National apology and recognition for Thalidomide survivors and their families

On Wednesday, 29 November 2023, the Australian Government will issue a formal national apology to all Australians impacted by the Thalidomide Tragedy.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will deliver the apology on behalf of the Australian Government, Parliament and the Australian people, in the House of Representatives.

Thalidomide survivors, their family members, carers and supporters will attend the historic apology, followed by a reception in the Great Hall of Parliament House.

A National Site of Recognition will also be unveiled on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin at a ceremony on Thursday, 30 November 2023. This important event will also be attended by thalidomide survivors and their families.

The apology and the creation of a memorial site are in response to key recommendations of the Support for Australia’s thalidomide survivors final report, delivered by the Senate Community Affairs References Committee in March 2019.

Thalidomide was the active ingredient in a sedative drug widely distributed to many mothers in Australia and around the world in the early 1960s. It was later found to cause malformation of limbs, facial features and internal organs in unborn children.

While there are 146 thalidomide survivors registered with the Australian Thalidomide Survivors Support Program, the exact number of those affected is unknown.

Prime Minister Albanese said:

“The thalidomide tragedy is a dark chapter in the history of our nation and the world.

“I recognise that the survivors, their families, friends and carers have advocated for this apology with courage and conviction for many years. This moment is a long overdue national acknowledgement of all they have endured and all they have fought for.

“In giving this apology, we will acknowledge all those babies who died and the families who mourn them, as well as those who survived but whose lives were made so much harder by the effects of this terrible drug.”

Minister Butler said:

“So many mothers and their babies were let down by systemic failures that led to the thalidomide tragedy, and we should reflect on that and apologise for it.

“While we cannot change the past or end the physical suffering, I hope these important next steps of recognition and apology will help heal some of the emotional wounds.

“It is difficult today, to think a tragedy like thalidomide could happen, and it’s a sobering reminder of our duty to put in place measures to protect people from harm.”

Albanese Government must bring urgent legislation to Parliament after botching detainee case

The Albanese Government must act to introduce urgent legislation to the Parliament after the High Court today endorsed preventative detention to protect Australians from the dangerous detainees that have been released into our community.

Leader of the Opposition Peter Dutton and Coalition Shadow Ministers Michaelia Cash, James Paterson and Dan Tehan called on the Government to act immediately to keep the Australian community safe.

The High Court has endorsed exactly the type of response that Peter Dutton has been calling for over the last three weeks, as the Government released more than 140 detainees including pedophiles, rapists, murderers, and a contract killer onto our streets.

The High Court’s reasons for its judgement in the case of the detainee known as NZYQ clearly greenlights a pathway to legislate for preventative detention to protect the community. It falls to the Government now to follow through.

The Government has been saying for two weeks that preventative detention isn’t an option and they’ve been proved wrong today. They should have been ready with preventative detention legislation already.

Questions also arise as to why the Government panicked and urgently released in excess of 140 detainees when the decision clearly applies to the single detainee NZYQ.

The hopeless Minister for Immigration Andrew Giles and hapless Minister for Home Affairs Clare O’Neil should explain to the Australia people why they released each of the other 140 detainees. Both Ministers Giles and O’Neil have shown Australians what amateur hour looks like.

What is also very clear is that the Government botched the handling of this case.

Why did they make concessions in May that NZYQ couldn’t be resettled, but then proceed to make further inquiries in August in an attempt to resettle him?

The Court specifically looked at the last-ditch inquiries made very late in the piece. But because it was left so late in the process it was not reasonable to say whether those inquiries were likely to be successful.

Mr Giles and Ms O’Neil should come clean on why they gave that concession which appears to have set the High Court on a path of no return.

This Government has proved incompetent during every step of this process. We will await their further incompetence to be on display in coming days.

Hamilton’s green heart prepares for reimagined playspace

City of Newcastle will invest more than $3 million into a new inclusive playspace at Hamilton’s historic Gregson Park, with construction set to kick off early next year.

Councillors voted Tuesday night to accept the tender for the project, which will include a variety of traditional play equipment, as well as a range of accessible and nature-based play options, with traditional Indigenous elements, including a yarning circle to encourage knowledge sharing and a bush tucker garden to enrich learning of native edible plants.

Additional shade, a water feature, formal and informal seating, and footbridges will also feature, complemented by an upgraded, accessible amenities building and new covered picnic area, with construction expected to be completed in late 2024.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Cr Duncan at Gregson Park

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes welcomed the next step in the delivering this important project for Hamilton residents and the community.

“City of Newcastle is committed to delivering quality playgrounds and green spaces across Newcastle for locals and visitors to enjoy,” Cr Nelmes said.

“We know our community values Gregson Park’s rich Indigenous history and what it offers as a diverse recreational space.

“Construction of this playspace in the new year signifies an important milestone in delivering our shared vision for Gregson Park, and was identified as a high priority action as part of the adopted Masterplan for the much-loved park.

“We’ve undertaken extensive community engagement in preparing the Gregson Park Masterplan 2021, with feedback incorporated into the final design for the playspace and upgraded amenities, along with consultation with First Nations Australians to appropriately capture Indigenous elements in the design.”

Councillor Carol Duncan, who is also the Chair of the Community and Culture Advisory Committee, said she looked forward to the project progressing.

“Gregson Park is a well-loved destination for Hamilton residents and the wider Newcastle community, offering a tranquil green space, just a short stroll from bustling Beaumont Street,” Cr Duncan said.

“The enhanced inclusive elements of the new playspace and upgraded amenities will ensure Gregson Park is made even more accessible for the future generation’s enjoyment of the space.

“I’m excited to see more members of our community interacting with this space in years to come.”

Newcastle Art Gallery expansion reaches new heights

The expansion of the Newcastle Art Gallery will reach new heights today with the installation of a 33 metre high hammerhead tower crane on site.

The crane will facilitate the next stage of the long-awaited Art Gallery Expansion project, which will more than double the size of the Gallery, modernising the facility into a fitting home for City of Newcastle’s nationally significant $126 million collection.

Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation Chair Suzie Galwey, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and Councillor Carol Duncan with representatives from City of Newcastle and Hansen Yuncken at the Newcastle Art Gallery site for the arrival and installation of the tower crane.Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes was pleased to see the main construction works progressing, bringing the community another step closer to a world class space for education and enjoyment of the arts.

“Due to its smaller size, the Gallery has only ever had the capacity to display around one percent of its amazing collection at any one time,” Cr Nelmes said.

“The expanded Gallery will mean we can welcome many more people into the space and give our collection the home it deserves.

“The newly installed crane is a welcome albeit temporary addition to our city’s skyline, and I am really pleased to see the construction activity forging ahead.”

Once completed, the expansion project will deliver multiple exhibition spaces with the ground floor galleries dedicated to permanent collection display, a café, retail shop, multi-purpose program space, and a secure international standard loading dock.

The crane’s arrival followed the presentation on Tuesday of a $1.3 million cheque for the expansion to City of Newcastle from the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation. The milestone payment is drawn from the Art Gallery Redevelopment Fund, which consists of funds raised by the community over many years and held in trust by the Foundation on behalf of the City of Newcastle since 2013.

Foundation Chair Suzie Galwey said the Foundation had so far secured philanthropic donations and pledges totalling $12 million for the expansion project, with a further $1 million being sought to achieve its $13 million fundraising goal.

“This cheque represents two decades of community passion, advocacy and fundraising for a world class gallery for Newcastle and the Hunter,” Ms Galwey said.

“It’s wonderful to celebrate this milestone payment alongside such exciting progress in the construction works and we look forward to seeing the expanded building continue to take shape.”

To celebrate the arrival of the crane, City of Newcastle is collaborating with Head Contractor Hansen Yuncken and a range of early learning providers in a family-friendly ‘Name the Crane’ colouring competition.

Newcastle Art Gallery Director Lauretta Morton OAM said the fun competition would help spark interest in both the arts and construction amongst Newcastle’s youngest students.

“The Gallery has long partnered with schools and pre-schools in the area to foster connections and creativity, so this seemed like a lovely way to continue this legacy while our programming has moved off-site,” Ms Morton said.

Results of the competition, including the reveal of the crane’s name, will be announced early next year.

The Newcastle Art Gallery expansion project is supported by $5 million from the Australian Government under the Regional Recovery Partnerships and $5 million from the New South Wales Government under the Regional Recovery Package, as well as $12 million from the Newcastle Art Gallery Foundation made possible through the Valerie and John Ryan bequest, Margaret Olley Trust, and community fundraising over many years. A further $1 million is currently being sought through the Foundation’s public fundraising campaign.

The Regional Recovery Partnerships initiative seeks to broker connections between all levels of government to increase information flow, share technical expertise and strengthen regional development outcomes.

City of Newcastle ignites anticipation ahead of New Year’s Eve celebrations

City of Newcastle is getting fired up to farewell 2023, with more than 30,000 people expected to converge on Newcastle’s Queens Wharf precinct for the family-friendly event.

Fire dancers along the Foreshore and formation flying overhead will add plenty of spark to the annual end-of-year festivities, which will culminate in a ramped-up fireworks display at 9pm.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the inclusive New Year Eve event would allow the whole community to come together and celebrate, with activities spread across Queens Wharf, Market Street Lawn and The Station.

“After another busy 12 months for Newcastle, our community deserves an opportunity to join together to celebrate everything we’ve achieved, and everything we’re looking forward to in 2024,” Cr Nelmes said.

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen with the 'Wolf Ifritah' fire dancers that will perform on New Year's Eve in Newcastle

Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said CN’s inclusive New Year’s Eve celebrations will offer something for all ages and abilities.

“There will be a mix of carnival rides, amusements and inflatables to keep the youngest members of the family happy, while our popular sensory zone will provide a safe and inviting space for people with disability and their families to enjoy the event,” Cr Clausen said.

“There will also be a strong Indigenous theme throughout the event, with our celebrations getting underway at 4pm with a traditional smoking ceremony followed by demonstrations of tool making, Aboriginal dancers, face painting and areas for children to learn how to make traditional baskets.”

World famous pilot Paul Bennet and his team are back for the second straight year to defy gravity and physics, putting on spectacular aerial displays at 6.30pm and 7.30pm involving both solo and formation manoeuvres.

A self-guided art walk will be set up along the Foreshore featuring installations and sculpture by students from the University of Newcastle, while a host of mouth-watering food vendors, market stalls, three pop-up DJ stations and fire dancing displays will provide plenty of things to see and do.

A spectacular fireworks display will cap off the night at 9pm, with the launch zone moved to Dyke Point this year to provide improved visibility for the crowds.

Additional public transport services are also being scheduled for New Year’s Eve to help people move to and from the event.

For more details visit https://whatson.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/event/new-year-s-eve-2023

2022/23 Annual Report highlights city on the grow

The visit of global megastar Elton John, the rejuvenation of the Newcastle Ocean Baths and a record $117.8 million spent on key infrastructure projects are just some of City of Newcastle’s (CN’s) achievements from another busy year.

The 2022-23 Annual Report was adopted at November’s Ordinary Council meeting and is the first annual report that aligns to our Newcastle 2040 community strategic plan, which is designed to turn a strategic vision of a liveable, sustainable, and inclusive city into reality for all Novocastrians.

Wallsend Active Hub

The city’s continued financial sustainability is highlighted in the Annual Report with CN spending $376.5 million this year to provide services and facilities to more than 169,000 residents, while recording a modest surplus of $7.8 million and an unqualified audit by the Audit Office of NSW.

Highlights of the City’s record $117.8 million capital works program include:

  • Lugar Park amenities upgrade in Kotara
  • Drainage upgrades at Smith Street, Merewether
  • Multipurpose sports and community hub at Myer Park, Adamstown
  • Pavement rehabilitation at Allowah Street, Waratah West
  • Road pavement stabilisation works at Kinta Drive, Beresfield
  • Traffic control signals at Chinchen Street, Islington

Elton John’s ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road’ concerts had an estimated economic impact of more than $12 million, attracting more than 50,000 fans for the two performances.

Work progressed to finalise the Extended Stockton Coastal Management Program (CMP) and CN secured NSW Government funding of $21 million to deliver mass sand nourishment to Stockton Beach.

We continued to invest in the Local Centres Program, delivering a renewed shopping hub at Mitchell Street, Stockton and progressing upgrades at Orchardtown Road in New Lambton, with future projects planned for Georgetown and Wallsend.

Wallsend is now home to the city’s largest playground, complete with a bike pump track, climbing walls, basketball court, tennis hitting wall and fitness equipment, following the completion of the $2 million Wallsend Active Hub in October 2022.

Other playgrounds were also enhanced including Vera Wilson Park in Beresfield, Avon Street Reserve in Mayfield, Harold Myers Park in Birmingham Gardens, Loch Ness Drive Park in Fletcher, Waratah Park in Waratah and the Beresfield Swimming Centre playground.

The eagerly anticipated rejuvenation of the Newcastle Ocean Baths got underway in 2022 with Stage One renovations geared towards enhancing safety, water quality and accessibility ahead of a return to swimming this summer.

The award-winning rehabilitation of Ironbark Creek is continuing with the latest stage now complete, focusing on 350 metres of creek line from Croudace Road, Elermore Vale to Lewis Street Oval, Wallsend.

Nearly 40,000 people attended the 2022 ‘New Annual’ cultural festival, featuring more than 530 artists and over 400 dedicated staff, crew and volunteers, across 32 city venues.

Newcastle was hailed as NSW’s ‘Top Tourism Town’ by Business NSW at the Local Government NSW Destination & Visitor Economy Conference in recognition of its strategic initiatives to increase visitation and support tourism development for local operators.

CN also reduced the number of undetermined Development Applications (DAs) by 13% since 2021/22 while DA assessment times were cut by more than 25% with CN’s award winning Accelerated DA pathway.

CN’s Annual Reports have won three consecutive gold awards at the Australasian Reporting Awards.

The 2022/2023 Annual Report is now available online.

Industrial relations reform bill passes parliament

New laws which pave the way for a better industrial relations system in NSW have passed parliament today, creating the structure needed to deliver meaningful improvements to wages and conditions for hundreds and thousands of workers in the state.

The passage of the new laws, on the final sitting week of parliament for the year, marks the beginning of a more considered and independent way of settling industrial relations disputes, and negotiating wages and conditions.

Agencies and unions are now able to sit down together and find mutually agreed improvements to pay and conditions in NSW, a style of negotiation that was alien under the former government.

The new laws remove the power to cap wages for good, meaning the government’s meddling in the work of the Industrial Relations Commission which sets awards and settles disputes, is over.

The NSW Industrial Court, which was weakened and dismantled under the former government, will also be re-established, including the appointment of expert judges, who will preside over workplace health and safety matters and underpayments. 

The Minns Labor government was elected with a clear mandate to scrap the wages cap and sit down for genuine negotiation with our frontline workers. 

This government is committed to improving working conditions, stopping our frontline workers quitting and attracting more people to these vital roles.  

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey: 

“We promised meaningful industrial relations reform and today this has been delivered.

“It has been a long, difficult 12 and a half years for public sector and essential workers in NSW – but that is now at an end.

“The wages cap is gone and workers will be able to negotiate for a fair and decent wage increase.

“The blunt, unsophisticated instrument of the former government’s approach has been replaced by a resumption of genuine, meaningful public sector bargaining.”  

Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis said: 

“I congratulate health workers, nurses, paramedics, police, child protection workers, teachers, cleaners, firefighters, transport workers and many more essential workers who spent years campaigning to scrap the wages cap. This is their victory. 

“NSW will have a modern industrial relations system that enables fair wages to be negotiated and disputes to be resolved. 

“The former government’s wages cap and wage suppression created a recruitment and retention crisis in public services and this is the beginning of reversing that damage.”

Land secured to help boost South Coast rental availability

As part of the Minns Government’s $30 million Build to Rent election commitment, more long-term housing will soon be provided on the NSW South Coast, with land secured by Landcom to kick-start the project.

This pilot project will mean 50 new homes, 20% of which will be affordable rental housing.

Build to Rent housing is an important part of creating more homes as it provides housing diversity, increased rental security, and supports construction jobs.

Build to Rent is a residential development where all the apartments are leased out, not sold or rented out for investment.

Through this project, Landcom is facilitating the development of purpose-built rental housing to be held in single ownership and professionally managed.

Located at the southern end of Bomaderry town centre, the site at the intersection of Bolong Road and Beinda Street is close to Bomaderry train station, Nowra TAFE, local parks, and road networks including the recently upgraded Princes Highway.

Work will now commence to complete the design and planning stages in preparation of a development application. Subject to approvals, construction is expected to begin in 2025 with residents to move in in 2026.

For more information, visit Landcomlaunch.

Minister for the Illawarra and South Coast Ryan Park said:

“We need more housing options for essential workers, particularly in regional areas where it is difficult to retain staff.

“With better housing security and affordability available, we can attract more health workers to the South Coast which will improve outcomes for the entire community.

“I’m excited to see the Build to Rent project take shape.”

Minister for Planning Paul Scully said: 

“Today’s announcement shows the Minns government delivering on our election commitment to deliver Built to Rent homes on the South Coast.

“This pilot project will help deliver much-needed supply into the South Coast rental market while improving affordability for local residents.

“There is enormous potential for Build to Rent to deliver more high-quality and affordable homes, and that is what this project represents.”

Minister for Housing Rose Jackson said:

“The NSW Government knows that it needs to be directly involved in confronting the housing crisis.

“People on the South Coast deserve the certainty that the government is taking their housing needs seriously.

“The Build to Rent program delivered through Landcom represents a direct intervention into regional housing markets to deliver more affordable housing properties and is one of the first steps that we are taking to better support our regional communities.”

Member for South Coast Liza Butler said:

“The South Coast has one of the lowest rental vacancy rates in the state with almost half of Nowra households (47%) currently experiencing rental stress.

“I am delighted to see the Minns government following through with our commitment to addressing the housing crisis.

“I’m pleased to know this project is being piloted locally – an additional 50 new rentals will provide huge relief in our community.”

Landcom CEO Alex Wendler said:

“Following significant review of land throughout the South Coast, securing the site means that work can now move forward.

“We hear it loud and clear every day, whether it is from renters or from people trying to purchase their own home – we need to do more, and we will do more.”

NSW Health signs Paris declaration to end HIV epidemics by 2030

NSW has joined a global partnership between more than 500 cities to end HIV epidemics by 2030 after Health Minister Ryan Park signed the Paris Declaration on Fast-Track Cities agreement.

Mr Park said the Paris Declaration targets were well within reach, with NSW already well on the way towards the virtual elimination of HIV across the state.

“NSW is a leader in HIV prevention and treatment in Australia and continues to reduce the number of new transmissions each year thanks to the hard work of health staff, the community, and community groups,” Mr Park said.

“This World AIDS Day, I want to remind the community that HIV doesn’t discriminate, and neither should we.

“Stigma and discrimination are barriers to HIV prevention, testing and treatment, and by signing this commitment, I’m pledging to eliminate HIV-related stigma in healthcare settings so that we can improve the quality of life for people living with HIV.

“The Fast-Track Cities website will report on NSW’s progress against targets and will enable others in the 500-strong network to share knowledge to ensure we meet the 2030 targets.”

The Fast-Track Cities Declaration commits NSW to delivering zero HIV-related stigma and targets of 95% of people living with HIV knowing their status, 95% of people who know their HIV-positive status to go on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and 95% of people on ART with suppressed viral loads.

NSW Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant said NSW Health has a long-standing partnership with several organisations that will support NSW to reach the targets of the Fast-Track Cities agreement, including ACON, the Bobby Gold Smith Foundation, Positive Life NSW, NUAA and the Kirby Institute.

“NSW aims to meet the Fast-Track Cities Agreement of the virtual elimination of HIV transmissions as well as zero AIDS-related deaths before 2030,” Dr Chant said.

“We need the community to support us to meet these ambitious targets which is why I’m urging the community to undertake regular STI screening that includes HIV to allow for early diagnosis and linkage to care.”

ACON CEO, Nicolas Parkhill said ACON had a strong role to play working with state government to harnessing an effective HIV response for the NSW community.

“We have a strong heritage in New South Wales of addressing health issues together and the state’s effective HIV response is a testament to what can be achieved when affected communities, researchers, clinicians and governments unite for a common goal,” Mr Parkhill said.

“The inclusion of New South Wales in the Fast-Track Cities initiative and in the Paris Declaration to end HIV epidemics by 2030 will further support our response to HIV, solidify our commitment and accelerate our journey towards of a future where HIV transmissions have ended and people with HIV are living healthy and happy lives.” 

President/CEO of the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care and Fast-Track Cities Institute, Dr. José M. Zuniga, said the declaration would be a significant milestone for Australia to end its national HIV epidemic.

“Sydney, NSW joining the Fast-Track Cities network marks a significant milestone in Australia’s collective commitment to ending its national HIV epidemic. With Adelaide, SA; Brisbane, QLD; Melbourne, VIC; and Perth, WA as fellow Fast-Track City-members of the network, NSW consolidates a critical mass of Australian cities whose efforts can have a substantial impact on the lives of people living with and affected by HIV nationally,” Dr Zuniga said.

“Sydney, NSW, like its counterparts, has made remarkable progress in its HIV response, laying a strong foundation for further advancements, including in going the last mile by leveraging social transformation to ensure the HIV response reaches all HIV-affected communities.”

About Fast-Track Cities

Fast-Track Cities is a global partnership between more than 500 cities, the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care (IAPAC), the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), and the City of Paris. The partnership’s aim is to end urban HIV epidemics by getting to zero new HIV infections, zero AIDS-related deaths, and zero HIV-related stigma. Launched on World AIDS Day 2014, the partnership also advances efforts to end tuberculosis (TB) epidemics and eliminate viral hepatitis (HBV and HCV) in urban settings by 2030. Learn more about Fast-Track Citieslaunch.

About IAPAC

Representing 30,000 members, IAPAC is the largest association of clinicians and allied health professionals working to end the epidemics of HIV and tuberculosis, as well as eliminate HBV and HCV, by 2030. IAPAC is also a core technical partner to the Fast-Track Cities network and the Secretariat for its Fast-Track Cities Institute. For more information visit the IAPAClaunch website.

About the Fast-Track Cities Institute

The Fast-Track Institute was created to support cities and municipalities worldwide in their efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.3 (ending the epidemics of HIV and TB), the World Health Organization goal of eliminating HBV and HCV, and SDG 11 Sustainable Development Goal 11. Find more information about the Fast-Track Cities Institutelaunch.

Party Day brightens spirits for children in hospital

In the spirit of spreading holiday cheer, the annual Party Day celebration at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead (CHW) today delivered great delight to children, young people, and their families unable to leave hospital during the festive season.

From Pac-Man to LEGO®, this year’s theme of ‘Games’ saw wards, clinics, and departments transformed into a playground of imagination, as patients were transported from their hospital beds into gaming realms where reality and fantasy merged.

Healthcare workers moonlighted as their favourite gaming characters, with special visits from guests, including superheroes Batman and Spider-Man as well as Princess Anna from the big screen, along with local heroes from NSW Police and Fire and Rescue NSW adding to festivities.

Patients also received gift bags and enjoyed activities like balloon twisting and face painting.

Party Day is a heartwarming tradition celebrated across the Children’s Hospital at Westmead and Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick offering a much-needed escape from the challenges of being in hospital during the holiday season.

The event is also a celebration for the dedicated healthcare staff who work tirelessly year-round to ensure children and young people across NSW receive high-quality and family-centred care.

Quotes attributable to Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns:

“Party Day is an important day for paediatric patients and their families facing the challenges of hospitalisation during the holiday season.

“The annual event provides respite from medical routines, allowing children to enjoy a day of laughter, play, and festive spirit.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“It’s heartwarming to witness the joy and excitement that Party Day brings to young patients, families and the dedicated staff at the hospital.

Quotes attributable to Member for Parramatta Donna Davis:

“Party Day is an opportunity to experience the magic of the holidays right here in the hospital and I’m proud to have been part of it.

“Seeing their faces light up with happiness is a priceless gift.”

Quotes attributable to Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network’s Chief Executive Cathryn Cox PSM:

“Our dedicated staff go above and beyond their normal duties to transform the hospital and make the experience as positive and festive as possible for our patients and their families.

“We extend our gratitude to our staff, the community, and our partners who prepare for months for Party Day to make this event truly magical.”

About Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network

Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network (SCHN) is the largest paediatric healthcare entity in Australia and cares for thousands of children each year both in hospital and in their homes — with one purpose in mind — to help children and young people live their healthiest lives. SCHN brings together the advanced facilities, expertise and services of The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, the Newborn and paediatric Emergency Transport Service (NETS), Bear Cottage and Kids Research to provide the very best care for sick children and their families. With more than 8,000 staff, the Network is committed to providing world-class paediatric health care, furthering ground-breaking research into the causes, treatments and cures of childhood illnesses and investing in education and training of the health workforce to advocate for a healthy future for children in NSW and beyond.