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NSW Government to keep the party going with extended trading hours for Mardi Gras

Celebrations for the 2024 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival will continue well into the night with licensed venues in NSW granted Special Event Extended Trading to kick on into the early hours.

Eligible venues across both inner Sydney and the city’s east will be able to trade later this weekend for the Bondi Beach Party and Sissy Ball. Extended trading hours will also apply for the Mardi Gras parade on Saturday, 2 March.

As the year progresses, the NSW Government expects to list additional special events, further enriching NSW’s nightlife and cultural offerings across the regions.

Find out more about the full list of special events and more information on extended trading

Find out more about the NSW Government’s Vibrancy reforms

Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham said:

“Mardi Gras brings tens of thousands of visitors to the city from around the state, across the country and overseas to join in the celebration.

“Every year, the Mardi Gras parade transforms Oxford Street and the surrounding precincts. It’s a wonderful embodiment of the intentions behind the NSW Government’s Vibrancy reforms.

“Special event extended trading will provide more options for people to enjoy our live music and celebrate together for longer.”

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:

“Local bars and clubs play a vital role in our community, especially in Sydney’s inner and eastern suburbs.”

“The NSW Government is committed to creating additional opportunities for hospitality venues during special events.

“These extended trading hours will help facilitate great experiences for patrons, with a wider array of options to enjoy sporting and cultural events.”

Special Events and Related Conditions

‘Relevant venues’ includes Hotels, General Bars, Clubs, Small Bars and Dedicated Live Music & Performance Venues.

Special event	Extended trading period	Class of premises to which extended trading period applies
Mardi Gras – Bondi Beach Party	Midnight on Saturday 24 February 2024 to 1am on Sunday 25 February 2024	All eligible licensed premises in Waverley, Bondi, Bondi junction, North Bondi in the Waverley local government area
Mardi Gras – Sissy Ball	Midnight on Saturday 24 February 2024 to 1am on Sunday 25 February 2024	All eligible licensed premises in Sydney, Darlinghurst, Surry Hills, Potts Point in the Sydney local government area and Paddington in the Woollahra local government area
Sydney Mardi Gras Parade	Midnight on Saturday 2 March 2024 to 1am Sunday 3 March 2024	All eligible licensed premises in Sydney, Darlinghurst, Surry Hills, Potts Point in the Sydney local government area and Paddington in the Woollahra local government area

Dust Diseases Board appointments

The NSW Government welcomes the newest appointments to the Dust Disease Board, who will give new focus and perspective to the allocation of grant funding for research and support services for people affected by dust diseases.

Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Work, Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis appointed three new Board members, Ms Kate Cole OAM, Mr Peter Tighe and Professor Emeritus Malcom Sim AM.

Minister Cotsis has reappointed Board members, Professor Sanchia Aranda, Professor David Currow FAHMS, Ms Sylvia Kidziak AM, Mr Ray Petty, Ms Natasha Flores. Ms Sherri Hayward and Mr John Walsh AO (Chair) continue their appointments to the Board.

The Dust Diseases Board, which is a scheme within icare, has been funding grants since 1983 with the aim of reducing the risk of dust diseases and improving outcomes for people who have a dust disease, and their families.

A total of 55 grants with a funded value of over $13 million were approved by the Dust Diseases Board between 2016 and 2023.

Board members include representation from: employers; employees; support, advocacy or awareness groups or organisations; persons involved in research into dust diseases or in academic matters relating to dust diseases; health professionals; and an independent chairperson.

Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Work, Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said:

“I’m really pleased to appoint Peter Tighe to the Dust Disease Board, who has been a staunch advocate for trade workers coming into contact with asbestos. It’s important to have a broad cross-section of representation on the board.

“Kate Cole OAM is a health industry expert, who will bring further workplace prevention perspectives to the board, thanks to her work as an occupational hygienist who specialises in the prevention of dust diseases like silicosis.

“Professor Malcolm Sim AM has worked in research fields relating to dust diseases in the workplace for more than 30 years, including at Monash University’s School of Public Health & Preventive Medicine. His expertise in this field will be invaluable.

“I want to thank the re-appointed and continuing board members for their continued service to address dust diseases affecting workers in New South Wales, and for their dedication to public service.

“Finally, I want to thank the outgoing members, Ms Abha Devasia, Ms Merylese Mercieca and Mr Barry Robson for their hard work during their tenure. Their important contribution to the administration of the board is greatly appreciated.”

Applications open for industrial court judges

Expressions of interest have opened for the appointment of a President and Deputy Presidents for the new Industrial Court of New South Wales.

The Industrial Relations Amendment Act 2023 delivered on the NSW Government’s commitment to end the wages cap and provide essential workers access to a fair and independent umpire.

The Industrial Relations Commission and the new court will be the central industrial tribunal and court for hearing all NSW Government industrial relations matters, setting remuneration and other conditions of employment, resolving industrial disputes and work, health and safety (WHS) matters.

The Industrial Court will be a superior court of record with equivalent status to the Supreme Court and the Land and Environment Court.

To be eligible for appointment as President of the Industrial Court, a candidate must be an Australian lawyer with at least seven years’ experience or currently hold or have held a judicial office in Australia.

The judges will be appointed by the Governor of NSW on the recommendation of the Attorney General. The appointments will be on a full-time basis until retirement age.

Minister for Industrial Relations, Sophie Cotsis said:

“We promised meaningful industrial relations reform, and this is being delivered.

“The blunt instrument of the former government’s approach has been replaced by genuine, meaningful bargaining overseen by a fair and independent court and commission.

Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“The Labor Government is taking time to conduct a national search for the best people to lead and re-establish the Industrial Court in NSW. Working people in NSW deserve nothing less.

“The new Industrial Relations Court will help ensure that our hard-working paramedics, nurses, school teachers and admin staff, emergency service workers and police are paid appropriately.”

All systems go for the Central West’s regional transport co-ordination centre

A new Central West control centre designed to deliver better transport outcomes during major events and emergencies is getting its first live test during the Bathurst SuperFest celebration.

The Parkes Customer Coordination Centre (CCC) is a dedicated space for Transport for NSW experts and those from partner organisations to gather — at short notice, if needed — and deliver fast, evidence-based and efficient decision-making to benefit users of the regional transport network.

During planned major events, the CCC will help make journeys smoother and safer for motorists and commuters, while during emergencies it could be where life-saving decisions are made about how to ensure people are moving safely around the region.

The Central West CCC is the first of five regional centres to be rolled out across regional NSW and it will be operational this weekend for the Bathurst 500 Supercars event.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“The Parkes CCC will help improve the Transport response to Central West events and emergencies, leading to better journeys for motorists in times of great stress and need.

“Previously CCCs were only in the big cities but we know when we have local experts driving decision-making we get better results on the ground locally and more broadly so that’s why the NSW Labor Government is proud to be investing in the creation of CCCs like the one in Parkes.

“During major events, we know it is important to have a single source of decision-making and oversight of traffic and transport management issues.

“This is especially important during sudden and rapidly evolving emergencies such as fires or flood, when decisions around traffic management can be of critical significance.

“During planned events such as Bathurst SuperFest, the CCC will ensure LiveTraffic NSW has the most up-to-date information for motorists, seek to minimise traffic disruptions for people not attending the event, and support event organisers, local councils and other stakeholders to help them deliver a successful event.

“During emergencies the CCC will better support efforts to ensure motorists and members of the public are kept a safe distance from hazards. It will help allow easier establishment of alternative transport routes and services where needed, while helping to support a seamless transition from response to recovery once the threat has passed.”

Labor’s secrecy causes stress and uncertainty for aged car sector

The Albanese Labor Government continues to shroud the future of the aged care sector in secrecy as more than two months have passed since the Government received their sustainability report.

Senate Estimates confirmed that the final report from their Aged Care Sustainability Taskforce was completed and provided to the Government before Christmas. However, despite being months behind on their deadline, Labor continues hiding the report from the Australian public.

The level of secrecy around the outcome of the Taskforce is astounding, with even the Government’s own acting Inspector General of Aged Care revealing that he has not received a briefing on the report despite requesting one.

Labor’s continued refusal to be transparent with the report has reaffirmed suspicions that it is concealing plans for financing the aged care sector until after the Dunkley by-election.

This deliberate delay creates additional stress for providers, who already have to grapple with serious financial pressures caused by an unaddressed workforce shortfall.

Over the last quarter, we have only seen an additional 44 nurses enter the aged care workforce, which means almost 6,000 additional nurses are needed before October 2024 to implement new mandated staffing requirements.

Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care, Senator Anne Ruston, said that the Coalition understands the pressures aged care provider face under Labor.

“Estimates revealed that 30% of aged care providers are already failing to meet current care requirements, and we are seriously concerned that this will only get worse from October as the Government continues to sit on their hands.

“The fact that Labor has not managed to reduce the staffing shortfall by even 1% shows critical failings in their approach to the current challenges.

“The last thing that aged care providers need when they are trying to care for our older Australians is for the Government to inflict even greater uncertainty on them regarding their future financing and sustainability,” Shadow Minister Ruston said.

The Coalition is calling on the Albanese Labor Government to be transparent about their plans for the aged care sector by releasing the Taskforce’s report. Otherwise, we are left to ask – What are they hiding?

Future investment on the agenda as City of Newcastle seeks long-term vision along the coast

City of Newcastle (CN) is developing a plan to guide investment along the Newcastle coast over the next 25 years.

The Coastal Buildings Revitalisation Plan will provide clear direction for the maintenance, renewal and upgrade of coastal buildings and assets over the short, medium and long term.

The Coastal Buildings Revitalisation Plan will provide clear direction for the maintenance, renewal and upgrade of a range of structures along the coastline including shade shelters and lifeguard facilities.

The Plan will incorporate a range of structures along the coastline from Stockton to the Merewether Ocean Baths Pavilion, and include lifeguard facilities, surf club pavilions and clubhouses, beach kiosks, shade shelters and amenities, as well as seawalls.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the Plan would provide a coordinated approach to maintaining and enhancing the public facilities located alongside Newcastle’s most precious natural asset.

“We know just how much our community and the millions of visitors that flock to our city each year value our beautiful coastline and the public facilities overlooking it,” Cr Nelmes said.

“This is why we continue to invest significantly through our Coastal Revitalisation Program, with major infrastructure projects including upgrades to the Merewether Ocean Baths and the refurbishment of Nobbys Surf Pavilion, the ongoing revitalisation of the Newcastle Ocean Baths, and the delivery of our flagship Bathers Way coastal path.

“The Coastal Buildings Revitalisation Plan will enable City of Newcastle to take a proactive and sustainable approach to identifying and prioritising future works on our coastal assets, to ensure they meet the needs of our community for generations to come. It will also assist us in applying for and securing State and Federal Government co-funding to undertake these important projects.”

The first stage of the Plan includes assessing the condition of the existing coastal assets, and the development of a ‘user needs analysis’ to better understand the community’s needs and aspirations for them now and into the future.

This stage is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.

Proposed short, medium and long-term outcomes for each of the assets will be determined during the second stage of the Plan, which will also be informed by the Extended Stockton and Southern Beaches Coastal Management Programs, which are both currently in development by CN and require certification by the NSW Government.

Hunter Surf Life Saving President Henry Scruton welcomed the opportunity to engage with City of Newcastle on the importance of these coastal buildings to the community.

“The development of this Plan acknowledges the significance of these coastal assets to our city, and will help guide investment in surf clubs as an important service and intrinsic part of our coastal community,” Mr Scruton said.

Cr Nelmes said Newcastle’s coastal areas attracted a wide range of community members and visitors for sport, recreation and work.

“This Plan will help City of Newcastle explore future funding options with Federal and State Government, and external stakeholders, to help maximise the functionality of our coastal buildings and ensure residents, visitors, our professional lifeguards and surf lifesaving volunteers can continue to make the most of Newcastle’s beautiful beaches and outdoor recreational lifestyle,” Cr Nelmes said.

Councillor Jenny Barrie also applauded the development of the Plan.

“This is a great step forward to the important revitalisation of our coastal assets to benefit our surf lifesaving volunteers and the lifestyle of Newcastle’s wider community,” Cr Barrie said.

City of Newcastle set to breathe new life into Lambton Park cafe

City of Newcastle (CN) is preparing to revamp a former café site at one of the city’s most popular parks as it seeks expressions of interest from potential new operators.

The Lambton Park building, which was constructed in the 1940s as a baby health centre, will undergo renovations as part of a development application set to be lodged within coming months.

An artist’s impression of the renovated cafe in Lambton Park.

Subject to approval, the project would see the building modernised into an open plan cafe complete with bi-fold doors onto a new rear deck extension, which will provide accessible ramp access for parents with prams and people with mobility issues.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the café redevelopment would continue CN’s ongoing investment in the Lambton Park precinct.

“City of Newcastle is committed to creating enriched neighbourhoods with accessible spaces that nurture connected, inclusive communities,” Cr Nelmes said.

“The café redevelopment follows on from significant upgrades at the Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre, and the extensive renovation of Lambton Library, which delivered modern and accessible facilities while also returning the building’s original heritage character to the front façade.

“We are continuing to deliver enhanced community spaces and invest in a range of projects to ensure our community has continued opportunities for active living and social connection.”

An artist’s impression of the renovated cafe at Lambton Park, including the proposed rear deck extension and access ramp.

Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said the proposed upgrade would improve the facilities on offer in the popular recreation precinct.

“Lambton Park is a much-loved destination that plays an important role in meeting the recreational and social needs of our local residents,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.

“This café is ideally located next to the children’s playground, with the new rear deck allowing parents to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee while watching their children play on the equipment. Its proximity to the refurbished Lambton Library and nearby tennis courts ensure it will be a valuable addition to what is already on offer in the park precinct.

“This will be the first major adaptive reuse of this historic building since it’s construction more than 80 years ago and I look forward to seeing it well utilised by the community for years to come.”

An expression of interest process, managed by Colliers on behalf of CN, will begin next week to find a suitable operator to lease the café, pending the approval and completion of renovations.

New Commissioner appointed to lead Information and Privacy Commission NSW

A new Information Commissioner has been appointed to lead the Information and Privacy Commission NSW (IPC).

Rachel McCallum will commence a three-year term as Information Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the IPC on 4 March 2024. The appointment follows a recruitment process undertaken by the Public Service Commission.

The IPC is an independent statutory authority that administers NSW legislation dealing with privacy and access to government information.

As Information Commissioner, Ms McCallum’s statutory role will include promoting public awareness and understanding of the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA Act) providing information, advice, assistance, and training to agencies and the public; dealing with complaints about agencies; investigating agencies’ systems, policies, and practices; and reporting on compliance with the GIPA Act.

Ms McCallum brings to the position thirty years in legal practice and policy development, including in the reform of information access rights, privacy, electoral regulation, local government, and integrity agencies.

Her extensive experience in legal, regulatory and governance positions spans the private and public sector, including her most recent role as Executive Director and General Counsel at the NSW Electoral Commission. She has previously served in senior positions at Transport for NSW and the Department of Premier and Cabinet.

Find out more about the Information and Privacy Commission NSW

Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“I welcome Ms McCallum to the role and look forward to working with her.

“I also wish to thank Elizabeth Tydd who held the role for 10 years and departed the Information and Privacy Commission NSW on 2 February this year.

“During her time as Information Commissioner, there was a significant shift in the information access landscape in NSW. Ms Tydd oversaw a significant maturing of agencies’ practices, and I am confident Ms McCallum will continue this vital work.”

Minister for Digital and Customer Service Jihad Dib said:

“Building trust and transparency is a key focus of this important statutory role, giving the people of NSW confidence about the way access to government information is managed.

“By empowering people to understand their rights to access information, and guiding government agencies to implement good practice, the work of the Information Commissioner supports accountability in government and our democratic systems.

“I look forward to working with Commissioner McCallum and congratulate her on the appointment.”

Information Commissioner Rachel McCallum said:

“The Information and Privacy Commission serves a critical integrity role for public administration in NSW. It is a privilege to be appointed as Information Commissioner and CEO of the IPC and to lead this work over the next few years.

“Information access and privacy issues are central to the fair and effective adoption of new technologies to deliver public services.”

Sydney’s first Centre for LGBTQIA History and Culture opens at the Old Darlinghurst Police Station

A new permanent home of Sydney’s first Centre for LGBTQIA+ History and Culture will be officially open to the public from today at the site of the former Darlinghurst Police Station.

This opening of the centre creates a new heart for LGBTQIA+ history, art and culture in the Oxford Street Precinct.

The heritage-listed site, previously associated with the jailing of Sydney’s LGBTQIA+ community including some 78ers, has been remediated to host exhibitions, educational programs and evening performances that explore, celebrate and educate people on LGBTQIA+ history and culture.

In a key election promise delivered, the NSW Government handed over the site and committed $6.7 million towards supporting the establishment of Qtopia Sydney at the former police station.

Qtopia, a not-for-profit organisation committed to the empowerment and inclusion of the LGBTQIA+ community will be responsible for the operation of the facility, supported by a governing board and an expert advisory panel.

The idea to create this centre came from Professor David Cooper who treated David Polson a founder of Qtopia and one of the first 400 people diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in Australia and one of only 32 still alive.

Launching in Sydney in time for Mardi Gras 2024, the exhibits will feature historical and archival objects, imagery, video and audio, to tell some of the stories of this significant period within Australia’s history.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“This new centre turns the page on the history of the Old Darlinghurst Police Station and writes a new chapter that celebrates and recognises the proud LGBTQIA+ history and culture of our state.

“We couldn’t be prouder to support the establishment of Qtopia Sydney as a testament to the inclusivity and diversity that have come to define our vibrant city and state.

“Qtopia will stand as more than just a testament to any one particular person or government, this centre will stand as a marker for us all as to how far we’ve come in addressing inequality in NSW.

Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council Penny Sharpe said:

“Qtopia turns the history of discrimination, violence and shame, to one of celebration, visibility and resilience of our diverse queer community.

“Happy Mardi Gras.”

Minister for the Arts John Graham said:

“Qtopia’s new and permanent home in the former Darlinghurst Police Station is a significant space for Sydney LGBTQIA+ community. It will be an important place for education, engagement, and artistic expression.

“This heritage-listed building holds a lot of history for members of the LGBTQIA+ community. It will provide a place for exploring ideas and foster a deeper understanding of history and current events. I am pleased to see it’s reimagining as a much-needed cultural space in the centre of Sydney.”

Bolstering traditional practices to ramp up bushfire resilience

A new program to boost the bushfire resilience of critical transport corridors by supporting Aboriginal cultural landscape management has been launched at 4 sites across regional NSW.

The $4.5 million Transport for NSW (TfNSW) Aboriginal Cultural Landscapes Project is a land management pilot created in response to recommendations from the NSW Bushfire Inquiry which followed the Black Summer disaster.

The outcome-driven project supports local Aboriginal communities to use traditional land management methods, including cultural burning, to reduce the risk of bushfires impacting key NSW roads.

Pilot sites are located:

near the Bruxner Highway northwest of Grafton on Bundjalung Country
near the Oxley and Newell Highways at Coonabarabran on Gomeroi Country
along the Princes Highway at Bega and Batemans Bay on the South Coast on Yuin Country.

A joint TfNSW and La Trobe University research project will accompany the pilots and explore how traditional and cultural land and water management can be used to build resilience to natural disasters into the transport network.

The Department of Regional NSW Regional Aboriginal Partnerships Program will support Aboriginal groups within a culturally safe environment to ensure their business models can deliver landscape management services to landowners and Government once the pilots conclude in mid-2025.

The pilot is part of the NSW Government’s $28 million Network Resilience Program being delivered by TfNSW over 4 years to improve the State Road network’s resilience to bushfires.

Find out more about the Network Resilience Program.

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, NSW Rural Fire Service, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Forestry Corporation of NSW, NSW Local Land Services, local councils and Local Emergency Management Committees are working on the pilots with TfNSW.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“Hazard reduction and mitigation play a key role in managing fire risk, and we know from the Bushfire Inquiry that there are many different approaches we can take to this to prepare as much as possible for bushfires.

“This project will support Aboriginal communities to carry out and expand cultural landscape management, making our road network more resilient and promoting the use of local traditional knowledge to better prepare our landscape for natural disasters.”

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:

“Aboriginal people have been caring for Country as custodians and knowledge holders for tens of thousands of years.

“It makes sense for Aboriginal people to manage the landscape at these sites now and into the future.

“Through this initiative, we are Closing the Gap by creating jobs and empowering Aboriginal people and communities to be decision-makers.

“The project will strengthen Aboriginal communities and build knowledge and cultural heritage across the generations.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“Having travelled extensively through Bega during the 2019/20 bushfires, I know the first-hand trauma and devastation they caused.

“It’s a win-win situation that could pave the way for this important work to expand after the pilot. It will contribute to a model of closer working with Aboriginal people to build the framework for future land management partnerships with Transport for NSW, other Government agencies, and private landholders.

“This won’t just help reduce the risk of catastrophic fires impacting our transport links, it will also help the Aboriginal communities strengthen their cultural connection with Country.”

Member for Bega Dr Michael Holland said:

“The long-term tragedy and trauma that catastrophic fires bring is fresh in the memory of people who live, work and visit the South Coast. Connectivity is key during times of natural disaster, and I welcome any initiative that will help build the resilience of our key road network.

“The great thing about the pilot is that it has the potential to build future business and employment opportunities for local communities, while uplifting our collective ability to care for Country.

“This will help encourage knowledge of the land to be passed on by Elders, and benefit local communities as well as everyone who relies on the road network.”