Category: NSW News

The NSW Opposition is demanding the fuel excise be cut immediately to deliver critical cost-of-living relief to NSW families and businesses. 
 
The Liberals and Nationals are also urging the Minns Labor Government to pick up the phone to their Federal colleagues and ask for the fuel excise reduction, instead of choosing to remain silent.  
 
With petrol prices surging past $3 a litre in parts of NSW and global supply issues there is a great deal of uncertainty which is placing enormous pressure on households. 
 
Leader of the Opposition, Kellie Sloane, said a temporary cut in fuel excise would provide immediate and meaningful cost-of-living relief. 
 
“The Liberals and Nationals have continued to put forward measures to provide transparency, reliability and support families throughout the fuel crisis,” Ms Sloane said.  
 
“The Minns Labor Government has rejected all our proposals and has refused to use the levers available to them. At the very least Chris Minns must pick up the phone and demand the Prime Minister cut the fuel excise to provide immediate relief for motorists. His silence is a choice.” 
 
“The fuel excise currently sits at 52.6 cents per litre. A reduction like this at the bowser would significantly reduce current pressures people are facing.” 
 
Leader of the NSW Nationals, Gurmesh Singh, warned that rising fuel costs are having an even greater impact on our regional communities. 
  
“Truck drivers, farmers and regional families do not have the luxury of frequent public transport or short travel times. In regional and rural NSW, higher fuel costs flow through to everything from getting to work and transporting goods, to putting food on the tables of families in the cities,” Mr Singh said. 
  
“It’s time for Chris Minns to step up and stand behind the people of NSW.” 
 
Shadow Minister for Roads, Mark Coure, said the Minns Labor Government has not done enough to prevent this crisis from worsening.  
 
“Beyond their roundtable, the Minns Labor Government has failed to put pressure on Anthony Albanese or take meaningful action at a state level to stop motorists being slugged at the bowser,” Mr Coure said. 
 
“The NSW Liberals and Nationals have already put forward practical legislation for daily fuel price transparency and cap reporting and called for free public transport over the Easter long weekend which Labor has refused to even consider.” 

The Minns Labor Government must act following reports of a “campaign of disruption” by unions, impacting apprentices in Sydney. 
  
Industry leaders have raised serious concerns after former CFMEU officials now with the ETU exercised their right to entry at a Sydney training centre, with NECA NSW and ACT Executive Director Mark Stedfut warning it is a “calculated campaign of disruption that does nothing to benefit those apprentices”. 
  
Shadow Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Justin Clancy, said apprentices are being caught in the middle — and the Government is failing to step in. 
  
“Our apprentices deserve to be learning their trade in a stable and supportive environment — not caught up in what has been described as a campaign of disruption that does nothing to benefit them,” Mr Clancy said. 
  
“When you have repeated disruption targeting the same group of young workers, it’s clear this has nothing to do with supporting apprentices and everything to do with pushing an agenda.” 
  
Mr Clancy said the issue goes to the heart of the state’s skills crisis. 
  
“Only around half of apprentices in New South Wales complete their training — and yet we are allowing disruption that makes it even harder for them to stay engaged and finish,” he said. 
  
Mr Clancy said the Minns Government cannot claim to be rebuilding TAFE and skills while failing to protect apprentices on the ground. 
  
“This is the test — will the Government stand up for apprentices, or will it stand back and allow this disruption to continue?” he said. 
  
“If the Government is serious about fixing skills shortages, it must start by protecting apprentices — because without them, there is no pipeline.” 

This is a joint release between the Australian Federal Police, NSW Police Force, Australian Security Intelligence Organisation and the NSW Crime Commission

A 16-year-old boy is set to appear in a NSW Children’s Court today (25 March, 2026) charged with terrorism offences following an investigation by the NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team (NSW JCTT).

The NSW JCTT began an investigation on 10 December, 2025, following a report of an individual posting threats of extremist violence online.

Investigators executed a search warrant at a home in Sydney’s Inner West on 11 December, 2025, and reviewed a number of electronic devices. A gel blaster and a flick knife were located and seized.

The young person was charged with:

• One count of possessing  an unathorised pistol, contrary to section 7(1) of the Firearms Act 1996 (NSW), and;
• One count of possessing a prohibited weapon without a permit, contrary to section 7(1) of the Weapons Prohibition Act 1998 (NSW).

These offences each carry a maximum penalty of 14 years’ imprisonment.

The young person appeared before a NSW Children’s Court on 12 December, 2025, where he was formally refused bail. They were subsequently granted bail by the same court on 19 December, 2025.

A further review of the young person’s electronic devices identified information relating to extremist violence. It will be alleged the young person held a mixed ideology and outlined plans for acts of violence. 

On 24 March, 2026 NSW JCTT investigators laid further charges on the young person:

• One count of collecting documents likely to facilitate a terrorist act, contrary to section 101.5 of the Criminal Code (Cth). This offence carries a maximum penalty of 15 years; 
• Two counts of making documents likely to facilitate a terrorist act, contrary to section 101.5 of the Criminal Code (Cth). This offence carries a maximum penalty of 15 years; and
• Two counts of did possess violent extremist material contrary to section 474.45C of the Criminal Code (Cth). This offence carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment.

The young person is expected to appear at a NSW Children’s Court today (25 March, 2026).

The NSW JCTT is comprised of members from the NSW Police Force, Australian Federal Police, Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) and NSW Crime Commission.

Anyone with information about extremist activity or possible threats to the community should come forward, no matter how small or insignificant you think the information may be. The National Security Hotline is 1800 123 400.

The $95 million redevelopment of Temora Hospital has reached a major milestone, with the first concrete slab poured for the modern health facility that will bring all services under the one roof.

It marks the first of eight concrete pours that will take place over the coming months, which will form the footprint of the eastern wing of the new hospital building.

Once complete, the redevelopment will deliver modern health facilities and upgraded services for Temora and surrounding communities, enhancing access to high quality healthcare closer to home, now and into the future.

The community will benefit from new and expanded services, including a purpose-built operating theatre and procedure room in the new perioperative suite, along with an expanded medical imaging unit.

For the first time, the hospital will offer a CT service, as well as a new ultrasound service, significantly improving local access to diagnostic imaging.

The redevelopment will also include:

• A new Emergency Department
• A flexible Inpatient Unit supporting medical, surgical, rehabilitation, maternity and palliative care
• Allied health and ambulatory clinics, including a gymnasium
• Community health and mental health, drug and alcohol services
• Pathology collection service
• Improved car parking for patients, staff and visitors
• Separate emergency and service vehicle entry

The existing staff dining room rotunda at the rear of the current hospital will also be incorporated and repurposed as a new courtyard space for staff.

With the concrete slabs pours now underway, the building will soon begin to take shape, with several structural elements to be installed in the coming weeks.

The new hospital is being delivered in stages at the existing hospital site with hospital services continuing to operate, and every effort being made to minimise impacts to patients. 

The redevelopment is expected to be completed in 2028.

For more information, visit nsw.gov.au/temora-hospital-redevelopment

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:

“The Minns Government is delivering more beds, building more hospitals, and recruiting more staff to deliver better health services for communities right across NSW.

“I’m thrilled to see construction of the new Temora Hospital progressing, bringing these expanded health services for the community one step closer.

“The Temora Hospital Redevelopment will ensure the community and our dedicated health staff have access to a modern, fit-for-purpose health facility closer to home.”

Labor Spokesperson for Cootamundra Stephen Lawrence MLC:

“The Temora Hospital Redevelopment will deliver an upgraded health facility for both patients and staff, which will better meet the growing health needs of the local community.

“I’m also delighted the existing rotunda at the back of the current hospital will be retained and transformed into a welcoming courtyard space.”

The Minns Labor Government is getting on with delivering $85,100,000 in crucial upgrades to the Wakehurst Parkway, today announcing the award of the construction contract to Ertech Pty Ltd.

With detailed design work now complete, construction is on track to begin in mid-year, with site establishment works taking place in the coming months.

Wakehurst Parkway is a key arterial route connecting Pittwater Road at North Narrabeen with Warringah Road at Frenchs Forest. The Parkway currently experiences peak period congestion and flood-related disruptions that affect travel reliability for local communities.

The upgrades to Wakehurst Parkway – a commitment by the Minns Labor Government, will deliver targeted upgrades along Wakehurst Parkway to enhance network efficiency and traffic flow, improve safety by reducing crashes in key cluster areas, increase capacity for future traffic growth and support better access for walking, cycling and public transport.

Importantly, these upgrades will include flood-improvement work between Dreadnought Road and Oxford Falls Road, marking the first step in improving flood resilience on the Wakehurst Parkway.

The contract award comes as the Minns Government today commences consultation on the Northern Beaches Network Review, a network-wide analysis of the key road corridors moving people and goods across Sydney’s Lower North Shore and Northern Beaches.

The review examines the performance of the current transport network and identifies short and medium-term opportunities to improve travel reliability, reduce congestion, and enhance safety to and from the Northern Beaches and Lower North Shore.

The review adopts a holistic approach and recognises key challenges across the road network, identifying practical opportunities to improve the network by making better use of existing roads and infrastructure.

Opportunities include improving bus reliability, upgrading busy intersections, improving traffic flow on key corridors, addressing rat-running through local streets and targeting safety hot spots.

The Minns Government is committed to getting the essentials right, with a focus on practical improvements that can be delivered in the short to medium term to make trips safer, more reliable and more predictable while also supporting future growth and complementing major projects already underway.

Community feedback is now being sought to test whether the Northern Beaches Network Review reflects lived experience of motorists and commuters and to help shape next steps. The community can have their say at https://nswroads.work/haveyoursay-nbnr

Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“This is a good day for the thousands of commuters who use the Wakehurst Parkway daily. 

“The award of this contract represents an important step towards smoother, safer journeys for Northern Beaches motorists.

“I’d like to thank the Member for Wakehurst, Michael Regan and Member for Pittwater, Jacqui Scruby and their local communities for their steadfast advocacy on this project.

“The project forms part of broader work underway to improve the road network across the Northern Beaches.

“The Northern Beaches Road Network Review puts the Northern Beaches community in the driver’s seat, and we want to hear from locals, to help shape the future of transport in their community.

“People who use the network every day know what works and what doesn’t, and their voices will help shape the next wave of realistic, deliverable improvements.

“By listening to local experiences, we can deliver improvements that make a real difference now and into the future.

Member for Wakehurst, Michael Regan said:

“Today we’re marking a major milestone for the much-anticipated upgrades to Wakehurst Parkway. I campaigned on securing funding for these works in the 2023 election and I’ve been holding the NSW government to account on delivering their commitment ever since. The awarding of the contract, with a clear timeframe, gives me confidence we will see these critical works delivered.

“But there is so much more to do to improve our road network, especially our key corridors along Warringah and Pittwater Roads connecting us to Chatswood and the CBD. That’s why I’m encouraging everyone to participate in the Northern Beaches Network Review consultation.

“With no rail, metro or light rail, roads are absolutely critical to the functioning of our daily lives – for both private vehicle use and mass public transport. I want to see every step possible taken to make our road and public transport network work better for Northern Beaches residents. This is an important opportunity to tell the NSW Government what we want and expect to see – please have your say.”

Member for Pittwater, Jacqui Scruby said:

“After decades of broken roads and promises we now have a contractor for Wakehurst Parkway and the green light and preparatory works underway for the $500,000,000 Mona Vale Road West upgrade project.

“Upgrading these major roads will be a gamechanger for Pittwater residents.

“However, we rely on the whole road and transport network, and we know it better than anyone – that’s why I’m calling on everyone who commutes to have their say on the NB Network Review to ensure our intersections, corridors and bus suggestions inform our transport corridors.”

Renters’ first look at the Minns Labor Government’s Smart Rental Bonds system is here, as testing kicks off ahead of its launch in mid-2026.

Smart Rental Bonds will allow tenants to digitally transfer their bond between properties for a small fee of $25. This means they will no longer have to find thousands of dollars for a “second” bond while waiting for the previous bond to be refunded.

Smart Rental Bonds will deliver on the Minns Labor Government’s election commitment to introduce a portable rental bonds system to provide cost-of-living relief for renters and make renting fairer.

With the IT build done and extensive system testing beginning, the more than 2.3 million renters in NSW are a step closer to accessing this critical cost-of-living measure.

Around 330,000 households move each year, with most rental tenancies lasting less than two years, meaning thousands of renters face repeated upfront costs when changing homes. This requires people to save for several months before they can leave a property or potentially have to take out hefty loans if they have to move out of the property unexpectedly due to the property being sold or the homeowner moving in.

Accessible through the existing Rental Bonds Online platform, this new system maintains the integrity of the bond system by ensuring that landlords have security, while improving cashflow for renters.

With the average renter spending $4,000 each time they move, Smart Rental Bonds has been designed as a simple, easy-to-use solution for renters to alleviate financial stress:

• Renters will be notified once a landlord or agent lodges a bond request online.
• The renter logs onto Rental Bonds Online and chooses to either pay their new bond upfront, or use Smart Rental Bonds to move their existing bond to the new property.
• If the new bond is higher than the old one, the renter will need to pay the difference – but if the bond is cheaper, they will get the difference back provided no agreed claim on the bond.
• If a landlord makes a claim on a bond and the renter agrees, the NSW Government will pay the landlord upfront. The renter will then repay the Government, meaning landlords face no financial risk.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to improving the lives of renters, delivering substantial reforms such as ending no-grounds evictions, limiting rent increases to once a year, making it easier to have pets in rentals and introducing an $8.4 million NSW Rental Taskforce to hold landlords and real estate agents to account.

For more information on renting in NSW visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-construction/renting-a-place-to-live

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“This reform is about easing cost-of-living pressure and making renting fairer, simpler and more flexible for more than 2.3 million renters in our state.

“Every cent counts and making sure that renters don’t have to put money forward for a bond while waiting for a refund will save them thousands of dollars each time they move.”

Minister for Housing Rose Jackson said:

“When we came into Government, the message we heard from renters was clear – having to fork out for two bonds at once when moving properties is a major expense that many just cannot afford.

“It’s creating stress, real hardship and even homelessness for some people struggling in our rental market. This landmark reform is a practical way to save millions of people thousands of dollars.

“With more people renting in NSW – many of them for extended periods, involving multiple moves – there has never been a more important time to provide this crucial cost of living relief.”

Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“Over the last three years, the Minns Labor Government has delivered significant financial help for renters – from limiting rent increases to once a year, to mandating fee-free ways to pay rent.

“Smart Rental Bonds is the latest way the Minns Labor Government is delivering on its promise to make renting fairer and give renters cost-of-living relief.

“No one likes having to put forward thousands of dollars while waiting days, possibly weeks for their old bond to come back – that’s money which renters need to set up their new home.

“Smart Rental Bonds is not only a win for renters, but a solution which won’t disrupt how landlords and real estate agents conduct their business either.”

NSW Rental Commissioner Trina Jones said:

“The NSW Government is aware of the challenges renters face when moving home.

“Technology like the Smart Rental Bond system is just one way we are empowering renters by alleviating financial pressure and creating a fairer and more flexible rental experience for tenants in NSW.

“Allowing the bond to be a portable asset which can move between properties digitally will alleviate the financial strain which comes with moving such as having to hire a van or organise connecting utilities.

“Nothing will change for landlords in the process either, because the NSW Government will pay out the agreed claim to the bond once a tenant moves out.”

Rural firefighters in NSW are responding faster and safer as a result of new technology which is helping detect fires earlier, improve situational awareness and strengthen communications in remote areas.

AI-powered camera systems, thermal-imaging drones and expanded satellite connectivity are transforming how emergency services detect, assess and manage bush fires – giving crews earlier warnings, clearer intelligence and better on-ground coordination.

In the past year alone, high-definition cameras have detected nearly 4,000 fires – giving agencies critical early warnings and helping crews make faster and more informed decisions.

The cameras have played a key role in a range of recent incidents across the state, including the early detection of fires prior to Triple Zero (000) calls in the Riverina late last year.

The drone capability of the RFS also continues to be expanded, with more than 50 trained pilots now positioned across the state.

Equipped with thermal imaging, drones provide live vision of firegrounds and help identify hot spots after a main fire has passed. They can be rapidly deployed to emerging incidents or areas of concern, giving crews clearer, real-time picture of conditions and improving safety for firefighters on the ground.

This bush fire season has marked a major step forward in modernising frontline communications, building on recommendations from the NSW Bushfire Inquiry to strengthen the RFS fleet.

Vehicles are being upgraded with enhanced connectivity, including an on-going roll-out of satellite-enabled systems (Vehicle as a Node technology) and thousands of trucks equipped with Mobile Data Terminals to improve crews’ communication, connectivity and safety in remote and disaster-impacted areas. 

Since the season began on 1 October, the RFS has responded to more than 8,750 bush and grass fires, as broad areas of the state continue to experience drying conditions.

The Minns Labor Government is investing over $2.2 billion in emergency services, uplifting capability and boosting resources across NSW.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“Every minute matters when a fire starts. This upgraded technology helps fire crews arrive better informed and better prepared to tackle the fire and keep communities safe, especially in remote areas.

“These improvements are helping create a more connected fireground where technology supports the people making critical decisions in rapidly changing conditions.

“We’ve responded to all 76 recommendations of the NSW Bushfire Inquiry report and we’re investing in technology that supports volunteers to stay ahead of increasingly challenging fire conditions.”

Commissioner of the RFS Trent Curtin said:

“When fighting bush fires, the value of early detection and accurate situational awareness cannot be overstated.

“The ability to access real-time imagery, particularly in remote and high-risk areas, helps us build a clearer picture of fire behaviour and conditions as incidents unfold.

“Projects like these ensure the RFS can continue to adapt and evolve in support of our volunteers and the communities they protect.”

The NSW Opposition is renewing its calls for the Minns Government to implement QR codes in taxis, following shocking new data showing more than one in four women have experienced inappropriate behaviour in rideshares and taxis.

The figures expose a serious safety failure, with many incidents still going unreported, leaving women without confidence in the system and a real solution for accountability and safety required to be implemented.
 
The Opposition’s proposal announced in 2024 and backed by the NSW Taxi Council would see unique QR Codes placed into taxis to enable customers to choose to pay via the meter or the QR Code.
 
The QR Code would be linked to the driver, the vehicle, and the customer to balance the security of payment for drivers with a passenger’s priority of paying the correct fare and having a safe journey.
 
The Opposition said the government’s slow response to behaviour issues falls well short of what is needed to protect passengers.
 
Shadow Minister for Transport Natalie Ward said the government is once again reacting too late.
 
“This is a simple, practical reform that would give women more control and confidence every time they use a ride-share or taxi service.

“More than one in four women experiencing inappropriate conduct is a disgrace, and the government’s response is far too weak, it is all talk and no accountability,” Ms Ward said.
 
“Government can’t be in every cab, every time — but a QR code can. Training modules won’t stop bad behaviour in the moment. Real accountability will.”
 
Shadow Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Assault Natasha Maclaren-Jones said stronger safeguards are urgently needed.

“Women deserve to feel safe, not vulnerable, when travelling and especially at night,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.

“If the Minns Government is serious about women’s safety, it should adopt solutions that actually protect passengers in real time, not after something goes wrong.”
 
Shadow Minister for Women Felicity Wilson said the figures show the current approach is failing and that strong action is needed.
 
“Women should not have to weigh up their safety every time they take a taxi or rideshare. This is exactly the kind of simple technology that can restore confidence and improve safety.”
 
“When over one in four women experience inappropriate behaviour, you know the problem is culture and accountability. QR codes in taxis will provide confidence to women – who just want a safe, reliable trip home.”

The Opposition said QR codes would provide real-time trip verification, improve fare transparency, and create a clear record to support complaints and investigations.

Almost 40 years since the Tangara trains were built in Newcastle, the work to extend their life is coming back to the Hunter, with the Minns Labor Government establishing two new production lines at the rail facility in Cardiff.

This investment will create around 100 new jobs and 20 apprenticeships in the Hunter, rebuilding the train manufacturing workforce after the former Liberal-National Government ended passenger train manufacturing in the region in 2013 and prioritised overseas manufacturers. 

The $447 million Tangara Life Extension program will extend the life of 55 eight-carriage trains by over a decade by replacing internal cladding, the computer operating system, installing more accessible emergency help points, emergency door release, passenger visual displays, upgrades to the passenger address system and CCTV.

The two new production lines in the Hunter, in addition to the existing three lines at Auburn and Flemington, will increase the pace of train upgrades from 12 per year to 20. This increased capacity means more upgraded Tangara trains will be on the network sooner.

The 100 new jobs and 20 apprenticeships in the Hunter brings the total number of jobs on the Tangara Life Extension program to 320. 200 people including apprentices are already working on the program at Auburn and Flemington.

This investment in local skills will help develop the workforce that will build the new Tangara fleet in NSW, which will begin procurement by 2027 and meet the 50 per cent local manufacturing target as part of the Future Fleet Program.

The life extension program is part of the Government’s focus on improving rail reliability in response to the Independent Rail Review.

The Tangaras are some of the oldest rolling stocks and refurbished carriages will help to reduce maintenance faults. 

To date, four Tangara trains are undergoing upgrades with the first train now in the network undergoing dynamic testing activities before it re-enters service on the network.

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“I lived in Newcastle when it was a proud train building city. We’re now bringing train manufacturing jobs back to the Hunter, the home of the original Tangara fleet.

“The former government sent Hunter jobs offshore because of their obsession with buying trains overseas. Anywhere but NSW, that was their policy on transport manufacturing jobs.

“This investment accelerates the life extension of our Tangara fleet while creating real jobs and skills development in the Hunter region.

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:

“The people of Newcastle built these trains more than 35 years ago, and it’s only right that the Hunter is once again at the heart of this work. We’re truly a proud train manufacturing town.

“But this is about more than upgrading trains. It’s about creating secure jobs, training apprentices and giving local families confidence that opportunity exists right here in our region.

“We’re backing Hunter workers and making sure the skills and industries that built this region continue to thrive into the future.”

Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said:

“Almost 40 years after the Tangara trains were first built in Newcastle, it is fantastic to see this work returning to the Hunter.

“This is what rebuilding public transport capability in NSW looks like – more skilled jobs in the Hunter, more apprenticeships and more work being done here at home.

“After years of offshoring and neglect, we are rebuilding the workforce and capability NSW needs for the future.”

Minister for Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement Courtney Houssos said:

“This is a key step as we rebuild our domestic manufacturing capability and turn around 12 years of offshoring by the previous Liberal-National Government.

“We know that for every one job in manufacturing there are a further 3.5 in the supply chain, and that’s why we want our procurement dollars creating jobs here in NSW.

“We want to better leverage our precious procurement dollars through projects like this so we can maximise our support for workers and industries here in NSW, not on the other side of the world.”

Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery said: 

“The two lines to be added to this facility are also adding new jobs and apprenticeships, offering great opportunities for locals. 

“There will be cost savings associated with the acceleration of the program of work and by opening up these additional lines, the project will be finished sooner than previously forecast. 

“That means the benefits of this initiative will be felt far beyond Wallsend.” 

Sydney Trains Chief Executive Matt Longland said:

“The Tangara Life Extension Program is the most comprehensive refurbishment of its kind ever undertaken by Sydney Trains.

“Our teams in Sydney and soon, in the Hunter are carrying out critical system upgrades, modernising on‑board technologies and improving safety and accessibility features to bring these trains in line with contemporary standards.”

The Minns Labor Government is investing more than $4 million in Aboriginal-led research projects which aim to reduce heart disease and improve heart health outcomes for Aboriginal communities across NSW.

Nine Aboriginal researchers have been awarded funding for three-year research projects under the NSW Government’s Aboriginal Heart Health Grant program.

Among the successful recipients is Belinda Field and her team at the Eleanor Duncan Aboriginal Services based on the Central Coast, who will work in close consultation with Darkinjung Community members to develop the Walk Strong Project.

The $750,000 grant will support Ms Field and her team to address the disproportionately high rates of peripheral artery disease among Aboriginal people through a culturally responsive, community-led heart disease education and exercise program.

Other grant recipients are located in Sydney and regional areas across the state, including Mardi, Kempsey, Newcastle, Griffith and Bathurst.

Cardiovascular disease includes many different conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels and disproportionately affects Aboriginal people at a rate 2.4 times higher than non-Indigenous Australians.

The disease also develops, on average, more than 10 years earlier in Aboriginal people. Despite improvements in health outcomes, coronary heart disease remains the leading cause of death for Aboriginal people.

Research consultation and co-design will ensure the funded projects and outcomes are grounded in the knowledge and lived experience of Aboriginal communities and are aligned with Aboriginal cultural values, community priorities and local strengths.

The grants are being delivered through two funding streams. One stream provides up to $750,000 to support the development of new cardiovascular interventions which were identified through extensive consultation with local communities.

A second stream offers up to $250,000 for early-stage developmental research projects, where consultation with Aboriginal communities will be undertaken to determine and identify needs, better understand causes, and gather local community input on potential solutions.

The other successful grant recipients and research projects are:

• Dr Juanita Sherwood – Building a culturally relevant Model of Care for Cardiovascular Health
• Professor Tony Dreise – Healthy Mouth, Healthy Heart: Co-designed action research project to improve integrated First Nations care models between heart and oral health
• Amy Thompson – Re-imagining F.A.S.T: Community-led co-design of a culturally responsive early warning stroke message, to improve stroke outcomes
• Lisa Curry – Marrambidya Murrayalalinya: Sound as a Cultural Determinant of Health for Aboriginal People
• Cassia Lindsay – Elders in Wellness: A culturally grounded healthy ageing journey
• Mandy Debenham – Caring for Country’s Hearts: A Collaborative Approach to Cardiac Health
• Yeena Thompson – CIRCLE: Aboriginal Community-led initiative for Research on Cardiovascular Health Lived Experiences
• Dr Liesa Clague – “Getting at the heart of it”: Aboriginal community-led participatory action research using storytelling yarning.

The grants are part of the NSW Government’s Cardiovascular Research Capacity Program, a $150 million investment over 10 years, which aims to improve the cardiovascular health of people in NSW.

For more information visit: https://medicalresearch.nsw.gov.au/grants/aboriginal-heart-health

Minister for Medical Research and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:

“Heart disease continues to have a disproportionate impact on Aboriginal communities and I am proud to be part of a Government that is making this major investment in targeted research funding to support Aboriginal-led solutions to close this unacceptable gap.

“We know that Aboriginal communities understand their own health needs better than anyone and Aboriginal-led research is essential to ensure heart health intiatives to prevent disease, improve care and help save lives of Aboriginal peoples.

“Through this investment we are creating long-term foundations for healthier futures across Aboriginal communities in NSW.

”I know first-hand that Belinda Field and her team at the Eleanor Duncan Aboriginal Services do fantastic work on the Central Coast in partrnership with Darkinjung, and are an excellent example of what this funding can achieve to improve the health and day-to-day lives of mob.”

Proud Wiradjuri woman and CEO at Eleanor Duncan Aboriginal Services Belinda Field said::

“This NSW Government investment puts Eleanor Duncan Aboriginal Services at the forefront of elevating community knowledge and self-determination. 

“It will assist to drive Aboriginal cultural distinctiveness into research by embedding our ways of deep listening and two-way knowledge sharing to achieve greater outcomes for those affected by heart disease in our community here in Darkinjung country.”

Strategy and Operations Manager at Eleanor Duncan Aboriginal Services Paul Hussein said:

“The prevention and management of foot disease is a key priority for people in our community here in Darkinjung country, and the research project will utilise Aboriginal-led design and community participatory action research to develop and evaluate a community-led exercise and education program for people living with Peripheral Artery Disease.”