16 News

Ghost Festival is back and spookier than ever transforming Sydney’s historic Rocks and Circular Quay precinct for four nights of spine-tingling fun, immersive experiences, and a Halloween street festival.

Kicking off last night this year’s ghostly fun has built on the increasingly popular Halloween activations in The Rocks, with last year’s inaugural Ghost Festival welcoming 60% more people than previous years.

After drawing over 115,000 visitors last year, Ghost Festival 2025* promises to be even ghostlier with free experiences including live music, street performances, and markets alongside themed food and drink experiences.

Festival highlights include:

• Poliakov’s Haunted Woods – A ring of eerie cabins serving up freakishly delicious eats from Messina, Gong Cha, and more. At the heart, the Poliakov Vodka Main Stage will keep the crowd dancing with monster DJ sets and chilling cocktails.
• Sydney’s Halloween Market – By day, a charming artisan market; by night, a fog-filled, candlelit bazaar of bubbling brews, magical trinkets, and spooky surprises.
• Ghost Cinema at Cadmans Cottage – Outdoor horror screenings under the stars with cult classics, immersive soundscapes, and live performers who might just sneak up mid-scream.
• House of Horrors Party – A multi-level haunted house turned tech-house rave with themed rooms and live DJs.
• The Crossing Lane & Reese’s Ghouls Gate – Get a full SFX monster makeover and strike a pose in a 360° video booth for a chance to be crowned Sydney’s best Halloween costume.
• Halloween Parade – Only on Friday at 8pm the Halloween parade, will create a truly eerie experience when darkness marches into the world of the living. 

Entry to the festival is free, but some events are paid and require bookings.

If you spook easily you can get more information on what to expect by visiting Ghost in The Rocks | The Rocks

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“This spooky spectacular will bring Sydney’s streets alive with Halloween spirit, so whether you want family friendly fun, to party, be scared, or soak up the ghostly vibes, Ghost Festival is the place to be.

“One thing festival goers don’t need for fear is their budget with plenty of free activities on offer from live music to street performers and even a dark art trail, so there’s endless fun to have without spending a dollar.”

The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are jointly working to make sure women have access to important legal advice and representation on workplace issues with the establishment of a new Working Women’s Centre in New South Wales.

Fulfilling an election commitment, the Minns Labor Government has invested $8 million over four years in the Centre, which will provide free legal advice and support to women in the workplace, plus education and training to businesses and staff, enhancing workplace safety for women across the state.

Women’s Legal Service NSW has been selected to deliver the NSW Working Women’s Centre and has also received $8.1 million over 5 years in Commonwealth funding.

The Commonwealth Government has committed a total of $32 million over five years to establish or fund existing working women centres in all states and territories and create a new national body. This is in response to the Australian Human Rights Commission’s Respect@Work Report (2020) that recommended all jurisdictions establish or re-establish working women’s centres.

The Minns Labor Government’s investment in the Working Women’s Centre will provide for frontline services that help women across New South Wales navigate workplace issues such as underpayment, wage theft, parental leave, sexual harassment and non-disclosure agreements. The holistic, trauma-informed service includes free and confidential legal advice, representation, individual advocacy and support. 

It enhances and complements the Commonwealth service, ensuring priority access for a diverse range of service users that face additional barriers to legal supports including:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women
• women in regional, rural and remote NSW  
• women with disability
• LGBTQIA+ women
• young women
• women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
• older women
• solo mothers in one parent families. 

In tandem, the Working Women’s Centre will provide state-wide advocacy, education and training programs for businesses and their employees in occupation-specific sectors that support the prevention and elimination of workplace discrimination, sexual harassment and gender inequality.   

Women who need advice on workplace issues, including workplace entitlements and rights, gender issues, cultural diversity, discrimination and sexual harassment can reach out to the NSW Working Women’s Centre for free assistance via: https://www.wlsnsw.org.au/legal-services/wwc/

Federal Assistant Minister for Social Services and the Prevention of Family Violence, Ged Kearney said:

“Places like the Working Women’s Centre are so important, giving women an access point to seek protection in the event of experiencing workplace discrimination or harassment.

“Whether it’s workplace harassment, underpayment or discrimination against working mothers – no woman should face that alone. The Working Women’s Centre will be there for all women; it’s free confidential and on her side.”

NSW Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis said:

“I welcome the establishment of a new Working Women’s Centre in New South Wales which will help support women with the legal advice, advocacy, and workplace protections they deserve.

“It follows the Minns Labor Government passing major reforms that enhance the rights and conditions of over four million workers in NSW. This includes enshrining gender equality and the elimination of workplace bullying and sexual harassment as explicit objectives of the Industrial Relations Act.

“The recently established NSW Anti-Bullying and Sexual Harassment jurisdiction allows for the order of damages for more than 400,000 NSW Government workers in hospitals, schools, local councils and other public services.

“These workers can now seek orders and damages from the NSW Industrial Relations Commission to stop workplace bullying and sexual harassment.

“While landmark reforms this year by the NSW Government saw paid leave rights expanded for 250,000 Community Services sector workers, three-quarters of them women.”

NSW Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“No one deserves to be harassed or discriminated against at work because of their gender.

“The Working Women’s Centre will provide free, dedicated legal advice and representation for women regarding their workplace rights.

“It will also provide support and training for businesses to create safer workplaces across industries.”

NSW Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“The NSW Government is continuing work to make sure working women in across the state

“The Women’s Legal Service NSW has more than 40 years’ experience providing specialist legal support to working women. During that time, their work has improved the safety and economic security of working women, and their advocacy has advanced gender equality and women’s rights at work. 

“It is this longstanding passion and commitment, as well as their significant experience, that makes Women’s Legal Service NSW highly qualified and best placed to deliver these crucial legal, education and advocacy services that will ultimately help make workplaces fairer and safer for women across NSW.”

CEO Women’s Legal Service Katrina Ironside said:

“We are enormously grateful to the NSW Government for its commitment to gender equity and for partnering with us to support a best-practice, specialist Working Women’s Centre in NSW. This investment reflects the Government’s recognition that women’s economic security, safety, and wellbeing must be central to workplace and social policy.

“For the first time, women across NSW will have access to a dedicated, free service for legal assistance on workplace issues that disproportionately affect them and compound inequality. We look forward to working closely with key stakeholders including unions to build and expand this much needed service for working women.

“Whether it’s a single mother in Nowra dismissed after returning from parental leave, a migrant woman in Griffith being underpaid, a young woman in Bourke bullied by her employer after disclosing her sexuality, or a First Nations woman in Western Sydney threatened with defamation for seeking medical care following a workplace sexual assault, the Working Women’s Centre will ensure they can access the free legal help and wrap-around support they need.”

Western Sydney’s talented music students will soon be able to enrol in world-class courses at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music’s new Parramatta teaching and research centre.

Supported by a $2 million strategic grant from the NSW Government, in 2026 the University of Sydney will open an innovative, high-tech facility of the Conservatorium in Parramatta.

The University of Sydney is investing $30 million into the development of the Parramatta facility.

For well over a century, the Sydney Conservatorium of Music has been located on Macquarie Street in the Sydney CBD.

As Western Sydney grows, students are increasingly travelling across the city to attend classes. From second semester 2026 The Con, as it is affectionately known, will have a second facility in Parramatta CBD.

This historic expansion, the first in the Sydney Conservatorium of Music’s 110-year history, will deliver world-class musical education opportunities to the region’s community seeking future careers in music, film, culture and the arts.

The facility will have a boutique, 60-seat live music auditorium. Outside of teaching hours, local artists and community will be able to utilise the Dolby-Atmos recording studio and music practice facilities.

The investment aligns with the NSW Government’s commitment to strengthen cultural infrastructure in Western Sydney and deliver more funding for the creative sector, to enable local creative practice to thrive with a highly skilled cultural workforce.

Minister for Arts, Music and the Night Time Economy, John Graham said:

“We already know that the next generation of talent lives in Western Sydney. Next year, instead of commuting into the Sydney CBD, they can experience state-of-the-art facilities and outstanding teaching at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music in Parramatta.

“The Con at Parramatta will support the development of new voices, new stories and new audiences.

“And once the Metro West is completed, we no doubt will see students from across Sydney choosing to study in Parramatta, one of the most vibrant and exciting parts of our city.”

Vice Chancellor of University of Sydney, Mark Scott said:

“The expansion reflects the university’s commitment to supporting the arts at a time of sector-wide change.

“We know it’s a challenging time for music education in Australia. That’s why we’re proud to offer a new home for music in Parramatta – a place where creativity, collaboration and community can thrive. Music matters, and we’re committed to supporting the next generation of artists and educators.”

Member for Parramatta, Donna Davis said:

“Parramatta is increasingly becoming the cultural centre of Sydney, with the Powerhouse and Riverside Theatre developments, the success of National Theatre of Parramatta, WestPhil, RiverCity Voices and the magnetism of vibrant areas of Church Street, Phillip Street and Parramatta Square. 

“The Sydney Conservatorium of Music Parramatta teaching and research space will be a great addition to the city.

“I welcome the University of Sydney extending the footprint of the renowned Sydney Conservatorium of Music to Parramatta. This initiative will make it easier for Western Sydney residents to access learning opportunities for those seeking careers in digital and contemporary music technology fields, as well as the broader arts and culture sector.”

Parliamentary Secretary for the Arts and Member for Granville, Julia Finn said:

“Arts and music shape culture and foster a truly innovative and creative New South Wales. I am pleased the Minns Labor Government is supporting the Sydney Conservatorium of Music’s Parramatta campus.

“Western Sydney is a truly dynamic region, bursting with creativity. Having quality arts and music education here provides a great opportunity for young people to explore their creative skills and pursue a creative career.”

The Illawarra and Shoalhaven communities will be safer this bushfire season thanks to ongoing Hazardous Area Rescue Ambulance (HARA) training for specialist paramedics in the region.

This regular HARA training includes off-road, beach driving and operating the various safety features to ensure our highly trained special operations paramedics are prepared to act in the toughest environments.

The fleet of eight new HARAs was launched by Minister for Health Ryan Park in October 2024 as part of a $14.8 million package to optimise response capabilities in hazardous areas, such as floods and bushfires.

The HARAs are equipped with safety features for operation in hazardous environments, including around fire grounds, and have a burn-over crew protection system which sprays water over and around the vehicle to keep it cool.

NSW Ambulance carefully planned and modified the vehicles with enhanced safety features to ensure they can withstand harsh environments.

External flammable components were replaced with fire-resistant materials and critical vehicle infrastructure has been wrapped in fire-retardant material so they will not melt or burn in a bushfire situation.

The exoskeleton of the vehicle has been reinforced to protect paramedics and patients from falling trees.

The all-terrain vehicles were carefully designed by the NSW Ambulance team with a range of specific features, making them world-first vehicles that optimise response capabilities in hazardous areas, such as floods and bushfires.

The rear of the vehicle is a fully operational ambulance, with a specially designed stretcher loading system to assist paramedics in patient handling and for patient comfort. 

The HARAs are strategically stationed at NSW Ambulance heavy rescue stations based in Bomaderry, Tamworth, Rutherford, Cowra and Wagga Wagga, as well as special operation team locations in Point Clare and Sydney.

Minister for Health, and Minister for the Illawarra and South Coast, Ryan Park: 

“NSW Ambulance HARAs are the first of their kind in the world and are proving to be an invaluable resource during natural disasters like fires and floods.

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring our frontline emergency services are equipped and ready to help our communities when they are at their most vulnerable.

“These vehicles have been built to withstand harsh environments, allowing the highly skilled paramedics who operate them to swiftly, and safely access patients in difficult terrain and conditions.

“As summer approaches, it’s vital to plan ahead for natural disasters – and that includes residents undertaking their own bushfire risk assessment and preparing a survival plan to save our emergency services for those who need it most.”

Member for South Coast, Liza Butler:

“We are fortunate to have these specialist vehicles at our disposal on the South Coast, to give our residents access to world-class frontline care when they need it the most.

“The Illawarra and Shoalhaven regions have faced their fair share of natural disasters in recent years and it’s comforting to know that NSW Ambulance paramedics can access patients during these difficult times.”

Member for Kiama, Katelin McInerney:

“These vehicles are an incredible asset to our communities, making it possible for paramedics to help people in some of the most difficult situations. 

“I want to thank the hard-working paramedics and other front-line workers who keep our communities safe during bushfire season and year around”

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan:

“These vehicles are a massive investment in NSW Ambulance’s capability, and ensure our staff have access to the latest technology and ground-breaking assets.

“The HARAs are equipped with enhanced safety features and include a multi-agency communication system, enabling us to deliver the very best outcomes for patients.

“Now that the 2025/26 bushfire season is officially underway, NSW Ambulance is working hard to ensure staff have the training and resources at hand to deal with emergencies as they arise.”

The Minns Labor Government has delivered $500,000 in grant funding to equip older people from diverse backgrounds with the skills required to navigate a rapidly evolving digital world.

This year, the popular Tech Savvy Seniors program will support over 70 community colleges and libraries across the state to deliver free or low-cost training sessions for seniors.

More than 156,000 participants have been involved in Tech Savvy Seniors since the program was launched 12 years ago.

The program has a strong track record of supporting seniors to gain confidence with technology in terms of accessing online services, developing scammer awareness, and connecting with loved ones through social media channels.

Key objectives of the program include:

• Improving digital literacy by giving older people the basic tools to use a computer, laptop or smartphone.
• Closing the digital gap, acknowledging that many people find technology intimidating and require support to become more comfortable users
• Bringing communities closer together – the digital platform is an essential tool to increase engagement with families, close friends and community groups.

Training is available across all skill levels and various languages including Mandarin, Arabic, Vietnamese, Korean and Ukrainian. This ensures the program is inclusive and responsive to the needs of the state’s diverse ageing population.

Tech Savvy Seniors supports a key focus area of the NSW Government’s Ageing Well in NSW Seniors Strategy 2021–2031, which aims to help older people stay informed, safe, and connected in a rapidly changing digital world.

The Tech Savvy Seniors program is delivered in partnership with Telstra. For further information on Tech Savvy Seniors and where to access training, please go to nsw.gov.au/community-services/seniors-card/tech-savvy-seniors

Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison said:

“Seniors grew up in a very different time and can encounter challenges with digital tasks like online banking, appointments and staying in touch with loved ones.

“Tech Savvy Seniors empowers older people to overcome the technology gap and become better connected to their social network and community.

“The Minns Labor Government is ensuring everyone has an equal opportunity to participate in their communities no matter when or where they were born.”

Ku-ring-gai Mayor, Cr Christine Kay, said:

“We are proud to be able to offer the Ku-ring-gai community pathways to safely and confidently participate in the online world.

“Running Tech Savvy Seniors in English and other languages helps us make sure more in our community can access the support they need.”

The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to put young people at the heart of decision making for issues impacting them with twelve passionate young leaders from across NSW appointed to the 2026 Youth Advisory Council (YAC).

The new Youth Advisory Council will convene its first meeting on the 9^th of November and work directly with the Minister for Youth Rose Jackson on issues which are front of mind for young people across the state including mental health, cost of living, and climate change. 

The appointment of these young leaders follows the establishment of the first dedicated NSW Office for Youth in August this year. 

The Office for Youth is engaging young people on their terms and ensuring their leadership is formally recognised, respected, and integrated into decision-making processes across government. 

Each year, a dozen young people between the ages of 12 and 24 will be appointed to the YAC, giving them a platform to have their say on government policies, programs, and legislation concerning young people.  

Members of the inaugural Youth Advisory Council represent a diverse range of backgrounds and perspectives including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and CALD members, members living with a disability and members from both regional and metropolitan communities.  

The 2026 Members are:  

• Fayra Petriaton, Tamworth
• Hafsa Faizan, Leppington
• Daphne Hutchison, Wollondilly
• Amelia Hines, Maitland
• Romone Dunlop, Port Macquarie
• Ahmad Chatah, East Hills
• Lara Ristic, Riverstone
• Nathanael Guo, North Shore
• Chloe Richards, Murray
• Josua Relf, Castle Hill
• Keziah Cameron, Epping
• Thomas Norman, Junee  

Minister for Youth Rose Jackson said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to listening to young people – it’s why we established the Office for Youth and it’s why the Youth Advisory Council is so important. 

“When young people are genuinely empowered to shape the decisions that impact their lives, we can create programs that truly deliver real and relevant outcomes for the next generation of New South Wales. 

“I’m excited to work with the new members of the Youth Advisory Council and hear about the issues that are front of mind for them.” 

NSW Advocate for Children and Young People, Zoë Robinson said:

“I continue to support the YACs work across the state, ensuring that they are given opportunities to influence policy development.    

“Young people deserve a genuine seat at the table when it comes to the policies, laws, and services that shape their world. The YAC serves as a direct connection to government, amplifying young voices and empowering the next generation of leaders to create lasting change across NSW.” 

Passengers who bring converted e-bikes onto Sydney Trains, NSW TrainLink or Metro services will face significant fines under new safety regulations which take effect tomorrow.

Anyone caught with a converted e-bike on the network risks fines of up to $1,100 as part of a crackdown on the hazards linked to unsafe lithium-ion battery installations.

The landmark decision by the NSW Government follows growing safety concerns about converted e-bikes – which have been linked to incidents across the rail network and a growing number of battery-related fires reported by Fire and Rescue NSW.

Converted e-bikes are regular pedal bicycles that have been fitted with electric motors and batteries, which are more likely to catch fire because of DIY setups, poor wiring, and low-quality or second-hand parts.

Under the new rules, people will not be able to bring a lithium-ion battery from a converted e-bike on a train or metro service whether or not it is attached to the bike.

The carriage of a restricted converted e-bike will carry a minimum penalty notice offence of $400 with a maximum penalty of $1,100. This is comparable to the existing offence for carrying a petrol-powered device on a train or railway premises. 

The ban applies to all fare-paid areas of the rail network, including trains and platforms. It does not extend to concourses, lifts or bike storage areas outside the fare gates. Riders passing through community access gates will also not be affected.

Other e-bikes, shared e-bikes and mobility devices will not be impacted by this change; however, Transport for NSW will continue to monitor all e-micromobility incidents closely. 

Transport for NSW consulted widely before making the decision to introduce the ban, including with fire services, unions, delivery riders and the public.

As part of a nationwide push to improve safety standards, the NSW and Victorian Transport Ministers have jointly urged the Federal Government to introduce tougher national regulations, on the importation, sale and use of e-micromobility devices, to ensure all products available in Australia are safe, reliable and fit for purpose.

The NSW Government continues to promote and enable the use of e-bikes as a safe, accessible and sustainable transport option for people in NSW. They are helping people get around, especially for short trips to and from train stations.

More information about the ban of converted e-bikes on Sydney Trains, Sydney Metro and NSW TrainLink networks is available on the transportnsw.info website.

Secretary of NSW Transport Josh Murray said:

“These changes are not about limiting mobility – they are about protecting lives and importantly, protecting the continued safe operation of our metro and rail services.

“You may think it is harmless to change your pedal bike to an e-bike using a DIY conversion kit. But if it results in a fire on a packed train or metro service, the consequences could be serious.

“The fines of up to $1,100 are significant so I urge our passengers to use common sense and follow the new rules. Don’t use a converted e-bike to avoid a fine.”