16 News

The Minns Labor Government is getting on with the job of busting congestion on the Central Coast, with work officially underway on the first stage of the $40 million Gosford Bypass upgrade.

The commencement of work marks the delivery of yet another election commitment for the Coast, with the Minns Government having now invested more than $294 million on Central Coast roads.

These early works mark the start of a series of projects designed to bust bottlenecks and get traffic moving for the 30,000 motorists who use the corridor every day.

The first stage of the project will prioritise the Manns Road and Stockyard Place intersection at West Gosford.

The upgrade will deliver:

• Extended southbound lanes north of the intersection to keep traffic flowing
• A new 2.5-metre-wide shared path for cyclists and pedestrians
• Improvements to the right-turn lane into Stockyard Place
• Smoother, safer road surfaces and line markings
• A relocated northbound bus stop for easier and safer access.

Work is expected to take about six weeks to complete, weather permitting, with construction carried out at night between 7pm and 4am to minimise disruption on locals.

Some lane closures will be required, and a reduced speed limit of 40km/h will apply as work is completed.

The Gosford Bypass program is being delivered in stages, combining short-term congestion-busting improvements with planning for future major upgrades along the corridor. Two further projects are currently in design and expected to be finalised in early 2026:

1. Pacific Highway and Parsons Road intersection (roundabout capacity upgrade)
2. Pacific Highway between Newling Street and Kathleen Morreau Road (safety and pedestrian improvements)

For more information and project updates, visit transport.nsw.gov.au/GosfordBypass.

Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“The Minns Labor Government is delivering on its promise to ease congestion and get traffic moving on the Central Coast.

“The Gosford Bypass is a vital north–south link for locals, freight and visitors, and we’re getting on with the job of improving safety and reliability for every road user.

“This investment will make a real difference for thousands of motorists, cyclists and pedestrians who rely on this corridor every day.”

Minister for the Central Coast David Harris said:

“Progressing this region-enhancing project is a major win for the Central Coast.

“The Gosford Bypass upgrades will cut travel times, reduce congestion and make our roads safer for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.

“It’s exactly the kind of infrastructure our growing region needs and deserves.”

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said:

“We promised to fix congestion on the Gosford Bypass and that’s exactly what we’re doing.

“This upgrade will mean smoother, safer and faster trips for locals, and better connections between West Gosford and the M1.

“I want to thank the community for their patience as we deliver this important project for our community.”

Member for The Entrance David Mehan said:

“Promises made, promises kept. This is a great milestone for the people of the Central Coast.

“These works represent real progress on delivery of the Gosford Bypass.”

NSW Ambulance proudly welcomed 40 new paramedic interns and 21 trainee emergency medical call takers today, officially inducting them into the service during a ceremony at the State Operations Centre in Sydney Olympic Park.

With this latest intake, NSW Ambulance has now added around 800 new paramedic trainees, along with more than 150 emergency medical call takers since the start of the year, providing an important boost to frontline health services across the state.

The recruits bring with them a diverse range of skills and experiences, including paramedic intern Shoallea Attoe, who overcame several personal obstacles to fulfill her dream and Niko Auer, who previously worked in media and will be joining the ranks of our emergency medical call takers.

Paramedic interns will now begin the on-road phase of their 12-month internships at various locations across NSW, before taking up permanent positions in both metropolitan and regional communities.

The trainee emergency medical call takers will be posted to the Sydney control centre.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“I’m so proud to welcome these incredible new paramedics and emergency call takers to NSW Ambulance.

“These additional recruits will play an important role in supporting our community in emergencies, strengthening our frontline workforce and helping form the backbone of our healthcare system.

“The Minns Labor Government knows that investing in additional paramedics and emergency call takers is vital for the evolution of NSW Ambulance, as it continues to deliver exceptional patient care.”

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan:

“I am delighted to welcome this latest group of paramedics and emergency call takers, with both roles critical in delivering timely and high-quality care.

“The diverse background and experiences of these new recruits will enrich the service and benefit communities across the state.

“Welcoming new staff is not just about increasing numbers; it is about building a team that patients can trust to deliver world class responses and treatment.”

paramedic intern, Shoallea Attoe:

“I had dreams of becoming a paramedic, but as a teenage mum it felt so far out of reach that I dismissed it.

“I am so proud of how far I’ve come, and of the example I’ve been able to set for my daughter that no matter your background, dreams that once felt impossible can be reached.”

trainee emergency medical call taker, Niko Auer: 

“I wanted to find a more meaningful job, something community focused and with a positive career progression.

“To be such an integral part of an emergency service is the right direction for me.”

Victim survivors of crime in NSW will have a stronger voice after the Minns Labor Government passed legislation to establish an independent commissioner to advocate for their rights.

The Victim Rights and Victims of Crime Commissioner Bill 2025 passed Parliament late on Wednesday, fulfilling an election promise to establish an Independent Victims Commissioner.

The new Commissioner will assume the advocacy functions of the current Commissioner of Victims Rights, who will continue to administer the Victims Support Scheme and register for victims of forensic patients. The new Commissioner will:

• Be appointed by the Governor and operate independently of Government.
• Advocate on behalf of victims of crime on a systemic level and oversee the Charter of Victims’ Rights, which sets out how victims of crime should be treated.
• Have the power to request or require an individual or agency to produce information or documents related to an alleged breach of the Charter.
• Be able to prepare special reports for NSW Parliament on relevant matters, including the Charter of Victims’ Rights, and enter information-sharing arrangements with public sector agencies.
• Be responsible for identifying, reviewing and conducting research into systemic issues faced by victims of crime, consulting with victims of crime and their supporters, and making recommendations to the Attorney General.

The Bill also renamed the Victims Rights and Support Act 2013 as the Victims Support Act 2013.

This will allow the Independent Victims Commissioner to appoint a new Victims Advisory Committee to replace the existing Victims Advisory Board.

The new committee will include representatives from the general community who have relevant knowledge of and experience in matters relating to victims of crime.

It will also include an Aboriginal representative as well as representation from NSW Police, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Legal Aid and the Department of Communities and Justice.

The passage of the legislation follows detailed and extensive consultation with key groups including victims’ support bodies and justice agencies.

Attributable to Attorney General Michael Daley:

“The Minns Labor Government is delivering on its promise to give victim survivors of crime a stronger voice.

“This legislation will allow for the establishment of an advocate for victim survivors of crime operating independently of Government.

“The Independent Victims Commissioner will play a crucial role in shaping policies affecting victim survivors and champion their interests.”

An elected NSW Liberals and Nationals Government will unlock the Erskineville, Macdonaldtown, Newtown and St Peters area for new housing, transforming land around four train stations for a vibrant, connected community with thousands of new homes.

This announcement follows on from the Long Bay plan for thousands of homes unveiled last month.  Together they mark the beginning of a series of bold commitments to tackle the housing shortage and give more families, renters and first-time buyers a fair go.

The precinct commitment today covers more than 100 hectares of land located in the City of Sydney local government area and within minutes of Central Station. Today it holds mostly low-rise housing. The plan is to protect the character of key heritage streets while focusing new homes near stations and on suitable redevelopment sites. 

Early estimates suggest the area could support up to 15,000 new homes, staged over time with schools, childcare centres, green spaces and community facilities.

Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said the renewal would change lives by putting more housing where transport and services already exist.

“We’re putting forward a vision that makes sense for Sydney. These are neighbourhoods with trains, hospitals, schools and universities on their doorstep. Our plan is about making sure the next generation can afford to live here too. We won’t sit by while others make excuses,” Mr Speakman said.

Shadow Minister for Transport and Roads Natalie Ward said the plan shows how infrastructure and housing can work together.

“With four stations already in place, this community can grow without forcing people further away from jobs and study. Macdonaldtown station already has an upgrade planned and we would improve cycleways and safer walking links. Just like we built the metros and light rail, we will deliver the transport that makes housing possible,” Ms Ward said.

Shadow Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Scott Farlow said the renewal would show how density and amenity can work hand in hand.

“This is about homes with heart. We will renew communities with open space and give people the schools and services they need. This is a once-in-a-generation chance to bring new life to the inner city while protecting what makes it special,” Mr Farlow said.

Key features of the plan include:

• A staged renewal with a master planning process focussed within an 800-metre radius of Erskineville station and 400-metre radius of Macdonaldtown, Newtown and St Peters stations, limited to within the City of Sydney Council area. The total investigation area would be in excess of 100 hectares,  delivering up to 15,000 new homes depending on final boundaries and configuration.
• Completing upgrades to Macdonaldtown station and early delivery of new cycling corridors and pedestrian connections.
• Expansion of local schools and new childcare centres to keep pace with population growth.
• New parks, community facilities and sustainability standards to support liveability.
• A planning approach that considers local heritage and places higher density near stations, with high frequency services within 10 minutes off Central. 

This renewal is just one element of the Liberals’ and Nationals’ housing agenda for 2027, showing that bold ideas and practical delivery can transform Sydney for the better.

The Koori Netball Tournament will return to the Charlestown Netball Association courts on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 October 2025, bringing together more than 5,000 people from across New South Wales for a weekend of netball, family, and cultural connection. Now in its 26th year, the much-loved tournament has grown from just nine teams in 1999 to more than 125 teams representing communities from Dubbo in the West, Taree in the north west, Illawarra in the south, Tweed on the far north coast.  The event has become a highlight on the calendar for First Nations netballers and their families, creating a true carnival atmosphere filled with laughter, friendship, and fierce competition.

Image Credit: Kylie Streatfield

“It’s the best weekend of the whole year,” said Dianne Pascoe, former President of the Charlestown Netball Association and the driving force behind the tournament. “They get their mob and bring in new people from the area to make up their teams.” Over two massive days, more than 1,500 games of netball will be played across multiple divisions — from 10 years through to Open Women’s and Mixed — as players, families, and supporters come together to celebrate community through sport. Campbelltown will field nine teams this year, blending families and newcomers who have recently joined the area. A few local girls from Charlestown will proudly deliver the Welcome to Country, setting the tone for a weekend grounded in respect and unity. “The players have the best time catching up with family and relatives from different communities – they come from Dubbo, Baulkham Hills and Newcastle,” Pascoe said. “For every netball player, there are at least four other people who come along for the fun – they bring their Elders, their kiddies to watch while Mum and Dad play on the court.” Although Pascoe is not of First Nations heritage, she has been deeply moved by the tournament’s meaning and spirit since its inception. “It’s so different to what I have experienced before. The atmosphere has resonated with me from the very first tournament. I love it. To me it’s all about encouraging people to play netball.”

Image Credit: Kylie Streatfield

The Koori Netball Tournament is delivered by Charlestown Netball Association, supported by the Office of Sport and Netball NSW, with the event now recognised as one of the largest and most significant gatherings for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander netballers in the state. Netball NSW will also be on site to identify talented 11–13-year-old girls for development camps, supporting pathways for First Nations athletes, as well as opportunities for umpires and coaches to grow their skills. “The Koori Netball Tournament is such a special event on our calendar – it’s about much more than competition,” said Trish Crews, Executive General Manager – Communities at Netball NSW. “It’s about celebrating culture, creating opportunity, and building connections that last long after the final whistle. Every time we see communities come together for this event, it’s a reminder of the power of sport to unite and inspire.” A ‘Spirit Award’ will once again be presented on Sunday to the team that best embodies sportsmanship, camaraderie, and respect throughout the two-day tournament – a fitting reflection of what the event stands for. “The Spirit Award reflects what this event is all about,” Ms Crews said. “It’s not just about winning – it’s about how you play the game, how you support your teammates, and how you represent your community.” NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said: “The Koori Netball Tournament is a great example of how sport can enhance reconciliation by bringing people together in a healthy, positive environment. “The Minns Labor Government is proud to support this wonderful event. “The Tournament is always a weekend of fun and inclusive competition, and I wish everyone involved the best of luck.” Charlestown MP Jodie Harrison said:  “The Koori Netball Tournament is a highlight for our local area each year. Watching people coming together – either as players or spectators over these two days – shows how sport can really unite.  “I wish all the teams the very best of luck for the tournament!” As one of the state’s most vibrant celebrations of netball, culture, and connection, the Koori Netball Tournament continues to unite generations and communities through a shared love of the game.