Category: NSW News

The NSW Government’s successful night-time district grant support initiative, the Uptown program, has expanded to the Central Coast, with $355,000 in funding to support two successful districts in the region.

The Gosford Strip Precinct and The Esplanade in Terrigal are the region’s first successful precincts to participate in the program.

Across the state, 37 precincts have received funding under the third round of the NSW Government’s $5.5 million Uptown Grant program. 

The Uptown District Acceleration Program is a key element of the NSW Government’s 24-Hour Economy Strategy. A catalyst for change, it supports place-based collaboration, branding and storytelling within districts, and provides a platform for districts to innovate with reduced risk and ultimately become self-sustainable in the future.   

The program is delivered in two phases. The capacity-building Uptown Accelerator Program, which features a series of workshops designed to help districts build on their unique vision, and the Uptown Grant Program. 

The Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner has also engaged with local government and industry in regional areas across NSW, to understand the unique needs, challenges and priorities of these areas to better understand how a program like Uptown could be rolled out across NSW.  

All new Uptown districts will be featured on the NSW Government’s Neon Marketplace to help these Districts connect with the creative community and collaborate on local activations and initiatives.   

For more information on the Uptown District Acceleration Program visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/business-and-economy/office-of-24-hour-economy-commissioner/uptown-program

For more information on Neon Marketplace visit: https://www.neonmarketplace.nsw.gov.au/

Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy, John Graham said: 

“We’ve seen amazing success stories come out of the Uptown program, from district partnerships with major events like Vivid Sydney and SXSW Sydney to amazing community events and activations like the Inner West Ale Trail’s Inner West Country festival. I’m pleased to see districts from the state’s Central Coast, north and south coasts in the program. 

“The Uptown Grant Program allows often cash-strapped businesses to work together and develop product offerings and promotional strategies that tell the stories of their local areas and encourage people to come, stay and spend. 

“We want to create self-sustaining district initiatives that will go from strength to strength in promoting their vibrant local offerings and help promote our visitor economy for years to come.”

Minister for the Central Coast, David Harris said:

“Gosford and Terrigal are key centres on our rapidly growing Central Coast and it’s great to see them as part of this initiative that will ensure locals and visitors can enjoy the unique stories and offerings these dynamic hubs have to offer.

“We’ve always been known for our spectacular beaches, but there are so many talented local businesses and artists. This investment will support more collaboration across businesses, and bring more opportunities for the community to enjoy and give visitors an even better excuse to get along and soak up the vibe.”

Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch said:

“Gosford is full of Coastie charm and warmth. The local community has been working hard at the grassroots, driven by the belief that community grit can help build a better Gosford.

“I’m pleased the NSW Government can back those local businesses and support that collaboration to develop a sustainable and vibrant precinct with great options for people to explore and enjoy.”

Gosford Strip Precinct Board Chair Juan Locco said:

“For a long time, our CBD has been defined nationally by decline—vacant shops, failed projects, and a sense of being forgotten. Uptown Grant marks a turning point. It doesn’t just back our vision—it acknowledges the resilience and hard work of our diverse collective of business owners, community organisations, and everyday go-getters who’ve rolled up their sleeves to rebuild our city’s heart.

“This grant is a game-changer for our team and the entire Gosford community; the Uptown Grant allows us—for the first time—to professionally resource and coordinate our district’s efforts. We’ll be able to employ dedicated team members to lead precinct coordination, strengthen collaboration between local businesses and organisations, and local government as well as drive consistency and momentum across our initiatives.”

The Minns Government has once again shown it has no plan for jobs in New South Wales, with the Minister for Jobs today exposed as completely out of his depth during Budget Estimates.
 
Shadow Minister for Jobs, Mark Coure, has slammed the Minns Labor Government after Jobs Minister, Stephen Kamper, failed to acknowledge how many jobs have been lost under Labor’s watch.
 
When questioned on basic facts about unemployment, the Minister was unable to provide clear answers, despite thousands of families across NSW struggling with job losses and cost-of-living pressures.
 
“NSW has lost 45,000 jobs in just the past two months. More than 205,000 people across our state are unemployed, and yet the Minister responsible for jobs can’t even say how many jobs have been lost since Labor came to office,” Mr Coure said.
 
“This isn’t just his regular incompetence or a slip-up, it’s a reflection of a government with no plan and no answers for hundreds of thousands of families who are struggling right now.”
 
The facts are clear:
 

• When Labor came to power in March 2023, the NSW unemployment rate was 3.3%; under their watch it ballooned to 4.4%.[1]
• NSW is the only state or territory where unemployment increased over 12 months from May 2024 to May 2025, dragging up the national unemployment rate.[2]
• Areas like Parramatta (5.6%), Blacktown (5.1%) and South-West Sydney (5.7%) experience far higher unemployment rates than the state and national average.[3]

 
“This do-nothing government has cut 1515 public sector roles and has failed to create any new jobs since coming to office, except in their own offices, where recent data revealed a 32.34% increase in staff salary costs for Minister Kamper’s office,” Mr Coure said.
 
“Families out of work across NSW know how tough things are, but clearly the Minister doesn’t. He is offering excuses instead of solutions, and that is simply not good enough.”
 
“NSW needs leadership that creates opportunities and secures jobs, not a Minister who can’t answer the most basic questions about unemployment.”

Chris Minns and Paul Scully must order investigation into $100 million Hawks Nest development and its links to Obeid associates

Scott Farlow
Shadow Minister for Planning and Public Spaces

Shadow Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Scott Farlow has today called on Premier Chris Minns and Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully to order an immediate investigation into the Hawks Nest beachside development and its links to associates of disgraced former Labor Minister Eddie Obeid.
 
In NSW Budget Estimates yesterday the Secretary of the Premier’s Department, Simon Draper, confirmed his office has oversight of more than 400 planning applications. At the same hearing, the Premier praised the importance of the Housing Delivery Authority and the work it is doing. If the Premier truly believes in that work, then he and his Minister for Planning and Public Spaces must direct Mr Draper to investigate this $100 million project without delay and Minister Scully should revoke his Ministerial order on the project until the investigation is complete.
 
The Opposition has already asked Premier Minns and Minister Scully whether any close associates, consultants or known proxies of the Obeid family are financially or professionally connected to the Hawks Nest development. Both failed to answer to give any real answers and instead they pushed responsibility away while allowing the project to be fast tracked as a state significant development with no disclosure of who really benefits.
 
Eddie Obeid is not the people’s problem. He is Labor’s problem. Some of the very Ministers and MPs now serving under Chris Minns sat around the caucus and worked as staffers
when Obeid ruled the Labor Party. They know the damage he caused. They know how it destroyed Labor’s reputation and drove it from office. Those same Ministers should not be searching for excuses. They should be demanding action to stop history from repeating itself.
 
Families across NSW deserve a government that is transparent and accountable. Instead, they are being let down by a Premier and Minister for Planning and Public Spaces who are looking the other way.
 
Shadow Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Scott Farlow said this is a $100 million project on pristine beachfront land, fast tracked by the Minns Labor Government, yet the public has no idea who is really behind it.
 
“The Premier and Minister have the power to commence an investigation and revoke the Ministerial order until the investigation is complete,” Mr Farlow said.

Secret government documents have revealed Labor’s hidden tax grab. The Minns Labor Government is pocketing billions in extra revenue through bracket creep, quietly pulling more from businesses without changing a single law or making a single announcement
 
Payroll tax thresholds have been frozen since Labor came to power. When the Liberals and Nationals were in government, we lifted the payroll tax threshold time and again to give small businesses breathing room. Labor has done the opposite.
 
This now means 1,200 more businesses are dragged into payroll tax every year, punished for hiring more people and paying better wages. Treasury forecasts show bracket creep will gouge an extra $500 million from employers over the next four years.
 
On top of that, Labor scrapped the indexation of land tax thresholds. Treasury now confirms that this decision will pocket more than $18 billion over the next decade. By 2033-34, almost a third of all land tax collected will be the result of this freeze.
 
Instead of encouraging growth, the Minns Labor Government is punishing it. At a time when NSW needs productivity, investment and jobs, Labor’s answer is higher bills and heavier burdens.
 
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said Labor governments always find ways to spend other people’s money.
 
“Now we know the Minns Labor Government is taxing by stealth, punishing businesses and families for working harder and trying to get ahead,” Mr Speakman said.
 
Shadow Treasurer Damien Tudehope said bracket creep is a silent tax.
 
“There is no law change, no debate, just more money flowing into Treasury while businesses and landholders are left worse off,” Mr Tudehope said.
 
Shadow Minister for Small Business Tim James said every year, another 1,200 small and medium businesses are dragged into payroll tax because Labor froze the threshold.
 
“These are family businesses trying to grow, hire and contribute, yet Labor sees them as nothing more than a cash cow,” Mr James said.

The Minns Labor Government is working to urgently repair the 127 year old Hampden Bridge in the Kangaroo Valley, with the first round of safety works nearly complete as part of a $500,000 three-point plan outlined to the Kiama and South Coast communities today.

The Minns Labor Government has acted quickly to ensure the bridge is safe for vehicle traffic and is investigating options for temporary or permanent replacement bridges for the longer term.

This follows concerns about the safety of the heritage bridge, which prompted a recent load limit reduction from 42.5 tonnes to 23 tonnes.

The $500,000 Hampden Bridge strategy is part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to ensure the people of the Kiama area have the essential services they need and rely on, including road infrastructure to boost safety and efficiency for local communities.

This is in stark contrast with the former Government who in twelve years neglected to invest in improvements to Hampden Bridge. The Coalition failed to take significant action after part of the bridge fell on to roadway in 2020. In fact, the last significant bridge works were taken under the previous Labor Government.

Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison again inspected the bridge with Labor Candidate for Kiama Katelin McInerney, briefing local farmers and community members on progress.

The Minister was briefed by Transport for NSW engineers, who said that urgent night repair works on the bridge this month have proceeded smoothly and will be completed on schedule this week, with another round of major works to be planned and implemented. This work has provided confidence that the bridge can continue safely to remain open at 23 tonnes limit while Transport engineers assess the best way to proceed.

The Minns Labor Government’s three-point plan for urgent restoration of the historic bridge, which is under development by Transport for NSW, is:

1. Undertake essential maintenance to keep the bridge safe. Night work to replace 12 damaged timber beams along the top of the truss is scheduled to be completed on Thursday 21 August, weather permitting. These repairs will support the continued use of the bridge at its current 23 tonne load limit and reduce the risk of further damage. A more complex program of strengthening work is being planned with another 12 timber beams along the bottom of the trusses to be replaced.
2. Investigate the options for a temporary access across Kangaroo River, including a temporary bridge next to the existing bridge, or a detour option with an alternate river crossing. There are various constraints that need to be considered for these options which are currently being worked through.
3. Invest $500,000 in planning for a permanent new bridge. Options for a new crossing are being developed by the Minns Government in consultation with the community and Shoalhaven City Council. Early design concepts, cost estimates and initial economic modelling will be part of the investigation process.

The community will be updated on the feasibility of crossing options once investigations are completed.

The Government is committed to completing this process as quickly as possible.

All investigation work will aim to preserve the heritage value of the existing bridge.

Transport for NSW has worked with freight operators to understand their concerns about long diversions which are creating cost and time impacts for them, particularly in the dairy industry.

The previous Liberal-National Government’s maintenance regime was inadequate. It failed to plan a permanent way to protect the increasingly fragile structure from further damage and to maintain access for the community and freight at 42.5 tonnes.

This unique heritage bridge is an icon of the Kangaroo Valley which provides critical connectivity across the Kangaroo River for the local community and freight travelling between the Illawarra and South Coast.

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:

“Labor is getting on with the job, after more than decade of Liberal-National inaction, to finally deliver the infrastructure the people of Kangaroo Valley and Kiama deserve.

“The Liberals and Nationals failed to fund proper planning to ensure a safe, efficient crossing for local motorists and businesses.

“The Minns Labor Government has heard directly from the community and is investing $500,000 to provide short, medium and permanent solutions to ensure heavy freight can cross the Kangaroo River, including a new bridge.

“Delivering a new temporary or permanent bridge is a complex process and won’t happen overnight, but our teams are working as quickly as possible to increase the weight limit.

“We understand the impact the current load restrictions have on the freight industry and community. That’s why we are funding investigations for a long-term solution.

“We will present viable options as quickly as possible and I thank heavy vehicle operators and the dairy industry for their patience and ongoing cooperation while investigations are under way.”

Labor Candidate for Kiama, Katelin McInerney said:

“This is a very important issue for the community and I welcome the fact that Minister Aitchison has come here today to talk to locals about the situation and to offer positive solutions.

“Hampden Bridge is much loved but it’s done long service beyond what it was initially designed for.

“I will continue to push for an outcome for the community that ensures our road connections are not only restored but enhanced.”

Members of the Health Services Union (HSU) have accepted the NSW Government’s offer to increase wages and deliver benefits for more than 50,000 health workers across the state.

The agreement – which received over 90 per cent in support from the HSU membership – provides an 8.5 per cent increase over two years to a range of NSW Health staff, including allied health workers, hospital cleaners, scientists, security officers, and patient transport officers.

Health workers will receive an increase of 4.0 per cent plus 0.5 per cent in superannuation backdated from 1 July 2025.

From 1 July 2026, they will receive another increase of 4.0 per cent.

The agreement is consistent with the Government’s new Fair Pay and Bargaining Policy and delivers significant reforms to NSW Health Awards covered by the HSU.

These expanded benefits include:

• payment of higher-grade duties beginning after 3 days or more instead of 5 days;
• increased rest periods of 10 hours between rostered shifts, up from the current 8 hours; and
• the requirement for 4 weeks’ notice of roster changes, up from the current two weeks.

The Government and HSU will now begin work to modernise, consolidate, and streamline over 50 existing industrial awards.

After 12 years of wage suppression and neglect of the health system, the Minns Labor Government abolished the wages cap and is working to rebuild the health workforce.

Health Minister Ryan Park:

“This is a great day for 50,000 health workers.

“We have worked closely and constructively with the Health Services Union to deliver on this significant agreement. I want to thank Gerard Hayes and his team for their constant and outcomes-focused engagement. 

“We’re paying health workers more, and we’re going to recruit more and retain more.

“More health staff, lower wait times, better health outcomes – it’s as simple as that.”

Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis:

“This agreement marks a significant win for over 50,000 dedicated health workers across NSW. This is deserved recognition for the vital roles our allied health professionals, cleaners, scientists, security staff, and patient transport officers play in keeping our health system running.

“The Minns Labor Government continues the work of rebuilding the state’s essential services and reforming the industrial relations system.

“That work began with the scrapping of the Coalition’s wages cap which was in place for 12 years, introducing a fairer, modern bargaining framework, setting up an Industrial court and amending the Industrial Relations Act to include a new Object to achieve gender equality in the workplace.”

The Minns Labor Government is today announcing an additional $20 million to ensure the Tripoli Way Extension is delivered in full, bringing the Government’s total contribution since March 2023 to $40 million.

The Tripoli Way Extension will alleviate congestion on the Illawarra Highway in Albion Park by establishing an uninterrupted travel route connecting Terry Street in the east to the Illawarra Highway at Broughton Avenue in the West, by passing the town centre.

This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to ensure the people of Kiama have the essential services they need and rely on, including road infrastructure to boost safety and efficiency for local communities.

This investment unlocks the full scope of the $74 million project — including the much-needed future upgrade of the Terry Street and Tripoli Way intersection — with the balance funded by Shellharbour City Council and developer contributions.

In fact Shellharbour City Council, who are delivering this project had previously removed the works at the Terry Street intersection from the current scope of the project due to a funding shortfall. This investment means the council can get on with the job in full.

Committed to during the March 2023 election by Labor candidate for Kiama Katelin McInerney, the Minns Labor Government has already delivered $20 million for this project, with early works wrapping up this month. Completion is expected in late 2027.

This is in contrast with the former Government who after twelve years in Government, neglected to invest in or commence construction on this vital project, despite over 6,000 new people moving into Albion Park

In fact, in 2017 the Liberals decoupled the Tripoli Way bypass from the Albion Park Bypass project, significantly delaying the road and creating a traffic nightmare for Albion Park residents.

Long term Albion Park residents and those who have moved into new developments did so with the promise of infrastructure to keep up with the growing population, that is what the Minns Labor Government is delivering.

Chris Minns, Premier of New South Wales said:

“For too long, this community has been waiting for the services and infrastructure it needs — from schools and hospitals to local roads. That’s what our government is focused on delivering.

“Voters have a choice about who will be strongest possible advocate for their community— and Katelin is someone who can be at the table when decisions are made.

“Katelin has shown she’ll work hard to make sure Kiama gets its fair share — and that’s exactly the kind of voice this community deserves in Parliament.”

Jenny Aitchison, Minister for Roads said:

“This additional $20 million ensures the full scope of the Tripoli Way Extension can be delivered, including the much-needed Terry Street intersection upgrade, so locals get the maximum benefit from this project.

“For too long, this community has had to live with congestion and delays because the former Liberal and National Government stripped Tripoli Way out of the Albion Park Rail Bypass in 2017.

“Kiama can’t afford to go back to the Liberal’s cuts, neglect and broken promises.

“Labor is getting on with the job, after decades of delays, to finally deliver the infrastructure the people of Albion Park deserve.”

Katelin McInerney, Labor Candidate for Kiama said:

“This is the investment our community has been waiting for. The Tripoli Way Extension will reduce congestion through the Albion Park town centre and make local roads safer and more reliable.

“This extension was first dreamed up in the 1960s, and with this additional investment it will become a reality.

“After twelve years of waiting we finally have shovels in the ground, and the funding we need to get the job done.

“Labor is listening to locals, fixing the mess left behind by the previous government, and delivering the infrastructure our growing community needs.”

Chris Homer, Mayor of Shellharbour City Council said:

“The Tripoli Way Extension is a vital project for our growing community, enhancing the efficiency and safety of our roads. This is a huge infrastructure project, and I thank the Minns NSW Government for this substantial funding announcement for Shellharbour’s next largest infrastructure undertaking, which will assist in getting the Tripoli Way Extension not only delivered but delivered right.”

People heading to the NSW snowy mountains this season will be safer on the slopes, thanks to four new state-of-the-art snowmobiles as part of NSW Ambulance’s Alpine operations fleet. 

The new vehicles can quickly respond to patients who injure themselves or experience a medical episode on the snow fields or in difficult locations in the alpine back country.

The snowmobiles, which replace four older models, are vital for reaching patients who are only accessible over snow.

These vehicles are used alongside the Kassbohrer, which is a large tracked-snowcat that can travel over difficult snow terrain, with the rear of the vehicle fitted-out as a fully operational ambulance that can transport patients.

The Alpine Operations team also use The Hagglund vehicle, currently leased from the Australian National Antarctic Research Expeditions, as well as 4WD vehicles.

Established in 1986, Perisher Ambulance Station has operated during the ski season for nearly 40 years, with paramedics ready to provide emergency care every day of the week.

The seasonal ambulance station operates each winter, with paramedics responding to patients experiencing a medical emergency, as well as major traumatic injuries including spinal injuries, concussions, broken bones and torn ligaments.

The Alpine Operations team work out of Perisher Ambulance Station from the June long weekend until the October long weekend, as well as from Jindabyne Ambulance Station all year round.

The ski season sees large numbers of people visit the region, with additional paramedics sent to both ambulance stations to cover the significant increase in demand.

Paramedic Amy Long is working her first season at Perisher Ambulance Station but is no stranger to the slopes. An experienced down-hill ski racer, Amy went to boarding school in Jindabyne and has celebrated Christmas at Perisher with her family for over 30 years – experiencing two white Christmases.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“NSW Ambulance have a wide range of vehicles that can travel over snow and difficult terrain in order to quickly reach patients in need.

“These new snowmobiles are a fantastic addition to the fleet and ensure that our Perisher paramedics have the very best equipment at their disposal so they can respond no matter the snow conditions, and no matter the medical emergency.”

Member for Monaro Steven Whan:

“Our region sees a significant increase in visitors each year throughout the ski season, and with the crowds comes an increased risk of injuries on the ski slopes.

“These new snowmobiles provide our hardworking paramedics with the very best equipment to respond quickly to those in need, and ultimately, save lives.”

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan:

“People need ambulances no matter what the conditions – rain, hail or shine – or snow. Travelling or working in the snow doesn’t stop the range of medical needs that patients experience.

“With snowmobiles and our other specialised vehicles, the Alpine Operations paramedics at Perisher Ambulance Station can access patients quickly to ensure they receive emergency medical care, no matter where they are.”

Paramedic Amy Long:

“I remember coming to Perisher with school and thinking the paramedics who work there have a great job, and now I get to do it.

“The new snowmobiles are amazing as they enable us to get to patients in the snow fields quickly, and they will also be great when rescuing people in remote areas in the snow.”

A device that retrofits onto existing infrastructure to deliver remote, real-time updates on water levels at road crossings is one of 15 innovations being considered in Phase 1 of the Minns Labor Government’s $3.3 million Natural Hazards Detection System (NHDS) program.

The program, led by the Office of the Chief Scientist & Engineer in collaboration with the NSW Reconstruction Authority, will test a broad range of innovative technologies to reduce the cost and impact from disasters caused by natural hazards.

The funded projects include technology which can be mounted directly onto flood depth water indicator signs on NSW roads and transmit data to emergency services, AI and night vision-enabled imaging, a stratospheric blimp-based imaging system and a network of sensors to measure soil and fuel moisture for fire management.

Successful Phase 1 recipients will develop their technologies and can apply for Phase 2, in which they will be deployed and rigorously tested at pilot locations in at-risk Local Government Areas identified by the NSW State Emergency Service and NSW Rural Fire Service.

The NHDS program is an outcome of the 2020 Bushfire Inquiry and 2022 Flood Inquiry to use new detection technology to improve the identification and warning of impacts of natural hazards.

For a full list of recipients and further program details, visit: https://www.chiefscientist.nsw.gov.au/natural-hazards-detection-system

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib:

“We are investing in technologies and infrastructure to improve the way we communicate and respond to disasters, in the face of increasing risk from more frequent and intense natural hazards.

“By testing cutting edge technologies and new early warning systems, we can improve the way we predict and provide disaster warnings, and this program is yet another way we are finding solutions that work for our emergency services and the communities of NSW.”

Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology Anoulack Chanthivong:

“The National Hazards Detection System program is another example of the Minns Labor Government partnering with innovators to tackle the biggest challenges faced by our state.

“These exciting new technologies can make positive change in the lives of those most directly impacted by disasters caused by natural hazards.

“The Government is investing nearly $80 million to implement our Innovation Blueprint to cement NSW as the best place to innovate, connect with investors, and scale a business, which includes $20 million for the Emerging Technology Commercialisation Fund to drive long term growth and productivity in Government priority areas, such as housing, Net Zero and energy transition and local manufacturing.

“With these investments, the Minns Government is supporting the next generation of researchers, scientists and other innovators to generate both social and economic benefits for NSW.”

Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin:

“With the constant change in our climate, floods and bushfires are occurring more frequently and we have a responsibility to ensure our communities are better prepared and more resilient to their impacts.

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to protecting communities by ensuring they have adequate time to evacuate, and new hazard-warning technologies such as these will go a long way to delivering that.

“Having enough time to plan evacuation routes could save lives, and in locations such as the Northern Rivers and the Hawkesbury Nepean, give farmers advanced warning to move livestock to higher ground.”

Office of the Chief Scientist & Engineer Professor Hugh Durrant-Whyte:

“These innovative technologies are changing the thinking on how we might best respond to natural hazards in the future.

“By supporting these companies to further develop and test their systems and devices, we will be able to provide real-time solutions for the prediction and management of both fire and flood hazards for NSW communities and emergency services.”   

The Minns Labor Government is calling for the next generation of skilled workers to help build and deliver state-shaping transport and road projects across all parts of NSW.

Starting today, the Minns Government is beginning its search for more than 85 apprentices and trainees to work on major projects across the state, marking the commencement of a regional jobs and skills blitz.

Transport for NSW’s Apprentice and Trainee Programs give successful applicants paid training on the job while gaining valuable skills, and a nationally recognised qualification at the completion of their program.

Close to 90 per cent of the opportunities will be based in rural and regional NSW.

This is because local skills and talent are central to the Minns Government’s mission to build a better NSW.

Whether it’s project management in Wagga or metalwork in the Hunter, these roles give young people the chance to learn, work and thrive in their hometowns.

Programs on offer span eleven specialist areas, including civil construction, business, finance, fitter, project management, bridge construction and maintenance, heavy diesel mechanical, metal fabrication, painting and decorating, engineering mechanical and operational management systems.

Transport for NSW is engaging with local high schools across regional NSW and Greater Sydney through a range of career events and six industry days.

These days provided students in Years 10, 11 and 12 with hands-on experience in some of the trades Transport for NSW is currently seeking apprentices in.

Applications for Transport for NSW’s 2026 Apprentice and Trainee Programs are open now. Sydney-based roles close at midnight on 24 August, with roles across regional NSW closing at midnight on 31 August.

For more information about Transport’s 2026 Apprentice and Trainee Program, visit https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/about-us/careers/apprentice-and-trainee-programs

Minister for Roads and Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said:

“The Minns Labor Government is proud to be investing in the next generation of workers cross the state.

“These programs generate opportunities for the next generation of skilled workers wherever they live. Nearly 90 per cent of the upcoming roles are based in regional NSW.

“I am particularly proud that this year we are aiming for a record high percentage of female and Indigenous representation which will help build a diverse and inclusive workforce.

“The new apprentices and trainees will help boost the current workforce and make a real difference across NSW by contributing to the delivery of important infrastructure projects that will support regional communities.”

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan said:

“Our state needs skilled workers to build the infrastructure and services our communities rely on, and programs like this are a powerful first step.

“These apprenticeships and traineeships provide real, hands-on experience while earning a nationally recognised qualification.

“It’s about giving people the skills to succeed and the confidence to thrive in their chosen career. I encourage anyone considering a role to apply, it could be the start of something life-changing.”

Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“Nearly 90 per cent of these new apprentice and trainee roles are based in regional NSW, meaning people can train, work and build their future in the towns and communities they call home.

“The Minns government has a plan to rebuild regional economies and these roles are critical to growing local businesses. They are creating meaningful careers in the bush, and keeping skills in our regions.

“From bridge construction to project management and metal fabrication, these roles will help shape local manufacturing and the infrastructure that connects and strengthens regional NSW.”                                                                                                                                      

Sarah Zemek, First Year Metal Fabricator Apprentice said:

“I’d always been interested in metalwork, but I never thought it would be open to someone like me, because of my age and gender. Then I saw Transport for NSW talking about diversity and inclusion, so I applied and I won the role.

“One thing I love about Transport for NSW is that they choose the best people for the role. Gender, race, none of that holds you back here. Passion is what matters most. 

“I raised my children and now that they’re grown, I asked myself ‘why shouldn’t I go for it?’ I want to show my kids that you really can do whatever you set your mind to. 

“What I love most about working for Transport for NSW is the diversity of the projects I work on and the flexibility in my role as a Metal Fabricator Apprentice. Some days I’m in the workshop, others I’m out on-site. 

“If someone is considering applying for a role at Transport for NSW, I say if it’s truly something you want to do, don’t give up. Keep chasing it!”

Josh Grybaitis, Second Year Project Management Trainee based in Wagga Wagga said:

“Project management has always been a passion of mine, and with many of my family and friends working in roles that support or lead projects, it felt like a natural path. When I saw the opportunity for a traineeship with TfNSW, I didn’t hesitate — I applied immediately.

“One of the most rewarding aspects of my journey has been experiencing the incredible diversity across the teams at Transport. We come from all walks of life: some bring years of industry experience, while others, like myself, joined with a very different background — I was previously a barista. What’s truly inspiring is that diversity here goes beyond experience. It’s reflected in our culture, backgrounds, and identities, and those differences bring fresh perspectives that make our work stronger.

“I can say without a doubt that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every moment of my traineeship. If I had to choose a favourite aspect, it would be the travel — being able to visit different parts of NSW has been eye-opening and deeply meaningful. It’s given me a deeper appreciation for the state and the communities we serve, and I think that’s something really special.

“So, if you’re thinking about applying for a role at Transport for NSW, my advice is simple: go for it. The opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive are endless — all within a welcoming and supportive environment that truly celebrates who you are.”