Walk-in mental health hub now open for kids in Orange

Families in Orange and Bathurst now have access to free, walk-in mental health and wellbeing support for their children at the Medicare Mental Health Kids Hub.

Kids Hubs provide free mental health and wellbeing services for children aged 0-12 and their families, carers and kin. These services support children who may be experiencing mild to moderate developmental, emotional, social or behavioural challenges.

There is no need for a diagnosis or referral to access services or support at a Kids Hub.

Labor is firmly committed to universal, free healthcare where everyone can get the mental health care they need. Medicare Mental Health Kids Hubs take pressure off families by saving time and money, while putting mental health support close by.

The Orange site is one of four being rolled out across NSW as part of a $35.8 million joint investment of $17.9 million from each of the Australian and NSW Governments to support children’s mental health.

Mental health clinicians, allied health professionals, care navigators at the service will tailor care to the needs of each child and family who visits.

The Orange Medicare Mental Health Kids Hub at 60-62 McNamara Street is open from 8.30 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday.

Minister Rose Jackson:

“The Orange Kids Hub is giving mums and dads an accessible, safe and trusted space to get care for their child when facing mental health challenges.

“You don’t need a referral, an appointment, or even your credit card – it’s free, specialised mental health support for kids in New South Wales.

“It’s a great example of how the Minns and Albanese Labor Governments are working together to improve access to mental health care, with four Medicare Mental Health Kids Hubs opening across the state.”

Assistant Minister McBride:

“The Albanese Labor Government is putting mental health at the heart of Medicare and quality care in the heart of our regional communities like Orange and Bathurst.

“We know that early intervention is best and the new Kids Hub is providing a safe and welcoming place for children and their parents, carers and kin.

“Local access to free mental health information and clinical services together with the support of multidisciplinary teams will make sure kids in our regions thrive.”

Chris Minns gives up on NSW?

Premier Chris Minns has given up on the people of NSW after admitting today he doesn’t have a long-term plan to lead NSW. 
 
When asked about his vision for NSW after the opening of Sydney Metro West in 2032, the Premier revealed the only thing on his mind was not being Premier saying: “Well, I won’t be here, at least in this role…”  
 
This revelation confirms much of the speculation about the Premier’s plans to resign part way through the next term with an anonymous source telling the Sydney Morning Herald: “they would expect Minns to stand down early into the next term of parliament.” 
 
It’s now clear why the Minns Labor Government has no long-term vision or plan for future infrastructure, like new Metros, because Chris Minns won’t be in the job for much longer. 
 
The question voters deserve answered is which member of Minns’ incompetent team will lead Labor when he pulls the pin? 
 
Will it be Yasmin Catley, who has overseen an explosion in gangland violence or Ryan Park, who has overseen a deadly fungal cluster in a NSW hospital, will it be Jo Haylen, who resigned in disgrace over the misuse of her Ministerial driver, or will it be someone handpicked by faceless union bosses? 
 
NSW deserves to know who they are voting for at the next election if Chris Minns doesn’t intend to serve a full term. 
 
While the Premier has made his future clear the future of NSW under Labor is mired in uncertainty.  
 
I’m committed to the long term and will lead a team that backs families, strengthens communities and plans for the future. 

Appeal to locate woman missing from Cardiff

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a womam missing from the state’s north.

Melissa Grimmond, aged 40, was last seen in Macquarie Road, Cardiff, about 3.30pm yesterday (Monday 2 March 2026).

When she was unable to be located or contacted, officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were notified at 9am today (Tuesday 3 March 2026) and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

Family and police hold concerns for Melissa’s welfare.

Melissa is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 160cm-165cm tall, of medium build, with blonde hair and brown eyes.

She is known to frequent the Kingsford, Maroubra and Randwick areas.

Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to contact Belmont Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Newcastle Croc Secured

Crocodiles don’t belong in NSW, and with the cold weather coming, she wouldn’t have lasted long out there.

When a Crocodile was spotted in Ironbark Creek, NSW our team headed straight to Newcastle to track her down. Two days, muddy water and a whole lot of searching later, a flicker of eye shine in the torch beam.

Billy Collett launched from the boat and the team moved in. Heart-pounding moments later, the croc was safely secured.

We’re tired, but ultimately happy that this little croc is safe, healthy and no longer in an environment it simply wouldn’t have survived in.”

Loose Crocodile Caught After Two Day Search

“We spent two days searching in tough conditions and at one point we thought we might have lost it. When Brandon picked up the eye shine with the torch, we knew it was our moment. I jumped straight in. Our priority was making sure the community was safe and that the crocodile was secured properly and humanely.” – Billy Collett, Park Manager
What began as reports from members of the public quickly escalated into a high-stakes, multi-day search operation led by Park Manager Billy Collett.

The crocodile had been spotted in murky water beneath a popular walking track, prompting immediate action to ensure community safety and the welfare of the animal.

A Challenging Two Days on the Water
For over 48 hours, the team navigated low visibility, difficult terrain and multiple capture attempts. At one stage, hopes of locating the crocodile were fading. Until late Sunday night, the breakthrough moment finally came.

Zookeeper Brandon Gifford spotted the tell-tale eye shine of the crocodile in the beam of his torch, nearly three kilometres upstream from the original sighting. Within seconds, Billy Collett leapt from the boat into the creek to secure the animal, while zookeeper Logan Graff expertly manoeuvred the vessel into position to maintain stability during the capture.

The operation was completed safely and humanely, with no injuries to the team or the crocodile.

Dramatic footage of Billy’s leap and the moment the crocodile was secured has now been released for the first time.

Health Check and Next Steps

Following the capture, the crocodile was transported to the Australian Reptile Park on the Central Coast, where it underwent a full veterinary assessment. Our veterinary team has given the animal a clean bill of health.

Billy Collett, who has worked with crocodiles for more than 20 years, described the operation as one of the more challenging captures of his career.

Keeper Brandon Gifford said spotting the crocodile was a huge relief for the team.

“After nearly 48 hours on the water, when I saw that eye shine in the torch beam, I knew we had one shot at getting it right. Everyone stayed calm and worked as a team. It was an incredible moment to see it secured safely.”
The team says they are exhausted but relieved.

“We’re tired, but ultimately happy that this little croc is safe, healthy and no longer in an environment it simply wouldn’t have survived in.”
Not Native to NSW
The animal has been identified as a juvenile freshwater crocodile, a species native to northern Australia. Freshwater crocodiles are typically found in rivers, billabongs and wetlands across Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia, not New South Wales.

The species would not survive the colder winter conditions in NSW waterways, making the rescue critical for the animal’s welfare.

Although there were reports of two additional crocodiles over the weekend, no further confirmed sightings have been recorded since Sunday night.

A Reminder to the Community

The Australian Reptile Park reminds the public to report unusual wildlife sightings to authorities and never approach wild animals.

Crocodiles are not native to New South Wales waterways, and the illegal movement or release of wildlife can have serious consequences for both public safety and animal welfare. Responsible ownership and prompt reporting are critical to protecting Australia’s unique wildlife and ecosystems.

The Park is now working closely with relevant authorities to ensure the crocodile is placed in a suitable permanent home.

ASIO watch list for people who attend Khamenei memorial services

Anyone who attends memorial services at mosques in Sydney and Melbournehonouring the so-called “martyrdom” of Iran’s former supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, should be placed on an ASIO watch list.

Family First National Director Lyle Shelton said it was shocking that Muslim leaders would be encouraging their followers to venerate a man who just machine gunned 30,000 civilisations and has sponsored global Islamic terrorism for decades.

“These events in support of one of the bloodiest butchers of this century are deeply offensive to the many victims of the Iranian regime and to the Iranian diaspora in Australia who fled that tyranny,” Mr Shelton said.

“Any Australian citizen who turns up to this should be put on the ASIO watch list. Anyone on a visa who attends should be deported,” Mr Shelton said.

“The Imams organising this and events like it should be asked to explain why this does not amount to support for terrorism.

“He funded the Islamic terrorists who raped, murdered and kidnapped innocent civilians on October 7.

“He inspired the Muslim mob at the “gas the Jews” protest at the Opera House, two years of pro-Hamas protests on our streets, the Harbour Bridge march where his image was carried by supporters, Bondi and the recent Town Hall protest.

“Too many Australian Muslims have learned nothing from Bondi,” Mr Shelton said.

“Where are the ‘moderate’ Muslim leaders calling this out?

“How are we supposed to believe Islam is a religion of peace? Clearly it is not.

“The event advertised for Arncliffe in Sydney says there will be a reading of the Koran at the service honouring Khamenei. That’s akin to reading the Bible at a memorial in honour of Hitler.”

NSW Premier Chris Minns was right to describe the mourning of the Ayatollah as “atrocious”. By any objective measure, the Iranian regime has a long record of repression, violence and brutality against its own people and the wider region.

Australia has formally listed the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation and last year the Albanese Government expelled Iran’s ambassador following findings that Iranian operatives were linked to anti-Semitic incidents in Sydney and Melbourne.

“In that context, public events in Australia praising or mourning the leader of such a regime amount to support for Islamic terrorism,” Mr Shelton said.

Family First agreed with Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-CEO Alex Ryvchin’s call for any mosques honouring Khamenei to be subject to criminal investigations for links to the IRGC.

Australians should be prepared for travel disruptions

Australians overseas should be prepared for serious travel disruptions in the days ahead due to the conflict in the Middle East.

We understand this will be a challenging time for many people, particularly those with family in the region or travel plans.

The Albanese Government’s priority is the safety and security of Australians. We will continue to support Australians to navigate the disruption ahead, providing regular travel advice updates and consular assistance where we can, noting there are limits to what any government can do in a fast-moving and uncertain environment.

Many Australians in the Middle East are unable to leave due to airspace closures, including around major transit hubs. Road and land border closures may also restrict movement.

Even if you are not travelling in or through the Middle East, your plans may still be affected.

There are flight delays and cancellations, both in the region and globally – including on routes to Europe. Scheduled flights can change at short notice.

There is also a broader security risk in the Middle East. Periods of heightened conflict can increase the threat of protests, civil unrest and, in some cases, terrorist attacks.

Australians should:

  • Closely monitor events and local media.
  • Check directly with their travel agent or airlines to confirm their plans.
  • Review their travel insurance to understand what is covered in the event of cancellations.
  • Follow Smartraveller for the latest advice and subscribe for updates.

Smartraveller now advises Australians do not travel to most destinations in the Middle East. This includes Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestine, Qatar, Syria, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen.

Australians should reconsider the need to travel to Jordan, Oman and Saudi Arabia.

Across the Middle East region, prioritise your safety, monitor events and follow local advice including shelter in place instructions.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has activated its 24/7 Crisis Centre to provide consular support to Australians in the region.

It has also opened a crisis portal for Australians in Israel and Iran. The registration portal is for Australian citizens, permanent residents and their immediate family members who have right of entry into Australia. DFAT will contact registered Australians directly to provide updates.

Australians in need of emergency consular assistance should contact the Australian Government 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre (+61 2 6261 3305 from overseas or 1300 555 135 in Australia).

Labor’s life sentences for children show they have their priorities all wrong 

The Victorian Greens have slammed Labor for putting children as young as fourteen at risk of life in prison, calling it a prime example of how the Government has lost its way and set its priorities backwards.

The new laws allow children as young as fourteen to receive life sentences. The Greens warn they will do nothing to make communities safer and will, in fact, increase reoffending.

All the evidence shows early contact with the criminal justice system and longer, harsher sentences worsen long-term outcomes. Like Labor’s bail laws, these changes will disproportionately harm First Nations communities.

The Greens say that Labor trying to liken their approach to cities around the world that have successfully reduced crime is misleading and false. 

Cities around the world that have successfully reduced violence have not relied on tougher sentencing. They adopted whole-of-system public health approaches – investing in early intervention, youth services, housing, healthcare and community support to address the drivers of crime before harm occurs.

Meanwhile in Victoria, crime prevention funding has been cut in recent years, public housing stock has been demolished, and frontline homelessness, mental health and drug and alcohol services are overwhelmed.

Peak bodies including VCOSS, Homelessness Victoria and the Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association have warned that services cannot meet rising demand, with homelessness services turning people away and long waitlists for treatment.

the Victorian Greens justice spokesperson, Katherine Copsey:

“Labor’s doubling down on failed policies that won’t make the community any safer. All the evidence shows longer, harsher sentences worsen long-term outcomes. And just like Labor’s bail laws, these changes will disproportionately harm First Nations communities.

“Labor isn’t taking lessons from the evidence overseas, they’re taking lessons from the Liberals. Literally copy-pasting this policy from the Liberals in Queensland. 

“Labor is doing the opposite of what has worked overseas by cutting prevention, frontline healthcare services, and public housing, all to pay for costly punitive policies that don’t work.

“Real safety starts with stable housing, access to healthcare and mental health support and it means acting now to prevent harm before it happens. We need Labor to stop playing politics with community safety and do what actually works.” 

APRA must level playing field on housing

New Cotality data shows that annual credit growth for investor home lending is tracking at the fastest rate since 2015, which should raise alarm bells for APRA, the national regulator

In 2025, the Greens called on APRA to intervene in the housing crisis by cooling investor lending. Instead, APRA introduced measures to stop high risk loans from 1 February 2026, which the Greens say have failed to address the underlying surge in investor demand.

Independent economist Saul Eslake told media that if APRA had taken stronger action then the RBA may not have had to increase interest rates.

With investor lending out of control, house prices soaring through the roof and further rate hikes on the horizon, the Greens say it’s time for APRA to level the playing field to give first-home buyers a chance. 

Greens spokesperson for finance, housing and homelessness Senator Barbara Pocock:

“If only APRA had intervened when the Greens had asked them to. Instead, the housing crisis continues to spiral out of control while Labor refuses to act.

“The system is stacked against first-home buyers. Investors already have a $100,000 advantage when they bid at auctions. 

“It shouldn’t be easier for wealthy property investors to buy their 5th, 10th, or 20th house. 

“The more houses that property investors buy, the less houses there are available for first-home buyers.

“Australia’s inflation problem is being driven largely by rising house prices, caused by Labor’s failed housing policies.

“Labor’s 5% deposit scheme and $181 billion tax handouts for property hoarders are surging investor demand and spiking house prices, which is the biggest driver of inflation.

“This housing crisis is heading toward a point of no return. We urgently need to cool the overheated investor credit market. 

“APRA must intervene to even out the playing field to give first-home buyers a chance. It must use all the tools in its tool box to rein in investor lending that is exacerbating the housing affordability crisis.

“APRA has used its toolkit in the past to cool investor lending and it led to the greatest stabilisation of house prices in 30 years, they need to take that decisive action again.” 

Liberals: 30 Years since the election of the Howard Government

Today marks 30 years since we won the 1996 election. 

Over the next eleven and a half years, our Coalition Government worked to deliver security, prosperity and opportunity, in the interests of all Australians.

With responsible financial management, we reversed Labor’s deficits and restored Australia’s AAA credit rating. 

Internationally, Australia re-asserted the crucial importance of the American alliance and our traditional links with the United Kingdom. We enhanced our relations with nations in our region such as Japan, Indonesia, and China. The Coalition Government never sought to draw a distinction between Australia’s history and her geography.

We repaid $96 billion in debt, and established Australia’s Future Fund.

Our tax reforms replaced outdated indirect taxes with the GST. Substantial income tax relief provided real incentive and reward for effort.

Compulsory unionism was abolished. Workers were provided with more choice. 

Waterfront reforms lifted crane rates by around 60 per cent. The establishment of the Australian Building and Construction Commission tackled lawlessness on building sites.

Industrial disputes were reduced to their lowest level in over three decades.

From 1996 to 2007, over 2.2 million jobs were created. We halved average inflation and saw interest rates reduced to the levels of the 1960s.

Although strong economic management is part of the Liberal Party’s DNA, we know it is not an end in itself.

With a stronger economy, our government was able to substantially increase funding for services Australians rely on, such as health and education.

We also struck a sensible balance, expanding the choices of families who seek private health insurance, or for their children to go to independent schools.

To keep Australians safe, we invested heavily in Defence and security and worked with allies to meet the challenges following September 11 and the Bali bombings.

Following a great Australian tradition, our Defence and security personnel brought peace and independence to East Timor and delivered stability within our region.

Following the Port Arthur massacre in 1996, we took action with the National Firearms Agreement. Since then, the rate of gun deaths and homicides has fallen significantly.

We also took a multi-faceted approach to tackling illicit drugs. This contributed to fewer opioid deaths and lower overall drug use. 

After eleven and a half years, we left Australia more prosperous, secure and confident in its future.

Not only was this measured in economic indicators but, for example, in a reversal of the long-term decline in our birth rate. 

Enormous credit belongs to our team, including Peter Costello as Treasurer, Alexander Downer as Foreign Minister, and Tim Fischer, John Anderson and Mark Vaile as Deputy Prime Ministers.

We operated as a broad church – as custodians of both the liberal and conservative traditions – and as a strong Coalition.

I am incredibly grateful to Liberal supporters across Australia. I would not have achieved anything in public life without the loyalty and commitment of the Liberal Party.

In recent times our Party has experienced difficulties. At times in Opposition, so did I. 

However, our cause remains great, because our values are timeless. 

Now more than ever our Party – and our country – is worth fighting for. 

Thank you once again for your support of the Liberal Party. It has made – and will continue to make – a very real difference to Australia’s future.

John Howard
Prime Minister of Australia (1996 – 2007)

Major Wybong Road upgrade to deliver safer, more resilient link for Upper Hunter

Upper Hunter motorists are set to benefit from safer, stronger and more reliable journeys, with work about to begin on a major $6.3 million upgrade to Wybong Road near Sandy Hollow.

Around 33 kilometres west of Muswellbrook, this critical regional corridor carries approximately 1,800 vehicles each day and plays an important role in connecting local communities, freight operators and industry.

The project forms part of the Minns Labor Government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening regional road networks, making them more durable, more resilient to flooding and better equipped to support growing regional communities.

Once complete, Wybong Road will feature a wider carriageway and significantly improved flood immunity, reducing closures and maintaining access during severe weather events.

Key works include widening and reshaping the road, installing a new box culvert across Pheeneys Creek, safety barriers, and upgraded line marking and signage to improve safety for all road users.

Construction is scheduled to begin Monday 2 March. During daytime work, a reduced speed limit of 40km/h will be in place under stop/go traffic control. At night, both lanes will remain open with a reduced speed of 60km/h.

A road closure is scheduled for Wybong Road after Easter for 13 weeks with a permanent detour along Reedy Creek Rd in place.

Transport for NSW has completed tree clearing and improvements along Reedy Creek Rd to allow for oversize overmass (OSOM) movements.

Work is expected to be completed by July 2026, weather permitting and will be carried out between 7am and 5pm Monday to Friday and every second weekend.

Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley:

“For those living and working in Denman, Merriwa and the surrounding rural areas, these roads aren’t optional extras. They are part of everyday life, connecting people to jobs, schools, services and each other.

“Some of the Hunter’s most picturesque and proudly regional communities are linked by stretches of road that have been neglected for far too long. That puts pressure on families, businesses and farmers who rely on them daily.

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to delivering safer, smoother roads for communities across the Hunter – roads that don’t damage vehicles, compromise safety or make everyday travel harder than it needs to be. That’s why these upgrades are so important.”

NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison:

“Wybong Road is a vital link for the Upper Hunter, and locals know just how disruptive flooding and road closures can be.

“This investment will deliver a stronger, safer and more flood-resilient road – reducing closures and improving reliability for the 1,800 vehicles that rely on it every day, including freight and heavy vehicles.

“I’m pleased to see work getting underway on this important upgrade, because resilient regional roads aren’t a luxury, they’re essential.”

NSW Labor Spokesperson for Upper Hunter, Emily Suvaal:

“The NSW Government is continuing to invest in regional and rural road networks to deliver stronger, more resilient infrastructure that keeps communities connected.

“Wybong Road carries around 1,800 vehicles each day, including heavy freight, so this upgrade is a significant win for local residents, industry and the broader Upper Hunter economy.

“By improving flood resilience and reliability, this project will help ensure communities can stay connected during severe weather events.”