Category: NSW News

Passengers using the new metro line into Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport will have the smoothest of transits, with extra-wide platforms and a range of luggage-friendly features to make it a first-class public transport experience.

The first look inside Airport Terminal Station reveals the widest platforms on the entire Sydney Metro network – twice the width of the platforms at Gadigal Station in the Sydney CBD.

At ten metres wide, the large platforms are among design features to facilitate the high-volume movement of travellers with luggage in and out of the city’s newest airport.

Airport Terminal Station will also have larger lifts and wider ticket gates to smooth the connection.

The new 23-kilometre Metro line, jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments, will move up to 7,740 passengers every hour in each direction.

The six-stop line will connect Western Sydney International Airport to St Marys in just 15 minutes where passengers can join services on the T1 Western Line that run direct to stations including Blacktown, Parramatta, Strathfield and Central Station.

A 60-tonne crane is being used to lower precast concrete segments 25 metres below ground to the station floor, with segments then pieced together side-by-side and secured in place with bolts and concrete to create the platform.

The high-precision work will take about 25 days to complete, with work starting next at Airport Business Park and Orchard Hills stations. Bradfield Station is the first station box where the platform installation work is complete.

Construction progress on Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport comes amid a rush of milestones in recent weeks across the Sydenham to Bankstown metro conversion and Sydney Metro West mega-projects. These include:

• 80 per cent completion at Bankstown, with platforms and screens in place
• The breakthrough of two tunnel boring machines into Pyrmont on their way to Hunter Street
• Breakthroughs at Parramatta as those TBMs head to Westmead
• 90 per cent completion of all tunnelling on Sydney Metro West

The $10.5 billion Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments, each contributing $5.25 billion.

Premier of NSW Chris Minns: 

“Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport is taking shape, and it will be a welcome addition to what will be a thriving new city around the Western Sydney Aerotropolis.

“Having the right transport infrastructure in place for this new airport will connect people with jobs, leisure, and enable businesses to thrive.

“We’re investing in infrastructure like Metro to ensure essential services are up and running when this brand-new city comes to life.”

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

“Western Sydney International will be Australia’s most technologically advanced airport, so it’s apt that it will be served by a fast, frequent and high-tech driverless Metro.

“This milestone is an exciting step toward delivering the new metro connection that will serve as a key gateway for airport passengers, workers and residents across Greater Western Sydney.

“Sydney’s new airport has been talked about for decades, and soon it will be a reality. Sydney’s new airport will have room to expand as demand for flights grows over the coming decades. This metro will play an important role in linking growing suburbs to their new airport.

NSW Minister for Transport John Graham:

“The Airport Terminal Station will be among the busiest on the line and play a major role in the success of our city’s new international airport. We are making sure that every design feature is tailored to a smooth journey from air to rail.

“Bradfield and the airport precinct will grow rapidly around this world-class infrastructure, providing the employment growth close to home that the millions of people in Western Sydney deserve.”

“I want to thank the 3000 workers currently on site across this project.”

Federal Member for Werriwa Anne Stanley:

“The Albanese and Minns Governments are delivering incredible investments in roads and rail across our region, that will change the way workers and passengers can travel to the Airport and surrounds.

“It’s an exciting time for south west Sydney, as we look forward to a new airport and a fantastic new metro service.

state Member for Leppington Nathan Hagarty:

“Western Sydney International Airport and Bradfield City Centre will reshape our region — bringing new jobs, new industries, and new opportunities closer to home. It’s great to see the metro line that will connect it all coming to life.

“As one of the fastest-growing parts of the state, Greater Western Sydney deserves world-class infrastructure that supports local jobs, new housing and better connections for our communities.”

A Recovery Assistance Point (RAP) will open in Gunnedah this week to support communities in the storm-impacted New England following the recent severe weather including heavy rainfall.

The Gunnedah RAP will open from Thursday to Saturday offering face to face support to impacted residents, businesses and primary producers including:

• help with replacing ID and personal documents such as birth and marriage certificates, Medicare card, vehicle and vessel registrations and licences, and citizenship documents
• legal assistance
• insurance support and guidance on claims, policy coverage, and clean-up
• mental health support as recovering from a natural disaster can take a toll on mental and physical health.

Recovery Assistance Point location:

• Gunnedah, Salvation Army Hall, 30 Tempest Street, Gunnedah
  • Thursday 14 August, 2pm – 6pm; Friday 15 August, 11am – 4:30pm; Saturday 16 August, 10am – 2pm.

RA staff remain on the ground with the SES assessing impacts in key locations like Gunnedah, Narrabri, Tamworth, Uralla and Walcha as recovery operations ramp up.

The Minns Labor Government is working hard to make sure support is available to help individuals, land holders and communities get back on their feet.

Information about recovery support is updated daily at nsw.gov.au/stormrecoveryupdates

NSW Minister for Recovery and Small Business Janelle Saffin:

“People are doing it tough in the New England, but I want them to know that the Government is here every step of the way through recovery. 

“That’s what Recovery Assistance Points are here for, so communities can access the support and services they need to start getting back on their feet.

“We are also working closely with and support Councils too to repair the infrastructure communities need to stay connected to services and each other.” 

NSW Reconstruction Authority CEO Mal Lanyon said:

“We’re standing up the Gunnedah Recovery Assistance Point to ensure communities have access to the support they need.

“This is a coordinated effort across local, state and federal agencies, working together to provide a one stop shop for people and businesses impacted by recent severe weather and snow.

“Information and access for support is currently available at nsw.gov.au/stormrecoveryupdates.”

Regional motorists are being urged to obey the rules and stay safe around level crossings, after joint enforcement in regional areas resulted in 80 driver fines for ignoring signals about approaching trains and for speeding.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to lowering road fatalities toward zero, and part of that includes making level crossing safer for everyone.

It is investing $7.3 million a year through the Level Crossing Improvement Program to accelerate upgrades of priority public level crossings and through level crossing safety education and enforcement campaigns.

The safety message comes as Rail Safety Week begins, a reminder to be safe on and around the rail network. Rail Safety Week will be marked across NSW with events focused on Werris Creek and is strongly supported by the Minns Labor Government.

During a recent ten-day Level Crossing Awareness and Enforcement campaign in the Liverpool Plains area, NSW Police detected 55 offences at level crossings in Nea, Curlewis, Caroona and Gunnedah including 26 level crossing offences and 26 speeding offences.

Police penalized a further 35 motorists at four level crossings in the Riverina around Junee and Marrar, detecting 26 level crossing offences and six speeding offences.

There were five collisions between trains and road vehicles at level crossings in NSW last financial year including the single fatal collision at the Twigg Road Yenda level crossing last September. There were also 74 near hits between trains and road vehicles at level crossings in NSW.

Across in the past 10 years there have been 69 collisions between trains and vehicles at NSW’s 1,307 public road level crossings, resulting in 9 deaths and 9 serious injuries. Some 64 of those crashes occurred in regional NSW.

Every year, the NSW Police Force and Transport for NSW run localised awareness and enforcement campaigns to enforce the rules at level crossings using highly visible police enforcement.

Motorists who gamble with their safety at level crossings face three demerit points and a $562 fine.

Trains can travel at speeds of up to 160 kilometres per hour and can take up to 1.4 kilometres, or 14 football fields, to come to a complete stop. Even if a train driver sees you, they can’t stop in time.

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley said:

“On long drives, especially on our regional roads, it’s easy to slip into autopilot but if you miss a warning sign, you could be missing the chance to save your own life.

“If you’re not responding to the signs at level crossings, you’re not paying enough attention to drive on our roads and that makes you a danger to yourself and everyone else.

“Level crossing safety comes down to one thing – paying attention. Whether you’ve been behind the wheel for five minutes or five hours, you can’t afford to switch off.”

Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said:

“Closed gates and flashing lights at level crossings mean that a train is approaching and motorists who choose to ignore these signals are putting themselves, their passengers, pedestrians, as well as train passengers and drivers at risk.

“With more than 30 trains a day passing through some level crossings, it’s extremely important for motorists to be patient and obey the signs, flashing lights, boom gates and road markings.

“Ignoring them can and sadly has resulted in avoidable tragedy.

“It can only take a few seconds for a fatal collision to happen.

“Even if the train driver sees you, they often cannot stop in time.

“It’s concerning that so many motorists are speeding on approach to and across level crossings and committing offences despite the presence of clearly marked Highway Patrol vehicles at the level crossings.

“Safety is our top priority, but we all need to look out for each other to ensure everyone reaches their destination safely.”

NSW Police Acting Superintendent Ben Macfarlane said:

“These results are indicative of the complacency around Level Crossings. It is clear that drivers are still ignoring warnings, speed limits and signage.

“Trains can come from any direction, at any time and some trains can take more than a kilometre to come to a complete stop.

“Disobeying level crossing warning signs and lights can lead to crashes between vehicle and trains where the consequences can be deadly. Drivers need to take personal responsibility when around level crossing to ensure the path is clear.”

The Minns Labor Government has delivered over $1 million in grants to support people with disability across the state.

Thirteen not-for-profit organisations will share in over $1 million through the 2024-25 Disability Advocacy Futures Program (DAFP) grants. The funding will help to build the capacity of the sector, extend support to people not covered by the NDIS, and empower people with disability to participate more fully and confidently in community life.

Funded projects of between $20,000 and $100,000 aim to:

• increase supports that enable people with disability to participate in their communities
• strengthen the NSW disability advocacy sector through collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement
• build stronger networks and learning opportunities for advocacy organisations in NSW.

From supporting children newly diagnosed with neuromuscular conditions, to young disability advocates, to Aboriginal students with autism and their families — each initiative aims to close gaps, remove barriers, and strengthen support.

Now in its third funding round, the DAFP Special Purposes and Projects and Sector Development stream is growing the skills, reach and resilience of NSW’s disability advocacy organisations.

The DAFP is a cornerstone of the NSW Government’s commitment to disability advocacy, with the program extended in March 2024 with a further $28 million in funding — securing support through to June 2026. It now funds 19 organisations across NSW to deliver individual, systemic and representative advocacy, as well as sector development.

By investing in advocacy today, the Minns Labor Government is building a more inclusive and equitable future — where every person with disability has the tools, the voice, and the support to participate fully in their community.

Minister for Disability Inclusion Kate Washington said:

“We’re proud to be backing these incredible organisations that support people with disability every day — helping them to be heard, to be safe, and to thrive.

“This funding supports projects that create real, tangible change — from helping families navigate a new diagnosis, to giving young people with disability the tools to lead and advocate for themselves.

“We’ve already seen the difference this program can make. Now, with another round of grants, we’re strengthening the foundations of advocacy in NSW and ensuring more people get the support they deserve — when and where they need it.”

Example Projects

A diverse range of projects have been funded in 2024–25, including initiatives to:

• support children newly diagnosed with neuromuscular conditions — and their families and carers — to access information, specialist services, and peer support more easily
• provide DV-alert training for frontline workers, along with workshops to equip women with disability with the tools to recognise abuse
• deliver civics and advocacy training for young people with disability, focusing on leadership, disability rights, and self-advocacy
• develop resources to empower Autistic Aboriginal children and their families throughout their education journey.

For more information on the Disability Advocacy Futures Program, visit the Disability Advocacy Futures Program web page.

The Minns Labor Government has strengthened the Illawarra’s role at the forefront of the nation’s growing hydrogen industry with a new hydrogen research deal.

During a visit to its campus today, Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology Anoulack Chanthivong announced a $650,000 grant to the University of Wollongong (UoW) for it to lead critical research into hydrogen pipeline safety. This research has the potential to transform safe hydrogen transportation across New South Wales, and around the world.

The University of Wollongong stands out as the only institution in Australia – and one of just five globally – with the capability to conduct this type of hydrogen pipeline testing.

To be delivered over two years, the research will zero-in on the leading cause of hydrogen pipeline failures and develop risk assessment and design tools to address them.

By addressing safety risks and improving regulations, this research has the potential to drive down infrastructure costs and propel Australia’s hydrogen industry to the front of the pack, in line with the NSW Industry Policy’s key mission of Net Zero and Energy Transition.

The project will involve strong collaboration with industry stakeholders including, Inspiring Australia NSW and Science Space, and underscores the NSW Government’s commitment to fostering innovation and sustainability in the energy sector.

Coinciding with Minister Chanthivong’s launch of National Science Week at UoW today, this research delivers on the Minns Labor Government’s promise to invest in new, homegrown solutions aimed at reducing emissions and unlocking the full potential of a net zero economy across the state.

Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“As we kick-off National Science week, the Minns Labor Government is excited to be backing critical hydrogen research with a $650,000 grant to the University of Wollongong.

“This project sits at the intersection of our Industry Policy and Innovation Blueprint, reflecting the importance of investing in scientific research to help solve the challenges shaping the future of some of our biggest industries.

“The University of Wollongong has produced nation-leading and globally-recognised work on hydrogen in the past and the NSW Government is excited to see UoW, in partnership with industry, pave the way for a more sustainable and innovative future.”

Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast Ryan Park said:

“Through this $650,000 grant to the University of Wollongong, the Illawarra is poised to become a hub for scientific innovation.

“It’s fantastic to support the University of Wollongong in vital research that could address global challenges and positions the Illawarra as a leader in sustainable energy innovation.”

Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said:

“The Illawarra is leading the way in advancing hydrogen research and development through projects like the hydrogen bus trial, hydrogen-powered garbage trucks and the state’s first heavy vehicle hydrogen refuelling station and the establishment of the Illawarra Hydrogen Technology Hub.

“Building from this success, the grant to the University of Wollongong is a welcome means to further advance this research and innovation.”

Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Wollongong Professor Max Lu AO said:

“We appreciate the NSW government’s funding for hydrogen pipeline research, a priority area for our university.

With expertise in green hydrogen and renewable energy, UOW is driving innovation in sustainable fuels to support economic growth in NSW and Australia.”

The NSW Government will take the lead in rezoning the Burwood North Metro Precinct, that could deliver around 15,000 new homes near the future Sydney Metro station, creating new housing and job opportunities close to transport and services.

The new Burwood North Metro Station provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a thriving inner-west precinct near a world class metro line, just four stations away from the Sydney CBD.

Centred around the new Burwood North Metro Station, the rezoning will deliver a new precinct supported by major public transport links and open space, while rejuvenating another part of the Parramatta Road corridor.

The current Burwood train station and Parramatta Road bus links are also nearby, along with strong local schools and shopping precincts, with the Parramatta River a short distance away.

Burwood Council and Canada Bay Council have both progressed individual masterplans to deliver homes in their Local Government Areas.  The NSW Government will build upon the Councils’ plans as well as identify further opportunities for residential growth to better respond to the future Sydney Metro station.

The rezoning is being progressed through the State Significant Rezoning Pathway, which was introduced by the Minns Government to fast-track major rezoning proposals.

The State Significant Rezoning Policy, introduced in September 2024, fast tracks the rezoning of key precincts, and existing planning proposals delayed in the planning system.

NSW is in need of bold housing solutions. Sydney is the second least affordable city in the world, with house prices having significantly outstripped wage growth over the last two decades.

We need to make it easier to build more homes so that young people, families and downsizers are no longer locked out of housing.

A key focus of the state-led rezoning will be to deliver precinct-wide infrastructure that will enable essential services and amenities to be delivered alongside the new housing.

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure will now work with both councils and the relevant state government agencies to progress the rezoning, with a draft masterplan expected to be exhibited in the first half of 2026. This will be followed by a final precinct masterplan, at which stage development applications can be lodged under the new planning controls.

This new site builds on the NSW Government’s earlier announcements of state-led and state-assessed rezoning projects. To date, 25 projects have been progressed as state rezonings, with the potential to enable the delivery of an estimated 60,000 homes and 68,000 jobs.

For more information, visit the State Significant Rezoning Policy web page.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“We are acting to deliver more homes in the right places, and taking full advantage of the new Sydney Metro line.

“This precinct has the potential to deliver thousands of much-needed homes in a well-located part of Sydney, close to transport, jobs and the Parramatta River.

“We are spending billions of dollars building Sydney Metro West, and we’re making sure there are homes to go with it.

“Whether you’re a young person, a family needing more space, or a downsizer – this is another step towards making our housing system fairer.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“The decision to lead this rezoning reflects the scale of opportunity and the importance of a coordinated approach to infrastructure and urban design.

“We’re taking the strategic work already done by Burwood and Canada Bay Councils further, integrating the new Metro station and building on our other reforms in the area like the Low and Mid-Rise policy, TOD Program and Housing Delivery Authority.”

Member for Strathfield Jason Yat-sen Li

“The new Burwood North Metro station is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a vibrant, connected community that works for everyone – whether you’re a young person looking to get into the housing market, a growing family, or a downsizer wanting to stay in the area.

“This precinct has the potential to deliver at least 15,000 new homes. But it’s not just about housing, it’s about jobs, green space, and better infrastructure that supports a growing community.

“We’re bringing both local councils’ planning work together into a coordinated, state-led approach that will deliver more housing alongside essential services and public spaces.”

Mayor of Burwood City Council John Faker said:

“This State-led rezoning builds on Council’s vision to focus growth in the Burwood North Metro precinct, enhancing its position as a thriving and well-connected hub.

“It’s the right place and the right time and we look forward to working in partnership with the NSW Government to deliver even more new homes, expand local job opportunities, and create vibrant public spaces for residents, workers, businesses, and visitors, all centred around world-class transport.”

Mayor of Canada Bay City Council Michael Megna said:

“I welcome this as an opportunity for improvements to our local hospital and schools for our growing population.

“By working in partnership with the NSW Government, we can deliver thousands of new homes, new jobs, and public spaces that meet the needs of our growing community while preserving what makes Canada Bay such a great place to live.

“This is a rare chance to deliver more homes, near a new metro, in one of Sydney’s most connected locations – and we’re ready to make it happen.”

More than 70 Aboriginal community organisations and groups across NSW will be supported to host initiatives that celebrate Aboriginal culture via $1.4 million in NSW Government grant funding.

The Cultural Grants will help support, strengthen, protect and maintain traditional and contemporary expressions of Aboriginal culture across the state.

The successful grant recipients include:

• Dharawal Cultural workshops, La Perouse: Gujaga Foundation: Hosting a series of cultural workshops about native plants, language, art, weaving, cooking and history for young people on Dharawal country.
• ‘Welcome Baby to Country’, Narrandera: A cultural celebration will be held on Wiradjuri country that will see children up to 18 months welcomed by elders and the community.
• ‘First Nation Food Sovereignty’: A documentary which will examine how communities have historically sustained themselves for generations using traditional food systems and Indigenous knowledge.
• ‘Echoes of Country’ didgeridoo workshops, Kiama: Gumaraa Aboriginal Experience is running workshops for young men from local schools to learn more about the cultural significance of the didgeridoo.
• Kangaroo Festival in Casino: Casino Boolangle Local Aboriginal Land Council will lead the revival of a significant cultural celebration on Bundjalung Country including children’s weaving, traditional foods, bush medicine, dance and music activities.
• ‘Return of the Yowies’ short film, Pilliga: An Aboriginal film-maker is developing a short documentary to honour the Pilliga traditional custodians and their families. It will celebrate, preserve, and pass down their rich cultural heritage of growing up in Pilliga in north-west NSW.
• Women’s gathering at Wagga Wagga: West Wyalong Local Aboriginal Land Council will lead cultural workshops for Aboriginal women on Wiradjuri Country with an elder.
• ‘Our Culture Our Future’, Umina Beach: Freshwater Education will run a cultural and wellbeing school holiday camp on Darkinjung country for Aboriginal girls aged 9-18.
• Weekly youth cultural program in Moree: Moree Sports Health Arts and Education Academy will run workshops to connect young people to culture through creative arts and culture on Kamilaroi country.

Strengthening Aboriginal cultures is a key outcome of Closing the Gap, specifically target 16, that cultures and languages are strong, supported and flourishing.

For more information about upcoming Aboriginal Affairs NSW grant opportunities, visit www.nsw.gov.au/living-nsw/aboriginal-outcomes/grants-and-funding

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:

“Aboriginal communities continue to keep culture strong through festivals, workshops and programs across NSW.

“These grants are designed to empower Aboriginal community organisations and groups to run events which celebrate culture and facilitate sharing of knowledge and skills between generations.

“These initiatives have been designed by Aboriginal communities for Aboriginal people, reflecting the NSW Government’s commitment to self-determination.”

Chief operations officer of Gujaga Foundation Jessie Longbottom said:

“This grant enables us to deliver dedicated cultural experiences for children in the La Perouse Aboriginal community, led by Dharawal knowledge holders.

“It also supported the delivery of a cultural family day, increasing the opportunities for our community to connect with language, culture, and each other. These experiences are vital to strengthening identity and passing knowledge between generations.”

Directors of Gundyarri (‘Welcome Baby to Country’ event in Narrandera) Cherry Johnson and Vivian Prior Christian said:

“This grant will help us to welcome our newborns back to their traditional river and land after being born in hospital where the closest maternity facilities are an hour away.

“The ceremony will connect our babies spiritually, emotionally and physically which in turn will re-introduce cultural practices i.e. to be ongoing for generations.

“Also it will help preserve our identity, sense of belonging (children), having respect for one another and staying grounded to our roots (ancestral knowledge).”

Director of Indigenous Futures Foundation Levi-Joel Tamou said:

“Receiving the Cultural Grant is a powerful step forward in celebrating and preserving First Nations culture through storytelling. It allows us to share our voices, honour community knowledge, and bring our film project into reality. We’re currently in pre-production and deeply grateful for this support.” 

NSW Ambulance has today welcomed 13 new paramedic inductees, who previously worked as paramedics interstate or overseas.

These qualified and experienced paramedics have just completed a comprehensive three-week induction program at the NSW Ambulance Education Centre and begin their on-road training from tomorrow, providing a further boost to frontline health services across NSW.

These new recruits come from a variety of locations, such as Eleni Berdoukas who previously worked as a paramedic in New Zealand and is now beginning a new chapter with NSW Ambulance. 

Several of the paramedics are also joining NSW Ambulance from other states – such as Benjamin Hayes, who has spent five years as a paramedic in Western Australia before deciding to move across the country to share his skills.

This latest class of paramedic inductees will be posted across metropolitan and regional locations in NSW for nine weeks, prior to becoming registered paramedics with NSW Ambulance. 

Minister for Health, Ryan Park: 

“Our dedicated paramedics are the frontline of our health system, I’d like to congratulate this latest intake joining NSW Ambulance from both interstate and abroad.

“These qualified paramedics bring with them a range of skills and years of experience, which serve to strengthen our frontline services across the state.”

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to rebuilding a strengthened health workforce, because we know that supported and empowered staff means better health outcomes for our community.”

NSW Ambulance Chief Executive Dr Dominic Morgan: 

“We are delighted to welcome these new paramedics, who will join our team of highly skilled and dedicated clinicians who provide outstanding care to patients across NSW every day.

“We continue to attract qualified and experienced paramedics to NSW Ambulance from near and far, and our communities will benefit greatly from their diverse clinical backgrounds and their passion for their jobs.”

paramedic Eleni Berdoukas:

“I’m originally from Sydney but have worked as a paramedic in Cairns for a year and then three years in Wellington, so it’s exciting to be coming home to NSW to live and work.

“I just love that as a paramedic every day is a little bit different, there’s always something unexpected, you never know what you’re going to be faced with.”

paramedic Benjamin Hayes:

“I was previously a health and physical education teacher and I’ve found there’s more similarities between my two careers than you’d think.

“I’ve always enjoyed assisting people, and being able to take advantage of learning opportunities, and having that camaraderie with colleagues. I’m keen to get back on the road.”

The Albanese and Minns Governments have activated disaster assistance to communities in five Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the New England region following widespread severe weather including heavy rainfall and snow.

The NSW Government’s Natural Disaster Declaration applies to the LGAs of Gunnedah, Narrabri, Tamworth, Uralla and Walcha.

Support has been made available under the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). 

Assistance measures that may be provided to communities include: 
• Assistance for eligible residents to help meet immediate needs like emergency accommodation and essential items generally provided from evacuation or recovery centres. 
• Grants for low-income, uninsured residents to replace lost essential household items to maintain basic standard of living. 
• Grants for low-income, uninsured residents to undertake essential structural repairs to restore their homes to a basic, safe and habitable condition. 
• Support for affected local councils to help with the costs of cleaning up and restoring damaged essential public assets.
• Concessional interest rate loans for small businesses, primary producers, and non-profit organisations and grants to sporting and recreation clubs to repair or replace damaged or destroyed property. 
• Freight subsidies for primary producers to help transport livestock and fodder. 
• Financial support towards counter disaster activity undertaken by emergency service organisations to keep communities safe. 

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain MP:
“The Australian Government is working closely with the NSW Government to ensure that affected communities across New England receive the support they need to recover.

“The storms and snowfall have caused significant disruption to homes, roads, and services, and we know the impact is being deeply felt across these communities.

“This support will help ease immediate hardship and assist with longer term rebuilding efforts, including restoring public infrastructure and helping uninsured households get back on their feet.

“Our focus remains on standing with these communities as they recover, rebuild and prepare for future severe weather events.”

NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin MP:
“The Minns Labor Government is activating targeted support to meet immediate community needs and to get vital infrastructure back up and running. 

“The recent storms have caused damage across the New England region and we want to ensure that councils in particular are supported so that communities know the repair and reconstruction work that needs to be done can be done.   

“Roads, bridges and essential services have been damaged after being inundated with water and snow, and there’s a significant clean-up ahead to deal with debris and restore access.

“A natural disaster declaration is the first step in unlocking support these communities urgently need.” 

More information on disaster assistance can be found at https://www.nsw.gov.au/emergency/recovery and www.disasterassist.gov.au

The NSW Government is continuing to deliver on its commitment to foster the next generation of artists, creative practitioners, and leaders.

Among the ten small to medium not-for-profit arts and culture organisations supported through a new $500,000 grant program are projects ranging from a multi-platform festival, an interactive futurist activation, to a multi-sensory dining experience. Each project showcases the exceptional strength, talent and entrepreneurial vision of NSW’s arts and cultural sector.

The Creative Industries Connectivity Grants program was established to incentivise new collaborative opportunities and develop new partnerships between the traditional arts and cultural sector and creative industries.

The $500,000 program delivers on the Creative Communities commitment to align NSW Government investment to prioritise programs, services and advocacy that builds pathways to partnerships to enhance distribution opportunities for artists and creative practitioners.

Through grants of up to $50,000, the 10 not-for-profit arts and cultural organisations will each invest in a new venture and work in partnership with creative businesses including 3D imaging technology providers, landscape architects, e-learning platforms, fashion powerhouses, global radio broadcasters, and restaurants.

These projects pioneer new visionary concepts blending traditional artforms with new mediums and influences, that transform how artists connect with audiences and how stories are told.

The program promotes ongoing collaboration across the arts, cultural and creative industries ecosystem, driving further innovation, long-term sustainability, and successful product development.

The recipients of the inaugural Creative Industries Connectivity Grants program are:

– Arts & Cultural Exchange Inc – The Dharug Voices Digital Archive
– Asian Australian Artists Association Inc – Haymarket 2050
– Diversity Arts Australia – Creative Equity at Work Online Learning Program
– Erth Visual & Physical Incorporated – Dinner is the Show
– Marrugeku Inc – Ngurragabu [From the last night]
– NSW Aboriginal Culture Heritage and Arts Association Inc – NSW Aboriginal Cultural Centre Online
– Port Macquarie Historical Society Inc – Birrbay Barray Djuyal (Birpai Country Stories)
– Powerhouse Youth Theatre Inc – From Stage to Screen
– Soft Centre Pty Ltd – SOFT CENTRE 2025 x NTS | White Bay Power Station
– Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre – Mercury Rising

Minister for the Arts, John Graham said:

“Creative Communities outlined a shift in value, scale, focus and settings. We said at its release that the vision cannot be realised overnight or by government alone. Partnerships are crucial.

“These grants are built upon developing partnerships across the creative industries and into other larger creative industry organisations and businesses.

“The goal with this investment is to support collaborative projects that have potential for ongoing partnerships and develop sustainable outcomes for organisations across the creative industries.”

Create NSW Executive Director Kerri Glasscock said:

“The NSW arts and cultural sector is renowned for innovating and pushing boundaries. This new program has delivered a strong line-up of inspiring ideas in its inaugural round.

“These projects have been selected to demonstrate possible future direction of arts and culture and creative industry partnerships.

“We are excited to see so many high-impact partnerships that will combine the vision and talent in the arts and creative industries and create some truly innovative projects.”

Thea-Mai Baumann Artistic Director and Chief Executive Officer, 4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art said:

“Haymarket 2050 is a living time capsule – an immersive, cross-disciplinary collaboration that reimagines the future of one of Sydney’s most iconic precincts.

“Through holograms, cult fashion shows, and augmented reality portals at sites like the Lion Gate, Paddy’s Markets, at 4A and our incubator space 4A LAB, we’re preserving Haymarket’s cultural DNA while projecting its stories into the year 2050. This is about memory, imagination, and placemaking – activating community voices to shape a speculative archive we will unlock again in 25 years.”

Creative Industries Connectivity Project Highlights include:

– Haymarket 2050 is a groundbreaking collaboration between 4A, INJURY x REAL PARENT, local community members and key cultural partners, reimagining Haymarket’s cultural future through contemporary art, fashion, and technology. The bold project features immersive installations, AR activations, and a global virtual experience, bridging physical and digital realms to engage diverse audiences and shape Haymarket’s cultural narrative.

– “Dinner is the Show” is an innovative collaboration between Erth Visual & Physical Inc. and Kitchen by Mike. This multi-sensory exploration examines the intricate relationship between food and art, providing an immersive dining experience throughout the performance. 

– Dance company Marrugeku will partner with landscape architectural firm, REALMstudios to develop Ngurragabu [From the last night]. This partnership will imagine, research and map speculative environmental futures, expanding Marrugeku’s ongoing commitment to creating immersive performances that highlight the interactions between human and non-human species, Country, and weather.

– Port Macquarie Museum and creative technology partner Studio ESEM will create an immersive interactive installation using Gathang voices and language to introduce and connect audiences to Country and stories. Birrbay Barray Djuyal (Birpai Country Stories) will weave narratives of kinship, culture and the environment into a multi-sensory artwork using historical, contemporary and virtual imagery and sounds.