important project and it’s wonderful to see it completed, ensuring patients and visitors receive high-quality care in a modern and functional space.  

“The completion of the ED upgrade and the recent completion of the new Acute Mental Health Inpatient Unit will improve patient experiences and support physical and psychological recovery.

“The Broken Hill Health Service Redevelopment, boosted by the delivery and investment of new key health worker accommodation, is also putting Broken Hill on the map to help attract and retain clinicians further improving the local community’s access to the best possible care.”

The Minns Labor Government is supporting prawn fishers and farmers in the Clarence, Evans and Richmond Rivers affected by the detection of white spot in wild prawns with an additional financial assistance package of $4.5 million.

The package will assist impacted fishers to exit the industry and includes funding for voluntary share and business buyouts and business training to support those fishers in the region who decide to exit.

Over the last two years, the Minns Government has invested $21.4 million to respond to the outbreak, enhance biosecurity controls and support affected prawn fishers in the Clarence, Evans and Richmond Rivers, with act-of-grace payments, business share buyouts, fee waivers, Crown Land rent waivers and mental health support services.

White spot is now considered established in wild prawn populations within the existing areas of detection in northern NSW and that has led to a new biosecurity control order enlarging the impacted area being declared and dated till 2030.

Prawn fishers in the control zone have restrictions on how they can move uncooked or unprocessed prawns outside the zone, and this will have considerable impact on their businesses.

Biosecurity control orders have been operating in the Northern Rivers of NSW since 2022. The objective of potentially being able to stand the control orders down has dissipated due to repeated positive testing for white spot within the coastal sea off those rivers.

The NSW Government has been undertaking testing, assisting industry, and advocating to the Commonwealth Government to determine if the national biosecurity approach could be modified when considering the need for a biosecurity control order for northern NSW region.

However, the impacts on national trade and standing within international trade led to a retaining of the existing requirement to maintain the restrictions within the control order.

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“The Minns Government has provided significant financial support of more than $21 million to the prawn farming and fishing industry in northern NSW during the last few challenging years and this $4.5 million financial transition package demonstrates our continuing commitment.

“With white spot now confirmed as established in wild prawn populations in the affected areas, the NSW Government has developed this funding package to help fishing businesses transition out with financial buybacks, business retraining and other support measures.

“The NSW Government acknowledges this has been a challenging time for workers and businesses in the industry and I encourage them to utilise the available mental health and financial counselling.

“Consumers are assured that white spot does not pose a threat to human health or food safety.”

The Minns Labor Government is today launching an unprecedented intensive support program for women leaving prison that will bolster rehabilitation and reduce reoffending by providing support with accommodation and employment in the Hunter.

Generously funded with a donation from the Ian & Shirley Norman Foundation, the new residential facility will provide wrap-around support for women leaving custody, helping them rebuild their lives to prevent crime.

The program will provide six months of pre-release support to eligible women with a focus on identifying and addressing their post-release needs and provide practical supports.

This includes securing stable housing, navigating full-time employment, as well as obtaining identity documents and accessing vital services such as the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

Support in these areas can strongly promote reintegration into the community and prevent entrenchment in the criminal justice system.

Education and skills training play an important role in reducing recidivism, with BOCSAR data from 2021 revealing that 12 months after inmate trainees were released from custody, there was a 45 per cent reduction in property offending among all groups of trainees.  

Following release, the program offers support for up to two years with a focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. It acknowledges their disproportionate representation in custody and unique barriers to reintegration.

The service will be delivered through a partnership between Corrective Services NSW (CSNSW) and not-for-profit Embrace People & Place (Embrace).

Work has already begun to prepare eligible women for the program, with the first cohort to be housed at the facility in 2026.

This site was a former Periodic Detention Centre aimed at re-skilling minimum-security inmates before being refurbished by Corrective Services NSW into an accommodation facility. The program is largely funded by a donation from the Ian & Shirley Norman Foundation that has committed to providing $5.7 million over three years for its operation.

This collaborative initiative delivers on the Government’s commitment to exploring new pathways for rehabilitation and reintegration for women in custody, taking into account their unique experiences and needs.

Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“This innovative collaboration demonstrates the Government’s commitment to keeping our communities safe by enhancing rehabilitative outcomes and reducing reoffending.

“We need to offer initiatives that acknowledge and respond to the unique experiences of women who enter custody.

“We know that women’s pathways to criminal behaviour are often a result of abuse, disadvantage and trauma – and this project will support community safety in an effective and meaningful way.

“I welcome the Ian & Shirley Foundation’s contribution, and I wholeheartedly thank them for their ongoing support in this important project.”

Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington MP said:

“Women in prison are already disproportionately impacted by intergenerational trauma, poverty and domestic, family and sexual violence. When women leave prison it’s very difficult for them to find a positive path without the right support.

“This is an important pilot program which will give women in the Hunter, a second chance to build a better future. Our government is proudly partnering and investing to break the cycle of recidivism, improve outcomes and create stronger, safer communities.”

Corrective Services NSW Commissioner Gary McCahon PSM said:

“Improving outcomes for women in custody is one of my key priorities as Commissioner, and this program represents a significant opportunity for collaboration between CSNSW and Embrace to support vulnerable woman and aid their rehabilitation.”

Embrace People & Place Founder and Chair Tracy Norman said:

“At Embrace People & Place, our values centre on dignity, connection and possibility for every person in our region. We have built the Women in Community program because it reflects exactly what we stand for — creating pathways for people to rebuild, reconnect and belong.

“Supporting women as they return to community life isn’t just the right thing to do, it strengthens the whole region and embodies the kind of compassionate, empowered Hunter we believe in.”

Embrace People & Place Chief Executive Officer Coralie Nichols said:

“The Women in Community program is about giving women leaving prison the support they need to return to community life with dignity and confidence.

“By providing safe accommodation, employment pathways and wraparound support, we’re helping women make positive choices and build the lives they want for themselves.”