Category: NSW News

The largest public preschool construction program in NSW history is now underway in regional NSW, with work set to commence on more than 20 new public preschools before the end of 2025.

This work has been marked with construction beginning on a new public preschool at Bomaderry Public School – one of 10 new public preschools in the Illawarra/Shoalhaven, and 49 across regional NSW, set to open by early 2027.

The historic building program is a key election commitment of the Minns Labor Government to open 100 public preschools across NSW, improving access to affordable, high quality early education for families in areas where it is most needed.

The $769 million investment will double the number of public preschools in NSW, making it the largest expansion of public early learning in NSW history.

All public preschools will be co-located with local public schools, supporting children’s transition into kindergarten and easing pick-up and drop-off for parents with older students at the same school.

The preschools will offer high-quality early education within state-of-the-art learning facilities which will include landscaped outdoor playground areas.

Once complete they will provide places for up to 9,000 additional children to access high quality early education in their local community.

The program to build 100 new public preschools is part of the Minns Labor Government’s historic investment in early learning, ensuring that every child across NSW has the best possible start to their education. The investment also includes:

• $100 million to help community preschools provide more hours and welcome more children
• $60 million to build and upgrade 50 preschools at non-government schools
• $200 million to support Aboriginal-led early learning
• $20 million for capital works at early childhood services in areas of need
• More than $29 million for scholarships to increase the number of early childhood workers.

Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns said:

“Providing the best possible start for our children is one of the most important investments any government can make which is why we’re building 100 new public preschools including 49 in regional NSW.

“Families in rural and regional NSW have told us they are struggling to find affordable, high-quality early learning close to home. That’s exactly what these new public preschools in the regions will help fix – like this one right here in Bomaderry.

“The former government didn’t build a single public preschool in twelve years. We’re building one hundred in our first term, that are co-located with public schools so parents can also avoid the double drop off.”

Minister for Regional New South Wales Tara Moriarty said:

“This is a significant milestone for the region, with construction beginning on 10 new public preschools across the Illawarra and South Coast.

“These new preschools will ensure families in the region have access to world-class early education closer to home.

“This is a historic investment that will make a huge difference for local communities, and we are proud to see it roll out.”

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:

“From Bomaderry to Griffith and Wollongbar to Tamworth, we are providing more children in the regions with the best possible start to their education.

“We know quality early learning makes all the difference to a child’s success in school. It really is life changing.

“That is why the Minns Labor Government, with the leadership of Deputy Premier Prue Car, made this historic commitment, because we strongly believe all NSW children should have access to high-quality early education.”

Member for Kiama Katelin McInerney said:

“I’m thrilled to be marking the start of construction on Bomaderry’s new fee-free public preschool. It will be such an important resource for our families.

“Bomaderry families have told me that we need more quality early learning options and I’m delighted that construction is underway and the school will soon be welcoming its first class of preschoolers.”

Member for South Coast Liza Butler said:

“I’m incredibly proud to see construction starting on these new preschools across the South Coast. This was a key commitment we took to the election, and we’re delivering on that promise for local families.

“The Minns Government understands how vital early education is to a child’s development and to support local families. The preschools we are building at Greenwell Point, Sanctuary Point, and the brand-new Worrigee Public School will give more children the best possible start to their education, right in the heart of their local community.

“When we committed to delivering public preschools on school grounds, we meant it, and now we’re turning that commitment into concrete reality. It’s exciting to see construction underway and to know that families across the South Coast will soon benefit from more accessible, public early education.”

Bomaderry Public School Principal Dionne Hanbidge said:

“We have been advocating for an onsite preschool because we truly understand how much our children and families will benefit from this local early learning opportunity.

“Having a public preschool right here on our school grounds is pretty close to a dream come true, as it will not only provide high-quality early education but also create a seamless transition for our children as they move into kindergarten. Our kindergarteners will continue to learn and thrive from day 1!

“We are incredibly proud and excited to welcome the next generation of learners into a custom built, high quality facility, right here at Bomaderry Public School—supporting them to achieve their goals from the very start.”

Regional public preschool works commencing construction before the end of 2025:

• Barrack Heights Public Preschool
• Berkeley West Public Preschool
• Bomaderry Public Preschool
• Cringila Public Preschool
• Greenwell Point Public Preschool
• Hayes Park Public Preschool
• Lake Heights Public Preschool
• Sanctuary Point Public Preschool
• Queanbeyan South Public Preschool
• Hillvue Public Preschool
• Moorland Public Preschool
• Tacking Point Public Preschool
• Warialda Public Preschool
• Wollongbar Public Preschool
• Booragul Public Preschool
• Nulkaba Public Preschool
• Tenambit Public Preschool
• Tuggerawong Public Preschool
• Weston Public Preschool
• Deniliquin South Public Preschool
• Hanwood Public Preschool
• New Bourke Public School Early Years Transition Centre

Kyogle Multi-Purpose Service (MPS) is celebrating 100 years of service with a Community Open Day highlighting the hospital’s proud history of delivering care and support to the Northern NSW region.

The community open day, being held on Saturday 15 November 2025, will reflect on the hospital’s past achievements and ongoing commitment to providing exceptional healthcare, since admitting its first patient on 2 May 1925.

Kyogle MPS, co-located alongside a private GP practice, today provides emergency, general medical, and aged care services as part of a flexible model of care tailored to the local community. It includes provision for 28 aged care residents who live on site.

Between 1 July 2024 and 30 June 2025, more than 5,400 people attended the centre’s Emergency Department, with more than 380 patients admitted and almost 3,600 non-admitted patient service events provided.

During the community event, the original bright yellow 1938 Dodge Ambulance will be on display, a loan from Temora Ambulance Museum. The ambulance has been transported back to Kyogle, thanks to a community fundraising drive spearheaded by Kyogle Museum.

Additionally, a display of a 1925 hospital ward featuring hospital memorabilia and artefacts collected by Kyogle and Urbenville museums will be set up helping attendees to transport back in time.

The event will also feature NSW Health services ranging from BreastScreen NSW to Aboriginal healthcare, health promotion, snakebite treatment, dementia, diabetes treatment and more.

Aged care residents, including three centenarians who call Kyogle MPS home, will join in festivities.

Kyogle hospital has long been supported by the community, particularly the volunteers of Kyogle Hospital Auxiliary, whose fundraising efforts have benefitted many patients and staff over the years.

Kyogle MPS is one of four Multi-Purpose Service sites in the Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD).

Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin:

“Since its establishment, the Kyogle MPS has played a vital role in improving the health and wellbeing of our communities in the Northern Rivers. 

“The service is an outstanding example of the success that can be achieved when health professionals work collaboratively with communities to find the best solutions for their health care needs.

“This is an amazing milestone, and I am pleased to be able to celebrate it with the community, staff and volunteers who have made this service the amazing place it is today and will be for the next 100 years too.”

NNSWLHD Chief Executive Tracey Maisey:

“Community spirit is what makes Kyogle such a great place, and the same goes for our team at the Kyogle MPS, who provide exceptional care for our patients and residents every day.

“I am thrilled to celebrate this remarkable milestone with our staff and the community, which reflects not only our current health services, but generations of healthcare professionals who have come before us.

“I’d like to pay special thanks to the many volunteers at Kyogle Museum, Kyogle Hospital Auxiliary and MPS staff who have worked tirelessly towards making this event so special.”

former chairman of Kyogle Health Services Planning and Steering Committee Tom Fitzgerald:

“Community spirit was the driving force behind the opening of Kyogle Memorial Hospital some 100 years ago and again in the early 2000’s in our fight to ensure the MPS service remained in town.

“Community spirit remains as strong as ever today, with volunteers from Kyogle Hospital Auxiliary, Kyogle Museum and others continuing to raise funds for the healthcare of our residents.

“Kyogle MPS is well-loved and supported by our community, and we appreciate the acute care and aged care services we have so close to home, as well as the neighbouring McKid Medical Service whose GPs serve the community so well.”              

The Minns Labor Government has today announced $100,000 in funding for the Children’s Tumour Foundation to support children, adults and their loved ones impacted by neurofibromatosis (NF) tumours across NSW.

Over 13,000 people in Australia live with neurofibromatosis (NF), a group of rare and complex genetic conditions that cause tumours to form on nerves throughout the body.

The additional funding will help the Children’s Tumour Foundation to continue supporting families impacted by NF by offering vital education resources, case management, online peer support and in person connection for more than 100 people at an upcoming NSW Family Camp.

Both virtual and in-person supported events provide respite and connection for families impacted by NF, especially for those patients and their families living in regional and remote NSW. 

The funding will also help to raise awareness of NF across the state and support the continuation of a Clinical Nurse Consultant position at Sydney Children’s Hospital Westmead ensuring the complex multidisciplinary care required to support paediatric patients remains available.

NF can lead to a range of significant health issues such as deafness, blindness, physical differences, bone abnormalities, learning difficulties, epilepsy, chronic pain and cancer.

For more information visit the Children’s Tumour Foundation.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“The Children’s Tumour Foundation is championing public awareness and offering critical support for people living with neurofibromatosis (NF) tumours in NSW.

“This work can have an extremely powerful impact on people living with NF, so I’m delighted to be able to provide the Children’s Tumour Foundation with this additional funding that will help the charity to reach more people in NSW. 

“Access to the right resources can make a real difference, helping families and patients feel supported, informed and less alone as they navigate complex health conditions.

“It’s a pleasure to be able to assist the organisation in continuing its work in providing emotional support and expert advice to improve the health and wellbeing outcomes of people affected by NF across the state.”

Children’s Tumour Foundation of Australia Head of Support Ruth Lindsay:

“The Children’s Tumour Foundation is deeply grateful to the Minns Government for providing this vital funding, which enables us to continue supporting every person in NSW impacted by neurofibromatosis (NF). Our upcoming NF Community Camp offers families the rare chance to relax, connect and enjoy meaningful time together away from hospital appointments and the daily stresses of living with a complex health condition.

“Neurofibromatosis might be a hard word to say, but it can be even harder to live with. Through our phone and online support services, and our peer support activities, we help people stay connected, informed and empowered. For those living with a chronic, lifelong condition that affects both physical and mental health, knowing that support is just a phone call or email away can make all the difference.”

Children’s Tumour Foundation NF camp participant:

“Before the camp, I felt very alone in my NF journey with my son. My concern, particularly for him, growing up with both physical and cognitive differences was a large concern for me. With the NF camp, we have had the opportunity to meet other children (and parents) with a similar lived experience who can not only empathise with the situations we face; but also offer advice and resources on how to approach these situations – whether it be medical professionals, educational settings, or in general society.”

The Minns Labor Government has today announced the inaugural members of the NSW Settlement Advisory Council, a new expert body that will provide advice to the Minister for Multiculturalism and Multicultural NSW on refugee settlement policy.

The establishment of the council, the first of its kind in NSW, is a continuation of the Minns Labor Government’s focus to improve the process of refugees settling in the state and illustrates its commitment to ensure NSW is a home to all.

The council will broaden and build on the expertise of the ongoing leadership of the NSW Coordinator General for Settlement, Professor Peter Shergold AC, who will chair the council.

The council will bring together a diverse range of experts, including those with lived experience, to provide advice and policy support to Multicultural NSW, and champion the purpose and objectives of the NSW Settlement Strategy. 

The NSW Settlement Strategy is the first of its kind in the state. It brings together existing and new government initiatives to improve settlement outcomes for people from refugee and refugee-like backgrounds living in NSW.

NSW Settlement Advisory Council Membership:

• Professor Peter Shergold AC: has a background of leadership in the public sector, academia and not-for-profit governance. A former Chancellor of Western Sydney University, Professor Shergold has been NSW Coordinator General for Settlement since 2015.
• The Hon. Mr. Nick Greiner AC: Former Premier and Treasurer of New South Wales between 1988 and 1992, and board member of the Refugee Council of Australia.
• Scientia Professor Jane McAdam AO: founder of Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law at UNSW, Scientia Professor McAdam is an international authority on refugee law.
• Mr Jorge Aroche: a clinical psychologist and the Chief Executive Officer of the NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors (STARTTS) since 1997.
• Dr Anyier Youl: a South Sudanese Australian advocate, speaker and researcher, Ms Youl was the former Chair of the Australian National Committee on Refugee Women (ANCORW). She is currently the Corporate Partnerships Manager for the UNHCR in Australia.
• Mr Mark Morey: a background in social work and Secretary of Unions NSW since 2016, leading the organisation to establish numerous programs to support migrant communities, including the NSW Migrant Workers Hub. 

Minister Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said:

“The better we do at settling refugees, the quicker they can become contributing members of our local communities. 

“I am so proud with the establishment of the council, a state first, and the incredible calibre of expertise across the inaugural members.

“This significant body and initiative showcase the Minns Labor Government’s ongoing commitment to making NSW a home to all.”

Professor Peter Shergold AC, the NSW Coordinator General for Settlement and council chair, said:

“I am hugely impressed by the calibre of every NSW Settlement Advisory Council member and grateful for their demonstrated passion for improving outcomes for people from refugee and refugee-like backgrounds.

“I thank the NSW Government and Multicultural NSW for the on-going investment in the innovative NSW Settlement Strategy and welcome their continued support through the establishment of the inaugural NSW Settlement Advisory Council.”

Multicultural NSW CEO Joseph La Posta said:

“Australia began to settle refugees in 1947 and since then, we have welcomed one million refugees through our Humanitarian Program.

“In return, we’ve benefited from their experience, skills and creativity. People from a refugee background have made enormous contribution across every part of society, from business and philanthropy to culture and the arts.

“The NSW Settlement Advisory Council brings together highly respected and influential experts across government, business, academia, community sector and refugee lived experience to champion better outcomes for refugees and asylum seekers in NSW.

“Their expertise and leadership will help the NSW Government drive a better coordinated and more effective settlement system in NSW.”

Workers compensation in NSW needs reform, but the Minns Labor Government is trying to make it even harder for seriously injured workers to get the help they need. While mental health services across the state are stretched thin, Premier Chris Minns and Treasurer Daniel Mookhey are pushing changes that will restrict access to help for serious psychological injury.
 
These changes will not prevent injuries, and they will not support frontline workers. They will simply make it harder for seriously injured people to access the care they need to recover.
 
Labor promised the world before the election. Labor MPs and MLCs signed a pledge to remove section 39 (the whole personal impairment threshold [WPI] for ongoing support) completely and protect injured workers. The signatories included 19 current ministers and the Minister who would normally have portfolio responsibility for these reforms, the Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis. However, as this is about the mismanagement of the budget, Treasurer Daniel Mookhey is in charge. The Labor MPs and MLCs shook hands and smiled for cameras before the election , but that promise was tossed aside in the early hours of this morning.
 
Debate on the Workers Compensation Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 began at 2:35pm yesterday and dragged on until almost 5am today. When it came time to call a division on the WPI clauses, Labor MPs refused. They would not have their names recorded. They knew that their vote betrayed the very frontline workers they claimed to stand up for. They also knew it betrayed the unions who fund their campaigns.
 
Their behaviour exposed what really goes on in this Government, when issues hit too close to home. Their instinct is to ignore the substance, attack the messenger and pretend the problem doesn’t exist.
 
What makes it worse is the Premier’s refusal to face Sydney media today to explain what is going on with his Government in the Legislative Council. Instead of fronting up and explaining why his Government is trying to sell out injured workers, he is running off down the South Coast to prop up a Labor MP who has delivered nothing for her community.
 
Labor’s cowardice sits on top of one of the most shameful parliamentary weeks in years. The Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council Penny Sharpe was formally censured yesterday for failing to comply with multiple orders for papers relating to the Premier’s secret Moore Park deal with Clover Moore and Bob Carr. If the Government refuses to comply, the Legislative Council retains the option of suspending her from the Parliament.
 
This is the transparency standard of the Minns Labor Government. It is a Government that blocks scrutiny, filibusters debate and runs from accountability every chance it gets.
 
The Minns Labor Government has failed the transparency test and now the basic decency test.
 
Shadow Treasurer Damien Tudehope said what we have seen from Labor is a disgrace, breaking their election promise while also hiding from their record.
 
“When the moment came for a division, they refused. If you cannot put your name to a vote that affects injured workers across NSW, you are in the wrong job,” Mr Tudehope said.

The NSW Opposition welcomes every dollar invested in frontline services. Firefighters deserve modern stations, proper equipment and the certainty that comes with long term planning. That principle is not in dispute.
 
But the Minns Labor Government’s Rhodes announcement today leaves out an important truth.
 
What the Government has not revealed is that this decision all but guarantees the closure of the Concord/North Strathfield fire station, just as 18,000 new homes are coming to North Strathfield. Communities deserve honesty. They are not getting it.
 
The Government’s story gets stranger. Donna Davis is not the local member for this area. Sally Sitou is a Federal MP and this project has no Commonwealth involvement or funding. Yet both appear in the release while the actual State MP for Drummoyne has been cut out entirely.
 
It is theatre, not transparency, and it speaks volumes about how this Government operates. When issues hit too close to home, their instinct is to ignore the substance, attack the messenger and pretend the problem doesn’t exist.
 
And when it comes to Concord/North Strathfield fire station, the Minister cannot hide from the facts. The Member for Drummoyne has written to him, asked him directly and repeatedly called on him to rule out closing the station. He has refused every single time.
 
Communities want reassurance, not another round of photo opportunities. If Labor is so confident in its plan, it should front up and give a straight answer.
 
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said investment in firefighting capability is always welcome, our firefighters deserve the very best and communities expect straight answers, not staged announcements.
 
“However, today’s announcement raises more questions than it answers. They are talking up a new site in Rhodes while refusing to give a clear commitment to the future of the Concord/North Strathfield station, right as thousands of new homes are planned nearby, that silence speaks volumes,” Mr Speakman said.
 
Labor was forced to buy land in Rhodes because the former site was sold to developers.
 
“Now they will not admit that this move paves the way for closing Concord and North Strathfield, right as thousands of new homes are set to be built the area,” Mr Speakman said.
 
Member for Drummoyne Stephanie Di Pasqua said she has asked the Minister directly, in writing and in Parliament, to rule out closing Concord/North Strathfield fire station and he has refused on every single occasion.
 
“My community wants certainty. They want to know their local firefighters will be here when seconds matter. They are not getting that certainty from Labor,” Ms Di Pasqua said.

Aboriginal community organisations and groups across NSW are invited to apply for grants to support events and activities that celebrate and strengthen Aboriginal cultures.

Aboriginal Affairs NSW is offering grants between $1,000 and $20,000 to support the continuation of living cultures – helping communities share knowledge, strengthen identity, and celebrate connection to country, culture and community.

The Cultural Grants Program 2025-2026 will be an open, rolling program where Aboriginal organisations can apply at any time until the $1.5 million in funding is allocated or the program closes on 31 March 2026.

Last year’s Cultural Grants Program supported more than 70 Aboriginal community organisations and groups across NSW to lead local events and initiatives that keep culture strong.

Past funded initiatives have included:

• Darkinjung Waters INC who support health and welbeing actvities to hold a culture camp for the community to come together to celebrate Aboriginal culture
• Country King Browns Rugby League Football Club to empower Aboriginal girls by fostering resilience and cultural connection through mental health workshops, cultural activities and a Yarn Up with Elders.

Aboriginal organisations interested in applying can receive support from their local Aboriginal Affairs NSW Regional Team.

Aboriginal Affairs NSW held a free online Cultural Grants Community Information Session on Wednesday 12 November,  a recording of the session is available here.

For more information on how to apply for a Cultural Grant visit Aboriginal Affairs NSW Cultural Grants Program.

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said: 

“Cultural Grants support Aboriginal people, communities and organisations to share, strengthen and celebrate culture in ways that are meaningful to them.

“The NSW Government is proud to support community-driven events that bring people together, pass on knowledge, and strengthen connections to Country and culture.

“This program is about celebrating the diversity, creativity and resilience of Aboriginal peoples and cultures, now and into the future.”

The Minns Labor Government is set to overhaul the state’s underquoting laws, with consultation beginning on proposed reforms to lift professional standards across the real estate sector, improve transparency in property listings and boost buyer confidence. 

The proposed changes aim to crack down on misleading price estimates in property listings, a practice known as underquoting, which leads to buyers wasting time and money pursuing homes that are well out of reach. 

The proposed reforms, subject to consultation, include:

• Significantly increased penalties for underquoting from the current $22,000 to $110,000 or three times the agent’s commission, whichever is greater.
• Mandating a price or price guide on all advertising so prospective buyers don’t waste their time on properties outside of their budget.
• Requiring agents to publish a Statement of Information (SOI) to help prospective buyers understand how the selling price was calculated, including comparable sales and suburb median prices.
• Requiring real estate agents to calculate and revise the estimated selling price of a property in accordance with new, clearer guidelines to be issued by the NSW Fair Trading Commissioner.
• Tightening advertising rules to ensure price guides are published, accurate and updated promptly, including preventing representations of a selling price that is less than a rejected offer or bid on a property.
• Strengthening record-keeping obligations, including requiring evidence to be kept around market feedback, offers made and refused, and consideration of changed market conditions, to help Fair Trading enforce the new laws.
• Boosting disciplinary action against agents by NSW Fair Trading, such as publicising any underquoting breaches, requiring independent valuers to certify the estimated selling price (at no cost to the vendor) or suspension of property sales activities under a licence.
• Create a standalone offence for failing to meet continuing professional development requirements for agents.  

In 2024 NSW Fair Trading issued more than 100 penalty notices for underquoting offences, forming a crucial part of the Strata and Property Services Taskforce’s work to strengthen compliance and enforcement in the rental market.  

The proposed changes have been modelled on Victorian laws introduced in 2016 which have led to millions in fines and are now widely accepted by industry. 

Legislation implementing the changes is expected to be introduced to Parliament next year.  

For more information on underquoting laws visit Price estimation and underquoting when selling a property.

Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong said: 

“There is broad recognition not only from buyers, but across the property industry, that stronger underquoting laws are needed to restore trust and improve transparency in property sales. 

“Our message is that we hear you – we’ve developed a package of reforms and are now consulting with the sector to ensure we get the balance right between consumer protection and practical implementation for industry. 

“The proposed laws will ensure NSW Fair Trading’s Strata and Property Taskforce can take meaningful action against misleading conduct in property advertising and transaction and clean up the NSW market.” 

NSW Strata and Property Services Commissioner Angus Abadee said: 

“These proposed reforms are designed to bring greater transparency to property sales and ensure buyers are not misled by inaccurate price guides.”  

“By outlining our vision for clearer documentation and stronger penalties, we’re making it easier to hold agents accountable for underquoting.

“The proposed Statement of Information and advertising rules will help buyers make informed decisions and reduce wasted time and money – a win for consumers already struggling with cost of living pressures.” 

Wagga Wagga will host the 2026 NRLW Magic Round in August 2026 with all 12 womens teams playing at Geohex Park in what is set to be a huge economic, sporting and tourism boost for the region.

NRLW Magic Round is made possible thanks to a major three-year partnership between the Minns Labor Government and the NRL, showing a shared commitment to driving economic growth in regional communities while promoting greater participation and visibility for women in sport.

Off the field, NRLW Magic Round will deliver a major boost to local hotels, cafes, restaurants and retailers, as well as showcasing the region to global audience with every match broadcast live on television and through streaming.

The Minns Labor Government and NRL partnership also provides young girls and aspiring athletes with the opportunity to develop their skills through clinics, school visits, coaching workshops, and a Magic Round fan day ahead of the tournament.

The inaugural NRLW Magic Round held in Newcastle in August this year featured high-quality wet weather football in torrential rain, a tough and entertaining showcase that underlined the scale and promise of what this event can be.

Geohex Park in Wagga Wagga, which has a crowd capacity of 10,000, has previously hosted Canberra Raiders NRL Premiership matches, NRLW pre-season games and a Country v City Origin clash.

The partnership is part of the NSW government’s plans to build a better NSW and to highlight to metropolitan areas the opportunities to be found outside of Sydney.

Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“Wagga has a proud rugby league history and is the perfect stage for this national event.

“I’m thrilled that Wagga Wagga will host next year’s NRLW Magic Round, a celebration of elite women’s rugby league and the communities that support it.

“I am incredibly proud that the Minns Labor Government has partnered with the NRL to help bring the NRLW Magic Round to regional NSW. It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase our regional communities.

“I look forward to seeing hometown heroes like Newcastle Knights’ Tess Staines and Parramatta Eels’ Rachel Pearson shine over what will be a fantastic weekend in one of NSW greatest regional centres.

Minister for Sport and Tourism, Steve Kamper said:

“NSW is the home of the NRL, and it’s great to see Wagga Wagga host the 2026 NRLW Magic Round, where locals and those travelling from across NSW and beyond will have the opportunity to witness the NRLW’s biggest names.

This is a big win not just for NSW sports fans, but for our regional business community. By hosting the NRLW Magic Round in our regional centres, we’ll inject millions of extra dollars into local pubs, hotels and restaurants.”

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“Events like the NRLW Magic Round show how our state continues to lead the way in creating a brighter future for women in sport.

“We’ve seen a tremendous increase in women sport in recent years, and hosting the NRLW Magic Round in a regional town like Wagga Wagga means we are making sure that regional women benefit from this.

“These games will provide regional women and girls opportunities to grow their interest, and hopefully inspire them to follow in the footsteps of their sporting heroes.”

National Rugby League CEO, Andrew Abdo said:

“Wagga Wagga has a deep and historic connection to rugby league, producing several elite players who have represented at state and national levels.

“It’s also the largest inland city in New South Wales, a vibrant hub of culture and the arts, not to mention great restaurants, accommodation and wineries, making it an ideal host for the 2026 NRLW Magic Round for players and fans.”

Member for Wagga Wagga Dr Joe McGirr said:

“This is a huge win for Wagga Wagga, hosting next year’s NRLW Magic Round will bring an electrifying atmosphere to the region and shine a national spotlight on the local community. It’s not just a celebration of elite women’s rugby league, but a chance for Wagga Wagga to showcase its hospitality, and passion for sport.

“Beyond the stadium, the economic effect will be significant local businesses, tourism operators, and hospitality venues will all benefit from the influx of visitors and media attention.

“It’s a moment for Wagga Wagga to shine, and for the NRLW to continue its powerful momentum in growing women’s sport nationwide.”

The Minns Labor Government has today unveiled new designs showcasing the $910 million Rouse Hill Hospital, with the community invited to view and provide feedback.

The artist’s impressions of the state-of-the-art health facility include the main entry of the hospital, a new internal access road, drop off and pick up area, and green spaces. The design also showcases the ‘care arcade’, which will house retail and café spaces and other services for consumers, families and visitors.

The Rouse Hill Hospital will cater for the growing healthcare needs of North West Sydney communities now and into the future.

The State Significant Development Application (SSDA) for main works construction of the new Rouse Hill Hospital is now on public exhibition, and the community is invited to have their say on the project. Community consultation will happen over coming weeks.

The SSDA is available to view here. 

Feedback can be provided until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 10 December.

The Liberals promised and failed to deliver Rouse Hill Hospital at three elections – with no plans to include an emergency department, birthing services, or rehabilitation services.

The final scope for the new $910 million Rouse Hill Hospital development delivered by the Labor Government is expected to include:

• an Emergency Department and primary access clinic
• comprehensive birthing services including birthing rooms and a maternity inpatient unit
• inpatient beds and day surgery services
• short stay medical assessment services
• pathology, pharmacy and medical imaging services
• outpatient and ambulatory care services including paediatrics and renal dialysis
• virtual care and hospital in the home services
• prehabilitation, rehabilitation and lifestyle medicine

The new hospital design, which includes a multi-storey car park, has been carefully future-proofed allowing for the growth and delivery of future health services.

Planning and design for new hospital is being guided by ongoing community feedback, including new comprehensive birthing and maternity services boosted by an additional $210 million committed to the project by the NSW and Commonwealth Governments.

An early works contractor is expected to be appointed in the coming months, and these works will be carried out to prepare the site for construction of the new hospital.

For more information visit Rouse Hill Hospital project.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:  

“This is a hospital that the Liberals failed to deliver. The Minns Government is now getting on with the job of building the health services communities in North West Sydney need.

“With the State Significant Development Application now on exhibition, we are one step closer to making the health facility a reality.

“The new designs show the Minns Government’s commitment to creating a state-of-the-art hospital that will service the growing North West Sydney community for generations to come.

“More hospitals, more beds, lower wait times. It’s as simple as that.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Rouse Hill Hospital will provide vital health services for North West Sydney’s growing community.

“With increasing density in the region it’s crucial we get the delivery of this hospital right, so I encourage the community to have their say on the detailed designs.

“The Minns Labor Government is delivering homes, jobs and infrastructure together for North West Sydney where the Liberals and National failed.

Attorney-General and Federal Member for Greenway Michelle Rowland

“I am delighted that families in North West Sydney are now one step closer to having the high-quality public hospital they deserve, close to home.

“I look forward to the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments continuing to work together to deliver the best quality health services to support our growing community.”

Member for Riverstone Warren Kirby

“Having the SSDA on public exhibition is a clear indication the Minns Labor Government is going to deliver the Rouse Hill Hospital after more than a decade of false promises and fake sod turnings under the Liberals which did nothing more than make our community frustrated and cynical.

“This is a tangible step forward for the Rouse Hill Hospital and a clear sign the Minns Labor Government will live up to our promise to build the Rouse Hill hospital.

“Approval of the SSDA is the final step towards getting construction underway for the Rouse Hill hospital. I congratulate the Minister for Health for his commitment to provide Sydney’s North West Growth area with a healthcare facility designed to meet the needs of our growing population”

Labor Spokesperson for Kellyville Peter Primrose

“The former Liberal Government promised us a hospital, but all we ever got was temporary fencing with tattered plastic bunting. Now funding for our new Rouse Hill Hospital has been approved, and the planning and design work is being finalised so construction can begin.”