Partnership provides improved access to food and necessities

People experiencing homelessness can receive a range of vital services in a new safe space in Hamilton thanks to a collaboration between City of Newcastle and two charitable organisations.

The Salvation Army’s Community Centre in Cleary Street is now also a permanent home for Reach Homeless Services, with volunteers setting up every morning and on Friday evenings to offer food, connection and necessities.

Reach Homeless Services at the Salvation ArmyChair of the Reach Homeless Services board Alex Rees, Cr Jenny Barrie and Salvation Army Corps Officer Major Leanne Bennett at the Cleary Street Community Centre.

After 12 years operating in various public locations in Hamilton, Reach now has dedicated access to a kitchen, storage, tables and chairs, providing a space for those in need, as well as a location for volunteers to pack emergency food and hygiene kits, and breakfast packs.

To facilitate this community service, City of Newcastle provided the Salvation Army with specialist planning advice to assist with the development application for the new arrangement.

Having coordinated the initial meetings between Reach and the Salvation Army, Councillor Jenny Barrie said she was pleased to see the service up and running.

“As a Council, we’ve committed to reviewing free food supply services in Hamilton to better meet the needs of the community,” Cr Barrie said.

“Addressing food insecurity in a permanent, indoor location provides advantages over public spaces, including kitchen facilities and refrigeration.

“Open-air food distribution is highly visible and can deter people from accessing aid due to social stigma.

“Sadly, food insecurity affects one in three households across NSW. This is a positive collaboration that will deliver real benefits for people in need in Newcastle.”

Reach Homeless Services Executive Director Gary Parsisson said the cost-of-living crisis has led to an increase in people doing it tough.

“We help a wide range of people who could be experiencing homelessness, drugs and alcohol struggles, mental health issues, domestic violence, financial hardship or loneliness,” Mr Parsisson said.

“Reach has been providing food insecurity services in Hamilton for more than a decade in temporary locations such as James Street Plaza and Hamilton Station Park.

“Having a permanent, secure location ensures we can operate in any type of weather, allowing people who might be suffering from a sense of isolation to make some much-needed connections.

“Our friends now have the chance to sit down and enjoy a hot coffee on a cold morning, share a Friday night meal under a roof, and access support in a space that feels safe, consistent and dignified.

“We’re very grateful to be able to collaborate with City of Newcastle and the Salvation Army to provide this service.”

Salvation Army Corps Officer Major Leanne Bennett said the arrangement with Reach is a wonderful addition to the services offered by the Salvos.

“We aim to serve the wider community of Newcastle, meeting needs as they arise without judgment or discrimination,” Ms Bennett said.

“Our community involvement includes a range of activities that care for people such as our Emergency Relief service, community meals, homeless packs, shower facilities and much more.

“Collaborating with Reach complements the other services we host in Cleary St including Street Side Medics and Orange Sky.

“There are Salvation Army services such Employment Plus, Moneycare and Doorways programs, as well as other contributors such as Oz Harvest, Foodbank, Coles SecondBite and RSPCA Hunter Supporters Group.

“We’re proud to partner with Reach as we fight the severe cost-of-living and food insecurity crisis impacting the region.”

City of Newcastle is committed to working closely with all local support services, businesses, residents and NSW Police to support a safer and more welcoming environment in Hamilton.

New bridge opens, improving flood resilience in Maitland for generations to come

After decades of regular flooding, communities across Maitland and the lower Hunter now have a safer, more reliable connection across the Hunter River, with the new bridge at Melville officially open to traffic.

The $8.2 million upgrade replaces the former one-lane timber Melville Ford Bridge with a modern two-lane concrete crossing linking Aberglasslyn and Melville. The new bridge has been raised 6.7 metres above the previous structure, significantly reducing flood-related closures and improving access during severe weather events.

The upgraded crossing will improve day-to-day travel for local residents, emergency services, school transport, freight operators and farmers, while supporting stronger connections between communities during floods and other emergencies.

The new bridge includes dedicated pedestrian access, parking and no weight restrictions, improving safety and accessibility for all users.

The project was jointly funded by the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments and Maitland City Council, including more than $2.5 million through the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements under the Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Package.

The Minns Labor Government also contributed a further $2.5 million as part of an election commitment and $1.6 million through the Fixing Country Bridges Program, alongside a $1.6 million contribution from Maitland City Council.

While the old bridge has made way for a safer and more resilient crossing, part of its history will remain, with timber from the former structure repurposed into riverside seating for the community to enjoy.

Federal Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, Kristy McBain MP:

“This investment is a great example of governments working together to deliver for regional communities by improving safety, accessibility and resilience for locals now and into the future.

“Flood-affected communities in Maitland and surrounding areas deserve infrastructure they can rely on, especially during times of extreme weather.

“The new bridge stands as a lasting legacy of recovery, resilience and support for the Maitland community.”

Federal Member for Paterson, Meryl Swanson MP:

“This new bridge is a game changer for Maitland and surrounding communities. By replacing the old one-lane timber crossing with a modern two-lane structure, we’re delivering safer, more reliable access across the Hunter River.

“This project shows what can be achieved when all levels of government work together to support regional communities. Investing in resilient infrastructure like this new bridge at Melville helps ensure locals can stay connected, even in the face of severe weather events.”

NSW Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley:

“This upgrade was a no-brainer. People in the Hunter deserve roads that are safer, easier to use and fit for a growing community, and that is what this project delivers.

“Every day, families, workers and local businesses rely on this road. These improvements will help people get where they need to go more safely and with less frustration.

“This is what good government looks like – agencies working together to solve real problems and deliver practical improvements that make a difference in people’s daily lives.”

NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison:

“This bridge is more than a transport link — it’s a lasting investment in the safety, resilience and future of the Maitland community.

“The opening of this bridge delivers on our election commitment to deliver safer and more reliable road networks in the regions.

“Following damage to the partially constructed bridge caused by the May and August flood events last year, it is great to see this bride opening and providing the infrastructure this community deserves and needs.”

NSW Government Spokesperson for the Upper Hunter, Emily Suvaal MLC:

“We know how important it is for our regional communities to stay connected.

“This upgrade means safer journeys, stronger connections and a more resilient future for the Maitland community.”

Mayor of Maitland City Council, Cr Philip Penfold:

“I’m proud to see the new and improved Melville’s Milton Morris Bridge delivered for our community.

“The new structure is higher, stronger and more flood resilient than the former river crossing which will ensure there are fewer flood-related closures for residents and motorists throughout the year.

“I’d like to thank the community for their patience during construction and our contractor, Saunders Civilbuild for getting the project back on track following last year’s flooding.”

Albury Entertainment Centre Convention Wing redevelopment breaks ground

Work has officially begun on the major redevelopment of the Albury Entertainment Centre Convention Wing, marking a milestone for one of the region’s most important cultural and economic assets.

The project is a key commitment of the Albanese Government’s $80 million Albury Wodonga Regional Projects (AWRP) initiative.

The redevelopment has received $10 million from the Australian Government, $15 million from the New South Wales Government and $5 million from the Albury City Council.

The refurbishment will see the expansion of the existing Convention Wing and addition of new pre-function spaces, offices and meeting rooms.

An upgraded theatrette, loading dock and expanded multipurpose events space will increase the facility’s capacity to host large-scale business, conference, cultural and tourism events.

The project will also strengthen connections across the city’s cultural precinct, improving integration with QEII Square, Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA), the Albury Library Museum and surrounding retail and hospitality.

The project is anticipated to be completed in early 2028.

Federal Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, Kristy McBain MP:

“This state-of-the-art facility will attract major national conferences and large-scale entertainment, cementing Albury-Wodonga as a vibrant, year-round destination.

“We are ensuring Australia’s regional communities have access to high quality, accessible facilities that create jobs and improve liveability.”

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty:

“Upgrading the Albury Entertainment Centre Convention Wing to modern conference and exhibition standards will offer a major boost the Border region’s visitor economy.

“By doubling capacity to cater for 2,000 delegates and delivering a contemporary, flexible and expanded venue, the redevelopment will position Albury to host large‑scale conferences, exhibitions and business events.

“With increased seating capacity, the centre will be in the box seat to promote Albury as a leading conference destination, strategically located between Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra.”

Federal Senator for NSW Deborah O’Neill, Labor Spokesperson for Farrer:

“This upgrade of the Albury Entertainment Centre reflects the Albanese Labor Government’s commitment to delivering for regional communities.

“These upgrades will enable the Entertainment Centre to operate at the capacity that a growing, thriving city like Albury requires.”

Albury Mayor Kevin Mack:

“This redevelopment represents a transformative investment in our cultural and tourism assets for the future.

“The project is a game-changer for Albury and the wider region. By transforming an ageing facility into a modern, fit-for-purpose venue and doubling our conference and event capacity, we’re positioning Albury as a leading destination for major business events, exhibitions and community gatherings.

“Upgrading this tired infrastructure is essential to ensure we remain competitive and able to meet the expectations of today’s event organisers and visitors.”

Green light for safer journeys in Chain Valley Bay

New traffic lights are in full operation today at the intersection of the Pacific Highway and Chain Valley Bay Road on the Central Coast, marking the completion of a $6.7 million upgrade that will improve safety and access for local residents and road users.

The upgrade will benefit the thousands of motorists who travel through the intersection each day, providing safer and more reliable access to and from the Pacific Highway for all road users.

The project reflects the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to improving safety on regional roads, where crashes are often more severe.

Local communities will benefit from safer and more accessible travel options, including new signalised pedestrian crossings, cycling paths and footpaths, as well as improved access to public transport.

The upgraded intersection will also support future growth in the area, helping unlock land for more than 900 new homes while improving connections for residents and visitors.

Key features of the upgrade include:

  • New traffic signals at the intersection
  • A dedicated right-turn lane and combined left/right-turn lane out of Chain Valley Bay Road
  • An extended southbound right-turn lane from the Pacific Highway into Chain Valley Bay Road
  • New pedestrian and cycling infrastructure

Construction began in May 2025 and was completed in June 2026.

Minister for Planning, Paul Scully:

“This upgrade will help support future growth in the area by improving access to land that could deliver more than 900 new homes.

“As communities grow, it’s important that roads, transport connections and essential infrastructure keep pace, and this project is a great example of that approach in action.”

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison:

“These new traffic lights will make it safer and easier for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists to travel through this busy intersection every day.

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to improving safety on regional roads, and this upgrade delivers practical improvements that will benefit the local community for years to come.

“With new traffic signals, improved turning lanes and better pedestrian facilities, this project will help reduce delays and provide more reliable access to and from the Pacific Highway.”

Member for Swansea, Yasmin Catley:

“Just a year ago we were here announcing this upgrade and today the lights are on and the job is complete.

“It shows what happens when we stop talking about fixes and actually deliver them – practical upgrades, on the ground, that make a real difference in people’s daily lives.

“This intersection used to be a real pinch point for locals, but it’s now safer and more predictable for everyone who uses it and it also supports future growth in the area by making sure the road network can keep up.”

Close to 8,400 homes declared State Significant

A further 27 projects have been declared as State Significant Development (SSD) following recommendations from the Housing Delivery Authority (HDA).

Of the declared proposals, 24 are in metropolitan Sydney and 3 are in regional NSW.

If all are lodged and approved, this could create around 8,400 homes including affordable housing across NSW.

To date, on the recommendation of the HDA 373 proposals have been declared SSD, which would create more than 124,500 homes.

Eight of these proposals have been approved, unlocking more than 1900 homes.

State Significant Development applications have been lodged for a further 60 projects representing around 19,800 potential homes.

State Significant Development declarations have been revoked from five proposals which failed to meet timelines or the applicant decided not to proceed.

Recommendations from the HDA are published as required under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 before the SSD declaration.

The Ministerial Order can be found here:  https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/Orders

Minns Labor Government announces grand plan for a plan

Today’s announcement that the Minns Labor Government is still developing a plan to deal with bed block in NSW Hospitals is a shocking admission of failure.
 
For three years, the Minns Labor Government has blamed the Albanese Labor Government for bed block in NSW Hospitals, while failing to do anything to tackle the issue themselves.
 
NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane said today’s announcement was half baked, pointing to the fact the Minns Government has failed to present any new plans for investment in transitional or step-down facilities.
 
“If we are going to properly tackle the issue of bed block in NSW, we need more than a plan for a plan. We need to be investing in facilities to provide transitional support for older patients in a similar way to other states,” Ms Sloane said.  
 
“Patients deserve a health system that works when they need it most and that is what the Liberals and Nationals will deliver.”
 
The Australasian College for Emergency Medicine’s latest workforce survey shows a sharp spike in patients presenting to EDs with non-urgent issues in Western Sydney, indicating the rollout of Urgent Care Centres is not stemming the tide.
 
Shadow Health Minister Sarah Mitchell said the Minns Labor Government can’t continue to blame everything on bed block.
 
“This announcement stinks of a failing government wanting to look like they’re addressing bed block with an election fast approaching,” Mrs Mitchell said.
 
The latest BHI data shows 75,525 patients left NSW hospitals without completing or receiving treatment in the January to March quarter this year; more than 8,000 above the number for the same quarter in 2025.
 
Mrs Mitchell said three years of a Labor blame game hasn’t done a single thing to fix bed block or help vulnerable patients in NSW.

It’s official – Western Sydney to open to passengers on 25 October and freight on 26 July 2026

After 15 years of planning, seven years of construction and a year of testing; Western Sydney International Airport will welcome its first passengers on 25 October 2026.

Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI) is Australia’s brand-new full-service airport operating curfew-free to deliver international, domestic and freight services.

With Western Sydney now Australia’s third-largest economy and home to half of the city’s population, the new airport will serve up to 10 million passengers annually, with scalable expansion to meet future demand.

Jetstar will operate the airport’s first ever commercial passenger flight, with an Airbus A320 set to take off from WSI to the Gold Coast at 11am on Sunday 25 October.

From launch, Jetstar will operate up to 14 flights a week between WSI and Melbourne; four weekly flights to the Gold Coast and three weekly flights to Brisbane.

Qantas will commence services from WSI from 28 March 2027, operating four flights per week to Brisbane and four flights per week to Melbourne, using QantasLink Embraer E190 aircraft.

Freight operations will commence earlier on Sunday 26 July, and Qantas Freight will begin regular flights to and from WSI the following evening.

These regular flights were secured by the Albanese Government in June 2023, as Qantas and Jetstar became the first airlines to announce they would fly in and out of Sydney’s new airport.

They will be joined by Air New Zealand, who will commence flights to Auckland on 26 October and Singapore Airlines, whose daily flights to Changi start on 23 November 2026.

Western Sydney’s new 24-hour airport is the centrepiece of the Albanese Labor Government’s near $18 billion investment in Western Sydney, including the future Sydney Metro Airport rail connection and significant road upgrades to nearby Elizabeth Drive, Fifteenth Avenue and Mamre Road. This investment builds upon benefits already delivered through the recent opening of the M12 Motorway.

The entire WSI project has created over 12,800 jobs, with around half of those jobs going to local workers.

More than $500 million has also flowed to more than 360 Western Sydney based businesses during major construction works at WSI, including local tradies and construction companies, caterers, and security guards.

WSI will begin freight operations in July, however, in line with the Sydney Airport Curfew Act 1995, 1 November 2026 has been determined as the intended gazettal date for WSI to be open for night aircraft movements. This will have the effect of ceasing currently permitted freight flights from taking off or landing at Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Airport during the overnight curfew period. Exceptions will continue to be made for emergencies or where there is special dispensation.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“In 2011, I commissioned a joint study with the NSW Government into how we’d deliver a second airport. I said at the time, it wasn’t ‘a matter of if Sydney needed a new airport, but when.’

“15 years later, this new airport is almost ready to open.

“I want to thank the tens of thousands of people who over the years planned, built and are now testing Western Sydney International Airport and the surrounding infrastructure right here in Western Sydney.”

the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King

“This is a big moment for Sydney, with passenger flights at Western Sydney Airport commencing in just 137 days.

“With the new Nancy-Bird Walton Terminal, and brand-new cargo and business precincts readying to open, this won’t just be the centre of travel in Western Sydney, but also jobs.”

Member for Greenway, Michelle Rowland

“With the opening date now set, Western Sydney is one step closer to having our own gateway to the world, creating jobs and unlocking new opportunities for our region.”

Member for McMahon, Chris Bowen

“Western Sydney’s gateway to the world is opening soon, and it will open ready to support Sustainable Aviation Fuel. Cleaner, greener fuel that we can grow, and soon, produce here.”

Member for Werriwa, Anne Stanley

“The Albanese Government isn’t just delivering Western Sydney’s new airport, but also the infrastructure upgrades it needs as well. Welcome projects for a growing community.”

Member for Macarthur, Mike Freelander

“This project is a tremendous boost for South West Sydney and will deliver economic and transport opportunities for workers and travellers alike. I am thankful to those involved in this project, including my son who worked on it, and I can’t wait to see it in action!”

Member for Banks, Zhi Soon

“For communities right across Sydney, this is a really exciting moment. After years of planning and construction, Western Sydney International is about to open its doors, creating jobs, boosting our economy and connecting Sydney to the world in new ways.”

Member for Hughes, David Moncrieff

“Western Sydney Airport will be a game-changer for the southwestern Sydney economy. This project will deliver jobs and business opportunities for residents and small businesses across the Macarthur region and Liverpool area.”

Man dies after car hits tree – Muswellbrook

A man has died after a car struck a tree in the state’s north this afternoon.

About 2.45pm (Wednesday 10 June 2026), emergency services were called to the New England Highway, near Milperra Drive, Muswellbrook, following reports of a crash.

Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District attended and found a car had left the roadway and hit a tree, trapping the driver inside the vehicle.

The driver – a 73-year-old man – was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics; however, he could not be revived and died at the scene.

Police have established a crime scene and officers attached to Crash Investigation Unit commenced an investigation into the cause of the crash.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

Appeal to locate teen missing from Wallsend

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a teenage girl reported missing from the Hunter region.

Latanah Widders, aged 14, was last seen on Bousfield Street, Wallsend, on Tuesday 26 May 2026.

When she could not be located, officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District were notified yesterday (Monday 8 June 2026) and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

Police and family hold concerns for her welfare due to her age.

Inquiries indicate Latanah may have been at Liverpool Train Station about 1am on Thursday 4 June 2026.

She is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, about 130cm tall with a thin to medium build and dyed black/burgundy hair. 

She was last seen wearing a black hooded jumper, black track suit pants and black and white Nike slides.

Latanah is known to use public transport to travel.

She is known to frequent the Liverpool area.

Anyone with information into her whereabouts is urged to contact Singleton Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Australia fires up second artillery forging capability

The Albanese Government has signed a $72 million contract with Rheinmetall NIOA Munitions to establish a new forging capability to produce large calibre ammunition for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) in Queensland, continuing its commitment to locally manufactured guided weapons and explosive ordnance (GWEO).

The new forging capability for 155mm M795 projectiles will be established at the contractor owned, contractor operated forge in Maryborough, Queensland. It will begin operating by the end of 2028 and is expected to produce an initial 15,000 rounds a year, with the capacity to scale up to higher volumes.

The establishment of this capability will create up to 50 highly-skilled, well paid jobs during the construction and initial operation of the forge, and will upskill and enhance the existing workforce at the Maryborough site.

The 155mm M795 projectiles manufactured at this facility will directly support the ADF, for use in military platforms including in the M777A2 Lightweight Towed Howitzer and the AS9 Huntsman self-propelled howitzer.

Today’s announcement means that by the end of 2028, Australia will have two large calibre forging capabilities ensuring a sovereign, reliable and modern manufacturing capability supporting Australian-made products for our ADF and providing export opportunities to international partners.

This is direct investment in Australia’s manufacturing industry, and is delivering the Albanese Government’s commitment to a Future Made in Australia.

Domestic forging also ensures Australia has control of the supply chain and will always have access to forged projectiles, reducing lead times and better equipping the ADF in times of conflict, in line with the 2026 National Defence Strategy and Integrated Investment Program’s focus on resilience and self-reliance.

The Government is also announcing a $9.2 million investment in Thales Australia to modernise and refurbish the existing naval 5-inch production line at facilities in Benalla, Victoria. This investment will see new automated equipment and lathes incorporated into the production line. 

These initiatives are backed by an investment of $26-36 billion over the next decade through the 2026 Integrated Investment Program. The projects deliver on the 2026 National Defence Strategy priorities to build GWEO stocks, strengthen supply chains and support domestic manufacturing capability.

Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles:

“We are proud to be partnering with Rheinmetall NIOA Munitions to boost domestic manufacturing of 155mm M795 artillery projectiles in Australia, further strengthening our sovereign capabilities and supporting high-skilled, well paid jobs.

“The modernisation and refurbishment of our naval 5-inch production line at our facilities in Benalla highlights our enduring and longstanding partnership with Thales Australia.

“Together, these two industrial forging capabilities will further enhance Australia’s self-reliance.

“We look forward to working with Rheinmetall NIOA Munitions on this significant first step which will reshape the future of munitions manufacturing in Australia.”